No matter the sport, if a team is going to contend for championships year in and year out, it has to develop its own core group of players.
It takes time and patience, from the scouting of prospects to drafting and developing them.
There are always bumps along the way, but if the players are right and management stays the course, the rewards come in the form of trophies and long playoff runs.
The Blackhawks are not at that final stage, but the process has begun. For the first time, the products of recent drafts are in Chicago to begin the maturation process.
That step may involve a taste of the postseason this season. But while making the playoffs would certainly help speed along the process, it’s the process that is most important.
For the Hawks, this season is as much about developing Tuomo Ruutu, Lasse Kukkonen, Igor Radulov, Pavel Vorobiev and Michael Leighton as it is about winning games.
Because if the Hawks are going to win games–postseason games–on a consistent basis, those players, and more like them waiting in the wings, are going to be the ones to eventually win them.
The process begins Wednesday and the only question left is: Is management committed to seeing it through?
Goaltenders
Jocelyn Thibault, 28
One number: 60+: Games played each of the last four seasons.
The skinny: Coming off an All-Star season, Thibault (left) will be counted on to play at least 60 games again this season. The Hawks hope the games can be spread out better so he doesn’t wear down in February and March.
Michael Leighton, 22
One number: 31: Saves made in NHL shutout debut.
The skinny: Very poised and confident as a rookie. Played well when given the chance last season and should be a reliable backup able to play once a week.
Blackhawks story lines
1. Patience, patience, patience: It is going to be a bumpy ride for the youngest members of the Hawks this season. Will upper management–those above GM Mike Smith–keep from panicking at the first three-game losing streak?
2. Help him out: The Hawks aren’t sure whether Michael Leighton or Craig Anderson is the better goaltending prospect, so they’ll use both. Whoever plays has to take some pressure off starter Jocelyn Thibault.
3. Got the time? Players have to earn ice time, but they need the ice time in order to earn it. Coach Brian Sutter can’t lean on the few vets he has at the expense of the kids if the water gets choppy.
4. Set an example: The Hawks will rely on a group of veterans that haven’t had much success in their careers to set the example for the kids. At some point this season, it might be the other way around.
5. That’s special: Many games in today’s NHL are decided by the special teams. The Hawks must improve last season’s woeful power play.
6. Just let him play: Captain Alex Zhamnov is a good, solid player. He’s not the second coming, and Hawks brass, from GM on down, needs to stop telling everyone he is.
Bob Foltman sizes up the Blackhawks’ roster
PLAYER P A ONE NUMBER
Jon Klemm D 33 2: Stanley Cups won with Colorado
COMMENT: Steady defenseman isn’t going to make many mistakes
Lasse Kukkonen D 22 150: Players drafted before him in 2003
COMMENT: Polished rookie after spending 2 seasons in Finnish Elite League
Alexander Karpovtsev D 33 53: Avg. games in 3 seasons with Hawks
COMMENT: Oft-injured veteran will likely open up a spot soon for Anton Babchuk
Steve Poapst D 34 75: Career high in games last season
COMMENT: Came into his own last season as the most dependable blueliner
Nathan Dempsey D 29 28: Led Hawks defensemen in points
COMMENT: Took advantage of his first full year in the NHL
Deron Quint D 27 7: Goals in each of last two seasons
COMMENT: Free-agent signee brought in for added depth
Steve McCarthy D 22 57: NHL career high in games last season
COMMENT: On the roster now, but likely to be moved at some point
Tuomo Ruutu C 20 13: Goals in 28 World Jr. Championship
COMMENT: Wednesday begins the process of becoming the next Hawks star
Steve Sullivan RW 29 26: Team high in goals in 2002-03
COMMENT: Had a strong training camp; should thrive if left with Daze and Ruutu
Eric Daze LW 28 54: Career low in games played last year
COMMENT: Made it through training camp healthy; counted on for 30+ goals
Tyler Arnason C 24 14:30: Avg. minutes of ice time as rookie
COMMENT: Needs to up point total by maybe 15-20. Shouldn’t be a problem
Igor Radulov LW 21 5: Goals in just 7 NHL games last year
COMMENT: Hawks hope last season wasn’t a fluke
Mark Bell LW 23 29: Career high in points in 2002-03
COMMENT: Starting to come into his own; future team leader
Alex Zhamnov C 33 15: 2nd lowest career goal total last year
COMMENT: Ruutu and Arnason should help ease the load
Kyle Calder LW 24 7: Led team in power-play goals
COMMENT: Gritty winger will do the dirty work
Pavel Vorobiev RW 21 44: Games played in Russia last season
COMMENT: Skilled winger seems to make things happen offensively
Scott Nichol C 29 149: Penalty min. last season in Calgary
COMMENT: Hard-nosed center going to be fan-favorite
Ville Nieminen LW 26 2: Short-handed goals with Pitt. last year
COMMENT: Another hard-nosed trouble-maker
Travis Moen RW 21 197: Penalty min. in juniors 2 years ago
COMMENT: Long shot came into camp and flat-out won a job
Jason Strudwick LW-D 28 2: Goals in each of the last two seasons
COMMENT: Can fill in either at forward or defense
Ryan VandenBussche RW 30 14: Regains old number from Theo Fleury
COMMENT: Hard-nosed winger on board for added toughness
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