The Chicago Blackhawks have a problem with the defense that puts Jeff Blashill in a bind

The Chicago Blackhawks were one of the most aggressive teams this offseason. The deal for Bowen Byram was the sort of move savvy contending teams make.

But there’s something else at play here. The Blackhawks should by no means think they’re done maneuvering the blue line.

Yes, they have an embarrassment of riches insofar as their pipeline is concerned. Byram, Kevin Korchinski, Alex Vlasic, and Wyatt Kaiser are all good options, even if it's a little too much youth. The problem is that they’re all left-handed.

Meanwhile, the right side has two great rising stars in Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel. As good as they are, they aren’t really the sort of blueliners that a contending team needs to make a playoff push.

That last statement is predicated on the Blackhawks looking to push their rebuild to the next stage this upcoming season. If Chicago is content with waiting another two or three seasons for everyone to come into their own, well, that philosophy precludes the need for a solid right-shot D-man.

However, Blackhawks fans are starting to get a little antsy. While there are some great pieces coming into the NHL at this point, there is also legitimate concern that the rebuild isn’t moving fast enough.

That’s why the Blackhawks will need to find a legit, right-shot partner for Byram. Otherwise, there may be needless pressure placed on Chicago’s new top blueliner.

Blackhawks could make Bowen Byram the solution

There might be a solution in Byram himself. There may be a temptation for the club to play Byram on his offside, partnering him with, say, Alex Vlasic.

That’s not a bad idea on paper. But in practice, it may not translate quite so well. To begin with, the success of that idea would depend on Byram excelling on his offside. He can do it, but is doing that really the wisest use of the team’s best defenseman?

If it’s a temporary move, it’s fine. Seeing Byram play on the right side, even for half a season, wouldn’t be a bad idea, but expecting him there permanently may do more harm than good. And this is where it puts Jeff Blashill in a bad spot. There is no top-line right-handed defenseman right now.

Perhaps Levshunov emerges as the right-shot defenseman the Blackhawks need. Then, pairing Levshunov with Byram would solve their issue, but that is asking a lot of a very young defenseman. Nevertheless, that is no guarantee at this point.

That’s why the Blackhawks can’t think they’re done adding to their blue line

There might just be a solid, veteran, right-handed defenseman out there who could complement Byram. As such, leaving Byram on his natural side would be a much more suitable approach than expecting him to switch over.

The only problem with that assessment is that solid right-shot D-men are not easy to find. One might become available at some point in the season. But until that happens, the Blackhawks may have no other choice but to switch Byram over.

Perhaps 37-year-old Ian Cole may provide some temporary relief. But is that something the Blackhawks really want to pin their hat on?

Let’s see what happens in camp. Perhaps there might be a pleasant surprise somewhere, making this entire conversation pointless.

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