Blackhawks Looking to Move on From Forward Philipp Kurashev
NHL Insider Chris Johnston has reported today that depth forward, Philipp Kurashev has just been placed on the trade block.
The Chicago Blackhawks have been expected to move veteran players, like Taylor Hall, and defenseman Alec Martinez.
However, according to The Athletic's Chris Johnston, Philipp Kurashev is the next Blackhawks player to hit the block.
This season has seen him be decoupled from his former linemate Connor Bedard, and being placed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lines this season.
Yet, he's yet to find the same success compared to last season which saw him score 54 points( 18 G, 36 A).
Not only that, but the Blackhawks have been outshot and outplayed while he's on the ice.
This season has been the worst we've seen him wearing a Blackhawks uniform. He's been a healthy scratch for 12 games this year and has had trouble making an effort to stay in the lineup.
The Blackhawks and Kurashev went to arbitration last season, where we saw him sign a two-year, $2.25 deal, which will expire at the end of this season.
He'll be a great reclamation project wherever he lands.
Kurashev has offensive upside that Anders Sorensen hasn't been able to tap into, which is awkward considering, Richardson found the sweet spot last season.
Instead of utilizing a player like Kurashev, Sorensen has opted for players like Pat Maroon, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Taylor Hall.
Unlike Kurashev, they've made an effort to contribute on both ends of the ice this season.
Where could Kurashev land? It's difficult to tell, but any attempt to gain pieces to continue the rebuild would be a huge win for GM Kyle Davidson.
He's been a big disappointment for the fans, and the organization and could use a fresh start elsewhere.
This season he's played 32 games, and scored 7 points( 4 G, 3 A).
