Chicago Blackhawks’ Fans Need To Brace For A New Reality

Honestly, in my mind, the ‘Hawks top guys are always going to be the top guys. It is scary to think that we are going to have to move forward without some of them one day.

Father time catches up to everyone eventually. I did not think that time has flown so much. It seems like just yesterday, Toews and Kane were in their early 20’s winning Stanley Cups. What happened!

Players age and eventually have to step away from the NHL. While I think that Toews and Kane still have five or so years left before we need to worry about them stepping away from the game, I do believe we might start seeing them take on a smaller role.

Patrick Kane can still carry the Blackhawks, but that comes at a cost. Kane was not as productive this postseason, and it might have been because Jeremy Colliton and company overplayed Kane. Jonathan Toews has been the Blackhawks number one center for a decade, but maybe we need to start seeing him play pass the mantle over to Kirby Dach or Dylan Strome.

Even Duncan Keith can not continue to carry our defense. While he does not need to take as limited of a role as Brent Seabrook moving forward, maybe the Blackhawks need to let some new players step up to the plate.

I want to see the next wave of star Blackhawks step up and start creating their legacy in the city of Chicago.

The Blackhawks have great players in Toews, Kane, and Keith, but they need to take a step back a little if they want to remain effective. Taking a step back allows new players to step up. The players the Blackhawks already have in their locker room could prove ready to elevate their game.

Alex DeBrincat might have had an off-year last season, but that does not mean he won’t come back better than ever next season. I am excepting to see players like DeBrincat, Strome, and Murphy take more significant roles in their position next season.

DeBrincat needs to get more opportunities on the special teams and should be a go-to player when the Blackhawks are down a goal. Strome needs to work on his faceoffs and make sure the Blackhawks can look to him moving forward when the Blackhawks need the puck. While Murphy needs to make sure he is ready to log more ice time for the Blackhawks on a blue line filled with inexperienced young players and older veterans.

Now, I know I did not include players like Ian Mitchell, Kirby Dach, and Adam Boqvist on this list above; I did that intentionally. While I know that they are all going to be influential pieces of this roster years down the line, I do not know how much we can put on their plate next season. We do not want to overwork our young guys too soon. So what does that mean for next season?

The Blackhawks are not going to win the Stanley Cup next season. Honestly, making the playoffs is going to be a bit of a stretch in my eyes too.

While we found a way to compete and make it into the first round this season, these were extraordinary circumstances. Chicago needs to focus on improving their roster and making sure the future is brighter year after year. I do not need to see this team win now, as long as each year they are taking a step forward.

The ‘Hawks were the youngest team in the playoffs this past season. That is something that can not be taken for granted, in my opinion. Chicago went out and gained some precious experience both for the players and coaching staff.

More from Blackhawk Up

• Blackhawks: Grading Connor Murphy and a position comparison
• Blackhawks: Shuffling the lines to try and spark offense at 5 on 5
• These Lineup Changes could Solve the Blackhawks’ Scoring Problem
• Blackhawks: List Of Things To Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving
• The perfect holiday gifts for the Chicago Blackhawks fan

Next season is going to prove trying for the Blackhawks. As long as we can go out and play competitive hockey, I am going to be alright with whatever result we see on the ice. Let’s hope the young players on this roster can start to take on even more prominent roles, and hopefully, they can continue to develop their game to make the ‘Hawks competitive a few years down the line.

I know that the biggest issue with waiting a few more years to win is who knows where Toews and Kane are going to be at that time when it comes to their regression. Still, the thing is, if we let them take a little step back now, we are going to ensure that they are ready to go when we need them come playoff time in a year or two.

Please do not go out and watch the Blackhawks play next season with the postseason in mind for 2021; instead, start looking ahead for the roster we are building for years to come!