Is Sami Lepisto The New Kim Johnsson?
The Blackhawks do, contrary to popular belief, have someone under contract right now named Sami Lepisto. He’s a defenseman, he’s getting paid, but hasn’t been seen in almost a month. What happened to Lepisto?
As far as we can tell, the last time anyone in Chicago acknowledged that Lepisto was against Edmonton on Jan. 2, just after he was referenced (but not seen) in the infamous Christmas album video that was sent to season ticket holders. In that game, Lepisto allegedly skated 5:22… if anyone noticed.
The Blackhawks are actually 6-4-1 in Lepisto’s 11 games. He has skated better than 12 minutes on eight occasions, and has been credited with nine hits and three blocked shots… if anyone noticed.
Chicago has shown that there are talented players that are NHL-ready in Rockford. Right now, Jimmy Hayes, Brandon Pirri, Ben Smith and Dylan Olsen are all skating with the IceHogs after getting a shot in Chicago. Yet, for some reason, Lepisto is still on the 23-man roster in Chicago.
Back on Dec. 3, we wrote that it was time for the Hawks to cut ties with Lepisto. On Jan. 7, we visited the discussion again, noting that Lepisto is a wasted roster spot. The second of those article was written five days after Lepisto’s last appearance on the ice for the Hawks.
Nothing has changed.
Lepisto is a wasted roster spot who is doing nothing in Chicago other than keeping someone who might be able to contribute to a winning hockey team in the AHL.
Coach Joel Quenneville has his reasons for dressing John Scott, whether you agree with them or not. But as long as the other two options at the end of the bench are Sean O’Donnell (ancient) and Lepisto (worthless), it’s hard to fault the coach for playing the cards he’s been dealt.
I was at the Jan 2 game—and can’t remember Lepisto out there.
It is incredible, because just practising and not playing does not help Lepisto get better, he would have been much better served being placed on waivers and sent down to Rockford to play…he is a waste of money and a waste of a roster spot…and this is a classic Coach vs. GM standoff…Q won’t play Lepisto because he represents Bowman’s half hearted attempt at strengthening the defence (include Montador who hasn’t exactly seen a lot of time either).
Until Bowman gives us a true 2nd pairing, we are going to continue to lose 1 goal games and rank near the bottom of the league in Goals against.
Not getting the Kim Johnnson comparison. Johnsson was brought in to really help power the defence as he’s a top 4 d-man. He got injured and was never seen again.
Lepisto was signed to be another Jordan Hendry. Nothing more. He wasn’t even that.
There’s just no comparing the two.
Speaking of Hendry…I’d rather have him back than Lepisto…or John Scott for that matter.
I thought Kim Johnsson made himself persona non grata… odd rumors?
Brad, you are right on. I have been writing for months D D D. I said Hawks need 2 but maybe they need 3. Leddy, unfortunately has lost some confidence in the NHL. Hawks need to give him 20 to 40 games in the AHL in a top pairing role. We don’t want to trade the farm but I think we need patience. Hawks have a great org depth with forwards but are thin at D. Morrison trade made little sense. If we can find a couple of good stay at home Dmen it will help alot.
Hawks have 4 or 5 forwards who will be NHL ready in the next two years. Gonna have to give up a couple of them to add D. Do it now. No cup this year…..so what.