In seven-plus years in the NHL, wing Anthony Beauvillier generally has been a dependable scoring option. His career high is 21 goals. Last season, which he split between the Islanders and Canucks, he contributed 18.
He wasn’t nearly as prolific early this season in Vancouver, scoring twice in 22 games before the Blackhawks got him Nov. 28 for a conditional fifth-round pick to help fill the void left by Corey Perry. Regardless of how it came about, the Hawks present an opportunity for Beauvillier that didn’t exist with the Canucks, who have a deep and talented corps of forwards that includes former Hawk Sam Lafferty.
“In Vancouver, they just loaded up — they have a lot of players, and ice time wasn’t there for him,” Hawks coach Luke Richardson said. “Some of their big players are really doing well early in the season, so there was really no power-play time for him there.”
Beauvillier now has one goal in five appearances with the Hawks. Richardson likes his speed and smarts, which should be useful as he gets more comfortable. Beauvillier’s ability to chip the puck forward and retrieve it also adds a different element.
“He’s good at that — putting it in an area where he can use his speed to go get it himself,” Richardson said. “Defensively, he’s very aware, so he’s got a good conscience to play with offensive players but also be in good spots defensively. That’s always a good key to have, for us to use in different spots.”
Bedard’s minutes
Entering Sunday’s game against the Capitals, rookie forward Connor Bedard was fourth on the team and tops among forwards in time on ice, averaging 19:15. But in the Hawks’ previous two games, both at the United Center, his playing time ticked down after exactly 22 minutes on the ice in a 4-3 loss to the Predators. On Thursday against the Ducks, he played 16:10. Two days later against the Blues, he was on the ice for 16:54.
Those numbers aren’t reflective of load management, a punishment or Richardson being displeased with Bedard’s play. Instead, it’s Richardson taking advantage of having the last change at home, preferring to use more experienced players to hold leads against attacking opponents who have pulled their goalies for an extra man.
“He’s not probably going to be part of that equation yet, but he’s a great player, and he has good eye-hand coordination with stick abilities,” Richardson said of Bedard, who was on the ice for 21:34 in Sunday’s loss. “At some point, we’d like him to be involved in that, but right now, that probably plays into ice time as well at the end of the game.”
Granato taking leave from broadcast
NBC Sports Chicago studio analyst Tony Granato announced on social media that he’s taking a “temporary leave of absence” after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. He said he’ll begin treatment this week. Granato, a Downers Grove native, is in his first season with NBCSCH.
Not yet
Defenseman Kevin Korchinski missed a second straight game to tend to a family matter. Richardson didn’t have a timetable for his return and didn’t say whether he’d join the Hawks on the upcoming road trip.
• Forward Ryan Donato (illness) skated early Sunday and was feeling better but wasn’t 100% and was held out. Richardson said Donato will be on the trip.
