New Faces From Many Places: Your Blackhawks Signings Recap

No, this is not going to be a regular thing. I’ll make sure to talk about the signings as they happen from now on. The Blackhawks made a few signings in recent weeks that I haven’t discussed here. So let’s recap them now:

Tyler Motte, W: Motte played on the right side as part of Michigan’s “CCM Line,” arguably the best line in the country this past season. Playing with Kyle Connor and J.T. Compher certainly didn’t hurt, but Motte was dominant in his own right, tallying 56 points (32 G, 24 A) in 38 games this past season. This past year in Ann Arbor, Motte was outstanding in the offensive end, but he was no slouch on defense, either, often appearing on the PK unit. Offense was where he really shined, though. Motte was very good with the puck on his stick and even better at getting to the right spots on the ice to receive a pass and put it in the net. It certainly wouldn’t surprise me to see Motte start the season in Rockford, but I expect Motte to get some real minutes in the NHL next season. To me, he’s a natural fit with Teuvo Teräväinen. Turbo needs the puck on his stick and Motte needs someone to set him up. For the third guy on that potential line, we’ll have to wait and see what happens this off-season. Andrew Shaw could be a fit. If the Hawks aren’t able to bring him back, Ryan Hartman or Vinnie Hinostroza could work there.

Luke Johnson, C: Johnson had 21 points (11 G, 10 A) in 43 games for North Dakota this past season. Johnson’s a solid two-way player with a willingness to get to the dirty areas. He’ll likely be an IceHog next season.

Gustav Forsling, D: The Hawks acquired Forsling in the Adam Clendening trade a couple years back and are bringing him over to America now. Forsling’s got a lot of upside, but he’ll need at least a year in Rockford before he’s ready for the NHL. Forsling is a very good skater with some offensive skill. He’ll need to work on his play in his own end, however. Forsling had 21 points (6 G, 15 A) in 48 games with Linkoping HC of the SHL.

Michal Kempny, D: Kempny signed a one-year entry level deal with the Hawks, which will be worth between $575K and $925K per generalfanager.com. This past year in the KHL, Kempny tallied 21 points (5 G, 16 A) in 59 games with Avangard Omsk. Scott Powers of the Atlantic posted a scouting report of Kempny that I find to be pretty spot-on. ($, but 5 articles per month free) From what I’ve seen (admittedly, not a ton) Kempny is skilled at both ends of the ice, handles his own end well, has a hard shot, and is a very good skater. I’ll be very surprised if he’s not on the NHL roster next year. I love this signing by Bowman.

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