Again, now that TDL and offseason moves have happened plus the 2021 draft being in the rearview mirror, we continue this week with a look at the top defensemen prospects for the Blackhawks. Not much change with who is on the list but more so a reshuffling of the order.
1. Ian Mitchell
2. Nicolas Beaudin
3. Lucas Carlsson
4. Chad Krys
5. Wyatt Kalynuk
6. Alec Regula
7. Alex Vlasic
8. Jakub Galvas
9. Stanislav Demin
10. Wyatt Kaiser
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This Spring
Top 10 defensemen (April 2021):
1. Wyatt Kalynuk
2. Ian Mitchell
3. Nicolas Beaudin
4. Chad Krys
5. Alex Vlasic
6. Wyatt Kaiser
7. Isaak Phillips
8. Alec Regula
9. Jakub Galvas
10. Cole Moberg
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Still Eligible
Even though Wyatt Kalynuk, Ian Mitchell, and Nicolas Beaudin played for the Blackhawks this past season, none can be considered regulars yet given their split time between the starting lineup, taxi squad, and AHL. Thus, all three of them can still be deemed as prospects.
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Honorable Mentions
Louis Crevier
Crevier has intriguing size at 6’8” 216 lbs. plus increasing mass on his huge frame. The second coming of Zdeno Chara he is not but Crevier could still carve a niche for himself as a 3rd pair tower of power who skates fairly well, is decent at joining rushes, and has a booming shot.
Competitive in his own end, Crevier focuses first on locking it down defensively by using his large body and long reach to his advantage. He can separate players from pucks, disrupt plays, and cut off passing lanes. Couple that with his skating ability and he can help gobble up ice time.
Ethan Del Mastro
Del Mastro logs big minutes as he gets tabbed with neutralizing the other teams' top lines. His powerful stride and slick edges aid his escapability with the puck. He disrupts plays with an active stick, rubs players out along the boards, blocks shots, and keeps plays to the outside.
Even though his offense is sparse beyond unloading low shots for tips and redirects, Del Mastro has ample skill to be part of a mobile D corps yet he does need to work on not chasing the puck carrier too much. He will be much more productive if he keeps things simple and stays at home.
Stanislav Demin
Demin decided to find a better opportunity for his development by transferring from the University of Denver to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for his senior year. He ended his junior campaign on a high note but had his struggles that led to many healthy scratches.
One of the top skaters in the system, Demin is defensively wired while having requisite skills to transition the puck. However, his size, strength, and willingness to engage the opponent physically are assets he needs to leverage more in order to make a greater impact without the puck.
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10. Nolan Allan
2020-21 Team: Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) 2021-22 Team: Same Slot Potential: Top 4 shutdown defensive defenseman. Trajectory: At least one more season in the WHL then at least 2 seasons in the AHL before being in the mix for an NHL role by 2024-25 at the earliest.
Allan is purely a defensive defenseman who thrives at gap management, shot blocking, net protection, physical play, and hard hitting. Though his offense is pretty non-existent, he has above average skating to help kill rushes, flip the ice, and transition pucks with outlet passing or skating.
Like Crevier and Del Mastro, Allan can also munch minutes without being a liability. Allan has proven he can be the safety valve for an offensively dynamic partner who has the green light to confidently run and gun. Also, Allan has the makings of an ideal penalty killer with his suffocating style.
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9. Alec Regula
2020-21 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL) 2021-22 Team: Same Slot Potential: 3rd pair defender who is dependable at both ends but doesn't excel in either. Trajectory: At least one more season in the AHL then be in the mix for an NHL role by 2022-23 but there likely won't be room until 2023-24.
Regula is still the only RHD prospect -- yet can play both sides -- signed to an ELC besides Mitchell. He also skates reasonably well and has deceptive speed given his lankiness. While he could stand to be more physical, Regula does have the defensive tools to be dependable in his end.
The acute hockey sense that Regula possesses has him poised to make smart plays and dish out crisp passes. However, this is where he fell short in his first AHL season as the pro speed and rigor impeded his IQ to execute regularly. With improvement, though, he has the makings of a balanced defender.
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8. Isaak Phillips
2020-21 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL) 2021-22 Team: Same Slot Potential: 3rd pair defender who is a dynamic impact player at both ends. Trajectory: At least 2 more seasons in the AHL then be in the mix for an NHL role by 2023-24 at the earliest.
Phillips is competitive in all zones as he tries to make notable impacts on every play. Defensively, he uses a long wing span to clog passing lanes and disrupt the action. Despite his willingness to battle in the corners and slot, he has more to give if he flexes his muscles a little more.
Offensively, Phillips likes to join the rush with his speed and agility but needs to learn how to pick his spots better so he doesn't get caught pinching too deep. Regardless, once he breaches the zone, he has a wicked shot that he unleashes in a hurry and keeps low for his teammates.
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7. Alex Vlasic
2020-21 Team: Boston University (NCAA) 2021-22 Team: Same Slot Potential: Top 4 shutdown defensive defenseman. Trajectory: At least one more season in the NCAA then at least 2 seasons in the AHL before being in the mix for an NHL role by 2024-25 at the earliest.
Vlasic has been leaned on at every level to be a defensive defenseman who sufficiently skates well and transitions the puck. Managing gaps and defending with an active stick coupled with his size and reach may prove to be a lethal combination as he continues to be groomed as a shutdown defender.
What Vlasic needs to amp up is holding his own against the toughest opponents and having snarl to fight fire with fire along the boards and in the crease. If he can push the pace at higher levels and get stronger, Vlasic can mature his ability to routinely overpower the opposition.
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6. Wyatt Kaiser
2020-21 Team: University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) 2021-22 Team: Same Slot Potential: 2nd pair all-around defender who can play in all situations. Trajectory: At least one more season in the NCAA then at least 2 seasons in the AHL before being in the mix for an NHL role by 2024-25 at the earliest.
Kaiser keeps impressing as a youngster who has been heaped with praise for having NHL skating ability which makes him adept at escaping the zone, rushing up ice, and getting back after turnovers. His east-west maneuverability permits him to close off time and space swiftly when in puck pursuit.
Although not the biggest player, Kaiser has a high compete level and capacity to play physical in order to win back pucks. On offense, he employs his skating prowess and intelligence to make solid outlet passes, pinch wisely, and walk the line smoothly like Duncan Keith in his prime.
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5. Chad Krys
2020-21 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL) 2021-22 Team: Same Slot Potential: 3rd pair all-around defender. Trajectory: At least one more season in the AHL then be in the mix for an NHL role by 2022-23 but there likely won't be room until 2023-24.
Krys improved considerably from start to finish in his first year at Rockford two seasons ago as a rookie pro learning how to protect the high danger areas, not stray out of position, battle for 50/50 pucks, play the body when necessary, seal off lanes, and angle players to cough up pucks.
Last season was a different story, though, as Krys got injured early and missed a majority of the schedule. Regardless, if he can gain more strength to outmuscle opponents and learn to simplify his playmaking, Krys can thrive as a balanced defender who is already a deft skater and crafty passer.
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4. Jakub Galvas
2020-21 Team: Mikkelin Jukurit (Finland) 2021-22 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Slot Potential: 3rd pair defensive defenseman. Trajectory: At least one season in the AHL before being in the mix for an NHL role by 2022-23 but could push for a spot earlier if there's room.
Galvas is undersized yet competes hard in his own end, skates well, and jumps into the play. He shows composure and executes fundamentals by staying between his man and the net, waving an active stick, jamming up passing lanes, and not over committing on defensive plays by being simple and smart.
Although he's new to North America this season, Galvas isn't new to the pro game as he's been playing against men ever since he was 17 years old the year before he was drafted in 2017. As such, he may actually have a leg up on other D prospects to possibly get a cup of coffee as early as 2022.
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3. Nicolas Beaudin
2020-21 Teams: Rockford IceHogs (AHL) & Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) 2021-22 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Slot Potential: 2nd pair puck mover and PP quarterback. Trajectory: At least starting with the IceHogs this season but could be back with the Blackhawks as one of the first recalls.
Beaudin is a plus skater with dynamic passing and keen hockey sense. While his defense needs refinement and compete level needs consistency, he’s cerebral and becoming increasingly reliable at both ends due to execution of sound fundamentals. The key is thinking defense first before activating.
Like Krys, Beaudin has been learning to defend in a multitude of ways including battling in the tough areas. Added strength can help Beaudin win more of those wars. Once he has the puck, he’s capable of rushing it with his fluid skating. Not fast but agile with good edges and heads-up playmaking.
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2. Ian Mitchell
2020-21 Teams: Rockford IceHogs (AHL) & Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) 2021-22 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Slot Potential: Top 3 all-around defender who can play in all situations. Trajectory: At least starting with the IceHogs this season but could be back with the Blackhawks as one of the first recalls.
Mitchell has composure and tenacity to go along with strong skating, passing ability, hockey IQ, and diverse defensive toolkit to become a force in all zones and all situations. Adding muscle and boosting his confidence to use his feet more to transition the puck will pay dividends for the future.
Supplemental time in the minors may be just what the doctor ordered to elevate Mitchell's game in the long run to become an effective two-way rearguard who nullifies plays defensively, flips the ice expeditiously, and generates offense with clever playmaking. He's also a natural and vocal leader on the ice.
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1. Wyatt Kalynuk
2020-21 Teams: Rockford IceHogs (AHL) & Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) 2021-22 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Slot Potential: Top 3 all-around defender who can play in all situations. Trajectory: Although starting with the IceHogs could be a possibility due to a numbers game, starting with the Blackhawks may be in the cards this season.
Kalynuk is the top dog in the system as he's arguably the best skating prospect in the system and the extra time spent in Rockford to start his rookie pro season may have been just enough to accelerate his development. His execution of fundamentals in all zones is textbook hockey.
While not speedy by any means, Kalynuk is nimble and technically sound. His carries are fun to watch as he cradles and protects the puck so cleanly. He makes optimal choices offensively whether to shoot, pass, pinch, or stay back. Once he adjusts to the rigors of the NHL, he could blast off.
The last player who needed to be decided upon is now confirmed as Alex Nylander remains in the fold for one more season at an affordable salary of a shade under $875,000. This is clearly a "show me" deal that's low risk and hopefully high reward for the Blackhawks.
On the one hand, if Nylander finally busts out and starts to reach his potential in a consistent and emphatic manner, then the Hawks have the choice to run with the hot hand and lock him up on a reasonable bridge deal or sell high by trading him for valuable assets.
But on the other hand, Nylander could continue where he left off with his forgettable play in the Edmonton bubble when Vegas eliminated Chicago in convincing fashion from the 2020 playoffs. If that happens, the Hawks are best off shipping him out for whatever they can get.
Another option is Nylander packing his bags within the next few weeks and join another team's training camp if general manager Stan Bowman decides to cut bait sooner than later. The return may not be favorable but a much coveted 3rd round pick may still be attainable.
Assuming Nylander is retained through at least the TDL, it seems safe to assume he will get every chance to crack the starting lineup in a top 9 role. He could find himself on a line with Jonathan Toews and Dominik Kubalik or perhaps with Tyler Johnson and Brandon Hagel.
Even if his trajectory leads to his even-strength ice time being sheltered, one way to showcase him to other teams in order to find suitors is to have him on the power play. Having linemates who can help mask his flaws and draw out his strengths would be a benefit, too.
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Sponsor Logos
AP source: NHL teams OK'd to add sponsor patches on jerseys.
It was inevitable that sponsor logos would make their way onto NHL jerseys. Also inevitable is the fiery debate on whether this is right or wrong. I for one don't mind it as long as the logos are tastefully sized and designed within the 3 x 3.5 inch real estate permitted.
What does tasteful mean? It depends on the sponsor and how their logo and colors blend in with the aesthetics of the team. With the sponsor logos on helmets added last season, some aren't that noticeable after a while and somewhat match the respective team's schema.
For example, with United Airlines as the Blackhawks sponsor, United is a simple wordmark in black or white and the term United can also double as a slogan. The same goes for the Capitals and their sponsor Capital One as the colors match and the name is a catchy phrase.
That doesn't work for all teams, though. Furthermore, just because United is the helmet sponsor doesn't mean United will be on the jerseys, too. Would the logo for AT&T, BMO, SRM, Chevrolet, or North Shore University Health System be more gaudy in comparison?
Another thing to consider is teams occasionally have additional patches on their jerseys whether to commemorate an anniversary season, memorialize a fallen alumnus, or pay homage to something noteworthy. These patches are temporary but some are stitched on for a whole season.
However, is this the tip of the iceberg where giving sponsors an inch today is going to lead to a mile tomorrow? One patch could lead to two then three then as many that a jersey can hold. The latter may be hyperbole but the argument is still valid about what the limit may be.
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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