The Blackhawks’ defense was flat-out bad last season. That shouldn’t necessarily be a surprise for a team that finished in the bottom-three in the end-of-year standings, but the team that infamously scored the fewest goals in the league also allowed the fifth-most. The unit’s number of 3.65 goals allowed per game was a result of inexperienced defensive play, as the group struggled to find its footing.
Despite the defensive struggles in the Blackhawks’ end, one player stood out, giving the Blackhawks a chance to win each time he was on the ice. Behind an inexperienced and ineffective defensive unit, Alex Stalock was a brick wall between the pipes.
History
After being drafted in 2005 by the Sharks, Stalock began his professional career in 2009. After suffering a sliced nerve in 2011, his career was put on hold until the following spring. Stalock didn’t become an everyday lineup piece for San Jose until 2013, where he contributed before being traded in 2016 to the Maple Leafs. After finishing the season with the Toronto Marlies, he signed with the Wild, where he played for four seasons. After a brief stint with the Oilers, Stalock was returned to his original team. Last summer, Stalock signed a one-year deal to tend the net in Chicago.
Stalock is perhaps best known to hockey fans for his ability to overcome health issues. During his 2020-21 season, Stalock suffered from myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle making it more difficult to pump, after COVID-19 complications. The symptoms made it nearly impossible to return to the ice. Throughout the 2022-23 season in Chicago, he had to overcome several obstacles and missed quite a few games. He battled through multiple concussions as well as oculomotor dysfunction in order to get back on the ice. His ability to overcome those obstacles led to being named a finalist for the Masterton Trophy, given annually to the player who exemplifies those traits.
More Than A Friendly Face?
When healthy, Stalock was a star in the net with a defense that didn’t do him any favors. Over 27 games last year, his save percentage was a .908, which put him tied for 18th in the league. He defended quite a few more shots per game than the leaders in the category, again thanks to a lack of defensive fortitude from the players in front of him.
In addition to his on-ice production, Stalock was a great asset in the Blackhawks’ locker room. His teammates constantly raved about his energy and positivity, and he was clearly a bright spot both on and off the ice.
With Stalock’s one-year deal expiring this summer, it was clear that the Blackhawks had no intention of bringing back the 36-year-old. The team has fleshed out its prospect pool of netminders in the past few years, and hopes to make room for them to carve out everyday roles.
Bags = Packed
On Monday, the Anaheim Ducks announced they would be signing the veteran to a one-year, $800,000 deal for the upcoming season. Stalock’s situation won’t improve much out west, as the Ducks were among the worst defensive units in the league last year, and their goaltenders faced the highest number of shots on goal the NHL has seen since 1960. Nevertheless, the deal is perhaps the final opportunity for Stalock to contribute on a nightly basis at the NHL level. He’ll likely slide into a backup goalie role behind all-star John Gibson. 23-year-old Lukas Dostal, who recently signed a two-way deal, will likely be sent down to the AHL to further develop while Stalock fills in.
Though the Blackhawks never had any intention of bringing back Stalock for the upcoming season, fans can agree the aging goaltender was a bright spot for Chicago last season, both on the ice and off it. He’ll bring his great veteran company and calm under pressure to Anaheim, where fans will be similarly enamored by his presence.
