Blackhawks Wrap: Slumps, Bumps, and Bruises

This week’s version of the Chicago Blackhawks wrap will feature a quick blurb of CHN’s top stories of the week. And this week certainly featured a number of things that saw a losing slump with some bumps, bruises, and injuries that went on further.

This isn’t shaping up to be the best of seasons, likely slumping a bit lower because of how the injuries are just burying the team before they can even get momentum started. Now, you have a club that seems to find an answer only to watch another player brought into help seems to get hurt.

Two of the veterans brought in won’t finish it out for different reasons. A few of the players haven’t been what the Blackhawks thought they were getting.

But there have been some who have risen up. Connor Bedard has been every bit of the generational player people hoped he would be. Yet he can’t do it alone–and it’s what Kyle Davidson has next on his to-do list this offseason.

It’s still a good five and a half months away, not counting a trade deadline that might see a few adjustments here or there.

Regardless, the bruises and bumps have made for some slumps. Which to be honest, has been what was prognosticated before the season started.

Just maybe not as consistent so early on.

Five Blackhawks Stories You Can’t Miss

1. Nick Foligno on the effort of his young teammates: “They’re working their asses off.”

It’s not an easy spot the Blackhawks are in, but in spite of the losing and the injuries, the work ethic that shows is building a foundation for the future.

2. Future Blackhawks Scouting? How about Cole Eiserman? 

What’s an easy way to get through all the losses?  Start thinking of who could join Bedard in resurrecting the organization. Cole Eiserman is one of those kids, a 17-year-old wing who might have the scoring touch that compliments Bedard. But does he have the speed that Davidson looks for?

3. As Losses Mount, Should there be a concern about the core’s confdience? 

Let’s face it, we know that likely 75% of this roster won’t be around when the Blackhawks’ contention window opens. But can all this losing have a negative and damning effect on the young core expected to lead down the road?

4. When the waiver wire fires up, should the Blackhawks be gambling on it?

More because of the Jakub Vrana question when he hit waivers, is it really prudent to think that the waiver wire will ever produce a player that can truly be added for value?

5. The Blackhawks Stock Index: Value Returns

Two names for you: Jason Dickinson and Petr Mrazek. Both couldn’t be traded fast enough–with a sweetener–by their former teams. Both have paid huge dividends for the Blackhawks.