For the Blackhawks, the addition of Connor Bedard last summer essentially flipped the world upside down. With a huge impact on the entire team, each of his teammates was affected in one way or another.
Perhaps no player changed more with Bedard’s arrival than forward Philipp Kurashev. The now 24-year-old won his arbitration case against Chicago last summer and received a two-year, $4.5 million contract. The result of the case was initially a surprise, but Kurashev quickly proved he was well worth the money.
Kurashev enjoyed a tremendous breakout season on the Blackhawks’ top line last year, jumping up to 18 goals and 54 points in 75 games and spending nearly all of his time playing next to Bedard. Though previously unproven, he finished third on the team in goals and complemented Bedard well with a decent defensive game while improving his playmaking abilities.
But at this point in the summer, one of the biggest questions on the Blackhawks’ minds has yet to be answered – will Kurashev and Bedard stay together? After Chicago brought in three top-six forwards during the offseason, the attacking lines will undoubtedly be shaken up. Bedard’s fate is clear, but which line will Kurashev end up on?
The case favoring Kurashev is an easy one – the line has already proven it can be successful. Bedard and Kurashev have raved about their chemistry and clearly enjoyed playing together. Sure, the Blackhawks were outscored at even strength when the two were on the ice at the same time, but that number would undoubtedly improve this year. The two would have an even better feel for one another’s games, and an improved roster depth, including a new third linemate, would help them take another jump. A line consisting of Kurashev, a more experienced Bedard, and Tyler Bertuzzi would be a well-rounded, consistent group that could put up huge numbers, allowing Kurashev to develop into one of the team’s top scorers and playmakers and making him a valuable asset in a contract year.
On the other hand, Kurashev may not have improved enough last year to have a case to return to the top line. His success next to Bedard may also be his biggest flaw. It could be argued that any competent winger could score 18 goals alongside such a generational playmaker and another player could have more success. The Blackhawks aren’t exactly devoid of talented skaters to fill his spot – Bedard, Bertuzzi, and Teuvo Teravainen make up an appealing trio that could further maximize the young superstar’s potential. Additionally, Kurashev has proven he plays well alongside Jason Dickinson, meaning he’d be a great candidate to slot into a middle-six spot with a player like Taylor Hall or Ilya Mikheyev.
Though the case for Kurashev on the top line is an easy one to make, his sudden success leaves plenty of doubt as the Blackhawks try to maximize their potential. Leaving him on the top line is the best way for Chicago to help him develop, but at this point, the team would be better off with him regressing into a middle-six role.
