Blackhawks draft pick Samuel Savoie talks about the line between being confident as a young player and being cocky. pic.twitter.com/gUVasGMHiD
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) July 11, 2022
An astute observation that many analysts and reporters made with Chicago's 2022 draft class is that it's composed of several prospects who aren't short of confidence that's borderline cocky. The above tweet featuring 3rd rounder Samuel Savoie may end up being a mere footnote but it could also be pivotal.
A team that prioritizes hustle, compete level, and pushback is one that is easy to root for and one that can challenge for playoff berths. Caution is advised, though, as intelligence and skill -- including elite skill -- are still requisite to be Cup contenders. Working hard and agitating can only go so far.
It seems abundantly clear that the free agent signings as a whole aren't meant to enhance the team's chances of being better as far as winning more games than this past season. Rather, the focus is on playing a certain way to establish a new team identity predicated on the aforementioned characteristics.
All four of the free agents signed to one-way contracts whether for a season or two can be flipped at the 2023 trade deadline for draft picks and/or prospects. Of course, it behooves the Hawks to get the most out of them to drive up their value before transacting with contenders looking to add depth.
To my point: https://t.co/PVO1YwdZSL
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) July 12, 2022
Max Domi
A one-year deal at $3M for a versatile forward who can play in the top 6 but may struggle to put up stats worthy of a scoring line is acceptable for a rebuilding team. The thing with Max Domi is he can be a meathead and go off the rails at inopportune times. Otherwise, he can be effective and impactful.
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Andreas Athanasiou
On an identical deal, Andreas Athanasiou is similar to Domi in being able to play top 6 despite lacking offensive numbers to match. Although Athanasiou isn't a bonehead, he lacks hockey IQ to pair with his slick wheels. While Davidson desires speed, that trait is useless if it can't lead to productive results.
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Colin Blackwell
The 5'9" waterbug has mass and strength to complement his endless motor and fiery relentlessness. Best suited for the bottom 6, Colin Blackwell brings the energy to his shifts just like potential linemate Sam Lafferty does. Limited offensively, both are signed to two years at roughly the same salary.
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Alex Stalock
Unless the Hawks are planning to carry three goalies, Alex Stalock serving as the backup to Petr Mrazek spells the end of Kevin Lankinen's time in the Blackhawks organization. Lankinen remains unsigned. The Canucks signed Collin Delia. For a team destined for the cellar, Stalock as 2nd string is as good as anyone.
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Brett Seney & Luke Philp
Both forwards are on one-year, two-way contracts making them candidates to help provide some experience for the young IceHogs. Likely career minor leaguers, Brett Seney and Luke Philp are 26 which makes them the oldest on the farm club. The next oldest players are 23. A vast majority of the rest are 21 or younger.
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Former Blackhawks
Although they have been qualified, new contract terms have yet to be announced for Caleb Jones and Philipp Kurashev. Henrik Borgstrom and Brett Connolly both cleared waivers after being bought out on Monday. Connolly is waiting for a team to snag him while the Capitals picked up Borgstrom along with Erik Gustafsson.
The Canucks inked not just Delia but also Wyatt Kalynuk. Dominik Kubalik is headed to Detroit joining former Blackhawk and European import Pius Suter. Also, Andrei Altybarmakian is reportedly returning to his native Russia and signing with a KHL team. He previously played for St. Petersburg SKA and Sochi HC.
Several players remain unsigned, however:
* Calvin de Haan (UFA) * Kurtis Gabriel (UFA) * Kevin Lankinen (UFA) * Cale Morris (RFA) * Cam Morrison (RFA) * Dylan Strome (RFA)
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No Trades (Yet)
A number of teams have inquired about Patrick Kane in recent days, but they've been told a trade is unlikely at this time.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 13, 2022
Kane and #Blackhawks have been in continuous dialogue. He'd like to see how season goes, and it would be an in-season move - if at all.@DailyFaceoff
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Projected Lineup
Jonathan Toews is skating on the second rink at Fifth Third Arena this morning. Connor Murphy, Alec Regula and MacKenzie Entwistle are also here, plus a few non-Blackhawks players. pic.twitter.com/2qOvFHJ5RU
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) July 13, 2022
Domi - Toews - Kane Athanasiou - T Johnson - Raddysh Kurashev - Lafferty - Blackwell Katchouk - R Johnson - Entwistle
C Jones - S Jones McCabe - Murphy Stillman - Roos
Mrazek Stalock
IR = Khaira
Would it be best for Lukas Reichel to play top minutes in Rockford at least to start 2022-23? Or should he be in the NHL for good?
Also at forward, Josiah Slavin and Mike Hardman could state cases to crack the roster out of training camp or earn cups of coffee later.
Ian Mitchell, Jakub Galvas, Alec Regula, and Alex Vlasic should be in the mix to grab the spots on the blueline.
More transactions are for certain to happen so the above lineup could be moot as early as this evening.
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Prospect Development Camp
Alex Vlasic with the end-to-end rush pic.twitter.com/yohLXvHQIn
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) July 12, 2022
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See you on the boards!
Sources: Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, NBC Sports Chicago, The Athletic Chicago