Chicago Blackhawks Midseason Grades: Alex DeBrincat

This season is everything for Alex DeBrincat. After a really down season in 2019-20, this bounce-back performance with the Chicago Blackhawks is welcomed from the former 2016 second-round pick.

Alex DeBrincat was on the fourth line over a year ago. He was bouncing around in the lineup and could not find a consistent scoring edge. It did not help that the Blackhawks star was separated from Dylan Strome and not putting pucks in the net.

DeBrincat lost his spot on the top power-play last season, something I wonder if Jeremy Colliton regrets doing now as DeBrincat has been on fire putting up 15 goals, including five on the power play.

DeBrincat has played in 26 games this season, missing a few games due to a COVID-19 exposure. Luckily for the Hawks, the team did not have to go too long without DeBrincat as he was back after just four games.

Alex DeBrincat provides the team with some of the scoring touch they are missing.

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DeBrincat came into the league a few years ago, and every season his role has grown within the organization. Now, it seems like the Cat is a well-distinguished part of the core group trying to win this organization championships.

With Hossa, Sharp, Crawford, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, and Toews (For now) all gone, Debrincat is one of those players in the locker room that can lead by example and play at a high level.

While DeBrincat has benefited from some great play from his linemate Patrick Kane, I think there is a mutual benefit. It takes a special type of player to play alongside Patrick Kane. DeBrincat seems to be showing that he can be that guy in Chicago, and it is paying off for him on the goal sheet as he has 15 goals this season with many more on the way.

DeBrincat can even be a threat away from the puck. He has been more physical this year than ever before, and he looks like a little Hossa out there causing havoc and keeping opponents in check all game long.