Chicago Blackhawks Midseason Player Report Cards

Goalies

Petr Mrázek: A+
Mrázek has arguably been the Hawks’ best player this season and was appropriately awarded a two-year extension in January. He has kept the Hawks in many games where they were clearly outplayed and will be the team’s starter until one of Arvid Söderblom or Drew Commesso takes the reins. Mrázek has been an important feel-good story for the Hawks this year, going from a salary dump from Toronto to regaining his form as a legit starting goalie.

Arvid Söderblom: D
Söderblom has struggled this season, winning just two of his 20 starts, posting a 4.07 GAA and .874 SV%. Yes, he hasn’t been given much help by the team in front of him, but I wonder if at some point Davidson will call up Commesso and give Söderblom a conditioning stint with Rockford.

Injured Reserve

Taylor Hall: Incomplete
Hall appeared in just ten games this season before going down with a season-ending knee injury. He looked solid next to Bedard and would have been able to take some of the offensive burden off the 18-year-old’s shoulders. Next year will be massive for Hall, and Davidson will have to decide whether to extend him or ship him to a contender at the trade deadline for assets.

Tyler Johnson: C
Before his injury, Johnson’s offensive production was not on par with years past. I wrote earlier that I could see him being dealt at the deadline thanks to his playoff experience and versatility, however, his injury status complicates a potential deal.

Nikita Zaitsev: C+
I thought Zaitsev really stepped up on the offensive side of the puck as the Hawks dealt with a rash of injuries, chipping in a pair of power play points during Jones’ absence. Zaitsev likely will not be back with the Hawks next season.

Connor Murphy: B-
Consistently one of the league leaders in blocked shots, Murphy continued his physical defensive play this season. With Foligno taking the vocal leadership role this season, Murphy has quietly led the way on the back end along with Jones.

Andreas Athanasiou: Incomplete
Athanasiou hasn’t played since November and had just four assists in 11 games. The Hawks have desperately missed his game-breaking speed and crafty puck skills. When he comes back, he should get a look on Bedard’s wing.

Anthony Beauvillier: C-
I have honestly been disappointed by Beauvillier’s game since he joined the team in late November. He has all the speed and skill to be a reliable top-nine producer (and has shown so in the past) yet he hasn’t put it all together this season. It remains to be seen whether the Hawks re-sign him.

Connor Bedard: A+
The rookie phenom was must-see TV for hockey fans before his injury, leading all rookies with 15 goals and 18 assists in 39 games. He was the Hawks’ only true offensive threat on a nightly basis and he is sorely missed as evidenced by the team’s dearth of offense since he went down. I believe I speak for everyone when I say I can’t wait for him to return.