New Year, Same Story: Blackhawks IR Continues to Fill Up

Johnson on Pace For 20 Goals

Johnson was on pace to hit 21 goals this season at his current rate, which would have been his highest total since the 2018-19 season when he was with Tampa Bay. Whether it’s long or short term is honestly moot. It’s that one of Chicago’s more consistent contributors is out of the lineup.

So, echoing the same question asked for much of the season, now what? Gone is more experience, expectation reminders, and production from the lineup. It affects not only 5v5 chemistry, but the power play as well. For those watching closely, the power play has been better as of late.

It’s back to square one for Chicago. But there’s one other aspect that should be a point of concern addressed as the Blackhawks make their notes for the 2024-25 season.

Blackhawks Will Need Even More Depth Next Season

This is not to besmirch the efforts of those called up after an injury has derailed the roster plans. It’s been touched on in an earlier article and bears mention again. Fans, players, even the front office and coaching staff can’t go through this again next season. Yesterday’s 8-1 loss, while once in a blue moon, are draining and bring a level of malaise that can’t poison the organization’s morale.

While they’re clearly aiming for one more year of lottery luck, the Blackhawks will need to prioritize the need to grab players who can contribute more when injuries exist. If Connor Bedard is lost for even two games, the effect on the offense would be as close to catastrophic as it gets.

There’s some design to it this year for sure. But I don’t think even Kyle Davidson thought that they would be hit like this. It was already a pretty delicate balance in terms of who was being counted on to keep the ship afloat. With another one of those players shelved for some time, the Blackhawks will need more consistency next season.

A season like this works for now. But if they’re going to go back to contention, the climb out of a rebuild starts next season.

They’ll need a lot more in both talent, and depth for that to happen. The fanbase’s patience will run for only so long.