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Chicago Blackhawks Greatest 100- #60 John Marks

By Keith Schultz

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 01: The 2013 Stanley Cup Champions banner joins 4 other Stanley Cup banners at the United Center during a ceremony before the Chicago Blackhawks take on the Washington Capitals at the United Center on October 1, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 01: The 2013 Stanley Cup Champions banner joins 4 other Stanley Cup banners at the United Center during a ceremony before the Chicago Blackhawks take on the Washington Capitals at the United Center on October 1, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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When you think of defenseman that were also good as wingers what is the first name that comes to mind? If you are from this generation of Chicago Blackhawks fans, Most would say Dustin Byfuglien.  Before Big Buff, there was John Marks.

John Marks was drafted 9th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1968 NHL amateur draft.  Marks went to Jonathan Toews alma mater the University of North Dakota before arriving with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1972.

Marks came up with the Chicago Blackhawks as a defenseman, but his versatility made him a center and a winger for most of his career.  A few years ago we talked about #ProjectBrookbank on twitter when Joel Quenneville would dress 7 defenseman, but think of the combo he could have had with someone like Marks on his roster.

Marks would score 20 or more goals twice, and 112 goals for his career while wearing a Chicago Blackhawks uniform, but his versatility was priceless during the 70’s, and he was blessed with great speed for his era.

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Marks played his entire career with the Chicago Blackhawks, and was a true ironman with a streak of over 500 consecutive games.

The downfall of any Chicago Blackhawk during the 70’s was not being able to win a Stanley Cup no matter how many chances they had, they just couldn’t beat the Montreal Canadiens.

Marks went into coaching after leaving the NHL with a NCAA Championship back at the University of North Dakota.

Marks may not have been the greatest Blackhawk ever, but he was a very reliable player for a decade in the Blackhawks uniform.

Next: The Best and Worst Mid-Season Trades By Stan Bowman

Only 60 days left until the Hawks start another season at the United Center.

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