|
My choices for the Black Aces for the Blackhawks |
|
|
|
|
|
There are still details that need to be worked out officially, however, as the NHL goes through the phases with the Return-to-Play committee, one thing is certain, there will be "Black Aces" permitted for each team.
For those who don't know, the "Black Aces" are the extra players an NHL team calls up from the minors, or from recently signed prospects, to join them for the post-season.
Things could change, but as per Elliotte Friedman's tweet on May 26th, the initial thought was each team will have 28 skaters and an unlimited amount of goaltenders available.
This is a lot easier considering that the AHL has cancelled their season.
There is just one wrinkle that the Blackhawks would need to determine their Black Aces before their first-round / play-in series vs. the Edmonton Oilers begin, and that is the status of Ian Mitchell.
I don't have an update there, but for the purpose of this blog, I'm going to say that he is allowed to be included – which for the record is a silly idea for the Blackhawks in the long-term; they would then have Boqvist, Dach, and Mitchell all up for their next contracts in the same summer.
It's not my decision though and I wasn't in the room during the negotiations; Maybe Mitchell's camp demanded that he play if eligible.
Regardless, he's on the team for this blog as one of the 28 skaters as that's what I think will happen.
Now, let's look at the roster and how I see it shaping out – first, here is how the current roster could look:
Saad – Toews – Kubalik
Nylander – Strome – Kane
DeBrincat – Dach – Caggiula
Highmore – Kampf – Carpenter
Keith – Boqvist
De Haan – Murphy
Maatta - Koekkoek
Crawford
Subban
Please don't get too caught up in the lines as they are subject to change as we know.
I have Shaw, Smith, and Seabrook on the IR. There is a chance Zach Smith could return, but my feeling is they won't "rush" him back. He is a strong candidate to be bought out this summer and a guy like Highmore or Hagel would highly benefit from playing meaningful hockey.
So, above we have 18 skaters and 2 goalies.
Therefore, the Hawks can add 10 more skaters and an unlimited number of goalies.
Let's get the goalies out of the way as I think this is an easy one; Collin Delia and Matt Tompkins will be up with the team. They will be practicing and I've even suggested that Delia may get the backup nod over Malcolm Subban as Jeremy Colliton has been in a playoff with Delia in the AHL and has a high level of comfortability should anything happen to Crawford.
Kevin Lankinen is out of the picture as he had shoulder surgery and will not be available.
Who are the other 10? Let's take a look at who I would pick:
* Brandon Hagel – The 21-year old was on the Blackhawks when the season ended. He only played one game, but he's got a real shot to make an impact in the Hawks bottom 6 next year so they'll want him around. He may even play.
* Dylan Sikura - Ahhh… the curious case of Dylan Sikura. He's here for sure and has a shot of playing if the Hawks see any injuries to the top 6. He's the most offensively skilled player on this list and could contribute. Just don't expect many goals (#burn).
* John Quenneville – Little Q skated in 9 games for Colliton this past season and even saw time up with Toews. He's a guy who is older (24) than some on this list and plays a heavy game. He'll be on the Black Aces for sure.
* Philipp Kurashev – After an injury-plagued season, I still think Kurashev gets the nod as he is versatile (C/W) and – along with Sikura – offer skill vs. other forwards on this list who are bottom 6 role players. He wouldn't play, but great experience for a kid that the Hawks have high expectations of.
* Alexandre Fortin – Some might like to see Entwistle or Soderlund's name here, but Alex Fortin really expanded his role in Rockford, in one area particularly on the PK. He's seen NHL action and is a speed demon if the Hawks wanted to use him as a 4th line, PKer in a pinch, he would be a great option.
* Lucas Carlsson – The recently announced "Top Defencemen of the Year" in Rockford (2nd year in a row) will surely be in Chicago (or wherever they play) for the Hawks. He is quickly turning into an option as a regular for next year and could even see time vs. Edmonton over Mitchell (if eligible).
* Nicolas Beaudin – He looked solid in his first game and I think he gets the call to join the team to watch from the stands. He won't see game action but it will be a great experience for Beaudin to practice and be around the team.
* Nick Seeler – He has the most NHL experience on this entire list with 105 regular-season games, and he's the only player here with any NHL playoff experience – he actually has 2 assists in 5 games. He will be a 7th or 8th depth option for Colliton.
* Dennis Gilbert – He's been with the Hawks a bit and adds a physical element. He will be on this list for sure as defensive depth.
* Ian Mitchell – There's a chance Mitchell plays in the top 6 in the playoffs, however, one thing to note, if the NHL deems him eligible, even his name being on this list – and the active roster – would eat a year off of his contract. Another reason I think it's silly because, to be honest if de Haan is ready to go, I think you see those pairs (or some combination of) for game #1 vs. EDM.
--
There you have it.
I opted to go with 5 forwards and 5 defence, which the Hawks may not do.
You could make the case for Entwistle, Soderlund, Cramarossa, Johnson, McCoshen, Krys, etc. but these are my guys I would tap on the shoulder to join the Hawks whenever the NHL decides to resume.
I'm sure this decision is being made now as the players who will be a part of the team and the Black Aces will need to make their way to Chicago to start skating soon.
And conversely, those who don't make the cut will be able to resume their offseason training regimen which is quite different from in-season or getting back on the ice.
Who would you choose?
Stay healthy and see ya out there!
TC
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»