Blackhawks: Simulating Five Years in the Future Using NHL 21

2020-21 Season – (Year 1)

Offseason moves to begin the year:

Dylan Strome signed a three-year contract worth: 4.075 million
Chicago sent Zack Smith and three draft picks to Carolina for a third-round pick in 2022

Regular Season Record: 40-32-10
Playoff Finish: Missed
Stanley Cup Champion: Edmonton Oilers
Award Winners: Pius Suter (Calder Trophy)
Point Leaders: Goals (Kane 39) Assists (Kane/Toews 49) Points (Kane 88)

Notes:

Jaroslav Halak stole the Blackhawks net and won Chicago 23 games throughout the season, however, he was not perfect considering he had an average of seven goals against per game. Subban backed him up and played in 21 games.

Going into the trade deadline Chicago looked poised as ever to make the playoffs in this simulation in large part thanks to big years from Toews and Kane. Kane had 75 points in 63 games so far this season and Toews had 43 assists at that time.

At the trade deadline, Chicago sent Alex Nylander packing to Dallas for a first-round pick in 2021 and a third in 2022. Nylander was going to ask for too much during the offseason due to it being a video game and them thinking Nylander is a top tier prospect.

Honestly, Chicago made it very close to making the playoffs with 90 points missing by just four. Similar to 2019, Chicago was good, just not good enough. I was worried the simulation would put them in the playoffs on the first season, which would not have looked good.

Key Trades:

Chicago sent De Haan, Pirri, and a Fourth Round Pick to Boston For F Zack Senyshyn and G Jaroslav Halak
Chicago traded Shaw, Carpenter, and a Third-Round Pick in 2022 to Anaheim for Brayden Tracey and a Third-Round Pick in 2022

Notable Contracts:

Nikita Zadorov signed for five years at 2.4 million
Lucas Wallmark signed for two years at 1.575 million
Pius Suter signed for two years at 5 million