Three Blackhawks Players with a lot to prove moving forward

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Sam Walker
October 28, 2023 (7:08 PM)

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As the next season draws closer and the summer fades into the night, Chicago's management team and coaching staff will be on the lookout for players with reasons to show improvement or prove their worth. The upcoming season is all about growth, evaluation, and learning to play as a team as new players continue to filter into the lineup.

This rebuilding phase is something the Blackhawks are going through, and three players within their organization fall under this category. It all begins with Connor Bedard.

Bedard is the prized first-overall pick by the Blackhawks this year, and he has been closely scrutinized by pundits and scouts long before he became an NHL player. With an off-the-charts hockey IQ, an endless skill set, and impressive speed that gives him an edge over most players, Bedard still has plenty to learn as he enters this new league.

Despite his relatively small size for a centerman drafted in the first round, he has handled the hype surrounding him professionally and with class. His potential is practically limitless, and he is expected to accelerate as the year progresses and as better players continue to enter the lineup.

Another player with much to prove, particularly in terms of his contract, is Phillipp Kursashev. The 23-year-old centerman, drafted in the fourth round in 2018 at the 120th pick overall, recently signed a two-year, $2.25 million per season extension with the Blackhawks.

Some consider this contract to be higher than expected, given his on-ice performance. In the 2022-2023 season, he played 70 games, scoring nine goals with 16 assists for a total of 25 points and a -32 plus-minus rating. While these numbers may not be flattering, Kursashev still has plenty of upside and potential to prove to the management that he belongs in the top 9.

Lastly, Seth Jones is the player who will be watched the most closely. He recently signed an enormous contract extension, worth $9.5 million AAV, which has put significant pressure on him to perform up to expectations. Having spent seven seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets before being traded to the Blackhawks, Jones was producing plenty of points and was predominantly a plus player in the plus-minus statistic.

However, his performance dipped in the 2022 season with only 37 points and a minus-38 rating. This level of play is not acceptable considering his contract, and he needs to step up and fulfill the expectations associated with his price tag.

The Blackhawks' upcoming season promises to be different, and potentially exciting, as players will be competing for jobs, aiming to prove their worth and earn bonuses. With players like Connor Bedard, Phillipp Kursashev, and Seth Jones facing significant challenges ahead, it will be a crucial time for the team to show progress and build for the future.