CHICAGO, Ill. – With the deal that that sent Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel, Ben Eager and Akim Aliu to the Atlanta Thrashers that helped the Chicago Blackhawks receive Atlanta’s second pick in the first round, 24th overall, the Hawks will now have two first round picks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. The Blackhawks have pretty decent depth at all positions. The extra pick will allow the team to grab up a pretty decent goaltender that can make an immediate impact in the organization.
Antti Niemi will be signed and become the undisputed number one goaltender for the team. If the team cannot move Cristobal Huet and his $6 million contract, look for him to be sent to Rockford until something can be done. Corey Crawford, who was originally tabbed as the backup in Chicago, battled Niemi in camp and lost out on the starter’s job but played decently in Rockford. The only issue with Crawford is that he can’t transfer his extraordinary play from the AHL to the NHL. The organization will probably give him every opportunity to become Niemi’s backup. If this situation does happen with Niemi and Crawford up and Huet dangling like a hanging chad on a Florida voting ballot, the team will need a promising prospect that will be ready in a year or so.
With that said, expect to hear the following words tomorrow night in Los Angeles.
“The Chicago Blackhawks, are proud to select as the 30th pick of the 2010 NHL Draft, from the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League, goaltender Calvin Pickard.”
Pickard’s record this year wasn’t indicative of his performance. He a very competitive in net as he battles every night, win or lose.
If he makes it soon to the AHL ranks we might get a chance to see brother versus brother in net with brother Chet currently in the Nashville farm system in Milwaukee which is a short hop to Rockford.
To learn more about Calvin Pickard click on his name.
Contact the author at matt.chin@prohockeynews.com
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