Hawks will dump. Have to. Versteeg is a prime candidate. And keep in mind Toews’ bonus for winning the Conn Smythe ($1.3M I believe) counts toward Chicago’s cap next year. They’ve got issues.

If I’m wrong on the details please correct me :)

I’d say the Flyers have a real shot at repeating. They need to get their goalie situation worked out, but most of their core is going to stay intact. Of course, there is much speculation in Flyerland that Jeff Carter will be moved to add a scoring winger, a goalie and that they’ll have some money under the cap to shore up the 3rd pairing on defense.

As for the Blackhawks, I’d say they are one and done. Yes, they have a nice young core, but they are going to get severely stripped down because of their cap problems. Huet is going to get demoted to the minors, I’d think they would shop Campbell (probably to limited takers) and at least one of their top line guys signed for $3MM will be on their way out. It’s going to be a much more interesting offseason for them then anything else.

      First, I’m glad the Cup is back on American Soil. The series was stellar, and generated great ratings in the U.S. markets (50% of all households in Chicago for game 6) and the most Canada in a long time, with respect to watching two American teams duke it out.

      I think the Hawks are very poised to go the distance again. The goal-tending is great and the possess a young, talented roster. The Hawks also have proven they have the stamina and intensity to carry it well into post-season play. Their cap situation does pose a problem, but I think all the players know that their chemistry is magical, and want to continue it at all reasonable costs in order to win the Cup again.

      The Flyers…well, never count them out; but without solid goaltending, it’s a gamble as to whether they can make it to the post-season. They certainly have a lot of talent though, albeit I don’t care for some of their dirty, some would say, cheap and cowardly tactics (not every player, mind you).

      I have a hunch and certainly hope that Tallon can build the Cats similar to his spectacular composition that paid off the best way a franchise and its fans can ask for, in Chicago.

      Who is everyone’s favorite pick for the Panthers in the draft? What differences in the lines/chemistry do you see for the upcoming season? Who do you think will have a breakout year and who will go through a major slump? Go Cats!

While the Hawks do have cap trouble they will find a way to hold on to the core and make things work. The obvious players that can and may well be on the move are Versteeg, Huet, Sopel and possbily Big Buff. I don’t think Sharp is going anywhere, and the Campbell situation is dicey. He’s got a fat contract, but if you saw him play, you’d know how valuable he was. yes Tallon overpaid, but as far as Hawks fans are concerned he’s worth it. So a repeat is quite possible. They have some very good players in the minors that haven’t been able to crack the lineup.

As for the Flyers, goaltending is a major issue. I don’t think that Leighton is the answer, as he gave up some softies at crucial times. They ahve some players that are coming to the end of their deals as well. simon Gagne comes to mind as one. It will be interesting to see how they restructure. Their defence is also a question mark. Only four guys that they can count on. The 5th and 6th positions are weak. Over a long season that will take it’s toll.
Plus Pronger will be a year older. Maybe that hit by Buff rung his bell! Hope so!