you have to admire how boldly bowman shuffles the deck chairs just to do it and takes risks. i doubt a single hawk feels secure outside the big 5.
that being said, i think i like this for ottawa.
Some hawks fans can't see past anisomov 1 and only quality he is a big center who will stand in front of the net.
Okay that's a fine and dandy, however if you look at anisomov he has been on the decline, he lacks any speed or energy , he has been up and down the lineup and he still can't produce or help elevate his game or teammates.
Smith comes to Chicago , gets a fresh start , save Chicago 1.5 million in cap space which is huge when you consider the salary cap fiasco this year and next year.
Smith wasn't brought in to light the lamp or dazzle the fans , but to simply bring his energy and willingness to go into the corners and grind. His versatility is helpful as well.
Chicago has enough depth now including all these moves Stan has made in a 4 week period to fix Chicago's many weaknesses and holes
Defense
Goaltending
Top 3 pick
A steal of a pick in vlasick that kid is going to be a stud at 6ft 6 and plays sound defensively
Also
The group of forwards Stan targeted Shaw, carpenter
Saarela, kurshaev, Kubalick, Wedon, and Nylander
Colliton will have plenty of depth and competition to evaluate and build a fun exciting team this year.
And Stan didn't screw up his future cap space needed for
Strome and Debrincat resigning
I'd say it's a grade level of B+ A- this year