Live On Twitter



About Michael Caples

Michael Caples was born just minutes outside of Detroit and the Canadian border, into a family that introduced him to hockey the day he was born.

By the age of three, Michael could recite every NHL club, where they were from, and the primary colors in each jersey. He has worked for the Red Wings’ official website since 2008 and has contributed articles for LAKings.com, Michigan Hockey, and various other sports publications.

NEWS BY DIVISION

Like Our Facebook Page

Podcasts

COLUMNS

2010-11 preview: Chicago Blackhawks Print
Central
Written by Michael Caples   
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 17:23

After Chicago assumed hockey's championship mantle, the world watched as Stan Bowman dismantled the Blackhawks. Can the GM find enough talent on the cheap for the 'Hawks to repeat as champions?

2009-10: 52-22-8, 112 points, won Stanley Cup
 
Key additions: G Marty Turco, D Ivan Vishnevskiy, F Viktor Stalberg, F Jeff Taffe, F Fernando Pisani
 
Key losses: G Antti Niemi, G Cristobal Huet, F Dustin Byfuglien, F Kris Versteeg, F Colin Fraser, F Ben Eager, F Andrew Ladd, F John Madden, D Brent Sopel
 
Overview:
When the Blackhawks celebrate their 2010 Stanley Cup championship at their home opener on Oct. 9, several of the names engraved on the Cup will not be in attendance. Because of salary cap constraints, both goaltenders and some key role players (Byfuglien, Versteeg, Madden, Ladd, etc.) are among those no longer partying in the Windy City. The Blackhawks are hoping their farm system can replace the lost talent. General manager Stan Bowman’s most recent salary cuts include Niemi, who was not re-signed, and Huet, who will be loaned to a team in Switzerland so the ‘Hawks can avoid a $5.6 million cap hit. Turco will now shoulder the responsibility in goal and Corey Crawford will get his first chance to become an NHL backup at age 25.
 
What they’re missing:
Team depth. It was impossible for the Blackhawks’ management to keep the roster intact, and now they will be counting on highly touted draft picks to fill the roles left by Byfuglien, Versteeg, Madden, Eager, etc. The main question will be if their incredibly talented top-six forwards can make up for what was lost in the bottom six. The Blackhawks went all the way last year because no other team could match their depth at forward – or defense, for that matter.
 
Players to watch in camp:
Training camp in Chicago will feel more like tryouts than conditioning skates. Every prospect enters camp knowing that his small salary will look mighty appealing to Bowman. Forwards expected to make a run at roster spots include Kyle Beach, Jack Skille, and Evan Brophy, while defensemen Brian Connelly and newcomer John Scott will compete for time on the blue line.

HPT is counting down one team each day before NHL training camps open on Sept. 17. Tomorrow: Colorado Avalanche

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Write comment

smaller | bigger
security image
Write the displayed characters

busy
Last Updated on Friday, August 27, 2010 04:45