How in the world are the Blackhawks going to afford Artemi Panarin after this season? — Kevin K
JZ: This is a great question. If you asked me a week ago, I would’ve told you to prepare for a core member of the team (Corey Crawford or Brent Seabrook) to be moved. After a few recent conversations and news that the cap could go up as much as $2 million next season, I’m inclined to think Marcus Kruger will the odd man out. There’s no questioning his value to the team, but his $3,083,333 cap hit makes him a top candidate to move. Yes, it was generous for the Hawks to reward Kruger’s patience and flexibility, but in signing this deal, Kruger may well have signed himself away from the Hawks in the long term. With Kruger gone, the cap up and a few more tweaks to the roster, the Hawks should be able to squeeze Panarin in under the cap.