Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Camp Day 4 Review

Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Camp Day Four Takeaways

Day four has concluded for the Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Camp out at Johnny’s Icehouse West and the prospects are starting to make some names for themselves and make impressions that can last going into training camp. Here are a few thoughts and takeaways from day four of camp.

More from Blackhawks Prospects

After day three, Tanner Kero looked like he had more to offer in camp and after day four, he has made improvements to get up to speed with the rest of the prospects who have spent time with the Blackhawks before. Kero was skating and handling the puck much sharper than day three, and seemed like having his leg underneath him more in day four made a big difference.

Check it out: Blackhawks Prospect Camp Day Three

Ryan Hartman

and

Vinnie Hinostroza

continue to be at the top of the heap when it comes to potential prospect to make the jump to the NHL. They, along with

Michal Kempny

, have been three of the best performers in camp and look to show the younger talent what is expected to excel at the next level.

A prospect that could show a bit more development heading into the Fall training camp is Graham Knott. Knott was the second-round pick for the Blackhawks in last summer’s Entry Draft and still has time to develop his all-around game, but when the pace of the game gets to a higher tempo, Knott sometimes gets lost in the fray. He is best in front of the net and plays a strong , physical game offensively.

Gustav Forsling continues to improve through camp, but still can reach another level before the close of camp on Friday. Forsling skates well and can handle the puck in all three zones, but his battling in one-on-one drills could be better. But that is nit-picking.

Check it out: Odd Opening Night Blackhawks

When watching the Team A-B scrimmage, two prospects have stood out over the duration of the Camp; Alex DeBrincat and Alexandre Fortin.
- DeBrincat is easily to highest-touted prospect in the A and B groupings and has shown continuous skills with the puck, fast feet and a ‘turn and burn’ ability that no one else has in groups A or B. If not for being five-foot-seven, DeBrincat probably would’ve been a top-ten pick in this year’s Entry Draft.
- Fortin is an interesting story. Undrafted and not signed to any team (not even Chicago), Fortin is at prospect camp looking for a contract. He might just get one if he continues his play from the first four days of camp into Thursday and Friday. In three scrimmage games, Fortin has five goals and constantly is around the net looking for chances or creating his own opportunities with the puck. Would not be surprised to see Fortin get a shot at an AHL contract heading into the Fall.
- Finally, the goaltending position for the Blackhawks has been dominated, as of late, by the ‘Big Goalie.’ Corey Crawford comes in a six-foot-three and Scott Darling is a staggering six-foot-six. The next ‘Big Goalie’ in the Blackhawks’ future may be 2016 draft pick, Wouter Peeters. Peeters has been the best looking goalie in camp and at just 17-years old, will have plenty of time to improve his skills before heading back to North America to make his professional debut. He’ll also have time to grow taller than his current six-foot-five stature.
More from Blackhawk Up

Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Camp Day 4 Review

Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Camp Day Four Takeaways

More from Blackhawk Up

Schedule