Chicago Blackhawks farm system: Most improved Rockford IceHogs players since January

Cole Guttman

The 25-year-old California native, who fittingly acquired the nickname "Goal Guttman", is second on our list. Guttman has been the top center on the IceHogs for the past two seasons, since coming from the University of Denver. We saw a promising stint with the Blackhawks out of Guttman last season, with four goals and two assists in 14 games during the 2022-2023 campaign. Much like Seney, Guttman's contract is up at the end of the season. Due to his play, it's evident an extension will be worked out for the coming years.

What makes Guttman so special is his noticeably fast skating used in full-on tight turns. This leads him to the ideal passing option from the corner out to the slot, the middle of the ice slowing the defender down in his tracks on the initial turn. Starting the year in Chicago with four goals and four assists in 27 games, it's evident Guttman's days in the Stateline are limited. Cole is on the list for the fact that he has 31 PTS in 27 games skated in since the new year.

Starting his AHL year with nine points in 12 games before heading up to Chicago for his November-January stint, Guttman saw more time in Chicago than Rockford to start the season. However, coming back to the Stateline mid-January earned him the March AHL Player of the Month with 22 points in 12 games. His time with the Blackhawks has shown how well he can play at both levels in the NHL and American League. With Guttman picking up the pace since January (31 PTS), he ranks second on our list.