Chicago Blackhawks: 3 players who need to improve post-bye week

The Chicago Blackhawks saw Erik Gustafsson put up a lot of points for them in 2018-19. He was a player that had 17 goals and 43 assists for 60 points in 79 games. Those points don’t grow on trees. The big knock on him was his defensive play despite putting up all of those numbers. He still isn’t all that good defensively but the points have come way down. In 50 games so far he has six goals and 18 assists for 24 points.

This is a player that is often mentioned in trade rumors because of his inconsistent play with Chicago. He would be a phenomenal addition to a team looking for power-play help and a fifth or sixth defenseman for the Stanley Cup run.

But, if the Blackhawks decide to keep him it could end up being a good decision if he picks his offensive numbers back up. Numbers like that would really help a team that has good goaltending and a fast-paced offensive attack.

Gustafsson is a really good player with a lot of talent. He can impact games in ways that not many other defensemen on the team can so him stepping up and playing better would be significant for the Chicago Blackhawks.

If he can elevate into the player he was last year, the Blackhawks power play should also improve which could help themselves see their way into the playoffs. If all of these guys were able to elevate their game to the level their talent suggests they can, this could be a playoff team.