There have been more questions/comments recently about the state of the rebuild because of the Blackhawks’ struggles at the NHL level. So let’s take stock of the rebuild for a moment, shall we?
Each week, we keep you up-to-date on the Blackhawks’ college prospects with their schedule for the weekend and then give our three stars from the games each Monday. Let’s catch up with the Blackhawks’ prospects who aren’t playing college hockey on a day between games for the NHL club.
The Blackhawks have three skaters playing their first professional seasons in Rockford this year and have some players putting up good numbers for their junior clubs as well.
Rockford Rookies
Ethan Del Mastro ranks fourth among first-year defensemen in the entire AHL with 25 points (6 goals, 19 assists) for the IceHogs this season. One of the three defensemen ahead of him, Brandt Clarke, has been recalled by the LA Kings. His six goals are also tied for fourth among all first-year defensemen in the AHL.
Nolan Allan has three goals and seven assists in 47 games for the IceHogs this season. He’s always been considered more of a defensive defenseman, and has only two goals to show for his last 14 appearances. Both Allan and Del Mastro have worked on the right side — their off-side — during this season as the Blackhawks look for a young d-man to compliment Kevin Korchinski at the next level in the future.
Colton Dach‘s season has been limited because of a length stay in concussion protocol. He has scored 8 goals with 9 assists in 28 games.
Ontario Hockey League
Gavin Hayes‘ 32 goals between Flint and Soo are ranked sixth in the entire OHL. He has appeared in at least 10 fewer games than four of the five skaters ahead of him in the league. His 13 power play goals are tied for fourth in the league. And he’s tied for third in the OHL with 7 game-winning goals.
Nick Lardis‘ 29 goals are still tied for 12th in the OHL despite him being out for an extended period of time. He has only appeared in 37 games this season. Lardis reportedly suffered a wrist injury that has kept him out of the lineup since Jan. 12; he had eight points in his last three games before the injury.
Paul Ludwinski has scored 18 goals and added 37 assists in 46 games for Kingston this season. He has five points in his last four games. Ludwinski had a 14-game point streak earlier this season, which is still tied for the sixth-longest streak in the OHL this season.
Martin Misiak is tied for the Erie team lead with eight power play goals. He has 17 goals and 19 assists in 47 games in his first season in the OHL. The league doesn’t consider him a “rookie” for some reason, but he would be among the league leaders in goals if he was in that set.
QMJHL
Samuel Savoie returned from his leg injury recently and has been very good for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies since joining their lineup. He has scored three goals with five assists in seven games. Savoie has a point in five of his seven appearances.