Chicago Blackhawks: In Season Review – Alex DeBrincat

Alex DeBrincat came into the season with high hopes after a breakout season last year. He was highlighted as the star of the future, so how has he done this year?

Last season Alex DeBrincat made himself a household name among Chicago Blackhawks fans after scoring 41 goals and dishing out 35 assists. He was highlighted as a crucial part of the team’s success coming into the season. After all, that, to say this season, so far, has been a letdown would be an understatement.

Having a season like DeBrincat had last year can create some far-fetched expectations (he isn’t going to score 41 goals every season), he isn’t Patrick Kane. However, I think we all expected a little more than what we have gotten as far as points go.

In 70 games, he has added just 18 goals with 27 assists. DeBrincat has had a 12 game scoring drought, and a seven-game scoring drought. He didn’t have a multi-goal game until February 21st, in a 2-1 OT win over the Predators.

DeBrincat just hasn’t had “it” this year. Could it be attributed to the fact Dylan Strome, DeBrincat’s long-time friend, missed quite a few games this year, or is he just having a slump of a year? Maybe opposing teams just found a way to take him out of the game.

His scoring, or lack thereof, this year has been highlighted in a major way, but what others may not understand is he is still a threat to score every time he gets the puck. Should emerging Blackhawks rookie Dominik Kubalik owe some of his out of nowhere success to DeBrincat being a focal point of other teams?

The point is even though DeBrincat’s scoring numbers have fallen off a bit this year, teams are still highlighting him on the scouting sheet, one would assume.

The way DeBrincat has played this season probably hasn’t earned him a solid grade from many Blackhawks fans, but he still is a major part of this team. I believe his play, thus far, earns him a C-.

If the NHL season continues, the Blackhawks will need DeBrincat to find a way to produce. However, even though DeBrincat was a bit of a letdown this season, he has still contributed to the team at least a little bit.