NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Brian Campbell, D (Signed as a free agent, previously with the San Jose Sharks)
Cristobal Huet, G (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Washington Capitals)
Aaron Johnson, D (Signed as a free agent, previously with the New York Islanders)
Matt Walker, D (Signed as a free agent, previously with the St. Louis Blues)
NOTABLE LOSSES
Kevyn Adams, C (Unsigned Free Agent)
Rene Bourque, LW (Traded to the Calgary Flames)
David Koci, LW (Signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning)
Patrick Lalime, G (Signed as a free agent with the Buffalo Sabres)
Yanic Perreault, C (Unsigned Free Agent)
Danny Richmond, D (Traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins)
Jason Williams, RW (Signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Thrashers)
2007-08 Season Finish: 3rd Central Division, 10th Western Conference, 88 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Did Not Make Playoffs
2008-09 Prediction: 2nd Central Division, 8th Western Conference
The Chicago Blackhawks had a great come-around season in 2007-08, almost making the playoffs in the final weeks of the season and improving by 17 points from 2006-07. After having a struggling offense for several seasons, the Blackhawks began to turn that around last season and will likely see an even stronger offense next season. Last year's rookie sensations Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane will likely improve on their already strong offensive skills in 2008-09 and look to be permanent fixtures to the Blackhawks' offense for many years to come. Patrick Sharp, who enjoyed a fine season in 2007-08 with 36 goals, could likely see his numbers and offensive skills improve while playing with Toews and Kane on the top line. Chicago has good 2nd line scoring depth in veterans Robert Lang and Martin Havlat, who has suffered numerous injuries throughout his career. For Havlat's numbers to improve next season, it will be imperative that he not sustain a long-term injury. Dustin Byfuglien, who can play both offense and defense, provides a lot of jump to Chicago's 2nd line scoring, where he could be a permanent fixture if his offense improves. Andrew Ladd gives the Blackhawks' checking line some capable offense, while Craig Adams and Dave Bolland provide a lot of physical play and grittiness. The Blackhawks' 4th line has physical bodies in Ben Eager and Adam Burish who play with a lot of grittiness as well. Prospects Jack Skille, Petri Kontiola, and Michael Blunden will look to make the team at training camp on the 4th line, while offensively gifted, yet physical forwards, Akim Aliu and Kyle Beach will also look to make the team at training camp. While Chicago has plenty of tough, physical forwards, another skilled top-six forward or two could help make their offense more potent.
The Blackhawks greatly improved their defense over the summer when they landed Brian Campbell via free agency, one of the most coveted defensemen on the market this last summer. Campbell provides a lot of offensive skill to Chicago's blueline, and by signing an eight year contract with the team, will be an important part of their defense for years. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are emerging as quality, offensive defensemen for the Blackhawks, and will likely improve on their fine play this season. Brent Sopel gives plenty of veteran depth to Chicago's blueline, while Cam Barker and James Wisniewski provide physical play and toughness. Newcomers Aaron Johnson and Matt Walker also give Chicago a lot of grittiness on defense and will look to make the team at training camp, along with Jordan Hendry and Niklas Hjalmarsson.
Chicago solidified their shaky goaltending over the summer by signing Cristobal Huet as a free agent. Huet's goaltending abilities get stronger every year, and he will likely see more improvement this season as Chicago's starting goalie. Age seems to have caught up with Nikolai Khabibulin, who struggled mightily last season. The former standout goaltender will likely be backup to Huet this season, and could face competition for the backup role from youngster Corey Crawford, who is tabbed to be the Blackhawks' goalie of the future.
STRENGTHS
- Very physical team on offense.
- Have a strong defense offensively.
- Lots of veteran depth in goal.
WEAKNESSES
- Could use another top-six winger or two.
- Need a little more veteran presence on defense.
No comments:
Post a Comment