- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The biggest issue for the Stars this offseason will be figuring out what to do about their goalie situation. Kari Lethonen has three-years left at a $5.9 million cap hit. Would the Stars be even able to trade Lehtonen if they wanted too? Their 2014-15 backup, Jhonas Enroth, is a pending UFA coming off a $1.25 salary. He might be looking for more money and bigger role. They could look at bringing Enroth back. They also still have Jussi Rynnas who was 22-6-8 with a 2.53 GAA and .920 save percentage in the AHL last season. 23-year old Jack Campbell has struggled with consistency and his health.
- Scott Powers of ESPN Chicago: Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane’s big contract extensions kick in next season and GM Stan Bowman has some cap issues to look at.
“We expect it to be sustainable,” Bowman said recently. “It’s a puzzle we got to put together. That’s a challenge, but I’m excited about that part of the job. You have to put the right pieces together.”
The Blackhawks already have more than $66 million committed to 13 players for next season and Bowman needs to re-sign Brandon Saad. The Blackhawks and Saad will have to decide on a bridge or a long-term deal. Another key RFA is Marcus Kruger. Defenseman David Rundblad is also a RFA and could be re-signed.
They are not expected to re-sign UFAs Johnny Oduya, Brad Richards, Antoine Vermette, Michal Rozsival, Andrew Desjardins and Daniel Carcillo. Kyle Comiskey is also a free agent.
Players Bowman could look to trade this offseason include Bryan Bickell ($4 million cap hit), Kris Versteeg ($2.2 million), Andrew Shaw ($2 million) and Patrick Sharp ($5.9 million).
The Blackhawks will have to use some lower contracts to fill out their roster.
“You have to have some things go your way,” Bowman said. “You have to have some new players emerge every year that are able to take on bigger roles and step into positions when they’re given a chance. Even though there are changes year to year, I do think there’s no reason you can’t have some new faces come in and emerge as really key players. The guys who really do the heavy lifting are going to be back. For that reason, there’s a lot of excitement for the current season and as well as years to go.”
- Damien Cox: Sources saying the Maple Leafs and Sabres were willing to give Mike Babcock a 10-year contract. Babcock preferred an eight-year deal.
