The official roster for the 2022-2023 Chicago Blackhawks is here and this team has definitely seen better days. When looking at this roster, I think the best advice I can give you is don’t get too attached to anyone. From moving bigger names at the deadline to the guys about to spend lots of time riding I-90. Its just always going to be a different team each night.
So with that being said, why should anyone invest their time in this team? They are definitely not going to surprise us and be a dark horse. We know what we are going to get and its been the worst kept secret in hockey what the end goal is. I want to give a few half glass full view points for this upcoming season and maybe it will help ease the pain that is going to be this season.
One Last Ride.
The writing is on the wall that Kane and Toews will be dealt by deadline time. Honestly, if they are still on this team past the deadline, I will consider that a huge fail on Davidsons part. These guys have been a part of all our lives for the last 15 years. What they gave this team and city after years of bad hockey is something that this fan base will never forget. Take in as many games as you can and just really remember how lucky we have been to watch these guys for 15 years because the clock is ticking on their Hawks Careers
Something To Prove
While they aren’t going to be season changers, there are a few players who have something to prove and still need to earn their next pay check. The big question is, can they actually put together a good enough season to make themselves valuable? I am, of course, talking about Domi, Athanasiou, and Mrazek. All three guys have to come into this season with chips on their shoulders and will do whatever they can to make a statement and as a fan base, we better be pulling for them to do just that. The better they do, the better of a return we can get come deadline time.
Blueprint
Now this is a hard sell, but stay with me. What this team has been missing since Coach Q was structure. In just a few preseason games, there was already a noticeable difference in on ice play when it came to terms of playing with a purpose. More aggressive play on the forecheck and penalty kill and guys not out there running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Seeing the early stages of Coach Richardson's vision of “Blackhawks Hockey” is definitely worth tuning in for. What really makes it worth it is you are going to see a team play physical hockey and make their opponents work for every win they get against the Hawks. Now we are going to get blown out… a lot, but as Dr, Leo Marvin said, its all about baby steps.
The Future
If my approach at feeding a glass half-full narrative has failed and you still don’t want to invest your time into this team, let me offer you an alternative. Follow the Ice Hogs and the pipe line of future Hawks that are going to be playing together and winning a lot of hockey games this year. Take this time to follow Frank Nazar and the Michigan Wolverines, Drew Commesso and the Boston Terriers, or Kevin Korchinski and the Seattle Thunderbirds. Get to know the future of this franchise and let their success in the minors, juniors, and college level get you excited for what that could mean for this team. With streaming today it’s easier than ever to watch our prospects, so now is the perfect time to take advantage of it.
Believe it or not, this is an extremely exciting time for this team. Depending on when you started following, this could be the first time you are experiencing a rebuild. I know for me this is the first time I am fully understanding what is going on behind the scenes and knowing who the prospects are and so on. If you are anything like me and love the business side of hockey, buckle up because we are about to go for a ride. If you are all about the on ice product, just hang in there. The piece are starting to be put in place for successful hockey, just have to give it time.
Blackhawks 2022-2023 season kicks off tomorrow in Colorado against the defending Stanley Cup Champions and if there is an ok time to have a winning record this season I think ruining banner night is the best time to have it.
If you want a more in-depth Hawks Season preview check out my latest podcast episode:
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