5 Things the Chicago Blackhawks Must Do To Make 2015-16 NHL Playoffs

By Darrell Samuels

Top 10 Free Agents On The Radar For The St. Louis Blues This Summer

Blues Celebrate Goal — Now that the Chicago Blackhawks are Stanley Cup champions for the third time in six seasons, it is officially the NHL offseason and the free agency frenzy is right around the corner. In 2015, the St. Louis Blues had another disappointing early round exit, losing to the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the playoffs. It is clear that moves need to be made. Here are ten guys the Blues should pick up or re-sign during free agency.

10. Damien Brunner

Damien Brunner, Free Agent

10. Damien Brunner

Damien Brunner, Free Agent — After a solid season with the Detroit Red Wings in 2012-13, Brunner was let go and signed with the New Jersey Devils where he struggled for a team playing with no hope. Brunner has an extremely lethal set of hands and was a big part of the Red Wings' offense in the 2013 playoffs, scoring five goals and adding four assists. The 29-year-old Brunner would be a great fit to a team looking for third and fourth line players such as the Blues.

9. Carl Soderberg

Carl Soderberg, Free Agent

9. Carl Soderberg

Carl Soderberg, Free Agent — It would not be a bad investment adding a depth guy with fast legs and a solid scoring touch like Soderberg. The Swede displayed his talent with 13 goals and 31 assists in 2014-15 with the Boston Bruins, but he has some major downside. Soderberg is blind in his left eye, which in the game of hockey will certainly have an impact. Soderberg's production also significantly decreased in the second half of last season with the Bruins.

8. Mike Green

Mike Green, Free Agent

8. Mike Green

Mike Green, Free Agent — Green's role on the Washington Capitals diminished significantly in 2014-15. The Capitals obviously feel that John Carlson is the team's future in terms of offensive defensemen, and they have Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen locked down to long-term deals taking up a lot of salary cap space. Cutting ties with aged free agent defenseman Barret Jackman and Zbynek Michalek and adding Green would be a great move for the Blues.

7. Nazem Kadri

Nazem Kadri, Free Agent

7. Nazem Kadri

Nazem Kadri, Free Agent — The Toronto Maple Leafs are simply a disaster right now and are looking to clean house. Kadri is still a restricted free agent which means the Blues would have to surrender a prospect or a draft pick in order to get him, but he is well worth the investment. The Blues should go after Kadri, even if his attitude towards showing up to practice on time isn't spotless.

6. Colin Wilson

Colin WIlson, Free Agent

6. Colin Wilson

Colin WIlson, Free Agent — Wilson had a breakout year with the Nashville Predators last season, scoring 20 goals and adding 22 assists on the second line. Wilson also added three goals in the Predators' first-round series loss to Chicago. Clearly there is a lot of upside to a young and talented forward who can crack 40 points in a season. The Predators have many other free agents who may be above Wilson on the priority list. The Blues should capitalize.

5. Alex Galchenyuk

Alex Galchenyuk, Free Agent

5. Alex Galchenyuk

Alex Galchenyuk, Free Agent — The Montreal Canadiens made a deadline deal sending young speedster Jiri Sekac to the Anaheim Ducks for power forward, Devante Smith-Pelly in February. The Habs are likely to focus their attention during free agency on getting bigger rather than faster, leaving out Galchenyuk. His clutch performances in the playoffs with two career overtime playoff goals at such a young age is definitely something worth investing in.

4. Michael Del Zotto

Michael Del Zotto, Free Agent

4. Michael Del Zotto

Michael Del Zotto, Free Agent — Following stints with the New York Rangers, Nashville Predators, and Philadelphia Flyers, Del Zotto is again back on the market. In 2014-2015, the 24-year-old defenseman actually had a very solid season with the Flyers, netting ten goals and twenty-two assists. If the Blues want a solid defenseman for a cheap price rather than pay high for a guy like Mike Green, then Del Zotto would be the perfect candidate.

3. Brandon Saad

Brandon Saad, Free Agent

3. Brandon Saad

Brandon Saad, Free Agent — The Blackhawks have a lot of free agents to deal with this offseason. It is likely that the Blackhawks will cut ties with older players like Patrick Sharp, Johnny Oduya and Brad Richards in order to keep Saad. However, if Chicago does try to wait things out, then the Blues should definitely make a play on Saad. Taking a stud like Saad off your arch rival's roster and adding him to your own is always a great move.

2. Braden Holtby

Braden Holtby, Free Agent

2. Braden Holtby

Braden Holtby, Free Agent — Brian Elliott and Jake Allen just have not supplied the saves necessary to succeed in this league. Holtby excelled this past season in Washington and is the top goaltender in this summer's free agency market. The Blues desperately need goaltending and this guy may be the answer. It would be wise to contact his agent.

1. Vladimir Tarasenko

Vladimir Tarasenko, Free Agent

1. Vladimir Tarasenko

Vladimir Tarasenko — By far the most valuable player for the Blues this past season. It would be ludicrous to not sign that type of talent back, especially at such a young age. Tarasenko's rookie contract only paid him 0,000 per year. Simply put, Tarasenko is going to want some big money in order to stay in St. Louis.

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