Blackhawks bolster their blue line with towering Taige Harding signing entry-level deal

The Chicago Blackhawks' defense has just become one of the NHL's most physically dominant units for years to come, as they signed another powerhouse defenseman, Taige Harding, to a two-year entry-level contract on Tuesday.

Harding was drafted 91st overall in the third round of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Blackhawks.

His contract runs through the 2026-27 season, and he will finish the 2024-25 campaign with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL on an amateur tryout (ATO).

The 23-year-old tallied 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) in 37 games with Providence College. He finished his four-year NCAA career with 40 points (eight goals, 32 assists) in 123 games.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 235 pounds, Harding brings size and strength to the Blackhawks' group.

Defense built on size and strength

With the addition of Harding, the Blackhawks continue to construct a blue line built on physicality and hard checking.

He joins an already imposing group that includes Alex Vlasic (6-foot-6, 217 pounds), Louis Crevier (6-foot-8, 228 pounds), Sam Rinzel (6-foot-4, 177 pounds), Ethan Del Mastro (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), and Artyom Levshunov (6-foot-2, 208 pounds).

Veteran Connor Murphy (6-foot-4, 212 pounds) remains a key part of the defense, but his future with the Blackhawks is uncertain as his four-year $4.4 million contract he signed with the team on August 31, 2021, expires after the 2025-26 season. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the time.

Rinzel, who was drafted 25th overall by the Blackhawks in the 2022 NHL Draft, recently made his NHL debut against Utah Hockey Club Sunday following Minnesota's 5-4 overtime loss to UMass in the NCAA tournament. Despite the 5-2 loss, Rinzel impressed in his first game, logging 20:15 of ice time, registering four shots on goal, and delivering two hits.

His smooth skating, puck movement, and transition game proved his potential with the team.

3 reasons why the Blackhawks' defensive unit could become dominant in the league:

1. Physical Presence and Reach: Chicago's blue line is enormous, making it difficult for opponents to generate offense. Their ability to finish checks along the boards adds another layer of defensive strength.

2. Defensive Zone Control: With their size and structure, the Blackhawks' defense can capitalize on turnovers and will play a major role in shot blocking.

3. Development: Physicality isn't the only strength of this group. Players like Sam Rinzel and Alex Vlasic bring strong skating ability to keep up with today's NHL pace. Taige Harding adds stability, while Artyom Levshunov brings size and skill.

What's Next for the Blackhawks' Blue Line?

With Taige Harding signing with the Blackhawks, Chicago is laying the foundation of a defense that can wear down opponents for years to come.

The Blackhawks are uncertain if Connor Murphy will be sticking around with the team. However, that won't stop the Blackhawks' commitment to building a defensive unit that can control games through strength, reach, and structure.

With Harding now in the mix, Chicago takes another step towards assembling a unit that could define the franchise's identity for years to come.