Hawk Shots: Chicago Blackhawks' Prospect Akim Aliu

With Chicago Blackhawks prospects camp wrapping up yesterday, I thought I would dedicate this edition of Hawk Shots to one of my favorite Chicago Blackhawks prospects, Akim Aliu.

Akim Aliu was drafted by the Blackhawks in the 2nd round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Many questioned if Aliu could put his troubled past behind him and focus on hockey, but the Chicago Blackhawks took a chance and might be reaping the benefits very soon.

Last season Aliu played for the London Knights where he tallied 61 points in 60 games and also recorded 133 penalty minutes. He then joined the Rockford Ice Hogs for two games in which he recorded zero points and two penalty minutes.

Coming into this years prospect camp Aliu was determined to make a big impression and get an invite to training camp. Aliu put on about 20 pounds of muscle and has been working on his skating—making his game that much better.

Aliu had a pretty good prospects camp coming into the final day, but he saved his best stuff for the final scrimmage where he tallied a goal, an assist, and two fight wins.

Blackhawks' management was impressed, but so were Blackhawks fans who showed up on that final day of training camp.

Many believed that if Aliu were to make the team next year he should get paired with Toews and Kane—that way no one would dare touch them. That is unless they wanted to get dropped to the ice by Aliu's vicious right hook.

Aliu is not just a fighter/enforcer type of player, he has a great scoring touch that will translate into the NHL. He is a banger that will sit in front of the net for rebounds and put people into the boards, making him a quick fan favorite in Chicago.