Blackhawks are Holding Two Players Out of Tonight's Lineup & More..

Blackhawks 6 foot 6 defenseman will be held out of the lineup for the Blackhawks today, after being called up- what is the point of having one of our highest defense prospect held out and not playing anywhere to develop? (AHL and NHL). Derek King seems unwilling to play him in a top 4 role, even after the club signed him to a entry level contract which is burning away as we speak. His time on ice reads 7:00 against Tampa, 7:54 against Winnipeg, and 6:10 in a tilt with Minnesota. Otherwise he's been a healthy scratch since being called up.

Who is replacing Vlasic and returning to the lineup? A declining 30 year old Erik Gustafsson, who is eating up a average of 13+ minute a game. The Blackhawks recently signed Vlasic to a three year entry level deal, which they are throwing away quality developing time for the future Blackhawks defenseman.

A great example of what a comitted rebuild looks like, is the Philadelphia Flyers. Who are scratching veteran Keith Yandle, who is on a best in the NHL iron man (game streak) of nearly 989, and the Flyers have no hesitation scratching him from their lineup tonight to let younger defenseman get playing time, as their season is already over.

22 Year old Philipp Kurashev is also being scratched tonight as 22 year old MacKenzie Entwistle joins the lineup. Mackenzie Entwistle has yet to record a point in his last 12 games with a plus minus rating of -8 in that span, but brings a more physical game to the depth.

Coach Derek King comments on Alex Vlasic & More:

Lets take a look at some of Alex Vlasics play, in his very little ice time he gets with the Blackhawks.