Dec. 29--A new Blackhawks mailbag just in time for the new year. Don't say I didn't give you any gifts this year. Let's get to the questions.
What's your opinion of Dennis Rasmussen and Phillip Danault, and how they have been playing since they were recalled? -- Amanda, Machesney Park
I think Rasmussen and Danault have played better than the other forwards the Blackhawks have called up from Rockford at various points this season. Danault's line, in particular, stood out in Sunday's loss to the Hurricanes. Rasmussen has been a good fit in the middle as well and has provided a little scoring punch where others from Rockford could not produce. It's important that the Blackhawks have centers that can play on the bottom lines since Marcus Kruger went out, otherwise it might force Joel Quenneville to play Teuvo Teravainen or Andrew Shaw at center (Andrew Desjardins can play center as well). But Shaw and Teravainen seem more suited on wings right now. Shaw, especially, has picked up his play in the last few weeks.
The Stars have a roster similar to the Blackhawks of recent years: two or three top flight stars, plenty of contributing depth and enough goaltending to win. The only one of those the Hawks lack this season is the depth. With Marcus Kruger likely gone until the postseason, will (general manager Stan) Bowman pull off one or more moves similar to those when Kane was out at the end of '14-'15? -- Kevin, Oak Lawn
I agree with your assessment that depth is an issue this year for the Blackhawks, especially with Kruger out. Just look at the players on the third and fourth lines from the Stanley Cup playoffs -- Antoine Vermette, Patrick Sharp, a budding Teravainen and a solid fourth line of Kruger, Shaw and Desjardins. Solid all around. I do think Bowman will look to keep adding to the roster, it just remains to be seen where Bowman will want an upgrade -- and what is the price he's going to pay? Looking at the Hawks' roster, Bowman may still be in the market for a top-four defenseman, but again, what's it going to cost him? The Hawks have some cap room to play with, we'll see where they choose to use it.
Every time I see Rasmussen being interviewed, I think what an advantage he has over Artemi Panarin in coming from Sweden and speaking English so well. Does Panarin feel at a disadvantage? It certainly hasn't hindered his playing. -- Sally, Chicago
It definitely helps the Swedish players that they speak English. I think at first, Panarin felt some pains in the adjustment to life in Chicago. He told the media during training camp that it was hard. But having Viktor Tikhonov around for a while helped, as does having Artem Anisimov. From talking with Panarin and others on the Blackhawks, Panarin is doing much better with the language than when he came over. I don't think he feels any disadvantage when it comes to his play. That certainly hasn't showed much if there is one. Hockey is hockey and what communication Panarin needs to do on the ice he can handle, with or without Anisimov's help.
If the Blackhawks make only one move before the deadline via trade, what would be most impactful? Top 4 D-man, 3rd line center, LW for top line? -- Ron; Grosse Point, Mich.
If you had asked me this question a few weeks ago, I would've probably voted for a forward, but looking at the roster now, I'd probably go with a top-4 D-man. I think with Kruger coming back, and the chance now to develop Rasmussen and Danault, the Hawks could develop depth at the bottom lines at forward better than they can develop a top four defenseman. Trevor van Riemsdyk has been a key player on the Hawks this season and has done a steady job of eating up top-4 defenseman minutes. But van Riemsdyk would be an ideal fit on the bottom two right now. As for the top line, I think the scoring will be there when the Hawks need it and I think Teravainen is likely the answer there the rest of this season. A legitimate top four defenseman could, I think, do more for the Hawks than adding a forward.
Hope everyone had Happy Holidays. Check back for another mailbag soon.
