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

Jaxson Stauber

Stauber has dramatically improved his numbers since the new year. Playing for Chicago in two stints last season, he posted a 5-1 record, a .911 save percentage, and a 2.81 goals-against average in six NHL games, many thought he could've earned the backup job behind Petr Mrazek to start this season. That was not the case, as Commesso and he have been the two in goal for Rockford for the good majority of the 2023-2024 stretch.

Many may remember from December 31st to February 2nd, Stauber had either been a backup or a healthy scratch. With Weeks and Commesso in the rotation, a mysterious yet internal situation turned out to be Stauber working with the IceHogs goaltending coach on simple, yet key changes to his game. Through December, Stauber had an 889 SV% in 12 games. After the new year, Stauber has had a 916 SV%.

Considering all things, Stauber's stats have drastically improved since not only last calendar year but the 2022-2023 campaign where he had a .894 in 14 games. Now at a .900 SV%, along with his GAA below 3.00 (2.90), the most impressive stat is that Stauber has not lost since January 26th (~2 1/2 months) and as of now, is on a 12-game winning streak. Along with the memorable goalie goal, this stat earned Jaxson 3rd on the most improved IceHogs Players since January.

While we wanted to keep it to the top three players, you cannot go without mentioning forward Rem Pitlick. With an outstanding 27 points since his transfer down to Rockford after going pointless with the Hawks in nine total games. The 27-year-old was acquired in a trade on January 6th from the Penguins organization.

Will our top three players continue these runs in the playoffs? With just six games left, and the addition of Ludwinski and Lardis, a big testament to how the playoffs will at least start is the momentum building off of the final week of the regular season.