Équipe: 2016-17 Blackhawks de Chicago

Date de création initiale: 18 mai 2016

Publié: 18 mai 2016

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

First Line - Richard Panik showed enough in the post-season to get resigned. Also, he looked good with Toews, but I wish there was a cheaper free agent to plug in on the right side so Hossa could move down where he seemed more effective at the end of the year.

Second Line - More like the first line of the team given the production. No change here for me. I just hope we get a round 2 out of these three this year.

Third Line - I really can't sense what will happen with Shaw, but something makes me feel he will be wearing the Hawks sweater come next season. I think a two-year bridge deal with a pay bump would be nice for the Hawks, but given Shaw's size and style of play, he might want something longer for security. We'll just have to wait and see! The Hawks need it to finally be Teuvo Time! You see that potential shine on occasions but it must be more consistent. Hartman will get an extended look, but I could see Hinostroza be in that spot given the season he had, also making the US roster for the World Championship helps.

Fourth Line - Kruger is my favorite player on the Hawks. He does so many things well and nothing too poorly out there. I would sign Josefson this off-season. A great fourth line player and best friend of Kruger (they grew up and played together in Sweden). Desjardins will be in an out of the line-up. Probably an interchange of prospects.

First D-pair - Keith and Hjalmarsson are solid together. I wouldn't mind Hammer going down to the second pair and be on his natural side.

Second D-pair - Kempny looks solid at the World Championships. Nothing is signed, but I think he would be great on this team and a nice fit with Hammer. Seabrook had horrible possession numbers this season and the eye test kind of showed it as well. The production was great, but maybe a Keith reunion would help.

Third D-pair - TVR was fine in his first full season. I hope he takes another step this year. Pokka was great from what I saw in Rockford this year. The knock on him is the foot speed, but his hockey sense makes up for that quite a bit.

Goaltending - I kicked around a few trade ideas with Crawford. I thought getting some cap room and finding a legit defenseman or top flight winger would be great. Maybe Toronto, Calgary, or Buffalo can be a partner. I don't know though, Crow has helped the Hawks to two Stanley Cups. On the other hand Niemi won a cup, and Huet was the goalie most of that first run, so sometimes goaltending is not the end all be all. If you can find the right partner I would think about it.