The Chicago Blackhawks are in the thick of the offseason and beginning to make decisions on their team and their roster heading into the winter. Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago talked to head coach Joel Quenneville on Wednesday and gathered quotes from the skipper on quite a few players that might have an impact on the team in the near future.
Regarding goaltender Corey Crawford, whom Quenneville believed suffered from sophomore slump last season:
You look at the history of goaltenders around the league…there is a little bit of a bounce factor in that second year. A number of top goalies have had that career path. We anticipate Corey getting right back on track.
Regarding free agent Shane Doan, whom the Blackhawks are believed to be pursuing:
You see what’s out there and where he is at. I'm sure teams would be interested. Tough to comment.
Regarding Brandon Saad, the 2011 draft pick who hopes to stick in the NHL in the upcoming season:
Maybe he can not just make our team but maybe he can do more than that.
And regarding the Blackhawks' top 2012 draft pick, Teuvo Teravainen:
I think he's going to be one of those tricky type players. Real handy with the puck.
It will be interesting to see who ends up being on the final roster for the 2012-13 Blackhawks team.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage on the Blackhawks' offseason, head over to Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey. And for more news and notes from around hockey, visit SB Nation's NHL news hub.
