Chicago Blackhawks: ‘Ex-Hawks’ Filled With Champions

Jun 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Patrick Sharp (10) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

2^nd line – Patrick Sharp (Assistant Captain, Dallas Stars)-Brad Richards (Detroit Red Wings)-Troy Brouwer (St. Louis Blues)

This is an aging second line, to say the least. Brouwer is the youngest at 29-years-old, Sharp is 33 and Richards is 35. All three are on the downswing of their careers, but they each would have enough left in the tank to form a quality second line for the Ex-Hawks.

Sharp is the latest casualty of the salary cap and was an instrumental member of the Chicago rebuild dating back to 2005. His numbers dropped off considerably in his 13^th professional campaign. He scored only 16 goals with 27 assists for the Blackhawks last season. He also converted on only 7 percent of his shot attempts last season, a number that should tick back up to his normal rate with the Ex-Hawks.

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Richards is on his last legs in the NHL, but still brings some offensive explosiveness. He’s a good facilitator, and a 50-point season isn’t out of the question. However, it doesn’t get much better than having Patrick Kane playing alongside you.

Brouwer is a quality forward who will bring some grit to a flashy second line. He has the potential to light the lamp 20 times, but would probably best serve the Ex-Hawks using his 6-foot-3 frame in front of the net.

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