Morning Chirps: Wyatt Kaiser update, Rangers mourn the loss of an all-time great

Today is the last quiet day at the Fifth Third Arena for quite some time. The Chicago Blackhawks will report for their physicals tomorrow before training camp opens on Thursday. They are still looking to sign their lone remaining restricted free agent before then.

Blackhawks Chirps

• We are still waiting for the Blackhawks to sign restricted defenseman Wyatt Kaiser before training camp begins. The Athletic’s Scott Powers reports that negotiations have been ongoing for the last month. Kaiser has been taking part in the informal skates with his teammates the past few days, but he won’t be able to participate in anything after Wednesday without a new contract.

• The crew at the Chicago Sports Network discussed whether Oliver Moore could start the season in the NHL. He certainly has a good shot, but he will ultimately decide where he starts the season with his play.

• Members of the Blackhawks will be at Union Station today, giving away some great prizes, including season tickets. Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard will be part of the promotion, and it’s great to see them having some fun with this video.

• On this date in 1991, Canada won the Canada Cup by defeating Team USA 4-2. Steve Larmer’s shorthanded goal with less than eight minutes to play broke a 2-2 tie. Dirk Graham added an empty-net goal in the closing seconds to clinch Canada’s fourth championship in five tournaments. Chris Chelios and Jeremy Roenick earned all-tournament team honors for their performances with Team USA.

• In 1998, former Blackhawks Roy Conacher and Michel Goulet were elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

• Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call, Sept. 16: John Chad, Jack Miller, Gerry Melnyk, Paul Terbenche, Rick Lanz, and Matt Underhill.

NHL Chirps

• Corey Masisiak of The Denver Post called the contract negotiations between Martin Necas and the Colorado Avalanche “tricky for both sides.” He reported that the Kirill Kaprizov situation could hold up the process, as Necas might be waiting to see what the Minnesota Wild star gets. Necas is a player who would look very good in a Blackhawks uniform if he can’t get an extension done in Colorado.

• Mathew Barzal missed 52 games last season due to an upper-body injury early in the year and a knee injury in February. The New York Islanders star told Stefan Rosner of The Hockey News that he will be ready for the start of training camp this week.

• Montreal Canadiens general manager Jeff Gorton told TVA Sports that Kirby Dach is expected to be in their opening night lineup. The former Blackhawks forward underwent knee surgery in February, but has recovered enough to participate in training camp.

• Hall of Fame goaltender Ed Giacomin passed away at the age of 86. He had his greatest success during his 10 seasons with the New York Rangers. When he left the team in 1976, he was their all-time leader in wins and shutouts. He was the second player to get his number retired by the Rangers.

• NHL Birthday Roll Call, Sept. 16: Eric Vail, Kevin Lavallee, Patrik Stefan, Dustin Tokarski, Braden Holtby, Anthony Mantha, Brady Tkachuk, and Nikita Alexandrov.