Prior to the season beginning, there was some conversation regarding a potential return of Patrick Kane to the Chicago Blackhawks, but general manager Kyle Davidson chose not to pursue, and it appears to be the right decision.

Many across the NHL were curious to how Kane would fare after evasive surgery on his hip last summer and after returning to the NHL and signing with the Detroit Red Wings, it appeared that it worked quite well, and he practically helped Detroit it almost gets into the playoffs.

This season has gone far different as he has struggled at times and has not helped the Red Wings very much offensively as it was expected by general manager Steve Yzerman.

Kane has only scored three goals this year and has 10 points through 21 games and it appears that father time may be approaching Kane as he has not looked himself this season.

Many feel that the Chicago Blackhawks have made an over correction and putting their faith in older players as they have brought in several veterans through free agency last summer.

While it’s always important to protect your youth and help them develop, it seems that the time is right that some of their youth especially with new rookie head coach Anders Sorensen could help them make the transition into the NHL.

One player in particular, Frank Nazar has been fantastic for Rockford as he has scored eleven goals and has 24 points through 19 games.

With the season all but lost, and fans watching the erosion of Connor Bedard’s scoring prowess and his confidence many feel it would be wise to bring in a few of the youngsters to help build around Bedard and give him players to play at his level.

It remains to be seen on how Davidson and Sorensen will handle the remainder of the year but with the March trade deadline only a few months away, it’s likely several of these veterans will be traded off for draft picks and prospects and their rookies will have their chance.