Founded: 1926
Arena: United Center
Stanley Cups: 3
1934, 1938, 1961
2008-09 Blackhawks Preview:
(See below for the team ranking from last season)
Jonathan Toews recently turned 20. Patrick Kane joins him in November. Defensemen Brent Seabrook, Cam Barker and Duncan Keith - none of them are over 25. Jack Skille and Dave Bolland are youngsters challenging for jobs on the forward lines. As youth movements go, it doesn't get much better.
But a couple of the kids are bound to disappoint and take a step backwards this season. That's just the way it is with young players. (For a prime example from last season, check the Penguins' stats under Staal, Jordan.) So the veterans will play a crucial role in Chicago's expected playoff surge.
Will Brian Campbell earn his free agent millions by matching his career high of 62 points? Is Cristobal Huet the answer in net, or just dead weight on the salary cap? Do they have enough at center behind Toews? Will Martin Havlat ever stay healthy for full year? And 36 goals from Patrick Sharp: breakthrough or aberration?
Given that Campbell is a small defenseman hired to pass the puck and run the power play, the key to Chicago's continued ascent might lie with fellow defenders Cam Barker (aged 22) and Brent Seabrook (23). Both are listed at 6-3 and over 220 pounds. Both can produce points. But it's more important that at least one of them emerge as a rock-solid stay-at-home defenseman.
Expect ups and downs, but anything less than a playoff spot would be a massive disappointment.
What the Chicago Blackhawks did in 2007-08
40 wins - 34 losses - 8 SO/OT losses - 88 points
10th in Western Conference
20th in NHL
