Blackhawks’ Kurashev enters the season with something to prove

While the Chicago Blackhawks might not have had a season to remember last year, one player who definitely wants to build off the 2023-24 NHL campaign has to be Philipp Kurashev.

Kurashev, 24, played in 75 games last season, the highest total of his career. In his fourth season pro, Kurashev registered 54 points, including 18 goals while averaging 19:01 minutes of ice time a night.

There is no denying last year was Kurashev’s breakout season. The former fourth round pick from the 2018 NHL Draft has played in the NHL in every season since he was 21 in the 2020-21 NHL season and he has made a name for himself on the top line.

Kurashev and Bedard’s chemistry was clear last season with the Blackhawks.

Last year, Kurashev formed a bond alongside Connor Bedard. He dished out the most primary assists to Bedard with 13 and Bedard dished out 12 assists to Kurashev. The two formed some undeniable chemistry over the course of the long season, and with Kurashev having the best season of his career it seemed likely he would get to stay on the top line with Bedard.

Something interesting happened this offseason in Chicago that might affect the young forward. The Hawks went out and added Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen in free agency. Kyle Davidson traded for Ilya Mikheyev from the Vancouver Canucks and now a healthy Taylor Hall will step back into the Blackhawks lineup after playing just ten games this past season.

Hall registered two assists last year, both on Bedard goals, his first two goals in the NHL.

This is a big year for Kurashev, who turns 25 on Oct. 12 – the night of the Hawks third game of the season. Kurashev is entering the year trying to defend his spot in the lineup and is entering a contract season.

Philipp Kurashev is playing for a contract.

In July 2023, the Blackhawks signed Kurashev to a two year $4.5 million contract carrying a cap hit of just $2.25 million. Kurashev is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason if the two sides don’t come to an agreement before next summer.

With a contract on the line, Kurashev is entering training camp with a crowded group itching to take some of his minutes from last season. While he put up 19 points on the power play last season, including six goals. It seems unlikely Kurashev will remain with the top power play.

There are undeniably a lot of Hawks to keep an eye on at training camp and the preseason, and Philipp Kurashev is near the top of that list. Fans should get an idea of where Kurashev could be slotting in the lineup this season as the team starts training camp this summer. Kyle Davidson definitely has more elite players to work with this season, which could slot Kurashev further down in the lineup.

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