Rebuilding?

The Hawks are looking to have a bounce back year, or at least bounce back by December, otherwise things might change in Chicago. Bowman stayed silent this year during free agency. Making 3 low-key signings. the Hawks brought in Kris Kunitz, Cam Ward, and Brandon Manning. Ward was expected to be signed, he will be Crows number two, assuming Crow returns. Kunitz will be the new Patrick Sharp, except hopefully he can play a little bit better for the Hawks bottom six. Manning has the potential to be a good signing. Manning is a defense man who takes pride in his defensive abilities, something the Blackhawks need right now. He is signed for two years for 4.5 million rather than taking a 3 year deal with the Predators. If everything works out Manning will be top 6 or top 4 defense men. It works out well for both parties, the 28 year old gets a chance to prove himself and the Blackhawks get a shot to have a new hidden gem defense man. These signings do not change the Hawks future image.

The Hawks have drafted 3 first round defenseman in the last 2 years. With Henri Jokiharju looking to make the jump to the NHL this year. Adam Boqvist has been compared to Erik Karlsson and that is something that should sound great to any Hawks fan. The Blackhawks now need to show their core group that these prospects are not just assets to be traded, they are the future, and will be the ones to bring them back to the playoffs. Kane gets the picture, practicing with Shmaltz and company during the offseason. Hopefully the Hawks can follow the Bruins picture and make it back to the playoffs with their young guys soon.