New Additions
Jamal Mayers- He will most likely play center on the 4th line. He was added in an attempt to make the Blackhawks fourth line a little stronger and grittier.
Dan Carcillo- He will be playing on the 4th line and was also part of the campaign to make the fourth line better. As long as he can stay disciplined, he should be a good addition to the team.
The Young Ones
Marcus Kruger- Last year, as a rookie, he showed that he had talent and could play the game. The Hawks are unsure about him as a second line center and also unsure about him as a fourth line center. He will probably be used on the fourth line and have the same position as Stalberg and start every few games.
Ben Smith- Also a rookie last year, who showed that he had some talent and could score goals. He scored 3 goals in one round of the playoffs. He might play on the second line or on the third or fourth line. As long as he does well in training camp, he will be on the team. He works hard, has talent, and has hockey smarts. He will be a great piece on the Hawks in the next few years.
Brian Bickell- He also played well in the playoffs last year and looks to have a breakout season this year. He has been good playing with Dave Bolland so far in his career and will probably stay on the left wing of the third line.
Michael Frolik- After being acquired in a trade from the Panthers for Jack Skille, it took him awhile to warm up to playing on the Hawks. Towards the end of the season and in the playoffs he was a helpful part of the team. He will probably play on the second or third line most of the year.
The Veterans
Patrick Sharp- He had an outstanding season last year, but looks to top that. He might have to play center for a good part of the season because the Hawks have nobody else that can play the second line center position. He is a better goal-scorer when he is on the wing, but is still a good asset when playing center.
Jonathan Toews- Year after year he is good and then gets better the next year. That trend will probably continue. As long as he stays healthy, he might be in Hart trophy/MVP talks. He is a great leader and will be centering the first line, as always.
Patrick Kane- He has bulked up this summer and looks forward to having a big season this year. He should be 100% healthy for the season opener after injuring his wrist during a workout this summer.
Marian Hossa- He is always a huge contributor on any team he plays for. He will be playing the right wing on the second line most of the year and looks to increase his points number that was lower than expected last season.
Breakout Player
I think the breakout player this year will be Michael Frolik. He wasn’t very successful in Florida, but it looks like he has better chemistry with the Blackhawks. He will either play on the second line with Hossa and Sharp who are both great forwards or with Bolland and Bickell on the third line. He will have chances and will probably take advantage of those chances.
Predictions
As long as Carcillo can keep himself from being suspended, the project of improving the fourth line should be a success. If the young players like Bickell, Smith, and Frolik all step up the Hawks will be a force to reckon with. With Selke runner-up, Jonathan Toews, and one of the best defensive forwards, Dave Bolland, on the team, the Hawks defense should be strengthened by some of the great defensive forwards.
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