Team: 2015-16 Chicago Blackhawks

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 20, 2015

Published: Jun. 20, 2015

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

No one really knows what is going to happen with this team. One would assume one or multiple of Sharp, Bickell, and Versteeg will be moved to create space for Saad's raise (~5M), as well as other UFAs/RFAs such as Kruger, Nordstrom, Oduya, Desjardins that ought to be in the fold. Richards is also an interesting case; He's still getting paid by NYR, and the opportunity to continue playing with Kane would be hard to pass up, so I could see him signing for close to what he made last year. As for Bickell, it's entirely possible that he could be bought out. His stock has never been lower following being scratched for most of the SCF. It's hard to envision more than 3-4 rookies being on this team opening night, given Q's track record with youngsters. Specifically on defense, they will be screwed if Keith/Seabrook/Hjalmarsson gets injured, so I imagine that re-signing Oduya will be their next priority after Saad, though that unfortunately seems unlikely. Mike Reilly's spot could also be filled by Pokka/Paliotta if he signs elsewhere. As far as filling out with UFAs, my optimistic choices would be Eaves and Hunwick, two veterans who could provide stability and depth. Lines/pairings/figures are going to be a very rough estimate and since it remains to be seen whether the Cap number will be ~71M or ~68M, this may all be a moot point, but part of the fun of Armchair GM'ing.

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