Together again: Toews, Saad expect chemistry to return quickly – Comcast SportsNet Chicago

Together again: Toews, Saad expect chemistry to return quickly

Brandon Saad talked to plenty of people after he was traded back to the Blackhawks. Some were now ex-teammates from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Others, soon-to-be-teammates again from the Blackhawks.

One of the first people he talked to on Friday? Jonathan Toews.

Hes someone I talked to shortly after it happened. Hes a guy Ive always kept in touch with, great friend, Saad said. To be reunited, getting that chance to play with him again, hes an incredible player and his resume speaks for itself. I look forward to trying to rekindle that.

The two didnt lose touch the past two years. Now that theyll be reunited on the ice, they hope they didnt lose the chemistry either. Saad and Toews formed a great combination a few years ago, a steadiness thats been missing from the top line, especially at left wing, ever since. With Saads return, however, the Blackhawks are looking to get that top line consistent again.

[MORE: Blackhawks trade back, select Henri Jokiharju at No. 29]

Toews was at the NHL Draft on Friday night, announcing the Blackhawks first-round pick with Patrick Kane. The thought of getting Saad back on his left wing was appealing.

Well theres no doubt getting an old teammate, an old friend back, another guy who shared that same bond, friendship and having the experience of winning a Cup together with Saader. I guess theres some reconciliation because you know what youre getting, Toews said. You know what type of guy he is and how hes going to fit into the locker room and what hes going to bring.

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said via conference call today that, while Toews and Saad had great chemistry the first time around, Saad could fit with others. It all depends on what works best.

Thats up to Joel [Quenneville] on where he wants to use him, Bowman said. No doubt they had tremendous chemistry; he found a home on Jonathans left wing. But the one thing Im trying to stress to everyone, even internally, is we dont want to look backward and replicate some old formula. Hes had great success with Jonathan and if they go back to that, great.

Toews and Saad found their niche together pretty quickly the first time around. Its only been two years since Saad departed, so finding that chemistry again shouldnt take long at all.

I dont think so, Toews said of chemistry taking long to rekindle. You play at that caliber you just worry about your own game. Go out there and have fun. be prepared, be ready to roll and it shouldnt take long for things to happen out there.

Eight draft picks in about 3 hours. It was a busy Saturday for the Blackhawks, and when general manager Stan Bowman talked that afternoon about the teams Day 2 haul, he came prepared.

I have my little cheat sheet, Bowman said of the paper on which he had written the Blackhawks eight newest prospects.

After a few days worth of moves the Blackhawks focused on the future, taking nine players over two days at the NHL Draft. It was a successful weekend for the Blackhawks, who hosted the draft for the first time and built up assets, especially on the blue line. Five of the Blackhawks nine selections were defensemen.

One of the things we talked about was looking at the market. Theres a high value on defensemen. Were not necessarily looking at the draft but our team this year and over the next couple of years; those are the assets that are valuable around the league, Bowman said. Look at the trade Calgary made [for Travis Hamonic], defensemen are a valuable commodity. That was a priority coming in and we were able to accomplish it.

What comes next

The Blackhawks got what they wanted at this weekends draft but the focus will soon shift, as free agency opens on July 1. It remains to be seen what the Blackhawks will have cap-wise come a week from now. Currently, according to CapFriendly.com, theyre $1.445 million over the $75 million cap. Its doubtful the Blackhawks apply the long-term injured reserve tag on Marian Hossa during the offseason. Its possible they could still trade Marcus Kruger to gain some space. Bowman said, one way or another, there will be some movement.

Well bring some players in, I dont know how many, what position or what level, he said. This is where theres a lot of activity, the couple weeks in the middle of June until the middle of July. Thats when the most changes happen. Well go to work, now that were past this.

Wait for it

The Blackhawks also have to decide whether or not to qualify restricted free agents Dennis Rasmussen and Tomas Jurco. Bowman said thatll be decided by Monday.

Ive had discussions with both agents, he said. I dont have an answer right now but well have that worked out in the next day and a half.

Niklas Hjalmarsson heard some of the rumors, but not to a large degree. The former Blackhawks defenseman wasnt spending a lot of time on the internet reading up on his potential fate. He figured hed still stay put in Chicago.

But when my agent called me about the 10-team list, I understood it was serious. Stan [Bowman] wouldnt ask for that unless they made up their mind already, Hjalmarsson said via conference call on Saturday. Thats when it hit me that Im probably not going to put the Hawks jersey on anymore.

Indeed, Hjalmarssons next jersey will be that of the Arizona Coyotes, who acquired him in exchange for defenseman Connor Murphy on Friday. Hjalmarssons departure marks the end of the line for another Blackhawks core player, and this one is jarring in how it will change the teams defense.

Speaking of change, Hjalmarsson faces a lot of it himself now. Sure, theres the obvious change for a guy whos played his entire career in one place. Its new surroundings and a new team, on which he knows former Blackhawks teammate Antti Raanta and fellow countryman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

But the Coyotes have dealt with a lot of upheaval lately. Goaltender Mike Smith is gone. So is veteran Shane Doan. On Thursday, head coach Dave Tippett and the Coyotes parted ways.

Theyre on a rebuild, a lot of new faces, lot of changes, Hjalmarsson said. Its tough to know what to expect but I think theyre a hungry organization that wants to win like other teams. Im looking forward to try to contribute with playing my game, just try to get the organization back in the playoffs.

Hjalmarsson should find chemistry with Ekman-Larsson the two were teammates in the Winter Olympics in Sochi and Hjalmarsson will likely play a bigger role with the Coyotes. Arizona will probably look to Hjalmarsson a lot during its rebuild, given his Cup-winning history.

The first 24 hours were full of mixed emotions of Hjalmarsson. With his limited no-move clause, he was always a likely candidate to be moved from a Blackhawks team laden will full no-move clauses. Hes turning a page, but he wont forget his time in Chicago anytime soon.

Im trying to always be a positive guy, Hjalmarsson said. I spent my whole 20s in Chicago, 10 unbelievable years. I didnt think Id win three Cups. Hopefully I can get one more before my career is over. I had the best time in Chicago, enjoyed every single year, playing in front of the best fans in the league. Ive been spoiled. Now its time for me and my family to move on and seize the opportunity in Arizona and create some new fond memories.

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Together again: Toews, Saad expect chemistry to return quickly - Comcast SportsNet Chicago