Cole Guttman’s NHL Journey
Cole Guttman’s story is one that blurs the lines between prospect and vet, having played 41 NHL games and now at the age of 25. Despite his experience, he remains unsigned by the Chicago Blackhawks for the 2024-25 season, a decision that leaves many fans and analysts questioning the club’s strategy. Guttman’s journey to the NHL began after a successful NCAA career, which he followed with strong performances in the AHL. His efforts in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, scoring four goals and six points in 14 games and then four goals and eight points in 27 games, respectively, certainly earned him a place in the NHL. However, the Blackhawks’ management has decided otherwise, leaving Guttman to continue impressing in the AHL.
The Rockford IceHogs MVP
This season, Guttman has been nothing short of a standout with the Rockford IceHogs. He has tallied 20 goals and 44 points in just 48 games, a performance that would typically warrant a call-up to the NHL. Guttman’s consistency and offensive prowess have made him a fan favorite in Rockford, and his stats speak volumes about his skill and work ethic. His ability to produce points at such a high rate is a testament to his adaptability and hockey IQ. Despite his impressive numbers, the Blackhawks have yet to give him a chance in the big league, which is puzzling given his potential.
The Blackhawks’ Roster Dilemma
The Blackhawks’ decision to leave Guttman in the AHL can be attributed to their focus on integrating younger prospects and the influx of veteran players. The club has brought in several seasoned NHL players, which has crowded the bottom-6 forward positions. This, combined with the slow but steady sprinkling of younger talent, has left Guttman on the outside looking in. While it’s understandable for a team to prioritize its long-term future, the lack of opportunity for Guttman is a missed chance to reward a player who has consistently performed at a high level.
Guttman’s NHL Potential
At 25, Guttman falls into a category of players who are often overlooked, especially if they haven’t reached the 80-game mark in the NHL. However, his skill set and proven track record in the AHL suggest that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Transitioning from a point producer in the AHL to a bottom-6 player in the NHL wouldn’t necessarily mean a decline in his offensive contributions. Many NHLers have proven that they can be effective in supporting roles while still adding value to their teams. Guttman’s versatility and willingness to adapt make him a strong candidate for an NHL roster, albeit not necessarily with the Blackhawks.
Future Opportunities
The Blackhawks’ decision to let Guttman become a UFA-Group6 in the summer opens the door for other NHL teams to take notice. Given his performance and age, it’s likely that Guttman will find interest from clubs looking for a solid, two-way forward who can contribute on both ends of the ice. His experience in the AHL and brief stints in the NHL provide a solid foundation for his next move. While it’s disappointing that he didn’t get more opportunities with Chicago, the future holds promise, and Guttman’s talent will no doubt attract the attention of other organizations.
Reflections on the Blackhawks’ Approach
The Blackhawks’ handling of Guttman’s career is a case study in roster management and the challenges of balancing immediate needs with long-term development. While the club has focused on bringing in veteran players and nurturing younger prospects, it’s worth questioning whether they overlooked a valuable asset in Guttman. His consistent performance and potential to be a solid bottom-6 player could have been a significant benefit to the team. As Guttman moves on to potentially greener pastures, the Blackhawks will have to reflect on whether they could have done more to give him a chance to prove himself in the NHL.
