When the Chicago Blackhawks signed their Top Prospect Nick Schmaltz there was a buzz with the fanbase. Schmaltz had just helped the University of North Dakota win the NCAA National Championship. Schmaltz made the Blackhawks out of training camp and big things were expected.
When the regular season began scouts and people like myself noticed that Schmaltz was deferring to older more experienced players. Instead of taking a shot, he would pass to Jonathan Toews or a Marian Hossa. His lack of aggression was costing the Blackhawks good scoring opportunities early on in the season.