The Latest Breaking News from Luke Richardson

Everyone has been awed by some aspect of Bedard’s game through the first two days of camp. For Tyler Johnson, it’s Bedard’s unique shooting release. For Connor Murphy, it’s his ability to create space. For Luke Richardson, it’s his various similarities to Sidney Crosby, Mark Stone and Auston…

The presence of Connor Bedard and a number of other talented prospects lifted the mood at the first day of Hawks camp Thursday. Coach Luke Richardson said he hasn’t made any tweaks to his system yet, but he may eventually make some to accommodate the new personnel.

Connor Bedard’s acclimation to Chicago, Kevin Korchinski’s attempt to prove his NHL readiness and Luke Richardson’s line combinations and mentality toward prospects will all be interesting to watch.

Bedard’s arrival and a loaded prospect pool has shrouded the reality that the Hawks’ record probably won’t be much better in 2023-24 than it was in 2022-23. Preseason gambling lines forecast the Hawks to be the NHL’s third-worst team.

Before the surgery in March, Guttman’s separation speed, faceoff ability and productivity impressed the Hawks at the AHL and NHL levels. He’ll be particularly interesting to watch in camp starting Sept. 21.

Hawks coach Luke Richardson has seen firsthand the impact Perry, at age 38, can have on players half his age. He’ll have to smooth things over with the Hawks’ fan base first, however.

Bedard jerseys are replacing Kane and Toews jerseys as the standard uniform of any Hawks fan — in Chicago and around the world. But behind that jersey is a down-to-earth 17-year-old kid who just happens to excel at hockey.

The Hawks traded a 2024 seventh-round pick in exchange. Perry is currently set to become a UFA on Saturday, but the Hawks are confident they’ll sign the 38-year-old forward best known for his Ducks tenure.

Athanasiou will carry a $4.25 million salary-cap hit, helping the Hawks creep closer to the cap floor and providing offensive support for expected No. 1 pick Connor Bedard.

They were once a high spot of eating out. Now you’re lucky if the pudding menu stretches to a couple of choices. Is the UK losing its sweet tooth?

Jonathan Toews’ exit opens the Hawks’ captain position for the first time in 15 years. Jones and Murphy are respectable candidates, but it’s also possible the Hawks leave the position vacant — as many other teams are doing.