Andrew Shaw returns Sunday to the United Center for the first time since being traded to the Montreal Canadiens for two 2016 second-round picks. Three days after the trade, Shaw signed a six-year deal worth $23.4 million.
The Hawks’ three-game week starts with a trip Wednesday to St. Louis. Chicago then faces two of the league’s top goaltenders when it hosts Braden Holtby and the Capitals (Friday) and Carey Price and the Habs (Sunday).
Let’s take a look at the upcoming week in Blackhawks’ hockey (all times Central):
Monday – Off day
There are three games on the schedule, highlighted by the Canucks in Brooklyn against the Islanders on NHL Network. Buffalo visits Boston and Florida hosts Tampa Bay in a Battle of the Sunshine State.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: Idle
Tuesday – Off day
The NHL isn’t even trying on Election Day with none games nationally telecasted in the U.S. The best two games stateside have San Jose visiting Washington and Pittsburgh hosting the Oilers. Montreal (10-1-1) hosts heated rival Boston as well.
Around the NHL: CAR at NJ, VAN at NYR, DET at PHI, EDM at PITT, SJ at WSH, LAK at TOR, BOS at MTL
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: OTT at NSH, DAL at WPG, ARI at COL
Wednesday – Blackhawks at Blues, 7 p.m. (NBCSN)
The Hawks travel down I-55 for a Central Division clash in St. Louis. Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice to rally the Blues from a 2-1 deficit to beat the Hawks 5-2 in the season opener. Elsewhere, Craig Anderson and Ottawa visit Buffalo while Columbus hosts Anaheim.
Around the NHL: ANA at CBJ, OTT at BUF
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: Idle
Thursday – Off day
The 10-game slate features two fun games in Florida: San Jose at Florida and Islanders at Tampa.
Around the NHL: ANA at CAR, CBJ at BOS, NYI at TB, VAN at DET, LAK at MTL, SJ at FLA
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: MINN at PITT, STL at NSH, DAL at CGY, WPG at ARI
Friday – Capitals at Blackhawks, 7:30 p.m. (CSNC)
The Hawks head home to face perennial Stanley Cup favorite Washington for the first of two regular season meetings. The two teams split the season series last season. The Capitals had four different goal scorers in a 4-1 home win against Scott Darling, and Corey Crawford made 28 saves to hold off the Caps in a 3-2 win in Chicago. It’ll be a showcase of the league’s top goaltenders as reigning Vezina Trophy winner Braden Holtby and Crawford will likely be in net.
Around the NHL: NJ at BUF, PHI at TOR, LAK at OTT
IceHogs: Rockford at Grand Rapids (Red Wings), 6 p.m.
Central Division: WPG at DET, DAL at EDM, WPG at COL
Saturday – Off day
Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs visit Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh on NHL Network for the premier game. Two Stanley Cup contenders in the Sharks and Lightning meet in Tampa.
Around the NHL: NYI at FLA, BUF at NJ, TOR at PITT, WSH at CAR, DET at MTL, SJ at TB, BOS at ARI, NYR at CGY
IceHogs: Rockford hosts Charlotte (Hurricanes), 7 p.m.
Central Division: STL at CBJ, MINN at PHI, ANA at NSH
Sunday – Canadiens at Blackhawks, 6p.m. (WGN)
The Hawks host Carey Price and the Habs to close out a three-game week. It’ll also be the first time Andrew Shaw returns to the United Center since he left Chicago this summer. Chicago swept the season series last season, outscoring the Habs 7-3.
St. Louis is the only Central Division team not on the schedule. The Rangers visit the Oilers in the sole game not featuring a Central team.
IceHogs: Rockford hosts Ontario (Kings), 4 p.m.
Central Division: LAK at WPG, DAL at VAN, MINN at OTT, BOS at COL