Skille sent down, Brouwer up

by SCH on Oct 21, 2008 3:38 PM CDT in Transactions Comment 2 comments

The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled right wing Troy Brouwer (6-2, 213) from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. In addition, the Blackhawks have assigned right wing Jack Skille to the IceHogs.

Brouwer, 23, leads Rockford with six assists and eight points in five games this season, which includes a four-point night (G, 3A) last Friday against the Iowa Chops. The Delta, British Columbia, native has appeared in 12 games with the Blackhawks over the last two years, which includes notching his first career point – and assist – in two outings last season.

I'm a little surprised, but Skille was not quite playing with the physical edge necessary to compliment his good speed, and wasn't quite playing at the level the Hawks probably wanted him at through the first 6 games. If Skille can go down and develop a good physical game, I can see him being a good scorer in this league. Until then, we will see if Brouwer can stick around on the big club.

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Maybe it's just me but

I think Skille was sent down for reasons more along the lines of not having a clue in his defensive zone rather than ‘developing his physical game’. Not to mention, he still is awful along the boards controlling the puck. I’m pretty sure anyone can be physical at the highest level, all he has to do is run into people. It doesn’t take a whole lot of skill or development. Now, learning defensive responibilities along with not panicking in the defensive end is something you can work on in the lower levels without being a liability.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Brouwer as he wasn’t in Savard’s good graces. Hopefully he can translate half of the success he’s had at Rockford.

by El Duque's Raft on Oct 21, 2008 8:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good move

Skille really looked lost out there some shifts. He just vanished. I suppose Savard liked him…but I didn’t see anything out there from him, so far — after a few games.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 21, 2008 10:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs