As the Blackhawks clean out their lockers now that their season is over, I was able to slip into the room and post sticky notes in their respective cubbies with a brief message for each of them. Take a look.
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Forwards
Dominik Kubalik: "Next year, do what DeBrincat did and put everything together to become a well-rounded scoring threat."
Adam Gaudette: "Work on the healthy weight gain and be that hybrid finesse/power forward."
Alex DeBrincat: "Here's your key that grants you entrance to the luxury suite reserved for the team's core. You earned it."
Zack Smith: "Didn't even know you still had a locker."
Dylan Strome: "Pssst, I don't think coach values you. Word of advice, though: when you get the opportunity, you need to run with it."
Jonathan Toews: "Get healthy soon and hope to see you next season!"
Brett Connolly: "You might get exposed in the expansion draft: would love to have you back but wouldn't miss you either."
Ryan Carpenter: "Sidle up to Connolly and read his note."
Philipp Kurashev: "You did pretty good in a season when you were supposed to be in Rockford. Build on it."
Pius Suter: "I was excited when the Hawks won your sweepstakes and you didn't let me down."
Brandon Hagel: "This vial is to collect your DNA so we can inject your compete level in all players and prospects in the system."
Vincent Hinostroza: "If you want to stay home long term, take a hometown discount on your next contract."
MacKenzie Entwistle: "Your seat on the 4th line will be kept warm for you until puck drop on the new season."
David Kampf: "Play some EA NHL games at the easy level and see if you can learn how to score goals."
Kirby Dach: "I hear the IIHF World Championships is coming up. Just say no and rest up instead."
Mike Hardman: "See that seat saved for Entwistle? There's a seat next to it for you."
Patrick Kane: "Spend time with your son this summer and recover from whatever's ailing you, then lead the team to the playoffs next year."
Alex Nylander: "Hit the video room and watch this year's rookie crop: that's called compete level. Add it to your game, please."
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Defensemen
Duncan Keith: "Heads up that your ice time is going to get cut down to sub 20's next season."
Connor Murphy: "Play EA NHL games with Kampf and be that player that wants to hit everything in sight."
Nikita Zadorov: "Do you want to be traded to the Bruins, Jets, or Capitals?"
Adam Boqvist: "Hang out with Goodman and pack on more muscle up top and work on your fast-twitch muscles down low."
Calvin de Haan: "Work with your realtor to put your house on the market when the next TDL comes around."
Wyatt Kalynuk: "Great work, kid. Take it to the next level in year two."
Ian Mitchell: "Stop roaming and stop the stretch passes. Focus on defense and you'll be on your way."
Riley Stillman: "Do what we dreamed of Big Z but do the opposite of what he actually did."
Nicolas Beaudin: "Your stints back with the Hogs helped and gives you a glimpse of what you can do if you can apply consistency."
Alec Regula: "Sorry, but you need another year in the A."
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Goalies
Malcolm Subban: "Work on rebound control and softies and you'll be a keeper. I like you better than Delia anyway."
Kevin Lankinen: "You have some stuff to work on but the crown is yours until someone else takes it away."
Collin Delia: "Thanks for your patience all season. If you don't want to do that again, mind if we trade you to say Edmonton?"
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Roster Updates
World Championships
So far 5 Blackhawks players and prospects will be representing their native countries at the upcoming IIHF World Championships starting on May 21 in Latvia.
* Brandon Hagel, Canada
* Dominik Kubalik, Czech Republic
* Lukas Reichel, Germany
* Maxim Shalunov, Russia
* Nikita Zadorov, Russia
David Kampf is also rumored to be joining Kubalik with the Czech Republic team.
Patrick Kane is already confirmed to be sitting out as he has reported the desire to spend time at home with his 6-month old son.
Pius Suter has also confirmed that he will not represent Switzerland as he wants to focus on signing a new contract with the Hawks.
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Prospect Updates
Henrik Borgstrom
Smooth negotiations by general manager Stan Bowman to lock up Henrik Borgstrom to a modest contract. Next up: Reichel's ELC.
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