The Blackhawks will hold a press conference after a Cup Champion is missing from the team
Blackhawks missing key defensemen ahead of home opener and a press conference will be hosted live from United Center
The Chicago Blackhawks are set to play their first game at home against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, October 15th. They are also taking part in their first practice/morning skate on home ice at the United Center of the season, dating back till last year.
With Blackhawks fans excited to watch in person tonight as they have not been able to watch from the comfort of their own home, there is a mystery going on, and fans will not be able to experience the teams newest acquisition of a top-pairing, Stanley Cup Champion defensemen.
Defensemen Alec Martinez was suddenly removed from the powerplay units being ran at morning skate, and was not on the ice with his teammates.
PP1: Bedard, Teravainen, Bertuzzi (bumper), Foligno (net front), Jones
PP2: Hall, Kurashev, Smith (bumper), Maroon (net front), Vlasic
*Martinez, who's been on the second unit, isn't on the ice for morning skate
This comes as a surprise and worry to many as Martinez has been on the Blackhawks' top defensive pairing since opening night of the 2024-25 season, alongside Seth Jones. There is no word on what is going on, but fans are now on edge as head coach Luke Richardson will be hosting a live press conference after the morning skate to address the issue.
We'll hear from Luke Richardson afterwards to get clarification on his absence
Without this key defensemen, will the Blackhawks on home ice walk away with a win tonight against the San Jose Sharks?
**UPDATE**
uke Richardson says Alec Martinez is out with a lower-body injury, Nolan Allan draws into the lineup
More information about Martinez's timeline could be known by the end of the night but Richardson made it sound like it could potentially be more than day-to-day
| POLL | ||
Did the Blackhawks make a mistake signing this Stanley-Cup Champion this off-season? | ||
| Yes, if he's injured | 16 | 20.3 % |
| Yes, he's too old | 18 | 22.8 % |
| No, it could be something minor | 28 | 35.4 % |
| No, he's a great fit | 17 | 21.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
