Chicago Blackhawks: Expect a turnaround from Alex DeBrincat

Alex DeBrincat might not have had the best year for the Chicago Blackhawks this past season, but luckily for him, he still has a lot of time to improve.

Alex DeBrincat is only 22 years old. He is just about to start his first season on his second NHL contract and has already put up 173 points in three NHL seasons. The NHL is a young players league, and Alex DeBrincat defines that perfectly.

I know Debrincat did not play that great in this past season, but let’s not hang him out to dry just yet. This past season was a learning experience for him. DeBrincat was no longer getting the same attention he usually would get on the Blackhawks power play, and just in the offensive zone in general. He went from playing with great players like Jonathan Toews or Patrick Kane to playing in the bottom six and trying to control his line on his own.

Things are more difficult when you do not have top tier players with you. DeBrincat has been spending most of his time playing with guys in the bottom six this season, and yet he still put up 45 points. He even had one of the best postseasons out of Blackhawks forwards.

DeBrincat did not find the net that often this postseason, he only registered two goals, and yet he put up 27 shots in all and was of the most explosive players every time he hit the ice. I know that his contract might look a little scary right now because of the season he just had, but let’s have a little faith that he can turn around and have a good year.

DeBrincat has the potential to be a terrific goal scorer for the Chicago Blackhawks years down the line. As a member of the new Blackhawks core, I would expect him to be better next season. A little adversity never hurts anyone, and that was precisely what he was saying in his interview.

So, let’s chalk this past season up as a learning experience for DeBrincat. He had some great seasons during his first two years, where he put up 41 goals one year, and had more than 50 points each season. There is no doubt in my mind he will come back better than ever next season!