MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Defenseman Duncan Keith was the choice of the Blackhawks' Alumni Association, and he deserved the honor. He was a plus-30 while playing all 82 games and leading the team in ice time all season.

MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER
No doubt, it was winger Sergei Samsonsov. The Hawks had high hopes that he'd perk up their offense, but he never did. Eventually he became a healthy scratch, then went on the trading block. No team wanted him until the Hawks put him on waivers. Eventually, Carolina claimed him, and Samsonov immediately became an offensive factor for the Hurricanes.

FREE AGENT FOCUS
A veteran defenseman is the highest priority, with Brian Campbell of San Jose the most obvious target. A scoring forward also would help, with Marian Hossa one possibility.

PLAYER NOTES

--F Patrick Sharp was thwarted in his attempted to be a finalist for the NHL's Frank Selke Award for best defensive forward. He had strong support from the Chicago media.

--C Jonathan Toews contributed a goal for Team Canada in its 5-4 win over the United States in the World Championships in Canada. F Patrick Sharp is also playing for the Canadiens. He had a goal in a 7-0 romp over Latvia.

--F Patrick Kane, like Toews a finalist for the NHL's Calder Trophy, has been a big offensive threat for the U.S. in the World Championships. He had a goal and two assists in a 4-0 win over Latvia, another goal in a 5-1 victory over Slovenia and an assist in the loss to Canada. F Adam Burish and D James Wisniewski had assists in the Slovenia match.

--F Adam Burish, a late addition to the U.S. squad, is writing a blog on his experiences at the World Championships.

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