The Olympic break is officially over. The NHL is back. And for the Chicago Blackhawks, the past seven days delivered a mix of controversy, roster adjustments, international pride, and trade deadline pressure.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Prospect Hit With 20-Game Suspension
The biggest headline of the week didn’t come from the NHL roster.
Rockford IceHogs goaltender Stanislav Berezhnoy was suspended 20 games by the AHL for violating the league’s Performance Enhancing Substance Program.
That’s a major blow for the organization.
Berezhnoy had appeared in 15 games with Rockford this season, posting a 5-9-1 record with an .888 save percentage. The numbers weren’t dominant, but he was part of the depth structure in goal — and depth matters during a rebuild.
The IceHogs responded by recalling Owen Flores from Indy, but the bigger message here is accountability. A 20-game suspension is not minor. For a young goalie trying to establish credibility within an NHL organization, this is a setback that will follow him.
Wyatt Kaiser Update: Not Ready Yet, But Not Done
The Hawks returned from the Olympic break with an optional practice, and Wyatt Kaiser was not on the ice.
That wasn’t surprising.
The good news? He is expected to play again this season.
That matters.
Kaiser has quietly become an important piece on the blue line. Averaging over 19 minutes per game, he ranks near the top among Chicago defensemen in usage and has been a steady presence on the penalty kill.
His chemistry with rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov has also been noticeable. The organization clearly sees Kaiser as a stabilizer — someone who can help the younger players grow without forcing them into uncomfortable situations.
Chicago needs him back.
Blackhawks Add Goaltending Insurance
Because of Berezhnoy’s suspension, the Blackhawks had to act.
The team signed goaltender Olivier Rodrigue to a one-year, two-way contract for 2025-26 with a $775,000 NHL cap hit.
Rodrigue, 25, brings NHL experience after appearing in two games with the Edmonton Oilers last season. At the AHL level, he handled a heavy workload with Bakersfield, playing 41 games.
This isn’t a blockbuster move — it’s organizational stability.
Rodrigue is expected to split duties in Rockford with Drew Commesso for the remainder of the season. It’s interesting Chicago chose an NHL contract instead of a simple AHL deal. That suggests they see potential value beyond just plugging a hole.
Olympic Wrap: Bronze for Teräväinen
While Chicago’s NHL roster didn’t have heavy Olympic representation, Teuvo Teräväinen is returning with hardware.
Finland defeated Slovakia to secure bronze, and Teräväinen adds another international medal to his résumé.
For a veteran forward who plays a cerebral, detail-driven game, international tournaments always highlight what he does best — puck control, patience, and playmaking under pressure.
USA Takes Gold
The gold medal game delivered exactly what hockey fans wanted: USA vs Canada.
With Sidney Crosby sidelined due to injury, the Americans capitalized.
Jack Hughes scored the golden goal in a dramatic 2-1 victory, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was outstanding, turning aside 40 shots in a performance that controlled the game from start to finish.
It marked the first U.S. Olympic gold in men’s hockey since 1980 — a powerful reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in single-elimination tournaments.
Chicago wasn’t directly driving that result, but every rebuilding team watches these moments. Elite talent wins on the biggest stage.
Trade Deadline: Chicago Will Sell — But Not Cheap
Now the focus shifts to March 6.
The Blackhawks are expected to be sellers. That’s no secret. But this isn’t a clearance sale.
Defenseman Connor Murphy could draw attention from contenders looking for right-shot stability and playoff experience.
Forwards like Ilya Mikheyev may also interest teams needing speed and depth scoring.
And there’s always speculation surrounding future pieces like Jason Dickinson, who brings versatility and defensive responsibility.
General Manager Kyle Davidson must balance two priorities:
1.Accumulate future assets.
2.Protect the locker room culture.
Selling everything for marginal returns would hurt long-term stability. Smart, calculated moves are required — not desperation trades.
Final Thoughts
The Olympic break is over. The stretch run begins.
Chicago faces:
•Organizational turbulence in the AHL.
•Key injury management on defense.
•Depth reshuffling in goal.
•And critical trade deadline decisions.
The rebuild continues — but now the microscope tightens.
More to come from Chicago as the NHL calendar shifts back into full gear.
