Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links- That Was Different

Good morning Chicago Blackhawks fans! The first day of free agency has come and gone, and Stan Bowman made some different moves then we expected if you throw out the long expected Patrick Sharp signing.

Ok, the worst secret in all of Chicago was the fact the Patrick Sharp was coming back home when free agency opened up on Saturday.

By taking the hometown discount, it says that he’s here solely for a Stanley Cup and not for one more decent contract, and that he loves Chicago and playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. Sharp is a fan favorite so let’s hope he still has something left in the tank.

The other signings were what was really different. It’s as if Stan Bowman said let’s see how many fourth lines I can make in one offseason.

He signed Tommy Wingels and a bunch of other guys that no one probably knew unless they researched their Hockey reference guide to each player. The Hawks now have 17 forwards on the present roster with 12 of them possible candidates for the 4th line.

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All of these signings in my mind really hurts the chances of John Hayden making it to Chicago out of training camp. Joel Quenneville liked the kid so much he had him on the playoff roster, and starting the first game of the playoffs last year. If you run the numbers he could be one of the odd men out heading to Rockford next year.

Stan made some different moves for more Grit and Hits which will make Pat Foley happy, but is it really the identity the Hawks had been missing last year? I don’t think so!

Here are some morning links to start your Sunday!

Evaluating all of Stan Bowman’s moves on the first day of free agency (CSN)

The Chicago Blackhawks will be trying out a new tactic next season.. Playing without any centers (Faxes From Uncle Dale)

Patrick Sharp put heart over bank account by coming home (Tribune)

Tommy Wingels is eager to join his hometown team (Sun-Times)

Kevin Shattenkirk reportedly signed with the Rangers for 4 years (Bleacher Report)

Scott Hartnell is in the Central Division now after signing with Nashville (On The Forecheck)

The St. Louis Blues are doing some head scratching stuff in free agency (Bleedin Blue)

Free Agent Winner and losers from Day 1 (TSN)

Next: Quantity Over Quality

Joe Thornton is not going anywhere (Sporting News)

Good morning Chicago Blackhawks fans! The first day of free agency has come and gone, and Stan Bowman made some different moves then we expected if you throw out the long expected Patrick Sharp signing.

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