BlackhawksBuzz

As the season opener quickly approaches, the Hawks go into the season with high hopes and big questions. Here are the Buzz’s keys to theBlackhawks success in the upcoming season:

• Everyone hits the goaltending situation and Huet. But, the questions we have in goal is not Huet as much as adjusting to the loss of Khabibulin. Last season, Dale tied up $13+ M in one position. Expensive, and not the blueprint of building a championship team, but this did give the Hawks a number one netminder every night. With the absence of Khabi, this should give Huet a chance to get into a No.1 goaltenders rotation, something that can only increase his performance. The absence of an established backup is concerning. Can anyone say Corey Crawford or Antti Niemi are ready for the next step? Let’s hope one of them emerges as a solid backup.
• The young defense needs to continue to mature. Late last season, Barker and Hjalmarsson had stepped up their game. They both need to continue to improve. This is particularly important for Niklas Hjalmarsson, who could emerge into a solid 3-4, in time. Paired with Campbell, it gives Soupy the freedom to contribute more offensively, which is why he is being paid $7M.
• When you mention Byfuglien, the reaction is mixed. Most agree that he is being overpaid and are ready to ship him and his salary out.  But, if the 2008-09 playoff Byf shows up with consistency, he should have a good year. Playoffs, he was a hitting machine, and from what he has shown in the preseason, he looks good. Poised for a breakout year? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Settle for big contributions and a big physical presence from Dustin.
• How will Kris Versteeg develop after the surprise Calder run he put together last year. Towards the last third of the season last year, his production tailed off, drastically. Can Kris build off his 55 point rookie campaign?
• Is Stan Bowman ready to step up as GM? This year will be a huge test for Stan and his ability to retain the big 3 in a  year where the salary cap is expected to drop.

Let me know your keys to the Blackhawks success.

Today marks Open Season on the Free Agents, and the crop is relatively thin. With the salary cap increasing by a miniscule amount for the 2009-10 season and the uncertainty of next year’s cap, how will it affect the offers dished out. Shorter contracts? Less money? Here are the top 2o most intriguing UFA’s:

Forwards

For the second straight year, Marian Hossa could be the biggest prize in the free agent pool.
Others worth a look: Martin Havlat, Marian Gaborik, the Sedin twins, Mike Knuble, Brian Gionta, Alex Kovalev, Saku Koivu, Alex Tanguay, Nik Antropov and Mike Cammalleri.

Defense

Jay Bouwmeester was supposed to be the biggest fish in the NHL trade deadline pool last season. He has since signed for 5 years @ $6.6M.
If you can’t get him, Scott Niedermayer, Sergei Zubov, Rob Blake or Mattias Ohlund are up for grabs.

Goalies

Nikolai Khabibulin’s great athleticism, focus and big-game experience means he will be a prize acquisition in net.

Two other starting goalies on the market: Martin Biron and Dwayne Roloson.

Unrestricted Blackhawks this off season are Havlat, Khabibulin and Pahlsson. Restricted Free Agents from the Hawks are Barker, Niemi, Brouwer, Crawford, Eager, Fraser and Versteeg.

The Hawks will need to be cautious with the checkbook this offseason. Key contracts to Toews, Kane and Keith at the end of next season will force Dale to be conservative (or creative) in accepting and moving salaries. What do the Hawks do in goal? Any chance Khabi returns? And what about Havlat? Do you pay Havlat or find another, more durable option? If the Hawks chose to let Havlat and Khabi walk, they do free up $13M in cap space. The wait won’t be long.  July 1 @ Noon ET, the frenzy begins.