After all that time with the Chicago Blackhawks’ organization, Ville Pokka departed Friday in exchange for a 28-year-old journeyman forward who had just cleared waivers. The quiet end to the former top prospect’s time with the Blackhawks brings up a lot of thoughts, but more than anything, it feels like a reminder of the kind of players they haven’t developed.
For a couple years there, Pokka was one of the Hawks’ top prospects. He was acquired in the Nick Leddy trade, played big minutes for the team’s AHL affiliate, and earned praise from outsiders who considered him a quality young player.