Équipe: 2023-24 Blackhawks de Chicago

Date de création initiale: 28 déc. 2022

Publié: 28 déc. 2022

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Some quick thoughts:

- Domi will be shopped at the deadline, but I believe the Hawks will hold on to him if they can not get any better than a 3rd round pick in return. He has played well and the Hawks will need a center capable of playing in the top-6 next season, especially if Toews is traded.

- The Kane / Toews returns will be a bit underwhelming, in my opinion. Davidson doesn't seem to be the "hardball" type and won't have a lot of leverage to work with.

- I also believe that Kane would be open to resigning in Chicago during the offseason. A 3-4 year contract would give him the opportunity to mentor Bedard and chase down Mikita's records.

- Assuming the Blackhawks win the NHL Draft lottery, they will select Connor Bedard with the first overall pick. With the Dallas/New York pick, they will select Gavin Brindley, a speedy forward from Michigan. With Tampa Bay's pick, they select Maxim Strbak, a right-shot defenseman out of the USHL.

- Aside from the Kane signing, the Hawks will remain relatively quiet during free agency. Bedard and Lukas Reichel will fill out the holes in the middle-6. Janmark returns to provide a veteran presence in the bottom-6. Borowiecki is signed for some veteran defensive depth and to protect some of the young players in the lineup. He is familiar with HC Luke Richardson from his time in the Sens system.

- I can't imagine many goaltenders jumping at the opportunity to play in front of this team. They may have to go the Arizona route and acquire a back-up off of waivers. Joseph Woll will be waiver eligible in 2023-24 and won't have a spot on the Leafs roster barring injury. He has enough upside to be a capable NHL back-up.

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