Chicago Blackhawks: NCAA Players Can Provide Much-Needed Depth

Apr 9, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; North Dakota Fighting Hawks celebrate with the trophy after beating the Quinnipiac Bobcats in the championship game of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. North Dakota defeated Quinnipiac 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Josh Norris, University of Michigan

Position: Center, shoots left

Size: 6’1″ 192lbs.

Hometown: Oxford, Michigan

My Take:

Norris is the type of player the Blackhawks haven’t had since Dave Bolland. A gritty centerman who is able to take top defensive assignments and also have an offensive game is rare to find, but Norris may have both qualities. Norris is known for his leadership by example by being one of the hardest working players on the team. Solid forechecking is an area the Blackhawks have taken for granted which is a strategy that helped win them their first Stanley Cup in 2010. Maybe this is the kind of player the Blackhawks need to get back to business in the playoffs.