When the Chicago Blackhawks moved away from the first round of the NHL Entry Draft 2011, they did so by adding two strong prospects to their farm system in Mark McNeill, picked at No. 18, and Phillip Danault, picked at No. 26 . McNeill entered the draft after a very impressive season for Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL, recording 81 points in 70 games during the 2010-11 season.
As a forward-bodied with a hint of proven score, there were plenty of reasons for brass and fans alike Cheap Blackhawks Jersey be excited about its potential as someone the team could become a good player at the NHL level.
However, things have not gone well since most expect McNeill. In three seasons with Rockford IceHogs AHL, McNeill has failed to demonstrate the ability and potential that you might expect from a former first-round pick. He has not been bad by any means, but not at the level expected of a player with his pedigree.
Still, to his credit, McNeill has consistently improved its production to AHL level. It has posted back-to-back 20-goal seasons for pigs 40 points, and career highs of 25 goals and 28 points last season are presented in 64 contests. He also served as an alternate captain.
McNeill saw no NHL experience at all during his first two seasons in Rockford, however. When he was finally called up last season to make his debut in the NHL, it was just a season immediately preceding the All-Star Game before being sent back to pigs party.
Now that McNeill withdraws from the contract signing his fist NHL three years, he is now forced to pass through waivers in order to be assigned to Rockford this season. That means the Blackhawks are obliged to give him a shot at the big club, or they will risk losing him for nothing assigning Rockford. That seems pretty good motivation to give at least one type of your shot.
