Chicago Blackhawks: ‘Ex-Hawks’ Filled With Champions

Mar 5, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Adam Clendening (44) looks on against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. The Coyotes won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

3^rd Defensive Pairing – Stephen Johns (Dallas Stars)-Adam Clendening (Vancouver Canucks)

This is what I deem the prospect pairing. Johns and Clendening are the future of the Ex-Hawks once Campbell, Oduya and Byfuglien age out.

Johns was one of the top prospects in Chicago’s system before he was shipped to Dallas with Sharp. He brings a physical style to the ice at 6-foot-4, 234 pounds. He can also facilitate when necessary. He didn’t play a game with the Blackhawks this season, but was going to be on the Stanley Cup roster had he not broken his arm during the playoffs for Rockford (a stretch, I know).

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Clendening was traded from Chicago to Vancouver last January and makes the team because he played four games with the Blackhawks. He’s another offensively gifted player along the blue line and could easily fill the void on the second powerplay unit for the Ex-Hawks.

Together, Johns and Clendening could be a really talented and balanced duo. These are two players the Blackhawks will regret losing and are a foundation the Ex-Hawks can build upon for the future.

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