Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Departed Players They Need to Replace

The Chicago Blackhawks waved adieu to a number of players in the offseason. Some were casualties of the economics of the game, while others just needed a change of address.

Whatever the reason, eight skaters and a goalie are no longer part of the organization. The improvement of the team in the upcoming season will hinge on how well GM Stan Bowman replaced some of the key departures.

Here are five players that, depending on the performances of their replacements, will be missed most by the Blackhawks in 2011-12.

5. Jake Dowell

Dowell migrated to Dallas via free agency when the 'Hawks chose not to tender an offer.

We all remember his fade in the later part of last season, which led to spotty minutes and limited playoff action, but for the first four months, Dowell played the grinder role on this team to a T.

21 points from the fourth-line center was a decent effort, plus, he led the team with eight fights and improved in the faceoff circle as the season went on.

Dowell's Replacement(s): In theory, Jamal Mayers, a player coach Joel Quenneville is comfortable with, will get the nod for this spot. Mayers may not replicate Dowell's surprising rookie numbers, but knows what is expected from him.

Marcus Kruger could spend time on the fourth line, though, he's not a good fit for the job of a banger. If Mayers isn't the guy, expect Bowman to go fishing for a cheap veteran.

4. Chris Campoli

Campoli's adventures in free agency have left him still seeking employment as training camp looms, but he brought some skills to the table in his brief tenure with the 'Hawks.

Campoli was a last-minute addition to the team, but fit into the playoff push and wasn't afraid to get physical. He helped stabilize the depth on the blue line and added some puck-moving acumen.

Campoli's Replacement: Sami Lepisto came in at a much cheaper rate and will be counted on to provide quality minutes as part of the 'Hawks' third pairing.

3. Tomas Kopecky

Kopecky enjoyed career-high numbers and parlayed it into a four-year, $12 million dollar contract with Florida.

The 42 points Kopecky scored this past season came in a huge spike in his minutes on the ice. Say what you want about his hands, but his production as a fourth-liner the season before was solid.

Kopecky's replacement: Some would say Andrew Brunette, but Kopecky's role on this team should have been as a fourth-line role player. Right now, that looks to be a guy like Ben Smith. Daniel Carcillo provides the chippiness lost through Kopecky's departure, and if disciplined, has skill with the puck.

Truth be told, I don't see either guy matching Kopecky's scoring from last year. On the other hand, they won't need to play his minutes, either.

2. Troy Brouwer

Brouwer may have been a streaky player who saw a drop in scoring production in the 2010-11 season, however, he was one of the few guys who would get in front of the crease. He also led the team in hits.

Despite a big-time drought to close the season, Brouwer did score 17 goals. Shoulder surgery in the offseason was followed by a trade to Washington, where he inked a two-year, $4.7 million dollar deal.

A hard-working player who may still have his best hockey in front of him, Brouwer is a power forward the team may not have effectively replaced this year.

Brouwer's Replacement: Brunette is going to be tabbed with the job of replacing Brouwer in the top-six. From a scoring standpoint, Brunette has a nice touch and is a veteran who knows where to be to get the puck in the net.

While not the physical presence Brouwer is, Brunette is a big (though, admittedly slow) guy who will convert opportunities. That, and the added grit Bowman added this summer, will have to offset the loss of Brouwer.

1. Brian Campbell

Yes, we unloaded what was considered to be an unmovable contract. However, coming up with a player to play Campbell's minutes and solid play on the second line is the biggest question mark among the turnover this summer.

The scoring was down from Soup this season, but he led the 2010-11 team with a plus/minus of plus-28 and was sorely missed when he was out of the lineup over the last two seasons.

Campbell's replacement: The 'Hawks got deeper on defense over the summer. That is going to have to be the difference on the back end. Nick Leddy will have to step up, as will Lepisto and Sean O'Donnell. Together, they will split the load left by Campbell, who will suit up for the Panthers this fall.