Chicago Blackhawks: Players Under The Radar

The Blackhawks of this season are a different looking bunch. Gone are names like Sergei Samsonov, Tuomo Ruutu, Patrick Lalime, and Robert Lang. Taking their places are a bunch of newcomers and rookies that Blackhawks fans should get to know better.

Aaron Johnson #23 D

Aaron Johnson was acquired in the off-season as a free agent. He played 30 games with the New York Islanders last season, and notched 2 assists and 30 penalty minutes.

Thus far this season, the 3rd round pick has already scored 2 goals and notched a +4, second on the team. The two goals occurred in back-to-back skates, and were his first goals since the '06-'07 season.

He was recalled on October 11th after getting an assist in two games with the Rockford IceHogs.

Andrew Ladd #16 LW

Andrew Ladd was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Tuomo Ruutu in a February 26th trade.

Last season in 20 games with the Blackhawks Ladd notched 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) after the trade, and was a catalyst for the team's late season playoff push. While they fell just short in the end, he was a key component and an upgrade over Ruutu in offensive production.

On a side note, when the Hawks take the ice tonight against the Stars, keep an eye out for Ladd. He has two goals in three career games against Dallas. Thus far this season he has only one assist, but look for him to break out of his slump soon, possibly tonight.

Kris Versteeg #32 LW

Kris Versteeg saw his first NHL action last season with the Blackhawks, playing 13 games and notching two goals and two assists in limited action.

So far this season, Versteeg has been a force, getting points in 5 straight games and scoring 2 goals and adding 8 assists. He also sports a +3 and a 12.5 shot percentage.

In Rockford last season, Versteeg scored 18 goals and added 31 assists. He also had a +6 and 174 penalty minutes.

If the Hawks are to have success on their scoring lines, Versteeg will be a huge component, taking pressure off of Andrew Ladd and providing back-up to Patrick Sharp.

These players are all going to end up being relied upon to contribute to the success of this playoff-hungry club. Combining the Calder-Cup potential of Versteeg with the speed of Ladd and the established leadership of Toews and Havlat could potentially result in a Stanley Cup playoff appearance for a team who has been absent from the proceedings for the past 7 seasons.

Tonight's game will start at 7:30pm on Comcast Sportsnet Plus. Check your local listing for which network serves as your Comcast Sportsnet Plus. Most of you will be able to watch the game on CLTV.