On Monday, a day after ending another disappointing season, the Blackhawks packed their bags, had their exit interviews and began a long summer.
As the days go on, the frustrations of the season will turn into optimistic thoughts for the upcoming one. But in between are many issues the Hawks have to sort out and resolve if 2007-08 is to be any better.
What about Michal Handzus?
Just about all of the Hawks’ summer plans–in regard to free agency, potential trades and which players from Norfolk will be given a longer look–hinge on whether Handzus re-signs. As of Monday, the center was unsure, but he said he would make a decision well before July 1, the day teams can begin signing free agents.
“The [Hawks] need to know what’s going on,” Handzus said. “I do too.”
Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said Monday he expected to speak again with Handzus’ agent, Matt Keator, about a contract.
Handzus said he likes Chicago but “I would like to play for a winning team.” Keator has said he and Handzus would like to see what kind of moves the Hawks make.
But the Hawks can’t make any moves before July, and Handzus doesn’t want to have the Hawks wait that long.
So it has come down to this: Will the Hawks offer Handzus a contract that he can’t refuse or expect to get after July 1, perhaps a multiyear deal worth about $4 million or more?
After being burned by signing defenseman Adrian Aucoin to a four-year, $16 million contract and with Handzus coming off major knee surgery, is that a risk the Hawks are willing to take?
What will Bill Wirtz do?
Last summer the Hawks’ owner said the team lost about $20 million in 2005-06, the first season after the lockout. It’s likely he lost at least that much this season, and the NHL salary cap is expected to increase next season, perhaps to $48 million per team.
After losing so much money the last two seasons and with Tallon’s track record of signing free agents spotty at best, will Wirtz allow Tallon to spend in the $46 million to $48 million range next season? That’s how much it might take to make the kind of improvements needed to make the playoffs.
Or does Wirtz tell Tallon it’s time to see all the prospects the Hawks have been talking about endlessly the last three seasons? Even spending right up to the cap wouldn’t guarantee a playoff spot, and if the Hawks miss again on long-term contracts, it could be at least another five years to begin turning it around.
But if Wirtz says it’s time for the kids, then the Hawks also have to ask whether it makes sense to have a goaltender making $6.75 million. They could perhaps parlay Nikolai Khabibulin into ready-to-play young NHL talent.
And if that’s the case, then perhaps Martin Havlat, once he proves he has recovered from his upcoming shoulder surgery, could reap even more young NHL talent. Both would be extravagances wasted on a team learning to play at the NHL level.
In either case, the Hawks can’t sit on the fence and hope to make an addition here or there, mix in kids and become a playoff team. They either have to commit to spending at the cap and bring in solid, quality veterans or commit to youth and hope their prospects are as good as they think they are.
Tallon said he expects to talk to Wirtz next week about the upcoming budget. That discussion will point the way for expectations for next season.
Aye, aye, captain
Hawks coach Denis Savard said unequivocally Monday that Aucoin will be the Hawks’ captain next season. That’s assuming Aucoin is still a member of the team.
The Hawks were rumored to have a deal for Aucoin at the trade deadline, but it fell through. There is no question they will be looking to deal him this summer and get out from the final two years and $8 million left on his contract.
But if he is with the team, it’s legitimate to ask whether he should be the captain. He has been injured most of his first two seasons in Chicago and hasn’t played well when he has been in the lineup. And it’s not a good sign when the crowd cheers when he’s announced as a scratch for a game.
Aucoin said Monday he doesn’t think being the captain plays any role in his on-ice performance. But Savard has said it’s time for the younger players to take control of the team. That would be easier to do if they were designated as leaders by the coaching staff.
If he’s `the Guy,’ show it
Tallon’s contract expires July 1, and he’s expected to be renewed, if for no other reason than it wouldn’t be fair to bring in someone new and try to figure out where to go with this situation. Plus Tallon deserves a chance to follow through and see whether his draft picks can play at the NHL level.
Despite being extended in December, Savard will start the 2007-08 season as a lame duck, with his contract good for only next season. Tallon said Monday he thought Savard did a good job in the final 61 games of the season, despite having 10-game and six-game losing streaks.
If that’s the case, the Hawks should give Savard an extension for the same number of years that Tallon eventually signs for. If Savard isn’t extended and the Hawks get off to their annual slow start, the questions will start regarding Savard’s future.
Failure to extend Savard could also cut off his legs in terms of authority in the dressing room. If the organization isn’t sure whether it wants its coach, that indecision will eventually filter down to the players.
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rfoltman@tribune.com
