Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman has re-shaped the look of his team over the last 14 months.
Through multiple trades and other roster moves, the Blackhawks became significantly younger (and faster) than the team that was swept in its last playoff appearance. Similar avenues have also alleviated the salary cap crunch that Chicago has felt for the last decade.
But now it’s time for Bowman to summit the steepest peak on the climb back to the mountaintops upon which this team once stood: improve the team’s on-ice talent at the NHL level.