Blackhawks forward Drake Caggiula, now 10 pounds leaner, is changing his playing style

Drake Caggiula still hails from the Toronto area. Still stands just 5-10. Still wants to prove he’s more than just another depth forward at the NHL level.

But in one way, he might actually be a new Drake Caggiula.

“I changed my training [this summer],” he said. “Did more of a focus on getting faster and more agile and being able to avoid hits and all that. I’ve had some injury issues in the past, so I’ve tried to find ways to make sure I can get my body healthy and stay healthy and hopefully play a full season.”

The 25-year-old forward, acquired from the Oilers last New Year’s Eve, entered Blackhawks training camp this month weighing only 170 pounds.

That’s 10 pounds lighter than last season and 20 pounds lighter than the year before.

He’s hoping that newfound leanness will help him stand out more in the Hawks’ fast-paced offense. In Edmonton, Caggiula played in a system that relied heavily on dump-and-chase offensive-zone entries. In Chicago, Caggiula must now operate in a carry-in system (the Hawks dumped it in on only 42 percent of offensive-zone entries last season, the lowest rate in the league, according to hockey analyst Corey Sznajder’s data).

“Before, I was trying to get as strong as I could, just because being a smaller guy, I thought I had to put on quite a bit of weight just to keep up with some of the guys,” Caggiula said. “But I feel strong being at this weight, and I feel a bit faster and more agile, and I think it’s going to benefit me this year.”

The weight-dropping was orchestrated by acclaimed Toronto trainer Gary Roberts, who also works with Connor McDavid, Steven Stamkos and Jeff Skinner. This summer wasn’t their first time collaborating, but it was their first with this new philosophy.

How much Caggiula’s new frame and potential new playing style help him will depend somewhat on his role.

Caggiula’s point totals (12 in 26 appearances with the Hawks last season and 61 in 182 career games) cast him as a bottom-six piece, and coach Jeremy Colliton — who seemed a bit surprised to hear of Caggiula’s new weight — said he likes it when Caggiula “gets into battles and has a physical edge to him.” In that kind of bottom-six role, being 170 pounds is arguably unwise.

But the University of North Dakota product spent the vast majority of his playing time last season alongside Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. In that role, increased speed and agility could make a big difference.

“All players are trying to look for an edge, trying to see what’s going to take them to the next step,” Colliton said.

“It’s always good to be lean. You also don’t want to be light, so it’s a fine line. But I think he’s looked good.”

Caggiula lined up next to Ryan Carpenter and Zack Smith on the Hawks’ fourth line Saturday night against the Bruins.

He’s ready for that chance to display his new style.

“It’s nice to go home and spend a lot of time with family and friends and get away from the hockey mindset,” he said. “Then when you come back here, you’ve got another fresh start.”