Matt Grzelcyk’s work ethic and ‘stabilizing presence’ an example for young Chicago Blackhawks to follow

Fans love highlights, and NHL stars such as Connor Bedard, Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid consistently draw wows from anyone who watches them play. But not everyone needs to be a star, and when those prominent figures are off their game, others on the team step up. Matt Grzelcyk is looking to be that type of player for the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks. He’s a dependable defenseman who doesn’t do much wrong and a quality veteran in a young locker room. “It’s always a fun day to come to the rink, (and) when it’s time to do business, we’re able to lock in,” Grzelcyk said. “You’re going to have ups and downs, but it’s been a good experience and I think we’re starting to try to build the certain game we want to play.” In 66 games this season, he has 12 assists and 67 shots on goal while averaging 17 minutes, 13 seconds of ice time. He hasn’t scored a goal, but his active movement makes up for that zero on the stat sheet. Stardom is great, but what if you’re a player who’s consistently … consistent? It’s not always a glimmering path. After eight seasons with the Boston Bruins, Grzelcyk was third on the Pittsburgh Penguins in assists last season. Yet he wasn’t retained and had to sign a professional tryout contract with the Hawks before signing a one-year, $1 million deal. “Everybody looks at flash and flash is great, but substance is more important (and that means) being able to do it over and over again,” Blashill said Monday. “He’s been a stabilizing presence in our locker room (and) on the ice with our guys. “When you’re young defensively it’s hard in this league, so there are a lot of roller coasters, and with him, he’s been real easy to coach. He wants to be coached like everybody else, but he doesn’t need the same number of video sessions that (our other) guys need.” That praise came a day before Blashill scratched Grzelcyk from the Hawks’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild. He said the reason was to give Ethan Del Mastro more ice time. “It wasn’t a knock at all on (Grzelcyk),” Blashill said postgame. “He’s played really good hockey when he’s been in there, but it’s something we talked about around the trade deadline, that that might be a possibility, and we decided to go that route.” Sometimes you do everything right and still get looked over. That’s something the 32-year-old Grzelcyk has learned and takes in stride. “It’s something I pride myself on,” he said. “I had to learn that when I was a younger player. As of my 10th year pro, I want to approach every single day with the same attitude and show the same work ethic no matter what. “It’s not always going to go your way out there, but you can control your efforts. That’s something that, as a group, we’re all trying to get more accustomed to. It’s a skill I’ve learned over the years, and I want to apply that to every day and hopefully help guys in that aspect.” He said he wants to lead by example on the ice, hoping the Hawks roster can grow from seeing that work ethic to show up every night. “You’re not always going to have your best legs or your best effort, but you’ve got to find a way to take care of yourself and bring that same work ethic each and every day no matter what,” Grzelcyk said. “I want to try to do that and lead by example that way, and hopefully some guys can pick up on it as well.” Grzelcyk will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and said he would “love to” be back in Chicago next season. “It reminds me a lot of home,” said Grzelcyk, who’s from Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood. “I loved coming here on the road (and) I fell in love with it a few years ago. “It’s always been in the back of my mind. I was really hoping to come here one day, so I’m glad it’s worked out and I would love for it to keep going in the future.”