Prospects and Picks

There's actually some new Blackhawks news out today - and it's not via Martin Havlat's Twitter page.  The Hawks actually signed 4 prospects to entry-level deals.

Rob Klinkhammer, LW

Drafted:  Undrafted - signed as free agent on March 25, 2009

Info:  Klinkhammer has played the last two years in the AHL with the Admirals and Icehogs.  With the hogs last year he put up 15 goals and 18 assists in 76 games. According to the official site, Klinkhammer was third in Rockford with a +14 rating.

Possible Nicknames:  Well obviously Hammer is already taken - So I say we go with Colonel Klink

Jonathan Carlsson, D

Drafted: Blackhawks 6th Round, 162nd overall in 2008 Entry Draft

Info:  Carlsson is from Sweden where he's still playing in leagues there.  Was a member of the U20 team that won the Silver medal at the World Junior Championships in 2008.   Hockey's Future says:

Carlsson is a two-way defenseman with solid offensive abilities. He plays a smart game and possesses an effective wrist shot. Though he is not a physical player, he will initiate contact when necessary. 

Possible Nicknames:  TBD

Brian Connelly, D

Drafted:  Undrafted, Signed as free agent in 2009

Info:  A college boy, Connelly has 66 points (9G, 57A) in 123 games for the Tigers (yes I had to look up their mascot) including leading the team's blue liners last season with 27 points in 38 games.  Connelly did get some time with Icehogs last year gaining 3 points in 12 games (including 3 playoff contests).

Possible Nicknames: Labyrinth - for sharing the same surname as Jennifer Connelly.. better than naming him after anything from Requiem to a Dream, right?  I'm depressed again just thinking about that movie.

Alec Richards, G

Drafted: Undrafted, Signed as free agent on April 2, 2009

Info:  Richards has played the last four years at Yale University and was 19-5-1 record with a 2.06 goals-against and a .923 SV%.  His SV% is the school's all-time season best and his 5-0 shutover over Cornell (ever heard of it?) was his 6th, breaking Yale's career record.

Possible Nicknames:  Ivy

Other News:

• We should be able to get a good look at all four of these guys at Prospects Camp which will be July 6-10 at Johnny's Ice House and at the United Center.
• Ryan Kennedy has an interesting article at The Hockey News - Should the Hawks deal their first round pick in this year's draft? 
• Chris Block returns after a bit of a quiet period with multiple posts over the weekend with tons of information about more prospects and signings over at Third Man In.