Asst. GM of Player Development Mark Eaton has plans for Hawks youth

Blackhawks Assistant General Manager of Player Development Mark Eaton talks with Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis. Topics include the hiring of Kendall Coyne Schofield, his new role with the team, lessons learned from the NHL playoff bubble, and the development of prospects like Ian Mitchell, Lukas Reichel and Nicolas Beaudin.

(1:14) – Mark Eaton talks about how his role has changed since being promoted to Assistant General Manager of Player Development

(4:39) – Mark discusses the hiring of Kendall Coyne Schofield as player development coach and what she brings to the Blackhawks.

(9:18) – Mark reflects on the lessons the team learned during their time in the NHL playoff bubble.

(11:23) – Kirby Dach’s development took center stage in the bubble. Mark discusses Dach’s growing confidence and responsibility levels on the ice.

(17:53) – Mark talks about Ian Mitchell’s chances of being a full-time NHL player in the upcoming 2020-21 season. He says “the sky’s the limit” for Mitchell thanks in big part to his off-ice routines and intangibles.

(21:07) – Mark discusses the developmental plan for top prospect Lukas Reichel.

(24:53) – Keeping with the theme of prospects, Mark talks about how young defenseman Nicolas Beaudin is developing and how far away he is from being a full-time contributor in the NHL.

(33:29) – What should Blackhawks fans expect this season from the blue line, with the mix of veterans and young defensemen?