Coming into Sunday’s matinee towards the Calgary Flames, the Chicago Blackhawks weren’t precisely anticipated to get a lot happening the offensive finish. With a bigger chunk of the wage cap spent on gamers at the moment on injured reserve than wholesome skaters, Chicago’s harm struggles have seemingly worsened with each recreation, together with Friday’s lack of each Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno.
Veteran Colin Blackwell had different concepts. His two objectives and one help had been the primary causes for the Blackhawks’ surprising 4-3 win over the Flames and he got here inside inches of a hat trick a number of instances on Calgary’s empty web. A plus-minus of +3 in nearly 20 minutes of ice time rounded out a efficiency that made him the primary star of the sport.
Blackwell solely has three objectives and two assists on the 12 months, however these numbers are a bit deceptive for a number of causes. Blackwell missed the beginning of the season whereas recovering from a surgical procedure he underwent in March earlier than struggling a number of setbacks. He didn’t get right into a recreation till simply earlier than Christmas and simply hit double-digit video games on the 12 months. He has additionally been a bottom-six participant for a lot of the 12 months on an offensive unit that has struggled to generate a lot scoring.
Blackwell has had a much bigger impression on the Blackhawks this season than simply within the scoring column, although. His power and hard-hitting presence had been a giant additions for Chicago when he re-entered the lineup and Blackwell is a strong veteran presence at 30 years previous. Briefly on the crew’s prime line because of the slew of accidents they’ve suffered, Blackwell confirmed the constructive impression he can have when given the chance.
The issue is that with the Blackhawks nonetheless years away from competing for a championship, Blackwell doesn’t precisely match the timeline of his crew’s rebuild. Together with his $1.2 million AAV contract expiring after this season, he’s a number one candidate to go out the door, whether or not through commerce or as a free agent. With the depth chart opened up for him, will the veteran ahead have the ability to capitalize? If he continues to be a number one offensive producer on a crew determined to attain, Blackwell could play his method into one other short-term deal. On the very least, he can enhance his commerce worth with the deadline quickly approaching.
