Post by Hawks on Oct 19, 2012 10:32:55 GMT -5
Chicago had a busy off-season this year.
First on the job list was securing important RFAs, Sergei Kostitsyn and Dan Hamhuis to new contracts. After that, Chicago set its sights on spending its enormous payroll on building a competitive roster.
After being unable to secure the rights to restricted free agent Patrick Sharp, Chicago went out and signed from the UFA pool:
Chris Kunitz - Who brings great size and skill to the lineup. Great all around player who can be used in a variety of situations.
Radim Vrbata - Chicago's new scoring threat both in the game and also in the shootout, we expect Radim to put up at least 35 goals this season.
Joe Thornton - After being acquired in last years free agency from Vancouver, then traded at the deadline to Tampa Bay, Chicago brings big Joe back to Chicago with a fresh new contract.
For the "bargain" price of just 18.7 million dollars, Chicago was able to sign an entire first line that could compete with any other team in the league.
But GM Gavin Steidele wasn't done there.
Happy with his top signings, he went out and signed backup goalie Johan Hedberg to help share the load with breakout star (and famous actor:www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYUak3bSoAM) Mike Smith. Followed that up with a trade that brought in another shootout expert and journeyman, Jarret Stoll, and then another combination of trades with New Jersey that saw major improvements to the Chicago lineup card.
Out were Michael Grabner, Ian White, prospects Mark McNeill, Ryan Spooner, Michael Stone & Cody Goloubef, but in were Alex Burrows, rental Chris Phillips, and the new offensive and defensive backbone to the roster, Niklas Kronwall.
Projected Blackhawks Roster is as follow:
Joe Thornton - Chris Kunitz - Radim Vrbata
Bryan Little - Alex Burrows - Blake Wheeler
Sam Gagner - Sergei Kostitsyn - Nathan Horton
Saku Koivu - Lauri Korpikoski - Jarret Stoll
Niklas Kronwall - Dan Hamhuis
Dustin Byfuglien - Chris Phillips
Andrej Meszaros - Roman Josi
Chicago has managed to take a rather thin roster of players and a large pile of cash, and turn it into one of the best rosters in the league this season. Few can match the depth of their roster, sporting 3 solid lines all capable of scoring goals (along with the best 1-2 punch in the shootout among the league), good support from the blueline, and top end goaltending to boot.
It looks to be an exciting season as Chicago is seeking a deep playoff run, with what looks like a solid chance to finally bring home the silverware.
First on the job list was securing important RFAs, Sergei Kostitsyn and Dan Hamhuis to new contracts. After that, Chicago set its sights on spending its enormous payroll on building a competitive roster.
After being unable to secure the rights to restricted free agent Patrick Sharp, Chicago went out and signed from the UFA pool:
Chris Kunitz - Who brings great size and skill to the lineup. Great all around player who can be used in a variety of situations.
Radim Vrbata - Chicago's new scoring threat both in the game and also in the shootout, we expect Radim to put up at least 35 goals this season.
Joe Thornton - After being acquired in last years free agency from Vancouver, then traded at the deadline to Tampa Bay, Chicago brings big Joe back to Chicago with a fresh new contract.
For the "bargain" price of just 18.7 million dollars, Chicago was able to sign an entire first line that could compete with any other team in the league.
But GM Gavin Steidele wasn't done there.
Happy with his top signings, he went out and signed backup goalie Johan Hedberg to help share the load with breakout star (and famous actor:www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYUak3bSoAM) Mike Smith. Followed that up with a trade that brought in another shootout expert and journeyman, Jarret Stoll, and then another combination of trades with New Jersey that saw major improvements to the Chicago lineup card.
Out were Michael Grabner, Ian White, prospects Mark McNeill, Ryan Spooner, Michael Stone & Cody Goloubef, but in were Alex Burrows, rental Chris Phillips, and the new offensive and defensive backbone to the roster, Niklas Kronwall.
Projected Blackhawks Roster is as follow:
Joe Thornton - Chris Kunitz - Radim Vrbata
Bryan Little - Alex Burrows - Blake Wheeler
Sam Gagner - Sergei Kostitsyn - Nathan Horton
Saku Koivu - Lauri Korpikoski - Jarret Stoll
Niklas Kronwall - Dan Hamhuis
Dustin Byfuglien - Chris Phillips
Andrej Meszaros - Roman Josi
Chicago has managed to take a rather thin roster of players and a large pile of cash, and turn it into one of the best rosters in the league this season. Few can match the depth of their roster, sporting 3 solid lines all capable of scoring goals (along with the best 1-2 punch in the shootout among the league), good support from the blueline, and top end goaltending to boot.
It looks to be an exciting season as Chicago is seeking a deep playoff run, with what looks like a solid chance to finally bring home the silverware.