With the Blackhawks playoff chances hanging in the balance, it seems prospects may be safe this trade deadline
For the last decade or so, the Chicago Blackhawks have been cup chasing. The Stanley Cup “window” has been wide open for the star-studded Hawks, but this season depth and age has finally caught with them.
Sitting in last place in the Central Division and with Corey Crawford’s health a major concern, there is a serious possibility that Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman cuts his losses and sells some expiring contracts at the trade deadline. This is following last season where the ‘Hawks were bounced from the playoffs in the first round for the second consecutive season and deemed “unacceptable” by Bowman.
So how does this affect the Blackhawks farm system? Hopefully it continues to grow because the cupboard has been bare the last few season. With Alex DeBrincat making the Blackhawks out of camp and the possibility of Dylan Sikura joining the team later this season, the ‘Hawks still need more top end talent to fill out their prospect pool.
The Blackhawks currently don’t have their 2nd and 4th round picks in this years draft because of previous trades so Bowman may want to get back into those rounds with deadline trades. And if the Blackhawks put Corey Crawford on LTIR, they will have significant cap space to help a team out by taking on a bad contract for the rest of the year. It’s a scary thought to think the Blackhawks are using a method that bottom-feeders like the Coyotes or Hurricanes have used in the past, but if it means moving up in the draft then so be it.
With hard decisions to make this next month, Blackhawks fans will soon know their fate and it’s leaning towards the harsh reality of having better luck next year. I think Chicago fans know by now to “trust the process.”
Updates on Blackhawks NCAA Prospects
Evan Barratt — who was in the penalty box on the OSU PPG — responds on the PP just minutes later, making it 3-1 Penn State. pic.twitter.com/AmtDt8HZ97
— Patrick Burns (@PatrickBurns_) January 13, 2018
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Evan Barratt – C – Freshman at Penn State University – ‘17 3rd Rd Pick
Bristol, PA – 6’0″ – 187lbs – Shoots Left – U.S. National Development Team (USHL)
Current Stats: 18GP, 7G, 5A
Next Opponent: @ Michigan
Barratt is coming off a three-point game against Ohio State last Saturday and is finding his stride after a slow start to the season. Penn State plays a tough opponent when they travel to Michigan this weekend which should make for an exciting series.
WATCH: Christian Evers wires a wrist shot past Ryan Wischow to bring the #VCats within a goal! Assists from Liam Coughlin and Jarrid Privitera pic.twitter.com/WIkhq2oQP6
— UVM Men’s Hockey (@UVMmhockey) January 14, 2018
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Liam Coughlin – C – Junior at University of Vermont – ’14 5th Rd Pick (EDM)
South Boston, MA – 6’2″ – 201lbs – Shoots Left – Vernon Vipers (USHL)
Current Stats: 19GP, 1G, 3A
Next Opponent: UMass-Lowell
Josh Ess – RD – Freshman at the University of Wisconsin – ’17 7th Rd Pick
Lakeville, MN – 5’11” – 188lbs – Shoots Left – Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL)
Current Stats: 21GP, 1G,2A
Next Opponent: @ Notre Dame
Parker Foo – LW – Freshman at Union College – ’17 5th Rd Pick
Edmonton, Alberta – 6’1″ – 190lbs – Shoots Left – Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
Current Stats: 24GP, 1G, 3A
Next Opponent: @ Yale / Brown
Dennis Gilbert – LD – Junior at the University of Notre Dame – ’15 3rd Rd Pick
Williamsville, NY – 6’2″ – 200lbs – Shoots Left – Chicago Steel (USHL)
Current Stats: 21GP, 3G, 4A
Next Opponent: @ Wisconsin
The Bauer #NCHCHockey Defenseman of the Week for week 12:@DU_Hockey Jr. Blake Hillman #DU1NATION??
Career-high-tying 3? in 4-3 loss Fri. | Also career-high 7 SOG and +3 Fri. | 5 SOG, 2 blocks & helped PK go 3-3 in win Sat.
?: https://t.co/QdKub9dx5G pic.twitter.com/o8pFsLYkjI
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) January 9, 2018
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Blake Hillman – LD – Junior at the University of Denver – ’16 6th Rd Pick
Elk River, MN – 6’1″ – 182lbs – Shoots Left – Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
Current Stats: 22GP, 2G, 6A
Next Opponent: Nebraska-Omaha
In their last series against Miami University, Hillman tallied three assists in one game and was a plus four. Hillman said he wanted to be more offensively productive this season, but wanted to focus on defense to help him generate those chances. With just eight points in 22 games, Hillman and the Pioneers will start to become more aggressive in the second half.
Chad Krys – LD – Sophomore at Boston University – ’16 2nd Rd Pick
Ridgefield, CT – 6’0″ – 185lbs – Shoots Left – US National Development Team (USHL)
Current Stats: 22GP, 5G, 14A
Next Opponent: @ Merrimack, Merrimack
Krys is having an outstanding season with 19 points in 22 games. This weekend Boston University takes on Merrimack in a home-and-home so look for Krys to continue producing. It should be interesting to see if he’s physically ready to go pro at the end of his sophomore season but it could be a possibility.
One change in UVM lineup, D Jake Massey (day-to-day) injured; Fr D Brian Kelly inn; otherwise same as in Friday’s 2-2 tie@UVMmhockey @UMassHockey@bfp_news #HEA
— Ted Ryan (@TedRyanVT) January 13, 2018
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Jake Massie – LD – Freshman at the University of Vermont – ’15 6th Rd Pick (CAR)
Saint-Lazare, Quebec – 6’2″ – 177lbs – Shoots Left – Omaha Lancers
Current Stats: 21GP, 3A
Next Opponent: UMass-Lowell
? Happy Birthday, @IanMitch15 ? pic.twitter.com/wet6eii9NH
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) January 18, 2018
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Ian Mitchell – RD – Freshman at the University of Denver – ’17 2nd Rd Pick
Calahoo, Alberta – 5’11” – 173lbs – Shoots Right – Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
Current Stats: 22GP, 1G, 14A
Next Opponent: Nebraska-Omaha
Fredrik Olofsson – C – Junior at University of Nebraska-Omaha – ’14 4th Rd Pick
Broomfield, Colorado – 6’2″ – 204lbs – Shoots Right – Chicago Steel (USHL)
Current Stats: 22GP, 5G, 12A
Next Opponent: Denver
Olofsson and the Omaha Mavericks travel to Denver to take on the No. 5 Pioneers this weekend. Here is a review of the series, and also a great story of Olofsson by Pucks and Recreation.
Pretty sure Ramsey copied this from Cowboy Dwayne from D2: The Mighty Ducks.
Either way it counts! #Gophers pic.twitter.com/9rAIj0mhZt
— Minnesota M Hockey (@GopherHockey) January 18, 2018
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Jack Ramsey – RW – Junior at the University of Minnesota – ’11 7th Rd Pick
Chanhassen, MN – 6’3″ – 201lbs – Shoots Right – Penticton Vees (BCHL)
Current Stats: 26GP, 1G, 5A
Next Opponent: @ Michigan State
Ryan Shea – LD – Sophomore at Northeastern University – ’15 4th Rd Pick
Milton, Ma – 6’1″ – 180lbs – Shoots Left – Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
Current Stats: 22GP, 1G, 10A
Next Opponent: @ UMass, UMass
.@GoNUmhockey forwards Adam Gaudette & Dylan Sikura nominated for prestigious @HobeyBakerAward. #GoNU https://t.co/12WDH7JPrj
— Northeastern U. (@Northeastern) January 17, 2018
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Dylan Sikura – LW – Senior at Northeastern University – ’14 6th Rd Pick
Aurora, Ontario – 6’0″ – 166lbs – Shoots Left – Aurora Tigers (OJHL)
Current Stats: 19GP, 12G, 18A
Next Opponent: @ UMass, UMass
Sikura continues his tear in NCAA hockey scoring 8 points in his last 4 games. Blackhawks shouldn’t assume he is going to come in and save the team, but there sure is a lot to be excited about.
Beau Starrett – C – Junior at Cornell University – 2014 3rd Rd Pick
Bellingham, MA – 6’5′ – 222lbs – Shoots Left – South Shore Kings (USPHL)
Current Stats: 16GP, 1G, 5A
Next Opponent: Colgate, @ Colgate