A season highlighted by a .68 point percentage, the league leading scorer, rookie of the year candidate, and an MVP nomination came to a close on April 25th after a game 7 loss to the St. Louis Blues in the 2015-2016 playoffs. This season was one of the strongest in Blackhawks history, although they lost in the first round of the playoffs. Fans and analysts are criticizing the ‘Hawks on their poor playoff performances but what they haven’t analyzed is what lies ahead for the almighty ‘Hawks.
People are beginning to think that the Blackhawks dynasty is coming to a close after trading several of their stars at the beginning of the season and closing the season with a losing record. On top of that they are in serious salary cap trouble and age is slowly going to catch up to the ‘Hawks stars. While this may make the Blackhawk’s future seem dismal, people are discrediting the tremendous core of players they have and the tireless work of their front office. The Blackhawks have many more years of victory ahead of them.
As Patrick Kane continues to develop into the future hall-of-famer he will likely be, the Blackhawks have young players emerging under him that are modeling their game off of the creativity and innovation that Kane has presented them. Artemi Panarin is the most talented rookie in the league and is next season will be getting payed only $3M, only about 5% of the teams salary cap. Players of his caliber are often under $8-$9M contracts. Having an emerging star to complement the games of Kane, Toews, Hossa, and Keith for that price allows the team to build up their defense which the team will need to do in order to make another Cup run. With emerging defenceman Trevor Van Riemsdyke looking to fit comfortably as the fourth defenseman the ‘Hawks can develop their fifth and sixth defenseman. Their lack of defensive strength is what held them back this season but after an off season to develop their strength and game they will not only have world class offense but strong defense as well.
With the efforts of Corey Crawford in net, Keith and Seabrook on defense, and proven all-stars in Patrick Kane and Jonathon Toews, it is very likely that the ‘Hawks will rebut this upsetting season with a very strong campaign next year.