2020-21 Chicago Blackhawks Season Still Uncertain

The defense is going to be looking a little better this year thanks to the addition of a few players.

1st pair: Keith – Boqvist

Duncan Keith has been a permanent staple on the first line pairing since he entered the league, and it is his job to hand the torch to Adam Boqvist. Has Boqvist missed coverages and made mistakes? Yes, but he is only 20 years old with a ton of time to grow and develop. I see them with the third or first-line in-game if line changes go right.

Second pair: de Haan – Mitchell

Ian Mitchell has been a hyped prospect, said to be a “game-changer”, for a long time now. He will have a mentor in de Haan on this line as he learns how to play in the NHL. de Haan is an established, proven defender who, with the right system, can make an impact and play against the other team’s top guys. Mitchell will also learn from Keith, but having a veteran in de Haan on his line could make life easier for him.

Third pair: Zadorov – Murphy

This is the bruising, punishing pairing the Chicago Blackhawks have not had in a long time. Zadorov and Murphy both do not pass up an opportunity to hit the opponent, not to mention Zadorov is one of the hardest hitters in the league. Both are also great in their own zone, as Murphy was probably the best defenseman on the Chicago Blackhawks last year. This will be a nightmare d-pairing to play against.

Extras: Seabrook, Carlsson

With two scoring forward lines and two checking lines, two skilled defense pairings with one bruising pairing, the forwards and defense look promising. But, we now come to the major question mark of the season: Goaltending