Trevor van Riemsdyk a Bright Spot for Chicago Blackhawks
In an early-season malaise marked by offensive inefficiency and mind-numbing turnovers, the Chicago Blackhawks haven’t had many bright spots. Patrick Kane is off to the worst start of his NHL career, Brent Seabrook hasn’t put together three consecutive good passes for several weeks, and Joel Quenneville won’t keep any line together for more than a period. Amid all the disappointment, however, the strong play of Trevor van Riemsdyk has been unmistakable.
Despite playing with either the statuesque Michal Rozsival or the defensively inept David Rundblad, van Riemsdyk has been a pillar of consistency on the back end ever since the beginning of the preseason. The undrafted defenseman has displayed above-average puck skills and has been much more effective in Chicago’s defensive zone than the departed Nick Leddy ever was.
van Riemsdyk has fit seamlessly into the Blackhawks’ puck possession style. He is patient with the puck and doesn’t force passes simply because there is pressure coming (perhaps Niklas Hjalmarsson‘s sole flaw). The 23-year-old has shown flashes of some promising offensive instincts at times, but these instances have been few and far between; van Riemsdyk seems intent on playing a safe game and isn’t yet completely comfortable taking chances, something that is certainly understandable for a rookie whose primary goal is simply to stay in the lineup.
Chicago’s start to the season has been frustrating to watch for its fans, but the surprising performance of van Riemsdyk — who a number of months ago wasn’t even expected to crack the roster — offers a reason for optimism.
Sean Sarcu is a Chicago Blackhawks writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter or add him to your network on Google.
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