{"id":32022,"date":"2018-06-29T10:58:22","date_gmt":"2018-06-29T14:58:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=32022"},"modified":"2018-06-29T10:58:22","modified_gmt":"2018-06-29T14:58:22","slug":"chicago-blackhawks-looking-for-solutions-through-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2018\/06\/29\/chicago-blackhawks-looking-for-solutions-through-free-agency\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Blackhawks Looking For Solutions Through Free Agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

At the end of last season, the Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> were facing an unusually long off-season. It was the first time they had not made the playoffs since 2006-07.<\/a> Consequently, the team and its faithful fans were left looking for answers. The long off-season offered several ways for the Blackhawks to improve after the disappointing season. Could they recover that swagger of the team that won three Stanley Cups in six seasons? The NHL draft and free agency would give the Blackhawks brass two ways to quickly improve their roster.<\/p>\n

Chicago Blackhawks Lineup Improvement<\/h1>\n

The first thing the Blackhawks needed was to\u00a0review\u00a0the previous season. There is no doubt that the season-ending injury<\/a> to Corey Crawford<\/a><\/strong> last December was the main reason for the team finishing out of the playoff picture. Before his season-ending injury, Crawford was playing at a near\u00a0Vezina\u00a0level. While he carried the team, his great goaltending covered up for the Blackhawks continuous defensive lapses. Because Crawford was gone, the team spiralled down out of playoff contention. The poor play by the defence was certainly something that needed improvement in many fans eyes.<\/p>\n

The Draft<\/h2>\n

The first chance for Bowman to improve his roster was the 2018 NHL Draft. The Blackhawks had the number 8 overall pick, the highest pick they’ve had in years. As a result, many expected Bowman to draft a\u00a0defenceman\u00a0or two in the first round with pick numbers #8 and #27.<\/p>\n

The hope was that the Blackhawks would draft a defenseman with size who wouldn’t take several years to develop. Unfortunately, those hoping for this\u00a0were disappointed\u00a0as Bowman drafted small offensive-minded defencemen<\/a> Adam Boqvist<\/strong> <\/a>and Nicolas Beaudin<\/strong><\/a>. Both of these picks have great promise, however, it may take several years before they’re able to\u00a0contribute\u00a0at the NHL level.<\/p>\n

The Core<\/h3>\n

Fans expecting a quick turnaround for the franchise through the draft were left wondering what direction their favourite team was heading. While everyone realizes that the vaunted Blackhawks core is nearing the end their prime, many were hoping for more than a rebuild this summer.<\/p>\n

Duncan Keith<\/a><\/strong> and Brent Seabrook<\/a><\/strong> had a miserable season last year. Patrick Kane<\/a><\/strong> had a solid season, but it was\u00a0evident\u00a0he missed his favourite sniper\u00a0Artemi\u00a0Panarin<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0who\u00a0was traded<\/a>\u00a0to the Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>. In addition, Brandon Saad<\/a><\/strong> who\u00a0was reacquired\u00a0in the\u00a0Panarin\u00a0trade had an unusually unproductive season<\/a>. Captain Serious Jonathan Toews<\/a><\/strong> has had a steady decline over the past two seasons from the\u00a0ultimate\u00a0play-maker of the past. The sudden downturn for the team is very\u00a0concerning\u00a0for those hoping for another Cup run in the near future.<\/p>\n

Free Agency<\/h2>\n

As the draft\u00a0was completed, the talk turned to free agency. Bowman’s draft picks\u00a0were intended\u00a0to restock the team for future seasons, not the present.<\/a> Social media in Chicago was in turmoil with many asking “Surely he has a plan to improve the team through free agency, right?” With that in mind, we’re going to look at the team as it is today and see what lineup holes exist.<\/p>\n

Lineup Holes<\/h4>\n

Here are the positions and each players salary cap per CapFriendly.com<\/a> The Blackhawks\u00a0now\u00a0have $9.225 million in cap room.<\/p>\n

Centres:<\/h4>\n