Prospects Update

[JBM73]

2015-16 Chicago Blackhawks Top 10 Prospects | My NHL Trade Rumors.com

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

2015-16 Chicago Blackhawks Top 10 Prospects | My NHL Trade Rumors.com

I can't believe my Pens got Adam Clendenning!

 

[JBM73]

Blackhawks agree to terms with Nolan Valleau - Chicago Blackhawks - News

 

[JBM73]

Artemi Panarin tops Blackhawks prospect rankings

Chicago's system remains solid despite an underwhelming 2015 draft class and the graduation of Teuvo Teravainen. They have a deep pipeline with many quality prospects, including an elite one in Artemi Panarin, who was signed as a free agent.

Ryan Hartman, RW (61)
3 Ville Pokka, D (64)
4 Gustav Forsling, D (HM)
5 Nick Schmaltz, C
6 Phillip Danault, C
7 Trevor Van Riemsdyk, D
8 Mark McNeill, C
9 Tyler Motte, LW
10 Robin Press, D

Gustav Forsling had a good 18-year-old season, playing top-four minutes for Linkoping in the Swedish Hockey League. His eight-point performance at the IIHF World Junior Championships is tied for 25th all-time by a defenseman, and is top 5 for an underage defenseman. It'll surprise nobody then that he's a great puck-mover with quality mobility, puck skills and a big shot. His defense isn't horrible, but there is definitely a lot of room for improvement there, as Forsling would often find himself caught out of position. He's average sized, but I think he's actually adequate when it comes to physical play.

Nick Schmaltz is a frustrating player, because he is wildly inconsistent yet also wildly talented. He's a highly skilled playmaker who can make unique offensive plays, whether it's with his hands, vision or skating. However, his all-around play -- particularly his physical play -- is a major work in progress. On his best shift, Schmaltz can make plays few others can, and shows a very high level of offensive hockey sense due to his creativity and patience.

Phillip Danault is a good skater with a great burst in his first step. He's an excellent penalty killer who works hard, and has above-average hockey sense. His pure skill level is the big question mark though, and he's likely not going to be on an NHL power play unless it's in a spot duty. He can set up a few plays with his vision, but doesn't have the puck skills to be real threatening. Due to a recent hip injury, he's going to be out of action for about three months. Trevor Van Riemsdyk got some NHL playing time this past season after signing out of college. He's an above-average puck mover with good hockey IQ. His skating has improved to about average, although his defensive play remains questionable.

Mark McNeill produced well this past season, but when talking to hockey people, the issue around him is discussing what his role will be in the NHL. Is he dynamic enough to be on an NHL power play? Is he good enough defensively to penalty kill at the top level? He's got size and some skill, with a big shot, and has shown versatility in the AHL, but as an NHL prospect, he's a bit of a tweener.

Tyler Motte is a versatile forward who does everything well. He brings good speed to the table, along with above-average puck skills and a fantastic two-way work ethic. Norell isn't a scoring type of defenseman, but he skates well and has excelled defensively at different levels during the past few years. His hockey sense is quite impressive.

Vince Hinostroza (11th) is a fun player to watch. He has a dynamic flash to his style of play, as his vision and creativity are high-end, but his physical game is lackluster.

Noteworthy prospect
Garret Ross (12th) got people's attention after putting up 43 points in 69 AHL games this past season. He has pretty good hockey sense, works hard and makes plays at both ends, but his skating is mediocre.

2015-16 impact
Van Riemsdyk and Ville Pokka should both push each other for NHL time on the Chicago right side. Panarin will slot into an everyday shift right out of camp. Ryan Hartman and McNeill could also be in position to contribute as injury call-ups while Kyle Baun showed last season he could potentially fill a bottom-of-the-lineup role right away, although he doesn't have a ton of upside. Danault was on the radar prior to his injury.

 

[anotheridiot]

I always thought McNeil was though of as a point on the power play, with both our point guys leaving with sharp and Richards I thought he had a shot.

 

[JBM73]

2015 Prospect Tournaments: Blackhawks' Hinostroza turning heads for hometown team - Hockey's Future

 

[JBM73]

Organizational depth on display in Chicago Blackhawks Top 20 prospects - Hockey's Future

 

[anotheridiot]

looking forward to watching some of these guys tonight on WGN. we usually dont get the early preseason games televised here.

 

[JBM73]

Brush with Stanley Cup run leaves IceHogs' Hartman wanting more - Hockey's Future

 

[JBM73]

"Blackhawks prospect making strong case for Hobey Baker

University of North Dakota sophomore Nick Schmaltz (CHI) has continued to build on his stellar freshman campaign and is making a strong case for this season’s Hobey Baker Award. The Verona, WI native is coming off a terrific November where he posted an impressive 15 points (two goals, 13 assists) in North Dakota’s eight games during the month en route to being named the NCHC Player of the Month. Only Boston College freshman Colin White (see above) posted more points among NHL prospects in November. Overall, Schmaltz is tied for the team lead with 21 points (two goals, 19 assists) in 16 games to date. His 19 assists and +23 both currently lead the nation.

Schmaltz centers North Dakota’s dynamic top scoring line that also features freshman phenom Brock Boeser (VAN) and senior Drake Caggiula. The trio have accounted for a whopping 40 percent of North Dakota’s scoring to date."

 

[anotheridiot]

I saw Morin got suspended for a game last week, I guess they did resign him to the Rockford deal.

 

[JBM73]

Blackhawks Magazine: Little things bringing big results for Tyler Motte

 

[JBM73]

3 Stars of the Week: Schmaltz's beauty, Leighton breaks AHL record - Chicago Blackhawks - The official Blackhawks Blog

 

[anotheridiot]

I think thats like breaking the minor league baseball record like Crash did for home runs.

 

[JBM73]

Chicago Blackhawks find quantity, quality in NCAA and European prospects - Hockey's Future

 

[JBM73]

Schmaltz, Pokka highlight Chicago Blackhawks 2016 Prospect Awards - Hockey's Future

 

[anotheridiot]

this should allow Bowmans to stay away from those veteran free agents this summer. Got enough cap trouble as it is. Spreading out the playing time for the prospects might also allow him to keep one of the higher prospects for the upcoming expansion draft.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Okay, I was wrong about Adam Clendenning. He could still be decent but not a star.

 

[JBM73]

Okay, I was wrong about Adam Clendenning. He could still be decent but not a star.

Hey Doob, how are you doing? Congrats on the Cup!! Hey, as long as your GM knows what he's doing...that's all that matters!!

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Hey Doob, how are you doing? Congrats on the Cup!! Hey, as long as your GM knows what he's doing...that's all that matters!!

Thanks JBM, nice seeing you again,

I wanted Rutherford fired at the beginning of the season also