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Schmaltz looking to take next step with Blackhawks

Posted on September 17, 2018September 15, 2020

CHICAGO, IL – While the Chicago Blackhawks tumbled into last place last season, Nick Schmaltz showed off the flashy skills that made him a first-round pick in 2014.

Another step forward for the centre might have more to do with his mental approach than any improvement on the ice.

The 22-year-old Schmaltz is focused on consistency as he tries to make the transition from promising young player to elite NHL forward. His progress on that front could have a big impact on Chicago’s success after it missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

“I think that just comes with maturity and knowing how to play that full 82-game season where you’re playing the same type of game every single night,” Schmaltz said Saturday after the Blackhawks’ annual training camp festival.

“That’s what the best players in the league do. It’s tough to do. It’s a grind. It’s a lot of mental preparation and work and making sure you’re taking care of yourself every day and come to work every day.”

Schmaltz looking to have bigger impact with Blackhawks

Posted on August 1, 2018September 15, 2020

CHICAGO, IL – Nick Schmaltz is ready to take the next step in his game.

The 22-year-old solidified his place as the Chicago Blackhawks’ second-line center last season and wants to build off the chemistry he and right wing Patrick Kane developed.

“I got on the ice about two or three weeks ago,” Schmaltz said at the Chicago Pro Hockey League on Wednesday. “We’ll get back into it here and I’ll start cranking it up the next couple of weeks. I’m just trying to get stronger and get ready for a big season here.”

Schmaltz had a strong second NHL season, scoring 52 points (21 goals, 31 assists) in 78 games. But to improve, Schmaltz will likely go back to the Darryl Belfry Florida Tactics and Tuneup Camp in August. Schmaltz and Kane worked together at Belfry’s camp last summer.

Speed, Deception puts Blackhawks’ Schmaltz Among Premier Pickpockets

Posted on March 27, 2018September 15, 2020

CHICAGO, IL –

Tyson Barrie took the puck from behind his own net, gathered up a head of steam and barreled toward the neutral zone. Blackhawks wingers Andreas Martinsen and Brandon Saad backed off and turned toward the neutral zone, a smart and safe move.

Nick Schmaltz attacked.

Schmaltz darted across the blue line and into the Avalanche’s zone, steering Barrie toward the boards. He then lunged forward, reached out with his left hand and swatted the puck right off Barrie’s stick — without slashing or tripping him. Schmaltz got the puck, a scoring chance and a power play out of it, as Barrie desperately hacked Schmaltz on the right knee as he raced in on goal.

Brothers Nick Schmaltz, Jordan Schmaltz face off

Posted on March 16, 2017September 15, 2020

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Chicago Blackhawks forward prospect Nick Schmaltz finally had an opportunity to go head-to-head against the one player he idolized as a teenager during the Traverse City prospects tournament at Centre Ice Arena this week.
In the end, St. Louis Blues defense prospect Jordan Schmaltz got the best of his little brother with a goal, an assist, two shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in a 3-2 victory on Friday. Nick Schmaltz had no points and two shots on goal.
“It was the first time we ever played against each other, so it was fun watching him play; he had a great game,” said Nick (6-foot, 179 pounds). “Hopefully, one day we’ll get a regular-season NHL game in against each other.”

Nick Schmaltz finds his confidence, creativity and comfort level

Posted on February 22, 2017September 15, 2020

When Nick Schmaltz took control of the puck at the top of the right circle Tuesday night, he had a plan in mind as he wheeled around the back of the net. He saw Jonathan Toews drift toward the crease, and he figured the Minnesota Wild would expect him to try a wraparound shot or a centering pass from the far side of the net.

Nick Schmaltz a ‘different Schmaltzy’ during second stint with Blackhawks

Posted on January 25, 2017September 15, 2020

It looked as if Nick Schmaltz had given the Hawks the lead.

The crowd erupted, the goal horn began to sound and the light boards that surround the United Center started flashing.

But Schmaltz hadn’t scored. His shot after a drive from the right circle hit Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and went off the far post instead of going in the net.