Next on the docket for Chicago Blackhawks player grades is our first defenseman, Jaycob Megna. Although Megna wasn't flashy with the Blackhawks, he was exactly what they needed when injuries decimated the blue line.
Story of the Season
Megna was acquired by the Blackhawks via waivers in early January after sparsely playing for the Seattle Kraken. The journeyman defenseman spent most of the season with Seattle's AHL club before Chicago claimed him.
Megna suited up in 44 games for the Blackhawks down the stretch, largely playing on the second or third pair. Although he only tallied two assists, Megna played enough of a role to stick around. When Chicago's defense was decimated by injuries, he became available as a league veteran at the right time.
Without flashy numbers or super consistent play, Megna is largely an afterthought from the 2023-24 season. The Blackhawks have several left-handed defensemen in the system already, meaning Megna likely won't return in 2024-25.
Grades
Jonnie Nonnie's Grade: C-
Jaycob Megna was a stopgap option on the blue line, plain and simple. His main source of value was allowing Wyatt Kaiser development time in Rockford and preventing the Blackhawks from having to rush Ethan Del Mastro to the NHL. Stick taps to Megna for his 87 blocks and 60 hits and best of luck to him in his future endeavors — I look forward to including him in a forthcoming Immaculate Grid for rarity score purposes.
Tony Marchese's Grade: C
Not much to write home about here. Jaycob Megna was the definition of "just a guy" for the Blackhawks in 2023-24. Appearing in 44 games, he didn't find the score sheet often, but that wasn't exactly his job. Defensively, Megna was OK. Not good, not bad, simply OK. A C grade seems fair given the set of expectations.
Ron Luce's Grade: C
At the time of his waiver claim, Jaycob Megna was exactly what the Blackhawks needed — a warm body with NHL experience that the team could plug and play on the blue line after all the injuries on defense. Jonnie alluded to the numbers above, and his contributions in 44 games were appreciated. The Northbrook, Illinois native also got to suit up for his hometown team. It was a good story for the season, he did his job, and hopefully he can latch on elsewhere in 2024-25. A C feels appropriate given Megna's season.
What's On Tap Next?
Will Jaycob Megna return to the Blackhawks next season? Quite frankly, that's doubtful. However, the NHL veteran played well enough in a solid amount of action to earn an opportunity elsewhere. If the Blackhawks weren't loaded with left-handed defensemen, he'd have a better chance of sticking around for depth purposes. That said, the Blackhawks are loaded with lefties on the blue line, meaning he'll be an odd man out.
