Chicago Blackhawks: Patrick Kane and 5 Players' New Year's Resolution

The new year is almost here, so a number of Chicago Blackhawks players should consider what their new year's resolution will be.

I'm sure these guys are the most ideal citizens off the ice, including Patrick Kane, who's probably learned from the mistakes he's made in the past with cab drivers and removing his shirt in public, so the players' new year's resolutions need to be hockey-related.

Bryan Bickell

Resolution: Take advantage of his size and use his body!

There aren't many other players on the Blackhawks roster who are more frustrating to watch than Bryan Bickell.

Forget about whatever skill Bickell lacks, his biggest flaw is he fails to take advantage of his 6'4", 233-pound frame.

There's not much worse than a big hockey player who doesn't use his body.  Look at John Scott—he at least takes advantage of his god-given ability, unlike Bickell.

Michael Frolik

Resolution: Go on the "Patrick Kane Workout Plan" and get stronger.

It's starting to look like Michael Frolik's lack of production in his short time with the Hawks last season wasn't a fluke.

Like teammate Patrick Kane did in the offseason, Mikey Fro needs complement his speed by increasing his muscle throughout the next few months and over the summer, otherwise he's going to be pretty much useless in the Blackhawks lineup until he's a free agent after the '14 season.

After tallying six points in October, Frolik scored just one goal in November and failed to add any helpers.  December hasn't been too much better.  Before the Christmas break, Frolik had scored just goals and one assist.

I was one of GM Stan Bowman's supporters when he re-signed the 23-year-old to a three-year, $7 million contract prior to the 2011-12 season, despite Frolik tallying a mere nine points in his 28 games with the Hawks last season after coming over from the Florida Panthers in a trade that swapped him and Jack Skille.

Patrick Kane

Resolution: Convert some of his assists into goals.

I'm not complaining about Patrick Kane's near-point-per-night ability, but it'd be nice to see him score his own goals rather then set up his teammates.

Through the Blackhawks' first 35 games, Kane has scored nine goals compared to the 25 assists he's tallied. 

Kaner makes beautiful plays that tally up his helpers, but we've seen what he can do when he fires the puck on net and weaves through the defenders.  It's time we see more of that, in addition to his amazing play-making ability.

Niklas Hjalmarsson

Resolution: Take on more of a leadership role.

I've seen moments of Niklas Hjalmarsson being more vocal and taking on some sort of a leadership role this season, but it's time for the 24-year-old blue-liner to start showing all that he's learned in his four-plus years with the Blackhawks and all the mentors and veterans that have come and gone since he's been with the Hawks.

Hammer is one of nine skaters and one of just three defensemen from the 2010 Stanley Cup team still remaining on today's Hawks roster. 

It's time for Niklas to stop hiding behind Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook rather stand side by side with them as another team leader and voice on the defensive end of the bench.

John Scott

Resolution: Don't change a thing.

Ever since John Scott got credit for the assist on Jamal Mayers' goal against the Anaheim Ducks on December 16th, Scott has been playing the best hockey of his Blackhawks career.

This doesn't mean Scott deserves to be in the lineup every night, but it makes Hawks fans feel more comfortable when he is.

Keep doing your thing, big boy.  Every Hawks fan is behind you.

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