Two members of the Blackhawks organization depart for Spengler Cup opportunity with Team Canada
A mid-season shift for the Chicago Blackhawks saw AHL captain Brett Seney and defenseman Nolan Allan depart the organization for international duty at the Spengler Cup in Switzerland, marking a rare roster break during the NHL campaign.
Seney and Allan will chase gold for Canada, sending waves through both the Rockford IceHogs and Blackhawks fan bases.
Seney, 29, has been a steady veteran leader with the Rockford IceHogs, and his Spengler Cup selection reflects that experience and the respect he's earned in the organization.
Allan, 22, has carved out time between the NHL and AHL this season with the Blackhawks, and his steady defensive play earned him this international nod.
Both players now join Team Canada's 25-man Spengler Cup roster, a tournament that begins Dec. 26 and runs through to its final on Dec. 31 in Davos. For Blackhawks watchers, this is a unique moment to see organizational talent stretch beyond the usual NHL rhythm and show their game on a global stage.
Seney and Nolan Allan chase gold in Davos
Seney's veteran poise and Allan's physical game give Canada balanced depth, and fans in Chicago and Rockford will be tracking their performances closely, as this tournament pits club sides and national teams against one another. There's an authentic sense of pride and excitement around their selections, even as the Blackhawks deal with ongoing struggles this season.
For Chicago, losing two contributors mid-season isn't ideal, but this move underscores how developing Blackhawks talent remains on the international radar. Allan's NHL appearances this season have been promising, and Seney's leadership in Rockford has been invaluable for younger prospects pushing for their next shot.
The Spengler Cup offers a different kind of pressure, one that could raise both players' profiles and possibly influence future Blackhawks decisions about role, usage, or long-term plans. Fans should expect updates on how they fare once round-robin play begins.
Most of all, this moment celebrates two players taking a spotlight outside of Chicago's current NHL grind, and it reminds Blackhawks supporters that organizational talent still carries weight on big stages.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL |
DECEMBRE 24 | 57 ANSWERS Two members of the Blackhawks organization depart for Spengler Cup opportunity with Team Canada Will Brett Seney or Nolan Allan's Spengler Cup run boost their Blackhawks role next season? |
| Seney | 3 | 5.3 % |
| Allan | 16 | 28.1 % |
| Neither | 21 | 36.8 % |
| Both | 17 | 29.8 % |
| List of polls |