Multiple sources are telling me John Madden will return to the Hawks next season, likely with a very cap friendly deal.
More on this as it evolves.
A couple of implications.
Madden might have enough left in the tank to fill a third line C role at least part of the year, allowing Dave Bolland to step up into a second line role. Bolland has the talent— it's just that either injury or chemistry has held him back.
It also allows the Hawks to play Marcus Kruger at wing next year, as opposed to putting him into position to fail at C. Kruger will likely play C in a couple of years. In the meantime, this is a kid to watch. Kruger was a bit of a force in the World Cup Final versus the Czechs. He is skinny as a rail at this point but skilled, has vision and is utterly fearless. If/when he puts on some pounds, this kid is going to be an NHL player.
This likely means Ryan Johnson is done as a Hawk, but not necessarily. The Hawks' cap situation calls for players like Johnson, Madden or Jake Dowell to take a cap friendly deal if they want to play in Chicago. And these are all players who bring something in bottom 6 roles.
More later,
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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