The Chicago Blackhawks have a good problem on their hands entering camp at the end of the summer in regards to their defensive group. They entered this past year with a handful of veterans on the blue line, but that has changed drastically heading into the offseason. Multiple defensemen in the organization under the age of 23 either made their NHL debuts this year or saw frequent ice time that forced a few veterans out of the lineup on a nightly basis.
The last three roster spots on the blue line will be fought for harder in camp at the end of the summer compared to previous seasons. Based on what the organization has at the NHL level right now and in Rockford, the fringe defensemen come at a much higher number than usual. This doesn’t include any marginal additions that general manager Kyle Davidson might make in free agency, which should be taken into account as well.
One of the Blackhawks’ former top draft choices looked solid in his first NHL action this past season, but it might not be enough to keep him around for the long haul.
Nolan Allan put together a solid shortened season in Chicago
Nolan Allan was Chicago’s first-round pick in the 2021 draft, as he went 32nd overall. He made the opening night roster in Utah back in October and had a lengthy stint with the team before he was sent down to Rockford at the end of February.
Allan logged 43 games at the NHL level this past season and collected his first career goal to go along with seven assists. The 21-year-old had a plus/minus rating of -13 and was noticed as one of the top rookie defensemen across the league at the quarter way mark of the campaign.
In his time with the IceHogs in the regular season, Allan played in 20 games. He posted two goals and four assists with a 0 plus/minus rating. Allan’s game remained consistent to close out the regular season and he’s a staple on Rockford’s blue line in the Calder Cup playoffs.
Nolan Allan’s path to consistent ice time will be difficult
With the Blackhawks having two left-shot defensive spots truly up for grabs in camp as of right now. Alex Vlasic has the top pair locked in and there is a solid chance that the front office brings in a veteran that will actually be worthy of playing time every night.
This leaves Allan competing for the last position (and the seventh defenseman on the roster) with the likes of Ethan Del Mastro, Kevin Korchinski and Wyatt Kaiser. There is no saying that Allan is not capable of winning one of the two potential openings on the roster to begin this upcoming season, but it will not be easy for him.
If the Blackhawks front office does not see a path for Allan down the road to be a consistent part of the future, trading him could certainly be a possibility. He offers plenty of upside and put together a solid stint at the NHL level before being sent down and he kept that momentum going in Rockford. The organization could look to flip him for a forward prospect who is in a similar situation of being involved in a position log jam for a change of scenery.
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