Chicago Blackhawks

NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Bedard’s Streak, Celebrini, Canucks Woes

In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (Jan 9), Bedard pushes streak to eight, Canucks lose in overtime, Celebrini leading for Calder Trophy

by
Old Prof
January 9, 2025

Welcome to today’s NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (January 9). Each morning, we will bring you three key NHL stories. Stay updated on the latest team wins and losses, trade talk, and player news from around the NHL. Today’s key story is Connor Bedard leading his team to a win over the Colorado Avalanche, helped by Petr Mrazek in the net. However, it’s only one of today’s three key roundup topics.

Capitals Beat Canucks 2-1 in Overtime on Dubois Goal

In our first roundup, the Washington Capitals beat the Vancouver Canucks 2–1 Wednesday night. Pierre Luc Dubois scored the game-winner in overtime. Capitals’ goalie Logan Thompson was solid in the crease, making 30 saves to help push Washington’s streak of picking up points to five. For those following Alex Ovechkin‘s chase of Wayne Gretzky‘s NHL goal record, Ovechkin didn’t score. He’s now 23 goals back of Gretzky’s record.

For the Canucks, Conor Garland was the only Cancuck’s player to score. The Canucks now have fallen to 1–2–3 in their last six games.

Bedard Extends Point Streak as Blackhawks Beat Avs 3-1

Connor Bedard pushed his point streak to eight games by scoring a goal and adding an assist in last night’s Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Petr Mrazek was strong in net, making 35 saves to pick up his first win since November.

Blackhawks rookie Frank Nazar picked up his first goal of the season (and second of his young NHL career) to put Chicago ahead 2-1 in the second period. The Avalanche had tons of chances but couldn’t convert. Both Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon had point streaks snapped as Mrazek’s play in goal stopped them.

Sharks Macklin Celebrini Is Looking Strong for Calder Trophy

Macklin Celebrini so far looks to be leading the Calder Trophy competition this season. In the NHL’s Calder trophy tracking this morning, he was rated as the likely winner. There are several reasons. First, he leads all rookies, scoring with 13 goals and 28 points. Second, he leads all rookie forwards in ice time, registering 19:45 TOI per game.

But perhaps more important, he’s essential for the Sharks’ offense. He also has a high hockey IQ and maturity beyond his years. He plays like a veteran despite being only 18. As far as being the Calder favorite, according to the NHL poll, he’s ahead of runner-ups Lane Hutson (of the Canadiens) and Matvei Michkov (of the Flyers).