Blackhawks Stock Index: A High Returns Hat Trick

The Chicago Blackhawks are up and down lately, a win here and a loss there. So too have the performances of several of the Blackhawks players.

Today’s stock index glances at a player from each position–a forward, defenseman, and goalie–and the high returns they’ve had since the start of the season.

Based off the first ten games, here are three Blackhawks who are having high returns so far.

Goalie – Petr Mrazek

To be fair, Arvid Soderblom could be on this list, especially with his bounce back game following the Arizona contest. But it’s Mrazek who has been the steadier of the two so far, picking up three of four Blackhawks wins and when facing 40 or more shots four times this season, he hasn’t seen his save percentage fall below. 900. In fact, the only game where that has been the case was the 4-3 win over Vegas when he was outright clutch late in the game, giving the Blackhawks the chance to win in overtime. In his seven appearances this season, Mrazek has a sparkling .923 save percentage and continues to keep the Blackhawks in games.

Defenseman – Alex Vlasic

Not even a few games off due to injury could slow Vlasic’s momentum. After suffering a hit that kept him out of a couple of games, Vlasic has been a very steady and productive part of the blue line, logging an average of 18:02 and chipping in with three assists in those nine games on the ice.

Rarely is Vlasic out of position, and his 6’6 frame often provides that extra bit of reach to disrupt a scoring or passing lane.

It’s been a solid start for one of the many young faces on the Blackhawks blue line.

Forward – Corey Perry

Truthfully, this was a toss up between Nick Foligno and Perry.

When Perry was signed to a one-year deal after the Blackhawks traded for him, there were mixed reactions because he was a thorn in the side of Chicago’s when he was on the opposing side. After 11 games on the team, Perry has shown precisely why Kyle Davidson and Richardson wanted him on the team. Yes, he’s tied for the team lead in points (2-5), and is on pace for 52, which would be his highest output since the 2016-17 season with the Anaheim Ducks. Whether or not that holds up isn’t the takeaway. It’s Perry who is out there, riling up the other team and defending other Blackhawks. Perry also plays a pivotal role in the locker room with other Blackhawks veterans, and was out in front of the media following the 4-2 loss to New Jersey Sunday night.

Whether taking the hits in front of the net on the power play, in the corner, or for the team, Perry has had an outstanding start to his Blackhawks career so far.