One big positive for the Blackhawks after playing well to start the season
By Jim Lynch
The Chicago Blackhawks have started the 2022-23 NHL season 4-3-0 and currently sit in a playoff spot within the Central Division. With the team in a rebuild, that fresh start might cause reason to panic. However, there is reason to be happy with the situation.
One big positive for the Blackhawks after playing well to start the season
Right off the bat, one big positive for Blackhawks fans must be watching your favorite team win. While the team is rebuilding, the players obviously are not playing to lose – neither should the fans.
While I have caught myself a few times thinking about the implications of picking up too many points for a good draft pick, fans should be rooting for entertaining hockey when the game is on. The Blackhawks have been doing just that.
The Hawks have been playing electric hockey so far. They have had some big comeback wins, scored some crazy short-handed goals, and have an above-average power play this season. Despite blowing up the team this offseason, the Blackhawks have scored 25 goals in their first seven games of the season, which is the ninth-best total in the league. That brings me to the main positive of the Blackhawks doing well.
The Hawks winning right now means there are pieces here worth trading for toward the trade deadline. In a few months, the Blackhawks can turn their offseason signings like Max Domi or Andreas Athanasiou into draft picks and prospects. Those two players combined for a great goal on Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers.
There are very few players that the Blackhawks probably won’t consider trading this season. Even Kane and Toews could be on the move if they want out. Luckily they both have been playing strong so far this season. Toews is tied with Domi for a team-leading four goals, and Kane leads the team with eight points.
The Blackhawks winning right now might not be the greatest news for the tank for Bedard camp, but at the same time, you are not going to lose all 82 games during a season. Winning these games now could be the difference between getting a third or fourth-round pick for a player like Domi and getting a first or second if he continues to play well with the Hawks.
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The Blackhawks’ next game is in Buffalo against the Sabres on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 6 PM CT. They then will play the Wild at home on Sunday.