Blackhawks Camp Notes & Updates
Day Three of Chicago Blackhawks training camp keeps the intensity high, with lots of battle drills and breakout work.
Former Hawks prospect Dominic James has officially signed with Tampa Bay after turning down Chicago’s offer last spring.
Connor Murphy and André Burakovsky are not skating today (Sunday) — both given scheduled days off, nothing injury related.
Once again, Aidan Thompson stands out. He’s playing with an edge, going after everyone, and showing he wants to be noticed.
Defensively, the Blackhawks continue to run Vlasic—Murphy and Del Mastro—Rinzel. Up front, Burakovsky—Bedard—Donato get more looks together, keeping the pace sharp and the competition high.
Lukas Reichel on Growth
Lukas Reichel (23) spoke about his offseason, saying he worked with different skill coaches in Europe and joined camps alongside prospects and NHL players.
He focused on details like puck pickups, first touches, off-the-wall plays, and creating space — keeping only the habits that help his game.
He also admitted confidence has been an issue in the past, where being too hard on himself held him back.
This year, he’s focused on staying positive, bringing a “killer instinct,” and showing consistency.
He said the new staff pushes players hard but explains the details clearly, and his goal is simple: give 100% every day and earn a defined role.
Blackhawks Trade Talk Setup
I got some requests yesterday about what a good proposal could look like if the Blackhawks wanted to trade for Mason McTavish.
Here’s how I see it — with both teams’ young cores lined up to compare.
Ducks vs Blackhawks — Young Core Snapshot
Defensemen
| Ducks | Blackhawks |
|---|---|
| Pavel Mintyukov | Artyom Levshunov |
| Olen Zellweger | Sam Rinzel |
| Tristan Luneau | Alex Vlasic |
| Jackson LaCombe | Wyatt Kaiser |
| Drew Helleson | Ethan Del Mastro |
| Kevin Korchinski |
Read: Anaheim already has a young top-four in Mintyukov, Zellweger, Luneau, and LaCombe. Chicago answers with Levshunov, Rinzel, Vlasic, and Kaiser — plus more size and depth pushing from below.
Forwards
| Ducks | Blackhawks |
|---|---|
| Leo Carlsson (C) | Connor Bedard (C) |
| Cutter Gauthier (W/C) | Frank Nazar (C) |
| Mason McTavish (C) | Oliver Moore (C/W) |
| Beckett Sennecke (C/W) | Anton Frondell (C/W) |
| Roger McQueen (C) | Marek Vanacker (W) |
| Jack Pridham (W) | |
| Nick Lardis (W) |
Read: The Ducks are stacked down the middle with Carlsson, McTavish, Sennecke and McQueen, while Gauthier can slide between wing and center.
The Hawks counter with Bedard and Nazar at center, Moore as a versatile C/W, and a growing wave of winger prospects like Frondell, Vanacker, Pridham, and Lardis.
The McTavish Question — What Would It Cost?
The Ducks’ defense pipeline is already secure. If Anaheim ever considered moving Mason McTavish, the return would have to be wingers and futures, not defense.
Chicago answers with Levshunov, Rinzel, Vlasic, and Korchinski anchoring their defensive core — a group they won’t want to touch in any deal. The reason is simple: trading defensemen under 24 is always a gamble. You don’t know their ceiling yet, and their development takes years. Moving one too early can backfire for a franchise in a rebuild.
Proposed framework (fan discussion):
- To Chicago: Mason McTavish
- To Anaheim: Oliver Moore (speedy C/W) + Marek Vanacker (W) + (Nick Lardis or Jack Pridham) + 2026 2nd-round pick
Why it fits Anaheim: Moore brings speed and versatility, while two winger prospects and a pick add scoring depth and futures.
Why it fits Chicago: McTavish locks in as a proven young center, Nazar can shift to the wing if needed, and the Hawks keep their young defense core intact while avoiding the risk of moving a blueliner too soon.
Final Thoughts
Training camp continues to deliver pace and competition. Thompson is playing with fire, and Reichel is showing growth in both mindset and skill.
As for trade talk, a move for McTavish would be massive — but also expensive. If the cost is wingers and a 2nd, it’s a real discussion. If Anaheim pushes for young defensemen or a 1st, the Hawks should stay patient.
Blackhawks fans — would you pay that price for McTavish, or keep riding with Bedard and the young core?
