Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Keys To Success For 2017-18

The Chicago Blackhawks look to prove their dynasty isn’t dead yet in the 2017-18 NHL season.

The Chicago Blackhawks are facing an uncomfortable but not unfamiliar place heading into the 2017-18 NHL season. After being swept in the first round of last year’s playoffs by the Nashville Predators – their second straight first round exit – Chicago is looking to get back into a position to make a playoff run this year. They’ve made major changes to the roster this offseason. However, it’s unclear if they’ve made themselves better in the process.

Their divisional competition has no intentions of making things any easier for them. The Predators look to be the best team in the Western Conference after not experiencing much roster turnover. Also, the Dallas Stars addressed their goaltending shortcomings by adding Ben Bishop. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets and all their young stars appear primed for a breakout year. Despite their dramatic moves this summer, the Blackhawks don’t appear to be keeping up.

The last time Chicago was bounced in the first round two straight years, they went on an incredible run, winning two Stanley Cups in three years from 2013-15. However, this team appears much worse than they were in those seasons. If Chicago is going to make a playoff run this year, they need some things to click. Here are three keys to success for the Blackhawks this year.

The Saad and Toews Reuinion

Chicago captain Jonathan Toews is no longer the top-five NHL player he once was. His production has dipped a bit in recent years, though he still performs at the level of a top-line NHL center. However, Toews lost one of his best weapons when it was announced that longtime linemate Marian Hossa would miss the upcoming season due to a skin condition.

Chicago general manager Stan Bowman attempted to cover up for the loss of Hossa by trading for Brandon Saad. Saad made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks back in 2013, and played alongside Toews and Hossa for most of their Cup runs in 2013 and 2015. Unfortunately, Chicago was forced to trade him to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the summer of 2015 due to salary cap issues. However, by re-acquiring the two-way star this offseason, Chicago has a solid fill in for Hossa with a proven record of success with Toews.

The Blackhawks really need this reunion to work well for them. Toews and Saad are both two-way powerhouses who have the ability the change the game on both ends of the ice. They’ve also both shown flashes of prolific scoring ability in their careers. If Chicago is going to be a contender this season, they need these two to find their game together again.

Young Production

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As Chicago continues to overhaul their roster due to cap issues, they find themselves filling more roster spots with young players. Guys like Ryan Hartman and Nick Schmaltz filled key roles for Chicago in 2016-17, and will be called upon again this year. Players like John Hayden, Tomas Jurco, Tanner Kero and others are also going to get shots on the NHL roster. Chicago needs to fill out their roster depth with these young players, and as such, they need them to produce in order for the team to succeed.

The Blackhawks also need some of their young defensemen to step up this year. Gustav Forsling saw a lot of action last year, but eventually was demoted to AHL Rockford due to inconsistent play. Chicago also recently signed Czech defenseman Jan Rutta, who should get a solid look. Then there is Michal Kempny, who was one of their better performers last year but saw his ice time limited by Joel Quenneville. These players, along with new face Connor Murphy, will need to produce well on the blue line if Chicago is going to be a contender this year.

Utilizing Hossa’s LTIR Cap Space

I wrote about this in detail a few weeks ago. Chicago will get salary cap relief from Hossa’s contract due to LTIR, but how much relief they get and how they use it will be dependent on Stan Bowman’s ability to be creative. If he properly uses the cap relief, he will have flexibility during the season to make roster moves.

Next: Blackhawks Season Preview

Cap space throughout the season and especailly at the trade deadline is a valuable asset. Properly utilizing the cap relief will be an important part of making sure they have that space. Chicago could add a high impact player at the deadline if they have the cap space for the player’s contract. This will be huge, because their roster at the moment doesn’t appear strong enough to contend. Being able to add a good player come deadline time could make a huge difference for Chicago come playoff time.

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