Morning Chirps: New numbers assigned, NHL schedule out soon

We get to check another day off the offseason calendar as we count down to the start of training camp in the fall. We know what numbers the new Chicago Blackhawks will wear, plus the full schedule will be out soon! Let’s fast-forward through summer and get to hockey and hoodie weather!

Blackhawks Chirps

• Our Ryan McGregor was back at the rink yesterday to check on the first Kaivo skate since Connor Bedard appeared to injure his shoulder. Bedard did not take part in Tuesday's activities, as we await an official update from the team. Be sure to follow Ryan for all the latest.

• Richard Jelinek broke down Kyle Davidson’s actions on July 1 to see if the lack of free agency moves will hurt the Blackhawks.

• The Blackhawks are relying on a lot of “ifs” to get back into contention next season, and Justin Lynch outlined what would have to go right for them to play meaningful games into the spring.

• We already knew that Bowen Byram would wear No. 24 with the Blackhawks, and now we know what numbers all the new guys will wear, including a number switch for Sacha Boisvert.

• Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call, July 7: Michel Dumas, Karl Dykhuis, and Nick Lardis.

NHL Chirps

• The NHL will release the entire 2026-27 season schedule on July 16 at noon. The day before, July 15, they will unveil the opening night games, which will be broadcast on ESPN.

• The Ottawa Senators made the Claude Giroux signing official, giving him a one-year contract with a $2 million base salary. He can earn up to $5 million if he hits all his performance bonuses.

• Speaking of the Senators, one of their franchise greats is joining the enemy. Daniel Alfredsson is joining Jim Hiller’s coaching staff with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He will be an associate coach in Toronto after spending the last three seasons as an assistant coach in Ottawa. The Hall of Famer spent 17 of 18 NHL seasons with the Senators and is the franchise's all-time leader in goals (426), assists (682), and points (1,108).

• Helene St. James reported that Dylan Larkin has not expanded his trade list beyond the original three teams: the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights. She added that Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is looking for current roster players, as he has no interest in rebuilding again. Between that and the salary cap situations of his three ideal landing spots, he might want to get used to playing in Motown again this year.

• Former Blackhawks center David Kampf is returning home. He signed a three-year contract with HC Litvinov in the Czech Extraliga.

• The International Olympic Committee lifted its suspension on Russia but stated that it has reserved the right to take further measures if deemed necessary. Chris Peters of FloHockey says Russia is still out of the 2027 IIHF tournaments, but this paves the path for them to return in 2028.

• NHL Birthday Roll Call, July 7: Dale Hoganson, Greg Smith, Brad Maxwell, Jan Erixon, Mike Ridley, Alexei Gusarov, Glen Featherstone, Rich Peverley, Andrew Copp, Zack MacEwen, Haydin Fleury, Bobby Brink, and Jake Sanderson.

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