The Chicago Blackhawks’ 2023-24 marketing campaign is within the books. Total, they completed 31th within the NHL, with a file of 23-53-6 for 52 factors. Sadly, this was a brand new file for probably the most losses in franchise historical past. However similar to final season, everyone knows it was a rebuilding yr with a number of transferring components. The season was clearly way more about improvement and development than it was about successful.
The crew as an entire wasn’t very proficient this yr, they usually additionally handled a large number of accidents. However we will nonetheless consider the gamers by handing out particular person grades. We’ll begin at present with the forwards. Brooke LoFurno and I put our heads collectively to guage every ahead on their efficiency. We’ll have separate posts for the defensemen and the goaltenders.
*I’ve marked Brooke’s grades with an asterisk, and the remainder are my marks. So, with out additional ado…
*(Per Brooke) Joey Anderson
5 objectives, 12 assists, 17 factors, plus-5 in 55 video games performed. Common time on ice (ATOI) of 13:33 minutes
47.5 Corsi For Share (CF%), 18 blocked pictures, 48 hits, 30 takeaways, 20 giveaways, 8 penalty minutes
Cap Standing: Restricted Free Agent, earlier cap hit of $800,000
Anderson paired with Jason Dickinson made probably the most efficient duos on the crew at shutting down the opposition at five-on-five and on the penalty kill. Anderson proved he’s an on a regular basis NHL participant and a strong depth participant. He doesn’t rating loads (not his recreation), however his objectives, assists, factors and video games performed have been all profession excessive’s for the 25-year-old.
Anderson did what he was purported to do, and his plus-5 led the Blackhawks in plus/minus stats. On a crew with the second-worst objective differential within the league (minus-110), that’s fairly spectacular. The Blackhawks will probably re-sign him this summer time.
Anderson’s Ultimate Grade: B+
(Per Gail) Andreas Athanasiou
2 objectives, 7 assists, 9 factors, minus-7 in 28 video games performed. ATOI of 13:06 minutes
40.5 CF%, 21 blocked pictures, 11 hits, 19 takeaways, 7 giveaways, 7 penalty minutes
46.3 Faceoff Share (FO%)
Cap Standing: Signed by the 2024-25 season, cap hit of $4.25 million
It’s robust to grade Athanasiou on this season, contemplating he missed 53 video games with a proper groin-and hip-related harm. He had a tough first 11 video games, accumulating zero objectives and simply 4 assists, earlier than he was sidelined in early November. We now know the 29-year-old wasn’t utterly wholesome, as he stepped on a puck or a stick in coaching camp and was making an attempt to work by it.
In his last 17 video games the 29-year-old struggled to search out his groove. He recorded simply two objectives and 5 factors in that point span. Athanasiou and Lukas Reichel did appear to gel collectively, simply as they did on the finish of the 2022-23 season. However they simply didn’t have sufficient time collectively to essentially make something click on.
This was a disappointing marketing campaign for the speedy ahead, contemplating final season he led the crew in scoring with 20 objectives and 20 assists in 81 video games. However the lack of manufacturing can principally be attributed to his harm. Athanasiou is signed for one more season with the Blackhawks; let’s hope he can stay wholesome and discover some extra success.
Athanasiou’s Ultimate Grade: C
*Connor Bedard
22 objectives, 39 assists, 61 factors, minus-44 in 68 video games performed. ATOI of 19:47 minutes
43.5 CF%, 27 blocked pictures, 54 hits, 47 takeaways, 57 giveaways, 28 penalty minutes
38.9 FO%
Cap Standing: Signed by the 2025-26 season, cap hit of $950,000
As an 18-year-old rookie, Bedard led his crew in objectives, assists, factors, pictures on objective (206) and obtained probably the most ice time amongst all forwards. He did wrestle on faceoffs, and he does need to get stronger, which can include age and improvement. However you couldn’t ask for way more from him. Properly, his minus-44 plus/minus stat may very well be improved upon, and Bedard has already referred to as out he must focus extra on his defensive accountability. However loads is forgiven with the offensive manufacturing he put up, regardless of not a lot assist round him.
Bedard missed 14 video games on account of a fractured jaw, which means his stats may have been even higher. Which is fairly scary to consider! He’ll probably be the Calder Trophy winner and the Blackhawks couldn’t be luckier to have a participant like him for years to come back, along with his sturdy work ethic and maturity to match. They obtained a very good one, and he’ll assist lead this crew to future success.
Bedard’s Ultimate Grade: A
Colin Blackwell
8 objectives, 4 assists, 12 factors, minus-2 in 44 video games performed. ATOI of 14:half-hour
47.8 CF%, 22 blocked pictures, 45 hits, 21 takeaways, 14 giveaways, 10 penalty minutes
45.7 FO%
Cap Standing: Unrestricted Free Agent, earlier cap hit of $1.2 million
Blackwell was a feel-good story this marketing campaign. He wasn’t in a position to begin the season on account of setbacks from sports activities hernia surgical procedure he underwent in March of 2023. However when he lastly rejoined the crew in Dec. 2023 (after 10 months out), he undoubtedly made probably the most of it. He used his adversity to develop a never-say-die angle, and located his groove on a tenacious shutdown line with Dickinson and Anderson.
A lot so, Blackwell was a primary candidate to be traded on the deadline. Contenders are all the time trying so as to add gritty depth gamers. However that didn’t come to fruition, and the 31-year-old ended up scoring his first profession hat trick with Chicago on Mar. 10. He was additionally chosen because the Blackhawk’s nominee for the Masterton Trophy, which is awarded to the participant “who greatest exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.”
Blackwell cooled off a bit because the season wound down. However I nonetheless suppose he’s a candidate to be re-signed by the Blackhawks. He has loads to supply this rebuilding crew as a high-energy depth participant and a very good position mannequin.
Blackwell’s Ultimate Grade: A-
*Jason Dickinson
22 objectives, 13 assists, 35 factors, plus-4 in 82 video games performed. ATOI of 16:34 minutes
46.4 CF%, 73 blocked pictures, 143 hits, 54 takeaways, 35 giveaways, 43 penalty minutes
50.0 FO%
Cap Standing: Signed by the 2025-26 season, cap hit of $4.25 million
Dickinson was a monster this season! He was tied with Bedard for the crew lead in objectives (22), had the second-best plus-minus (+4), was second-best on takeaways (54, behind defenseman Alex Vlasic), and led the crew in faceoff wins (615). He additionally was the one Hawks’ participant to play in all 82 video games. He had a profession yr in factors (35), the place his earlier greatest was 30 factors, and it was the primary time in his profession he hit 20 objectives. Dickinson additionally had the best capturing proportion on the crew (17.5%).
But offense isn’t even his specialty! Head coach Luke Richardson may depend on Dickinson to play on any line and frustrate opponents along with his shutdown skills. It was stated he ought to have gotten a Selke Trophy nomination (given to the ahead who demonstrates probably the most talent within the defensive element of the sport) for his contributions.
Dickinson’s Ultimate Grade: A
Ryan Donato
12 objectives, 18 assists, 30 factors, minus-14 in 78 video games performed. ATOI of 14.00 minutes
44.8 CF%, 24 blocked pictures, 105 hits, 43 takeaways, 25 giveaways, 26 penalty minutes
44.1 FO%
Cap Standing: Signed by the 2024-25 season, cap hit of $2 million
Donato is one other participant that was a nice shock this season. He’s been head coach Richardson’s Swiss military knife, taking part in up and down within the lineup. In trying again at my lineup notes, Donato has actually performed on each single line, and in each place. The 28-year-old began the season on the highest line with Bedard and Philipp Kurashev. He complemented effectively there, and Richardson went again to it many instances all through the marketing campaign. However principally he’s been an outstanding depth participant on the third and fourth strains. His 18 assists and 30 factors have been each career-highs, in addition to his 78 video games performed. Enjoyable truth: Donato scored the primary and the final objective of the season! What a pleasant technique to bookend a strong marketing campaign.
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Donato is one other participant that’s signed for yet one more season with the Blackhawks. He’ll be a dependable depth ahead for them as they proceed their rebuilding path.
Donato’s Ultimate Grade: A
*MacKenzie Entwistle
5 objectives, 6 assists, 11 factors, minus-29 in 67 video games performed. ATOI of 11:23 minutes
43.8 CF%, 32 blocked pictures, 138 hits, 29 takeaways, 12 giveaways, 47 penalty minutes
43.8 FO%
Cap Standing: Restricted Free Agent, earlier cap hit of $800,000
Entwistle recorded only one extra level than he did final season. He discovered himself out and in of the lineup, and his recreation is that of a hard-checking ahead, however not a lot offense. He works his butt off each shift and he appears to provide his teammates power along with his play. Sadly, he appears to have reached his ceiling whereas nonetheless being fairly low on the depth chart. I don’t suppose Entwistle will likely be re-signed subsequent season.
Entwistle’s Ultimate Grade: C+
Nick Foligno
17 objectives, 20 assists, 37 factors, minus-29 in 74 video games performed. ATOI of 17:46 minutes
43.6 CF%, 39 blocked pictures, 192 hits, 47 takeaways, 26 giveaways, 57 penalty minutes
52.4 FO%
Cap Standing: Signed by the 2025-26 season, cap hit of $4.5 million
All eyes have been on Taylor Corridor when the Blackhawks acquired him and Foligno from the Boston Bruins. However who would’ve thought Foligno would step up the way in which he has?! He’s turn out to be the de facto captain of the crew, and the most important cheerleader, dad, mentor and chief of everybody.
To not point out he’s really been fairly efficient on the ice. Foligno usually lined up on the highest line with Bedard this season as a mentor and position mannequin. Foligno’s manufacturing and ice time was larger than it’s been in years, because the 36-year-old discovered his area of interest and methods to contribute in all conditions. Consider it or not, Foligno’s 192 hits was probably the most on the crew, and his 47 takeaways was tied with Bedard for third on the crew. He’s not even a pure middle, however took on the position out of necessity for this inexperienced membership. He ended up taking the third most faceoffs (behind Dickinson and Bedard) and had the best win proportion (52.4%) on the crew. Not unhealthy for an previous man, eh?
Foligno has gone from an afterthought in Boston to an integral a part of the rebuild in Chicago. Who woulda thunk it?!
Foligno’s Ultimate Grade: A
*Cole Guttman
4 objectives, 4 assists, 8 factors, minus-17 in 27 video games performed. ATOI of 12:37 minutes
42.6 CF%, 14 blocked pictures, 11 hits, 14 takeaways, 10 giveaways, 7 penalty minutes
50 FO%
Cap Standing: Restricted Free Agent, earlier cap hit of $950,000
Guttman continued to point out untapped offensive potential from final season, however was despatched to the Rockford IceHogs early on so he may play in all conditions. To be frank, I feel he deserved extra of a glance this season, however his manufacturing exploded in Rockford, and I consider he ought to get one other contract for subsequent season, as a result of he is usually a strong depth ahead.
Guttman’s Ultimate Grade: C
Taylor Corridor
2 objectives, 2 assists, 4 factors, minus-3 in 10 video games performed. ATOI of 16:20 minutes
47.6 CF%, 3 blocked pictures, 7 hits, 5 takeaways, 3 giveaways, 4 penalty minutes
66.7 FO%
Cap Standing: Signed by the 2024-25 season, cap hit of $6 million
Corridor was purported to be THE man to transition Bedard into the league. How may you go fallacious with a former No. 1 total decide mentoring the present No. 1 total decide?! Properly, it most likely would have gone swimmingly if Corridor hadn’t torn his ACL, forcing him to endure season-ending surgical procedure.
He ended up solely taking part in in 10 video games earlier than being sidelined. However the excellent news is he’s anticipated to be again in full pressure subsequent season. Bedard’s had loads of different help, apart from acclimating fairly effectively on his personal. However it positive received’t harm to have Corridor as a part of the help system for the 2024-25 marketing campaign.
Corridor’s Ultimate Grade: Incomplete
*Reese Johnson
2 objectives, 3 assists, 5 factors, minus-20 in 42 video games performed. ATOI of 10:56 minutes
46.7 CF%, 16 blocked pictures, 109 hits, 7 takeaways, 9 giveaways, 40 penalty minutes
51.9 FO%
Cap Standing: Restricted Free Agent, earlier cap hit of $800,000
Johnson, simply as he did final season, was out and in of the lineup seeing lots of wholesome scratches. Coaches love him for his bodily and menacing presence, mixed along with his work ethic, which has saved him on the crew. However, his 10:56 minutes of ice time is among the many least on the crew, but he was sixth-best on the crew in hits. Total, he is a good teammate and individual, but when he’s not offering a bodily presence, he doesn’t present a lot else.
R. Johnson’s Ultimate Grade: D+
Tyler Johnson
17 objectives, 14 assists, 31 factors, minus-35 in 67 video games performed. ATOI of 15:32 minutes
41.7 CF%, 31 blocked pictures, 48 hits, 26 takeaways, 21 giveaways, 26 penalty minutes
44.4 FO%
Cap Standing: Unrestricted Free Agent, earlier cap hit of $5 million
All in all, Johnson had an honest season. He got here up clutch quite a few instances, and was an integral member of the facility play (he and Foligno have been each credited with a team-leading 8 PP objectives). At 33 years of age, the two-time Stanley Cup winner (Tampa Bay Lightning) was a mentor/chief in his personal quiet means. However different veteran gamers appear to have stepped up in that division, making Johnson considerably expendable.
Johnson’s $5 million cap hit is up this yr. He’s actually not going to get that sort of cash transferring ahead, regardless of the place he may signal. The Blackhawks are going younger as they proceed with their rebuild. Johnson’s time in Chicago is probably going carried out.
T. Johnson’s Ultimate Grade: B
*Philipp Kurashev
18 objectives, 36 assists, 54 factors, minus-44 in 75 video games performed. ATOI of 19:01 minutes
42.7 CF%, 48 blocked pictures, 27 hits, 43 takeaways, 28 giveaways, 23 penalty minutes
46.4 FO%
Cap Standing: Signed by the 2024-25 season, cap hit of $2.25 million
Philipp Kurashev lastly had his breakout yr taking part in alongside Bedard, ending second-best on the crew in objectives, assists and factors. He discovered extra consistency this season along with his pace and talent and shattered his career-bests in all classes. He actually earned the two-year contract he obtained in arbitration final summer time. Granted, his minus-44 was second-worst within the NHL, however he put the puck within the internet, in order that half might be principally forgiven.
Kurashev’s Ultimate Grade: A-
Rem Pitlick
0 objectives, 0 assists, 0 factors, minus-7 in 9 video games performed. ATOI of 15:35 minutes
45.6 CF%), 6 blocked pictures, 9 hits, 3 takeaways, 4 giveaways, 2 penalty minutes
50 FO%
Cap Standing: Unrestricted Free Agent, earlier cap hit of $1.1 million
Pitlick was acquired in January from the Pittsburgh Penguins when the Blackhawks have been coping with a plethora of accidents. He really stuffed in on the highest line with Kurashev and Taylor Raddysh whereas Bedard was out with a damaged jaw. I do know, that doesn’t precisely comprise a prime line within the NHL, and all of us wish to neglect how robust it was to observe the Hawks when Bedard was sidelined.
However Pitlick was not less than serviceable when the Hawks wanted him most. He was positioned on waivers in February and joined the IceHogs, the place he’s been certainly one of their prime producers (13 objectives, 31 factors in 25 video games on the time of this writing).
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The 27-year-old solely performed in 9 video games with the Blackhawks, however we wished to incorporate him since he’s making a big effect in Rockford.
Pitlick’s Ultimate Grade: C
*Taylor Raddysh
5 objectives, 9 assists, 14 factors, minus-19 in 73 video games performed. ATOI of 15:53 minutes
45.1 CF%, 28 blocked pictures, 84 hits, 43 takeaways, 29 giveaways, 22 penalty minutes
33.3 FO%
Cap Standing: Restricted Free Agent, earlier cap hit of $758,333
There’s no sugar-coating it; Raddysh had a horrible season. He went from 20 objectives final season to 5 objectives this season; in a contract season as well. He was additionally simply merely unfortunate. He was capable of finding a distinct segment on the penalty kill, which gave him an extended leash on the crew, however he noticed some wholesome scratches to finish the marketing campaign, together with sitting the final contest of the season. At this level, I don’t see him getting re-signed over the summer time, which is unlucky as a result of there have been excessive hopes for him.
Raddysh’s Ultimate Grade: D-
Lukas Reichel
5 objectives, 11 assists, 16 factors, minus-29 in 65 video games performed. ATOI of 14:07 minutes
40.9 CF%, 25 blocked pictures, 27 hits, 33 takeaways, 35 giveaways, 12 penalty minutes
43.4 FO%
Cap Standing: Restricted Free Agent, earlier cap hit of $950,000
It’s been mentioned advert nauseam how Reichel’s had a tough season. After a constructive ending to the 2022-23 marketing campaign, Reichel began the 2023-24 season because the second line middle behind Bedard. However the 21-year-old didn’t reply effectively to the added obligations of taking part in middle. He was then moved again to the wing, however that didn’t do the trick both. At this level, Reichel’s confidence was shot. After a few wholesome scratches, he was lastly despatched right down to Rockford for a reset after producing solely three objectives and 10 factors in 50 video games with the Blackhawks.
Reichel’s primary focus in Rockford was to be extra aggressive and attempt to lead the play as a substitute of letting it come to him. Upon his return on Mar. 17, we noticed flashes of pace and aggressiveness, in addition to some added confidence. He ended up tallying two objectives and 6 factors in his last 15 video games. But his total marketing campaign leaves loads to be desired. If something, Reichel has discovered tips on how to take care of adversity this season. He did rating a high-light reel objective within the Blackhawks’ last recreation to depart a very good impression going into the offseason. If solely he may do that constantly!
What a objective by Lukas Reichel. His prettiest of the season by a mile. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/ZhqZZ9Bya5
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 19, 2024
The Blackhawks haven’t given up on Reichel. As a matter of truth, he’s going to affix the IceHogs for his or her playoff push. Taking part in in these significant video games ought to additional add to his improvement. I’m positive the Blackhawks will re-sign Reichel (for cheaper now) and he’ll be again subsequent season for one more go at reaching his potential.
Hopefully we are going to look again on this season and simply name it a sophomore hunch.
Reichel’s Ultimate Grade: C-
*Zach Sanford
0 objectives, 4 assists, 4 factors, minus-3 in 18 video games performed. ATOI of 11:48 minutes
46.3 CF%, 11 blocked pictures, 17 hits, 12 takeaways, 3 giveaways, 2 penalty minutes
37.3 FO%
Cap Standing: Unrestricted Free Agent, earlier cap hit of $800,000
Sanford was introduced into the combination off of waivers from the Arizona Coyotes in January after gamers like Bedard, Foligno, and Raddysh have been on injured reserve. I believed he did okay, as he had some extent in his Blackhawks’ debut in opposition to Calgary. For somebody who was there to fill in, he did fantastic till gamers began getting wholesome and he obtained despatched to the IceHogs.
Sanford’s Ultimate Grade: C-
Landon Slaggert
1 objective, 3 assists, 4 factors, plus-1 in 16 video games performed. ATOI of 11:16 minutes
36.4 CF%, 6 blocked pictures, 16 hits, 6 takeaways, 2 giveaways, 4 penalty minutes
Cap Standing: Signed by the 2024-25 season, cap hit of $912,500
Slaggert signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on Mar. 10, sooner or later after his collegiate profession ended at Notre Dame. Altogether, the 21-year-old suited up for 16 video games with the Blackhawks, principally as a staple on the fourth line left wing. He’s slot in fairly effectively, contributing to the road’s identification of being tenacious and laborious to play in opposition to. He even was deployed on the third line right here and there as Coach Richardson began to belief him extra.
Slaggert scored his first objective in his 12th recreation, and has been a gentle depth presence regardless of being comparatively new to the crew down the stretch. His time with the Blackhawks this season ought to give him a pleasant head begin in coaching camp within the fall, as he competes for a spot on the crew.
Slaggert’s Ultimate Grade: B
Frank Nazar
1 objectives, 0 assists, 1 level, minus-4 in 3 video games performed. ATOI of 16:09 minutes
38.9 CF%, 1 blocked pictures, 0 hits, 2 takeaways, 3 giveaways, 0 penalty minutes
31.8 FO%
Cap Standing: Signed by the 2025-26 season, cap hit of $950,000
Let’s conclude with 20-year-old Nazar, who signed a three-year, entry-level contract on Apr. 13, shortly after his College of Michigan crew was eradicated within the semi-finals of the NCAA Frozen 4 Event.
The Blackhawks wasted no time getting Nazar out on the ice, and what a technique to burst onto the NHL scene! He scored his first NHL objective on his first NHL shot. Coach Richardson has been raving about him proper off the hop; calling him a sensible participant, and displaying he trusts him by taking part in him in all conditions.
FRANK NAZAR SCORES HIS FIRST NHL GOAL ON HIS FIRST NHL SHOT ‼️👏 pic.twitter.com/KWIeewZeR4
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 14, 2024
Positive, it was the final three video games of the season with actually nothing to lose. However for probably the most half, Nazar confirmed he may deal with the deployment. He was very seen in all three of his outings, along with his confidence standing out. It’s going to be actually enjoyable to observe Nazar and Bedard subsequent season! I predict Nazar makes the crew out of coaching camp.
Nazar’s Ultimate Grade: A-
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What do you suppose, Blackhawks followers?! How would you grade the above listed forwards? We’d love to listen to your opinions within the feedback part. You should definitely catch extra participant grades on the defensemen and goaltenders, dropped at you by The Hockey Writers. That and way more because the offseason unfolds!