Stan Bowman's ex-players to battle in NHL 3rd round

Throughout his 12 years with the organization, Bowman made a series of controversial moves that now seem to have long-lasting repercussions.

Gustav Forsling and Artemi Panarin, two players traded away during Bowman's tenure, have significantly contributed to their teams' success in the Eastern Conference Finals. Their performance highlights what might have been for the Blackhawks.

Gustav Forsling, currently with the Florida Panthers, recently showcased his talent by scoring the game-winning goal in Game 6 against Boston, a pivotal moment that clinched the series. At 27, the defenseman recorded an impressive +56 during the regular season and has continued to be a key player in the playoffs with seven points and a +8 rating.

Forsling's underutilization in Chicago is now more apparent. His performance waned under coach Jeremy Colliton, who took over in 2018. That year, Forsling's rating plummeted from -2 to -9. His eventual trade to Carolina, along with Anton Forsberg, for Calvin De Haan and Aleksi Saarela, saw him leave Chicago. Now making a solid $5,700,000 with the Panthers, Forsling's current success underscores the potential that Chicago overlooked.

Perhaps more painful for Chicago fans is the departure of Artemi Panarin, who was seen as the future alongside Patrick Kane. Panarin, now with the New York Rangers, has been instrumental this playoff season, with four goals and seven assists in 10 games. During the regular season, he amassed 120 points, including 49 goals.

Panarin's tenure in Chicago was marked by a flourishing partnership with Kane, recording 77 and 74 points in consecutive seasons. His 2017 trade to Columbus was motivated by postseason performance concerns and financial constraints, resulting in Chicago acquiring Brandon Saad among others. While Saad had previously contributed to two Stanley Cup wins, this trade marked the beginning of a downward trend for the Blackhawks.

The impact of Bowman's decisions is now glaringly evident. The talent that once graced Chicago's roster, contributing significantly elsewhere, points to a mismanagement of resources and opportunities. Chicago's current position in the league standings is a direct result of past decisions not letting young talents like Forsling and Panarin fully develop under its banner.

As the Blackhawks look to rebuild, the lessons from past management missteps will be crucial. The story of Forsling and Panarin serves as a stark reminder of what could have been and the importance of nurturing talent within the team. Chicago's path forward will depend on recognizing and retaining potential, hopefully leading to a brighter future than the shadows cast by its recent past.