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By now fans are aware of the skill on the Chicago Blackhawks‘ roster. After winning their third Stanley Cup in six seasons, they were deemed the next dynasty in hockey. Ever since they have been forced to deal with a couple of cap casualties which involved trading Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp. But even with this loss of forward depth, this team is ready to make another run for the Stanley Cup in 2016.
Saad and Sharp are both good hockey players who can contribute at the NHL level. However with their cap problems, the Blackhawks were expecting to let go of a couple players of this caliber. Therefore, this offseason was planned for well in advance. Before the playoffs were finished, they were already at work as they signed Artemi Panarin to an entry-level contract. The young russian was one of the best players at this year’s world championships and looks ready to replace the lost production that the Blackhawks need.
Once the playoffs were complete, Saad became a restricted free agent which inspired a trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blackhawks’ received a quality package as Artem Anisimov can fit right on any line and be a positive possession player. They also landed young star Marko Dano who had limited NHL playing time but showed flashes of brilliant play. Dano, Panarin and Teuvo Teravainen will provide the youth the Blackhawks need going forward.
Along with Saad and Sharp, the Blackhawks also lost Brad Richards and Antoine Vermette to free agency. Losing four forwards from last year’s championship team hurts, but with capable replacements Jeremy Morin and Ryan Garbutt at their disposal, this team executed the refresh and rebuild needed to make another championship run.
The Blackhawks have a new look to their team and with the number of entry-level deals they may experience a similar situation in a few years. But for now, Chicago is still one of the most dangerous team in the NHL.
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