Why Blackhawks' Crevier should be a top-pairing defenseman

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier made a statement last season. Widely considered a defensive defenseman, he surprised many with a flurry of offense. While this likely won't continue, this outburst of points has given the Blackhawks a new option in several areas. Does Crevier repeat last season's performance next season?

Crevier's impact before Chicago

Crevier was not a standout in the junior ranks. In 191 games with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens and Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), he scored 26 goals and added 49 assists for 75 points. Solid numbers, but he did not blow the roof off the stat sheet. He started to get noticed, and his moment came when the Blackhawks drafted him in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Draft.

On November 27, 2024, he scored his first NHL goal against the Dallas Stars. The 6'8 and 228-pound Quebec City native played well in his small NHL sample, but was ultimately sent to the Blackhawks American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. he would spend parts of three seasons with the IceHogs and contribute four goals and 16 assists for 20 points in 118 contests.

The Blackhawks can use Crevier in all situations

Crevier came into the NHL as a defensive defenseman who could use a quick pass to spring the forwards. However, last season he showed he can be more useful if put in certain situations. Nobody predicted what he produced last season, but if he can open up his game offensively as he did, that could propel Chicago in the standings with more wins.

Last season, he scored seven goals and 18 assists for 25 points and accumulated 63 penalty minutes in an average of 17 minutes of ice time, all career highs. He would lead the defense in goals and points, but would rank third in assists. He ranked second on the team in hits (124) and blocked shots (95).

Crevier would appear in his 100th NHL game in a game against the Calgary Flames on January 15, marking the fourth skater to be taken in the later rounds of the 2020 NHL Draft to hit the milestone.

Crevier has the tools to become a top defenseman for the Blackhawks. he is massive, can produce offense, plays a 200-foot game, can hit, can block shots, can quarterback a power play, and can fight when it presents itself. Which brings us to his contract.

He is a restricted free agent after the 2026-27 season. If the stats prove anything, it shows he is in for a big pay raise. His last deal was a two-year deal worth $1.8 million dollars. Chicago has a projected cap space for next season of $40.1 million, and they should have no hesitation in signing him to a long-term deal.

Will he be a Quinn Hughes or a Cale Makar? No, and that is not what he is supposed to be. He is a well-rounded defenseman who plays an important role and is one of the players helping build this team into a contender again. He has the tools to be successful without being a Norris Trophy candidate. Success does not always lead to trophies. Sometimes, success is building something the city can be proud of. Crevier is trying to do just that.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow