Quoting: hanson493
For a team that is struggling to get 4 solid lines out there, why did they sign robin lehner? to trade him at deadline for assets? to trade crawford for assets?
How does a team that finished regular season top 6 or so in scoring, struggle to put 4 solid lines?
I mean of course you can have better 4 lines, you can say that about any team in the league. CHI had major problems in the Defense, PK and Goaltending areas (especially when Crow was injured).
Crow only played 38 games last year and 28 year before that, that is huge reduction from his usual 58 or so. His concussions might be huge factor this year as well and I wouldn't be surprised to see him retire at the end of this season. (head injuries are nothing to joke about, and he probably is wondering if this is worth for him at all, he made his $ already, and he has 2 SCups).
As much as I would have loved to see Lee, Pavelsky or even Gusev join the Hawks top 6, I understand that Goaltending is the major concern.
But to be fair, the players they got from Europe this year could fill top 6 role nicely. Kubalik can snipe and pass and could be playing with Kane. Wedin has good shot, but plays good 2-way game and intense, so he might be nice 3rd liner. Plus Shaw, nothing needs to be said about him. Oh year and Carpenter is another 2-way player, PK, faceoffs etc... nce 4th liner.