How are these former Chicago Blackhawks doing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs semifinals?

The Chicago Blackhawks missed the Stanley Cup playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons. Technically, it should be seven straight seasons as the Hawks only made the playoffs in 2020 because the playoffs were expanded due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hawks roster is being rebuilt in the hopes that the franchise can once again make the postseason.

Until then, all that is left to do is to get ready for the NHL Draft where the Blackhawks have the No. 2 overall pick.

However, the Stanley Cup playoffs do have some former Hawks skating in it.

Florida is up 3-2 on the Boston Bruins with the help of Gustav Forsling.

The Hawks traded him in 2019 to the Carolina Hurricanes after he struggled to break into the lineup with the Blackhawks. He did not play great for the Hurricanes and was placed on waivers.

He has become a find for the Panthers as he has become one of their best blueliners. He is going to get votes for the Norris Trophy.

Gustav Forsling is one of the best defensemen in the NHL. He'll be on a lot of Norris ballots this year (including mine).

He's also a cautionary tale for other NHL teams: Don't give up on young defensemen so easily. @RussoHockey has the story:https://t.co/nwrGOd22rl
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) May 14, 2024

He has a goal and two assists in the series against Boston. However, he did not have a good game in Game 2 when he registered just a little bit over 18 minutes in ice time and was on the ice for three of Boston's five goals that game.

Still, Forsling flourishing in Florida is just another example of the previous leadership group giving up too quickly on young defenseman.

Florida is up 3-2 on the Boston Bruins with the help of Gustav Forsling.

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