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Random Blackhawks Spotlight: Cameron Barker

March 25, 2020, 11:32 AM ET [106 Comments]
Tyler Cameron
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


I always like to go against the grain and provide a slightly different perspective with my writing.

That's why in April of 2018, I published a guy's POV on getting married called "A Dude's Guide to Surviving His Wedding" (which is available on Amazon if you're stuck indoors and looking for something to read #shamelessplug).

When I was getting married, there was nothing out there for guys - it was all bride-focused. So I had a little fun with it and wrote the manual that includes tons of sports metaphors and ways to cut corners when planning out your big day.

Anyway, I'm taking that same approach now when I am looking at all of the hockey content still being pumped out during this pandemic. Good on all of those writers and creators as it hasn't been easy.

I wanted to provide something fun and entertaining for you all, so I am beginning a series that I'm calling "Random Blackhawks Spotlight" and it will be focused on the lesser-known Hawks that have passed through the organization like a fart in the night.

Some will be busts and others might be fan favourites who only had a short stint in Chicago.

Now, I will open the floor to you all on the message board if you want me to cover someone specific, however, I know you guys and girls will have great suggestions but know that I will only be able to get to 1 per week so I'll try my best to include.

For our first "Random Blackhawks Spotlight," I have selected Cam Barker.

Cam Barker in a Snapshot

Screen-Shot-2020-03-25-at-10-59-51-AM

Screen-Shot-2020-03-25-at-11-00-10-AM


How did the player join the Blackhawks organization?

Ugh, Barker was the 3rd overall selection in 2004. Yes, that was the Ovechkin and Malkin draft.

I will say though, while Barker didn't pan out, there were bigger busts than him.

Screen-Shot-2020-03-25-at-10-30-26-AM

The Hawks ended up with Andrew Ladd (twice) anyway and yes, they should have just drafted him, however, their need at this time was a defenceman.

The next D's taken were Smid (9th), Valabik (10th) and A.J. "don't ask me where I am now" Thelen (12th). Yikes.

The best Dman taken in the 1ast round that year was Mike Green with the 29th pick by the Washington Capitals.

However, hindsight is 20/20 but damn, would Blake Wheeler ever been a great pick. Then again, the Hawks still netted Dave Bolland and Bryan Bickell in the 2nd round, so that 2004 draft wasn't a total bust.


Where were the Blackhawks at this time?

Leading up to this draft, the Blackhawks were coming off a 2003-04 season with a pitiful 20-42-11-8 record.

I mentioned above that the Hawks were in search of a defenceman heading into that draft; that is because their top defenders at the time were:

Bryan Berard
Nathan Dempsey
Stephane Robidas
Jim Vandermeer
Deron Quint
Steve Poapst
Alexander Karpovtsev
Jason Strudwick

… woof.

See why they needed a stud defenceman?

Unfortunately, that stud wasn't Cam Barker but there was a need there.

Keep in mind that there were no NHL games right after this draft with the 2004-05 season due to the lockout.

Cam Barker headed back to Medicine Hat in the WHL and ended up with a respectable 48 points in 52 games.

Barker, however, struggled to make the Blackhawks the next few years and finally played 68 games in 2008-09 – the first season where it felt like he actually "made it".

After 51 games though in 2009-10, Barker was traded for veteran Kim Johnsson and some kid named Nick Leddy (way to go, Stan!).


Why this player stood out for me?

The first thing I think of (other than him being a bust) was him getting mononucleosis after 3 games in the WJHC and being unable to finish out the tournament on that amazing 2005 Gold Medal Canadian Team.

I'm not sure why that stands out but I remember being so excited to watch this high Blackhawks draft pick take the ice for Canada. Other CHI players to suit up for this team were Brent Seabrook, Andrew Ladd, Colin Fraser, Jeff Glass and yes, Jeremy Colliton.

Barker was able to return in 2006 to win another Gold Medal for Canada though, so he was able to play out the tournament the way he intended to in 2005.


Where is the player now?

Oh man, where isn't he?

After 310 NHL games, Barker has been touring Europe since 2013 playing the KHL, NLA (Swiss), Liiga (Finland) and now, the France league for Rouen.

He's 33-years old now and will play out his remaining years oversees.

Blackhawks fans had every right to expect a guy like Barker to come in and eventually make an impact after seeing former 3rd overall picks working their way to the NHL - Nathan Horton (2003) and Jay Bouwmeester (2002).

Then as Barker toiled in the minors trying to make it as a pro, Hawks fans watched Jack Johnson go 3rd in 2005 and, after years of sucking, of course, CHI hit the jackpot with Jonathan Toews in 2006 in that 3rd overall spot.


What are your memories (if any) of Cam Barker?


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Lastly, I will let you have your say; who do you want me to highlight next week?

Let me know on the message board.

Stay safe and see ya out there!

TC
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