This according to Scott Powers of The Athletic (subscription required):
I heard Monday that contract negotiations were still ongoing. It’s believed the Blackhawks offered Crawford a one-year deal worth about $3.5 million. The ball is now in Crawford’s court.
A pending unrestricted free agent, there’s been a lot of speculation as to what Crawford might do when it comes to discussion about re-signing with Chicago. The Blackhawks have very little cap space this offseason, and while Crawford would like to stay, it’s unclear if he’ll take a short-term team-friendly discount. It would help the Blackhawks if he did as they need a temporary solution in net and they don’t have a lot of strong prospects in their goalie pipeline.
Should Crawford decline, the Hawks will need to go out and acquire another goaltender on the market. That probably won’t be hard to do, but there’s an argument that they won’t do better than Crawford at that price point.
Related: Corey Crawford Reveals What Will Keep Him With Blackhawks
Crawford Counter With a Second Year?
The choices for Crawford seem to be: One, take the deal. Two, test free agency. Three, counter.
If Crawford takes the deal, it’s likely because he’s realized a flooded goaltender market isn’t going to be good for him. At 35, and coming off an injury but still with decent numbers, he may get lost in the mix. And, there’s something about staying in a place you know and being virtually guaranteed a ton of starts.
If Crawford tries to counter, he’s likely going to look a for second year to be added to that deal to give him some security, but also the option to test the free agent waters again in two seasons when the cap has a chance of going back up. At that point, he’ll be 37. The odds he lands anything but a one-year deal at the point are slim.
If Crawford says he’s going to test free agency, he takes the chance Chicago will move on immediately and sign another netminder. His exit means the Blackhawks would need a starter and Bowman doesn’t want to risk missing out on someone he can get to solve his problems almost immediately.
It’s a tough spot for Crawford. Take the money and understand it’s a serious pay cut? Or, be happy you’re getting the offer at all?
Next: Stars Heiskanen Quietly Filling Jersey #4 Just Fine
strich9
September 9, 2020 at 4:16 pm
I think Crow takes the deal. The Hawks are a first class team and players know it.