The post-draft portion of the NHL offseason kicked off with a busy first day centered on internal housekeeping items. Yesterday was no different for the Blackhawks as they named their coaching staff, made qualifying offers, bought out players, and began prospect development camp.
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Coaching Staff
Although not too surprising, retaining not only Derek King as an assistant coach but also Jimmy Waite as goaltending coach and Matt Meacham as video coach was somewhat expected. Former Blackhawks defensemen Kevin Dean also comes aboard as another assistant coach.
In interviews yesterday, head coach Luke Richardson alluded to the notion that he's not done yet with rounding out his coaching staff so there could be a few more additions. It's good, though, to see defense will be a focus as that is the forte for both Richardson and Dean.
Luke Richardson on hiring of Derek King and Kevin Dean as assistants: “Derek has made an impact here on this organization and I’m thrilled to have someone like him on our staff. Kevin’s mind for the game and defensive focus will be an asset for us.… #Blackhawks
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) July 11, 2022
Qualifying Offers
The #Blackhawks have made qualifying offers to Caleb Jones and Philipp Kurashev.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 11, 2022
Barring any trades, these players can sign with other teams as free agents on Wednesday:
* Andrei Altybarmakian (RFA) * Calvin de Haan (UFA) * Collin Delia (UFA) * Kurtis Gabriel (UFA) * Erik Gustafsson (UFA) * Wyatt Kalynuk (RFA) * Dominik Kubalik (RFA) * Kevin Lankinen (UFA) * Cale Morris (RFA) * Cam Morrison (RFA) * Dylan Strome (RFA)
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Buyouts
More Blackhawks departures https://t.co/YIdbMjMgKB
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) July 11, 2022
Besides top players Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Seth Jones, some others to keep an eye on as far as having their days numbered in Chicago include forwards Tyler Johnson and Jujhar Khaira as well as defensemen Connor Murphy, Jake McCabe, and Riley Stillman.
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Prospect Development Camp
Blackhawks draft pick Samuel Savoie talks about the line between being confident as a young player and being cocky. pic.twitter.com/gUVasGMHiD
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) July 11, 2022
In this interview (see tweet above), the well-spoken Savoie eloquently describes the difference between confident and cocky. If the rebuilding Hawks can be the former than the latter, it will give the team swagger that can go a long way in winning and rising to the top of the NHL again.
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See you on the boards!
Sources: Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, NBC Sports Chicago, The Athletic Chicago