Summer is officially over according to the calendar. For the hockey fan that means training camps are underway and preseason games provide a small taste of the excitement that is NHL hockey. For the third time in five years the banner raising ceremony will be hosted in Chicago. As the Blackhawks raise their banner they have hope for a repeat but have many questions to answer.
1. Will Kane be Able to Play?
There is no question what the major storyline hanging over the defending champions is. Patrick Kane’s sexual assault accusation continues to loom large for the team. As each week goes by, it becomes more unclear if any charges will be filed. That still doesn’t mean the Buffalo native will start the season on the active roster.
The NHL has yet to take any action against the superstar. Over the past few years it is no secret the league has been inconsistent and even nonexistent in dealing with players’ allegations when involving assault.
Regardless if Kane is charged or not, if there is a settlement or even a civil case, you would expect the NHL to hand down some sort of suspension. While the NFL tends to overreact, the NHL barely acts. This time it has a feel that Kane will be sat at least a couple of weeks once all the dust clears.
2. Who Will Step up on Defense?
Chicago’s defense won a Stanley Cup last season while basically only playing four guys throughout the post season. The bionic Ducan Keith never tired and won the Conn Smythe Trophy for his efforts. Returning with him are Brent Seabrook, who’s in a contract year, and Niklas Hjalmarsson.
Missing will be Johnny Oduya, who signed as a free agent in Dallas. Who will take his second pairing minutes could be the biggest question of the d-core. Trevor Daley was acquired in the Patrick Sharp trade and is expected to start the season in that role. The 31-year-old has been a steady puck moving defenseman on a rebuilding team. The Hawks are hoping coming to a winning culture can take his skill up a level.
Holdovers, Michal Rozsival, David Rundblad and Trevor van Riemsdyk round out the rest of the expected seven blue liners.
3. Will There be a Stanley Cup Hangover?
Chicago has not had stellar season following their last two Stanley Cup victories. In 2011, Chicago didn’t lock up a playoff spot until the very end of the season before falling in the opening round. In 2013-14 the Hawks had another mediocre season finishing third in the Central Division. The team played well in the playoffs advancing all the way to the Western Conference Final before falling to the eventual champion Kings. A good start will be key to this season.
4. Will They Be Able To Carry 23 players?
Joel Quenneville likes to carry 23 players on his roster at all times. With the salary cap where it is and the Kane and Jonathan Toews deals going into effect this season, which could be an issue for carrying a full compliment of players.
Chicago may have to play much of the season with only a 22 man active NHL roster. The good news is their AHL affiliate is Rockford, an easy 90-minute drive away. The bad news is that both teams play road games and won’t always be easy to transport a player down I-90 when needed.
If the Blackhawks don’t make any more moves their current 22 NHL players under contract give them only $331k of cap space to play with. Things could change as General Manager Stan Bowman has not been shy pulling of October trades.
5. Will Corey Crawford Stop Being A Punching Bag?
No player has gone through more criticism from the media and fans than Corey Crawford the past few season. The net minder has seen his ups and downs, but has seemed to come through with big games when needed.
Crawford will never be the goalie with flashy stats in shutouts or save percentage, but he tends to wins and has two Jennings Trophies with his name on them.
Still, being pulled in last playoff’s opening round against Nashville fueled the doubters again. Crawford reappeared in relief of Game 6 vs. Nashville and never looked back, winning 13 of his last 18 starts.
Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_PHN and you can always reach him at adam.minnick@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.