Chicago Blackhawks Draft Review

[Femur]

Blackhawks Add To The Front Lines on Draft Days
“Da Hawks Beat”, by Buster Hyman

The one word that best summarizes the Blackhawks' future has been “questions”; the 2010 Draft (month) came and went, and few seemed to be answered. How will the Hawks deal with with their rising salary structure in in environment of a lower cap? Who will fill the skates of those who have recently left due to cap concerns? What exactly is in the talent pipeline for da Hawks? And finally, who is gonna stop the puck?

Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman, “Our goal for this off season was simply to get better. And I think we did just that. There might not be any home runs hit, but we advanced the ball.” said Bowman in one of his worst mixed metaphors (and that is saying a lot). With 10 draft picks, including seven in the top 114, one would hope they could advance the ball. Head coach Joel Quenneville appeared agitated...well, more agitated than his natural state of agitation which is substantial. “I would think we would be looking to keep the puck OUT of the net, considering our numbers in that area, but they send me only two defensemen and no goalies? (something inaudible)” “Well, that's why we all love Joel in Chicago” Bowman quickly responded with tongue-firmly-in-cheek, “but I am sure he is happy on the inside with Holl, Hrabarenka (a giant Belarusian taken 190th overall), and Laakso.”

By Holl he is referring to 3rd round choice Justin Holl, a 6'2” defenseman who is known for his slapshot and who is expected to play at the University of Minnesota next season. No doubt Quenneville is pleased with that selection; what is in dispute is da coach's happiness with Teemu Laakso. AHLer Laakso was acquired from Nashville in a draft day deal that saw the departure of Quenneville favorite, John Madden. “We didn't want to part ways with Madden, but the draft afforded us the opportunity to shore up the Centerman position”, said Bowman. Well, that is one way to put it; another way would be that it was a salary dump, and then the team had to scramble plug the hole. You can decide: the Hawks selected no less than 4 Centers, including first round choice Sebastien Ottosson from Sweden.

Ottosson was one of the biggest sliders in the draft; once considered a top 10 prospect, the Hawks grabbed him at number 24 overall. “We were thrilled to have Ottosson still available, said scout (having been busted down from GM for not knowing the value of money) Dale Tallon, “most teams passed on him because of his height (listed at 5'10”), but he is build solid and can play the game.” In case he can't play the game, the Hawks also selected massive Swede Jonathan Johansson (at number 54 overall), Brian Ward (number 114), and Ben Duffy for good measure to also play Center.

Draft day also saw the departure of popular winger Kris Versteeg for a forth round pick this year (used to select another winger, Petr Straka [91st overall]) and a second round pick next year. If da Hawks did do anything the fans approved of in the draft, it was certainly on the wing to replace Versteeg. With the 39th pick in the draft, the Blackhawks took the nephew of the Primeau brothers (and son of former NHL player Derrick Smith) Dalton Smith who will almost certainly become a fan favorite. Known for devistating checks and throwing his body around like he has another one in the closet, Smith will add some power to the Hawks attack in a few years. Da Hawks also added another Swede on the wing in Jacob Berglund (at #106) and finished a busy draft month with the addition of LW Mark Stone (at #204). Unsure of what we might see from Mr. Stone, Tallon provided this video: http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/94388 which explained exactly what Chicago was looking for with the pick, and it ain't finesse.

Still, the Hawks go into free agency with only goalie “Baby” Huet a sure thing with Niemi being a restricted free agent. The only real prospect they have in the system is Corey Crawford, who most experts believe is only a back-up at best, but that didn't prompt Chicago to take a goalie in the draft. “We only liked a couple of goalies, and they were gone pretty early” dismissed Tallon. Well, as always, we'll see.

BH

NOTE: ceiling boosts go to Petr Straka and Justin Holl, both in shooting

[Virtual Jarmo]

Holl is not eligible for the ceiling upgrade because he is a potential POT boost player. You will have to select another player.

[GoJetsGo]

Did Fakhir Sweetley contribute to this story?

[Virtual Jarmo]

Did Fakhir Sweetley contribute to this story?

He was lead editor at the paper. You know, he always has to have someone under him.