Kaiser is just another solid young defensive piece for the Blackhawks.
After parts of three seasons and over 70 games played in the NHL, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser finally scored his first goal in their loss to the New York Rangers.
While the goal turned out to be meaningless for the team, it wasn't for the young d-man who now has one career goal at the highest level. Kaiser is defensively-minded, but many defensive defensemen score goals as well. His career in the NHL isn't expected to be a short one, but regardless, sometimes goals can come few and far between for defenders.
Kaiser hasn't been guaranteed a spot in the NHL to this point in his career as well. The Blackhawks have played 40 games, but the 22-year-old has suited up for 30.
Kaiser is getting a good opportunity at the moment as he is playing beside Seth Jones on the top pairing. He still isn't logging a ton of ice time, but it is a good amount and much better as of late. He has played two games in a row, but wasn't in the lineup since Dec. 14 before that.
The young defenseman averages 17:37 of ice time per game this season and 1:48 of that comes on the penalty kill. Over the past 10 games, Kaiser's ice time has popped up to 18:38 per game and he has played over 19 minutes in six of them.
Kaiser now has points in back-to-back games since coming back in the lineup and it was his first points since his second game of the season on Oct. 12.
On the last place Blackhawks team, Kaiser is only a -3. He also has 55 blocks, 34 hits, and 36 shots. Kaiser is now up to 14 career points in 71 games and he's only getting started. While he isn't an offensive threat, he has found a place in Chicago and could very well be a key defensive piece for many years to come.
Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features, and more.