The Blackhawks get the day off Thursday before a daunting California back-to-back through San Jose and Anaheim this weekend. That homestand from Feb. 9-24 is looking mighty fine right now, but it’s a long ways away. Here’s the latest news for now.
**The development of former third-round pick and current University of Vermont defenseman Michael Paliotta has the Blackhawks excited for his future. (ESPN Chicago)
**Advanced stats such as Corsi, Fenwick and PDO are coming to NHL.com next month. This is a fairly significant move as the league embraces more non-traditional methods of analysis. (Puck Daddy)
**The AHL is set to announce the creation of a Western Division that will feature affiliates from the the Sharks, Ducks, Kings, Flames and Oilers on Tuesday. (PHT)
**Ratings for this year’s NHL All-Star Game were … not good. (Puck Daddy)
**Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck has been fined by the league for embellishment. (NHL)
**The city of Milwaukee is preparing to build a new arena for the Bucks. Could that open up a spot for a possible NHL franchise in Wisconsin? (PHT)
**Daniel Alfredsson will receive the key to the city from Ottawa this spring (Sportsnet)
**Buffalo GM Tim Murray says the trade market is quiet these days. Expect the rumors to really heat up next month. (WGR 550)
**The Flames have reportedly spoke to the Kings about recently waived center Mike Richards. It’s hard to imagine Calgary taking on his salary, but the report says the team would try to land another younger player like Tanner Pearson or Tyler Toffoli as a sweetener. (Calgary Sun)
**Unfortunate news for old friend Jeremy Morin, who’s out indefinitely after being hospitalized with an accelerated heart rate. He’s expected to be alright but the situation is understandably a bit more scary than your usual hockey injury. (PHT)
**Martin Brodeur is heading to the Blues‘ front office after his brief stint on the ice. He reportedly plans on returning to the Devils in some capacity eventually. (The Score)
**Ryan Kesler avoided a disciplinary hearing for his hit on Derek Dorsett (PHT)