Blackhawks To Pursue Unrestricted Free Agents Brian Campbell & Marian Hossa

With the July 1st (beginning of free agent signings) approaching, the Blackhawks are in need of a defensemen. Arguably the best defensemen available is Brian Campbell who spent last year with the Buffalo Sabres and then got traded to the San Jose Sharks. Campbell could get a contract getting up to 8 million dollars annually. Campbell is still interested in re-signing with the Sharks, but if no deal is reached, he'll have to test the market. The Blackhawks are under the salary cap with some money to spend. I would love to have Campbell on my team. Many other teams are going to puruse him but Dale Tallon may push for this stud. We also have right winger Marian Hossa, a scorer, the Blackhawks woul be in good shape with another scorer. He was a great player for many years with the Ottawa Senators. Like Campbell, Hossa was traded from the Atlanta Thrashers at the trade deadline to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was very much involved in Pittsburgh's Stanley Cup run. Hossa had a total of 26 points in the playoffs, netting 12 goals and giving out 14 assists. He like Campbell will be expensive. Marian rejected a 7 year 49 million dollar deal from the Penguins, so he is planning to test the free agent market. I would also love Hossa on my team. The Blackhawks may only be able to afford one of these players. The Blackhawks may pursue other free agents also. If the Blackhawks sign one of these players, plan on your Blackhawks to have a playoff spot. Hopefully Dale Tallon can keep up his excellent work and strike a deal.

Blackhawks Re-sign Andrew Ladd To A 2 Year Deal

The Blackhawks have re-signed forward Andrew Ladd to a 2 year deal. Ladd scored 14 goals with 16 assists totalling 30 points last season with the Carolina Hurricanes and the Blackhawks. Ladd was acquired in the Tuomo Ruutu trade last season. Another great move by general manager Dale Tallon.

With the 11th Pick In the 2008 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks Select: Kyle Beach

The Blackhawks drafted left winger Kyle Beach in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in the 2008 NHL Draft with the 11th overall selection. Kyle Beach is a hard nosed player, some may refer to as a "goon". Beach gets several penalty minutes and has also been involved in several fights. He played with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL last year. He's coming off a sports hernia injury and has had a few concussions. He plays feisty and is agitating and physical. The Blackhawks need a big guy, and they got him. We'll see if he takes the ice on the pro level in October, but eventually he'll be an enforcer in the lineup.