Chicago Blackhawks' Free Agents: Who Stays, Who Goes

Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman should be addressing the team's free agents following this weekend's NHL Draft.

It's safe to say some changes will be in order in the next few weeks.  Maybe even as soon as today, as one or more of Chicago's restricted free agents could be dealt as part of a draft day transaction.

Bowman has come out publicly as saying that the 'Hawks are not bringing everyone back into the fold this summer.  The question is simple.  Who's back and who's gone?

The answers...well, those may be more complicated.  Money, team needs, offer sheets, and potential trades muddy the water a bit.  Here are some quick thoughts on the Blackhawks'  free agents.

Troy Brouwer

Status: RFA

Thoughts: Seems like Brouwer wants to return and it may be more expensive to replace what he brings to the team.  Will shoulder surgery keep the offer sheets away?   The higher cap allows more dough to offer Brouwer, but is he looking for too much?

With rumors of an impending extension for Patrick Sharp, whispers are building about Brouwer being a trade possibility.  That kind of move would hurt if we didn't pick up a rugged guy who will stay in front of the net.

Chances of Returning:  80 percent

UPDATE: As of Friday night, Brouwer is now property of the Washington Capitals.  In return, the 'Hawks got Washington's first round pick.

Michael Frolik

Status: RFA

Thoughts:  Is not eligible for arbitration, which may weaken his bargaining stance.  A down year scoring also lowers his starting price.  The 'Hawks would love him to man their third line if he's willing to accept that role.

Bowman can afford to dig in his heels a bit in negotiations this summer, but it seemed like Frolik was a guy he'd really like to have back.

Chances of Returning: 80 percent

Viktor Stalberg

Status: RFA

Thoughts: Loads of potential, but production this past season doesn't figure to earn him a huge raise.  You can't teach speed, but if the right trade came Bowman's way this weekend...

Chances of Returning: 70 percent

Chris Campoli

Status: RFA

Thoughts: I have to admit that while Campoli played well in his time in Chicago, there are a lot better fits on defense for the 'Hawks. 

I know what Bowman said during the season, but it may be time to admit Campoli was a decent rental and leave it at that.

The 'Hawks need to be more physical on the blue line, and Campoli may price himself out of town.

Chances of Returning: 50 percent

Jake Dowell

Status: RFA

Thoughts: Despite the way Dowell ended the season, he's a cheap grinder that could hold down a spot on the fourth line.  Bowman indicated that he was in negotiations with the Dowell camp, and I would not mind seeing this guy on next season's roster.

That said, there may be serious health issues at work.  I pray there aren't, but that remains to be seen.  In his defense, Dowell put up comparable numbers to a lot of bargain-type of players available around the league even with a disappointing final two months.

Chances of Returning: 50 percent

Ryan Johnson

Status: UFA

Thoughts: Won a lot of faceoffs and will not be expensive to re-sign, but Bowman may have his sights on bringing back John Madden in this spot.  Would the oft-injured Johnson be of similar value with a slight raise and a full-season of games?

Chances of Returning: 50 percent

Tomas Kopecky

Status: UFA

Thoughts: For the money Kopecky likely earned with his numbers this season, I can't see Chicago matching the highest bid. 

Kopecky is a fourth-line guy and shouldn't be hard to replace at a cheaper rate.  Still, there's the Hossa thing.  It just seems like there are better ways for Bowman to spend this summer.

Chances of Returning: 25 percent

Jordan Hendry

Status: UFA

Thoughts: I was stunned that the 'Hawks re-signed Hendry last summer, so I wouldn't be shocked if it happens again.  But why would Hendry hang around Chicago to get scratched most nights? 

The 'Hawks have other options at a 6/7 defenseman, and Hendry could find a team on which he could get a shot at steady minutes.

Chances of Returning: 20 percent

Fernando Pisani

Status: UFA

Thoughts: The one-year contract was for a reason.  He was exactly what he signed as: a minimum contract skater who filled out a roster. 

Bowman can afford to upgrade, either with players like Jeremy Morin, Ben Smith, or Marcus Kruger or another veteran bargain.

Chances of Returning: 0 percent

Marty Turco

Status: UFA

Thoughts: Good guy.  Professional.  Not in Bowman's plans.  The signing of Alexander Salak slammed the door on Turco's return.  But we'll always have his Degree commercials, won't we?

Chances of Returning: 0 percent

Other Organizational Free Agents

In addition to the Blackhawks free agents on the pro level, Chicago also has decisions to make on a host of players further down the organizational ladder.  Here are some quick thoughts on some names you may or may not be familiar with, but you may see in the Indian head sweater in the future.

Rob Klinkhammer, LW: I'd love to see this guy re-signed to a two-way deal.  Deserves a look as a fourth-liner.

Brian Connelly, D: Bowman could trade his rights on draft day, but Connelly is as ready for the NHL as he is likely to get and doesn't appear to be in Chicago's plans.

Alec Richards, G: Should get re-signed and given another year in Rockford as the primary goalkeeper.

Evan Brophy, C: Doesn't have a future, at least in Chicago, where guys like Kruger and Brandon Pirri are ahead of him, along with several fellow Rockford centers.  Too bad.  Nice kid.

Jassen Cullimore, D: Proved he could still play NHL minutes, lives out in the suburbs, would be a valuable veteran to help develop prospects like Shawn Lalonde, Ryan Stanton, and Dylan Olsen.

Jeff Taffe, F: Added a solid veteran presence to Rockford and led the team in scoring.  However, he may get a better offer elsewhere.

Hannu Toivonen, G:  I suppose he could be back.  Is a first-round bust who's on his third team, but as usual showed flashes of competence.  Probably moving on to tease yet another organization.