Brian Campbell Out For At Least One Month: What's Next for Chicago Blackhawks?

With the loss of Brian Campbell for the next four-to-five weeks due to a right knee sprain, many doubters questioned the Blackhawks' defensive depth, as well as their power play ability. The Hawks have all but stated that prospect Nick Leddy will step up to take Soupy's place. While many see this as a bad sign for Chicago, I disagree. Campbell has been seen as a problem for Chicago due to his occasional defensive misstep, but with incredibly fast skates. He also has a $7 million cap hit.

Last year, after Campbell's injury at the hands of Alexander Ovechkin, the Hawks' power play plummeted to about 1-for-45. While this stat is horrible, this year will be completely different. This is a prime opportunity to see two new players in the spotlight: Nick Leddy and Marty Turco.

But wait, you say, isn't Turco the goalie? Yes, but in three separate games this preseason he has made the first pass on a power play break to the far blue line to set up a fast break. He is much more aggressive than any goaltender the Blackhawks have had on their team since the days of Eddie Belfour and can handle the puck as well as some defensemen.

The fact that he can make that first outlet pass eliminates or reduces the need for a defenseman to come back and can also interrupt an opposing team's line change. For example, against Detroit, the Wings had dumped the puck on a penalty kill and went for a change. Turco passed to Kane on the far blue line, setting up a four-on-two and an eventual goal. That kind of outlet passing combined with the Hawks' incredible speed will be a lethal combination.

The other piece of silver lining in this incident is Nick Leddy. Originally, he was going to be sent down since the Hawks kept most of their Stanley Cup-winning defense. With Campbell's injury, Leddy now has a chance to step up and show whether he has the talent and seasoning to run with the big boys and play in the NHL. Personally, I think he may be able to play on a third line on this team, but only time will tell.

Another reason the power play will not suffer is because of Joel Quenneville, who has adjusted his power play to four forwards and one defenseman. From preseason, it looks as if Seabrook may be able to step up, or perhaps somebody else will.

However, there is a prospective downside to bringing Leddy up. Jeremy Morin (1G, 3A) had a very strong postseason and looked poised to make the team. With Leddy and his salary cap hit ($1.1 mil), there was simply no room for Morin. Personally, I think Leddy will be sent back down after Campbell recovers, possibly creating room for Morin to make the top squad. Only time will tell.

Either way, Hawk nation still has a lot to get excited for as this team seems bigger and faster than last year's, and is more than prepared for the defense of the greatest trophy in sports.