Blackhawks: Five Players That Need To Step Up Next Season

The Chicago Blackhawks season did not end the way they wanted.

This is Patrick Kane’s third time missing the playoffs since 2018, and his teams have only won one playoff game since 2017. The Chicago Blackhawks are trying to get back on track as one of the great teams in the league, but some players need to step up to the plate.

The last time the Blackhawks were great, they had one of the deepest lineups around. Everyone was scoring goals and the entire group was just so fun to watch. This team is not built like that right now.

Kane and DeBrincat are always going to be scoring goals and getting points, but outside of those two, the rest of the bunch needs to elevate their game next season. With the divisions going back to what they used to be presumably, this group needs to find another level.

1. Adam Boqvist

Adam Boqvist’s season was riddled with injuries. The offensive defenseman missed time because of everything from COVID to concussions. His season ended early due to a wrist injury as well. The former eighth overall pick needs to be better next season as the team is relying on him.

The Hawks have a number of young defensemen. None have as much potential as Boqvist, but they all are on the same level right now. Boqvist needs to prove to the organization that he can be that number one or number two guy they thought they were getting when they drafted him. He led the team offensively amongst defensemen, and hopefully next season he will do that again.