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Blackhawks sign some guys not named Ian Mitchell

April 5, 2020, 9:49 PM ET [166 Comments]
Tyler Cameron
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


Hey gang, I'm back!

Sorry, I was only able to give you two blogs last week, life is crazy right now and I wasn't to free up enough time to give you a proper article for Friday.

I wanted to give you my thoughts on some actual news that has been happening in Chicago during this pandemic.

On Thursday, April 2nd the Blackhawks announced 4 signings. Let's take a look:

* Matthew Highmore (2 years, $725k AAV)
– I don't know about you, but I like Highmore quite a bit as a lower line forward.

From the moment he entered the Blackhawks organization, playing in Rockford, I liked that he was a resilient puck-hound.

Also, take a look at his stat card below:

Screen-Shot-2020-04-05-at-9-12-56-PM

What do you notice?

Yes, he was able to put up quite a few points in the QMJHL – a league notorious for higher scoring amongst the junior ranks – but he's also been a player of high character. He's worn an "A" in 5 straight seasons as a leader in Saint John and Rockford.

From what I know, he's a vocal leader in the room and on the ice, letting his actions speak loudly as well.

His 0.85 points-per-game in his QMJHL career in the regular season is very strong, however, it's his clutch performance in the playoffs (1.02 PPG) that stands out.

Will this point production ever come at the NHL level? No, I don't think he'll ever be a big producer, however, I also think he has a little more to offer in that area in Chicago.

Highmore could have an elevated role next year on the PK as well.

While his new contract is a two-way in 2020-21 and a one-way starting in the fall of 2021, I believe he's a lock for a 4th line / 13-forward role with the Hawks next year.

* Kevin Lankinen (2 years, $800k AAV) – Ahhh, a smart move Mr. Lankinen! Kevin and his agent have signed for $200k less than Collin Delia's current deal so if the Hawks are in a bind with the cap next year and need a backup G, Lankinen has the edge.

Just joking, I actually don't believe that's the case. I think this contract is fair for both sides.

The interesting thing though when comparing Lankinen to Delia is that – just like Highmore's contract – Lankinen has a two-way next year with a one-way the following.

This means that Lankinen has another year to prove his worth while battling it out with Delia.

Who knows, maybe Delia and Lankinen are your tandem in the fall of 2021?

I doubt it, but stranger things have happened and the Hawks like both of them a lot.

* Evan Barratt (3 years, $870k AAV)
– Behind Ian Mitchell, Barratt was the prospect I was most curious about.

I didn't have any worries that he would sign and now I am anxious to see him take the ice in Rockford.

The Hawks view him currently as a centre and I hope they keep him in the middle as he learns in Rockford.

Barratt is a skilled, feisty competitor and the biggest compliment that I have heard about him is that he can make high-end plays at top speed. This will serve him well as he transitions to the pro game.

He is the type of player that – like Andrew Shaw – might be a better NHLer than an AHL.

As in, he may stand out as a more effective player at the highest tier.

Still, I don't believe we see Barratt in the NHL next year, but excited to see him progress with the IceHogs.

* Andrei Altybarmakyan (2 years, $817k AAV) – The "New AA" might be an under the radar player that you don't think much of over the next few of years and then you blink and he's on the 3rd line in Chicago.

Alty (let's just call him that or "New AA", ok?) is a competitor who worked his way up the ranks in the KHL.

He apparently had a great attitude, even when he wasn't getting a lot of ice time, and took each role he was given with pride. Thanks to that mentality, New AA has transformed his game into a very solid two-way player.

If he can make the move to NA smoothly, he has the makings of a strong depth winger in the system.


--

So those were the signings – note there was no Ian Mitchell in there.

Well, in Scott Powers' latest on The Athletic, he has heard that the Blackhawks expect Mitchell to sign and compete for a spot in training camp. Also, if the season were to start back up this year (fat chance of that happening), that Mitchell – if eligible – would play immediately in Chicago.

Also, from the department of "What's going on with Ryan Shea?" apparently nothing in Chicago.

Shea will not be signing in Chicago and they did not offer him a contract.

The former 4ht rounder in 2015 took a while to develop but had a real solid campaign as the captain for Northeastern this past season posting 31 points in 34 games.

The Hawks are looked into a lot of defenders in the system now and with the additions like Regula and Denim through trades this year, it's probably best for both parties to go in their separate directions.

I don't think it's a big loss for Chicago.

Meanwhile, poor Mattias From; Scott Powers also reporting that From and his agent can't get the Hawks to call them back.

The 22-year old from Denmark has until June 1st this year for the Hawks to sign him or he becomes a free agent.

Not sure what Chicago will do, but he did have a solid year in the SHL last year with 25 points in 49 games.

--

That's all I have for now.

Stay safe and see ya out there!

TC
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