Those with an unclouded view of the Chicago Blackhawks knew the 2017-18 season would be somewhat of a rebuilding year. Not many expected them to miss out on the playoffs completely.
Most of the season saw the Blackhawks hanging around the playoff race with their retooled lineup, but their hopes dimmed with 47 games remaining, A mysterious head injury ended goaltender Corey Crawford’s season and in turn his team was on the outside looking in.
Without their two-time Stanley Cup winning goaltender, Chicago was exposed inside their own zone. Heading into the past season, the Chicago blueline had many questions. Duncan Keith was the only defenseman without any questions. The rest of the crew was a crapshoot.
With that in mind, and the current minor leagues not full of help, the Blackhawks will look to strengthen their weakest organizational hole. Adam Boqvist fits in rather well. The 17-year-old has shown elite skating ability vs his peers and is the second highest ranked international skater according to NHL Central Scouting.
Chances are Boqvist won’t be ready to join the NHL this coming season but a debut in his age 20 season comes 2020. The Swede has great hands and delivers some of the past passes you will see for his age. As his body grows and he puts on muscle, he is expected to become stronger against the professional players he has struggled against in world competitions.
With the Chicago blueline aging and high end contracts immovable, having a top tier, right-hand shot ready to join in 2020 would be a perfect fit for the rebuilding Blackhawks.
With the 8th pick in the 2018 NHL Amateur Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks select Adam Boqvist from Brynas-J20 SuperElit.
Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_PHN and you can always send an email to adam.minnick@prohockeynews.com
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