The Chicago Blackhawks Offseason Review

April 7, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa (81) skates with the puck up the ice during the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Due to the extended length of the off season let’s do a quick review of the Blackhawks roster movement since the Hawks exit from the playoffs by the hands of the Coyotes. Free agency which wasn’t suppose to be where the Hawks made a big splash ended up exactly as the script read. The Hawks signed two defense-man during the free agency period even though most fans were hoping Stan Bowman was holding his card tightly before making a big splash.

The two defense-man that Bowman signed were Sheldon Brookbank and Michal Rozsival which have to be an upgrade from old man Sean O’Donnell. No offensive players were signed but Jamal Mayers was resigned which should help the fourth line center position especially in a shortened season.

The Hawks did draft a offensive weapon with the 18th selection of the 1st round with the pick of Teuvo Teravainen. He’s a poor man’s Patrick Kane who had a very solid World Junior tournament. He may be a year or two away from the United Center but this is how Bowman will build and sustain this franchise.

The biggest news of the off season was the return to the ice of Marian Hossa. The extended time due to the lockout had to be a blessing in disguise for Hossa with it providing him the time to make a full and not rushed recovery from the devastating hit given by him from Raffi Torres. Torres may be serving the longest suspension ever if you count the calendar days and you know what ? it will still be too short!!

—Hogs reporting to Chicago– According to reports three Ice Hogs made it from Rockford to Chicago to practice today with the Hawks that were in town and they were Andrew Shaw, Marcus Kruger and Brandon Bollig.

Mini-Training camp should start this weekend providing the CBA hits no snags from framework to signed document!

Let’s Go Blackhawks!!