Introduction
After a disappointing season on the blue lines in Chicago, this could be a make or break free agent search for the Blackhawks. In need of a consistent backup goalie and an awe-inspiring defense, the Hawks are shopping for some of the NHL's top players.
Prospects
Could Artemi Panarin be making his way back to Chicago? The player was traded in 2017 to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for the return of Brandon Saad. This came only a couple of months after Panarin agreed to a two year, $12 million dollar contract with the Blackhawks. It said that Chicago is ready to go "all in" for the left winger.
Other big names include Justin Faulk, a defenseman who makes $4.8 million dollars annually with the Hurricanes. After collecting thirty-one points in his career with eight goals and twenty-three assists, this addition could be huge for the Hawks.
It had also been rumored that we could have seen the return of goalie Scott Darling, who had written an emotional letter to Chicago and it's fans shortly after his trade, thanking them for the opportunity and for saving his life.
Hawks Sign Cam Ward
The Hawks have added Cam Ward from the Carolina Hurricanes to their roster. With Corey Crawford still out indefinitely, this signing is vital for the team. Ward, averaging a 2.73 GAA per season and a .903 save percentage, has spent the past 13 seasons of his career in Carolina. This signing could bring lots of hope to a team struggling to find a way to kick it into gear.
