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Chicago Blackhawks
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US players in blue
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YOUNG AMERICANS
Who broke out in 2010-2011
8-D-Nick Leddy, 3/20/1991, 5-11, 179, Eden Prairie, MN
2010-11 stats: 46 GP, 4-3-7, -3
Not many 19 year-olds make the NHL as defenseman, but Leddy joined Cam
Fowler as exceptions to the rule. Leddy has tremendous wheels, vision and
passing skills. He needs to add strength, but already shows willingness to
initiate contact. As he matures, he will develop into a 3rd or 4th defenseman
with powerplay time.
Who is ready to break out in 2011-12
C/RW-57-Ben Smith, 7/11/1988, 5-11, 205, Winston-Salem, NC
Impressed for the Blackhawks in their first-round loss to Vancouver, scoring
3 goals in 7 games. His strength and skill set will probably make him an
energy line player who can swing up to the wing in the top 6 when the need
arises, similar to Max Talbot. Hawks have an opening on their 4th line, and
Smith has a good shot at grabbing it in camp.
27-RW-Jeremy Morin, 4/16/1981, 6-1, 190, Auburn, NY
Morin was the key player obtained in the Dustin Byfuglien trade with Atlanta.
Morin's impresive offensive skills are thought by many to be NHL-ready now.
The knock on his game is his play in his own zone. Morin will compete with
Brian Bickell and Stalberg for a spot on the 2nd line, where many thought
he'd play last year.
Who broke out in 2010-2011
8-D-Nick Leddy, 3/20/1991, 5-11, 179, Eden Prairie, MN
2010-11 stats: 46 GP, 4-3-7, -3
Not many 19 year-olds make the NHL as defenseman, but Leddy joined Cam
Fowler as exceptions to the rule. Leddy has tremendous wheels, vision and
passing skills. He needs to add strength, but already shows willingness to
initiate contact. As he matures, he will develop into a 3rd or 4th defenseman
with powerplay time.
Who is ready to break out in 2011-12
C/RW-57-Ben Smith, 7/11/1988, 5-11, 205, Winston-Salem, NC
Impressed for the Blackhawks in their first-round loss to Vancouver, scoring
3 goals in 7 games. His strength and skill set will probably make him an
energy line player who can swing up to the wing in the top 6 when the need
arises, similar to Max Talbot. Hawks have an opening on their 4th line, and
Smith has a good shot at grabbing it in camp.
27-RW-Jeremy Morin, 4/16/1981, 6-1, 190, Auburn, NY
Morin was the key player obtained in the Dustin Byfuglien trade with Atlanta.
Morin's impresive offensive skills are thought by many to be NHL-ready now.
The knock on his game is his play in his own zone. Morin will compete with
Brian Bickell and Stalberg for a spot on the 2nd line, where many thought
he'd play last year.
The talented core is still together after 2 offseasons of reshaping the roster. Toews,
Kane, Sharp and Hossa gives the 'hawks as much game-changing firepower as any
team in the league. They are experimenting with moving Kane to center, as the
preferred position for Sharp is on the wing. Chicago felt they were pushed around too
much last season. That shouldn't be a problem with the additions of Carcillo and Myers.
Kane, Sharp and Hossa gives the 'hawks as much game-changing firepower as any
team in the league. They are experimenting with moving Kane to center, as the
preferred position for Sharp is on the wing. Chicago felt they were pushed around too
much last season. That shouldn't be a problem with the additions of Carcillo and Myers.
Again, they wanted to add toughness so cue the entry of
Sean O'Donnell and Steve Montador. Duncan Keith will
look to regain his Norris-trophy form. Seabrook is just an
all around stud defender. Hjalmarsson and Leddy are
both offensive defensemen who are young and will only
get better. This team has reloaded and has to be
considered a favorite in the west.
Sean O'Donnell and Steve Montador. Duncan Keith will
look to regain his Norris-trophy form. Seabrook is just an
all around stud defender. Hjalmarsson and Leddy are
both offensive defensemen who are young and will only
get better. This team has reloaded and has to be
considered a favorite in the west.
Crawford showed he could carry the load as a starter in
the NHL. Now, he has to prove he isn't a one-year
wonder. Salak is talented, but young and unproven.
There is no safety net if Crawford slides backward.
the NHL. Now, he has to prove he isn't a one-year
wonder. Salak is talented, but young and unproven.
There is no safety net if Crawford slides backward.