Veteran Blackhawks center delivers multi-goal performance amid bid for contract extension

Entering Sunday’s matinee against the Calgary Flames, the Chicago Blackhawks weren’t exactly expected to get much going on the offensive end. 

With a larger chunk of the salary cap spent on players currently on injured reserve than healthy skaters, Chicago’s injury struggles have seemingly worsened with every game, including Friday’s loss of both Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno. 

Veteran Colin Blackwell had other ideas. His two goals and one assist were the main reasons for the Blackhawks’ shocking 4-3 win over the Flames and he came within inches of a hat trick multiple times on Calgary’s empty net. 

A plus-minus of +3 in almost 20 minutes of ice time rounded out a performance that made him the first star of the game. 

Blackwell only has three goals and two assists on the year, but those numbers are a bit misleading for several reasons. Blackwell missed the start of the season while recovering from a surgery he underwent in March before suffering several setbacks. 

He didn’t get into a game until just before Christmas and just hit double-digit games on the year. He has also been a bottom-six player for much of the year on an offensive unit that has struggled to generate much scoring. 

Blackwell has had a bigger impact on the Blackhawks this season than just in the scoring column, though. His energy and hard-hitting presence were a big additions for Chicago when he re-entered the lineup and Blackwell is a solid veteran presence at 30 years old. 

Temporarily on the team’s top line due to the slew of injuries they’ve suffered, Blackwell showed the positive impact he can have when given the opportunity.

The problem is that with the Blackhawks still years away from competing for a championship, Blackwell doesn’t exactly fit the timeline of his team’s rebuild. 

With his $1.2M AAV contract expiring after this season, he is a leading candidate to head out the door, whether via trade or as a free agent. 

With the depth chart opened up for him, will the veteran forward be able to capitalize? If he continues to be a leading offensive producer on a team desperate to score, Blackwell may play his way into another short-term deal. 

At the very least, he can increase his trade value with the deadline rapidly approaching.