We have a lot to unpack here last since the Hawks 2-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues.
Let's jump into it.
Adam Boqvist is currently in concussion protocol. Oscar Sundqvist was the felon in this story as he launched himself wildly into Boqvist's entire person, causing this injury.
The major penalty was reversed after review during the game, however, Sundqvist was subsequently fined the max $5,000 amount.
So, that's not good.
Boqvist has suffered multiple concussions in his early career and I've been vocal about how the Hawks really need to be careful with this guy. As a former high draft pick, the Hawks need this guy to be a hit if they are going to turn this ship around. Drake Caggiula stuck up for Boqvist at this time and while it was necessary to have that pushback from the Blackhawks, this was also costly.
Caggiula is out with a hand injury. The severity is unknown at this time. It wouldn't be a shock to see him shut down for the season as there are only a dozen games left.
I'll have more on this in the "what to do in the offseason" blogs I will put out but quickly on Caggiula.
I love "The Drake" and the way he plays but for me to resign him, it would have to be for the right price.
I fear bringing him and his injury history back into the fold for 2020-21 might be playing with fire with Shaw, Seabrook, and de Haan all under contract – all who have major injury issues themselves.
With Caggiula out of action, it looks like Brandon Hagel will finally get his shot.
Similar to #91, Hagel plays a bullish, hard-nosed style coupled with some nice skill.
I am excited to see how he looks at the NHL level. If he can adjust and show he's got the capability of potentially being a player for Chicago that A) gives Stan Bowman another option as a regular for 2020-21 at a cheap price ($880,833) and B) is a heck of a find for CHI as a signing out of the WHL.
Next up, the latest call-up, Nicolas Beaudin - the forgotten former first-rounder - appears like he will be making his NHL debut as well.
It was tough for Beaudin to adjust from junior off the start. His gap control wasn't very strong and he was struggling with the speed and size of the players in the AHL vs. the QMJHL.
Derek King and the staff have really worked with him throughout the year. King has mentioned he's been very hard on the 20-year old Canadian defender in hopes to help his developmental curve.
Well, it worked.
He's been much improved over the last 20-30 games and is using this hockey IQ and quickness to defend.
He's only picked up 15 points this year - and I'm not sure if he's going to be a big point-getter as a pro, but there's definitely more room to grow in that area.
At 5'11 / 174 lbs, Beaudin isn't the biggest guy but once a little more muscle is added he could prove to be a solid two-way defender with the proper developmental plan.
Lastly, Ivan Nalimov is in Rockford working with Peter Aubry and the team. Will he see time? Who knows. Tomkins got the last start and I suspect Delia goes in their next game this Saturday, and possibly again on Wednesday, March 14th.
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The Hawks are out and the prospects are coming. This is the way it should be as it's evaluation season for the Hawks execs and coaching staff.
See ya out there!
TC