Blackhawks Bottom Line: Philipp Kurashev and His Breakout Season

Over the course of the next month, Chicago Hockey Now will be profiling every Chicago Blackhawks player from the 2023-24 season. Today, will be forward Philipp Kurashev.

Philipp Kurashev
Center/Wing
Games Played: 75
(Goals – Assists – Points): 18-36-54
Contract Status:  Signed thru 2024-25 (RFA–$2.25M AAV)

The Short View

The Chicago Blackhawks learned a lot about Philipp Kurashev during the 2023-24 season. Whether it was on his own or flanking Connor Bedard, he was impressive in whatever role the team had for him. With all of the offense that he brought to the table this year, it is clear that the Blackhawks have a piece for the future.

This season was a hard one to get through with all of the losing but Kurashev was one of the players that helped them get through it. The Blackhawks will now look to use him in a role that will help the team win.

His 18 goals showed that he could put the puck in the net with some regularity and the 36 assists show that his playmaking is improving as well. At 24 years old, there is plenty of room for more growth.

The Long View

Kurashev is a younger player who has an incredibly bright future. He was a fourth-round pick in 2018 and that might prove to be a “diamond in the rough” type of selection. With what he’s done so far, the franchise has to be excited about their young Swiss forward.

The final year of his current contract will be the 2024-25 season. He is expected to be an RFA following that season. He will be eligible to sign his extension once July 1st comes and Kyle Davidson will be all over that. Although Kurashev is going to get a nice pay raise from his $2.25 million AAV, he likely won’t break the bank while putting up great numbers.

For salary cap purposes, players like Kurashev producing in the middle six is important. With Connor Bedard leading the way in terms of young players, there are other highly drafted young players coming right behind him. Kurashev needs to stay productive to continue earning his stay but it doesn’t look like he is slowing down anytime soon.

Kurashev has already earned his opportunity to play for this team when it is time to start winning. The offensive numbers (54 points) that he put up in 2023-24 are not to be taken lightly, especially considering the team he was on. As Chicago gets better, he will get better too.

The Bottom Line for Philipp Kurashev

Kurashev is set to be a great top-nine forward for the Chicago Blackhawks going forward. He may stick with Connor Bedard on the top line or he may find chemistry with other great forwards on the team as the talent pool expands.

Players like Kurashev helps build Stanley Cup contenders.

His summer will start with him representing Team Switzerland at the IIHF World Championships. That will be another opportunity for him to collect some more experience that will help his game develop.

Everything seems to get better and better with Kurashev and that is why his career has an upward trajectory. As long as he doesn’t get complacent with his game, bigger and better things are ahead.