Observations:

February 2018-  Schmaltz has solidified his position as a top six forward, as his game has progressed at warp speed this year. He is bigger, faster and makes plays in areas he never went to before. His chemistry with both Kane and Debrincat gives the Hawks several options that they didn’t have in the past. A solid keeper in every league now. Tony Carr

December 2017- Schmaltz has fully recovered from his early season injury and has become a legitimate top six forward. Playing most nights with Patrick Kane and Artem Anisimov, Schmaltz is more of an offensive catalyst than in the past, doing all the little things that make a good player great. Trending up. Tony Carr

November 2017- An early season injury has set back what was looking like a breakout campaign. After coming into camp visibly bigger and adding some much needed speed to his game, Schmaltz looked great in the preseason and even better in the first game of the season playing alongside Patrick Kane and Ryan Hartman. Track his progress closely, he could be a steal. Tony Carr

September 2017- Schmaltz has shown up to camp with a major chip on his shoulder and a drive not seen out of him at any other camp to date. He has looked great playing on a line with Patrick Kane and has developed a defensive side to his game. If he can maintain this new attitude, it will go a long way to him staying in the NHL and playing bigger minutes. Tony Carr

April 2017- Blackhawks fans got to see why Schmaltz was a first round pick in 2014. His ability to slide up and down the lineup was on full display be it playing the wing on the top line or centering the second line after injuries sidelined Artem Anisimov on separate occasions. Schmaltz also filled in as the center on the second powerplay unit during Anisimov’s absence. Now that he has a taste of the NHL he should be better prepared coming into next season and improve on his 28 point rookie campaign. Schmaltz has two more years left on his current contract before becoming an RFA. Tony Carr

March 2017- His stint in Rockford behind him, Schmaltz has seen his season turnaround since being recalled. Playing on the top line with Jonathan Toews and Richard Panik, he saw his playing time increase, as well as his situational time, especially on the power play and at the end of games. Schmaltz was also able to slide back onto the line with Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin when Artem Anisimov went down with an injury for a couple of games. Tony Carr

January 2017- Schmaltz was recalled after a month in Rockford, where he rediscovered his scoring touch. Evidence points to his being sent down as a positive, as he has looked confident in his return to the NHL. The Blackhawks could use a confident Schmaltz to contribute to their secondary scoring.~Tony Carr

November 2016 – Schmaltz has spent the entire 2016-17 season so far with the big club, averaging nearly 10 minutes per game. He scored his first goal on October 15th against Nashville. Tony Carr

April 2016 – Schmaltz just wrapped up a successful sophomore campaign with the University of North Dakota, capping it off with the NCAA National Championship. Playing on the team's "CBS" line with Drake Caggiula and Brock Boeser, he tallied 11 goals and 35 assists in 37 games, finishing third on the team in scoring behind his linemates. Perhaps it was because of the types of players he played with this year, but it would be nice for us poolies to see him put the puck on net a little more often as his 11 goals came on just 59 shots on goal (19% shooting percentage).  Looking ahead, Schmaltz will likely remain with UND for his junior year before making a decision on going pro next Spring. Matt Donohue

November 2015 – After a freshman campaign that saw him tally five goals and 21 assists, Schmaltz is scoring at a much higher pace in 2015-16, with 21 points in just 16 games.  The former first rounder has earned a larger offensive role so far this season, playing on the top line with 2015 first-rounder Brock Boeser. It would be nice from a fantasy perspective if he could put the puck in the net with a little more frequency but that should come as he matures and defers less often. Look for Schmaltz to play a key role at next month's World Junior Championships with the United States. Matt Donohue

January 2015 – Through 21 games of his freshman season at the University of North Dakota, Schmaltz has three goals to go along with 15 assists to lead the team in rookie scoring. He was rewarded with a spot on the U.S roster at this past December’s WJHC where he tallied one assist in five games. He will no doubt be asked to shoulder more of the offensive load in 2016, should he return as a 19 year-old next year. A playmaker at heart, it would be nice for us poolies if he put more pucks on net, as he has just 24 shots in 21 games. This should come as he gains confidence and comfort with the NCAA game, but the 2014 first rounder’s career is off to a good start. Matt Donohue

July 2014 – The Blackhawks first rounder will be attending the University of North Dakota in the fall where he will play with older brother and St. Louis Blues prospect, Jordan. He impressed at the prospects camp earlier this month and was unfazed by the faster pace of the NHL level. His freshman year will likely be more of a development type year, where he will not be expected to provide much offensively. We are likely waiting until at least 2016 before we see Schmaltz in a Blackhawks uniform. Matt Donohue

June 2014 – The Chicago Blackhawks selected Nick Schmaltz 20^th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

February 2014 – A product of the Chicago Mission program, Nick Schmaltz has been on scouting radars for several years now. It’s been Schmaltz’s puck wizardry and offensive creativity that’s been drawing hockey minds to rinks regularly. His offensive reads and elusive agile skating makes him a dynamic player who is equally adept as a playmaker or a shooter. Schmaltz’s high-end hockey intelligence allows for him to survive as an undersized forward but adding strength will be important for his success at the next level. Brendan Ross

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Dynamic offensive pivot with game changing abilities. Projects as a top-six centerman.

Footage:

Highlight reel goal from Schmaltz on 3/4/16 :

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