The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the most well known franchises in the entire NHL, leaving room for plenty of respectable players to make their way through the system. But after last season’s Stanley Cup, the Blackhawks have a lot more left to prove this upcoming season. However, after the team made the move of Dave Bolland to the Toronto Maple Leafs over the off-season and other key players like Michael Frolik and Viktor Stalberg were not re-signed, it left rather large vacancies in the roster that needed to be filled.
One of those select roster spots went to an unexpected candidate, Joakim Nordstrom. A high-energy penalty killer who powered his way in the Swedish Elite League, Nordstrom is only 19. The now 21-year-old center was drafted in the 3rd round in the 2010 NHL entry draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, who later signed him to a three-year entry level contract in 2012, but stayed in Sweden for the duration of the 2012-13 season where he played 43 games, scored 5 goals and racked up 4 assists.
So far this season, Joakim has already tallied up his first NHL goal against the New York Islanders. The young forward impressed coaches with his defensive abilities along with his offensive talent and was moved up from the fourth line to the third line by Quenneville during Friday’s game. That same game Nordstrom finished with a career-high 12:39 of total time on ice.
So why could this underdog center become a breakout star amongst the veterans of the Chicago Blackhawks? He brings explosion to the lower lines. He is fast on his feet, can handle the puck well, and has great vision. A two-way center who has a good hockey sense may be what the Hawks need on their lower lines in order to win another Stanley Cup this season. Although Nordstrom is typically used as a “set-up” man, he has a good sized frame and is not afraid to use his body to loosen the puck up. Nordstrom has plenty of room to grow, he is an excellent passer but he does not have much pro experience so it is likely that he will go back to Rockford to play for the Ice Hogs at some point this season.
Although it is doubtful whether or not Nordstrom will be given a chance to play an entire season with the defending champs, he will get the opportunity to show his skill as an extra player to their roster.
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