The Blackhawks 2nd Line is Looking Pretty good!
Last season, the Chicago Blackhawks' second line of forwards included Max Domi, Tyler Johnson, Patrick Kane, and Andreas Athanasiou at one point.
However, with Kane and Domi moving on to other teams, the line changed. As the new season approaches, the second line is expected to resemble its configuration at the end of the previous season.
The center of this line is likely to be Philip Kurashev, a 23-year-old player from Switzerland who recently won a two-year, $2.25 million contract through arbitration. Kurashev is versatile and can play all forward positions, and he is capable of contributing to all special teams, including the power play and penalty kill.
With Chicago's center depth being limited, Kurashev is expected to be a top-six center.
He had a career-high 25-point season last year and is expected to improve in all aspects of his game.
On the right side of the line, Andreas Athanasiou, a player from Ontario, will likely be positioned.
Athanasiou revived his career in Chicago last season, scoring 20 goals and posting 40 points.
He recently signed a two-year contract worth $4.25 million AAV per year and remains a part of the team's rebuild plans. Athanasiou's speed on the ice and his ability to contribute to the power-play make him a perfect fit for Luke Richardson's style.
Finally, the native German Lukas Reichel will complete the line. Reichel is expected to be a mainstay in the top six with Kurashev as they build chemistry and familiarity until Connor Bedard arrives.
Reichel posted 15 points in 23 games last season with Athanasiou and Kurashev and is expected to continue building upon his production. Playing with Connor Bedard and Taylor Hall should add more weight to his game, and Reichel will no doubt continue to grow and develop under Richardson's guidance.
As Seen On: ontapsportsnet.com
| POLL | ||
Will the "International Line" be the Blackhawks best line next year? | ||
| Yes | 29 | 27.4 % |
| No | 45 | 42.5 % |
| Whatever line Taylor Hall is on is the best | 32 | 30.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
