Kent Simpson and the Blackhawks

So what's the situation with Silvertips goaltender Kent Simpson? The Tips have said they expect Simpson to play professionally next season rather than return as an overager. But could that situation be evolving?

Simpson, who was a second-round pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2010 NHL draft, has yet to sign a contract with Chicago. He has until the end of the month to sign, or else the Blackhawks forfeit his rights and Simpson goes back into the draft.

Adding complication to the situation is that the Blackhawks have reportedly signed Portland goaltender Mac Carruth, who was a seventh-round pick in 2010. Does Chicago really want to sign two 1992-born goalies?

If Chicago chooses not to sign Simpson, that greatly increases the chances of Simpson returning to the WHL for his 20-year-old season. Simpson could still get drafted and would still be eligible to play professionally in the minors next season. However, the drafting team would be able to retain his rights without signing him, and there's a good possibility that team would want to see one more year out of Simpson at the junior level before shelling out, considering Simpson had slow starts in both his seasons as Everett's full-time No. 1.

So stay tuned.