Hawks have surprised before on July 1

We've come to expect the unexpected from the Blackhawks on the first day of free agency.

Nobody saw the signing of right wing Marian Hossa coming before last July 1.

Two summers ago, while the Hawks were one of the favorites to land defenseman Brian Campbell, they shocked the hockey world by signing goalie Cristobal Huet for four years when Nikolai Khabibulin already was under contract.

Does Hawks general manager Stan Bowman have another surprise up his sleeve for the start of today's free-agent signing period in the NHL?

It's not likely the Hawks will do anything of significance because of their salary cap issues, but never say never.

There was a rumor on Wednesday of veteran goalie Marty Turco being a person of interest to the Hawks, but Turco's money demands wouldn't seem to be a fit.

As of now the Hawks look as if they are prepared to have Corey Crawford come to training camp as Antti Niemi's backup, but that's not set in stone.

There are goalies available as free agents considered to be more of a true backup than Turco such as Johan Hedberg, Martin Biron and Antero Nittymaki.

Bowman said prior to the draft he would explore free agency for forwards with size and muscle to perhaps play on the third and fourth line. The Hawks might also be looking for a defenseman.

Four Hawks are set to become unrestricted free agents today in center John Madden, right wing Adam Burish and defensemen Nick Boynton and Kim Johnsson.

Here are the top free agents available starting today and where they might end up.

Ilya Kovalchuk: The Kings, Senators, Blues, Penguins and Capitals are said to be interested.

Sergei Gonchar: The Canucks need a puck-moving defenseman to run the power play and compete with the skilled Hawks defense.

Dan Hamhuis: He's another defenseman the Canucks have their eye on.

Evgeni Nabokov: The Flyers might be the favorite to land the former Sharks goalie, but don't rule out Tampa Bay and Washington.

Mike Modano: Unwanted by the Stars, but there might be interest by Detroit in the 40-year-old future Hall of Famer. Wouldn't he be an intriguing fourth-line Hawks center?

Anton Volchenkov: The Flyers might lead a long line of suitors for the shot-blocking defenseman.

Paul Martin: The Devils want to keep their No. 1 defenseman, but Buffalo and Toronto might offer bigger money.

Colby Armstrong: Word is the gritty winger wants to go back to Pittsburgh.