The 18^th installment of 32 thots involves David Yee's Chicago Blackhawks. The team is having an outstanding season, currently 1st in the Central Division with a 40-16-5 record. They are a well-balanced team, ranking 11th in goals per game (3.3 GF), while their power play (22.92%, 8th overall) has been a consistent offensive weapon.

Defensively, they are one of the best in the league, allowing just 2.56 goals per game (6th overall). Their penalty kill (85.95%, 3rd overall) has been a major strength, making them tough to score against on special teams.

Forwards:

• Key Players: Bo Horvat, Jordan Kyrou, Jonathan Marchessault, Rickard Rakell, Alex Killorn
• Depth Players: Andrew Copp, Sean Couturier, Nick Foligno, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Luke Evangelista
• Scratched Players: Arthur Kaliyev, Zach Benson, Alex Laferriere

Grade: B

Your forward core is strong but lacks a true elite offensive superstar. Bo Horvat, Jordan Kyrou, and Jonathan Marchessault provide excellent offensive depth, while Rickard Rakell and Alex Killorn offer versatility in the top six. Luke Evangelista and Arthur Kaliyev are promising young players who can develop into bigger roles.

Your depth is solid, with Andrew Copp, Sean Couturier, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau giving you strong two-way play. However, you lack a dominant first-line playmaker, which could be an issue against top teams in the playoffs.

Defense:

• Key Players: Quinn Hughes, Jaccob Slavin, Darnell Nurse
• Depth Players: Timothy Liljegren, Brayden McNabb, Jake Walman
• Scratched Players: None

Grade: B+

Your defensive group is a major strength, headlined by Quinn Hughes, Jaccob Slavin, and Darnell Nurse. Hughes is an elite puck-moving defenseman, while Slavin and Nurse provide a strong defensive presence.

Your depth is also good, with Timothy Liljegren, Brayden McNabb, and Jake Walman all being reliable options.

Goaltending:

• Goalies: Sergei Bobrovsky, Connor Ingram
• Depth Goalies: Philipp Grubauer, Troy Grosenick

Grade: B-

Bobrovsky is still a capable starter, but he has been inconsistent in recent years. Connor Ingram is a decent backup, but not a true No. 1 goalie option if Bobrovsky struggles.

Your goaltending depth is weak, with Philipp Grubauer past his prime and Troy Grosenick not an NHL-caliber starter.

Prospect Pool:

• Top Prospects: Cutter Gauthier, Samuel Honzek, Collin Graf, Jakub Dvorak, Dylan Duke
• Other Notable Prospects: Luca Pinelli, Aram Minnetian, Jack Hughes (not the Devils' version), Otto Salin

Grade: A-

Your prospect pool is strong, with Cutter Gauthier and Samuel Honzek leading the way as future top-six forwards. Jakub Dvorak and Otto Salin provide good defensive depth, while Luca Pinelli and Dylan Duke could become impactful middle-six forwards.

The only concern is goaltending—you lack an elite goalie prospect, which could be an issue in a few years.

QUICK THOT:  Your future looks bright, but you need to invest in a high-end goaltending prospect.

Draft Capital & Future Outlook:

• Notable Picks:
• 2026 1st (CHI), 2026 3rd (CHI), 2026 5th (CHI)
• No 2025 first-round pick

Grade: B

You own your 2026 first-round pick, but you lack key draft picks in 2025, meaning you won’t have an immediate influx of top-end talent unless you trade for picks.

Overall Team Evaluation:

• Forwards: B+ (Strong depth, but no elite offensive playmaker)
• Defense: A- (Great top-four, but missing an elite shutdown defenseman)
• Goaltending: B- (Bobrovsky is unreliable, and no long-term answer in net)
• Prospect Pool: A- (Strong group of forwards and defensemen, but lacks a top goalie prospect)
• Draft Capital: B (Good 2026 assets, but no key 2025 picks)

Final Grade: B+

Your team is built to compete now, with a strong defense and deep forward group, but you lack a dominant offensive star and an elite goaltender. If you don’t improve in those areas, you could struggle against elite teams in the playoffs. Your team is close to being a contender, but you need an elite goalie and a top-tier forward to become a true championship favorite. David is the first entry of the Quiet 5 which outlines exactly that. Your quietness will be the ultimate factor if your team can truly take the next step as being a contender in the BRHL. Do you have it in you to voice your words and ensure you are doing whatever you can do make your team better? Or will you sit and hope for the best?

How to Improve:

1. Find a long-term goaltender to replace Bobrovsky.
2. Acquire an elite offensive playmaker to elevate your top six.
3. Add a true shutdown defenseman to complement your skilled blueliners.
4. Trade for 2025 draft picks to maintain long-term roster depth.

Written by Rob