When Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson stated he wanted the team to take a step forward, he meant it. He added seven new players to the roster over the summer, each playing a specific role in helping the Blackhawks improve this season.
It’s one thing to say it looks better, but the other part is how the players will buy in. One common theme going into training camp (which started Sept. 19) is that players are leaning on those around them, hoping to better themselves in the process.
Frank Nazar Learning From Blackhawks Icon
Frank Nazar is a highly touted prospect, as he had an impressive NHL debut at the end of last season. He is even more so this season, as he has a legitimate chance to fight for a roster spot. Management and coaches view him as a big piece of their future. He spent time skating in Chicago over the summer, and one of the players he leaned on was no other than Blackhawks’ legend Patrick Kane. He boasted, “It was unbelievable [skating with Kane]. He’s an unbelievable player, and being able to learn from him and see him go out on the ice and do his tricks. He actually hit me with one of his signature spin-o-ramas one time. He didn’t score, so that was good. I was shocked.”
Having a future Hall-of-Famer like Kane in your corner is certainly the best way to learn.
Slaggert Is Ready to Be A “Sponge”
If there is a wild-card prospect, it’s Landon Slaggert. The 22-year-old played in 16 games last season, but going into this season, he is on the outside looking in with additions like Ilya Mikheyev, Pat Maroon, and Craig Smith to the bottom-six. Yet, he could have a strong training camp and force the Blackhawks’ hand. Therefore, he took advantage of calling the one guy players leaned on all of last season: Nick Foligno. He said he had conversations with Foligno going into camp. He also noted that he took lessons from last season and plans to be a sponge this season and absorb all he can from the veterans.
Foligno has always encouraged the younger players throughout last season, so it’s no surprise he is doing it for Slaggert. Slaggert can surely turn some heads.
Foligno Adding to Blackhawks’ Legacy
Speaking of Nick Foligno, or should we say, “Captain Foligno,” as he was named the new Blackhawks’ captain on Sept. 18. He had a lot of great things to say about his new role. Still, there was…
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