The Hawks are all in

   As of today the Chicago Blackhawks are all in on their quest to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. This is feat that hasn't been accomplished since '97-'98 when the Detroit Red Wings did so, and it hasn't been done since the salary cap has been in place. By adding Andrew Ladd, Jay Harrison, Christian Ehrhoff, Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann, they have addressed any and all needs that may have been alluding them before. The Additions of Harrison and Ehrhoff add depth to a defensive core that in all honesty needed some help, Harrison will be a strong veteran presence as well as a sense of stability simply because he tends not to make risky plays. Ehrhoff will also bring a veteran presence but will be more of a puck mover and second option on the powerplay. Overall these moves allow them to take some pressure of Keith, Seabrook, and Hjalmarsson. Next come the big moves up front, the addition of Andrew Ladd is brilliant in the fact that he has not only played for this organization before but won a cup with them, a former captain and at time dominating power forward, Ladd will be a welcome addition of any line but my guess is he will suit up alongside Towes and Hossa on the top unit. Next we get Weise who will most likely fill either a third or fourth line roll, which is great because he is exactly the type of player the Hawks needed to add if they want to compete with the likes of the Kings come playoff time. Both Weise and Ladd will bring a big physical presence to the line up that will be a welcome addition. Next we get the wild card in all of this, Tomas Fleischmann, a guy who at times in his NHL career had looked utterly brilliant (See his time will Colorado and Florida) and at other times had been lack lustre (see his time with the Ducks) So depending on which Fleischmann shows up to the Hawks roster this can be a steal or a bust, but if I had to put my money on it, I'd bet Fleischmann returns to form with a brilliant Hawks team and becomes and instrumental part in what I believe to be another incredible chase for the Stanley Cup. At least those are my thoughts, what are yours? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to follow.