NHL Free Agency: The Chicago Blackhawks Look to Woo Depth over Big Names

The Chicago Blackhawks look like they are prepared to hit the ground running July 1st when it comes to pursuing free agents.  Based on the Blackhawks recent signing of defenseman Steve Montador, it looks like GM Stan Bowman's strategy is becoming more clear.

To be brief, don't expect the 'Hawks to swing for the fences. That doesn't sound like a positive forecast, but it is.

Chicago has $11 million in cap space to work with now that Montador has been signed to a four-year deal with a cap of $2.75 million a season. With five or six players left to fill out the roster, Bowman will likely eschew the top free agents in favor of upgrading the quality of his role players.

The blueprint of this strategy is the Montador signing.

The 'Hawks needed another physical, defensive-minded player on the blue line. After trading a conditional seventh-round draft pick to Buffalo for Montador's rights, he got his man.

The price may be a bit high, but its not cap-crippling in any stretch. The Blackhawks added a veteran skater who can possibly pair with Nick Leddy or even Chris Campoli, provided he re-signs. Montador is no superstar, but he is a considerably better option than Nick Boynton was a year ago.

Will the 'Hawks be able to nab Brad Richards with this plan? Probably not.

On the other hand, they probably avoid a signing like Ryan Potulny. If you consider going after Vernon Fiddler an upgrade over going after Fernando Pisani, this is good news.

The point is that last year, the cap purge forced Bowman to fill out the bottom part of the roster with minimum-salary guys and hope for the best. I'm sure some guys will be acquired for similar dollars this summer. The difference should be that Bowman can also pick up two or three higher-caliber players in the $2-3 million price range.

What can we expect from the first day of free agency? There's the possibility of at least one deal getting done by Bowman. He may be ready to announce a deal for Michael Frolik or one of Chicago's other restricted free agents. But that may happen after the feeding frenzy that could take place Friday.

Could the 'Hawks be targeting Carolina forward Eric Cole? Or Fiddler, whose scrappy, agitating-style strengthens Chicago at center? Will the call go out to a returning hero like John Madden, or will Brent Sopel come aboard for added depth on the blue line?

I think we as fans should be excited that Bowman is buying after a gut-wrenching summer of selling off pieces. What's even better is that he can afford to pick up role players capable of helping the core get back toward the top of the league.

Is it possible that Bowman shocks us all with a home-run signing like Richards?

We will find out throughout the day, but a few base-hit signings would make my July 4th weekend.