NHL Free Agents 2011: 5 Ways Stan Bowman's Moves Improved the Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman promised change this offseason.  The man certainly delivered on his pledge.

Bowman sent some familiar names packing this summer, brought in a slew of new faces to the organization and re-signed key personnel.  As the smoke from a busy offseason clears, here's how things stand.

Out are Troy Brouwer, Brian Campbell, Tomas Kopecky, Jake Dowell, Fernando Pisani and Marty Turco.  Right now it appears Chris Campoli, Ryan Johnson and Jordan Hendry will also be in other sweaters next season.

In are Alexander Salak, Rostislav Olesz, Brent McLean, Steve Montador, Andrew Brunette, Jamal Mayers, Sean O'Donnell, Daniel Carcillo and Sami Lepisto.  A piece or two may be obtained before camp opens, but for the most part it appears the major work on the roster is complete.

As opposed to last year, when Bowman was saddled with the job of dumping salary and shopping the bargain bin for role players, the head man created the space he needed to better the team then set about that task.

Here are five ways I feel the 'Hawks are in better shape following Bowman's house-cleaning.

1. The 'Hawks Can Get Physical

Bowman obviously felt a degree of grit was missing from last year's roster and quickly set about fixing that problem.

Brouwer's ability to score and hit wasn't replaced by one player.  Instead, Bowman brought in a player who can score in Brunette and some heavy hitters for the fourth line as well as the defense.

Mayers and Carcillo on the same line addresses issues on the fourth line, where last year a player like Viktor Stalberg was a bit out of place on that grouping.  Chicago may be a bit older and slower with Bowman's pickups, but they should provide toughness without affecting the speed of the top lines.

Overall, the 'Hawks should be better equipped to negate teams that attempt to rough them up. 

2. Chicago Is Deeper, Especially on the Back End

Defense, a high priority in Chicago, was an issue last year, thanks in part to a lack of depth.

Campbell's absence will be felt, but right now I like the last three or four names on the blue line over what was there to start last year (an untested Nick Leddy, an overmatched Nick Boynton and the pylon that was John Scott).

Montador, O'Donnell and Lepisto should combine with the incumbent defensemen for a more consistent group.  They should be more adept at clearing the front of the net, and the top pairing could see a few minutes less per night.  Both would be improvements over the 2010-11 club.

It also appears that the 'Hawks have enough options here to prevent them from having to rely on key minutes from Scott.

This kills two birds.

Chicago is deeper at defense.  If Scott is used in the role for which he is suited, fans can feel good about pulling for a pretty likable guy who was miscast for large portions of last season.

3. Fewer Questions in Goal

Bowman's first move this offseason was securing the services of rookie net-minder Corey Crawford for the next three seasons.  Salak was signed, presumably to be the backup, soon after.

A defense better at clearing the area in front of Crawford should help him avoid a sophomore slump.

The situation in goal was a sore spot going into training camp, with the departure of Antti Niemi and the loaning of Cristobal Huet.  Addressing the crease right away lets Bowman focus on improving in other areas.

If there are any questions in net, they lay in Salak being able to provide solid play in the backup role.  To me, that's better than having the backup have to assume starter's duties, as has been the case in each of the last two seasons.

4. A More Flexible Roster for Now and the Future

The 'Hawks have a lot of guys who could earn jobs with a strong showing in training camp.  Bowman's pickups will have to compete with newcomers like Ben Smith, Marcus Kruger, Jeremy Morin and Rob Klinkhammer.

Some of these players will make the roster this season.  Bowman has set up a situation where the last few spots on the team will go to the players best suited for the Blackhawks.  It also prevents the team from having to depend on prospects like Brandon Pirri and Dylan Olsen before they are ready.

Inexpensive one-year deals give Chicago the opportunity to have players competing for playing time. It also leaves room at the pro level for a steady stream of prospects as they become ready for NHL action.

5. Bowman Can Add a Missing Piece

The veterans signed to cheap deals gives Bowman the option of tinkering with the roster as the season plays out.

Even if the 'Hawks carry the maximum number of players allowed on their roster, they should have over $3 million in cap space available to add to the roster.  Depending on who makes the team out of camp, that number may be larger.

If Bowman decides to pick up some veteran insurance at center before the first puck drops in October, he has the freedom to do so.  A youngster like Leddy should be able to benefit from a full season of practicing with the team, as opposed to being sent down to Rockford to save cap room.

With so many short-term, inexpensive contracts, Bowman has allowed for the possibility that one of his acquisitions doesn't work out.  Miscalculations can be addressed during the season.

Bowman addressed many of Chiago's needs this summer, didn't grossly overspend in free agency and gave himself the room to touch up the roster if need be.  This should give Blackhawks fans cause for optimism as training camp approaches.