Chicago Blackhawks: Predicting the Fate of the Hawks' Unrestricted Free Agents

Despite the injury to Jonathan Toews, the Chicago Blackhawks are still holding on to the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Although there are reasons to be optimistic, is this the year?

Most likely not.

That is not to say that the Hawks are not contenders, but with a team as inconsistent as they have been, it is tough to bet on them winning 16 games in the postseason.

Am I still a believer? Yes, but I also firmly believe that the Hawks still need to retool if Chicago is going to have another parade in June.

To that end, Stan Bowman and company will have some decisions to make this offseason with expiring contracts. 

Some players may be re-signed but others have the clock ticking on their tenures as Blackhawks. Let's take a quick look and predict the fate of the Hawks' unrestricted free agents-to-be. 

Andrew Brunette

Andrew Brunette has served a modest role with the Hawks this year. He has had some decent moments and popped in some goals, as he did against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night.

At 37, with 11 goals, 24 points and a minus-12 rating, it is tough to see Brunette coming back next season.

There is one school of thought that you can bring him back at a discounted rate, but his current $2 million cap hit is better served signing a power forward or a decent blue-line addition for a longer term deal.

Predicted Outcome: He's been useful, but this will probably be Brunette's only season in Chicago.

Brendan Morrison

Another golden oldie with less of a value-add is Brendan Morrison. Stan Bowman swung and missed with this pickup. Well, maybe that's a bit harsh, considering the Hawks gave little up, but I do think most Hawks fans were hoping Morrison would have provided more of a contribution. 

Morrison, 36, has not registered a point since being acquired in January and has been a healthy scratch thus far in March. As an upcoming unrestricted free agent in June, he is going to have a tough time finding work in the NHL next season.

Predicted Outcome: His time is done in Chicago and maybe in the NHL as well.

Jamal Mayers

You cannot be disappointed with what Jamal Mayers has brought to the table this year. He is still decent in the dot, is physical and is always willing to stand up for his mates.

Although 37, he has been worth every penny of his $550K salary this season. He may still have another season in the tank and it would be great to have him on the fourth line again.

Predicted Outcome: Mayers is worthwhile if you can get him back for another year at under $1 million. If you can give him a modest raise and pay $650-$750K for his services, it may be worth it to give him once last spin on the dance floor. He stays.

Johnny Oduya

Since acquiring Johnny Oduya in late February, the Hawks have gone 5-2. Johnny O has three points and is plus-two in those seven games.

I did not think Bowman addressed as much as he could have at the trade deadline, but picking up Oduya for picks was a good move. He can move the puck well and has been solid at all ends of the ice.

Unless the Hawks win the cup, it is tough to see any team investing the $3.5 million a year he is making right now. If the Hawks can get him back for a two- or three-year (preferably two) deal at $2.5 to $3 million a year, it could be worth the coin to reinvest in this player.

Predicted Outcome: He has only played seven games with the Hawks, so time will tell, but the Hawks have really struggled on D this year and Oduya has been pretty strong. As noted, if they find the right price point, the Hawks should reinvest. We will see him in red and black next season.

Sean O'Donnell

He is a great guy, who has had a great career, but this should be Sean O'Donnell's last season in the NHL.

He was supposed to bring a solid locker room presence and some depth on the blue line. Unfortunately, O'Donnell has finally showed his age this season.

He has the right attitude and plays the game the right way, but at 40, it's time for O.D. to hang up the skates.

Predicted Outcome: He will be one-and-done in the Windy City.

Sami Lepisto

The funny thing about Sami Lepisto is that at his price point of one-year, $750K, he has served a decent role as a plug-in defenseman.

Many were unsure about what the Hawks were going to get when they acquired Lepisto last summer. In the beginning of the season, he was used sparingly and spent a lot of his time in the press box. When Niklas Hjalmarsson and Steve Montador went down, he found himself as a regular for a few weeks.

While not great, he had games in which he stepped up and did not hurt the Hawks.

Predicted Outcome: He is not bad at that price point and I would not be shocked if he came back. At the same time, I will be hopeful that with Dylan Olsen a solid filler at $870K for the next two years, the Hawks will let Lepisto walk and make a significant upgrade to their top six. Best guess...he goes.

Ray Emery

The one thing that could hold the Hawks back in the free-agent market is a terrific playoff run by Ray Emery. If that happens, Stan-still Bowman and company may opt to dish him some cash for a couple of seasons.

Emery has been more than what we expected. Corey Crawford, with his new deal, was expected to carry the bulk of the load in the pipes for the Hawks. It hasn't happened.

We still do not know who is going to be the Hawks' front man heading into the playoffs, but it may just be Emery. If he is, and the Hawks make a decent run, that could make things dicey.

While I do like Emery, all Hawks fans should honestly be rooting for Crawford. If Emery is the guy and delivers, then the Hawks may use money on him that could be used in a lot of other areas. That's a pretty good reason for management and the coaching staff to give Crawford a long leash.

Predicted Outcome: Crawford takes over, but the Hawks do not make it past the second round. Emery comes back in a similar role for one year at $800-$850K.