Hawks' strength on defense gets even better with Hendry
When Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon lists the key restricted free agents he hopes to get signed as quickly as possible, there is an interesting name mixed in with the likes James Wisniewski, Dustin Byfuglien, Rene Bourque, Andrew Ladd and Adam Burish.
It's Jordan Hendry.
Up until a few months ago, the only Jordan anyone talked about around the United Center was the guy with the statue out front. But since his recall from Rockford on Jan. 28, Jordan Hendry has become one of the Hawks' most dependable defensemen and a guy Tallon definitely sees coming back next season.
"How can you not think that the way he's played?" Tallon said. "He's really been a surprise, but he has been as solid as anybody. He's got great feet and he really can skate."
There already was a lot to like about the future of the Hawks' defense even before Hendry showed he was capable of delivering solid minutes.
Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook have taken their games to another level, particularly in the second half. Brent Sopel also has been very good, Wisniewski brings a gritty edge that every top defense needs, and Cam Barker has shown signs of gradual improvement.
Tallon's plan for free agency still is to pursue the top defenseman available, and if he could find a way to lure Brian Campbell to the West Side come July 1, the Hawks could have a defense that is the envy of the NHL.
And this isn't factoring in the potential of hard-hitter Niklas Hjalmarsson cracking the top seven in the fall.
Even Tallon's harshest critics, including the ones that still refuse to give him credit for trading Matt Ellison for Patrick Sharp, must admit the GM has done a good job assembling a defense that could be a strength for years.
Magic number: While on the topic of the Hawks' defense, one of the most impressive statistics in the NHL is the plus-27 Duncan Keith brought into Wednesday's game against Anaheim.
Keith's plus-27 ranked fourth in the league behind only Nicklas Lidstrom (plus-39), Dany Heatley (plus-32) and Pavel Datsyuk (plus-31).
At this rate, Keith could be on his way to earning a few Norris Trophy votes on writers' ballots that go five deep.
Matter of muscle: Even though opponents have been taking more and more runs at some of the Hawks' younger players, specifically Jonathan Toews, it doesn't sound as if Dale Tallon will be looking to add an enforcer to his off-season shopping list.
As of right now, Tallon envisions a mix of Adam Burish, Ben Eager, Kevyn Adams and Craig Adams comprising the fourth line next season.
Both Eager and Burish can serve as protectors, although neither will make anyone here forget Bob Probert.
Upon further review: The lineup the Hawks put on the ice in Minnesota on Tuesday and won with comprised just $17 million in payroll.
"Who says we have to go up to the cap," Dale Tallon said during the second intermission.
He was kidding, folks.