As general manager Stan Bowman attempts to reshape the Blackhawks’ roster in the coming months, his greatest obstacles may be the ones he created himself.
Bowman had a big picture in mind in recent years. He wanted to keep together the Blackhawks’ core for as long as possible. With Duncan Keith and Marian Hossa already signed to long-term deals, Bowman went on secure Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook, Corey Crawford, Marcus Kruger and Niklas Hjalmarsson to longer contracts. Each player received at least a three-year extension.
Bowman also added Artem Anisimov and Artemi Panarin to the main group the last few seasons.