The Blackhawks head into tonight's game versus the Hurricanes looking to build momentum in order to recapture the fruits of their hard work and compete level from February plus gain ground in the playoff hunt.
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Game Day
Game 38, April 1:
Blackhawks vs Hurricanes
7:00pm CST
Like virtually all prospects in Rockford this season, Isaak Phillips still has a ways to go in his development but the 19 year old earned his first NHL contract just half a year later after being drafted.
Phillips is a physical two-way D-man who loves to activate and be aggressive in all zones. He's a big body (6'3" 195 pounds) who will get stronger yet already uses his long wing span to his advantage.
His style is reminiscent of P.K. Subban. He’d be hard-pressed to put up the same offensive numbers as Subban at his peak and as top-pair caliber but a 3rd-pair rearguard in that mold would be welcome.
That blog paid attention to prospects who were worthy of consideration to earn an ELC over the next few weeks with forward Lukas Reichel as well as defensemen Jakub Galvas and Alex Vlasic as lead candidates.
However, certain prospects not covered in that blog were those on AHL contracts. There are a few prospects on such deals who are ones to watch this season: forwards Dylan McLaughlin and Chris Wilkie.
Trailing Cody Franson, McLaughlin and Wilkie are tied for 2nd on the IceHogs for points with 11 in 14 games (Evan Barratt has 11 in 18). Wilkie is the team leader with 6 goals and AHL leader with 3 SHGs.
Playing either center or wing, McLaughlin is in the final year of his AHL contract but has grown immensely since last season which was his first full year as a pro. There are many things to like about his game.
McLaughlin is adept at carrying the mail and entering the offensive zone with speed which is an asset on the power play. Also on the man advantage, he can run it on the half wall similar to Patrick Kane.
Also like Kane, McLaughlin isn't the biggest player yet is agile and slippery to evade checks plus set up and snipe equally well. But unlike Kane, he is reliable defensively and is a chief penalty killer.
As for Wilkie, he is in his first pro year on a one-year AHL contract. The former teammate of Josiah Slavin at Colorado College is versatile as a key cog for the Hogs at even strength and on both special teams.
While not as silky smooth as McLaughlin, Wilkie is simply a fundamentally sound winger who is dependable in all zones and quietly puts up points. Wilkie is also willing to take a hit to make a play.
Both McLaughlin and Wilkie should be in the mix for NHL contracts at season's end. Neither may have the impactful staying power of say Brandon Hagel but every NHL team needs depth players like them.
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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