Hawks Weekly Update 6/3

So, how about Gustov Forsling?

Need a reminder of what he could have been on the Hawks? Realistically, no one could have seen that coming. Florida and Edmonton will face each other in the Stanley Cup Final starting June 8. I don’t particularly hate either team. Florida has been consistent all post-season long and I would love to see their franchise get a cup. But Edmonton is playing for Canada, and I feel obligated to cheer on any Canadian team. Also, Connor McDavid needs a cup.

I’ll be cheering on the Oilers.

A couple of signings took place last week to talk about and with no hockey that involves Hawks players, it’s time to beef up the content.

I’m going to start including some Hawks History stuff in the weekly updates. My first full-blown post is in the draft status still and I’ll dedicate articles to larger Hawks moments. Below is just smaller bite-size stuff.

Alright, that’s enough painful small-talk. Let’s get into it.

Weekly Update

• Connor Bedard’s season recap is out. I take a look at his stats and some video. Not sure who I’ll do next but I’m leaning toward Alex Vlasic. We’ll see, I have a couple of promised posts I need to put out.
• Prospect Martin Misiak was signed to an Entry Level Contract last Tuesday. Misiak was a 2023 2nd-round pick and had an ok season with the Erie Otters in the OHL with 23 goals and 24 assists in 60 games.
• Zach Sanford signed an extension for 1 year at $775k. In 18 games with the Hawks, he posted 4 points, all assists. Sanford was initially claimed off of waivers from Arizona on Jan. 6 to bolster an injured Hawks roster. You can expect him to be an IceHog next season.
• Scott Powers wrote about the possibility of drafting Anton Silayev instead of Levshunov or Demidov. Silayev is a giant defenseman who is projected by a handful to become a No. 1 defenseman. He’s currently projected by some to be picked around number 5. Overall, I think the article is out there because there’s not much else to talk about.
• The Blackhawks, White Sox, and the Bulls can be found on the new Chicago Sports Network in October.

Hawks History - Keith Magnuson

Hanging in the rafters of the United Center is banner with the number 3 on it and it is shared by two Blackhawks.

Pierre Pilout shares the honor with another remarkable defenseman, Keith Magnuson. Keith’s stat sheet isn’t remarkable. In fact, if you only saw the numbers, you would have to wonder what made this guy so special to get his number retired. An honor that hasn’t been given to Steve Larmer or Jeremy Roenick (yet).

Magnuson wasn’t known for his point production. In 589 games played he scored 14 goals and had 125 assists. However, he was known for embodying what it meant to be a Blackhawk. His 1440 penalty minutes include plenty of bloody fights in the name of his teammates.

Keith joined the Hawks in 1969 at the age of 22 after a successful college stint at Denver University. He only made one Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1971. The Hawks, defensive stalwarts, would infamously lose to the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Final. A loss that old Hawks fans haven’t forgotten about.

Keith was as tough as they came. In his second season, he lead the NHL with penalty minutes, logging 291 of them. He stood up for his teammates and played a rough and punishing game. In 1976, he would be named the team captain and would wear the C until 1979.

Following his retirement in ‘79, Magnuson would coach the Hawks for 2 years. He wasn’t a great coach and although loved and respected by the players, he quit after he felt like he wasn’t worthy enough. Instead, he would still become heavily involved with the Hawks as the president of the Blackhawks Alumni.

Tragically, Keith Magnuson was killed in a car accident on December 15, 2003, at the age of 56 He left behind his wife and daughter. He also left his mark on the organization as many players pointed to him as what it meant to be a Blackhawk.

Album of the Week

Defoliants, Grrr

This week we’re going with a Chicago punk band. This one isn’t a well-known band, but they kick ass. Active from 1984-90, the Defoliants opened up for Fugazi and multiple times for Naked Rayun. They have a strong “surf music” influence which makes them pretty fun to listen to. Grrr is the only album available on Spotify, so check it out.