The Chicago Blackhawks are riding the crest of an eight-game win streak capped off by Saturday's 5-3 win over Toronto. The team has looked good to start this swing through the Eastern Conference, but one concern remains as the Hawks head to Florida to continue the road trip.
The defense is being stretched to the breaking point. Even with the addition of Chris Campoli, the blue line is being manned by an banged-up, overworked group. Right now I feel that there is a move the Hawks can make that will make a difference in the season's final weeks.
Send Nick Leddy down to Rockford.
A crazy move, some will say. After all, this is the future of our team we're talking about, here. But hear me out. I think the present situation requires that we make this move.
First, let's put Leddy under the microscope.
For a 19-year-old who was probably called up a season early to the NHL, Leddy has acquitted himself well in his time with the club. However, I would stop short at saying that he is a top four defenseman in the league right now.
He still makes a lot of rookie mistakes. Two Leddy brain cramps led to Maple Leaf goals Saturday and those certainly not the first two miscues he's made this season. His best stretch this year has come when he has been paired with a resurgent Duncan Keith, who I feel is having to work harder to compensate for his greener linemate.
The point of breaking up Keith and Brent Seabrook was to ease up on their minutes and keep them fresh. I don't think covering for Leddy is having the desired effect on Keith.
Leddy has played in 30 games with the Hawks, equaling his total with the University of Minnesota last year. Throw in the games Leddy has already played in the AHL with the Ice Hogs, plus the time spent at the World Junior Championships, and what do you have? A young player who will surely begin to feel the grind of the NHL season.
Now, let's look at the state of the Blackhawks defense right now.
It is readily apparent that Niklas Hjalmarsson is nursing an injury to his hand or wrist. There have been times this week that he has not looked comfortable on the ice.
Keith missed most of the third period after taking a puck off of his right hand Saturday. My guess is that Leddy wouldn't look quite as impressive without the current Norris Trophy holder next to him.
With Nick Boynton out of town and Jordan Hendry out for the season, the Hawks have been dressing just six defensemen every night. They could potentially be without Keith and/or Hjamlarsson for a few games. Right now, the team can't bring up any help on defense in the event of an injury because of cap limitations.
Take Leddy and his salary off the books, and suddenly you have options.
My proposal would be to send Leddy to Rockford and bring up both Garnet Exelby and Jassen Cullimore, who has returned to the Ice Hogs lineup. Both players have vast NHL experience and could hold down the 6-7 spots on the blue line.
For the Cullimore bashers out there, consider the following.
In 30 games, Leddy has two goals, no assists, 20 hits and is plus-three for the season. Cullimore's numbers in his 36 games with the Blackhawks this season? No goals, eight assists, 38 hits and a plus-four rating.
And don't forget Cullimore spend part of that time pairing up with Boynton and John Scott.
I'm not saying that Cullimore is going to be a better player next year or three years down the road. Right now, I value his experience and flexibility his salary provides.
Coach Q can pair his guys up any way he wants (putting Cullimore with Keith if he's available) if he wishes to ride out the streak. However, this would be a good time to go back to more traditional pairings:
Keith-Brent Seabrook
Hjalmarsson-Brian Campbell
Cullimore-Chris Campoli
Exelby is the seventh d-man in this mix. This provides more depth in case one or more of the top four guys goes down. Cullimore is paired with a quicker, puck-moving defenseman in Campoli.
If Keith and Hjalmarsson were to both be out at the same time, Scott (gulp) has to skate defensive minutes. On the other hand, with Leddy in the lineup, Scott's presence on the ice is one injury away as opposed to two.
Any roster moves the Blackhawks make from this point on are going to be from within the organization. Sending Leddy down to the AHL allows the Blackhawks to bolster their depth on defense and gives them a number of roster options to navigate the rest of their schedule.
If Chicago chooses to keep Leddy with the team? Hold your breath and pray no one gets hurt.
Ananda Lewis Kate Bosworth Tamala Jones Yamila Diaz Alicia Keys
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