Chicago Blackhawks forward to be removed and it's confirmed
The Blackhawks world was turned upside down, once Connor Bedard was added to the team. This changed the productivity and the face of the team from the start of 2023-2024.
One player who benefitted from Bedard's arrival was Phillip Kurashev, and the 24-year-old, who won his arbitration case last season has become a fixture on the top line in Chicago.
Kurashev would prove himself worth every penny, posting 18 goals, and 54 points in 75 games paired with Bedard. While unproven previously, he broke out in 2023-2024 and has shown glimpses of brilliance we all want to see.
The biggest question to be asked is, with three top-six forwards acquired during the offseason, will the Bedard and Kurashev pair stick together?
The Case For Kurashev
The case for Bedard and Kurashev remaining together is the fact that they're a proven tandem. The two have verifiable chemistry, and while the team was outscored at even strength with them on the ice, you could argue this would improve this year, as their chemistry would only strengthen.
Tyler Bertuzzi would round out the 1st line well, and allow Kurashev to continue growing as a forward, into the playmaker and scorer the team needs.
The Case AGAINST Kurashev
One could argue that Kurashev didn't improve enough last year to remain on the team's top line. The success with Bedard could be his biggest weakness, it could be debated that many wingers could score 18 goals alongside Bedard, while the Hawks aren't devoid of talented wingers to fill his spot.
With Teuvo Teraveinen, Kurashev could be moved to the middle six and has been known to play well with Jason Dickinson. This could give the Blackhawks flexibility and he could be a great candidate to be paired with Taylor Hall or Ilya Mikheyev.
While the case for Kurashev is strong for him to remain on the top line of the Blackhawks, and would continue his development path further. But he could also be beneficial on the team's third line as well.
Source: Sports Mockery
does philipp kurashev belong on the blackhawks-top-line
| POLL | ||
Should the Blackhawks move Phillip Kurashev be moved to the 3rd line? | ||
| Yes | 54 | 51.9 % |
| No | 50 | 48.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
