Keeping to the plan. Bringing along prospects slowly. Signing short term FA's. Not assuming any draft picks will be NHL ready. Adding some skill and veteran leadership. I think this team would be a noticeable step up without mortgaging the future.
Note: I would look to weaponize cap space in the offseason, and that would affect these signings. Instead of trying to be specific now, I take a position of being alert and opportunistic to find teams that want to make deals, and to approach it from a position of strength rather than neediness.
UFA Signings:
Shattenkirk with a wealth of experience and success to lay on the younger d-men. If the Bruins can't keep him, he may be interested in a mentor role. He can be scratched when needed.
DeBrusk is the only 3 year deal. He could remain for the entire contract or become trade bait to a contender if any of the Blackhawks prospects proves ready for the NHL.
Arvidsson deal contingent on a clean bill of health in the summer. When healthy, I like his game a lot. May also be a trade chip if he performs and stays healthy.
Lafferty is a guy I always liked, and a 4th line of him, Foligno and Blackwell would be very entertaining at the least.
Blackwell is the kind of player who brings it. I think resigning him is a good move to keep building the identity of this team.
RFA Signings:
Vlasic is someone we want here long-term. No idea how the contract talks will play out, so I used what I consider an ideal contract.
Reichel has some things to work on, but I'm still optimistic he will be a part of the future in Chicago.
Entwistle is a heart and soul utility man who might be in and out of the lineup, but can be counted on for maximum effort when in. He is also someone you might be able to sneak through waivers and send down if needed.
Phillips is currently a tweener, but still young and could take a step. Not counting him out just because we have newer, shinier prospects. Good skater. I like his size and grit. No glaring weaknesses, but no outstanding traits.
iI didn't address the other RFA's that I don't think will be on the NHL squad next year.
Coming Soon:
I think Del Maestro, Allan, Crevier, Dach, Hayes, Nazar (if he signs) are all candidates to play NHL games next season. They could get just a taste, or surprise everyone and stick.
Slaggert looks like a guy who will be in the NHL lineup, and I also think they sign a true center instead of one of those wingers. Other than that it looks mostly good, although i'd sign a different D I think
I could see one of Arvidsson or DeBrusk, but not both. Would also target a different RD than Shatty. Need a guy who can actually play some D. Kurashev stays on Bedard's wing until that chemistry goes away. Anderson likely gets signed before Entwistle.
I could see one of Arvidsson or DeBrusk, but not both. Would also target a different RD than Shatty. Need a guy who can actually play some D. Kurashev stays on Bedard's wing until that chemistry goes away. Anderson likely gets signed before Entwistle.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Who do you see as a RD to target? I settled on Shatty more for his smarts and his mentoring than his defensive play. Although this is an improved lineup, I still don't see next year as a season to push for the playoffs.
How would you approach the Forward situation? I wanted some more skill for the top 6. Alternatively, I could have signed just one of DeBrusk/Arvidsson and re-signed Joey, who I like. It just seemed like too many bottom 6 types again.
I do like the little thing Bedard and Kurashev have going, but ultimately I don't think Kurashev will be on the top line when the team is good again. I could be wrong. I'm sure the line blender will be running no matter how they start out the year.
Slaggert looks like a guy who will be in the NHL lineup, and I also think they sign a true center instead of one of those wingers. Other than that it looks mostly good, although i'd sign a different D I think
Who are you looking at for FA Centers? Monahan could be a guy if he doesn't re-sign with WPG.
Who do you see as a RD to target? I settled on Shatty more for his smarts and his mentoring than his defensive play. Although this is an improved lineup, I still don't see next year as a season to push for the playoffs.
How would you approach the Forward situation? I wanted some more skill for the top 6. Alternatively, I could have signed just one of DeBrusk/Arvidsson and re-signed Joey, who I like. It just seemed like too many bottom 6 types again.
I do like the little thing Bedard and Kurashev have going, but ultimately I don't think Kurashev will be on the top line when the team is good again. I could be wrong. I'm sure the line blender will be running no matter how they start out the year.
For the 3rd pair RD, I'd probably target Troy Stecher or Colin Miller before Shatty. I'm probably forgetting one or two as well. Shatty's defensive play is just too inconsistent for me to pair w/ any of the Hawks young LD who will likely play on 3rd pair next season.
I think adding a top 6 winger is fine. Hawks probably do that. But two? I don't see it. If they add a 2nd top 6 forward, it needs to be a guy who can play 2C way better than Anthanasou. Like a Monahan, Henrique type player. As for Joey, just really like what he has going w/ Dickinson since Luke put them together.
I agree w/ you on Kurashev. He's not a long term top 6 guy. I don't see him as a long term piece at all. But in the short term for next season, he stays on RW w/ Bedard as long as they have that chemistry. If the magic goes away, so be it. But you don't split them up until it does.
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