Hawks Headlines: Can Antti Raanta Step Up in Sophomore Season?

In this edition of Hawks Headlines, we take a look at the way head coach Joel Quenneville deploys his players, the changes that are coming to the NHL Entry Draft, and whether or not Antti Raanta is ready for a bigger role with the Chicago Blackhawks.

-We start with Jen LC, who is starting a new gig with Sam Fels and the Real Fans Program crew. In her debut post, she has some awesome information on how Quenneville deploys his players, and whether or not he should be more adventurous with his line combinations. [The Committed Indian]

-The NHL has tweaked the system for determining their draft order, with the worst team in the league now only getting a 20% chance of grabbing the number one overall pick rather than the 25% chance they got under the old system. [CSN Chicago]

-How are the Blackhawks’ goaltending prospects getting along? The team’s website has a recap of the development of Mac Carruth and company. [Blackhawks.com]

-Is Antti Raanta ready for primetime in the coming season? Tim Lively weighs in with his opinions on how the goaltender’s second season could go. [Blackhawk Up]

-With Kevin Hayes’ departure from the Windy City, the 2010 draft class for the Blackhawks looks a lot weaker, but with more hits than misses in recent years, the team still is one of the strongest drafting clubs in the league. [Daily Chicago Sports Tab]

-Finally, the Colorado Avalanche will be saying goodbye to one of the best goaltenders over the past decade-plus, as Jean Sabastien Giguere announced his retirement. [NHL.com]

Contact Us