CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago Blackshawks have a great balance at right wing where the youngsters and veterans compliment each other with their abilities to get the puck into the net.
Patrick Kane, in his sophomore campaign, leads the team in points and was rewarded by being named a starter in the NHL All-Star Game. Veteran Martin Havlat is so far having a great year and has not been plagued by the constant lengthy injuries that he has had the last few years with the Blackhawks. Dustin Byfuglien, in his first full season with the team is making a huge impact with his skills and physicality with and without the puck. The same can be said about Troy Brouwer. His scoring impact can be better, but his current role is just as important. He is more of a goal scorer than a third or fourth line checker. There is so much scoring depth at this position that it can push the best players to play lower than their true abilities. The players know that there is a role that each one plays and it is getting the job done in the win column. At right wing, the Blackhawks have a few in the organization that are ready to get a taste of the next level while some are trying to find their game soon before they are relegated into becoming your average minor league professional hockey player. The Following is an example of all that on the top right wing prospect in the Hawks organization. Jack Skille (AHL – Rockford IceHogs) Skille started the season with the Blackhawks but was sent to the IceHogs after only six games and little productivity. But with some valuable experience and almost 12 games in hand, Skille leads Rockford in shots and ranks in the top five in scoring on the team. Adam Pineault (AHL – Rockford IceHogs) Pineault was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets for Mike Blunden. The trade was made to give the players a change in scenery to help spark their play. Pineault is still looking for the spark but things seem to have turned around lately with a bunch of multiple point games. Adam Berti (ECHL – Gwinnett Gladiators) Berti can’t seem to move forward in his advancement with the team, but he is holding his own with career average numbers as a checking line forward. His size is probably the only thing that is keeping him afloat at the pro level. Dan Bertram (ECHL – Gwinnett Gladiators) Bertram might have make some changes in his game that will help him get to the next level. He is average at best starting this his rookie season with the IceHogs playing a grinders role and picking up one shot a game at best. Experience hopefully will improve his game. Akim Aliu (OHL – Sudbury Wolves) Aliu was traded back to the Sudbury Wolves from the London Knights for two future draft picks to after the New Year, and is playing like he never lost a beat. His development continues on course where his physical size and total ice skills are just getting better. Look again for Aliu to get a call up after the OHL season and gain some experience at the next level with Rockford. This may be the last time that he is sent back to juniors. Contact the author at matt.chin@prohockeynews.com
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