Chicago Blackhawks: Three Players Who Need To Bounce Back

By Mike Brennan

Aug 16, 2016

Apr 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) is congratulated for scoring a goal during the second period in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 9, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Desjardins (11) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew Desjardins

When the season starts in October, Desjardins will be 30 years old. At this point in players’ careers, they tend to lose production. The ‘Hawks cannot afford to have that happen with Desjardins.

The ‘Hawks have lost some depth and production in their forwards during this offseason. Desjardins will either be a third-line or fourth-line player all season. All he needs to do is be a little better than he was last season.

Last season he had eight goals and five assists with a plus/minus of minus-8. A fourth-line guy usually has numbers like that, but it is just extra annoying when the team can’t hide Desjardins behind many forwards.

While Desjardins had a tough time directly producing offense for the ‘Hawks last season, he did not have a tough time putting a body on people. He finished the season with 102 hits. So if he is not able to do well offensively this year, he needs to do well in the department that he can more easily control: hits.

Next: Marcus Kruger