Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman spent a lot of money and value in terms of trade assets last summer to improve their roster.
Bowman acquired defensemen Calvin de Haan and Olli Maatta, signed center Ryan Carpenter and goaltender Robin Lehner on the free agent market and re-acquired winger Andrew Shaw. He took risks by trading for wingers Alex Nylander and Zack Smith, and drafted center Kirby Dach third overall.
How did Chicago’s offseason grade? There were likely not many high expectations with multiple small moves, although signing a Vezina-nominated goaltender did bring loftier aims.