When young players get drafted or signed by the Chicago Blackhawks, it is almost always considered a big honor.
The Blackhawks have one of the most talented rosters and deepest organizations in the NHL. They don't just bring players aboard so they can have another body to fill out the uniform.
General manager Stan Bowman is looking for high quality, and he has a proven track record.
But after players like Ryan Hartman (2013 first-round draft pick) and Nick Schmaltz (this year's first-round selection) get done realizing what a compliment they have received, the good times start to fade away. Chicago's talented roster cuts two ways.
It virtually ensures that the Blackhawks are going to be a strong playoff team with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations for years, but it also means it's very difficult for young players to win key roster spots on the big club.
The question of whether young players in the Blackhawks organization have a legitimate chance to make the team or whether they will end up as trade bait has to be asked.
Players like Ben Smith, Brandon Pirri, Stephen Johns, Adam ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Steve Silverman
Are the Chicago Blackhawks’ Top Young Talents Destined to Be Traded?
July 15th, 2014 by Steve Silverman Leave a reply »
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