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Free Agency: Day 1 Review |
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Yesterday was a continual overhaul of the Blackhawks roster to change its overall composition that is becoming more and more primed to earn a playoff berth and go as deep as possible toward a Stanley Cup rather than take a developmental step forward in a multi-year rebuild.
Before we review Wednesday's transactions, here are a few things to watch for as the offseason plows ahead:
* Expect Calvin de Haan to be shipped out as he was rumored yesterday to be on the trade block.
* Expect Dylan Strome to be shopped around and potentially traded this summer.
* Expect Alex Nylander to be re-signed as one of two RFAs left on the team and possibly be dangled to see if other teams bite.
* Expect Brandon Hagel as the other RFA to be re-signed.
* Expect one of Ryan Carpenter or Brett Connolly to be on another team.
* Expect either Malcolm Subban, Collin Delia, or both to be moved out in exchange for a draft pick (in separate deals if both are goners).
* Expect a veteran goalie to be obtained via free agency or trade in the event that Marc-Andre Fleury doesn't report to Chicago or decides to retire.
* Expect at least one more affordable UFA veteran defenseman brought in from the bargain bin on a one-year deal and fill the 6/7 on the D corps.
* Expect at least one more affordable UFA veteran forward also brought in on the cheap on a one-year deal especially if Strome and/or Nylander are dealt.
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Jake McCabe
While I do like the Jake McCabe signing, it's a bit rich for someone who has had injury issues in his career and is just coming off knee surgery (ACL, MCL, meniscus). Add in the oft-injured de Haan and the Hawks have two defensemen who could be in and out of the lineup.
When healthy, though, McCabe brings physicality on the back end. His compete level is high and he skates fairly well to contribute to a mobile blueline as a defensive defenseman. McCabe also munches minutes, blocks shots, kills penalties, and plays shutdown hockey.
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Jujhar Khaira
I had a feeling the Hawks would kick the tires on Jujhar Khaira when it was known the Oilers were letting him and Dominik Kahun walk. Kahun doesn't quite fit the Hawks anymore but Khaira does as this offseason has shown that size, physicality, and grit seem to be priorities.
Khaira will be purely a 4th liner who can play either center or wing while also being a candidate for the penalty kill. He's adept at chasing and digging out pucks as well as holding onto it if he has possession. His career faceoff percentage has hovered around 45%.
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Nikita Zadorov
Nikita Zadorov was clearly on the outs with the Hawks so trading him for a 3rd round pick is a good deal and about what was expected as an acceptable return. His spot was upgraded with the acquisition of McCabe who plays a similar game but with more reliability.
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Pius Suter
Even though retaining Pius Suter would have been preferred, it's no surprise either that he wasn't re-signed and allowed to become a free agent now knowing what his asking price was in the low-to-mid $3M range as the Red Wings landed him on a 2-year $3.25M AAV contract.
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Vincent Hinostroza
Similarly to Suter, keeping Vincent Hinostroza in Chicago on a hometown discount after an inspiring performance once reacquired from the Panthers would have been favorable but there was no space for him once Adam Gaudette's contract renewal was announced on Monday.
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David Kampf
After the Hawks didn't qualify him and permitted him to become a UFA, the Maple Leafs signed David Kampf to a 2-year $1.5M AAV deal. Chicago's loss is Toronto's gain as they obtain a shutdown 4C who dominates at faceoffs and can help sustain pressure at both ends.
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Seth Jones
Not really news but the extension that Seth Jones signed after the trade from Columbus is now official and will kick in next season. Yet, the debate still rages on after Dougie Hamilton signed for less with New Jersey at 7 years $9M AAV compared to Jones' 8 years $9.5M AAV.
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Chad Yetman
The IceHogs re-signed Blackhawks 2020 6th rounder Chad Yetman to a one-year contract. He's a good lottery pick to develop on an AHL deal: hustles, is reliable in all zones, and chips in secondary scoring. Tough climb to be NHL viable but he's at least great depth for the Hogs.
Late picks like Yetman could help blaze the way for others like him. For instance, 2021 7th rounder Jalen Luypen could have a similar path from solid offensive numbers and energetic play in all zones in juniors to being minor league depth to start his pro career then go from there.
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See you on the boards!
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