FIRST STARC Philipp Kurashev (Québec)THE NUMBERS: 57 GP, 28 G, 34 A
The latest Blackhawks draft pick to join the organization on an entry-level contract, Philipp Kurashev has only seen his stock rise since Chicago made him a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. The Swiss center lit up the 2019 World Junior Championships in Vancouver, leading the tournament in goals and helping his country reach the semifinals. He was named to the WJC All-Star team for his efforts.
Playing for the Québec Remparts as an alternate captain, the 19-year-old Kurashev leads his club in goals, points, and assists. He added his 28th goal of the season in a 5-1 loss to Olympiques Gatineau on Friday.
SECOND STARLW Brandon Hagel (Red Deer)THE NUMBERS: 65 GP, 41 G, 60 A
Crossing the 100-point threshold in a 7-4 loss to the Medicine Hat Tigers, midseason acquisition Brandon Hagel continues to flash his potential in the Western Hockey League. A former sixth-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, Hagel has elevated his production in Red Deer to career highs in every major offensive category. Skating with newly acquired Blackhawk prospect Reese Johnson, Hagel is now the second all-time leading scorer in Rebels history. Hagel added two assists to his goal against Medicine Hat, to give him 101 points on the season.
THIRD STARLW Josiah Slavin (Chicago Steel)THE NUMBERS: 47 GP, 17 G, 22 A
A seventh-round draft pick of the Blackhawks in 2018, Josiah Slavin continues to impress playing for the Chicago Steel. Since arriving to the local USHL club in a deadline trade, Slavin has notched 12 points in just 15 games. He picked up an assist in Friday's 5-4 loss to the USA Hockey National Development Team. The 20-year-old Slavin is committed to attend Colorado College, where he will begin his NCAA career next year.
ROCKFORD REPORT:
The IceHogs have dropped five of their last six games to fall three points back of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Rockford managed to grab a point during a two-game road series in Manitoba, as they fell to the Moose 2-1 in overtime. Peter Holland continues to shine after arriving from Hartford in a deadline trade. The forward has scored three goals and notched three assists in an IceHogs sweater.
