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Camping Conclusion, Convention and Summer Thoughts

July 22, 2019, 7:06 AM ET [376 Comments]
Tyler Cameron
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


The Blackhawks 2019 developmental camp has concluded and there is a lot to be optimistic about.

I posted some fun future headlines which featured guys like Philipp Kurashev, Nicolas Beaudin, Adam Boqvist, Alex Nylander and MacKenzie Entwistle.

I have more camp conclusions and personal opinions now that it's all said and done.

* Alex Nylander
– For a guy who gave up his vacation to come to this camp, I would have liked to see a little more engagement from him. Granted, I was mostly watching highlights, reading updates but still, I was looking for more.

His skill is evident but his drive didn't impress me. While I watching the scrimmage on Friday, I felt like he had a "too cool for school" vibe to his game.

I witnessed a guy making slow line changes, staying off the boards to let teammates do the dirty work and ultimately, a guy who an afterthought to an 18 year old, a 19 year old and some role players.

I'll reserve my overall judgment until I see him play more, but I really thought showing every up at the scrimmage (against younger, less experienced players) would have been a perfect start to his career as a Blackhawk and a solid snub to his old team.

* Ian Mitchell
– I've always rooted for this kid and thought he had the potential to be the best of the "4 horsemen" when everyone had their eyes on Jokiharju and Boqvist.

Well, Jokiharju is no longer here, Boqvist looks great (more on him directly below), Beaudin's two-way game is a looking strong and I can't stop thinking about how great it's going to be to have Mitchell join the Hawks next year.

That's the plan anyway. He couldn't have reinforced that any more.

Mitchell's interviews were so great to listen to throughout the week. The kid is a leader, he's poised and he's going be one heck of a player. Many believe he's ready for a top 4 spot in the NHL this year. That seems like a big jump to me, but you can almost pencil him in for a spot in the opening season roster for 2020-21.

* Adam Boqvist – what a difference a year makes. Boqvist looked more confiedent on and off the ice. He was the best player in the scrimmage and the prospect of him lacing up for the Hawks this year at some point isn't that far-fetched.

It looks like he, Mitchell, Nylander, Entwistle and Dach were hitting it off this past week. An exciting group of youngsters coming up and I'm excited to see how they fare at the Prospects Tournament from September 6-10.

* Brandon Hagel – while Alex Nylander slowly glided off the ice, I saw Hagel giving it 100% every shift. He was active in every zone and I came away really excited to see what he can do in Rockford. I wouldn't be shocked to see him in Chicago at some point next year.

* Josiah Slavin
– a hat trick in the scrimmage is definitely worth bringing up. The big winger just continues to look like a 7th round steal for Mark Kelley and Co.

I love how calm and collected he is on the ice. He has nice finishing ability and uses his 6'3 frame well. Let's see how he does in his first year of NCAA next year for Colorado College.

--

There are a lot of others I could bring up but I'll just stop here.

I want to know who stood out to you?

--

Next on the agenda, the Blackhawks have their annual convention starting this Friday.

I have never been but looks like the Hawks have been leaning on their stars to push out the excitement on social. I've seen Versteeg, Shaw and Murphy recently pumping it out on their channels.

Is anyone going this year?

… or has anyone been in the past? Any good stories?

--

Lastly, just a couple summer thoughts; the first is Brendon Perlini.

I haven't heard any updates on his contract negotiations. Honestly, I'm a little torn. When the Hawks made the Strome and Perlini for Schmaltz trade, I was excited about Perlini.

I had watched him a bit and felt that vs. the Hawks he stood out as a real solid player. He's big, can skate and can really shoot the puck.

After he joined the Hawks – outside of a week of greatness – he never really found his stride.

I'm not convinced the Hawks truly know what they have in Perlini. I feel like if they work with him on some of the finer details of the game, he could be really valuable next year for CHI.

The problem is, there is a serious logjam at forward, plus how much do the Hawks want to pay a guy that is still a bit of a project. My guess is Stan is looking for a 1-year deal to give him some flexibility for next year.

Other than the Perlini holdup, there's not much else left to do.

The Hawks players are well into their offseason training and it's encouraging to see a guy like Dylan Strome staying in Chicago to hone his skills with Paul Goodman.

I have mentioned it in past blogs and I'll say it again, I don't expect DeBrincat or Strome to sign their next contract until next offseason.

This could be a scary thought when we're all watching those two light it up on a line all year.

Anyway, that's all I have for now.

See ya out there!

TC
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