Chicago Blackhawks Offseason 2011: Stan Bowman and the Future of the Blackhawks
Last week the Blackhawks' season came to an end after a dramatic first-round series with the Vancouver Canucks that went to overtime in Game 7.
Although the Blackhawks nearly pulled off one of the biggest comebacks in professional sports history, they were unable to strike the final blow.
Now they will begin what will be a long and disappointing summer full of rest and training, while rekindling their desire to win.
Meanwhile, Stan Bowman and his management team will begin the process of evaluating the roster and establishing the areas the Blackhawks need to be better in if they are to be strong Stanley Cup contenders once again.
The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and expecting different results. With that in mind, the Blackhawks cannot go into next season with exactly the same roster and expect a much different result without appearing, as the saying puts it, insane.
Bowman said in his final press conference that he intends to speak with the players and the coaching staff to learn exactly where the team needs improvement and go about making those improvements.
This will be very different from last summer. This offseason will be about building, not destroying.
Expect some changes.
In this slideshow, I will review some of those possible changes. I will consider some ideas for next season as well as some long term strategies for the Blackhawks.
I will evaluate which free agents should be released or resigned, which players should be traded, immediate roster needs, some ideas for this year's draft and the big picture for the Blackhawks.
Here's what should be on Bowman's agenda this summer.
Obtain a Second Line Centerman
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One weakness of the Blackhawks that was definitely exposed last season was their lack of flexibility and depth down the middle, especially on the second line.
For most of the season we saw versatile Patrick Sharp centering the second line with various wingers. While Sharp is a capable center, he isn't who the Blackhawks ideally want in that position, especially considering how good he plays when playing on the first line wing.
The first line of Patrick Sharp, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane is arguably one of the best first lines in the NHL when they're together, and the Blackhawks need to do everything they can do keep that line intact.
This removes the possibility of Patrick Sharp centering the second line.
Without a solid, playmaking center on the second line, the Blackhawks don't exactly have an elite one-two scoring group.
The Blackhawks have good talent on the wings with players like Marian Hossa and Michael Frolik able to contribute on the second line, however they lack a playmaker to win faceoffs and help generate scoring chances.
Near the top of the Blackhawks priority list should be finding a player that can fit that role and solidify the Blackhawks top six. Until that spot is filled, their top six will be incomplete.
The free agent market is barren this summer. The only reasonable option would be someone like Tomas Fleischmann, who unfortunately is likely to get resigned by the Colorado Avalanche.
That means this hole can only be filled via trade because no one in the system is ready for the position. Marcus Kruger and Brandon Pirri, the Blackhawks best center prospects, are still a year or two away from the NHL.
If a top six calibre center is located and brought onto the roster, the Blackhawks be one of the most dangerous two-line scoring teams in the NHL.
Obtain a Shutdown Defenseman
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The 'Hawks defense wasn't nearly as strong last season as it has been in the past. This was largely due to mediocre performances by the Blackhawks' top four but also because they lacked a solid shutdown defensemen to take some weight off the shoulders of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.
Very few guys in the 'Hawks system fit the mold. Nick Leddy has shown that he is NHL-ready but he isn't exactly a shutdown defenseman.
Same goes with Dylan Olsen, Brian Connelly, Shawn Lalonde and Ivan Vishnevksiy. All of these players could develop into NHL defensemen someday, but they are mostly offensive and not particularly physical defenseman, so they don't exactly fit the description either.
One immediate option is 21-year-old Ryan Stanton, who is regarded as a tough physical defenseman, but his potential and ability to compete at the NHL level is questionable.
One player that could step into the role sometime in the near future is 2010 second-round pick Stepthen Johns (featured in the photo), who is known for being a physical, shutdown defensemen with good mobility and a great work ethic.
He's considered one of the Blackhawks strongest defensive prospects. Look for him to make an appearance at training camp in September.
One way or another, the Blackhawks need more defense in their defense, regardless of who it comes from. As noted, the Hawks don't have a lot of wiggle room with the cap and will either seek to acquire a very cheap depth defenseman or make some moves to acquire a more talented but costly player.
Add More Size and Toughness
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One of the biggest problems the Blackhawks had last season was a general lack of size and toughness throughout the roster. They were outhit on a nightly basis and bullied by most teams.
This problem was especially brough to light during the Vancouver series, in which the Blackhawks were badly banged around and beaten with little or no response.
The reason for this is because, outside of Troy Brouwer and Bryan Bickell, the Blackhawks don't have a lot of power forwards, which allows other teams to push them around. They need to add one or two big, tough, physical forwards to enforce the ice and create space for top line players.
This is a problem the Blackhawks management has been aggressively pursuing solutions to. It was an issue Bowman addressed especially in last year's draft. Some of the bigger forwards he added to the system included:
Kevin Hayes (6'3" 201 lbs)
Ludvig Rensfeldt (6'3" 196 lbs)
Stephen Johns (6'3" 215 lbs)
Rob Flick (6'2" 205 lbs)
While none of these players are even close to the NHL, it is comforting knowing that the 'Hawks have some promising big forwards in the system.
Some of their more viable options for next season include:
Rob Klinkhammer (6'3" 209 lbs)
Phillip Paradis (6'2" 195 lbs)
Kyle Beach (6'3" 185 lbs)
Jimmy Hayes (6'5" 215 lbs)
The Blackhawks should consider giving one or two of these players some time on the roster next season to fulfill a power forward role and use their size to help the Blackhawks be tougher and more physical. As some of the players noted after the defeat to Vancouver, they need to be "more difficult to play against" next season.
If no one in the system is ready, the management should search free agency for a suitable and affordable power forward to fill the role for the short term.
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Find a Suitable Backup Goaltender
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With Corey Crawford now the undisputed starting goalie for next season, Bowman needs to go about locating a suitable backup to decrease Crawford's workload and produce wins for the 'Hawks.
The two biggest factors dictating who it is that gets the role will be: cost and reliability.
If Crawford resigns for what he is expected to (around two and a half million) that means the Blackhawks won't be able to spend anything over a million on a backup.
But whoever it is must be able to start around 20 games to provide Crawford with some rest and must be able to get the 'Hawks points, otherwise they will be stuck in the same situation as last year where they were forced to start Crawford for 30 straight games.
The Blackhawks don't have many options in their system.
Hannu Toivonen had a less than inspiring season with the Rockford Icehogs, posting a .907 save percentage and a 2.90 goals against average. His career has been plagued with inconsistency, which may keep him off the Blackhawks roster.
Alec Richards had a .899 save percentage and a 2.89 goals against average with the Icehogs this season. Like Toivonen, Richards is regarded as being very inconsistent, so he wouldn't be a viable option either.
One option the Blackhawks should seriously consider is Alexander Salak, who had a very successful season in the Swedish Elite League, posting a .926 save percentage and a 1.97 goals against average. The Blackhawks should definitely try him out in training camp.
If none of these players are fit for the job, the Blackhawks will likely turn to the free agent market. There will be a number of talented, veteran goalies available this summer.
Whether it's Salak (the 'Hawks best option in their system) or someone from outside the organization, Bowman needs to ensure he as a reliable backup to solidify his goalie tandem.
Improve the Penalty Kill
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In the 2009-2010 season the Blackhawks were perhaps one of the best shorthanded teams in the NHL. Their penalty kill was a top-five 85.3-percent.
Not only did they kill penalties, they scored while killing penalties, with a league-leading 13 shorthanded goals that year.
Last year was totally different. The Blackhawks penalty kill was ranked as one of the worst in the NHL.
This was most likely due to a change in coaching and strategy from the aggressive style of John Torchetti to the passive style of Mike Kitchen.
Kitchen was formerly the penalty kill coach in Florida and since he left their penalty kill was much better, in fact it ranked fifth in the NHL last season, up from 23rd in 2009-2010.
Coincidence? I think not. I think Kitchen's penalty kill philosophy is fundamentally flawed and doesn't mesh with the Blackhawks overall system.
This summer, something needs to be done about this problem. Whether Bowman either tells Kitchen to change his style or step down as the penalty kill coach, the Blackhawks penalty kill must be at least top 10 for them to be a consistently successful hockey team.
One good sign was the penalty kill drastically improved near the end of the season and in the first round series with Vancouver. It became more aggressive and more organized. Perhaps a new strategy has already been adopted.
Let's hope this carries over to next season.
Draft Strategy
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One of the perks of the roster fire sale last summer was an injection of young talent into the organization's system via the acquisition of prospects and draft picks. In last year's draft, the Blackhawks had five picks in the first two rounds.
This year's draft will be similar. The Blackhawks will have a first-round pick, two second-round picks and two third-round picks, meaning they will have five of the top 90 picks.
These picks can be used to continue to recruit young talent into the system and address certain long-term needs or used as trade bait to close a deal. Either way the picks are a huge asset to the Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks have an abundance of offensive defensemen in the system. They also have a plethora of strong power forwards and elite scorers.
But the Blackhawks do have some long-term needs that require some attention, mostly down the middle and in goal.
The Blackhawks still lack a blue-chip center prospect in their system, and this year might be a good year to address it with a gaping second line center position to be filled. Bowman should seek to upgrade his first-round pick and target a player like Jonathan Huberdeau, a highly touted offensive playmaker.
The Blackhawks could also use more tough, shutdown defenseman in their system, making a player like Duncan Siemens an ideal target for the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks were able to draft defensemen Stephen Johns and Justin Holl last year, but defensive depth in the system can always be expanded.
The Blackhawks should also look into drafting another goalie with one of their second-round picks. They're a bit short in that department.
Also, considering how stocked the Blackhawks' cupboard is, look for Bowman to make some moves on draft day.
Create a Fourth Line
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The lack of an effective fourth line caused some trouble for the Blackhawks this season.
Jake Dowell served as a poor center and at times played with very little energy. Jack Skille was a big disappointment. Viktor Stalberg did some good things but isn't a typical grinder and was at times outmuscled.
Basically the Blackhawks need almost an entirely new fourth line this season, one that can be more physical and tougher to play against. Expect at least two new bodies, most likely call-ups from Rockford.
Ryan Johnson should remain as the fourth-line center, at least for now. His ability to win faceoffs, block shots and play a defensive style is something of value.
I think Rob Klinkhammer is exactly the guy the Blackhawks need. He's big, tough, physical and can produce offensively. He saw some time with the Blackhawks last season, I expect to see a lot more.
The hero Ben Smith is another option. He's not afraid to go to the dirty areas, engage opponents physically, play a pesky style and has clearly demonstrated that he has some offensive finish.
Jeremy Morin, who the 'Hawks saw for nine games last season, could also play on the fourth line. He can play a physical style and is tremendously skilled offensively.
The 'Hawks have a number of forward options in their system to manufacture a fourth line for next season. We'll see who performs the best in camp.
Get Patrick Sharp Signed
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Patrick Sharp's contract doesn't expire until the end of next season, but Bowman should seriously consider extending his contract now for a lot of reasons.
First, it will be nice to put the issue to bed and stop worrying about it. Sharp is one of the Blackhawks' best forwards and can now be considered part of the "core" group of players. I don't think he's going anywhere despite some people forecasting a trade.
Second, it will be much easier to manage the cap if Bowman knows exactly how much he has to work with in the future. There will be a lot of worrying if no one knows exactly how much cap space the Blackhawks have for the 2012-2013 season if Sharp still needs a contract.
Third, it would be prudent for Bowman to ink a deal now rather than risk Sharp having another career year next season and his value go up even more. Now would be the best time to sign him after an early playoff exit.
Finally, every party involved wants Sharp to remain a Blackhawk: Sharp, Bowman, the team and especially the fans. Sharp himself said during his final press conference that he'd sign a contract right now if they presented one to him. He wants to stay in Chicago with this organization.
So just get it done this summer instead of prolonging the inevitable and spreading all kinds of uncertainty.
I have Sharp valued at around $5.5 million. Now the Blackhawks obviously can't afford this, so here's what I was thinking:
An eight-year $35 million deal (an annual cap hit of $4.375 million). He receives $6 million per season in the first five years, $3 million in his sixth year and $1 million in each of his remaining two seasons, obviously offering the incentive to retire after his fifth or sixth season.
With this kind of deal, the Blackhawks retain a star player and Sharp receives a well-deserved salary.
Get Rid of John Scott
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I shouldn't have to convince anyone of this.
John Scott is a useless player and a tragic waste of cap space. There are plenty of players out there who could be far more effective while making the league minimum.
If nothing else, getting rid of Scott would mean extra money to contribute towards resigning key players or provide some wiggle room come deadline time.
Scott brings nothing to the team other than the ability to bash faces and even then he's not an "enforcer," just a "goon." If the Blackhawks want a "goon," there are plenty out there better than John Scott.
Scott did receive some praise from Quenneville in the first-round series against Vancouver, noting he was a good utility player and helped maintain order on the ice. However, Scott only received 59 seconds of ice-time in Game 6 after getting away with a cheap shot on Alex Burrows that could have cost the 'Hawks a penalty.
To those who argue Scott can be a good backup defenseman, I encourage you to give your head a shake. There a hundreds of other players out there much more capable of filling the role of a No. 7 defenseman.
I hope Stan Bowman realizes the dreadful error he made signing Scott to a two-year deal and decides to let him go. And since I don't think any team in the NHL would be willing to trade for him, there are only two alternatives: buy him out or bury him in the minors to negate his cap hit.
I don't care how this is done, but take him off the cap and commit those precious dollars to someone of value.
Release Tomas Kopecky
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Tomas Kopecky has some upside but a lot of downside as well. He's a streaky scorer and defensively irresponsible at times.
Kopecky finished the season a minus-13, worst on the Blackhawks.
In addition, Kopecky takes a lot of bad penalties. He finished the season with 60 penalty minutes. That's a lot for a guy that never got five minute fighting majors.
Kopecky did have a career high 15 goals and 42 points this season, but that only adds to the reason why the Blackhawks should let him go this summer.
He currently makes $1.2 million and will surely be demanding a raise. The Blackhawks simply won't be able to afford him.
Even if they could afford him, the Blackhawks shouldn't want Kopecky back next year. He doesn't bring anything that will be significantly missed or extremely difficult to replace. He was originally signed to add some depth and experience to a team looking to win a Stanley Cup.
They won and now they're looking to rebuild into a strong contender. Kopecky doesn't need to a part of this process.
He stepped up for them this year to a degree, but moving forward the Blackhawks won't need him. He doesn't fit on the 'Hawks roster. He would be more suited on a team with the cap space to accommodate him in their bottom six, which is why the Blackhawks suited him in the 2009-2010 season.
Release Fernando Pisani
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Fernando Pisani was added to the roster last summer for the sole purpose of filling an open spot. He wasn't expected to bring an overwhelming amount of skill or offensive contribution to the team. He was a cheap utility player brought in because the 'Hawks couldn't afford anyone else.
I think Pisani has had as good of a year as anyone might have expected him to. With seven goals and nine assists in 56 games played, no one could have expected much more.
Pisani is prone to missing games, whether its due to sickness or injury. Pisani has only played 190 of a possible 324 games in the past four seasons. If I'm a GM, I don't want to commit cap space to a player who is likely to play only half the season.
He has limited usage. He isn't offensively potent by any means. He does play on the penalty kill and is a good defensive forward but isn't hugely effective at shutting down top lines and killing powerplays. He's not a multi-role depth player the 'Hawks can utilize.
Its just not prudent to spend resources on a player like him when there are younger, more effective players who can play for the same amount of money.
I have nothing against Pisani and I think he's played just as good as fans and the Blackhawks organization could have expected him to, but I don't think he's part of their future plans.
Release Jake Dowell
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Jake Dowell was a player brought up this season to replace some of the grit and physicality lost to the salary cap last summer and fill a role in the bottom six.
Spending most of the season on the fourth line, he did have a relatively successful season offensively with six goals and 21 points and was a plus-five, but as a fourth liner Dowell is more relied on to be a grinder and provide energy.
He proved less and less effective as the season wore on. He had some good stretches but by the end of the season he was scratched in favour of rookie skaters Ben Smith and Marcus Kruger. Clearly Quenneville didn't like what he was seeing from Dowell.
He wasn't the physical force the 'Hawks needed him to be and lacked the grit and agitating style most fourth liners are needed to provide.
Dowell will be one of the more difficult decision for Bowman to make this offseason. While Dowell can provide some offense from the fourth line and can be effective at times, he has a lot of downside. He isn't a particularly good skater and hasn't been the grinder the 'Hawks needed.
I think the 'Hawks should give his spot on the fourth line to a more effective physical player like Rob Klinkhammer or a player who has more offensive upside like Jeremy Morin.
If the 'Hawks do decide to stick with Dowell for another season or two, I would be surprised but not necessarily disappointed.
Release Viktor Stalberg
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Stalberg doesn't quite have the have the skill of a top-six forward but he doesn't have the grit of a bottom-six forward either, making it difficult to place a player like Stalberg in the lineup.
And really, the Blackhawks' lineup would be much easier to figure out without Stalberg. If the top six spots are locked up by Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Frolik and a second-line centerman and the bottom six locked up by Bolland, Bickell, Brouwer, Johnson, Klinkhammer and Smith/Morin, where does Stalberg fit into the picture?
Stalberg did do a lot of good things this season. He filled a depth role rather well and was able to generate some offense. He 12 goals and 24 points and finished a plus-two. But ultimately he's not the type of player the Blackhawks need going forward.
He isn't a tough physical player, which the Blackhawks need more of, especially on the fourth line.
Stalberg's expected salary is another thing that will keep him off the roster. Even if he were to resign for his current salary of $850,000, that's not something the Blackhawks can afford.
With the need for more gritty, physical players in the lineup, a top six full of elite talent and limited cap space, it may be difficult to fit Stalberg and his cap hit on the roster.
For these reasons there's a lot of uncertainty regarding Stalberg's future with the 'Hawks. There is a chance Bowman could stick with him because of his speed and ability to generate offense, but I have a feeling he will go in a different direction.
Release Marty Turco
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Stan Bowman took a shot on veteran goalie Marty Turco in an attempt to make up for losing Antti Niemi.
It was a bust.
Turco has been one of the biggest disappointments of the season. His poor performance in the early part of the season forced the Blackhawks to turn to rookie Corey Crawford, who certainly saved the Blackhawks' season.
I'm not a "Turco-hater." I don't blame him for how the Blackhawks were all season. I just call it as I see it. It's tough to defend him with a .897 save percentage and a 3.02 goals against average.
He was a failed experiment. They happen all the time in the NHL. Nothing you can do about them except let the player go and move on. Its not as if Turco is locked into a multi-year multi-million dollar deal. The 'Hawks don't have to worry about what to do with him and instead can focus their attention on attaining a new, more suitable backup goaltender for Crawford.
Even if Turco was willing to resign for the league minimum I wouldn't take him. The stats speak for themselves. Even as a backup Turco isn't good. Just cut the ties and move on.
Re-sign Ryan Johnson
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Ryan Johnson was signed for one reason: he was a centerman who can win faceoffs. And I think for that reason alone the Blackhawks should give him another year, until a more capable centerman presents himself.
Johnson gives the Blackhawks the ability to win faceoffs, which helps their puck-possession system. Since he joined the lineup the Blackhawks team faceoff percentage has shot right up, as has their penalty killing.
Johnson will never produce big offensive numbers (he only has three goals in his last three NHL seasons) but the roles he can play in different situations are critical.
He fits the fourth line centerman role perfectly: wins faceoffs, plays decent in the offensive zone, is defensively responsible and successfully eats up minutes.
He's also a great locker room presence. According to reports he has a great attitude and can serve as a great mentor for some of the younger players.
Johnson won't ask for anything more than league minimum this summer, so why not keep him on the roster in his current role? Capable centermen that can win faceoffs don't grow on trees, therefore the Blackhawks would be stupid to throw one away so readily.
Re-sign Jordan Hendry
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I have mixed feelings about this, but I think in the end Hendry is a solid depth defenseman to have for minimal dollars.
Apparently early in the season the Blackhawks coaching staff had absolutely no confidence in Hendry and he was consistently a healthy scratch.
However, after months of working with the coaching staff, Hendry was finally given ice time and was surprisingly impressive, especially once he started playing defense again.
Hendry proved he can play at the NHL level and be a reliable number seven defenseman who's ready to dress if there's an injury or someone isn't playing well and a lineup change is needed. An extra defenseman gives Quenneville options. He has also shown versatility to play at the forward position.
Hendry gives the Blackhawks much needed defensive depth going forward and for a cheap price. He'd likely resign for his current $600,000 salary, which is manageable.
Currently, there's no one in the Blackhawks system that is ready to step up and play at the NHL level. Dylan Olsen, who is probably the Blackhawks best bet, is at least another year away from playing with the 'Hawks.
I say give Hendry another year and see how it turns out. If it doesn't work, put him on waivers and bury him in the minors.
Re-sign Michael Frolik
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Michael Frolik is an elite player and a proven 20-goal scorer who had a rough season with only 11 goals and 38 points playing on both the Panthers and the Blackhawks.
But remember Frolik is only 23 and has a lot of growth and development left. In time he should emerge has an excellent top six-calibre forward. I think Bowman has big plans moving forward that will definitely include Frolik.
The question for me is: how much will it cost?
Frolik was arguably one of the Blackhawks best players in the series against Vancouver and he received praise from both Bowman and Quenneville about his offensive contribution and surprisingly good two-way play.
Frolik's entry-level contract expires this summer and as a proven 20-goal scorer with a short but impressive playoff campaign under his belt, he could likely demand a pretty large salary.
Hopefully Bowman can sell Frolik the idea of playing with a team full of talented players that will be strong contender for many years to come. That might entice him to sign on for less than he's worth.
If Frolik can be signed for $2 million or less, then I'd say it's well worth it. He seems comfortable with his role and has shown chemistry with several other players. He's a keeper, if the price is right.
Re-sign Troy Brouwer
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Troy Brouwer is one of the most underrated power forwards in the NHL. What he brings to the Blackhawks isn't measured merely in terms of points.
Brouwer is a big guy that can take the body and bring a level of physicality to the Blackhawks game every night. He is hard on the forecheck, can take the puck hard to the net and be a force at both ends of the ice.
He's big, strong, versatile and talented. He's only 25 and has yet to truly hit his hockey prime. Near the top of the league in hits, he's the kind of player the Blackhawks will need going forward.
The Blackhawks had big expectations for Brouwer this season. With all of the lost talent last summer, the 'Hawks expected Brouwer to step up and be a big offensive contributor this year.
Unfortunately, he was a big disappointment, scoring only 17 goals and 36 points. But as I said, Brouwer brings more than just offensive production. Besides, his poor numbers are an advantage to the 'Hawks.
Brouwer will be RFA this summer and will require a new contract. But a mediocre performance in a contract year isn't the best bargaining chip to get a big salary.
Basically my logic is this: Brouwer should come much cheaper than originally expected. He currently makes $1.025 million. Most fans were speculating that he should be earning upwards of $2.5 million next season.
However, I think a mediocre performance this season will earn Brouwer less money than anticipated. I expect a salary of around $2 million for a period of two to three years. This will give the Blackhawks a premiere power forward until some of their power forward prospects are ready to play at the NHL level.
Judging by Bowman's comments at the end of season press conference he too was disappointed by Brouwer's season, but likes what he brings to the team. However he also stated that players will be on the move this summer. Brouwer could be one of them.
From this fan's perspective, the 'Hawks should keep Brouwer for at least two more years. I have a feeling he'll have a career year next season.
Re-sign Chris Campoli
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I think Bowman's deadline acquisition of Chris Campoli will pay dividends far beyond just this season. The Blackhawks system and his style mesh flawlessly, which is why he was able to excel with the 'Hawks.
Campoli filled a very important role the Blackhawks needed fill and handled the pressure of playing for the defending Stanley Cup champions reasonably well. He was logging significant minutes in high-pressure games.
In 19 games with the Blackhawks, Campoli had a goal and six assists and was a plus-three. Although not known as a penalty killer, Campoli proved to be effective at it and helped the 'Hawks penalty kill improve down the stretch.
Campoli's speed and skating ability make him a very deadly offensive defenseman. He won't win a Norris trophy anytime soon, but he is able to add some offense from the back end.
Also, Campoli is only 26 which is still very young for a defenseman and will have plenty of prime years ahead.
Bowman praised Campoli's play down the stretch and recognized the many ways he helped the Blackhawks. However, he did not discuss whether or not this would lead to an extension.
Resigning Campoli should be top five on Bowman's list of priorities this summer. The Blackhawks should still pursue a more defensive minded defenseman, but Campoli's skills and compatibility with the Blackhawks' system are valuable assets.
I can't see Campoli demanding much more than his current $1.4 million salary, making him very affordable. I'd like to see him serve on the bottom pair for a few years.
Re-sign Corey Crawford
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Priority number one: resign Corey Crawford.
This isn't just my opinion, this is what Bowman said in final press conference. Crawford was easily the best rookie goalie this season.
Crawford alone is the reason the Blackhawks even made it to the playoffs and one of the biggest reasons their series with Vancouver went to seven games and then into overtime in Game 7.
With an impressive .918 save percentage and a 2.27 goals against average, four shutouts and 33 wins in the regular season, Crawford had a very impressive rookie campaign, showing everyone he's ready to handle an NHL starting job.
But he didn't think that would convince us so he posted a .927 save percentage and a 2.21 goals against average in his first ever playoff series.
There isn't a person who didn't praise Crawford's performance in Game 7. Quenneville called it "one of the best clutch goalie performances." If that alone doesn't earn Crawford a new contract, I don't know what could.
Stan Bowman has a goalie of the future in Crawford. He is talented, poised and has proven that he can handle pressure and a big workload. Crawford could be a future Vezina winner, and there is even some talk that he could make the Team Canada roster in 2014.
Like I said, re-signing Crawford is at the very top of Bowman's list of priorities. Expect a salary somewhere around $2.5 million for two or three years. Don't expect arbitration. Don't expect qualifying offers. Expect a deal to get inked before you can even say "free agency."
Trade Niklas Hjalmarsson
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When Bowman spoke of the Blackhawks parting ways with some players this summer, I think one of the players he was referring to was Niklas Hjalmarsson.
The Blackhawks defense is one area that needs to be strongly reevaluated by the management this summer and I think the biggest realization the they will come to is: Hjalmarsson isn't the type of defenseman they need moving forward.
The Blackhawks are in need of a tough, gritty, physical and reliable defenseman to take some of the pressure off Seabrook and allow Keith to play with more two-way dynamism. Hjalmarsson just isn't their guy.
He is a typical "stay-at-home," defensive-minded defenseman and an excellent shot blocker, but he lacks the toughness and physicality that the Blackhawks need more of on defense.
Hjalmarsson is talented defenseman that still has lots of development to go through and should emerge as an undisputed top four-calibre defenseman, but the Blackhawks just don't have the cap space to commit to a player that doesn't suit their immediate needs.
Despite his $3.5 million salary, Hjalmarsson is still a highly marketable player, so he wouldn't be overly difficult to move. Contending teams could utilize his skills and his youth would appeal to rebuilding teams.
If nothing else, the move would mostly be a manoeuvre to gain some much needed cap space. With so much committed to the defense already, including Brent Seabrook's new $5.8 million per season extension, the 'Hawks can't afford Hjalmarsson unless other moves are made.
Trade Brian Campbell
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This is more of a pipe dream than anything else. Realistically I don't see it happening, but I'm sure it's something on Bowman's mind twenty four-seven.
I love Campbell but he has arguably one of the worst contracts in the NHL. With a salary of $7.14 million per season on a team that is pushed right up against the cap, I don't see how the Blackhawks can be a deep, competitive team in three years unless they unload him.
He was brought in to fill a very specific role on the roster. The 'Hawks needed an offensive-minded, puck moving defenseman and some veteran leadership and experience. Campbell is no longer needed to provide either.
The Blackhawks have their dynamic, puck moving defenseman in Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith and have plenty of leadership provided by Toews, Sharp, Keith, Hossa and others.
Campbell has altered his game to be more defensively conscious, and it has paid off. He led the Blackhawks in plus/minus at a plus-28, among the best in the NHL and was arguably the Blackhawks best defenseman this season.
However from an economic standpoint, Campbell just doesn't make sense, no matter how good he plays. His salary is overwhelming and strangles the Blackhawks cap-wise.
I don't know if Bowman does have a plan for Campbell. If he doesn't, I don't know what how the Blackhawks can hope to rebuild championship depth.
Campbell is a marketable player if Bowman should try to move him. As mention he had a top-10 plus/minus, his mobility and puck-moving style can help any team's transition game and his veteran presence could be valuable to a younger team.
It all boils down to who Bowman approaches and what kind of deal he seeks.
Conclusion
23 of 23
Bowman will have a full plate this summer negotiating new contracts, initiating trades and making the much needed improvements to the team to return next season as a strong Stanley Cup contender.
He will need to get rid of a lot of pieces and replace them with new, more effective ones. This summer Bowman certainly has more in terms of options.
If everything were to pan out as I imagined it, the 'Hawks lineup next season would look something like this:
First forward line: Sharp - Toews - Kane
Second forward line: Frolik - (second-line center) - Hossa
Third forward line: Brouwer - Bolland - Bickell
Fourth forward line: Klinkhammer - Johnson - Smith/Morin
First defensive pairing: Keith - Seabrook
Second defensive pairing: (completely new shutdown pairing)
Third defensive pairing: Leddy - Campoli
Starting goalie: Corey Crawford
Backup goalie: Alexander Salak/free agent
If the Blackhawks are able to ice a team that resembles this lineup next season after a full summer of rest and training, I have a hard time seeing them having another mediocre season or not going deep in the playoffs.
The Blackhawks have an enormous window to win another Stanley Cup. They are still a very young team with a surplus of talent in their system. This summer will be but a small step in the process of rebuilding into a superpower contender.
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.jpg?w=480 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
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.png?w=600 "B/R NHL Staff Second-Round Predictions 🏒")
