It’s that time of season again where we start hearing about the Blackhawks potential “Black Aces.” If you’re unaware or just plain forgot what those are, I’ll fill you in.
The Black Aces are a group of players called up to the big squad for an organization’s playoff run. They’re eligible to play in the playoffs but their main role is to provide extra bodies in practice. The reward is invaluable practice time, playoff experience and a possible Stanley Cup celebration.
The Blackhawks have a nice pool of young talent to choose from this postseason and you may have heard of most of them. Their NHL experience varies from no NHL experience to half a season.
Forwards
Tyler Motte: Sports Mockery friend and Chicago Tribune reporter Chris Hine recently told The 312 Podcast that Motte is the Black Ace to watch this year. He started the season on the Blackhawks opening night roster and played 33 games before being sent to Rockford in early January.
He has only 6g and 9a in 34 games with the IceHogs but it’s important to keep in mind this is only his first season of pro hockey. It took him a couple years to develop at Michigan but he has already made great progress at the pro level. Motte’s ability to work is a great attribute for a Black Ace.
Vinnie Hinostroza: Another opening night roster player, Vinnie played 48 games with the Blackhawks to start the season and registered a respectable 6g and 8a. He had some stints on the Toews/Hossa line a few times during his time but couldn’t really find a spot. In late February, he was sent back to Rockford where he led the team in scoring last season.
What Hinostroza lacks in size he makes up for in other ways. He has some speed and can even play slightly bigger than he is. This would allow him to give the Blackhawks some nice looks during their playoff run.
Kyle Baun: Unlikely that Baun gets a call up but he is the current leading scorer for the IceHogs. For that reason, he may be rewarded in April. Baun has 5 career games with the Blackhawks with the last coming on October 15, 2015.
The 6’2″ and 210lb winger has good offensive skills to go with his big frame. Much like Motte and Hinostroza, he is a depth player but could be a good body if the Blackhawks end up playing a larger team like San Jose.
Defensemen
Ville Pokka: Pokka is probably the most developed defensive prospect in the organization. He was acquired in the Nick Leddy trade with the Islanders and has shown an ability to make the right plays in Rockford.
His great hockey sense has allowed him to be a very good two-way D-man. Pokka can play stay at home defense but also have an offensive side. He is near the team lead in assists and led the IceHogs in assists as well as shots last season. Pokka would be a good change of look in practice from the offensive-minded Keith/Seabrook or the shut-down Hjalmarsson/Oduya.
Gustav Forsling: The 20 year old D-man made the opening night roster and played 36 games with the Blackhawks. He averaged a little under 15 min/game in his time but played 16-18 min/game during the middle of his run. In early February he was sent to Rockford for some more seasoning.
Forsling is bit undersized to play a completely defensive minded game and is seen as more of an offensive-minded player. He has great vision and the ability to make plays with the puck. The young guy can bring some real youth to practice and make some plays.
Unlikely Black Aces
It’s unlikely that there will be any goaltenders brought up unless something severely bad happens to Corey Crawford or Scott Darling. I think we can all agree that we hope that doesn’t happen since the Blackhawks don’t have another goalie with NHL experience.
There were rumors that KHL star and Blackhawks prospect Maxim Shalunov could make the squad. It seems as if that rumor has been squashed. His season has been done for a month and there has been little to no talk about him since then.
I would not expect the Blackhawks top prospect Alex Debrincat to be named to the roster either. He just won the OHL scoring title with 127 points in 63 games (65 and 62a) for his third straight 100 point season. While there is a ton of excitement regarding Debrincat, many feel he is too small and requires some more seasoning before making the jump.
There will most likely be four players added as Black Aces and I think it could be any combo of the five players I listed. I may be wrong but these are players that the Blackhawks have showed confidence in before or have just earned the right to be there.
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