{"id":30662,"date":"2018-06-09T11:32:03","date_gmt":"2018-06-09T15:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=30662"},"modified":"2025-10-10T22:55:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T02:55:27","slug":"chicago-blackhawks-draft-targets-part-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2018\/06\/09\/chicago-blackhawks-draft-targets-part-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Blackhawks Draft Targets – Part 5"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2018 NHL draft is less than two weeks away. The Chicago Blackhawks<\/a>\u00a0are preparing to draft four times in the first three rounds with some of the highest picks in years. After last seasons huge disappointment,<\/a> the Blackhawks must draft well\u00a0to\u00a0compete in the Western Conference playoff picture next season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Draft Targets – Part 5<\/span><\/h1>\n

Over the last few weeks, we’ve covered the options available for the Blackhawks upcoming draft. In Part 1<\/a>, we discussed the Blackhawks drafting an NHL ready defence prospect with the 8th overall pick. Part 2<\/a> of the series reviewed options for the franchise with their second first round draft pick at #27. In Part 3,<\/a> we looked at the wingers available for the Blackhawks who need to get better play on the wing soon. Centres were the topic with Part 4<\/a> of the series. There are several centres available that would help the team up the middle in the near future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drafting Goaltending<\/h3>\n

In Part 5, we will\u00a0examine<\/span>\u00a0the options for the Blackhawks who\u00a0should be<\/span>\u00a0looking to draft their goaltender of the future this year. We will highlight the top goalie prospects available in this years draft. We’ll also\u00a0review<\/span>\u00a0the goalies\u00a0now\u00a0under contract with the team and goalies recently drafted by the Blackhawks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The status of their number-one goalie Corey Crawford<\/a><\/strong> is the key to what direction the Blackhawks take with this draft. The team has been incredibly quiet\u00a0with respect to<\/span>\u00a0Crawford’s health, only saying he’ll be ready for training camp. They also announced Crawford would be attending the Blackhawks annual fan convention. His presence should create an interesting situation during the question and answer segment with the fans to say the least.<\/span><\/p>\n

Goaltending Prospects<\/h2>\n

There are several goalies that could be targets for the Blackhawks this draft. We’ll be using the insight of Last Word’s own Ben Kerr<\/a> and his Top Shelf Prospects<\/a> page for each player. Be sure to click on the link to view the goalie’s stats, Ben’s analysis, and a video highlight reel for each goalie.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jakub<\/span>\u00a0Skarek<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0at #60 Overall<\/span><\/h4>\n

“Skarek<\/span>\u00a0has the potential\u00a0to be<\/span>\u00a0a number one goaltender in the NHL. However, like most young goaltenders, he is a project and is several years away from the NHL. He must continue to work on sharpening up his game. He also will need to add some bulk, in order to withstand the rigours of a longer season and more games played. Skarek\u2019s style is reminiscent of Marc-Andre Fleury<\/a>, but this is a stylistic comparison and not one based on potential or ability.”<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Olivier\u00a0Rodrigue<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>at #63 Overall<\/span><\/h4>\n

“Rodrigue<\/span>\u00a0has the potential\u00a0to be<\/span>\u00a0a number one goalie in the NHL, but is still a bit of a project. He will need at least two more years of junior and then some time in the AHL.\u00a0Rodrigue<\/span>\u00a0is a bit skinny\u00a0right now<\/span>, and could add some muscle to his frame. This will help him to adjust to the rigours of the pro game. He also needs to clean up a bit of his fundamentals, including his glove hand and rebound control. This is normal for young goalies though, and the potential is certainly there. In terms of style, Rodrigue\u2019s game is reminiscent of Jonathan\u00a0Bernier<\/span>, but this is a stylistic comparison only, and not one based on talent or ability.”<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Alexis\u00a0Gravel<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0at #71 Overall<\/span><\/h4>\n

“Gravel has the potential\u00a0to be<\/span>\u00a0a top goaltender in the NHL. He has the prototypical frame and many of the skills necessary. Like many young goalies though, this is a gamble, as he will take several years before being NHL ready. There are certainly some areas to work on, including consistency. Gravel\u2019s style is similar to Marc-Andre Fleury<\/a>, however, this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill and ability.”<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

All of these goalies\u00a0may be<\/span>\u00a0available when the Blackhawks draft in the third round with pick #69. The Blackhawks would be wise to draft a goalie prospect with potential to prepare for the future\u00a0in case<\/span>\u00a0Corey Crawford<\/a>‘s health continues to be a problem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Blackhawks Current Goaltenders<\/span><\/h2>\n

Listed below are the goaltenders\u00a0now\u00a0under contract with the Blackhawks. Shown with them are their stats for last season\u00a0and\u00a0their salaries going forward. Salaries and contract status will need\u00a0to be\u00a0considered as the team prepares for next season. As you can see below, only Corey Crawford<\/a><\/strong> and recently-signed\u00a0Kevin\u00a0Lankinen<\/strong>\u00a0are under contract past 2018-19. This off-season will be another tough one for general manager Stan Bowman.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Corey Crawford<\/a><\/strong> $6,000,000 per season through 2019-20<\/h4>\n

Stats 2017-18<\/h4>\n

19-9-2\u00a0 \u00a02.27 GA\u00a0 \u00a0.929 SV<\/p>\n

Anton\u00a0Forsberg<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>$750,000 for 2018-19\u00a0 RFA – 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n

Stats 2017-18<\/h4>\n

10-16-4\u00a0 2.97 GA\u00a0 \u00a0.908 SV<\/p>\n

Collin Delia<\/a><\/strong> $675,000 for 2018-19\u00a0 RFA – 2019<\/h4>\n

Stats 2017-18<\/h4>\n

17-7-2\u00a0 2.72 GA\u00a0 .900 SV (Rockford Reg Season)<\/p>\n

7-3-0 2.34 GA .924\u00a0 SV (Rockford Playoffs)<\/p>\n

Jean-Francois\u00a0Berube<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>$700,000 for 2018-19\u00a0UFA<\/span>\u00a0-2019\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Stats 2017-18<\/h4>\n

3-6-1\u00a0 3.78 GA\u00a0 .894 SV\u00a0 (Blackhawks)<\/span><\/p>\n

7-8-0\u00a0 2.37 GA\u00a0 .920 SV\u00a0 (Rockford)<\/p>\n

Jeff Glass<\/a><\/strong> Current\u00a0UFA<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n

Stats 2017-18<\/h4>\n

3-7-1\u00a0 3.36 GA\u00a0 .898 SV\u00a0 (Blackhawks)<\/span><\/p>\n

15-9-1\u00a0 2.82 GA\u00a0 .904\u00a0 SV (Rockford)<\/p>\n

2-1-0\u00a0 1.48 GA .955 SV (Rockford Playoffs)<\/p>\n

Kevin\u00a0Lankinen<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>$925,000 thru 2019-20\u00a0 RFA – 2020\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Stats 2017-18<\/h4>\n

10-3-2\u00a0 1.33 GA\u00a0 .940 SV (Helsinki\u00a0Liga<\/span>)<\/span><\/p>\n

7-5-0\u00a0 1.99 GA\u00a0 .930 SV (Helsinki Playoffs)<\/p>\n

Blackhawks Recently Drafted Goaltenders<\/h2>\n

Wouter Peeters<\/strong><\/a> Drafted 2016 #83 Overall<\/h4>\n

2017-18 Stats<\/h4>\n

14-11-1 3.00 GA\u00a0 .902 SV (Youngstown Phantoms)<\/p>\n

Ivan Nalimov<\/strong><\/a> Drafted 2014 #179 Overall<\/h4>\n

2017-18 Stats<\/h4>\n

6-10-0 1.98 GA .942 SV\u00a0 (Vladivostok Admiral KHL)<\/p>\n

4-0-2 2.59 GA .927 SV\u00a0 (Ufa Salavat Yulayev KHL)<\/p>\n

Season Ahead<\/h2>\n

The goaltending situation for the Chicago Blackhawks 2018-19 season is a concern for most of their fans. The only goalie listed above who has a proven track record as a starter in the NHL is Corey Crawford. Assuming Crawford returns to form and plays at a Vezina-level for a full season, the Blackhawks have the chance to erase last season’s nightmare.<\/p>\n

If Crawford is unable to stay healthy or falters in net, the season will then ride on the other goalies currently under contract. Most of them are capable backups, but can they grab the starter’s job and hold it? As seen last season, several of them tried but could not overcome the team’s poor defensive play in front of them.<\/p>\n

The one dark horse I see pushing for a roster spot is Collin Delia<\/a><\/strong>. He may not make the opening night roster, but he should get a shot during the season. Based on his play in Rockford last season, his future in net looks bright.<\/p>\n

Next Up<\/h2>\n

In Part 6 of the Chicago Blackhawks Draft Targets series, we will recap the draft prospects and also include any trade rumors circulating prior to the draft on June 22nd. Knowing Stan Bowman, multiple deals are already in the works.<\/p>\n

Links to the previous articles:<\/p>\n

Draft Targets Part 1 – Defence<\/a><\/p>\n

Draft Targets Part 2 – Options at #27<\/a><\/p>\n

Draft Targets Part 3 – Wingers<\/a><\/p>\n

Draft Targets Part 4 – Centres<\/a><\/p>\n

Main Image Credit:<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n