Chicago Blackhawks Beach Day

Jun 11, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the Chicago Blackhawks logo on the ice during media day in preparation for game one of the 2013 Stanley Cup Fina against the Boston Bruins at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks made a couple signings today with only a couple minor contracts left to complete to finally complete their summer work (Drew LeBlanc and Shawn Lalonde).

Defenseman Ryan Stanton signed a one year contract, Stanton had 3 goals and 22 assists with Rockford in 2012-2013 while playing 73 games with a +16 rating.  Stanton got to play in the Rockford Ice Hogs vs St Louis Blues season finale and will more than likely play in Rockford for the 2013-2014 season.

The bigger news of the day is that Kyle Beach signed a one year contract.  A lot of fans and some writers had expected the disappointing Beach not to be given a qualifying offer by the Blackhawks, but it’s hard for any franchise to give up on #1 draft picks even if they are now 23 and have not progressed at the AHL level.  Last season Beach scored 16 goals 10 assists in 66 games.

Beach was the 11th selection of the 1st round in 2008 which was the draft highlighted by Steven Stamkos.  Beach still hasn’t arrived in Chicago even in the Hogs contest with the Blues to end the 2013 season.  Beach, most would think, is on his last skate with the franchise but most were fooled this offseason too. You never know sometimes a final chance gives people the sense of urgency to turn the corner.

What do you think of Beach and his future with the Blackhawks?

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