Team: 2018-19 Chicago Blackhawks

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 23, 2018

Published: Mar. 23, 2018

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Let me start off by saying - yes I know the cap could be at 80 million, however keep in mind this is a 26 man roster so roster moves could fix that if needed....Of course the the cap could easily be at 82 (higher IMO) so there is no need to tell me about the salary cap.

Alright, in my opinion I think this is a pretty deep team that has all the components to to be successful and make a run at the Cup.

I only made one trade and that was with Carolina for Kruger (50%), Darling (25%), Faulk & TvR. Obviously Kruger & Darling are cap dumps for Carolina - they would probably give them away if they could. The only real asset that Carolina gives up in this trade is Justin Faulk and perhaps TvR.

Why? Because Kruger was excellent with the Hawks, the guy is a defensive beast - he's excellent in what he does and that's shut down other teams top lines - he's elite in a shutdown role and that is something the Hawks have missed this season... No Kruger isn't going to score goals or get you much in the way of offensive production, however the game of hockey is much more than just offense. Obviously in the same trade TvR and Darling come back too and for the same reasons as Kruger. TvR was a fantastic #5-6 defenseman, he's responsible and has experience - not only that but he's familiar with Q's system and what he expects and like Kruger the Hawks have missed TvR's game as well. No TvR isn't an impact player but he is a responsible and experienced #5 and the Hawks haven't even had that this season... Of course Darling would be coming back. Darling here in Chicago has proven he's an excellent backup that has potential to start for a limited amount of time if need be, so I think he would be an excellent add to the Hawks backing up Crawford if he continues with the Hawks where he left off... Of course the major piece in this trade I Justin Faulk - it's obvious the Hawks really need a legitimate top 4 defenseman and you can bet Bowman will target one this summer, however Justin Faulk fit's the Hawks needs to a T. The real question is would Carolina make him the sacrificial lamb if the Hawks are willing to take cap dumps BUT send assets the other way in exchange?? I mean I believe Anisimov and Duclair is a fantastic return for Carolina - especially when you consider the Hawks will take back some dumps ...

As far as my UFA signings: I think I addressed some of the Hawks issues this season with these signings. I targeted Vermette and Dominc Moore because they're experienced vets that can play a shutdown role and help the Hawks out on the PK - not to mention both vets are faceoff specialists - an area the Hawks have been terrible this season. Faceoffs are a very important aspect of the game considering that's generally how a team takes possession of the puck.. Obviously I added Wingels because he was really good this season and I think he could be a real asset to a contender - it's guys like that on your bottom lines that can be difference makers by shutting the opposition's top lines down...Now on to the questionable addition of Rick Nash. It's obvious the Hawks really need someone to play #2 left wing with Schmaltz and Kane, however I'm not so certain the Hawks can address all of their needs this summer.. The Hawks need a long term solution at 2 left wing - obviously Nash is not the guy, however I think he is worth a shot... I mean without question I would rather have JvR or Kovalchuk playing on that second line but I don't think the Hawks will have enough cap space this summer. The Hawks will need at least 5-6 million to get it done and that's just something Bowman cant afford if he's fixing the defense and adding depth - two areas that come WAY before adding a guy for that 2nd line.... I mean I would rather have a totally revamped defense and depth forwards with NHL experience than an offensive stud jocking the 2nd line.

In speaking of defense the Hawks really need to add some experience back there so with the addition of Faulk and TvR - I also added John Moore - another Chicago native which I presume would be trilled to play here. Moore is an excellent responsible and experienced #5 who IMO could play top 4 minutes in case of injury. He would also be a guy I would love to see added long-term - at least 4 years. A defense can never have enough John Moore's..lol..

So that sums it up..

This team is more than realistic, it's a roster I could legitimately imagine Bowman going into the fall with.. That trade isn't at all "crazy" and neither are the UFA signings.... I don't know if I got the salaries right but I know I'm close.

Now feel free to bash away....