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As expected, Adam Boqvist was sent down with the impending return of Connor Murphy.

Some were mad. Some weren't surprised by the move. Some were both.

Boqvist had a strong showing in his 6 games. He registered his 1st career NHL goal, averaged 14:27 of ice time and most importantly proved he could hang in the NHL.

The reality is that he will be back. Will it be this year? I would say there's a strong chance that's the case.

I personally was skeptical that Boqvist was ready at all – and while I think a little more AHL seasoning wouldn't hurt – he's further ahead in the process than I anticipated.

I love being wrong when the outcome is a positive one for the Blackhawks.

Boqvist might not be a full-timer this year in Chicago, however, I don't think there is any doubt that he will be counted on as a regular for the 2020-21 season.

It's exciting to see the Hawks youth on the horizon that will serve as a nice balance to the others.

Next year we could see:

Keith – Murphy
De Haan – Boqvist
Maatta/Seabrook/Mitchell

(Please don't get caught up on the pairings, just throwing this out here to show the 7 D).

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I don't want to jinx the Hawks run they've been on so I won't dig into too much more today.

I will end though by saying that this Nashville test Saturday night is going to be one to watch.

The Preds embarrassed the Hawks a couple of weeks ago and it's been noted that the Hawks players had this revenge game circled on the calendar.

Connor Murphy's return will be a nice boost. I would play him with Keith on the top pair and move Gustafsson down.

I suspect Crawford gets this game as well with Lehner going head-to-head vs. his old team in the Sabres.

It's going to be a fun weekend.

See ya out there!

TC

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