The Chicago Blackhawks have many things to be thankful for this season, so I decided, since it is the eve of Thanksgiving, to create a list of five players that the Chicago Blackhawks should be thankful for thus far this season. Hope you enjoy.
5. Aaron Johnson
Who would have thought the signing of Aaron Johnson would have such a big impact on the Chicago Blackhawks season so far?
Johnson, who was one of the final players sent to Rockford after training camp, has had a great season since being called up two games into the season, posting seven points and a team leading plus-12 rating.
He has solidified a spot on this roster for the rest of the season, with Brent Sopel being benched and Matt Walker not a permanent fix in the third defensive pairing. When James Wisnewski returns to the 'Hawks lineup, expect him and Johnson to make up the third pairing on a very talented blue line.
4. Brian Campbell
Dale Tallon has been under a lot of heat over the signing of Cristobal Huet, but really has not been praised for his signing of Brian Campbell. Granted, it is only in year one of Campbell's eight-year, $56.8 million contract, but he has been everything that the 'Hawks wanted and needed.
Campbell has scored 16 points and posted a plus-six rating in his first 19 games in a 'Hawks uniform. He seems to have really helped a poor 'Hawks power play and helped bring about young defenseman Cam Barker's development—which is what the 'Hawks need to be most thankful for.
3. Nikolai Khabibulin
No preseason, no problem. Nikolai Khabibulin has been a major reason for the 'Hawks success this season, posting a 7-1-4 record with a .920 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-allowed average.
Khabibulin's name has been discussed in many a trade rumor since the signing of the Cristobal Huet, but with his play this season and the ineffectiveness of Huet, it might not be in the 'Hawks best interest to hang onto him. The only way he can get traded now is if the 'Hawks can fix other weaknesses.
Khabibulin has been a major reason for the Blackhawks' early success, and a big reason for them to be thankful.
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