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Blackhawks back in the rink on June 8th

June 5, 2020, 7:26 AM ET [139 Comments]
Tyler Cameron
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


My thought process in posting my last blog was clearly not a sound one for this environment.

I wanted to offer my thoughts on the topic of equality, just like so many others have been doing thought the hockey community, the business world, and social media has done over the past week. As well as share a couple statements from Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and the Blackhawks organization.

Clearly, the appetite for this is not wanted here and I will listen to my readers and stick to hockey.

I will choose to speak up in other places where but keep it off of this site. I don’t want to incite any anger or ill will with my writing – in fact – that was the opposite of what I was trying to do.

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So, let’s switch gears; as of June 8th, Phase 2 will kick in and the Blackhawks – along with the rest of the NHL - will be allowed back into their training facilities to work out and skate together in small groups of 6.

The thought of seeing highlights or updates of Blackhawks skating is a welcomed one.

I’ve mentioned before, but it looks like there is a good chance that the Hawks will be getting back a valuable asset to the backend in Calvin de Haan.

De Haan was playing like a top pairing dman before he went down. He was exactly the kind of defender the Hawks have needed the last couple of years.

The 29-year old has 2 more years after this one remaining on his deal. My heart says that’s amazing and the Hawks will hugely benefit to having de Haan around for a couple more years, but my brain says that that shoulder is not going to stay in place and he’ll spend more time on the shelf than actually playing.

I hope my heart wins with that one.

Drake Caggiula and Adam Boqvist should return as well from concussions faced right before the season concluded due to COVID-19.

Zack Smith “might” be available, but we’ll have to see on that one. To be honest, I’d rather give a guy like Highmore and/or Hagel an opportunity over Smith at this point.

Smith has experience and plays a playoff style, but there’s a good chance he’s bought out this summer and I’d love to get one of those youngers players some time on the ice over him.

Seabrook (definitely) and Shaw (probably) will not be available.

In net, Crawford will work to get up to speed. As for his backup, I believe Colliton would go with Delia over Subban at this point as he appeared to have very little faith in the latter since Subban was acquired from the Golden Knights.

I will have more of a breakdown of the Oilers vs. Hawks, lineup possibilities, etc. now that this return to play seems more like a reality.

That’s all for now.

Stay safe and healthy out there.

TC
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