3 potential Blackhawks replacements for Connor Bedard at All-Star Game
The Chicago Blackhawks need to name an All-Star replacement for Connor Bedard.
The Chicago Blackhawks are dealing with the worst luck of all time. On top of having a terrible roster, the few good players on the team have dealt with injuries all season long.
The latest is generational rookie Connor Bedard. He was well on pace to be the Calder Trophy winner as he had 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 39 games played. For being the youngest player in the league, that is incredible.
Unfortunately, he needed surgery to repair his fractured jaw and is going to be out for 6-8 weeks. He is going to miss the All-Star Game.
In his place, the Blackhawks need to name an injury replacement. These are the three best options for them to choose:
Philipp Kurashev is young and would fit in at the All-Star Game
Whoever replaces Bedard is going to be far from a superstar in the NHL but they are the next best options for the Blackhawks since one player from each team needs to go.
Philipp Kurashev is an option as he is having a pretty good year. So far, he has eight goals, 15 assists, and 23 points in 34 games.
He is a highly skilled player who is 24 years old and is just starting to find his way onto the scoresheet regularly. Kurashev isn't as good as anybody that is going to be at the All-Star Game but he will fit in once the games begin.
Kurashev is one of many very good Swiss players in the league and he'd be a great representative for them as well. If the Blackhawks have to send someone in Bedard's place, their second-leading scorer is a good option.
Jason Dickinson is someone for them to consider for the ASG as well
We talked about Chicago's second-leading scorer behind Bedard. Well, how about Chicago's second-leading goal-scorer behind Bedard? That would be Jason Dickinson.
On Tuesday night, Dickinson scored his 14th goal of the season. By the time Bedard comes back, Dickinson should be leading the team in that department all by himself.
Seeing Dickinson make it would be a very nice story. He has already passed his career high of nine goals. He has scored as many goals this year as the two years before that combined.
He has always been a solid bottom-six forward in the league and now he may get a chance as an All-Star because of an injury. It would probably be very cool for him and his family to have that kind of experience.
The Blackhawks may be looking to trade Dickinson at the deadline for assets. Having him as an All-Star this year would certainly beef up his resume.
Petr Mrazek could fit in as an All-Star goalie based on how he's played
Petr Mrazek is far from a Vezina-caliber goalie these days. He isn't even close to his prime but he has been very good this year for being on such a bad team.
He currently has a 10-14-1 record with a 3.21 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. His save percentage is currently better than Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars who made the team.
Now, we know Oettinger is a better goalie than Mrazek (by a lot) but this could be a Bedard replacement if they need to add another goalie.
He deserves some thought based on how he's played with this dumpster fire in front of him. It isn't like the other options on this team don't have flaws in the logic either.
Mrazek has paid his dues in this league. When he was with Detroit early in his career, he had some All-Star-worthy moments but was never one of those guys. Now is probably the one time where he could be on the team.
Just like Dickinson, Mrazek could be moved at the deadline if a goalie needing team overpays for him. Being an All-Star this season might drive up the price.
Next. The NHL is making big changes to the ASG. The NHL is making big changes to the ASG. dark