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5 IceHogs That Could Make an Impact in Chicago |
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Before we dig into where the Blackhawks can find internal reinforcements for the 2019-20 season, let's look at where the potential openings could be.
Obviously, there are many changes to come, but let's work with what we know/assume:
X – Toews – Kane
DeBrincat – Strome – Perlini (RFA)
Saad – Anisimov – Kahun
Caggiula – Kampf (RFA) – Hayden
Keith – Gustafsson
X – Jokiharju
Murphy – Seabrook
Crawford
Delia
I'm assuming Perlini and Kampf get resigned. From all I've heard, that will happen.
I'm guessing Kruger and Kunitz are not retained.
Carl Dahlstrom is the only player on there on a one-way contract that I didn't include; I'm going to call him the 7th defenceman for now.
There are a few RFAs that will be in the mix as well: Dylan Sikura, Gustav Forsling and Slater Koekkoek.
Sikura should be signed, as should Forsling. Whether Forsling is used as trade fodder is TBD at this point. Koekkoek is someone that I personally don't anticipate coming back.
As you review the roster above – I remind you as always – do not take that as "the lines". I'm just putting them in there are placeholders and to add context.
Plus, there's a good chance that 2-3 of those players aren't on the Blackhawks next year. I see some guys sitting at 50/50 like Anisimov and Hayden.
Depending on the returns of trades and free agent signings, there could be a role or two pop up that makes a player currently slated for the Rockford IceHogs lick his chops.
Here are my top 5 players that project as living in the NHL/AHL bubble as the roster stands today that could find themselves on the Hawks roster in October or at some point in the 2019-2020 season due to trades, signings and/or injuries:
1) Matthew Highmore – My current favourite in Rockford. Why? His overall skill set is exactly what I believe the Hawks need inserted into their lineup. I believe if it had not been hurt, Highmore would have played 25+ NHL games last year.
He has a high-motor, has the ability to offer scoring depth on a 3rd or 4th line and was one of Colliton's go-to guys in Rockford.
He only played 12 hockey games last year so he may be destined to start in Rockford but don't be surprised that the 23-year-old Highmore forces his way on to this team at some point next season.
2) Jacob Nilsson – Rockford's 2018-19 player-voted MVP has a lot going for him. The 25-year-olds play earned him a 1-year 700k NHL / 150k AHL contract with the Blackhawks and the head coach in Chicago has a soft spot for him.
Nilsson quietly put up 15 goals in his first season in North America but more importantly, he's a hard-nosed player that can play an effective 200-foot game. He is versatile with his ability to play centre or wing and can slide into a penalty-killing role if need be. Lord knows the Hawks will be looking for new options there.
3) Mackenzie Entwistle – This young Canadian could be the jewel of the Marian Hossa deal. As Entwistle continues his quest for the memorial cup, he has been very effective with 19 points in 21 playoff games. He was also voted the top defensive forward in the OHL by his peers.
If the Hawks see him as a centre, chances are they let him hone his craft in Rockford. If they see him as a winger or his play in training camp is so strong they can't cut him, he may find himself on the team in October.
4) Lucas Calrsson/Nicolas Beaudin – You see that defensive cluster that I've laid out above? Well, that sure does make it difficult for the Rockford defenders that are eying an NHL spot come September/October.
I believe one way or another the Hawks acquire a top 4/5 defenceman. It could be via trade or a free agent signing, but alongside Henri Jokiharju, there will be another addition to help round out the backend.
However, injuries happen and training camps force tough decisions. I cheated on this and included both Lucas Carlsson and Nicolas Beaudin as potential dmen that could make an impact next year.
Carlsson was voted as Rockford's top defender last year and is the truest version of a defensive-dman that the Hawks have currently in the system. He also put up 33 points in 69 games last year. He may not be far off of making the NHL.
Beaudin is one of the shiny toys or better known here at one of the "4 Horsemen" of up-and-coming dmen in the Hawks system. The QMJHL is very different from the NHL (or even AHL) so his ability to adapt to the faster game will be monitored closely in training camp. He could surprise though.
5) Philipp Kurashev – I don't want to call him a "dark horse" but Kurashev is my kind of player. The Hawks, specifically Quenneville really liked his game last training camp. Kurashev stuck around longer than anticipated and didn't look out of place during his time in practice and exhibition games.
He was only 18 last year at the start of training camp last year but his October 12th birthday this year will see him turn 20.
I got to see him at the World Jr. tournament last year where he was a star scoring 6 goals in 7 games for his country Switzerland. He will be participating in the World Championships starting on Friday; if you're not familiar with Kurashev, check out a couple Swiss games and fall in love with his two-way play.
BONUS: Kris Versteeg – I'm just kidding. He's on an AHL contract and if he makes an appearance with the Blackhawks next year, he's either A) completely lit up the AHL and Stan has no choice but to sign him to an NHL deal and bring him up or B) the Hawks' season is lost and they have so many injuries that Verbeauty is summoned out of necessity.
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Please keep in mind that I only included players that are currently signed to contracts that are expected to play "at least" in Rockford.
I have not factored in a guy like Dominik Kubalik yet. I believe he will be signed and given every opportunity to make the Hawks as an everyday player.
What this breakdown illustrates is that there will need to be some difficult decisions made if the Hawks are going to improve this roster.
It will be extremely difficult for the 5 "Rockford Guys" on my list to make the team as a regular, to be honest – especially if a player like Kubalik comes over.
I'm curious to see how it nets out and think what I've outlined above is not going to be close to the Hawks lineup come October when they kick off their regular season.
See ya out there,
TC
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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