Report: Blackhawks' Expansion Draft Strategies

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN explains how the Blackhawks are in a good position.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 7 years ago
Report: Blackhawks' Expansion Draft Strategies
Keystone Press

The Chicago Blackhawks have solidified themselves as a lasting dynasty in the National Hockey League for several reasons. There's no denying that their organization seems to get everything right, from the drafting and development of prospects to retaining the services of key players while making moves that only better the team on a long-term basis. Moreover, the way they handle contract negotiations as well as the term and dollars allotted to their star players should serve as an example for other franchises who are looking to succeed for years to come. 


At least, that's certainly what Pierre LeBrun of ESPN implies when discussing the Blackhawks' expansion draft strategies. 


LeBrun believes that the organization has set itself up nicely for the upcoming NHL expansion draft that is set to take place next June. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Artem Anisimov, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson, and goaltender Corey Crawford all have no movement clauses in their contracts, though it was clear that they were going to be protected either way. 


Who, then, will the Blackhawks have to potentially expose at the draft? It's clear that the aforementioned names above form the core of a team that is once again sitting comfortably near the top of the NHL's elite and is in discussions of Stanley Cup contention yet again. 


Artemi Panarin will be exempt as he is a second-year pro, which adds to the positive news, as are rookie defensemen Gustav Forsling and Michal Kempny. 


Perhaps the 'Hawks will look to Marcus Krueger as someone they could expose, as well as blue-liner Trevor van Riemsdyk. Goaltender Scott Darling will either have to be re-signed in order to fit the criteria of exposure, or the organization will have to find a suitable goaltender to temporarily sign with those specific intentions. 

LeBrun also mentions Andrew Desjardins and Jordin Tootoo as the two upcoming unrestricted free agents who could be re-signed with that purpose in mind. 


In all, it's clear that the Blackhawks are in a really good position heading into next year's expansion draft. Minor changes and relatively insignificant signings could prevent the team from losing any important elements of one of the best teams in the NHL. 

Source: ESPN