The Daily: Chelios Remembers Kindness of Wirtz; Former Red Wings Datsyuk Scores in KHL Testimonial Match

Detroit Red Wings Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Chelios was among those remembering Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, who died suddenly last week. Wirtz was eulogized on Wednesday during a public memorial held at the United Center and Chelios was among the speakers.

Lots of emotions from Chris Chelios as he speaks about Rocky Wirtz.

— Tab Bamford (@The1Tab) August 9, 2023

Chelios, captain of the Blackhawks prior to his 1999 trade to Detroit, took the opportunity to be recollecting the kindness Wirtz was showing his daughter Caley as she set out for college. Today, Caley works as a TV studio analyst on Blackhawks games and Chelios believes the thoughtful encouragement of Wirtz was helping her achieve that goal.

“It was Rocky who met with her and inspired her to live her dream,” Chelios said, according to reporting from Chicago Hockey Now’s Nate Brown. “And because of Rocky, now Caley is part of that family, living her dream.”

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Red Wings Offseason

Participating in a testimonial match in Kazan for longtime KHL player Danis Zaripov, former Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk was among the scorers. Other prominent stars participating in the game included Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk.

Hockey Now Network

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Boston: For the first time in five decades, the Boston Bruins are lacking a true No. 1 center.

Buffalo: Projections are that as many as six Buffalo Sabres prospects could be playing in the 2024 World Junior championship.

Florida: Looking ahead at the goaltending situation for the Florida Panthers heading into the 2023-24 NHL season.

Montreal: There will be many options ahead for the Montreal Canadiens as they sort out the future of Jeff Petry.

Pittsburgh: Erik Karlsson doesn’t foresee any challenges in co-existing with Kris Letang on the defense of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Philadelphia: Philadelphia Flyers goaltending prospect Ivan Fedotov was discussing his hockey future with the Russian media.

Carolina: The Philadelphia Flyers were trading forward David Kase to the Carolina Hurricanes.

New Jersey: Defenseman Cal Foote was signing a one-year, two-way deal with the New Jersey Devils.