Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sam Gagner and why would he be a good fit for the Blackhawks?
Sam Gagner is a former first-round pick who bounced back with 50 points for Columbus last season after nearly washing out of the NHL. He'd be a good fit because he has chemistry with Patrick Kane from their days as linemates with the London Knights, and the Hawks need to replace Artemi Panarin's offensive production.
What happened with Stan Bowman last Friday that the article references?
The article refers to Stan Bowman unleashing "asylum-worthy madness" and creating a "tidal wave" that still has Blackhawks fans trying to figure out what happened. The specific moves aren't detailed, but it was apparently a major shakeup that included trading away Artemi Panarin.
Why doesn't the writer want the Blackhawks to sign Karl Alzner?
Alzner is expected to command $5-6 million despite being just an average defenseman who should only be worth about $2 million. The writer thinks the Hawks can get similar production from cheaper options like Kempny and Forsling who have higher upside.
What makes Brian Boyle such an appealing free agent option for Chicago?
Boyle brings everything the Blackhawks need in their bottom-six: he's huge at 6'6" 240lbs, excellent on faceoffs and penalty kills, can score 15-20 goals, and team success follows him wherever he goes. The writer is completely sold on adding him to address the Hawks' forward depth.
How much did Sam Gagner make with Columbus last season?
Gagner made only $650,000 with Columbus last season while putting up 50 points, making him one of the best bang-for-your-buck signings in all of hockey according to the article.