Alex DeBrincat is doing his part.
The 19-year-old forward is making a strong bid to crack the Chicago Blackhawks' opening night lineup, an effort boosted by a highlight-reel goal scored Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings.
Here's the goal. Debrincat starts it off with a beauty pass that he gets back and buries. #CHIvsDET pic.twitter.com/qhGnPGwn0H
— Nick (@nickseguin19) September 29, 2017
He's certainly impressing head coach Joel Quenneville.
"You have to like how he plays," Quenneville said after the 4-2 preseason win, per Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Tribune. "He’s gotten better every single game, and his presence with the puck, patience, and play recognition is high-end. It’s been a good progression for him in this preseason. A lot of guys have had some good camps, but he’s certainly had a good one."
For his part, DeBrincat - who checks in at 5-foot-7 - is making the most of a top-six opportunity alongside Patrick Kane and Nick Schmaltz.
"I’m giving it my all out here and I’m trying to show them I’m ready," DeBrincat said. "But it’s kind of up to them. They have a plan for me."
DeBrincat, who was drafted 39th overall in 2016, is eligible to be assigned to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs because he was born in late 1997. The Blackhawks may ultimately decide he needs some time to develop down in the minors, but his exhibition play is proving hard to ignore.
I think we've reached the point where Alex DeBrincat is going to make the team out of camp. It's up to him how long he stays. #Blackhawks
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) September 29, 2017
DeBrincat scored 65 goals and recorded 127 in 63 games for the OHL's Erie Otters last season and clearly has nothing left to prove at the junior level.
Whether he can help replace some of the offense lost with the trading away of Artemi Panarin remains to be seen, but don't bet against it.
