According to Mark Lazerus, the Chicago Blackhawks and Corey Crawford deal that could have still happened won’t. Talks between both parties have broken down and the goaltender will officially be headed to market on Friday. Lazerus writes, “The Blackawks will NOT be re-signing Corey Crawford.”
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The Blackhawks confirmed the news as GM Stan Bowman said, “I had a conversation with Corey earlier today and it was an emotional talk.” He added, about Crawford’s time with the team, “To be a 2-time Stanley Cup Champion, I think it speaks volumes…He’s up there with the legends Glenn Hall, Tony Esposito, Corey Crawford.”
These were pretty kind words for a player who meant a ton to the organization but is also likely leaving because he’s looking to hit it big in a market flooded with netminders.
No Real Surprise Here for Blackhawks
This isn’t terribly shocking news as speculation was Crawford will be hitting up free agency, but it is interesting because it firmly places Chicago in the goalie market. Fortunately for them, there are a lot of options to choose from.
What kind of netminder will they go after? That too is interesting because the team is in a unique spot. Are the Blackhawks more a rebuilding team than a winning one? Their plans could change the type of goalie they try and pursue in free agency or trade.
Crawford will certainly be missed but it’s time for both sides to move on.
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