Heading into the season, not many expected the Blackhawks’ defensive group to look as different as it is. Of course, few could have predicted that both Brian Campbell and Chris Campoli would be playing their hockey outside of Chicago this season.
In place of a guy like Campbell, as far as numbers go (rosterwise), Stan Bowman acquired a guy he had reportedly coveted for some time, in Steve Montador.
Formerly of the Buffalo Sabres, Montador was set to become a free gent this summer. Rather than let it get to that point, Bowman acquired his rights for a late round pick in 2012 or 2013, before eventually signing him to a new four-year deal.
It’s pretty obvious that Bowman and co. saw much more in Montador than what we saw in Buffalo last year might indicate. After all, it would be tough to justify a contract that carries a $2.75 million cap hit for a guy who was a healthy scratch in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Flyers.
As far as Montador’s...
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