If Thursday night is any indication, the Chicago Blackhawks are in for a rough rest of the season. Several notable injuries, a lack of team depth, and minimal help for Connor Bedard are all reasons that some fans have begun tuning out the 2023-24 campaign. That said, No. 98 should keep people coming back despite the tough times.
With that in mind, Kyle Davidson is in a unique position. With a likely top-five draft pick on the horizon and collegiate players such as Landon Slaggert, Frank Nazar, and Oliver Moore on the way, the future is looking bright. A ton of cap space with a better 2024 free agency class upcoming and plenty of draft capital put Davidson in the driver's seat for improving the team quickly.
But for now, the team needs a spark, a new look, and some depth. In a season that's a win-win scenario for the future, why not give certain players a chance in a new environment? Although the Bartlett native is familiar with the United Center and the organization, Vinnie Hinostroza is available for nothing more than a waiver claim after the Pittsburgh Penguins placed him on the wire Friday.
Ben Pope was in my mind with his comment on X after the news broke. When a player is presented on waivers, Davidson needs to at least consider them at this juncture. In the case of Hinostroza, he's a speedy player who might be a breath of fresh air getting a look in the bottom six or on Bedard's wing given all the Blackhawks' injuries.
Although Hinostroza has only recorded one goal and two assists in 12 games for the Pens this season, fans may recall his hot stretch (12 points in 17 games) when he was a trade-deadline acquisition in the shortened 2020-21 season. He may not bring that burst of production on another go-around, but he has one tool that makes him intriguing — speed. The 29-year-old can fly, and perhaps putting him on the wing with Bedard will allow that speed to shine. Additionally, Luke Richardson loves skaters who play fast and play hard, and the Chicagoland native fits that bill.
It certainly wouldn't be a sexy move, but the Blackhawks are in a position where they have nothing to lose. Perhaps a third stint in Chicago can get Hinostroza going and provide some value in what is becoming a lost season.
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