Small-named Stand Outs in Chicago Blackhawks’ Development Camp

Through three days of Prospect Camp, I’ve went in depth on Adam Boqvist and both Henri Jokiharju and Jake Wise. Today, we’ll continue to look into some of the smaller-named players who’ve impressed thus far and who to watch as the week carrier on.

Who’s Impressed

Through three days, most everybody’s eyes have been on Henri Jokiharju, and Adam Boqvist. It’s well deserving as they’re both two highly-drafted players trying to crack the NHL. It’s absolutely worth noting again just how impressive these guys have been. To read further into Boqvist’s performance through the first half of camp, check this article.

Additionally, Jake Wise has been my favorite prospect to watch. He works harder than anyone I’ve seen. Furthermore, he carries himself similar to that of a young Jonathon Toews. His playing style has led me coin him “Nick Schmaltz 2.0.” His play making ability, hands, and IQ all stand out. He has the talent to score, but looks to be a pass-first type forward. For more on him and Jokiharju, check my story here.

All things considering, there are more than three prospects attending camp. Here I’ll detail what other not-so-big-named guys have caught my eye thus far.

Blake Hillman (55)

Through three practices now, I’m very high on Hillman. If you recall, he played four games with the Hawks at the end of the season and scored his first NHL goal. For the majority of camp, Hillman has been paired alongside defenseman Henri Jokiharju.  The two have looked pretty darn good together breaking up odd-man rushes and defending their own zone in two on two drills.

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Also, Hillman isn’t afraid to throw his body around either. His physicality has played to his advantage multiple times through camp thus far, especially during board battles. He doesn’t over-commit to any plays or attempt to do too much- a significant upgrade in comparison to some people who’ve played the blue-line in recent seasons.

Additionally, he’s got a big slap shot which has looked rock solid coming from the point. Blake looks fit to be one of the guys battling for a bottom-four spot come training camp.

If it were my decision, he’d get one.

Honorable Mentions

Though I haven’t seen as much of these guys, they’re all players who’ve done one thing or another to stand out to me during camp.

Mikael Hakkarainen (15): Center from Finland who’s finished a handful of odd-man rushes and has made a lot of smart plays with the puck. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 draft. His agility when carrying the puck has stood out significantly. Additionally, he’s got a knack for finishing scoring chances. He’s topped off multiple odd-man rushes by going top-shelf on the goaltender.

Joshua Ess (17): A seventh round pick in the 2017 draft. He’s a defenseman who hasn’t been talked about much, but his hockey IQ has impressed me a handful of times as well as his shot. If I had to make sleeper pick on which of the bottom-of-the-pile defensemen breaks out a few years from now, he’s my guy.

Alexis Gravel (70): We all know the Blackhawks’ goaltender situation is less than ideal. During camp, each goaltender looks to be generally on the same level. However, Gravel (of the Halifax Mooseheads) would be my pick of the six in attendance who eventually begin to climb in the Blackhawks’ organization.

Nicolas Beaudin (34): Chicago’s other 2018 first round pick. He hasn’t been caught out of position at all during scrimmages or odd-man rushes. His skating and ability to move is impressive and already looks NHL-ready. Though I haven’t seen anything particularly flashes through three days, he seems to consistently make the right decision with and without the puck.

Next: Chicago Blackhawks' Adam Boqvist In Development Camp

MacKenzie Entwistle (37): Entwistle came over recently in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes. His size and big shot are both stand-out characteristics I’ve seen. Bowman is very high on him as he nearly drafted him last season before Arizona took him the pick before.