Patrick Kane #88, Mike Hardman #86, Mackenzie Entwistle #58, Chicago Blackhawks Mandatory Credit: Eileen T. Meslar-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Blackhawks do not have that many physical forwards, Mike Hardman has proven to be just that through his first seven games with the franchise. The Blackhawks have played a lot of rookies this season, and Hardman definitely plays a little different than the rest.
There are a few different tiers of rookies in Chicago. Obviously, fans expect Hagel, Suter, Kurashev, and Mitchell to be back in the NHL next season in big roles. However, it is that next group that is competing for third and fourth line spots on this team.