Dave Bolland Primed for a Breakout Year With Chicago Blackhawks

One player we didn't see much of last season—but I am positive we'll see this season—is Dave Bolland.

He started the season, but was out for the majority of the middle of the season after undergoing back surgery. He came back in the later part of the season, but had a really hard time re-adjusting after being off the ice for so long. 

Last season, Bolland played 39 games. He scored six goals and 10 assists. Small numbers for a guy who, in his rookie season, scored 19 goals and had 28 assists for a total of 47 points. But in the last postseason, Bolland racked up 16 points in just 22 games.  

That's why I believe Bolland is in a perfect situation to have a "breakout" season. 

The offseason isn't quite over just yet, but Bolland doesn't look like he'll be moving out. Though, anything is possible in this offseason for the Hawks. 

Anyway, next season is primetime for the young Canadian center. 

Some of the young, talented core have left Chicago, leaving ample opportunity for Bolland to land a second string position; a position that could give him the best chance at putting some points on the stat sheet. 

Bolland is kind of a hybrid between Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. While he isn't as good as either, he possesses shared skills between the two. 

He has Toews' canny ability of goal scoring ability and his defensive skills.

He also has Kane's agility around the ice, and that natural knack at making big plays from out of the blue.

Bolland defiantly possesses star-quality ability. It was sad to see him out with a back injury, but he showed some life during the playoffs. He showed everyone that he still has ability. 

When the new season comes rolling around, I'll have my eyes on that No. 36.

You should too.