Future Watch: Michal Kempny Rookie Hockey Cards, BlackhawksFuture Watch: Michal Kempny Rookie Hockey Cards, Blackhawks – Last May, Chicago Blackhawks’ General Manager Stan Bowman pulled-off another coupe.  The signing of Michal Kempny flew somewhat under the radar as the Hawks inked an entry-level deal with the undrafted 25-year-old Czech. They knew he would play this year but what he’s done has probably exceeded expectations.

After having a successful KHL season with Avangard Omsk, that included 21 points in 59 gamesKempny played in the World Championships. He had a solid showing there and that’s when the Blackhawks’ scouting staff insisted the front office make him an offer.

This season, he’s proven to be a good puck mover, who is contributing some points, and has maintained good play in his own end. He’s turned out to be a perfect fit into a system that needed some help. At 6′ 194 pounds, he has been a big reason the Blackhawks defense has remained solid.

This blueliner has a Young Guns rookie card in 2016-2017 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey. Kempny also has other NHL licensed rookie cards in this year’s SP Game-Used and SP Authentic as well.

Here’s a look at his first NHL goal which shows that he might get a few more of these as his ice time increases.

The Blackhawks have been able to develop undrafted players like Artemi Panarin in the past. Kempny is following that model. He played in the post-season in the KHL and will likely see more ice time with the Blackhawks as the season progresses.

There’s no way to know how much better he’ll get in the future. He’s just getting used to playing on the smaller, North American ice. There will be ups and downs this season and coach Joel Quenneville is prone to having less patience than other coaches. With all of that said, this is working out well and you can project this rearguard to have an even better season next year.

Future Watch: Michal Kempny Rookie Hockey Cards, Blackhawks – Image Gallery*

*Will be updated as more images become available

Russ Cohen

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