DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: jeff blashill

  • Bowen Byram needs to be better if the Blackhawks want to start winning

    Bowen Byram needs to be better if the Blackhawks want to start winning

    He’s only been the number one defenseman in Chicago for five games, but the doubts surrounding Bowen Byram’s ability are getting louder and louder.

    After a 5-2 beatdown from the Carolina Hurricanes, the Blackhawks have fallen to 1-5-0. This rocky start is particularly frustrating given that the players spent all summer talking about playoffs, and how this season needs to be different.

    It’s only been six games and things could change, but if the Hawks don’t turn this thing around real soon, they can kiss any playoffs hopes goodbye.

    Analyzing the Blackhawks without Connor Bedard is like evaluating the San Jose Sharks without Macklin Celebrini, but the Hawks’ inability to play without him is concerning.

    Still, the biggest storyline of the Blackhawks season so far has been the underwhelming play of Bowen Byram.

    The Blackhawks made a statement when they gave up the fourth overall pick, Louis Crevier, and a second round pick for Byram. Then they signed him to a six-year, $75 million deal.

    Those transactions told the hockey world two things. The Blackhawks are ready to compete, and Bowen Byram is a number one defenseman.

    six games into the season and neither look to be true.

    Byram has played five games this season, it would be six, but he missed his return to Buffalo because his wife was giving birth to twins.

    Through those five games, Byram has zero points and is a -8. Byram was initially deployed on his off side with Alex Vlasic. The idea was to play Byram with a shutdown defenseman who can successfully retrieve pucks and allow Byram to flourish offensively, even if it means playing his off side.

    Unfortunately, that duo wasn’t working out, so Jeff Blashill made a change after just two games. Since then, Byram has been playing on his natural left side with Artyom Levshunov.

    Byram has looked better since the change, but still isn’t playing anywhere near the level he is supposed to be.

    At 5-on-5, Byram has been on the ice for seven goals against, two goals for, and has a 47.06% corsi (via NaturalStatTrick).

    Beyond just the numbers, Byram has looked slow, at times not engaged, and is struggling to connect on passes. This is especially concerning given how dominant he looked in the preseason.

    Bowen Byram oozes confidence off the ice, and yet, through five games, he seems to have non when the puck drops.

    The team as a whole has been struggling in pretty much every area of the game, so it’s not all on Byram. However, great players find a way when others can’t, that’s who Byram is supposed to be.

    The main issue isn’t that Byram hasn’t been able to elevate his play to that of a number one defenseman, it’s that he hasn’t even been able to play to the level he has throughout his career so far.

    Byram has been a reliable second/third defenseman with number one potential. However, so far in Chicago he’s looked more like a fifth or sixth.

    Like I stated earlier, adding Connor Bedard to this lineup is going to help the team win games, but his presence alone can’t fix the individual performances of 23 other guys.

    There are 78 games left to play, a lot can change, and a lot will change. The question is when will things change, and how drastic will that change be.

  • Blackhawks vs Hurricanes game preview

    Blackhawks vs Hurricanes game preview

    Tonight is game one of a seven game home stand for the Blackhawks, and it starts with the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.

    Despite the fact that the Hawks have got better as the season’s gone on, they are still 1-4-0 entering tonight.

    “the last two games have been a huge step in the right direction, last game i thought we did tons of good stuff, i thought we played the way we need to play to be effective.” Jeff Blashill (via CHGO Blackhawks)

    Not only are the Hawks really feeling the absence of Connor Bedard, but now they have to go without Frank Nazar for two games while he serves his suspension.

    Blackhawks projected lines:

    Lardis – Greene – Kane

    Bertuzzi – Frondell – Kantserov

    Donato – Toninato – Teravainen

    Smith – Moore – Greenway

    Byram – Levshunov

    Vlasic – Cole

    Kaiser – RInzel

    Spencer Knight will start tonight.

    Ryan Greene moved up to the first line center spot. I’ve said multiple times lately that Ryan Greene could be the stability that the top six needs, and now he gets his shot. “he’s not chaotic…he can help settle any line down” Jeff Blashill after morning skate (Via CHGO Blackhawks)

    Nick Lardis might be the most underwhelming forward so far this season. He’s mostly played bottom six minutes but was moved up to the top line last game. It looks as though Lardis will start tonight with the top line.

    Jeff Blashill talked about depth scoring being an issue, if Lardis can find his game that will be a big boost for the Hawks. Lardis scored at a 20-goal pace last season.

    Roman Kantserov has an underwhelming zero points in his first five games this season, leaving fans wanting more. Kantserov was expected to be a top six contributor upon arrival this season.

    Jeff Blashill came to the young Russian’s defense this morning “I don’t believe in small sample sizes, if he keeps doing what he is doing he is going to have plenty of points in this league.” (Via CHGO Blackhawks)

    Kantserov has done the little things right, and at times has been very noticeable with his speed and physicality. The change from the KHL to the NHL is a big one and it may take time for Kantserov to find his best game.

    It has been stated many times, but the key to success tonight for the Blackhawks is simple, smart hockey. Make the safe play, gets pucks on net, and play as a unit. Often these are cliches, but if the Hawks want to beat the Hurricanes they need to play that way.

    What I’ll be watching for:

    • Special teams: the Hawks powerplay has been a non factor this season, only converting on an embarrassing 8.3% of opportunities. I may sound like a broken record, but clean zone entries are key. If they can get in, they already move the puck well. Maybe shoot more? The penalty kill hasn’t been much better, only clicking at a 64.3% success rate.
    • Bowen Byram: through four games, Byram is a -6 with zero points. I don’t think anyone expected a start like this, especially after how dominant he was in preseason. Byram is a huge part of this team, if things are going to turn around, he needs to lead the charge.
    • Spencer Knight: Having a goalie like Knight gives your team a chance to win every night. The Hawks haven’t given Knight enough help offensively this season, and they need to tonight. Knight has the ability to win them this game, but the offense needs to do it’s part and pot more than 1-2 goals.

    Hurricanes projected lines:

    Carrier -Aho – Svechnikov

    Hall – Stankoven – Blake

    Ehlers – Staal – Martinook

    Robinson – Jankowski – Kotkaniemi

    Slavin – Chatfield

    Miller – Walker

    Gostisbehere – Reilly

    Bussi/Kochetkov

  • Anton Frondell was a bright spot in Blackhawks’ third straight loss

    Anton Frondell was a bright spot in Blackhawks’ third straight loss

    The Blackhawks are going into their home opener on Tuesday 0-3-0. The fact that they are win-less isn’t the issue, it’s how the losses have looked.

    Last night in Buffalo was their best effort so far, they had the lead for most of the game, and didn’t trail until the game-winning-goal late in the third, but that kind of effort still isn’t going to be enough to beat most teams in the NHL.

    There were a few promising individual performances from Alex Vlasic, Spencer Knight, Frank Nazar, and Anton Frondell.

    Frondell assisted on two of the three Blackhawks goals, both of which were primary assists. He finished the night with two assists, a +2 rating, one SOG, one hit, and 16:06 of time on ice.

    His first assist in particular was very impressive. It all started with a great defensive play behind his own goal line to start the breakout, which turned into a rush led by Alex Vlasic. The puck eventually found Frondell wide open in front. The entire arena thought Frondell was gonna shoot that puck, but instead he sent a perfect no-look pass to Tyler Bertuzzi back door.

    His second assist came from a two-on-one with Oliver Moore. Frondell send a perfect pass to Moore who made no mistake putting it home.

    There has been a lot of discussion about whether or not Frondell should continue playing center or move to the wing, and while he hasn’t been great so far this season, last night was a promising sign. Although, his faceoffs still need work. He was only six for ten on the dot, a measly 37.5%.

    “It’s boring to lose games. That’s not what we want to do. But I think today just shows that we can play better.” Frondell after 4-3 loss to Buffalo (Via Mark Lazerus on X).

    Frondell struggling early was never anything to worry about, he’s only 19 years old and is getting throw into a top six center role on a sub par team that is missing their best player.

    There were moments last night when Frondell was on the ice that made you think “oh, there is the raw talent, that’s why he went third overall”.

    It sems as though the Blackhawks will be missing Connor Bedard for at least a couple more weeks, so if there were ever a time for Frondell to find his game, it’s right now.

    The entire team, including Frondell, hope to build on their effort in the home opener. The rival St. Louis Blues are in town, this is a great chance for the Blackhawks to get back on track.

  • Blackhawks vs Sabres game preview

    Blackhawks vs Sabres game preview

    It’s only the third game of the season for the Blackhawks and it already feels like a must win game.

    After losing both of their first two games by wide margins, 5-2 to Vegas and 6-0 to Utah, fans are worried that this will be another bottom of the league season.

    Players, coaches, and the GM all publicly said that playoffs are the expectation this season, and being at the bottom of the league is no longer an option, leaving fans and media with high expectations.

    This is the last game before the home opener vs St. Louis on Tuesday, and if the Blackhawks hit the United Center ice 0-3, the reception might not be so warm.

    Who’s in, who’s out

    Spencer Knight gets the start tonight. Arvid Soderblom by no means played bad against Utah, although he did let in six goals, but the team as a whole played miserably and did not give him a chance whatsoever.

    Blashill has resorted to similar lines from training camp. Regardless of how tonight goes, keeping consistent lines is key until Connor Bedard returns. There is some bad news, however, Bowen Byram was not one the ice during morning. (Via Ben Pope on X)

    Via Matthew Fairburn on X, Bowen Byram won’t play tonight because he is tending to a family matter.

    Blackhawks projected lines:

    Kantserov – Nazar – Kane

    Bertuzzi – Frondell – Teravainen

    Donato – Moore – Lardis

    Smith – Greene – Greenway

    *Defenceman all rotating

    Both Ethan Del Mastro and Kevin Korchinski will make their season debuts tonight, as confirmed by Blashill. Korchinski in particular had a really impressive camp and preseason. I feel he should have been in the opening night lineup, better late than never.

    Sam Rinzel will be scratched tonight, no surprise, as he has been subpar at best to start this season and could really use a reset.

    Sabres projected lines:

    Norris – Thompson – Doan

    Benson – Ostlund – Quinn

    Krebs – Mcleod – Helenius

    Kulich – Carrick – Malenstyn

    Dahlin – Samuelsson

    Power – Zellweger

    Grzelcyk – Crevier

    Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

  • Blackhawks throw lines into blender ahead of season opener

    Blackhawks throw lines into blender ahead of season opener

    Throughout the majority of the pre-season and training camp, head coach Jeff Blashill has been relatively consistent with his forward lines. With players being in and out of the lineup due to preseason game limits for veterans, there have been natural changes. Today, however, the lines in practice left fans pondering.

    The first official regular season practice was today and these were the forward lines:

    Moore – Kantserov – Kane

    Donato – Nazar – Lardis

    Bertuzzi – Frondell – Mangiapane

    Smith – Greene – Greenway

    Extra: Teravainen

    Other than the pairing of Patrick Kane, Roman Kantserov, and the fourth line entirely, the forward group has a whole new look.

    Kantserov played one preseason game at center and he clearly impressed Jeff Blashill “Got to see Roman at center; feel confident he can play center in the NHL” Blashill said after practice.

    Adding Oliver Moore to the top line is interesting, as Moore has historically looked better down the middle. However, his speed and tenacity on the puck may gel very well with Kane’s slower paced style of playmaking, and Kantserov’s goal scoring, net driving ability.

    The now third line, which was the second line the other day, stays intact. Anton Frondell looked his best in preseason playing with Tyler Bertuzzi and Andrew Mangiapane, so it makes sense to keep them together.

    Nick Lardis and Anton Frondell were a second-line pair through most of camp, which I believe hindered both of them, as are both elite shots and would benefit as the lone shooter on a line, ideally with a playmaker.

    Ryan Donato also gets the bump back into the top-six. “I think Frankie [Nazar] can carry his own line” Jeff Blashill’s reasoning for putting Nazar between a inexperienced Nick Lardis, and sub-par top-six scorer in Donato. Watch for Nick Lardis to have a major impact early.

    These will likely be the lines to open up the regular season tomorrow in Vegas. Connor Bedard is set to travel with the team, however, he is not practicing with them yet.

  • Uncertainty on whether or not Anton Frondell is a center or winger remains

    Uncertainty on whether or not Anton Frondell is a center or winger remains

    When Anton Frondell was drafted third overall in 2025, many people assumed he would be the much-needed linemate for Connor Bedard. The pair played together in only three of Frondell’s 12 NHL games last season. Jeff Blashill gave the young Swede a shot at the second-line center position, where he thrived. Frondell drove a second line with Tyler Bertuzzi and Ilya Mikheyev. 

    It seems Blashill really liked what he saw, as Frondell has played center in both of his preseason appearances so far and is set to do so again in tonight’s final preseason game. 

    Unfortunately, Frondell hasn’t looked nearly as dangerous as he did in the regular season last year. Jeff Blashill commented on Frondell’s play so far.

    “I don’t think he’s got to his A-game yet, which is ok. I thought he played his A-game when he came over [last season]… At times, you’ve taken so much information in, you’ve just got to kind of let it happen a little bit. He’s going to be a really good player. There’s no doubt in my mind. He’s still 19 years old. There’s going to be ups and downs, and we just have to have realistic expectations.” 

    Fortunately, Frondell’s defensive game has remained solid, which usually isn’t the case for teenagers in the NHL. Frondell is a 200-foot player who has often been compared to Aleksander Barkov, so it’s reasonable to expect him to have a defensive impact right away. Frondell has an elite shot as well, which is what makes him such a complete player.

    So far this pre-season, Frondell has been paired with Nick Lardis, another pure goal scorer. However, their games seem to clash, rather than complement each other. Both of them are shooters who need a linemate who can go to the dirty areas and win puck battles. 

    Tonight, those two will be split up for the first time this preseason. Frondell will center the top line with Bertuzzi and Mangiapane. Mangiapane is a “puck-pursuit type player”, according to Blashill. Nick Lardis will play on the third line with Roman Kantserov and Teuvo Teravainen. 

    Whether or not Frondell is a full-time center or winger is still a mystery.

  • Artyom Levshunov’s struggles could open the door for Kevin Korchinski

    Artyom Levshunov’s struggles could open the door for Kevin Korchinski

    There is one preseason game left for the Blackhawks, and they have yet to find a defenceman who can run the second powerplay unit.

    Artyom Levshunov is the natural first choice. As an offensive defenceman and recent second overall pick, Levshunov is expected to succeed on the powerplay.

    The 20-year-old was given plenty of opportunity to run the powerplay last season, and never quite figured it out.

    “Arty’s shown me a lot of confidence with the exception of when he gets on that power play, so we’re going to have to work through it with him.” Jeff Blashill knows he has a young, offensively gifted defenceman who needs time to learn. But with the Blackhawks trying to turn the page in the rebuild, they needed someone who can run the powerplay now.

    The addition of Bowen Byram takes the pressure of Levshunov to run the first unit. However, in a small sample size running unit two this preseason, it seems Levshunov’s struggles on the man advantage are still prominent.

    The same can be said of Sam Rinzel, who has also been given plenty of opportunity.

    This is where Kevin Korchinski enters the conversation. The 2022 seventh overall pick has had a rocky development path, to say the least. After a full season in the NHL at the age of 19, which in hindsight was probably the wrong choice, Korchinski has spent the last two seasons maturing in the AHL.

    In that time, Korchinski has put up 53 points in 109 games, played 20+ minutes a night, including top powerplay time, as well as penalty kill time.

    It seems that the 22-year-old is finally ready to make the jump to the NHL. Korchinski had a brief stint with the Blackhawks to end last season, where he played his best hockey at the NHL level. Korchinski picked up right where he left off to start training camp and the preseason.

    Korchinski has certainly given the Blackhawks a lot to think about, and depending on how much the Blackhawks value preseason performances, Korchinski could very well end up taking a spot.