The Chicago Blackhawks’ farm system is looking better than it did a few years ago. Having a lot of picks in the first three rounds helped with that, but GM Stan Bowman and amateur scouting head Mark Kelley deserve credit for using those picks on hits such as Alex DeBrincat.
The change is particularly noticeable in Rockford, where the IceHogs have been one of the AHL’s biggest turnaround stories. A new crop of prospects led by Matthew Highmore and Anthony Louis have been putting up strong numbers in their rookie seasons.