Chicago Blackhawks Prepared To Take Loss On Bryan Bickell

It’s crazy the difference a pair of seasons can make.

Two years (less a day) ago, the Chicago Blackhawks clinched the Stanley Cup in a Game Six win over the Boston Bruins. Bryan Bickell, who had been a huge contributor all post-season long, scored the first of two Chicago goals in 17 seconds, tying the game. Dave Bolland’s gave the ‘Hawks the lead, and less than a minute later, they were champions.

Bickell’s big goal was the icing on the cake for the pending UFA, who CBC and NBCSN announcers had been praising throughout the playoffs. A big raise was coming that summer, but who would give it to him? Could the Blackhawks afford to keep him?

They could, and Bickell signed a 4-year, $16 million…