Over the weekend we looked that the Top 10 Chicago Blackhawks prospects.
Here, we take a look at some players who just missed the cut – in alphabetical order.
Andrei Altybarmakyan – Right Wing – HK Sochi (KHL)
HT/WT: 5-11/183
Age: 20
Drafted: 70th overall in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft by the Blackhawks.
Altybarmakyan has jumped around different leagues/teams this season in Russia but ended up playing the majority in the KHL with HK Sochi where he averaged less than 10 minutes of ice-time per game. His role increased towards the end of the season, which is a positive sign and he picked up three points in five playoff games including two goals.
He was very raw as a prospect when Chicago drafted Altybarmakyan, but has shown displays of lethal offensive ability and will need to bring that on a more consistent basis.
Chad Krys – Defense – Boston University (NCAA)
HT/WT: 5-11/185
Age: 20
Drafted: 45th overall in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft by the Blackhawks.
Expect the Hawks to make a push to sign Krys at the end of his junior year with Boston University. He’s battled injuries but has produced when he’s been healthy.
The former second-round pick has shown glimpses of significant offensive talent but has never been able to consistently take his game to the next level.
Maxim Shalunov, Center – CSKA Moscow (KHL)
HT/WT: 6-4/216
Age: 26
Drafted: 109th overall in the fourth round of the 2011 draft by Chicago
At 26 years old, it’s hard to label Shalunov as a prospect, but there is hope in Chicago that he’ll decide to break into the NHL after his contract is up with CSKA. He’s put up solid point totals for most of his career in the KHL and could provide supplemental scoring in a depth role because of the defensive responsibility he’s shown in the defensive zone.
He’s surprisingly agile for his big frame, but he’ll need to utilize if/when he decides to come to North America. Shalunov’s production this season was down, but it’s due in large part to a drop in overall ice-time while he anchors the second line. He is under contract for one more year in the KHL before he’s eligible to come to North America.
Jake Wise – Center – Boston University (NCAA)
HT/WT: 5-10/190
Age: 19
Drafted: 69th overall in the 3rd round of the 2019 draft by the Blackhawks.
After the culmination of the 2018 draft, it looked as if the Blackhawks may have landed a huge steal in the third round when they selected Wise. He put up huge numbers with the USNTDP during his draft year, but was unable to find much success in the 12 games he played in his freshman season with Boston University and only picked up two points.
His year was derailed with a season-ending injury, which is worrisome considering the previous year he also missed significant time with a broken collarbone. His motor never stops running and he has special stickhandling ability.
