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The Chicago Blackhawks will be welcoming first-round picks Mark McNeill and Phillip Danault to the organization, but most of the buzz Friday night at the NHL entry draft centered on Stan Bowman taking a chisel to last season's roster.
A pair of deals made during Friday's action has seen the departure of Troy Brouwer and Brian Campbell. Bouwer's rights were dealt to Washington for the 26th pick, which the Blackhawks used to select Danault. Campbell was convinced to waive his no-trade clause so he could be traded to Florida for winger Rostislav Olesz.
Bowman has shaken things up and will be putting his stamp on the 'Hawks roster if his opening moves are any indication. The task ahead is bringing in the correct pieces.
Bowman got a first-rounder for Brouwer, who I can only believe was going to wind up costing more than Bowman wished to pay. He also managed to shed the one contract Chicago had that was thought to be unmovable in Campbell's deal.
Right now, I'm excited to see what follows picking up substantial cap space. However, Chicago's needs haven't changed. In fact, Brouwer's physical play and willingness to get to the front of the goal will now have to be replaced as well.
Olesz, who is signed for three more seasons at at cap hit of $3.125 million, is merely the price of doing business with Dale Tallon, who gets the player he signed for the 'Hawks three years ago. Olesz does not fill any needs for the 'Hawks, as he is neither a prolific scorer or a big hitter.
The next step is finding a place to send Olesz. Hopefully he doesn't hang around long in Chicago. If Bowman thinks he's picked up part of the solution at forward, I would be shocked.
Campbell's departure may be felt on the ice, as his plus-28 rating led the team and his return from a preseason knee injury turned the defense around last season. Chris Campoli may see his negotiating stance improve, as someone needs to play Campbell's minutes.
Niklas Hjalmarsson will likely miss his blue line partner, but moving Campbell's huge salary probably means Hjalmarsson and his $3.5 million hit will remain in Chicago. Now Bowman needs a rugged defender to pair with Nick Leddy. With Campbell gone, a guy like Brian Connelly may be re-signed and given a look in camp.
Replacing Brouwer from within the organization is not feasible, so Bowman will have to take the cap savings he created and pick up a reliable power forward, along with a center in addition to another defenseman.
Bowman should now have no excuse for not bringing in some veteran grit to the fourth line. John Madden is apparently Chicago's for the taking if they choose to bring him back. All indications are that he'd play at a discount to be in an Indian head sweater.
Is Bowman interested, or does he have loftier aspirations?
Bowman has certainly made good on his vow to make changes in the Blackhawks lineup. Whether he makes additional trades during the draft's second day or stands pat, Chicago's GM looks like he has a plan to shape the 'Hawks roster.
Let's see how the plan unfolds.
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