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.

Key 1: Focus on staying in the game

So what is Seeler known for? Grit. The often-used hockey cliche, “he plays with an edge.” For example, he did have this fight with Nathan Beaulieu of the Winnipeg Jets.  He’s not afraid to mix it up, that’s for sure.

It’s good that he plays hard, and isn’t afraid to get physical, but where are the great hockey plays? It seems the physical side of his game presents itself more than anything else, and while that’s important since he fills a niche on the team. However, he doesn’t focus enough on the simple hockey plays that need to make. His numbers are bad, and some of this just comes down to poor decision making.

While the Blackhawks might need a rougher edge sometimes, they need people who can still make smart plays. Colliton never said why Seeler was barely in the line-up, but it probably has a lot to do with his overall game just not being as consistent as it needs to be. The only thing you can count on him to do is throw a hit, and that alone isn’t going to win games.

Seeler will need to focus more on the basics of playing the game and being more efficient with his ice time. If he can do these things, then he’ll probably be able to more realistically compete for a spot on the roster. If he doesn’t, then he’ll be back in the press box.

Key 3: Be ready to fill in whatever niche is asked of him

If he’s going to work his way into the line-up, he has to be ready to fill in wherever and however the team needs him. He’s barely played, and probably doesn’t really factor into the long term plans for the team.

When he gets the nod to dress, he needs to just bring his absolute best, regardless of what he’s asked to do, even if it’s out of the ordinary. Don’t forget, Sheldon Brookbank used to be slotted in as a forward from time to time. Have a look at #ProjectBrookBank on Twitter if you feel the need to wander down a forgettable moment in Blackhawks history. We don’t need a #ProjectSeeler, but you get the idea.

He’ll get games this year, but we’ll have to hope his play has improved. Last year was kind of forgettable for Seeler. He’s a physical player, so if he can just keep the opposing team(s) out of the crease and help break up a few offensive rushes he’ll be fine.

All things being equal, Seeler will be among the players Chicago makes available for Seattle’s expansion draft. And if he isn’t picked by Seattle, it’s likely his future with Chicago is over. A 27-year-old depth defenseman just isn’t going to be the kind of player any team wants to hold on to. For what it’s worth, the flat cap is probably going to be a good thing for a player like Seeler because he’ll be an affordable depth option on any team he plays for.