Hammer Time: Hjalmarsson Scenario a Win for the San Jose Sharks?

The Chicago Blackhawks basically told the San Jose Sharks 'can't touch this' when it comes to defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson. The Sharks made a handsome offer to the restricted free agent, putting $14 million over four years and two top three 2011 draft picks on the line last week.

The Blackhawks revealed on Monday that they would match the offer, keeping Hjalmarsson in Chicago.

While the Sharks now need to move on without the services of the up-and-coming Swede, this decision by Chicago may have been a blessing in disguise. After two confusing Sharks signings in previous weeks, the Blackhawks may have bailed Sharks GM Doug Wilson out of a third reach. Or did Wilson have this planned all along?

Hjalmarsson may well be worth $3.5 million per year, based on his contributions to the Blackhawks' Cup run last year, but throwing in a first and third round draft choice in compensation would have been a questionable proposition at best. However, the Blackhawks freed the Sharks from this financial liability by matching the offer. In the process, they gave Hjalmarsson a sizable raise that will force further roster moves to keep them under the salary cap in 2010-2011.

Was this a calculated risk by Wilson? Did he lobby the large offer with the hope that Chicago GM Stan Bowman would yank back in reaction like a young child whose brother comes and tries to swipe a favorite toy? It certainly would make sense.

Forcing Chicago's hand in this way ensures another uncomfortable decision is pending in Chi-town, as Wilson basically forced the price on Hjalmarsson well above what the Hawks were likely hoping to offer him. It was a calculated risk that the Sharks might slightly overpay, but in the end it furthers the exodus of critical players from the defending Stanley Cup Champions, diminishing a key opponent's potency for the coming season while freeing the Sharks to pursue other options.

Nonetheless, with Hjalmarsson retaining residency in Chicago, the Sharks still need to address their depleted blue line. While a blockbuster trade is always an option with Doug Wilson, unrestricted free agent Andreas Lilja and restricted free agent Anton Stralman also remain available. Either of them could offer a major upgrade to the 2010-2011 Sharks, without the need to part with a key contributor.

Still, the blockbuster remains the sexier and thus the more likely option. Time will tell, but with Chicago keeping Hjalmarsson, alternatives abound.

Keep the Faith!