Morning Chirps Reloaded: Blackhawks Prospect Signs With Lightning as Panarin & Domi Battle Injuries
Saturday brought a flurry of headlines for former Chicago Blackhawks, mixing excitement with a dose of early-season concern. One of their overlooked draft picks has landed an NHL contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, while two familiar forwards are dealing with injuries in training camp. Here’s the full breakdown.
⚡ Dominic James Signs With the Lightning
Former Blackhawks draft pick Dominic James has officially signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, worth an average of $910,000 per season.
- James, 23, captained the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, where he tallied 77 points in 111 collegiate games. He posted career highs last season with 14 goals and 30 points.
- Drafted by Chicago in the 6th round of the 2022 NHL Draft, James’s rights expired when the team chose not to sign him. That decision opened the door for him to explore free agency.
- Tampa Bay gains a mature, college-hardened forward with proven leadership skills and resilience after overcoming a major shoulder injury during his junior season.
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Dominic James James is expected to begin his pro career in the Lightning system, potentially with their AHL affiliate, but he has a legitimate chance to crack the NHL roster sooner than expected.
This signing is a quiet but strategic win for Tampa Bay, adding depth to a roster that thrives on developing overlooked talent.
🚨 Injuries Hit Former Blackhawks Stars
While James is celebrating his NHL breakthrough, two ex-Blackhawks are stuck on the sidelines.
Max Domi (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Domi has missed the start of training camp with a lower-body injury, though reports say he’s expected back at practice on Sunday.
- Coming off a disappointing season, Domi’s availability is crucial as Toronto finalizes its opening-night roster. He’ll need to prove he can stay healthy and deliver consistent production to secure a significant role this year.
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Max Domi
Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers)
- Panarin left practice early on Friday with a lower-body injury and did not return.
- He missed Saturday’s session as well, and head coach Mike Sullivan labeled him day-to-day, stressing the decision was precautionary.
- Panarin remains one of the Rangers’ most important offensive weapons, and even minor setbacks could disrupt their early-season chemistry, especially with preseason games looming.
📊 Why It Matters
- For Tampa Bay: Dominic James represents a low-risk, high-upside signing. He adds grit and depth to their system, with leadership qualities that could translate into a future NHL role.
- For Toronto: Domi’s absence delays crucial chemistry-building time. The Leafs are under pressure to solidify their lines, and every missed practice counts.
- For New York: Panarin’s health is non-negotiable. The Rangers are entering the season with sky-high expectations, and losing their most consistent scorer, even briefly, could spell trouble.
🔑 Takeaways
- “Lightning’s college gem: Dominic James signs entry-level deal after Blackhawks let him slip away.”
- “Panarin’s injury scare: Are the Rangers facing an early setback?”
- “Domi’s lower-body injury delays Leafs chemistry test.”
From overlooked prospects finding new life to stars fighting to stay healthy, the NHL’s preseason is already full of drama — and former Blackhawks continue to be right at the heart of it.
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