Blackhawks: Team Is Optimistic Corey Crawford Re-Signs

The Chicago Blackhawks are optimistic that Corey Crawford will re-sign with the team. The only issue is, the clock is ticking before free agency starts.

The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly optimistic that Corey Crawford will re-sign with the team. There are six-days before the NHL draft and nine-days before the NHL starts free agency. The clock is ticking for Crawford to make up his mind.

Crawford was offered a one-year, $3,500,000 contract. He expressed wanting to stay in Chicago but as their starting goalie. Talks of a hometown discount were up there as well. Crawford, if he signs, would be the starting goalie. For the hometown discount, it seems like something about that deal rubbed Crawford the wrong way, as he hasn’t signed just yet.

Stan Bowman was asked on Wednesday about the contract talks with Crawford. Here’s what he had to say:

"“I’m always an optimist,” Bowman said. “I would say in every situation I’m always looking on the bright side, but until something comes to completion, I don’t know, I can’t really comment. But we still have time on our side here and that’s what we’re working through. We’re realistic that that’s a possibility, but that’s not what we’re focused on. We’re looking at that and optimistic to do something like that.”"

There’s still time before October 9th, where the team will have the chance to bid on other free agents. If Crawford won’t sign, that’s where they’ll look to find their new goalie, unless they believe in the two goalies they have in Rockford.

The issue with Crawford being paid $3,500,000 is it takes money off the table for Dylan Strome and Dominik Kubalik. Fans have expressed them wanting Crawford to stay, but that being too much.

Crawford isn’t worth it if he won’t sign that deal. It’s already a solid chunk of the Blackhawks’ $7,830,461 left to spend. I love the optimism Stan, but that’s a lot of money for a 35-year-old goalie who is past his prime.

Bowman says time is on the Blackhawks side….. Is it though? If Crawford doesn’t re-sign, the team will have to scramble to find a new goalie. Either way, the team is at a point where signing Crawford for one more year is almost needed. We’ll see what happens, as time is almost up for the two parties before Crawford becomes a free agent.