Ben Pope

6 days ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Ben Pope

When Chicago native Cole McKinney and Wilmette native Asher Barnett take the ice as freshmen at the University of Michigan this coming fall, it’ll mark their 10th consecutive year playing hockey together. That’s more than half their lifetimes so far. “It’s incredible,” McKinney said. “We’ve been together forever. He’s such a great player and such a great person, so it’s been fun to go on this journey with him.

1 week ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Ben Pope

It seems like the Blackhawks won’t end up being the only NHL employer of Jonathan Toews’ career. Toews is “100% committed” to returning to play next season, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported Thursday, and will seek to sign a contract this summer. The Hawks’ former captain will draw some interest on the free-agent market, at least as teams perform due diligence on what he believes he can offer. The Blackhawks have moved on, but a team like his hometown Jets could be a good fit.

1 week ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Ben Pope

The Blackhawks’ hiring of Jeff Blashill didn’t inspire fans, but Blashill himself might be able to. In his introductory news conference Tuesday at the United Center, the team’s new coach demonstrated an exceptional ability to motivate and create a sense of optimism and purpose with his words. “For me, this job — at this moment, with this team — was the exact job that I wanted,” said Blashill, 51. “The scouts here have done an excellent job.

2 weeks ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Ben Pope

RALEIGH, N.C. — Seth Jones wanted a trade away from the Blackhawks this season, and with a degree of bluntness and forcefulness rarely seen in the NHL, he got what he wanted. Less than four months later, he now has a golden opportunity to get something else he really, really wants — a Stanley Cup — with the Panthers. His life has changed drastically, quickly.

2 weeks ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Ben Pope

New Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill will have to win over skeptical fans with results. Granted, basically anyone the Hawks hired — once top candidate David Carle decided to stay at the University of Denver — would’ve had to do that. The Hawks officially announced Blashill’s hiring Thursday after nearly a week of speculation. “Jeff is an incredibly smart and talented coach,” general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement.