The Latest Breaking News from Blackhawks

Privately, Rocky’s world was a suburban network of close pals who meant the world to him.

As Blackhawks owner, Rocky Wirtz mingled with fans grateful for the three Stanley Cups the team brought home. He also built and ran a real estate and beverage empire.

Rocky Wirtz, who won three Stanley Cup titles as owner of the Chicago Blackhawks and presided over the team during one of the NHL’s biggest scandals, has died

Wirtz, who died Tuesday in Evanston after a brief illness, made a dynasty out of the Hawks. His investment on and off the ice after taking over in 2007 led to three Stanley Cups and a tremendous surge in popularity. But the Hawks’ sexual assault scandal complicated his legacy.

Kurashev’s new contract will carry a $2.25 million salary-cap hit, representing a big raise over his $750,000 cap hit last season.

While bouncing from the Bruins to Wild to Sharks to Kraken, Donato has gained a versatility that appealed to the Hawks in free agency this summer. He has maintained steady offensive production, too.

The Hawks would be wise to take advantage of Bedard’s mere $950,000 base salary-cap hit for the next three years. Performance bonuses, however, could net Bedard up to $4.5 million.

Kyle Davidson has argued that Kane and Toews’ presences were so enormous that they inadvertently prevented any young Hawks players from growing into leaders themselves.

The United Center, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Blackhawks are changing soft drink sponsors, with PepsiCo becoming the new face.

Moore, whom the Hawks picked 19th in the draft, is already building a culture of competitiveness and maturity alongside top pick Connor Bedard.

Hawks coach Luke Richardson has seen firsthand the impact Perry, at age 38, can have on players half his age. He’ll have to smooth things over with the Hawks’ fan base first, however.