Answering 5 More Blackhawks Questions At Midseason

Chicago Hockey Now looked at how the preseason predictions shook out after game 41. Now it’s a chance to answer five of those Blackhawks questions as the season moves to the second half.

Here are those five questions and some of the predictions that follow.

1. What should the Blackhawks be looking for at the trade deadline?

The right players, period. The top priority for any team right now is management of cap assets as time goes on. The Blackhawks are flush with cap space, which will make re-signing Connor Bedard and Kevin Korchinski two seasons from now a simple endeavor that all contracts can then be built around. Kyle Davidson has smartly given out short term deals, outside of Seth Jones which was done before he was GM, and made it where the Hawks will have plenty of options at their disposal.

So at the deadline, it’s finding the right pieces that fit the schematics. Any team they likely trade assets to will be later first-round picks, in the 20’s, 30’s or early second-round choices. Chicago is loaded with draft picks right now, and defensively, they are actually further ahead than most would have thought.

So any trade, if, they go that route, the Hawks should look for something similar to what Dale Tallon did to get Patrick Sharp. Find that guy who has yet to pop, and can grow into the role. Davidson has time and has done well on the trade market.

2. Should Jason Dickinson get a contract extension?

This is where it gets tricky. Dickinson is on pace to to shatter his career high in points and has already eclipsed his career high in goals. He’s been terrific this season for the Blackhawks and will see a bump in his contract if he re-signs, which isn’t really consequential to Chicago’s cap situation. What it does do, however, is make for an interesting situation when it comes to what to do.

Dickinson’s shot percentage is currently at 21.9%, which dwarfs his previous efforts in 25 or more games. Is this an outlier? Should the Blackhawks sell when his value is at its highest? Or even with a slight dip next season and likely some better players on the roster, could this season’s performance be a sign that maybe he’s going to continue this offensive prowess?

It will likely boil down to what is offered for Dickinson. The Blackhawks like his impact on the locker room as well as his performance on the ice. A two-year deal, keeping even with Davidson’s strategy, wouldn’t be a bad thing at all.

3. What about Petr Mrazek?

He’s been unbelievable for the Blackhawks, and honestly, if healthy, could be an outstanding mentor for the likes of Drew Commesso and Adam Gajan if the latter sees the fast track to Chicago. Arvid Soderblom has struggled at times, but his last outing gives hope that he can still keep his place. Mrazek is steady, and a veteran who can give the young Blackhawks needed stability as they go through growing pains. A one-year deal doesn’t seem like a terrible option, something that would keep a young team afloat and some flexibility for Mrazek should he want to chase a Stanley Cup.

4. What does success look like at the end of the season?

At this point: a healthy crop of core players and a team flush with high draft picks. There’s no hiding the fact that the best case scenario is that Chicago lands in a top-three spot for the lottery. Being assured a top-five slot at worst, but getting another shot at the top spot would be like hitting a gold mine. The Blackhawks would be set up for sustained success at a grand level.

Finally, Chicago will want to see the same fight they’ve shown the previous two contests, staying in games against teams who have rosters further ahead of its own. Building the foundation properly, which includes not just getting waxed every night, is unbelievably important for the organization. Head coach Luke Richardson has done a great job establishing this, and if it holds, he may be one of the few coaches who starts at the beginning of a rebuild and sees it through to the top.

5. Which young players should get a cup of coffee?

Ethan Del Mastro should top the list, as he’s an AHL All Star in his rookie campaign and has also been one my favorite prospects in the entire organization. Del Mastro was one of Stan Bowman’s best picks, and could very well be an added bonus to what is already shaping up to be a solid defensive corps in Chicago.

Another? If Colton Dach’s health keeps up, he should get a few laps with the big club. He was impressive in the preseason, and made an impact in Rockford before going into concussion protocol.

One more? Frank Nazar–if his numbers keep up at Michigan and if the Wolverines aren’t Frozen Four participants. Nazar will undoubtedly get an entry-level deal offered upon completion of his sophomore season and could very well be in Chicago next season.

He could potentially sneak in a couple games with the Hawks even with a Frozen Four appearance. But time is on their side, which means they could very well wait another season.