Five Players the Chicago Blackhawks Are Thankful For

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.

2. Kris Versteeg

What can I say about Kris Versteeg? He has been the biggest surprise for the Chicago Blackhawks this season.  He is the leading rookie scorer with 20 points in 19 games this season and has worked his way from the third line to the first line in a matter of three games.

Many 'Hawks fans were stunned when he was left on the roster after the preseason, but he has quieted many of his critics. I will be surprised if he can keep up his point-per-game production for the rest of the season, but I know I will be rooting for him to capture the second Calder Trophy for the 'Hawks in two years. The 'Hawks are blessed to have Versteeg and his production early in this season.

1. Patrick Kane

The Calder Trophy-winner has picked up where he left off last season, and is leading the team in points with 25 in 19 games.

Many believed that Kane would go with through a second-season slump after a very productive rookie season—but those people were wrong.  Kane has scored clutch goals for the 'Hawks all season and he, along with Versteeg, have picked up Jonathan Toews' slack on the first line.

Although many still think that he will tire out, he has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Kane might be poised for a 100-point season in just his second year in the league, which makes him the Chicago Blackhawks player to be most thankful for.

I would like to wish everyone on the Bleacher Report a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoys all the family and food associated with it. I would also like to thank all of those who voted me as the most consistent writer in the NHL section, I am truly honored. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.