Team: 2022-23 Chicago Blackhawks

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 10, 2022

Published: Jun. 10, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

One of the biggest things about Chicago that has been bugging me is how they ruin the development of younger players by shoving them into the lineup early. Very few guys can step into the NHL right away, and usually you need to pair them with vets who can provide good habits. I moved out some of the more burdensome contracts for assets, and even with retaining salary, this sets up another bad year for Chicago but allows for more prosperous years to come with at least selling better hope this year

Notes:
- Assuming the Kane trade goes through, I do believe Kemell is the pick and I think, having played in Europe, he's more ready for the NHL than some other guys (see very Lucas Raymond like tendencies to his game)
- Strongly believe that Derek King will be replaced now that Bruce Cassidy is available. Assuming that the staff also gets a revamp, I believe you would see Nolan Baumgartner and Mike Yeo as assistant coaches. Cassidy has playoff pedigree and has experience coaching top talents, Baumgartner is a better defensive coach than people give him credit for, and Yeo is a guy who is a fantastic senior assistant but for whatever reason doesn't get enough measured success as a head coach.
- Strong belief many of the contracts signed will be short term to gain trade assets going into 2023, especially if teams overpay at the deadline (teams love to overpay, and if one falls way out of it after the deadline, that could be a solid draft chance at Bedard)

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