Welcome to the 2nd edition of the "What If" scenario series.
The last blog, we explored some "what if" trades; "what if" Stan was able to pull off a trade to better this hockey club before now and September's training camp.
The trade route does still look like an option, but maybe a more plausible road to take would be an addition via free agency.
At this point in the offseason, one could call this "dumpster diving for spare parts" as there aren't many impact players out there at this time.
Rick Nash ($7.8M), Kari Lehtonen ($5.9M) and Toby Enstrom ($5.75M) are the top 3 names that pop up on CapFriendly's top UFAs due to their salaries last year.
I have been one on the Rick Nash train as I believe he would be one of the only players still remaining that could slide into a top 6 role. Yes, some of you say he's washed up and I wouldn't be expecting much from him on a 1-year deal for much less than his $7.8M he played for last year, however, he scored 21 goals last year. The Hawks would welcome a proven 20-goal scorer on their team right now.
I am not going to included Nash in my "what if" signings today though as I feel like if he were going to sign with a team, I believe it will be with one that he deems is Stanley Cup contending caliber. Also, he's contemplating playing at all as he wrestles with concerns from concussions.
Stan Bowman said "we're probably" done with free agency but I don't think he can sit on his hands if he's unable to improve his team through a trade.
There are holes in this team and I'm all for "play the kids" movement if we're prepared to watch a lot of up-and-downs, but most of "those kids" would benefit from playing a majority of the year in Rockford vs. being forced into an NHL role.
I can see any of the following names being signed either prior to training camp or after an invite to camp to show the coaching staff what they got.
The themes for these 3 players below are nostalgia, rumoured marked-man and need – here we go:
"What If" signing #1 - Troy Brouwer (32, 6'3/215 lbs)
Here we go, indeed. It's been an interesting split on the messages boards/social of those who would like to see Troy Brouwer back with the Hawks.
Personally, I don't think he's the answer. I would like to see the Hawks get faster and add forwards that possess a great forecheck motor and high hockey IQ.
Brouwer has really faded since signing with Calgary, which eventually led to him being bought out.
He went from 18-goals/33 points in St. Louis to a 25-point campaign in his 1st season in Calgary and 23-points last year. So, at this point, it looks like he lives in the 20-something points, 130 hits, part-time PKer in a 4th line role.
The problem is, the Hawks already signed a similar play in Chris Kunitz.
If Stan thinks inviting him to camp and offering him a 1-year $1M type contract to be a 4th liner/13th forward type player is worth it, I won't put up much of a fight.
However, this nostalgic move would be just that. It would be for the older core players who love Troy (Seabrook and Keith know him from minor hockey days) and for the fans.
"What If" signing #2 - Luca Sbisa (28, 6'2 / 209 lbs)
It's been rumoured that Sbisa has been in talks with the Hawks this offseason. This has been as recent as in the last couple of weeks (before Forsling went down).
It would only be confusing to me from a perspective of where he would fit into the lineup.
If he (or any other defenceman) is signed, I would expect a proceeded trade to happen.
Some would be very against a Luca Sbisa addition, but I say, at the right price (which let's be honest, anyone left on the open market will take what they can get) he would make sense.
The Hawks are short a top 4 defenceman and it doesn't appear that they are close to acquiring one in a trade.
One of the closest things that resembles a top 4 defenceman in the bottom of that fictional dumpster would be a Luca Sbisa.
The former 1st-round pick in has played primarily in a bottom-pairing but has had spot duty in the top 4 with strong minutes on the penalty kill.
Due to injury, he only played 30 games in Vegas last year but has been a steady NHLer for years now after stints in Vancouver and Anaheim prior to landing with the expansion Knights.
His last full season was in 2016-17 with the Canucks where he did this: 82 games, 2 goals, 11 assists, 130 hits, 122 blocked shots, 18:59 TOI (6th most for a D that year, but they had some injuries and he played top 4 at times)
He also skated 2:12 on the penalty kill per game with Vancouver that year and 2:22 (good for 3rd) on the Knights last year when he was in the lineup.
He's been very consistent with around 1.7 hits/game and 1.5 blocks.
He's not as mobile (but a lot bigger) but reminds me a bit of Johnny Oduya's skillset when he joined Chicago – had a good foundation but was a still searching for everyday consistency as a pro. Also, both didn't offer a ton of offense but can skate in top 4 if needed and will play a ton of hard minutes.
He's a left-handed shot but is comfortable playing the right-side as well. Coach Q loves that versatility.
"What If" signing #3 - Nick Shore (25, 6'1/195 lbs)
The least flashy of the 3, but could be sneaky smart signing.
The 25-year old American hails from Denver, Colorado and played his college career in his backyard at the University of Denver.
A former 3-round pick of LA played a better part of 4-seasons there putting up strong offensive numbers in the AHL but used more as a 2-way centre in the bottom 6.
His faceoff numbers were respectable during his time with the Kings:
2015-16 – 51.8%
2016-17 – 50.2%
2017-18 -48.1% (49 games)
With 353 defensive zone faceoffs, only Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter took more faceoffs in LA in the last 3 years in front of Jonathan Quick (and whoever was the backup goal du jour in Hollywood).
He's still young and is a really smart hockey player with, I believe, a lot of untapped offensive potential.
He was included in the Dion Phaneuf trade to Ottawa last year and then was luckily shipped out of their to Calgary for a 7th round pick.
The Hawks could use help down the middle and shore would be a great low-risk signing and would allow guys like Kampf, Highmore and Ejdsell to start in with the IceHogs, where they should be.
Here's what Hockey's Future said about Nick Shore:
"Shore is a skillful, two-way forward that is blessed with tremendous hockey sense and great hands. He thinks the game remarkably well and possesses the ability to dictate its tempo. His anticipation is very good and he makes smart decisions both with and without the puck. Shore's hands coupled with his superb on-ice vision allow him to find open teammates and make crisp tape-to-tape passes. He has a good, active stick and does a good job of taking away lanes defensively. He is strong in transition and is equally at home playing both offense and defense. Shore can play both wing and center and uses his frame advantageously, particularly in high traffic areas. He brings passion and grit and does not shy away from physical contact. He is primarily a playmaker but has finishing ability. Another of Shore's attributes is a terrific shot. He skates with strong, smooth strides and has good balance. He is not lightning fast, but moves and accelerates very well; consistently keeping his feet moving."
He sounds like the type of player the Hawks could use and at least have as a 13th forward. I'd be on board.
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Now, none of these players would move the needle too much but think about the ripple effect if any of these 3 were signed.
In Brouwer and Shore, it would bump those aforementioned youngsters to Rockford to play regularly and stay sharp for when the Hawks need them.
With Sbisa, you add a veteran defenceman who has been consistently playing 17-19 minutes per game for years now. A guy that can play hard minutes if you want to start cutting back a guy like Brent Seabrook on the penalty kill (save him for PP).
The Hawks have 47 NHL contracts, so they do have room to add a guy or 2, the question is will they? Or do they like this team?
See ya out there!
JL
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Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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