{"id":2047,"date":"2016-10-04T13:00:29","date_gmt":"2016-10-04T17:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=2047"},"modified":"2016-10-05T00:19:53","modified_gmt":"2016-10-05T04:19:53","slug":"the-blackhawks-cap-crunch-could-mean-no-playoffs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2016\/10\/04\/the-blackhawks-cap-crunch-could-mean-no-playoffs\/","title":{"rendered":"The Chicago Blackhawks Cap Crunch Could Mean No Playoffs"},"content":{"rendered":"

If someone was to make the prediction that the Chicago Blackhawks<\/strong> could miss the playoffs, one would think that person just got off the bus from Crazytown. Believe it or not, that is a real possibility for the Blackhawks for the upcoming 2016-17 season. The salary cap has been the big enemy to the Blackhawks organization, these last few years. The Blackhawks cap crunch could mean no playoffs this year.<\/p>\n

The Chicago Blackhawks Cap Crunch Could Mean No Playoffs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Top Six<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There are a couple of big question marks in Chicago’s top six forwards. Yes, Patrick Kane<\/strong><\/a>, Jonathan Toews<\/strong><\/a>, and Artemi Panarin<\/strong><\/a> are all big-time offensive players. Artem Anisimov<\/strong><\/a> is a two-way center that can chip in 20 goals as well.<\/p>\n

However, currently, rookie Tyler Motte<\/strong><\/a> and veteran Marian Hossa<\/strong><\/a> are being asked to fill in top six roles. Motte has yet to play a game in the NHL and Hossa will be 38 in January.<\/p>\n

How much can the 21-year old University of Michigan winger, Motte provide\u00a0in the NHL? Is the success of Panarin’s rookie campaign clouding the Blackhawks<\/a> judgment when it comes to Motte? It’s great that Motte is having a terrific training camp, but the proof in the pudding will come during the regular season.<\/p>\n

In terms of Hossa, it’s the opposite problem. Experience is not an issue for the Slovakian winger. However, the wear and tear of Hossa’s body are another matter. Questions abound with Hossa in terms of staying healthy (missed nearly 20 games last year) and his declining production (only had 13 goals & 33 points last year).<\/p>\n

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ICYMI: Versatile, productive Tyler Motte has been the early standout at #Blackhawks<\/a> camp. Story: https:\/\/t.co\/6NczAiFvxg<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/xZhqOB5GOL<\/a><\/p>\n

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) October 3, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n