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Forward Progress

August 18, 2014, 1:21 PM ET [472 Comments]
John Jaeckel
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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In my last blog, I talked about some of the potential 6-7 defenseman candidates. Today, I'm going to look at the progress of some of the Hawks' top forward prospects at Rockford (AHL) here.

Let's pencil in Teuvo Teravainen as the top guy here. And he will likely at least begin the season in Rockford.

What he needs to work on: 3-zone play, physical strength
Estimated NHL arrival (full-time): Fall 2015
NHL comparables (high end): Alexei Zhamnov, Patrick Kane


Jeremy Morin could push for a job in Chicago this fall. Morin has looked good in brief Chicago auctions over the last couple of years, begging the question, what's the problem? Well, a lack of available ice time is one. The other is that typically, when Joel Quenneville has doubts about a forward, it is due to a lack of defensive responsibility or poor decision-making.

What he needs to work on: 3-zone play, skating
Estimated NHL arrival (full-time): 2014-15 season
NHL comparables: Kyle Wellwood, Michael Ryder, Troy Brouwer-Lite—similar type of game and skill set—not nearly the physical force Brouwer is, although he plays hard.


2011 first round pick (26th overall) C Philip Danault plays bigger than his size, works incredibly hard and had a solid season at Rockford last year. In addition to some solid offensive instincts, he can kill penalties and he is a pest to play against.

Danault put up big numbers in the typically high scoring QMJHL, but in his first pro season, played primarily the defensive center role he did on Canada’s 2013 World Junior team. In his second pro season, Danault could help his cause by gaining some offensive confidence, especially with regard to the set-up skills he showed in junior.

What he needs to work on: face-offs, offensive confidence
Estimated NHL arrival (full-time): 2015
NHL comparables (high end): Dave Bolland, Marcus Kruger, Manny Malhotra


Another 2011 first rounder (18th overall) is W/C Mark McNeill. Like Danault, McNeill was selected ahead of budding star Brandon Saad in 2011. Saad’s rapid development is more the story here, than any deficiencies in either of these players. McNeill will be a solid, versatile 3rd line power winger in the NHL, with the ability to take face-offs. He will take the body and drop the gloves. In fact, he’s the kind of “glue” player the Hawks could use in their forward corps today—he just needs a bit more development and a spot to take on the parent club roster.

If the Hawks were to move a Bryan Bickell, then a spot could open for McNeill sooner rather than later.

What he needs to work on: consistency, especially playing physically
Estimated NHL arrival (full-time): 2015
NHL comparables: Daniel Winnik, Zach Smith, Jay McClement


W/C Garret Ross could push for a job with the Hawks at some point. He's small but uber-feisty and tough to play against.

What he needs to work on: emotional control, physical strength
Estimated NHL arrival (full-time): 2016
NHL comparables: Andrew Shaw (with less offense)


A couple of other players to watch, especially because they fit specialized roles are hulking Brandon Mashinter—an enforcer type with some NHL experience, and human wrecking ball and former Mississauga Ice Dog, Cody Bass.

Chicago native Alex Broadhurst has potential NHL skill, but his lack of size could limit him to the AHL.


All for now,


JJ

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