After injuries and youth led to the Chicago Blackhawks earning only 52 points last season, the team will look to rebound as the injured players return and the young players build upon the experience they gained filling in. The team added more veteran presence to the roster, signing Tyler Bertuzzi, Alec Martinez, Pat Maroon, and others to help the team and allow for the younger talent to develop. Four players could easily outperform their contracts this season as the Blackhawks look to improve from last season.
Connor Bedard
Although this seems like a no-brainer/slam dunk, what makes this selection even more relevant is that Connor Bedard will make only $950,000 in the second year of his entry-level contract. This is quite the bargain for a player who certainly looks like the real deal and had 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games last season. Even a modest increase in point production this season will make his contract an absolute bargain.
With continued physical maturation and a year of pro experience, Bedard should transform from a great rookie to a legit No.1 center. He will get badly needed reinforcements in wingers Bertuzzi, a standout for the Detroit Red Wings before stopovers with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, and Teuvo Teravainen, the 2015 Stanley Cup champion who is back in the Windy City after eight seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Blackhawks will enjoy two more seasons of this contract before Bedard becomes a restricted free agent.
Ryan Donato
Donato was signed as a free agent on July 1, 2023, with a cap hit of $2 million. The 28-year-old scored 16, 14, and 12 goals in the past three seasons, but he brings his 50 even-strength points to the team. Watch for Donato’s goal total to rise this season, as his shooting percentage should return to his usual average of 9.7. He’s not the fastest skater, but he likes to go to the net. Due to the number of injuries last season, the Blackhawks got a good taste of Donato’s ability to play anywhere in the lineup, as he was even on the top line with Bedard for a time and performed well with the youngster.
The versatile forward is also a physical presence in the lineup, recording over 100 hits. Plus, he had 43 takeaways to just 25 giveaways last season. Even if Donato is not a top-line scorer, the Blackhawks are happy to have him in the lineup as he plays his role well and is an…
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