NHL Free Agency: 5 Depth Signings the Chicago Blackhawks Really Need to Make

The Chicago Blackhawks have been quiet on the free agent front since a bevy of veteran signings on July 1st.  GM Stan Bowman is likely concentrating on the status of Michael Frolik, Chris Campoli and Viktor Stalberg right now.

However, there are still signings to be made.

There are some UFA's out there who can be important pieces in Chicago.  In addition, the 'Hawks should address other RFA's from within the organization.

Here are five players who the 'Hawks should target and the impact each could have on Chicago's fortunes this fall.

1. Ty Conklin, G

Age: 35

Status: UFA

Conklin is drawing interest from several teams, including the Red Wings.  Conklin is the consummate back-up, capable of playing 20-30 solid games in goal.

His numbers were down as the Blues struggled the past two seasons, but Conklin has been an effective reserve in both Detroit and Pittsburgh.  Even with St. Louis, he posted an 18-18-6 record in two seasons.

The 'Hawks need a veteran who could man an NHL net in case Alexander Salak falters as Corey Crawford's backup.  A player like Conklin should be brought in to compete with Salak in camp.  Alec Richards (who also needs to be re-signed by Chicago) could also use a veteran tutelage in Rockford.

The interest Conklin is receiving from Detroit may push the price up too far, and he may not want to end up in a scenario where he winds up logging AHL minutes.  However, Conklin or another veteran backup should be signed.

2. Chris Drury, C

Age: 34

Status: UFA

The 'Hawks could still upgrade their fourth-line center position with veteran savvy.  Drury is still on the market and if healthy could be another experienced leader Bowman picks up this summer.

Injuries have limited Drury in the past few seasons, so there's risk involved in signing him.  If Drury could stay on the ice, he would bring a lot of intangibles and the possibility of a career renaissance.

John Madden and Ryan Johnson are other alternatives in the search for some inexpensive depth, but if Bowman hasn't scooped one of them up at this point, it may not be in the cards.

3. Brian Connelly, D

Age: 25

Status: RFA

Connelly is a player for whom the 'Hawks have had little room for.  He's not physical but is an adept puck-mover who suddenly is in short supply with the departure of Brian Campbell and the uncertainty of Campoli's contract negotiations.

The undersized defenseman was tendered a qualifying offer, so he seems to be in Bowman's plans.  Connelly was an AHL All-Star in Rockford last season and could replace some of the offense lost if Campoli is not retained.

Connelly would be a cost-effective option if Bowman decides Campoli's demands upset the financial pecking order he has set at the blue line.

4. Rob Klinkhammer, LW

Age: 24

Status: RFA

Klinkhammer is another player Bowman qualified, and like Connelly provides organizational depth.

The 6'3" forward was a black ace for Chicago in the playoffs (as was Connelly) and figures to at least get a look in training camp for a bottom-six role on the team.

He's a guy who was terrific on Rockford's penalty kill last season.  The organization would like him to develop his finishing touch a bit more, but he's always around the net and had 46 points in the AHL last season.

5. Jassen Cullimore, D

Age:38

Status: UFA

Cullimore resides in the Chicago suburbs and would likely come back for the minimum for another year in the Blackhawks organization.  Why in the world would Bowman want the aging defenseman back?

Well, Cullimore provided solid play on the third pairing when the 'Hawks were woefully short on the back end early in the season.  As opposed to Nick Boyton's circus act, Cullimore quietly held down the fort through the season's first half.

Cullimore could come up and provide know-how, if not a lot of speed, to Chicago in event of injuries, but the experience he brings to the table may be more valuable in Rockford.

With several veterans from last year's club (Jeff Taffe, Garnet Exelby) now with different organizations, the 'Hawks are in need of veteran leaders to mentor the young talent coming through their AHL affiliate. 

Cullimore is a respected member of the Ice Hogs and could provide leadership to the host of young defensemen in the pipeline like Ryan Stanton, Shawn Lalonde, Dylan Olsen and Joe Lavin.

Another two-way deal for Cullimore isn't a flashy move.  However, like the other deals I proposed, it provides organizational depth.