Next month, Cole Tuminaro will likely become the first Rockford native drafted in 20 years. It marks the next step in his underdog journey. "My goal is to inspire kids in the next generation from Rockford to aspire to make it all the way." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

It's possible no impact players hit the NHL trade market this summer. If that happens, the Blackhawks will be out of luck. But if any do move, Kyle Davidson needs to do everything in his power to ensure the Hawks are the team they move to. New column: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Could Ivar Stenberg fall to the Blackhawks’ #4 pick? If not, who among Caleb Malhotra, Chase Reid, Carson Carels, Keaton Verhoeff and Alberts Smits would be the best fit? New story analyzing the Hawks’ draft options: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The worst-case scenario, albeit also the most likely one, unfolded for the Blackhawks tonight as they fell to the 4th pick in the NHL draft lottery. Kyle Davidson said there are 5 or 6 players in the mix, and he is willing to consider trading the pick. Story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

For the Blackhawks to make the playoffs next year, they'd likely need to make a 20+ point improvement. That didn't stop Hawks players from setting that expectation, though: "All our guys are ready to make that push." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Connor Bedard said today he feels ready for the Blackhawks' captaincy, and his teammates agree. "He’s the perfect guy for it. He cares about his teammates and checks in on everybody all the time. He’s our guy... I think he’s more than ready." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Blackhawks owner Danny Wirtz announced a contract extension for GM Kyle Davidson today. "We believe has the right insight, right team around him and the belief he can continue to build a championship team." Story with more from Wirtz: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The Blackhawks discovered an extra reserve energy tank in the third period tonight, racing away for a 5-2 win over the Sharks in their season finale. "We wanted to finish on a good note, even though the last couple weeks have been hard." Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Tyler Bertuzzi was a bright spot among Blackhawks veterans this season, because of not only his career-high 32 goals but also his emotional investment in every game. "Being more consistent is the big thing, and that’s what I was this year." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

While injured, Oliver Moore shifted gears to studying the NHL. He talked to people and analyzed how hockey is played at this level. This summer, he plans to watch lots of film and continue learning how to "think the game." New Blackhawks story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

If it wasn’t game #81 of a going-nowhere season, the Blackhawks’ performance tonight in a 5-1 loss to the Sabres would justify a genuine reckoning about the fitness of their roster and coaching staff. Instead, it will be forgotten soon. But it was that bad: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Connor Bedard made a smart decision to wait until this summer to negotiate his next Blackhawks contract. Talks will begin "sometime in May," and it's clear Bedard's improvement this season has raised his value. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

How in the world could these Blackhawks actually compete for playoffs next season? The first ingredient will be a couple major summer additions. The second will be individual improvement by all ~15 kids adding up to team-wide improvement. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The Blackhawks seem unlikely to retire Steve Larmer's number, but his Hall of Fame induction might be enough acknowledgement. He doesn't love attention anyway. "It was a great honor. My first question was, 'Do I have to speak?'" New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

After healthy-scratching Sam Lafferty 52 times this season, the Blackhawks threw him a bone today and put him in — on defense — in a 5-3 loss to the Blues. Were they wrong to do it? Maybe not. Was it silly? Absolutely yes. Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Duncan Keith sees promising similarities between this young Blackhawks defense and the group he joined in 2005. "You look at the size of some of these guys and the way they can skate and how young they are. Levshunov is, what, 20 years old?" New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The Blackhawks were taught a harsh lesson in a 7-2 loss to the Hurricanes tonight about how effective a system can be. "Although they obviously had a light lineup tonight, they still worked and competed on the pucks, and we didn’t do that." Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Confidence swings influenced the ups and downs of Frank Nazar's season. "When you get a goal...it gives you a big confidence boost, almost like rush of a dopamine." New story analyzing his second year with the Blackhawks: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The Blackhawks' five-forward power play has been superb, producing about 1.85 scoring chances/minute — up from 0.87 previously this season. They've earned the opportunity to start next season together. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The second half of Andre Burakovsky's season has been disastrous to a remarkable degree. After healthy-scratching him last night, the Blackhawks need to do the logical thing and buy him out this summer. New column: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Kevin Korchinski's last two games have been arguably his best in the NHL. Now, he has a summer plan that he hopes will help him take the next step: Stay in Chicago and work directly with Blackhawks skills & strength coaches. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The Blackhawks thrived on the power play but gave up too many odd-man rushes in a 3-2 loss tonight against their new rival, the Sharks. They finish 15-20-6 on the road this year after winning 17 road games over the last two years combined. Story from SJ: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Anton Frondell will play his 8th NHL game in his 8th different arena tonight. His first two weeks in the NHL have been mind-boggling. "I looked at the map yesterday and realized we were all the way in the west of the USA." New Blackhawks notebook: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The Blackhawks are counting on their young core leading them back to the top of the NHL. And the kids have embraced that challenge, as daunting as it may be. "We want that responsibility. We want to be the ones that get it done." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Visits to Seattle in the past have been torturous for the Blackhawks, and particularly for Arvid Soderblom. Strong defense and strong goaltending helped them finally overcome that curse tonight. Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Nick Lardis' confidence is surging. You can tell on and off the ice. He has four goals in seven games since moving into the Blackhawks' top six. "[I’m] finding my stride. I’m feeling really good with the systems and everything." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The Blackhawks' penalty kill still ranks #1 in the NHL, but since the trade deadline, it has struggled. Is that a sign of things to come next season? Or can Blashill’s unique PK system work effectively with any personnel? New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The Blackhawks' 3-1 loss to the Oilers tonight officially eliminated them from playoff contention for a seventh consecutive season. Nick Lardis scored but later left with an injury. Postgame notebook from Edmonton: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Stan Bowman is doing what he does, and in a few years, it'll be rebuild time in Edmonton. But right now, it's all-in time. And Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson are enjoying that contrast. "Winning feels so good. Losing is very hard." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Anton Frondell is the first Blackhawks rookie to tally 5 points in his first 5 games since Artemi Panarin. And Frondell's performance Tuesday against Winnipeg was probably his best yet, although there were defensive mistakes. New story breaking it down: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The Hawks’ overtime woes continued in a 4-3 defeat tonight against the Jets. But they conceded only 24 shots on goal in the game and played a stellar third period — dramatic improvements from their recent road trip on both fronts. Notebook: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

So what was the deal behind the Blackhawks' fighting practice yesterday? Former NHL enforcer Wade Brookbank dished out some strategies to the young guys. “It’s a lot about just protecting yourself." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

It was strange to see some Blackhawks fans criticizing Jeff Blashill for experimenting with Frondell at center and the five-forward PP. In fact, experimenting is exactly what Blashill should be doing right now. New column: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Connor Bedard has reached 30 goals for the first time by creating more space for himself offensively. That’s partly with speed, partly with strength, but most of all by using his intelligence. “My biggest strength is my brain.” New Blackhawks story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

As the Blackhawks work through some serious defensive issues, they need stellar goaltending to have any chance to win. And that’s just to have a chance. Spencer Knight's sharpness wasn't quite enough tonight in a 5-3 loss to the Devils. Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Blackhawks players have admired Sam Lafferty's eternally positive attitude despite being a healthy scratch 47 times. Off the ice, he's their most beloved teammate. "He comes in and is cracking jokes every day. He’s just a joy to be around." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The idea of the Blackhawks dressing one of the youngest lineups in modern NHL history is romantic. The reality of it, at least for now, is less pleasing on the eyes. They followed up last night's 5-1 loss with a 6-1 loss tonight in New York. Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Luckily, Louis Crevier avoided injury in a scary situation last night. That's a good thing, because it's remarkable how much he has solidified his spot in the Blackhawks' long-term defensive rotation this season. New Hawks notebook: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Chicago's defense in Philadelphia this week left much to be desired. Last night, the Bulls allowed 157 points — their most (in regulation) since 1969. Tonight, poor defensive decisions plagued the Blackhawks in the same building. Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The Blackhawks have had basically no practice time lately due to their jam-packed game schedule. That's forcing them to do all of their learning on video, although Jeff Blashill says they've proven pretty good at that. New Hawks notebook: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The Blackhawks need to find a young forward who can take over Jason Dickinson's role as a defensive anchor. Their lack of an effective checking line was exposed in the third period last night. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Through one game, the Blackhawks are undefeated in the Anton Frondell era. He had one assist and five shot attempts in 15:44 of ice time in a 4-3 win. 'My first shift, I felt like, 'Oh wow, this is going really fast.'" Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Anton Frondell will make his Blackhawks debut tonight against the Islanders — on the first line next to Connor Bedard and Ryan Greene. "He can handle it. I think he's prepared at this moment to walk in and have success in those spots." Morning skate updates: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Oliver Moore's Blackhawks rookie season is likely finished after 51 games, during which he tallied 19 points. His production didn't jump off the page, but his speed and personality did, and his defensive acumen surprised me. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Jeff Blashill finally gave Nick Lardis a top-six opportunity yesterday, and Lardis rewarded him. "That was Nick’s best game since he’s been up." New Blackhawks notebook: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The difference between the Blackhawks, Sharks and Ducks this season largely comes down to overtime/shootout success. Ducks: 15-4 Sharks: 12-6 Hawks: 7-13 Postgame story after the Hawks' latest OT loss today against the Predators: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

The debate about Connor Bedard's linemates is about to change. That's because Anton Frondell is coming. New story analyzing Frondell's season and the meaning of his imminent arrival with the Blackhawks: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Sometimes the most lopsided NHL matchups on paper end in surprise. Sometimes they don't. Tonight's 4-1 Blackhawks loss to the Avalanche fell in that category. Postgame notebook: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

So far, the NHL salary cap's precipitous rise has mostly hurt the Blackhawks. As it reaches crazy heights in the coming years, though, it could end up helping the Hawks (and other wealthier franchises). New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...

Entering tonight, the Blackhawks had held a 2-0 lead in the 1st or 2nd period of 12 games this season. They had lost seven of those 12 games. Tonight, they finally held a 2-0 lead — and it allowed them to finally beat the Wild. Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...