A youth movement seemed underway for the Chicago Blackhawks last season, with Alex DeBrincat having a breakout rookie year and plenty of youngsters getting a chance to shine at the NHL level.
Then, during the recent free agency period, the Blackhawks signed three absolute veterans in Cam Ward, Chris Kunitz and Brandon Manning. The present average age of those three guys is just over 33 years.
And with that, the Blackhawks suddenly feel old again. Duncan Keith is 34. Brent Seabrook is 33, as is Corey Crawford.