Chicago Blackhawks

Here Come The Hawks!

July 3rd, 2008 by Frank

I know it has been quite some time since I posted about the Hawks and I do apologize. It certainly isn’t because there was nothing going on. That being said, I’d like to comment on a few things that have been happening with my beloved hawks.

First let’s start with the recent free agent signings. Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet!!! I imagine that Bill Wirtz is turning over in his grave especially after hearing the amount of money the Blackhawks are spending on the these 2 players. He can be heard saying ” We’re spending how much per year on these guys”?! Yes with both of these players the Hawks have significantly stepped up to the plate and said, we are serious about taking a run and making the playoffs. NOW! While I must admit that the contracts for each player a slightly overboard, you can’t argue that both acquisitions make the Hawks better overall right away. Campbell has proven to be a quality defenseman, able to score, move the puck, and be extremely valuable on the power play, as well as play solid defense.
As for Huet, he has been very consistent, my only concern is that his deal truly is a bit much for a goalie that hasn’t had much playoff success and that he’ll be one of the top paid goalies in the league. Which brings me to ask, what about Khabibulin?

Dale Tallon has been quoted as saying he’s not trading Khabibulin as of now, but I can’t believe we’re going to have 12 million (approx.) tied up in goaltending. It just doesn’t make sense. So I would look for the Hawks to move him, but the problem is that with a 1 year contract at close to 7 million, it’s alot for someone to take over, especially for someone as inconsistent as he’s been. The next question is what is the return going to be because of this?

Time will tell as the free agent crazyness begins to slow down a bit and some trades have already been made. Teams like LA, Colorado, or maybe even Tampa could be looking for help.
Tallon better hope that these 2 signings don’t blow up in his face, and that he has not mortgaged the future!

All in all I like these 2 moves (not the money part) and the Hawks have only 1 place to go and that is up. Last year was not a fluke and they have significantly improved themselves and should be a strong contender.

The other big news is the Hawks are bringing back former play by play announcer Pat Foley! In a stubborn move by the Wirtz family 2 years ago they let Pat go after 25 years of exceptional broadcasting, but now the new regime has done the right thing and brought Pat back. Thank goodness. If you have never heard Pat announce a game, you don’t know what you are missing. Go to the Hawks website and you’ll find a dedication to him with a 3 or 4 minute sample of some of his greatest calls.

It’s all coming together now as the new Hawks management is doing all the right things:
Drafting quality players, signing quality players, bringing back the old timers as ambassadors, Pat Foley, and putting all games on tv. Yikes!

For me the only thing that’s missing is Wayne Messmer singing the national anthem in the old stadium. Oh well, can’t have everything, but this is a pretty good start!

Thanks for reading.

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