NHL Odds: Offseason Update: Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks may have downgraded in net with Marty Turco. (AP Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks had their cake by winning the Stanley Cup last season, but it doesn’t look like they’ll be able to eat it, too; Chicago endured numerous losses after winning it all last year. Still, the Blackhawks have 6/1 Bodog NHL futures odds to repeat the Cup win. This is Chicago’s offseason update.

As Chicago is painfully learning, winning a Stanley Cup comes with a heavy price. Several players wanted new deals and, in the wake of a title, asked for a pile of cash. It was impossible for the Blackhawks to retain everyone, so this squad will have a new look in 2009-10.

Perhaps the biggest loss is goalie Antti Niemi. No, Niemi isn’t the second coming of Dominik Hasek, but he did backstop this club to a Cup. Chicago will go with veteran Marty Turco in net this time around. Turco has declined over the past two years, though obviously management is hoping that’s a byproduct of a weak Dallas Stars team. Either way, Turco never delivered in pressure situations, even in his prime.

Chicago also took a hit on the blue line when Brent Sopel was traded to Atlanta. Sopel was a good fourth defenseman and will be missed, though Chicago retains a great top three in Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Brian Campbell.

The forwards have been ravaged by salary cap demands. The key guys are all still here -- Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp -- but the gritty role players who do the little things to win are gone.

The list of departures is long: John Madden, Adam Burish, Andrew Ladd, Kris Versteeg, Dustin Byfuglien. A few faces were brought in as replacements, but that’s a significant talent drain. Chicago has some serious work ahead if it plans to repeat as Stanley Cup champion.

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