Kyle Davidson Could Fire Himself This Off-Season If He Doesn't Fix This One Issue
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The Chicago Blackhawks are heading into this off-season with a major need that could affect the franchise for years to come, Kyle Davidson has a lot of pressure on his shoulders, and his time as GM could come to an end if he does not properly align the Blackhawks with this very specific need.
ProHR recently discussed the Blackhawks biggest need this offseason, and many have been blinded to it.
The Blackhawks are in deep need of a center, no; not Mitch Marner or Mikko Rantanen, although they would be awesome additions, it is truly not what the organization is in need of to move forward and take pressure off Bedard's shoulders.
Despite a litany of veteran additions this summer, the Chicago Blackhawks have once again found themselves competing with the San Jose Sharks for dead-last in the NHL. It's been a stressful season for the team's young stars, with 19-year-old Connor Bedard playing the most minutes among Hawks forwards, while Landon Slaggert and Frank Nazar fight to step up and support the third-lowest scoring team in the NHL. Chicago's Trade Deadline will focus on building the support around those burgeoning prospects, as they try to craft a roster that can climb to long-term success.
Kyle Davidson has brought in over 15 new faces so far as the Blackhawks GM, and none have panned out. Taylor Hall, Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen have all been glue pieces for the Blackhawks roster, but once again- not a centerman needed.
"A Binding Center: If Chicago is looking for roster players on the open market, they should be looking for more support down the middle. Both Luke Richardson and Anders Sorensen have awarded veteran center Jason Dickinson prime minutes this season, largely thanks to his ability to win faceoffs and hold down the defensive zone where young players like Bedard and Nazar struggle.
But Dickinson has recently fallen to injury, and even then - his 16 points in 53 games are at the core of Chicago's struggles to score. Finding another veteran center who can fill middle-six minutes and support Dickinson would go a long way in giving Bedard, Nazar, and Slaggert a sturdier platform to perform from. Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton seems a sure bet to bring modest offense, defense, and leadership to a Hawks lineup in need - though the Flyers have previously said they'd need a hefty return to move Laughton.
Should Chicago get priced out, they could also turn towards the Nashville Predators, who have options like Thomas Novak, Michael McCarron, or Colton Sissons up for grabs.
All three players have faced their own unique struggles this year, but would again bring an air of physicality and gumption to a Chicago lineup lacking in both regards. Adding a center, even if he may retire before Chicago reaches their next prime, could prove the rich lineup support the team needs.
But Dickinson has recently fallen to injury, and even then - his 16 points in 53 games are at the core of Chicago's struggles to score. Finding another veteran center who can fill middle-six minutes and support Dickinson would go a long way in giving Bedard, Nazar, and Slaggert a sturdier platform to perform from. Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton seems a sure bet to bring modest offense, defense, and leadership to a Hawks lineup in need - though the Flyers have previously said they'd need a hefty return to move Laughton.
Should Chicago get priced out, they could also turn towards the Nashville Predators, who have options like Thomas Novak, Michael McCarron, or Colton Sissons up for grabs.
All three players have faced their own unique struggles this year, but would again bring an air of physicality and gumption to a Chicago lineup lacking in both regards. Adding a center, even if he may retire before Chicago reaches their next prime, could prove the rich lineup support the team needs.
It'll be interesting to see how Davidson acts, and his career as the Blackhawks GM is in his own hands.
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22 HOURS AGO | 75 ANSWERS Kyle Davidson Could Fire Himself This Off-Season If He Doesn't Fix This One Issue Who should the Blackhawks acquire for their open center position during free agency? | ||
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