Hockey Team #8

Let’s now turn to one of the most dominant franchises of the 2010s. Between the 2008-09 and 2014-15 seasons, the Chicago Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups and made it to the final of the West Conference on two more occasions. After winning the Cup for the first time in 2010 against Pittsburgh, Chicago did it again in 2013 and 2015 against Philadelphia and Tampa Bay. Since then, there has been no presence in the second round. The Hawks are currently being rebuilt, and I think it is well underway.

Let's analyze, as usual, the arrivals and departures of the Illinois team.Corey Crawford will not be back with the team next season, he signed a contract with the New Jersey Devils. The Canadian goaltender has been a face of this team for a very long time and an important component in the three conquests of the prestigious trophy. Still on the defensive level, two defenders left. They are Olli Maata and Slater Koekkoek. Two defenders with a more defensive character. Even though we always expected more from Maatta offensively, he never really delivered at this level. It must be said that he was often slowed down by injuries. In addition to these three players, two forwards will not be back with this team from the Central section. Drake Caggiula has not received a qualifying offer and Brandon Saad has been traded to Colorado.Two fairly significant losses for an attack that is not the most experienced. Some young players are pushing and forging their way into the starting line-up, but they still need to gain experience. Still on the attack, the Hawks have made two additions. They signed Matthias Janmark and Lucas Wallmark. Two downgrades from lost offensive players, but good additions. The exchange that sent Saad to the Avalanche brought a good defensive player in Nikita Zadorov. This acquisition rejuvenates the defensive brigade of this Western team.

Let's now turn our attention to the starting line-up of the Chicago Blackhawks. The two main headliners will be back with the team again. I am, of course, talking about Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Alex DeBrincat will be there to support the two great players of the Blackhawks. Also, Dominik Kubalik who was a revelation last year will be there to breathe new life into this attack. If he continues on the momentum of last season, he will prove to be a more than winning bet for the Chicago management. He was acquired from the Los Angeles Kings for a simple 5th round pick. Let's bet that the California team is still biting its fingers today. Several young players complete the core. Among them, Dylan Strome still hasn't received an offer from the Western Conference team. Add the names of Kirby Dach and Alexander Nylander and the future looks bright if these young men can meet the expectations that have been placed on them. Zack Smith, Ryan Carpenter and Andrew Shaw add experience to this young core group of players. On defence, the situation is much the same. Two veterans who have been with the team forever are Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Two younger players as Nikita Zadorov and Adam Boqvist and two experienced players as Calvin De Haan and Connor Murphy to complete the defensive brigade. The goaltenders are a big question mark for this team in the Central section. Collin Delia and Malcolm Subban are two young goaltenders who have some potential but have yet to prove themselves in the NHL.

With everything we have discussed, we can now make a diagnosis. Personally, I believe that this team is heading in the right direction. They haven't improved significantly, but they haven't suffered a big loss. With the exception of Crawford, the players who have left have been replaced by good solutions. Overall, the team remains the same. A very young team that needs to gain experience, but could cause a surprise because of the talent it features. This is a team whose progress I'm looking forward to watching.

ML