Is Reese Johnson Ready to Take on a Letter?
Chicago Blackhawks fans know that Jonathan Toews' time in Chicago is limited. That leaves open a position of leadership for a team working through a rebuild.
According to Ben Pope, Derek King has high marks for Reese Johnson in terms of his leadership:
That name doesn't stand out to Hawks fans because Johnson spends time playing between Chicago and Rockford. He hasn't solidified a spot on this team. And, I'm sure fans will point to the fact that he isn't a prolific scorer. Most team's captains are scorers and play a top six role.
In 29 games with the Blackhawks this year, Johnson has six points- one goal and five assists. What he lacks in scoring he definitely makes up for in hits. He has 118 hits for a game average of 4 hits per game. He also has a 51% faceoff rate. He clearly does the little things, and perhaps that's why he has won the ear of the other players in the locker room.
Only time will tell who wears the letters for the Blackhawks, but if Reese Johnson is to wear one, he will need to earn a permanent place on this squad. To this point, he has not done that. His aggressive, bottom six style play is great, but he will need to work his way into a top six role. Good news is that he is only 23. There is time.
| POLL | ||
If Toews leaves, who is the next captain for Chicago? | ||
| Seth Jones | 35 | 15 % |
| Tommy Hawk | 19 | 8.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
