The Chicago Blackhawks still haven’t found their footing, but one rookie is proving to be a silver lining early in the season.
Roman Kantserov joined the Blackhawks as part of General Manager Kyle Davidson’s rebuilding efforts. After a slow start, he has recorded five points in 12 games and is starting to make an impact.
With the Blackhawks’ ongoing difficulties, Kantserov may be the bright young star Chicago needs.
Blackhawks Early Season Struggles
Still at the bottom of the Central Division, the Blackhawks continue to struggle in building a rhythm. Many of the issues stem from Chicago’s inability to capitalize on key moments. This past Saturday against the Panthers, the Blackhawks had seven power-play opportunities. Yet they scored zero goals.
The difference is that their opponents do make game-changing plays with the advantage. On four power-play opportunities, the Panthers scored one goal. As the Blackhawks lost by only one, their penalty kill and inability to score on seven power plays make or break the outcome.
They have the worst power play in the entire NHL, at 8.3%. In their 12 power-play opportunities against the Panthers and Canadiens, they hadn’t generated results. They’re wasting man-advantages, and in games like the one on Saturday, they’re butchering their chances to win.
This isn’t the only challenge Chicago has faced. On the ice, they spend much of their time defending behind their blue line.
In almost all their games, they trail in shots on goal. In the Mammoth’s shutout against the Blackhawks, they outshot Chicago by more than double. This not only gives opponents a one-up on scoring chances, but also keeps the Blackhawks from controlling the pace of the game.
Staying on defense is physically and mentally draining. They have no time to settle down when they are constantly chasing their opponents, and vice versa.
Kantserov Begins Making Strides
Amidst all these rough spots for the Blackhawks, Kantserov seems to be improving. Drafted 44th by the Blackhawks in the 2023 draft, Kantserov became a top prospect during his time in the KHL. There, he finished his third season leading the league in goals.
This season, he made his NHL debut in Chicago’s first game against the Golden Knights. As a rookie, Kantserov is spending a fair amount of time on the ice, averaging 19.9 shifts per game. He has also recently been on a line with, considerably, the Blackhawks’ two most notable players of the 21st century: Patrick Kane and Connor Bedard.
Blackhawks Head Coach Jeff Blashill clearly trusts Kantserov, given his top-line role and ice time. As the regular season approaches, Blashill said players like Kantserov are “the kind of guys you need to win.”
The 22-year-old forward had a slow start to his rookie year. Leading up to their October homestand, Kantserov had zero points. Then in the homestand opener against the Hurricanes, he recorded his first goal.
Since then, he’s scored another three goals. He scored the first two in the next game against the Penguins, marking his first multi-goal game in the NHL. Then, he earned another against the Panthers, tying the game in the second period. His most recent goal was on the power play versus the Kings.
Right now, Kantserov leads his team in goals and ranks near the top of the roster in points. He has become an exciting young player to watch, and he seems to mesh well with some of the more experienced players.
Looking Towards the Future for Kantserov
As he enters his second month of the regular season, Kantserov looks like a promising forward for the Blackhawks.
Among other NHL rookies, he ranks in the top 10 in fantasy. As of Oct. 28, Kantserov leads all NHL rookies in goals. On the points front, Kantserov has ground to make up in assists.
Finishing setups for his teammates is a strong area for Kantserov to grow, especially by working closely with Bedard. If the top line can dominate offensively, the Blackhawks can create more chances to win.
Going into their game against the Red Wings, Kantserov is still searching for his first assist.
As he continues to improve as part of Chicago’s rebuild, Blackhawks fans may see him win the Calder Trophy. Bedard was the last Blackhawks rookie to win it.
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