On Saturday, I wrote that the Chicago Blackhawks had finally acquired Connor Bedard’s long-term linemate because third overall pick Anton Frondell was coming over from Sweden to join the team after his season wrapped up. The lethal 18-year-old should be able to make an impact right away before the end of this season, so it’s pretty exciting to have him in the lineup.
But head coach Jeff Blashill might be putting a damper on that excitement this week. On Sunday evening, he said Ryan Greene might get some time at center to close out the season. That would mean Frondell would take Greene’s spot next to Bedard, with Andre Burakovsky on the other wing.
Burakovsky, 31, has built a career out of offensive production. This year hasn’t followed that trend. He’s spent almost the entire year on Bedard’s wing—a highly coveted spot—and hasn’t done much with the opportunity. He’s scored one goal since Jan. 7 and has drawn the ire of Chicago’s fan base, which makes sense considering that the Blackhawks could put other young players in that spot, like Nick Lardis (who hasn’t been great so far, but then again, neither has Burakovsky).
I understand wanting to give Greene some run at center while the games don’t really count, but do the Blackhawks really need another center? They’ve had a logjam down the middle for much of the season—behind Bedard and Nazar, Oliver Moore and Sacha Boisvert can hold it down and there are plenty more skaters coming down the pipeline. Plus, Greene has been great where he’s at. He’s a good facilitator who plays a responsible game, which is what a line featuring Bedard and Frondell needs.
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It’ll be interesting to see whether the Frondell—Bedard—Burakovsky top line sticks through the end of the season, or if Blashill uses these games to see what he’s got for the future. Unless the Blackhawks are going to grab a big-name free-agent winger this summer, someone will have to fill Burakovsky’s spot, assuming he’s bought out in the offseason. Why not start now?
