Blackhawks Defensive Youth Movement Is On It’s Way
With a disappointing season coming to an end, Stan Bowman, along with nearly every Blackhawks fan, has been looking towards the future. The Chicago Blackhawks front office has been working hard this week to sign many of the Blackhawks young prospects, with center Dylan Sikura and defenseman Joni Tuulola both signing entry level deals.
While the Blackhawks goaltending has become a major issue since Corey Crawford’s injury, the lack of an elite goalie in net has unveiled major defensive issues for the Blackhawks.
For years, Blackhawks coach Joel Quennville has relied on about three defenseman: Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, and Niklas Hjalmarsson. But last offseasons trade of Hjalmarsson left a hole on the blueline, which the Blackhawks have not been able to fill.
Keith, now 34, has been a staple for the Blackhawks for over a decade. Since his debut in the 2005–06 NHL season, Keith has been the Blackhawks top defenseman, and one of the best in the league. With two Norris Trophy wins for the league best defenseman, he has solidified himself as one of the leagues greats, and has allowed the Blackhawks to not even sweat when he is on the ice.
But that Duncan Keith has not been the player we have watched this season. With just 1 goal in 76 games this season, Keith is set to put up some of his worst goal and point totals of his career. Add in his +/- -23 mark, and it paints a pretty clear picture of why the Blackhawks have struggled this season.
His former defensive partner and second longest tenured Blackhawk Brent Seabrook is in the same boat. Known for his defensive play and hard shot, Seabrook has seen nothing but struggles over the past two seasons.
What was once a reliable duo for the franchise has now become a liability while on the ice. Add in youngsters Connor Murphy, Jordan Oesterle, and Erik Gustafsson, as well as 27 year old rookie Jan Rutta, who have all had their struggles this season, and the outlook for this blue line is not very good.
While Murphy, Oesterle and Gustafsson are all relatively young and could still reach a higher potential, none have shown they can be relied on for anything other than a bottom pairng role for the future.
So what is the fix?
The Blackhawks are hoping the many defenseman coming up the pipeline can solve these issues.
The biggest of those names is last years first round pick, Henri Jokiharju. The 18 year old is currently playing for the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL while they make a push for the Memorial Cup.
After a solid first season in the WHL, which earned him a first round selection by the Blackhawks in the 2017 Draft, Jokiharju has taken yet another step in showing he not only has what it takes to be an NHL defenseman, but a very good one at that. Jokiharju posted 12 goals and 59 assists, as well as a remarkable +/- 47 in his sophomore season, being one of the best defenseman in the WHL.
It is likely that Jokiharju will be in the mix next season for a NHL spot, but the team could opt to give him time in the AHL before promoting him to the NHL. But with a lack of top tier talent in front of the goaltender, the Blackhawks may be forced to throw him out there to start the season. Either way, when Jokiharju gets his opportunity, it will likely be for good.
Behind Jokiharju, the Blackhawks have many intriguing names to watch. Last years second round pick Ian Mitchell is one of the best of that group. Mitchell opted to play for the University of Denver this season instead of going to the CHL, and it has turned out to be a great choice. In his freshman season, Mitchell became one of Denver’s most reliable blue liners, and one of the best in college.
Mitchell’s offsenive game still needs a little work, but his positioning and and skating ability are excellent, and while he likley won't develop into a top paring defenseman, his decision making will turn him into a reliable top four defenseman.
While he may opt to return to Denver for next season, there is a general thought that he will sign with the Blackhawks now that his college season is over. Mitchell’s chance of making the roster to start next season is less than Jokiharju’s, but his game looks to translate well to what the Blackhawks are looking for.
Behind those two the potential starts to drop, but the Blackhawks feature many young talented defenseman who can make an impact, just not a top paring one.
Tuulola, Blake Hillman, Chad Krys, and Dennis Gilbert are all on the horizon for the Blackhawks, and while it’s likely all four of those players start next season in Rockford, they all could find their opportunity to make it in the NHL, especially if the current group keeps playing at this level.
Not to be forgotten is Gustav Forsling. The 21 year old has been in the Blackhawks orginization since 2015, and has gotten extended looks on the roster the past two seasons. While at times he has shown flashes of success, inconsistencies and confidence have been an issue. He will finish out the season with the Rockford IceHogs as they fight for a playoff spot, but will no doubt be in the mix next season, with hopes of making the roster and sticking this time.
With all sixdefenseman currently in the NHL under contract, as well as all the previous mentioned names on their way, there just isn’t enough spots for everyone. While a trade could be in place for the offseason, it’s likley many of these players will end up in Rockford next season.
But the Blackhawks are embracing the youth movement. There will be growing pains, as there is with any young player. But the kids are coming. The Blackhawks have not had a drafted defenseman play 100+ games for the franchise since Hjalmarsson, who was picked nearly 12 years ago in the 2005 draft. With the play of Keith, Searbook, and Hjalmarsson, as well as pieces aquired like Nick Leddy and Johnny Oduya, it hasn’t been necessary.
But it is now.
The time has come for the Blackhawks to rebuild their defensive core. Bowman has spent multiple draft picks over the past 2–3 drafts to bring in these young pieces, and they are finally knocking on the door.
Which Blackhawks prospect are you most excited about? Who do you want to see on the roster next season? Let us know in the comments!
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