FEATURE: Blackhawks have new unique player

As an underrated member of the 2018-19 Blackhawks, all he does is show up for work every day, executing any task the coaching staff or his teammates have for him.
He blocks shots. He takes hits. He screens the goalie. He's the last one on the ice, staying late to help other players hone their skills.

The Blackhawks have deployed a mannequin during their recent practices, dressed as a player. And on Monday, there were two of them.
It's been comical, lightening the mood during a lull in game action. The players are getting a kick out of it.
John Hayden picked a fight with the newest member of the team on his first day. Players have thrown elbows up high with no fear of supplemental punishment.

The poor guy has been hit in the hand and body by rocketed slap shots, purposefully aimed. Somebody - some unnamed fashion savant - even put sunglasses on one of them.
Players have called them creepy. They've also flashed smiles when asked about him. But as funny as it is to see mannequins on an NHL practice rink, they do serve a purpose.
"It's good. I think the d-men and goalies are using them so they have a guy standing in the way and you can't really see the puck," said Jonathan Toews. "When a shot comes, you've got to react."
You can use them to practice passing through or around a defender, you can use them to practice playing a rush or seeing through screens or using a screen to your advantage.

After practice, when the players broke off into individual groups, Toews pushed one of the mannequins within a circle and then fired several shots, trying to score with an obstruction in place. It's clear that the mannequins serve more of a purpose than a humorous addition to practice.
Quenneville says Assistant Coach Ulf Samuelsson deserves the recognition for signing the two newest Blackhawks - no doubt after months of scouting. They're both likely healthy scratches on Thursday against the Arizona Coyotes.