Chicago Blackhawks: Hitting a Snag with RFAs? Target Michael Frolik

Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman hinted that addressing his own restricted free agents was his priority now that the excitement of the opening weekend of free agency has subsided.

As the days go by, it appears that locking up the names of Michael Frolik, Chris Campoli and Viktor Stalberg may not be as cut-and-dried as previously thought.

So far, none of the three RFAs have worked out a deal with Bowman. Campoli and Stalberg filing for arbitration sends some serious doubts as to the futures of these three unsigned players.

Frolik is not eligible to file for arbitration, but is reportedly looking to triple his base salary of $850,000 last season. I'm sure Campoli is looking for money in line of what the 'Hawks are paying Steve Montador. I don't know what Stalberg is expecting with the season he had in 2010-11, but apparently he hasn't heard a number he likes yet.

Campoli probably has a case in arbitration if history is any indication, so in his case the factor in his return is his perceived value to the team. With Brian Campbell now in a Panthers sweater, he may feel he has additional leverage.

All this posturing may work itself out and all three guys may be back, but if decisions have to be made, I am for prioritizing one RFA over the other two.

That would be Frolik.

Stalberg hasn't done anything Ben Smith or Jeremy Morin can't do for the team next season. Sure, he's fast, but I don't see him as a sure thing on the top two lines and the fourth line is being set up with a physical attitude that is definitely non-Stalberg.

Campol's value as a player is inflated, both by Campbell's departure and by the fact that he was an upgrade over Nick Boynton at the trade deadline. With Montador and Sean O'Donnell now aboard, Campoli isn't a piece the 'Hawks should commit more than $2 million to.

Frolik has the potential to score 20 goals and has proven to be a nice addition on the third line even if that doesn't happen. Granted, we have a small body of work with which to judge, but If I had to choose one player to move forward with next season, it would be him.

Again, nothing is set in stone. The Blackhawks may wind up with all three guys signed at sensible numbers. However, the more time that passes with no progress, the more likely offer sheets and trade scenarios begin to enter the picture.