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This is the year the Hawks should be making a HUGE splash to show the fans in Chicago that they inderstand that the Buzz is indeed back. As far as Campbell and Hossa - it will more than likely be niether.
Campbell wants to play for the Sharks or a team on the East Coast and as the predominant FA in this year's pool - he'll dictate and get whatever he wants.
Hossa is a very expensive, older complimentary player. He cannot carry the water for anyone at this point.
HOWEVER, names like Brian Rolston, Antti Miettinen and even Owen Nolan, if he indeed becomes available as the Flames go through an incredible makeover, make better sense to consider at forward. Rolston & Nolan would provide leadership, grit and a bridge to their youth, while Miettinen - who is a younger, developing talent - would be a longer term addition.
Mark Streit and/or John-Michael Liles would be outstanding additions to the blue line. Both are young, adept at moving the puck and could be signed WAY cheaper tham Campbell. That said - they better sign one of them quickly, because Campbell will not sign in Chicago, and them wasting time trying to get him will give other teams opportunity to slip in and sign Streit or Liles before they can re-group.
Whatever happens - I hope Tallon follows up on what he hinted at shortly after the year ended...building upon the momentum by adding an offensively capable defenseman to the power play and adding scoring punch at forward. I hope that doesn't translate to trading away too much young talent. And while I understand there were some bad feelings at the end of last year - I don't know why they're now allowing Jason Williams to just skate away after trading Calder to get him.
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