I couldn’t watch another season like 2023-24.
The org had no depth so a few injuries turned them into AHL roster.
Watching the Blackhawks has started to feel like sitting in traffic.
That won’t be the case now.
The Blackhawks added so much depth that it’ll be hard to crack the line up.
Tyler Bertuzzi, wing, 4 years at $5.5M
Old school guy.
All the old buzz words.
Greasy areas sand paper.
I think fans will love him.
He seems like the most annoying throw in of guy to play against.
No play is over.
No battle is lost.
A guy who isn’t an elite skater, but wins races.
He is guaranteed to score 20+ goals per year.
I’ve always loved Bertuzzi and he brings an attitude that the Hawks have severely lacked in recent times.
Turbo Teravainen, wing, 3 years at $5.4M
Who says you could’t go home again?
Teravainen is just a solid hockey player.
Does so many things well, but nothing really that elite.
He’s a smart player who I think will compliment Bedard perfectly.
Teravainen will play in all situations for the Blackhawks.
He makes every aspect of the team better.
Not super sexy, but gets the job done.
It’s been a long time since Martinez and the Kings were breaking our hearts.
He’s still effective.
He’s known as a great locker room guy.
No more Zaitsev, no more Megna, no more Tinordi.
Alec Martinez can play either side and will likely get top 4 minutes most nights this year.
I think the Blackhawks could still use more defenseman.
Vlasic, Jones, Murphy, Martinez, and…who?
This is going to be the most interesting camp battle.
Korchinski has a ton of tools.
Give him 3-4 months in Rockford playing 25 mins a night and in all situations.
Slowcook him in a Rockford crockpot.
Set it and forget it and in the sping you’ve got another top 4 NHL defenseman.
This is going to be a year where the organization focuses on development of their young defense.
With Brodie now in the mix I think Korchinski 100% gets that AHL time that is needed.
Same thing with Levshunov.
Brodie will block a ton of shots and do the dirty work defensively.
I like the signing.
And again…I like the term.
Laurent Brossoit, goalie, 2 years at $3.3M
Another one I didn’t see coming.
The Blackhawks NEEDED an upgrade in net.
Soderblom ain’t it.
You replace Soderblom with an average goalie and you probably have an automatic 12 more points in the standings.
He’s never played more 24 games in a season.
I expect he will be over 30 this year.
With a light workload he’s put up very good numbers in recent years.
He’s in for a culture shock after playing with Vegas and Winnipeg.
His numbers probably take a dip playing behind the Blackhawks D but he’s a no doubt upgrade.
Craig Smith and Big Rig
Two veteran leaders who add depth and scariness.
The Blackhawks got bullied last year.
That won’t happen with the additions made.
Maroon and Bertuzzi will bring an energy and mentality that has been missing.
These two won’t play every night, but they’ll be good for the culture.
I really think this is close to a homerun for Davidson.
They are much deeper than they were last year.
Better top to bottom.
I think this will be fun to watch next year.
I don’t think they’re a point night for other teams anymore.
Can’t take this group lightly.
Having said that…I still think the Blackhawks finish 7th in the Central.
The Blackhawks will be back in the lottery again.
I just want good habits, good culture, and genuine development.
The Blackhawks are much better than they were last year, but everything still about the future.
The Blackhawks should be able to add another top 10 pick in a draft that is supposedly forward driven.
Ideally, the Blackhawks are contender by the end of the Bertuzzi contract.
