Chicago Blackhawks: 3 keys to success for Nick Seeler

The Blackhawks acquired Nick Seeler from waivers when his former team, the Minnesota Wild, tried to send him to the AHL. It didn’t work and Chicago claimed him. A depth defenseman that maybe could help fill out the team’s patchy defense. Cool, right?

That plan never really materialized after he became a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. The former Wild defenseman didn’t make much of an impact in 2019-2020. Needless to say, there’s room for Nick Seeler to improve in the upcoming season.

Seeler is probably still in the spot he was at the end of last year, on the outside looking in. His style of play, not something Chicago has in large numbers, an aggressive approach to the game, and he has no issues with dropping the gloves. When he was brought in, the only other player like him in the organization was Dennis Gilbert who was traded to Colorado recently. Maybe now it’s also Nikita Zadorov? We’ll have to wait and see.

At 27-years-old, Seeler isn’t really a prospect, but he’s not past his prime either. He should be in what is generally a player’s peak years. Despite that, the 5th round pick hasn’t really put up exceptional numbers yet in his career. On some level, you get the feeling that if he just had more of an opportunity to play he’d do better. He’s never gone a full season in the NHL. At the same time, he was drafted in 2011, and still has not managed to hold down a roster spot in the NHL on two teams.

Aside from one season, his numbers aren’t very good, and that one season where he excelled he was with Minnesota. However, the fact that he has produced at the NHL, and in the not too distant past speaks to his potential as a player. If that one season wasn’t just a fluke, he appears to be capable of more.

What’s in store for 2020-2021 then? Is there a path forward for Nick Seeler? Here are three keys to success for Nick Seeler.