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Welcome to this preseason version of Blackhawks Bytes, a sequence that includes quotes and feedback from gamers, coaches, administration, journalists and followers alike regarding all the things Chicago Blackhawks. The aim of this ongoing column is to seize a slice of the present outlook, attitudes and tradition surrounding the workforce. Please be a part of me as we’ve got some enjoyable with the on a regular basis, albeit fascinating side of human nature; the facility of phrases.
We’re knee deep into the Blackhawks’ preseason, with three exhibition video games within the books, and three extra to go earlier than the season opener in opposition to the Utah Hockey Membership on Oct. 8. The group is understanding the kinks, figuring out who will keep and who will go. In that vein, let’s have a look at some quips and quotes from those that may not be staying this season, however who’re doubtless the longer term for the Blackhawks. I’ll proceed this sequence as we go alongside, with extra from the brand new and returning gamers, all to take a deeper look into this integral preseason for the rebuilding Blackhawks.
Lardis Desires to Rating Greasy Objectives
Nick Lardis is likely one of the OHL prospects the Blackhawks determined to maintain round somewhat longer than the remaining. They despatched Martin Misiak (Erie Otters), Alex Pharand (Sudbury Wolves) and Marek Vanacker (Brantford Bulldogs) and defenseman Ty Henry (Erie Otters) all the way down to their respective groups on Sept. 24, however saved Lardis and A.J. Spellacy for the preseason tilts in opposition to the Detroit Crimson Wings on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.
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Lardis performed on a line alongside extremely touted prospect Frank Nazar each nights (with Taylor Corridor the primary evening and Lukas Reichel the second evening). The 19-year-old struggled in opposition to NHL competitors the primary evening, however fared significantly better the second evening, registering two photographs on purpose and two hits in 18:half-hour of ice time.
Since being drafted within the third spherical (67th total) within the 2023 NHL Draft, the Ontario native has turn out to be identified for his taking pictures means. To make it within the NHL, it appears particularly helpful for him to get to the soiled areas across the web. Stated Lardis,
It’s essential for me to study the habits of attending to the online. Eighty-five p.c of the objectives are scored proper across the crease . . . [so] I need to hold doing that extra.
It’s nice that Lardis appears to know this is a vital function for his future success. This younger prospect was despatched again to the OHL Brantford Bulldogs on Sept. 28, the place I’m positive he’ll be engaged on his web entrance presence. Because it seems, he made an enormous impression that very evening along with his OHL workforce.
Huge efficiency for our first W of the season!
Scoring Abstract:
Thomas: 🚨🍏🍏🍏
Lardis: 🚨🚨🍏
O’Brien: 🚨🚨
Protz: 🚨🍏
Moore: 🍏
Roberts: 🍏
Lavoie: 🍏
Brown: 🍏#BFD | #OHL pic.twitter.com/9ovy6o9NmM— Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) September 29, 2024
Lardis registered two objectives and an help and was named the second star of the sport for the Bulldogs. Hopefully this success will proceed, and Lardis will come to coaching camp subsequent yr with much more expertise and confidence.
Del Mastro Speaks to Competitors & Comradery
Lardis knew he was going again to his junior workforce, however there are a selection of younger gamers who suited up for the Rockford IceHogs this previous season. They got here into camp desirous to legitimately compete for a spot on the Blackhawks’ roster. However that actuality turned so much more durable after the group added quite a few veterans to the workforce within the offseason, specifically 5 forwards and two defensemen.
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Defenseman Ethan Del Mastro was a rookie with the IceHogs final season, tallying seven objectives and 37 factors in 69 video games, whereas additionally being named an AHL All-Star. The Blackhawks rewarded him with two video games on the NHL degree on the finish of final season. However Del Mastro is being sensible about the place he stands, primarily based on the added competitors.
Administration made it clear that they need spots to be earned and never simply given. You must put the work boots on and attempt to make an impression.
(from ‘What makes Kyle Davison’s youth motion completely different than Blackhawks’ latest makes an attempt’, CHGO Blackhawks – 9/25/24)
The 21-year-old additionally talked concerning the Blackhawks “youth motion”. In any case, there are a selection of prospects who’re taking part in improvement camps and tournaments collectively, all with the hope of finally taking part in on a contending Blackhawks’ workforce.
We’re all tremendous shut and across the identical age. We’re clearly conscious of what’s occurring, but it surely’s extra so about pushing one another. It’s not up for us to determine, so we simply should go on the market and play and allow them to (administration) make these choices.
Del Mastro was despatched all the way down to the IceHogs on Sept. 29, the day earlier than the AHL membership begins their very own coaching camp. His time with the Blackhawks must wait, for now.
Dach Offers With Adversity
Ahead Colton Dach is one other prospect that was despatched again all the way down to the IceHogs on Sept. 29. Drafted in 2021 within the second spherical (62nd total), the 21-year-old felt like this might lastly be his yr to make the massive leagues.
My mindset hasn’t modified. I do know I would like to come back in and show that I can play right here…I do know what they count on of me coming into this yr’s camp and I need to present them that I might be that participant and make the leap to the NHL.
Dach was one of many final gamers reduce out of coaching camp final season. Albeit, that was earlier than the competitors to make the workforce was so stiff. Even so, I’m positive it was robust to be one of many first cuts this season.
The Alberta native performed with the IceHogs final season, contributing 11 objectives and 27 factors in 48 video games. He was one of many IceHogs’ greatest gamers, however he additionally handled quite a few accidents that hindered his progress. He is aware of he’s simply obtained to maintain pushing ahead.
The fellows can inform that the workforce goes in an upward trajectory. All of us need to play within the NHL, particularly the younger guys coming in from Rockford. We need to compete for a spot and take a job from somebody. They know that we’re going to come back in and provides it our all, so older guys are bringing their ‘A-game’ and it simply ramps all the things up.
This competitors is clearly an excellent factor, and what administration needs. It’s going to make the Blackhawks a greater workforce.
Dach had a powerful 2024 coaching camp, exhibiting a number of positives to his sport. I’m positive the teaching employees has taken word. I really feel like this younger man might nonetheless make his NHL debut sooner or later this season.
Guttman Offers His All
Whereas Dach offers along with his personal adversity, 25-year-old Cole Guttman is watching his time to shine within the NHL slip away. Youthful gamers hold pushing him down within the depth chart, making his dream of being a daily NHL participant slim.
Even so, Guttman continues to hone his craft. He has 41 video games of NHL expertise beneath his belt, together with eight objectives, 14 factors and an admirable 51.2 faceoff share. Might this expertise earn him a spot over a youthful participant? He has to hope so, and he’s been engaged on what he can management.
I get probably the most success after I’m not overthinking what to do within the defensive zone, and after I’m taking part in with my instincts. I really feel like I believe the sport nicely, so it’s simply going off of what I believe within the second.
It’s getting the puck in somewhat extra and never attempting to beat guys one-on-one as a lot, particularly within the impartial zone, on the blue traces,” he mentioned. “I’m studying grind them down, down low, and win battles. Then it’s simply profiting from your taking part in time, whether or not you’re taking part in eight minutes, quarter-hour, 20 minutes, no matter it’s. You must discover a method to influence the sport with nonetheless many minutes you’re taking part in.
(from ‘As he aged out of prospect-hood, Cole Guttman isn’t sweating his standing with Blackhawks’, The AthleticCHI – 9/28/24)
Will Guttman obtain one other shot within the NHL? Or is he destined to be a extremely good participant within the AHL? It’s a troublesome factor to ponder. However Guttman appears to have the suitable perspective.
Clearly, I need to be within the NHL. That’s the purpose. I really feel I do know what it takes to achieve success within the NHL. So I’m simply specializing in myself, on my sport. I imply, it’s human nature to check your self with the opposite gamers and see the place you’re at. However it’s not even well worth the vitality to emphasize about. Fear about you. That’s all you are able to do.
“Fear about you. That’s all you are able to do.” Wow, what an amazing lesson for all of us. Simpler mentioned than executed, although. However that basically is all you are able to do. This man is a hit story irrespective of the place he finally ends up (Guttman was additionally despatched all the way down to the IceHogs on Sept. 29).
Slaggert Continues to Grind
Lastly, we contact on Landon Slaggert, who was one other casualty of the cuts on Sept. 29. Everybody fell in love with the Notre Dame alum who performed 16 video games with the Blackhawks final season after is collegiate season was over. Slaggert cemented himself as a hard-worker on the Blackhawks’ fourth line, contributing one purpose and 4 factors whereas averaging 11:16 minutes of ice time.
However even this expertise wasn’t sufficient for the 22-year-old, who will now be grinding away in Rockford and ready for his subsequent probability. Slaggert spoke about what he discovered from his time within the NHL, and how he can use that transferring ahead.
It’s a course of, however I additionally suppose not deferring. You watch these guys on TV for a very long time now rising up, so not deferring to them and simply being assured in my very own sport and understanding I could make performs.
What’s much more telling is head coach Luke Richardson’s ideas on Slaggert.
A dog-on-a-bone work ethic. He does all the things proper. He did nicely within the rookie match, as nicely, particularly having that little little bit of expertise on the finish of final yr.
He’s only a good child. He’s wanting to study and to indicate his greatest, so it’s nice to look at him and see him progress each day. He ingests all the things you discuss to him about.
Slaggert initiatives to be a depth participant for the Blackhawks. However that doesn’t make his function any much less essential. It takes a complete workforce to win.
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All the above gamers are discovering their method, and every of them needs to play within the NHL. A few of them will make it, and a few gained’t. They didn’t make the Blackhawks’ workforce out of coaching camp this season, however that actually doesn’t imply it’s the top of the street. These are all gamers to observe as they proceed to succeed in for his or her NHL goals.
Keep tuned for extra participant feedback and quotes as the remainder of the preseason unfolds!
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