Chicago Blackhawks Off Season Rumors, Ideas & Updates

[Boom!]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=413658

Sean O'Donnell retiring. Had a very nice career.

[Jack the Ripper]

O'Donnell was a true warrior. One of the unsung heroes on many a playoff team.

[Boom!]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=413760

I think the Blackhawks should take a long hard look at Connolly. Injury prone and won't help out much on faceoffs, but could play 2c in a second.

Gomez is also going to be a UFA by the end of the day. JJ at HB is saying he is a possibility - for whatever that is worth.

[cubsbears1225]

Gomez is very intriguing. I really dont know how I feel about a potential signing.

Id hate to have him come in here and ruin the chemistry on the team but at the same time, he could be lightning in a bottle.

[ckleiner21]

I think its a shot that you have to take. He wasn't necessarily elite but he put together some really good seasons and adding that chance of lightning in a bottle can only help. He doesn't have to score in Chicago. He was expected to score in Montreal. Him setting up Sharpie or Kaner or Hossa has the makings of something that could turn into gold.

[CubbieKid17]

I think its a shot that you have to take. He wasn't necessarily elite but he put together some really good seasons and adding that chance of lightning in a bottle can only help. He doesn't have to score in Chicago. He was expected to score in Montreal. Him setting up Sharpie or Kaner or Hossa has the makings of something that could turn into gold.

On a cheap 1-year deal, I wouldn't mind Gomez. He's got a good enough track record as a playmaker to think that he could be a 40-point player playing in between Kane and Sharp. If he develops chemistry with those 2, that could be one of the best 2nd lines in all of hockey.

[ckleiner21]

Faceoff % leaves a little to be desired though

[CubbieKid17]

Faceoff % leaves a little to be desired though

True, but he's not absolutely terrible there.

[ckleiner21]

True, but he's not absolutely terrible there.

Probably better than Kruger, Mayers and Shaw

[CubbieKid17]

Probably better than Kruger, Mayers and Shaw

This is true. If I remember correctly, he was just under 50% last year. Not good, but not horrible either. He's no Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in the faceoff circle.