Way back in the 2005 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks used the 108th overall pick on a young Swede named Niklas Hjalmarsson. Fast forward to the 2006-07 season, and Hjalmarsson made his NHL debut.
Since that season, Hjalmarsson has become part of the core and has even become a fan favorite with his hard-to-spell name. Now more than ever, Hjalmarsson needs to be a huge part of not only the Blackhawks’ defense, but the entire team as well. If the ‘Hawks want to regain their fortitude on the blue line, the conversation needs to begin with the 29-year-old Swede.