The Blackhawks will be without the services of one of their top four defenseman for the time being.
Coach Q says defenseman Johnny Oduya (upper body) will miss a couple of weeks. #Blackhawks
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 23, 2015
Oduya rarely factors in the offensive zone, potting two goals and five points in 60 games. He is a -9, a far-cry from his +11 season in 2013-14 in which he had 16 points. His Fenwick against (Shot attempts-blocked shots) totals 678, the fewest out of the top four Hawks d-men.
The loss docks the Blackhawks an experienced blueliner, but at the same time, gives more opportunity to younger players. David Rundblad has been reliable when called upon, and in 37 games played he’s totaled three goals and 12 points whilst being a +16.
Kyle Cumiskey has been a journeyman in many leagues, mostly in the AHL since being drafted in the 7th round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He has not played in the NHL since 2010-11 season when he suited up for the Avalanche in 18 games. The first full season he played in came a season before in 2009-10, when he totaled 20 points in 61 games for the Avs. He’s projected as a depth defenseman for the Hawks that will get to play consistently for the first time in a while.
36-year old Michal Rozsival will get added ice-time as well as the oldest blueliner on the core. He is not an offensive defenseman by any means totaling one goals and eight points in 48 games played, but in that sample size his overall Fenwick is +41, and in all situations(even, ahead, behind, close) the rating is positive.
“We’ve still got seven ‘D’ here so we’ll sort it out. Some guys might get a little more opportunity. We don’t want to work the top guys extra over this period. Everybody will probably get a little more across the board.”
-Blackhawks Head Coach Joel Quenneville (Chicago Tribune)
General Manager Stan Bowman might be provoked to make a trade, as he has not been shy of doing (Nick Leddy before the season even started). With the remaining crop out there, including rugged defensemen such as Andrej Sekera, Marek Zidlicky and Zbynek Michalek, the Hawks could bolster their depth as they head into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
That will all depend upon, however, how many weeks Oduya will truly be out.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter –>. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – and – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into ? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for? GO!
Interested in writing for us? LWOS is always looking for intelligent and articulate writers to add to our hockey writing team, or our other sports. Find out more by visiting our “Write for Us” page.
Stats and bios courtesy of ChicagoBlackhawks.com, NHL.com, and Hockey DB.
Quotes courtesy of @NHLBlackhawks and Chicago Tribune
