For the Chicago Blackhawks defense, the log jam that has become the prospect group gives young players both a tough time to break through, but plenty of opportunity to get a shot at doing so. For Swedish defenseman Robin Norell, the stat sheet isn’t going to be where he makes his impression for Chicago. Norell’s defensive prowess is going to be his calling card to the NHL.
Norell was selected by the Blackhawks in the fourth round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, but before signing his entry-level deal with Chicago in March of last season, he spent his entire professional career to date in Sweden, playing for Djurgårdens IF since 2009.