The Chicago Blackhawks have some decisions still to make before the offseason is over and we hit the 2020-21 season. With $5,213,687 left for the team to spend, they have enough money to bring Dylan Strome back. But there';s still moves to be made.Is Andrew Shaw Still Worth His Contract?

The days of Andrew Shaw in the NHL could be numbered, as he has suffered multiple concussions, which have kept him out of action. In 2019-20, Shaw suffered a concussion 26 games in, which ended his entire season.Andrew Shaw of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates a goal. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Even when the playoffs hit, Shaw didn';t play. He said he';d be ready for the 2020-21 NHL season, but there';s a lot of risk there.

Shaw is being paid $3.9 million per season for the next two seasons. Buying him out keeps the Blackhawks responsible for paying him for the next two seasons after his contract would expire. Getting rid of him would come in the form of a trade.

If the Blackhawks couldn';t find a trade partner for Shaw, they';d have to keep him for at least the 2020-21 season before debating buying him out. Buying him out next offseason would save the Blackhawks two years of paying Shaw. It';s their only way to get rid of him without trading him.Related: Blackhawks' Roundtable: Goalies, Bebuilding & the Saad Trade

The worry comes with his health. He has missed games due to a concussion multiple times in his career. Shaw';s play style would have to change to keep him in the league longer. Shaw';s physical, grinder style of play has kept him in the league for a long time. He';d have to figure out a way to be more of a two-way forward without being as physical. Should The Blackhawks Buy Out Zack Smith?

Rumors of the Blackhawks buying out Zack Smith have been out there for some time now. He has one year left on his $3.25 million contract, but doesn';t add enough value to the team where he is worth that much money.Zack Smith #15, Chicago Blackhawks (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

In his 50 games last season, Smith scored four goals and seven assists for a total of 11 points. That';s a point every five games. Even if he plays a bottom-six depth role on the team, he needs to produce more to be worth his contract.

If the team were to buy him out, they';d be saving $2,166,667 for the 2020-21 season. They';d be on the hook for $1,083,333 in 2021-22, but it';s worth it to add more money to the salary cap now.

Even if the team is considered a "rebuilder," they still have moves they need to make. They can find a cheaper alternative to Smith. They can do that either by trading him, which is the cheaper option, or by buying him out and signing a free agent.Related: Blackhawks' News & Rumors: Toews' Point, Kane's Text, Wallmark & More

No matter what the decision is, he shouldn';t wear a Blackhawks jersey next season. He';s too expensive and this team is in a cap crunch.What Is Dylan Strome';s Value?

After seeing Dominik Kubalik sign for a two-year, $3.7 million average annual value (AAV) contract, it lowers the value of Dylan Strome, as Kubalik, right now, is the better player. Assuming that Strome signs a contract for around $3.5 million AAV, it would be a shorter deal, just like Kubalik';s.Dylan Strome, Chicago Blackhawks (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Strome is a huge part of the future core of the Blackhawks, but hockey is a business. Stan Bowman has already made it clear that he wants Strome to be apart of the team';s future, but there';s only so much they can do to keep him. (from 'Blackhawks give qualifying offers to Dominik Kubalik, Dylan Strome but relinquish others,'; Chicago Sun-Times, 10/08/2020) There are holes that need to be fixed still, but Strome has to stay a top priority for the Blackhawks.

Strome has turned his career around since joining the Blackhawks in 2018. In 116 games with the team, Strome has scored 29 goals and 60 assists for a total of 89 points. Even though he didn';t have as good of a season in 2019-20 as he did in 2018-19, he';s worth every penny he will be paid. They just cannot overpay Strome.

Strome is a can';t miss prospect, even if the Blackhawks have other centers that can take his spot. He';s too much of a risk to lose. Strome and Alex DeBrincat have great chemistry, chemistry that the Blackhawks cannot afford to lose. Even if both players regressed last season, they';ll be able to bounce back in 2020-21. The way they do that is putting them back on the same line as each other. That';s where they find their most success.

The post Blackhawks Have Decisions to Make With Smith, Shaw & Strome appeared first on The Hockey Writers.

      

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