Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links- Pokka Party We Hardly Knew Thee

Good morning Chicago Blackhawks fans! The Chicago Blackhawks did one of their annual rights of passage yesterday when Stan Bowman let go of a prospect that never really made it to the Big Leagues. 

When I say annual, Stan Bowman did the same thing for Mark McNeill, and now the Pokka party will not ever be one of the Chicago Blackhawks regular defenseman.

When Ville Pokka got called up a month or so ago and never got to see any action, you could tell that the writing was on the wall that Pokka was never going to be in rotation. To be quite honest, I was really surprised that Pokka even got a cup of coffee with the team during the season.  The complaint was that he wasn’t the best skater, and if you haven’t noticed the NHL is chalk full of great skaters.

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Hopefully for Pokka’s sake he gets with a coaching staff that can work with him, and maybe they can help him make the NHL since it was never happening in Chicago.

Not a big trade for Stan Bowman, but with the trade deadline coming up will this be a hint to a bunch of little trades or just one little trade in a very non-active trade deadline.

Here are some morning links to start your Friday! 

If you ever wondered what Alex DeBrincat‘s game day routine is, all you have to is click on this link (Blackhawks)

Ville Pokka is now a member of the Ottawa Senators after getting traded on Thursday (Second City)

Since Ville is leaving Rockford, let’s check in on what’s going on with the Ice Hogs (Faxes from Uncle Dale)

Jeff Glass cleared waivers and J.F Berube was recalled from Rockford (Sun-Times)

Ed Olczyk was back on the telecast last night, and here he catches up with (CSN)

Shayne Gostisbehere reacts to the terrible shooting at his old high school (Pro Hockey Talk)

Nathan MacKinnon could be back sooner than later for the Colorado Avalanche (Mile High Sticking)

The Winnipeg Jets need to beef up their roster before the trade deadline (Free Press)

Are the trade gates about to open? (TSN)

Team USA still has time to rebound at the Olympics (Sporting News)

Next: Looking At The Blackhawks Roster Next Year

What players won’t be but should be in play at the trade deadline (Sportsnet)