The Blackhawks are reportedly ‘leaning toward’ selecting a center with the No. 3 overall pick.
Elsewhere in Chicago sports, the Cubs fell 3-1 to the Rockies and pitcher Peter Lambert in his major league debut. Costa Rica named Fire defender Francisco Calvo to its men’s national team for this year’s Gold Cup competition.
On Friday, the White Sox head to Kansas City to open a three-game series against the Royals. The Cubs continue their homestand with a three-game set against the Cardinals.
FIFA’s Women’s World Cup also begins Friday. SB Nation websites All For XI (women’s soccer), Stars and Stripes FC (United States national teams) will be leading the charge on coverage for the network. The Chicago Red Stars have five players in the competition: goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, defender Tierna Davidson and midfielders Julie Ertz and Morgan Brian (USWNT) and striker Sam Kerr (Australia).
BLACKHAWKS
Blackhawks reportedly ‘leaning toward’ drafting center at No. 3 overall (SCH)
Why Kubalik may be an underrated offseason addition for Blackhawks (The Athletic)
Former Blackhawk of the week: Bruce Cassidy (SCH)
Blackhawks FanPulse: June (SCH)
Blackhawks hire Stanley Cup-winning coach Marc Crawford as 3rd assistant (SCH)
Blackhawks’ list for No. 3 pick down to 6 prospects (SCH)
Blackhawks’ 2019 offseason schedule (SCH)
CENTRAL DIVISION
Stars re-sign Roman Polak to 1-year, $1.75M deal (Defending Big D)
Stars give Mattias Janmark 1-year, $2.3M extension (Defending Big D)
Wild horses: Alex Stalock’s quest for the winner’s circle as a racehorse owner (The Athletic)
Drafting Spencer Knight could be the Avs’ long-term answer in net. Or is that goalie already in the system? (The Athletic)
STANLEY CUP FINAL
Blues hold on for Game 5 win against Blues, 3-2 series lead (NHL)
Bruins fall to Blues after missed tripping call in Game 5 (Boston Herald)
NHL
Senators hire former Islanders coach Jack Capuano as associate coach (Silver Seven)
Maple Leafs’ Marleau selling Toronto house for $11.888M (Sportsnet)
Pronman’s Mock Draft 1.0: Projecting the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft (The Athletic)
Pronman: What to expect by drafting center Alex Newhook (The Athletic)
Peters’ best-case two-round NHL mock draft: How all 31 teams ace their picks (ESPN)
Possible trade destinations for TJ Brodie, Travis Hamonic and what Flames could net in return (The Athletic)
HOCKEY WORLD
Calder Cup Final 4: Wolves pushed to brink after 5-3 loss to Checkers (The Daily Herald)