I agree. There will be a step back next year to shed a couple contracts, but how many teams would change teams/situations with the Hawks? I'd say at least 20-25, easy. Kane and Toews are in there primes. The Hawks are going to be in the mix as a contender for the next 5 years. Next year might only be as a fringe contender with the cap moves coming, but there will still be a ton of talent on this team.
I still don't think the Hawks take a step back next year, or if they do, that all the other top contenders will have the same problems because of the Cap. Remember, there are 29 other teams who also have the same caps and all have their own problems. The Hawks aren't the only team who's roster will need to change. A lot of people seem to look at the Hawks as the only team in the league. "Every problem that the Hawks have, no other teams have," "Every team plays perfect hockey, so if the Hawks don't they'll lose," etc.
I think the Hawks will still be in the top 1-4 contenders next year, just like this year. People like ndgt who say we're done after this year say the same thing every year. That way, when we finally are done way in the future, they can say "I told you so". Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
That's what people said after 2010. How did that turn out?
