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5 moves the Chicago Blackhawks need to make this offseason

By Dave Stevenson

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 05: Chicago Blackhawks left wing Chris Kunitz (14) celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench during a game between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks on April 5, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 05: Chicago Blackhawks left wing Chris Kunitz (14) celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench during a game between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks on April 5, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

The Chicago Blackhawks finished the 2018-19 season strong and, with the right moves, could be a playoff contender as soon as next season. Here are five moves that could put them back where they belong.

A year ago, the Chicago Blackhawks were in a pretty dark place. Their future didn’t look too bright. Thanks to a strong finish to their 2018-19 season, the Blackhawks saw an eight-point improvement from their 2017-18 season.

For the first time in quite some time, they’ll have a bit of cap space to work with this summer. Assuming the cap ceiling is $83 million, the Blackhawks will enter the offseason with around $21 million of cap space if you assume they’ll go with Colin Delia as their backup goalie. They’ll have 16 players under contract, which is pretty nice.

The Blackhawks attention this offseason should be turned towards their defense. It was abysmally bad last season. They allowed the second-most shots, eighth-most shot attempts, sixth-most unblocked shot attempts, and second-most scoring changes against during all situations, per Natural Stat Trick.

While expected goals are still being tinkered with, they can still be used to tell you how good (or bad) a team is doing. The Blackhawks finished the 2018-19 season with the most expected goals allowed during all situations and at five-on-five.

A lot of this had to do with their inability to get the puck out of their own zone. The Blackhawks desperately need a blueline makeover, as it’s clear Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook (especially the latter) can’t play the heavy minutes they used to.

That said, there’s a lot to be optimistic about in Chicago. A change in scenery from Arizona to The Windy City seems to have given Dylan Strome‘s career a breath of fresh air. Alex DeBrincat has been phenomenal as a goal scorer. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, for the time being, are still at worst great players. Erik Gustafsson had a breakout season. Dominik Kahun quietly had a very solid rookie season.

The Blackhawks rebuild is going pretty well. So well, in fact, it might be time for them to start adding pieces from outside the organization. The Central Division is tough, but with the right moves, the Blackhawks could make a postseason appearance next season. And, as the Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets proved, anything can happen in the playoffs.

Here are five moves the Blackhawks need to make this offseason.

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