As general managers build their hockey teams, one component of the team that never seems to stop is team toughness. This ingredient in any hockey team is important, especially if the team expects to move past the regular season and into the playoffs.
This pedigree gives the team an edge, as the playoffs are a war of attrition, and they will grind each other down with hits and overall physical play that will carry them forward.
It appears that the Blackhawks have found a new player who mimics Andrew Shaw and his playing style. Nineteen-year-old Samuel Savoie was drafted in the 2022 entry draft, in the third round, 81st overall. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 190 pounds, he can play left wing and center.
During his time with the Gatineau Olympiques, he played 60 games and scored 26 goals, with 33 assists for 59 points and a +30 rating. The main number, however, is his penalty minutes, which were 90. He has a taste for hitting people as much as possible, especially along the boards. During his media day today, he explained what kind of player he would be for the Blackhawks and what to expect.
As general manager Kyle Davidson continues to remould and reshape this roster, players like Savoie will be critical, as they will need sandpaper players who have grit and toughness to defend against other players like Connor Bedard.
