Chicago Blackhawks: Brent Sopel and 4 Most Likely Free-Agent Targets

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After winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks had a fire sale of trades to get themselves under the salary cap and in a better position to build a long-term contender.

The Blackhawks are in that position now and actually have some flexible cap space to fill some holes and address some needs.

With some savvy additions, this Hawks team is ready to get back to the Finals and bring the Cup back to Chicago, where it belongs.

Chris Drury

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Chris Drury was recently bought out by the New York Rangers and is now able to go to any team he wants.

Drury will be getting paid a lot of money from the Rangers, so it isn't crazy to think that he would take less money to play for a contending team.

The main question or concern for Drury is health. After missing 58 games last season, it will be interesting to see how much money he will get and how many teams will be interested.

Drury could be a help for the Blackhawks and adding another veteran to the roster couldn't hurt.

Brandon Dubinsky

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Brandon Dubinsky had a career year last season for the New York Rangers and is a consistent 40-point player.

Dubinsky would be a great fit in Chicago, but he is a restricted free agent and New York can match any offer made to him, making him very expensive.

The Blackhawks probably won't be able to pry Dubinsky from New York. Even if they could, he would take up the majority of their remaining cap space.

John Madden

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John Madden played a big part in the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup championship run in 2010, and it would be smart for both parties to come back together.

Madden is a veteran chasing another Cup and Chicago would be a perfect place for him to go.

Madden may be willing to take a pay cut to play for the Hawks and would be a great pickup.

Brent Sopel

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Brent Sopel's family didn't leave Chicago after he was traded by the Chicago Blackhawks, setting him up for a return to the Windy City.

Sopel was another player on the championship team and would help bring them back to glory.

Sopel will definitively take a home-town discount to play for the Hawks again. The defense and toughness he will bring back to the team will be huge for next season.