Ways the Chicago Blackhawks can fix their salary cap burden

Potential Ways to Clear Things Up

Zack Smith – 3.25 million

Olli Maatta – 4 million

Andrew Shaw – 3.9 million

In total, trading away these three players would clear up a little over 11 million in cap space for the Blackhawks. That is exactly what the team needs to move forward, and it allows them to keep great players like Brandon Saad and Calvin de Haan.

I disagree with a lot of people when it comes to Brandon Saad. So many people are talking about the Blackhawks trading him away, but he was one of our most reliable forwards this year in both ends of the ice.

I do not think trading away Saad is going to help the Blackhawks, so I hope they look to these three players as trade bait this summer. I know finding partners for Zack Smith or Andrew Shaw might not be the easiest thing right now considering Shaw has had health issues and Smith is getting older, but I am sure we can find a way to get something done.

It might not be the easiest thing in the world getting rid of these three guys. Even if we just get rid of Olli Maatta and Zack Smith we might be able to capitalize on a lot of cap space. I think Olli Maatta should be good trade bate especially after the great postseason he had with the Blackhawks where he scored three goals and registered si points for fourth-best on the team.

The Blackhawks can definitely bring in a nice young prospect or draft pick for Maatta, and it would also allow the team to clear up some cap space. Maybe if we shift out both Matta and Smith in one trade it would allow the team to dump Smith’s contract without needing to give up any prospects.

Another potential option would be Connor Murphy just because his position has so many young players wanting to make the jump to the NHL. However, I believe trading Murphy would be a mistake for this team’s blue line as he has been great so far with the Blackhawks.

If the ‘Hawks can not find any trade partner as every other team is up against the salary cap then I guess buying out Maatta will work. So with these players in mind let’s take a look at the potential roster for next season!