Hawks Busy Re-Shaping Roster in Early Days of Offseason.

After another season falling well short of expectations, it was no surprise that major moves were on the Horizon for the Chicago Blackhawks. With two long-time Hawks, Duncan Keith and Jeff Carter, on the precipice of free agency and the team needing to renew several key free agents including stars Mark Stone and Brad Marchand it was clear that something had to give. It was also apparent that something was off with the mix on this star-laden team that once again failed to meet its potential.

The first major move came before the cup was even awarded. The Hawks swung a deal with Toronto to acquire big scoring winger Anthony Mantha. The Hawks sent talented playmaker Nick Schmaltz, winger Brendan Perlini, and a pick to Toronto in exchange for Mantha and prospect Chad Krys. In Mantha the Hawks believe they are getting a top 6 fixture with 30+ goal potential. "He moves incredibly well for a big man and has truly elite hands and the shot to score from distance. He is going to score a lot in this league" said GM Semonick. The Hawks felt Schmaltz was expendable with a number of players in the organization that profiled similarly (Willie Nylander, Sam Steel, Nick Suzuki). Not to be overlooked is the addition of Chad Krys, along with Mantha, a player the Hawks had been on the trail of for some time. He is heady defensive defenceman with excellent mobility. 

The second big move saw the Hawks erase a mistake from 2 offseasons ago. The team re-acquired previously dealt Tom Wilson in exchange for prospect Oskar Lindblom and defenceman Will Butcher. "When we dealt him he was a 4th liner, clearly that has changed and we are willing to admit the mistake we made" noted GM Semonick. A clear theme is emerging here, the Hawks will be much bigger and more difficult to play against next season. In Wilson they add a true power forward. 

Also joining the Hawks is highly regarded prospect Igor Shesterkin, acquired for wingers Miles Wood and Austen Watson from the Devils. He joins what is becoming an impressive stable of young goaltenders who will compete to be the successor to Martin Jones. The favorites are he and fellow Russian Alexandar Georgiev, one of whom should become the next #1 for the Hawks.

Finally in housekeeping moves the team made it official that neither Jeff Carter or Duncan Keith would be returning. These are two of the most distinguished players in franchise history, and their leadership will be sorely missed. The team believes however that younger players like Mark Stone, Brayden Point, Victor Hedman and Seth Jones are ready to step up and fill the void. In addition to remaining veterans John Tavares and Brad Marchand there should be no shortage of leadership in Chicago. Derek Forbort also fell victim to the roster crunch and was moved to New Jersey for a 2nd round pick.

With a lot of the heavy lifting done the Hawks will shift focus to inking their long list of RFA's to extensions, as well as preparing for the draft. It is believed more major moves may be on the way as the team tries to get back to the promised land.