Here’s where the Hawks will probably dabble the least.
With Viktor Stalberg’s inevitable departure and the trade of Michael Frolik, it seems as though many long-marinating Pigs such as Ben Smith, Jeremy Morin, and Jimmy Hayes will get their shot at being full-time NHLers this season. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some intriguing options out there, provided they’re willing to hop on board the Good Ship Blackhawk for cheap
Cup Chasing Octogenarians
- Jarome Iginla – He’ll still garner plenty of attention if he hits the market after boning his decision to head to Pittsburgh over Boston. But Iggy didn’t impress in his time with the Penguins and finally having a “real center” (or two) to play along side, and doesn’t really have a place here with Kane and Hossa ahead of him on the right wing depth chart even if he’s willing to take a cheap one-year stab at a silver engraving.
- Daniel Alfredsson – Still productive even at a slowed pace with the Senators, it seems far-fetched that the Sens would let him slip away even if he’s getting courted by the Bruins at present. As the face of a franchise with plenty of cap space, it seems like they’d over pay to keep him around. But he can man a point on a power play, which is something the Hawks could use.
- Teemu Selanne – Once again, it seems like it will be the Ducks or retirement for Selanne and his 600+ profoundly irritating goals. And should countryman Saku Koivu not be in Red Assed Bob Murray’s plans this year, Teemu might just call it a career. But once again, despite a slowed even strength pace, his scoring touch could certainly help on what has become an abomination of a Hawks power play.
- Jaromir Jagr – PWND.
- Mike Knuble – Veteran presenence, dressing room leader, and can’t play anymore.
- Milan Hejduk – He’s still playing?
Too Pricey
- Nathan Horton – With Tuukka Rask reportedly signing a clownish 8-year, $56 million dollar deal, Horton appears to not be in the Bruins plans going forward, and with his injury concerns, it’s tough to blame him based on what he’ll command.
- David Clarkson – Clarkson as been an under the radar agitating presence for the Devils for the past couple of seasons now, and has developed a bit of a scoring touch. Reportedly he’s looking for somewhere in the neighborhood of $6 million dollars. What a country!
- Michael Ryder – Decent scoring touch, but has always worn cement skates and doesn’t really fit in with the Hawks’ style. Plus he voluntarily chooses to wear a number in the 70’s, which is patently stupid.
Value To Be Found
- Chad Larose – Pretty much Andrew Shaw before Andrew Shaw was Andrew Shaw, complete with obnoxiously high jersey number. He’s 31 and in decline, but has been on some god awful Canes teams the past few years. Had a nose for the net once upon a time.
- Brad Richardson – Speedy energy winger for the Kings and plays bigger than his size, but there’s not a real need for the Hawks to go outside the organization for one of those.
- Chuck Kobasew – See above, but replace “Kings” with “every other team”.
- Brad Boyes – Remember when Brad Boyes scored 40 goals, and was traded for Dennis Wideman in arguably the greatest turd swap trade of this generation? Good times.
- Colby Armstrong – Would be a great physical presence to add on the cheap if he could see straight, which he can’t.
- Peter Mueller – Speaking of not seeing straight, the former top-10 overall pick was moved to winger and couldn’t cut it in Florida and was non-tendered. The skill and size are there but has never been able to put it all together and injuries haven’t helped. Might be worth a risk on a minimum deal, but probably not.
- Jack Skille – Also not qualified by Uncle Dale…Nah. Just playin’.
