Chicago Blackhawks
Draisaitl On Fire: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup Jan. 1
In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (Jan 1), Blues win the Winter Classic, Edmonton beats Utah, Avs beat the Jets
Welcome back to the first NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup of the New Year (January 1). Over the year, we will bring you three key NHL stories each morning. Stay updated on the latest team performances, trade buzz, and standout player news from around the league. Here are today’s three key roundup topics.
Blues Dominate Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in 6-2 Victory Over Blackhawks
On a cold New Year’s Eve at Wrigley Field, the St. Louis Blues defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 in the 2025 NHL Winter Classic. Cam Fowler made his 1,000th NHL game memorable with two goals, and Justin Faulk scored a goal and added two assists as the Blues improved to 3-0 in Winter Classic games. Jordan Binnington made 28 saves, and 12 players registered points in the win.
Despite strong pre-game energy from their fans, the Blackhawks gave up two power-play goals within the first eight minutes. They briefly cut the lead to 2-1 but couldn’t recover after several missed chances. With a crowd of over 40,000 and a spectacular atmosphere, the Blues extended their lead with four more goals, including two from Fowler. The Blackhawks fell to 0-5 in Winter Classic games.
Oilers Defeat Utah 4-1, McDavid and Draisaitl Extend Point Streaks
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each extended their point streaks to 12 games as the Edmonton Oilers beat the Utah Hockey Club 4-1 at home. McDavid recorded two assists, passing Mark Messier for third on the Oilers’ all-time scoring list. Draisaitl put in an empty-net goal, Mattias Ekholm contributed a goal and an assist, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added a goal as the Oilers bounced back from two losses.
Utah fought hard but fell short, with Jaxson Stauber making 34 saves. The Oilers took control with goals from Ekholm, Nugent-Hopkins, Troy Stecher, and Draisaitl. Utah struggled to generate offense and lost its fifth straight game.
Mittelstadt’s Third-Period Goal Lifts Avalanche to 5-2 Win Over Jets
In our final roundup, Casey Mittelstadt scored the game-winning goal in the third period as the Colorado Avalanche pushed their winning streak to five games with a 5-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Mittelstadt’s deflection, his first goal in 19 games, gave Colorado a 3-2 lead. Mikko Rantanen, Artturi Lehkonen, and Devon Toews also scored, while Mackenzie Blackwood made 20 saves in the win. It looks like the Avs got their goalie after struggling early in the season.
Winnipeg battled back after falling behind but couldn’t pull ahead. Despite a strong performance from goalie Eric Comrie (33 saves), the Jets couldn’t get over the hump in the third period. The Avalanche sealed the win with two empty-net goals. Colorado welcomed back Jonathan Drouin after a 16-game injury absence.
Related: Matthews on IR: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup Dec. 31
