Yesterday I highlighted the 3 defensemen prospects in Rockford and 3 defensemen prospects in the rest of the system who the Blackhawks should lay their chips on as building blocks for the future. Today I do the same exercise but now focus on the forwards. There's no surprise, of course, as to who the top forward prospect is.
Except for the #1 prospect, those who are in the top 3 lists aren't necessarily untouchables as far as trades. Instead, I view them as not only worth investing in as long as possible but also most likely to be impact players for the Hawks in years to come. There should be reluctance if other teams inquire about them.
This also isn't to say all other prospects who don't make the top 3 lists are duds. Some are still worth developing while others are leaving you disappointed. Regardless of which category they're in, those not in the top 3 lists may be more expendable as trade bait especially with the TDL coming up in two months.
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Forward Prospects
Top 3 in Rockford
1. Lukas Reichel
2. Evan Barratt
3. Andrei Altybarmakian
Lukas Reichel is without a doubt the top prospect in the organization regardless of position. Not only that, he has the highest ceiling as a potential 1st liner. He's elite or close to it in many areas including skating, hockey sense, compete level, 3-zone play, playmaking, and shooting. He's fearless, resilient, and dependable.
Evan Barratt is closer to being Andrew Shaw 2.0 despite recent comparisons tabbing Brandon Hagel as the Mutt's clone. While not the strongest skater, Barratt more than makes up for it with his competitive fire, uber abrasiveness, dedication in all zones, underrated passing ability, and capacity to excel on any line.
Andrei Altybarmakian is a less refined version of Hagel with less offensive finish but more fiesty grit. Not the biggest player but the Russian winger supports his teammates up and down the ice, creates space for them, and skates through brick walls to make plays. He also contributes secondary scoring and toughness.
Honorable Mention:
Josiah Slavin is a prospect who isn't going to dent the scoresheet a lot and may not make highlight reel plays but he's a coach's dream as he executes on all the little things that help teams win. He's industrious in the high traffic areas, adept along the boards, and a key cog on the penalty kill. Low ceiling, high impact.
Top 3 System-Wide
1. Colton Dach
2. Landon Slaggert
3. Jake Wise
Colton Dach (Kelowna Rockets, WHL) is what many wish older brother Kirby was: a goal scorer. Kirby may have what it takes to be more finesse and intelligent to dominate in all facets of the game while Colton may have what it takes to be a volume-shooting power forward who brings the braun and blue collar work ethic.
Landon Slaggert (University of Notre Dame, NCAA) isn't far behind Barratt as the Swiss army knife who could line up anywhere in the forward ranks and complement the skills players as much as the role players. A better skater than Barratt, Slaggert also agitates by getting under the opponent's skin and scoring backbreaking goals.
Jake Wise (Ohio State University, NCAA) may be a surprise on this list as his stock dropped every year ever since being drafted in 2018. However, his stock is on the rise again with an excellent senior year so far as he's finally staying healthy, putting up points, and centering a scoring line. He's a dark horse middle sixer.
Honorable Mention:
Ryder Rolston (University of Notre Dame, NCAA) was acquired from the Avalanche in the Carl Soderberg deal at the last TDL and could end up being a sneaky good pickup in the long run. After a ho-hum freshman year, Rolston has turned it up as a sophomore. He brings energy, hockey smarts, offensive flair, and compete level.
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Rescheduled Games
What was supposed to be a quiet month of February with only 3 games on the docket due to the Olympic break, the Blackhawks schedule next month got busy again with 6 games rescheduled after being previously COVID canceled.
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Stephen Johns
Shoutout to the great work, heart, and dedication that former Blackhawks draft pick and prospect Stephen Johns continues to do to raise awareness about mental health and raise funds for much needed research and initiatives.
#MentalMiles
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See you on the boards!
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