Chicago Blackhawks All-Time Roster: A Team for the Ages

In 84 seasons, the Chicago Blackhawks have amassed a bevy of exciting players. Many spectacular athletes have donned the Indian sweater over the years.

If one could go back in time, how would a person construct a team to wage epic battles on a mythical rink? You can't just throw together an all-star team and let them loose. Or can you?

I thought that it would be fun to put together a 24-man roster that would try to assemble the best team possible.

Humor me and let's assume that for the chance to skate on this team for the ages, all the following players are sympathetic to our financial restraints and we can get them all under the cap.

Here is the team I envisioned...

Home Ice

I hope that this doesn't shock anybody, but we're going to play in the Chicago Stadium—and we're going to play in the Campbell Conference in the Norris Division with the Red Wings, Blues, Maple Leafs and North Stars. Heck, we'll even take the Winnipeg Jets. Because that's the way my team rolls. We fear no one.

Forwards

First Line: Bobby Hull, LW; Stan Mikita, C; Kenny Wharram, RW

My first two lines are comprised of guys who skated together, because this team needs chemistry. Hull and Mikita were locks. I considered Cliff Koroll for the other wing, but Hull and Mikita had a lot of success (and Hart Trophies) skating with Wharram. He can also play center if needed.

Second Line: Al Secord, LW; Denis Savard, C; Steve Larmer, RW

I'm letting Savard dish to a more rugged pair of wings here, plus you know Larmer will never miss a game.

Third Line: Dirk Graham, LW; Troy Murray, C; Marian Hossa, RW

This is my checking line. I could have thrown a host of scorers here and just prayed no one will outscore us, but I opted for defense with this line. We have the franchise's two Selke Trophy winners in Murray and Graham, plus a tough two-way guy like Hossa. These guys will also be on our first PK unit, where Hossa and Graham should rack up a ton of short-handed goals.

Fourth Line: Doug Bentley, LW; Jeremy Roenick, C; Tony Amonte, RW

If my fourth line is pressed into playing first line minutes, I think we'll be okay. Plus, if anyone breaks out the Sega Genesis NHL '94, we'll be unbeatable with Roenick.

Bench: Dennis Hull, Bob Probert

Because D. Hull isn't chopped liver, and Probert...hey, did I mention that we're playing in the Norris Division? I play him on the third line for Hossa, and he doesn't slow us up too bad.

Defensemen

First Line: Pierre Pilote, Chris Chelios

These two three-time Norris recipients can take turns leading the rush.

Second Line: Doug Wilson, Keith Magnuson

A bit more traditional in this pairing, as Wilson provides the scoring, coupled with Magnuson's muscle. And yes, both Magnuson and Pilote are wearing No. 3.

Third Line: Pat Stapleton, Bill White

To help with the defensive forward line, let's send out one of the most solid pairings of the 1970s.

Bench: Duncan Keith, Bob Murray

We can swap these guys for the third line on nights we want more offense from our defense.

Goalies

Tony Esposito, Ed Belfour

Why not Glenn Hall? He's my goalie coach.

If pushed further, I'll justify this by saying that I wanted one netminder from more recent times. We go with the best matchup for the team we play that night.

Power Play

First Team: Hull, Mikita, Savard, Larmer, Wilson

Second Team: Hossa, Bentley, Roenick, Amonte, Pilote

Penalty Kill

First Team: T. Murray, Graham, Pilote, Chelios

Second Team: Roenick, Amonte, Stapleton, White

You could mix and match the special teams a hundred different ways. Everyone could spend time on these teams to keep the roster fresh. I guess that's up to the coaching staff...

Coaches

Head Coach: Billy Reay

Assistants: Darryl Sutter, Joel Quenneville, Rudy Pilous (and Glenn Hall coaches the goalies)

I chose to omit Mike Keenan from the coaching staff rather than hire him and fire him later that week.

Captain: Pierre Pilote

Alternates: Stan Mikita, Steve Larmer, Keith Magnuson

Well, there you go: 24 players, one spectacular team that will more than hold its own against any opponent you'd care to bring onto the ice. Alas, it's a Blackhawks team we'll never get to see.

Too bad. They'd be a hell of a team to watch.