The Chicago Blackhawks didn't have any expectations as a whole, but individuals on the team did. Connor Bedard, because he was the first overall pick, Seth Jones because he is being paid $9 million, Lukas Reichel because of last year's final stint (9 points in 16 games), and Kevin Korchinski on what we thought would be a ten game run.
However, someone new has emerged, and that is Philipp Kurashev. Kurashev went to an arbitration process over the off-season and was awarded a two year, $2.25 million contract. The 24-year-old was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NHL Draft.
Philipp Kurashev started the season on the injured reserve list, as his wrist was shaken up. Ever since coming back, Kurashev has been the best player on the ice multiple times, and continues to be the best player on the ice. Philipp has 3 goals and 5 assists, tallying up to 8 points in 9 games.
He has been all over the ice and has been making nice passes and good goals. He had a tip in goal yesterday against the Nashville Predators off of Bedard's shot.
Coming off his career year 21-point season last year, he hopes to keep that momentum going.