Three free agents that could thrive as a Blackhawk
Acquiring a free agent is a great way for teams to get experienced players that they missed in the draft. Having a mixture of old and new can change the dynamic of the team. The only problem is it's gonna cost you to get a top free agent.
The Blackhawks main focus has been on getting a solid defensive line established. One solid free agent up for grabs is defensive man Erik Gudbranson who's contract with Calgary is up. At 6»5 and 222 lbs he would be a great force to be reckoned with. Gudbranson had a decent season scoring 17 points in the regular season and 2 in the playoffs. As for a contract, Gudbranson has been on four teams in the past three seasons. Which means that unlike some free agents who come from ten year contracts it's easier to sign a floater instead without the cap hit on the budget.
As for a defenseman who is a bit on the younger side is 27 year old Robert Hagg who played for the Florida Panthers the past season. Hagg was drafted in 2016 to the Flyers where he played until 2021 where he was traded to Buffalo and then to the Florida Panthers. Despite not being a lead goal scorer, Hagg does still seem to be handy with assists with 42 out of his 56 career points being assists. As well as finish off the season in the playoffs with 3 assists. While the Blackhawks have solid goal scorers the past season being defense who can make all the shots is not expected, but would be nice.
Grabbing a seasoned goalie wouldn't be a bad goal to have as well. Maple Leafs goalie Jack Campbell put up an impressive fight and led a 90% save rate for the season and goaltended all 7 playoff games of the Leaf's season. Following being drafted in 2013 Campbell has had a consistent improvement. When it comes to getting a good goalie the perspective to take is you can only have one on the ice at a time, so the Blackhawks splurging on a quality player that could last a rebuild is a smart move they could make. Following Campbells 3.3 million dollar two year contract, could be doable.
