Blackhawks Stock Index: Rising to the Challenge

There wasn’t a lot of hope when both Nick Foligno and Connor Bedard went down–in the same game–while losing said contest. Naturally, the Blackhawks answered by shocking the Calgary Flames at home and keeping games close since.

So with the void, it’s been a couple players not only raising their stock, but their argument to stick once many of the regulars return. Maybe even beyond sticking on the roster, it might be a way some negotiate it into a longer stay in the way of an extension-similar to the one Nick Foligno received yesterday.

There’s a couple names that come right to mind–albeit it for different reasons.

Blackhawks Riser: Colin Blackwell

Some snarl and some skill, Blackwell has been a warrior for the Blackhawks, notching five points (3-2) in the 12 games he’s played so far this season. His ice time peaked in the Blackhawks 4-3 win over Calgary where he had a pair of goals and an assist. But it’s the physical play and energy he brings that has inspired his teammates and even his coaches. Head coach Luke Richardson added that at times they have to tell him to dial it down a bit on the bench.

Blackwell still has time to stake his claim as the roster spot remains. But for a guy who keeps receipts and wants to prove the doubters wrong, his energy, with a little bit of the scoring touch, may keep him earning ice time and getting a prolonged stay on the roster.

New Contract in Petr Mrazek’s Future, Too?

If stability is the topic, how can one overlook what Petr Mrazek has done? He’s easily been Chicago’s pillar of stability, keeping the Blackhawks in games they didn’t deserve to be in.

The Blackhawks are in an interesting spot–and inking Foligno to a two-year deal seems like a potential clue that maybe Mrazek could be next. Arvid Soderblom doesn’t seem ready to take over the crease quite yet, and Drew Commesso is still getting his bearings in Rockford.

Mrazek knows what Chicago is trying to do, and trading him to a contender, though tempting, would weaken the Blackhawks between the pipes. Could they find another netminder willing to endure a transition season from the bottom of a rebuild through?

Mrazek is just 31, appearing to still have that flair and skill that made him a showstopper when he was with the Detroit Red Wings stealing one playoff game after another back in 2015. A similar two-year deal for Mrazek doesn’t seem a terrible idea–and if indeed he stays healthy–could help buoy the young Blackhawks building back to contention.