Free Agents Steer Clear of Bulls While Blackhawks Regroup

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I haven’t said a lot about the Bulls or Blackhawks in some time.  You know the old saying, “If you can’t say anything nice, people are more likely to read your blog”, or something like that.  Anyway he’s one perspective on the Bulls and Blackhawks.

Working on mysteries without any clues

I get on this soapbox every so often.  How does Gar/Pax have a job?  The Bulls just picked up Otto Porter Jr. from the Wizards for Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker.  None of those guys are impact players.  What was interesting was John Paxon explaining the thinking behind the trade.  Pax said the Bulls weren’t in a position to attract top free agents.  I’m guessing in part because he’s running the show.  Does anybody think the Bulls current core is going to be good enough to contend for a championship?  

To make matter even more depressing.....

To make matters even more depressing, the Knicks traded Krispas Porzingis to clear cap space.  The Knicks think they can sign big time free agents whereas the Bulls don’t think they can.  The Knicks have long been a raging dumpster fire and they’re still a more appealing destination for top NBA free agents than the Bulls.  Jerry Reinsdorf might be a great owner if you’re an ineffective management type, but if you’re a fan, not so much.

Maybe Colliton will work out after all

I’ve been on Stan Bowman’s case for some time about Brent Seabrook’s contract, trading Artemi Panerin for Brandon Saad and holding on to Patrick Sharp too long, but he’s done some good things lately.  Firing coach, Joel Quenneville was tough, but it was probably time.  Maybe even past time.  The Hawks have shown progress under young coach, Jeremy Colliton.  

Some help up front

Alex DeBrincat is a genuine sniper.  He’s already matched last season’s total of 28 goals.  Reuniting DeBrincat with his old minors line mate, Dylan Strome, has been great for both of them.  Strome has scored 30 points in 32 games with the Blackhawks after scoring only six points in 20 games with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Signing Dominik Kahun has also paid off.  Kahun has scored 11 goals and picked up 16 assists with the Hawks this season.  He seems to be getting better as the season goes on.  The Hawks have some other fringe pickups who may or may not ultimately prove helpful.

Opponents can't solve the mystery of Blackhawks Delia

The Hawks have been getting good play in the nets and it hasn’t been coming from Corey Crawford.  Veteran Cam Ward has been on a hot streak and young goalie, Collin Delia, has a record of 6-2 with a save percentage of .923.  The goalies are a big reason the Hawks are riding a seven game winning streak.

A work in progress

While Erik Gustafsson needs work on his defensive game, the Hawks power play has made a remarkable turnaround and he’s a big part of it.  While the Hawks defense in general has been poor, there is at least hope on the horizon with young defensemen on the NHL roster and in Rockford.

Jonathan got his groove back

The fact that Patrick Kane continues to be amazing and Jonathan Toews apparently found the Fountain of youth has also been helpful.  

And they even have some cap space!

For the first time in years, the Blackhawks have some salary cap space.  They could use a top four defense, or even a top two defenseman for that matter.  The Hawks could use that space to pick up a good defenseman because, unlike the Bulls, the Blackhawks are a team top free agents want to play for.