Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Update

The Chicago Blackhawks have been at the bottom half of the draft board the last few years, which may hinder their capability of drafting players with higher potential due to the fact that they’re likely to be taken at earlier slots in the draft. Nonetheless, the Blackhawks still have some above average prospects.

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As the table shows, the Blackhawks have some success in their prospect pool coming from the college level, and even at the AHL level. Players like Nick Schmaltz and Tyler Motte are key parts to their team’s success as well.

Nick Schmaltz is playing for the University at North Dakota. It is his freshman year and he is showing that he can potentially provide 3 more years of great hockey for the Sioux. Schmaltz showcases his offensive prowess every time he is on the ice. He is tied for 2nd on the team in power play points with 8. He has been able to read the play well for ND, and he has been coming in the clutch as well. 7 of his 15 points have come when the Sioux have been trailing or tied. Schmaltz also has had 4 game winning points.

Tyler Motte has been there for the Michigan Wolverines during 5 on 5 play. Motte has 11 even strength points, which is tied for the lead on the Wolverines. The Michigan native has produced when it comes to the insurance marker. Motte has 9 points when his team is leading, and also has acquired 3 points on the last goal for the game, or for his team. Although his stats aren’t the best on his Michigan team, Tyler Motte has smarts and works great with any of his teammates.

In the AHL, one of the organization’s top prospects, Teuvo Teravainen has been very good for the Rockford IceHogs. Teravainen’s best skill is probably his playmaking ability, and he has not put it to waste. He is 2nd on the team in points and assists, behind T.J Brennan in each category. Teravainen wanted a call-up, and he got one in early January. Hopefully he can work as well with the NHL team as much as he does with the AHL team.

Another bright spot on the Rockford IceHogs has been Mark McNeill. The 2011 first round pick is 3rd on the IceDogs in scoring (23 11-11-22) and 2nd on the team in goals. McNeill has improved since last season in the AHL. He is 16 points away from matching his AHL career high at 37. He could accomplish this in almost half the games it took him last year, when he had 37 points. McNeill also boasts a high 23.4 shooting percentage.

On the blue-line, the Blackhawks’ defensive prospects

are led by New York Islanders draft pick Ville Pokka. Pokka was brought to the Blackhawks back in October in a trade that sent Nick Leddy to the Isles. Pokka attended training camp with the Isles, but he played his first games in North America with the Blackhawks. Pokka has transferred his play to the States and Canada well. Ville is 2nd among defenseman in scoring on the IceDogs while playing a solid 30 games.

Those are a few notables, but there are still plenty of superb prospects on the Blackhawks. A potential added bonus will be if these young guns can help the already skilled Blackhawks in the next couple of years.