Team: 2024-25 Chicago Blackhawks

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 19, 2024

Published: Apr. 19, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I'm aware of Laine's contract, and I understand how rich it is, however I think with how short the term is it doesn't really matter. We have plenty of money and need to improve the roster and I like the price that I have us paying for him. I wouldn't mind sending the higher of the two second rounders either between LA and Vancouver, because we just have so many. Phillips doesn't really have any spot on this team long term and he makes sense to get rid of. Same goes for Soderblom, difference with him is that he is awful. Laine when he's good (healthy) is kind of a unicorn player that you just don't really see with his shot and his body and his strength. I think it would be irresponsible to not at least explore this as a possibility. I would also look to have CBJ retain roughly 2m or so on his contract if possible.

As for the UFAs I chose, Pickard seems like he will be cheap and a cheap backup goalie that is replacement level is all we really need to serve as a stopgap for Commesso who I do not believe is NHL ready right now. Tanev is a perfect fit for the second pair RD, he would benefit Korchinski exponentially. I'm not certain that he would have interest in signing here though which would be the only hurdle. Then for Duchene, I was torn between him and a few other players like Marchessault, Toffoli, and others, but I think his game is the perfect fit for what I would want with Bedard. He's a natural center that can play above average in every zone and his speed makes him a really good transition player which Bedard hasn't had on his line all year. Same issue with him as Tanev, but if you can get him I definitely think he would be my perfect target.