Kane, Strome, DeBrincat and the dad line

Hello Chicago Blackhawks fans and welcome to the offseason! The second round of the NHL playoffs is underway and so far the playoffs have NOT disappointed. Sure, it would be fun if the Blackhawks were still playing, but at least our anxiety levels are taking a break. I know, we would all probably like to have some of that stimulation and nail biting and screaming on TV right now; but such is life.

Instead, let’s catch up on some of the latest Blackhawks news and rumors, focused specifically on the front row of the 2021-22 season.

Kane returns first

Patrick Kane is still there! For the second year in a row, the superstar winger was voted the league’s best stickhandler by his teammates. Indeed, according to the NHL Players Association annual survey, Kane received 57.3% of the vote. Connor McDavid came in second, but with just 22.8% of the vote.

By an overwhelming majority, Kane was voted the league’s top stickhandler for the second year in a row 🔥 https://t.co/WnxH2tRzjC

My own THW teammate Brook LoFurno mentioned in our last Blackhawks joke show that Kane is also famous for being one of the best passers. Sure enough, the 33-year-old came second in that department with 15.6% of the vote. Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers took first place with 17.7% and Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitols came in third with 15.4%.

Related – Blackhawks News and Rumors: Lafferty, Fleury, Jones Brothers

This is not a biased poll! The players are in the trenches night after night; they know what they are talking about. It’s safe to say that Kaner is still among the best in the league, and he’s not slowing down. We can’t wait to see his stickhandling and passing skills for years to come.

The Stromes welcome a new puppy

Dylan Strome and his family have a new golden retriever puppy named Benny! This is especially good news, as their former dog Wrigley died of postoperative complications in April. It turns out that Benny comes from the same father as Wrigley, and the Stromes are looking forward to him to help ease their grief over their beloved first pet.

Blackhawks Dog News: Dylan Strome has a new golden retriever, Benny, a pup with the same father as Wrigley https://t.co/6Ux6IbOaiv

There’s nothing quite like good puppy content! I’m sure Benny will keep the Stromes on their toes in the months to come.

Welcome baby Archie from DeBrincat!

Well, we all know Blackhawks forward Alex DeBrincat is a competitive guy. Sure enough, he had to outdo his best friend Strome last Wednesday with the announcement of his baby boy, Archie. But Strome was one of the first to welcome this new addition to the DeBrincat family.

It’s phenomenal to see Baby Archie and Mama Lyndsey doing well! But did you notice the legend of Strome at the top? “Are we now officially #DadLine?”

It is true that Kane, Strome and DeBrincat have been a dynamic top line and a highlight of this dismal 2021-22 season. Kane welcomed his son in November 2020, and Strome became a dad to a daughter in March 2021. Now DeBrincat is also a proud dad.

Chicago Blackhawks celebrate
Dylan Strome and Alex DeBrincat, along with veteran Patrick Kane, were a dynamic front line for the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2021-22 season. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

But will they really be the dad line next season that Strome is referring to? Of the three, Strome’s future looks the least uncertain. He is a restricted free agent this summer. Will the Blackhawks re-sign him? Will Kane choose to stay? Won’t DeBrincat be traded by GM Kyle Davidson to the highest bidder to rebuild picks and prospects?

Related – Chicago Blackhawks Player Ratings: Forwards

The future is unclear. But for now, the Blackhawks front line can live vicariously on their recent success together and the community of their young families.


That’s it for this edition of Blackhawks News & Rumours! Keep it here at The Hockey Writers for all the latest news, updates and analysis throughout the offseason.

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