The Chicago Blackhawks won their second Stanley Cup in four seasons and have a nucleus of a team that should contend for years to come. Antoine Vermette Jersey . Off-Season Game Plan looks at what the Blackhawks could do this summer as they prepare for their title defence next season. While any team that wins is going to run into some challenges with a decreasing salary cap, the Blackhawks are in much better position compared to where they were following their 2010 Cup win, when they had to get rid of a lot of valuable players because they didnt have the financial flexibility to keep the roster intact. This year, once they exercise buyouts of Steve Montador and Rostislav Olesz, the Blackhawks should have some room to maneuver. Even if they lose unrestricted free agents Bryan Bickell, Viktor Stalberg, Michal Rozsival and Ray Emery, Chicago has prospects coming and could do some free agent shopping; after all, its a little easier to convince players to come play for the reigning champions. In any case, the Blackhawks have won two of the last four Cups and have a core together that should compete next year and the year after and, probably, the year after. When their two best players, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, are 25 and 24, respectively, theres every reason to expect more great seasons in the future. The TSN.ca Rating is an efficiency rating based on per-game statistics including goals and assists -- weighted for strength (ie. power play, even, shorthanded) -- plus-minus, hits, blocked shots, giveaways, takeaways, penalty differential and faceoffs. (Stats are listed in this format: G-A-PTS, +/-, PIM, GP). Generally, a replacement-level player is around a 60, a top six forward and top four defenceman will be 70-plus, stars will be over 80 and MVP candidates could go over 90. Sidney Crosby finished at the top of the 2013 regular season ratings with a 93.65. Salary cap information all comes from the indispensable www.capgeek.com. GM/COACH Stan Bowman/Joel Quenneville Returning Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Cap Hit Jonathan Toews 84.36 47 23 25 48 +28 $6.3M Patrick Kane 83.12 47 23 32 55 +11 $6.3M Marian Hossa 78.77 40 17 14 31 +20 $5.275M Patrick Sharp 75.04 28 6 14 20 +8 $5.9M Brandon Saad 68.27 46 10 17 27 +17 $894K Michael Frolik 64.76 45 3 7 10 +5 $2.333M Andrew Shaw 63.53 48 9 6 15 +6 $578K Dave Bolland 61.95 35 7 7 14 -7 $3.375M Daniel Carcillo 57.39 23 2 1 3 +1 $825K Brandon Bollig 52.25 25 0 0 0 -1 $575K Free Agent Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Class 12-13 Cap Hit Bryan Bickell 73.70 48 9 14 23 +12 UFA $542K Viktor Stalberg 66.39 47 9 14 23 +16 UFA $875K Michal Handzus 62.72 39 2 6 8 -2 UFA $2.5M Marcus Kruger 59.33 47 4 9 13 +3 RFA $900K Jamal Mayers 53.82 19 0 2 2 +2 UFA $650K Blackhawks Forwards Usage Chart from somekindofninja.com Captain Serious, Jonathan Toews, continued his improved production during the regular season, scoring more than a point-per-game for the first time in his career and while he wasnt as productive in the playoffs, Toews came up big when the Western Conference Final and Stanley Cup were on the line. Over the last four years, Toews has been among the very best puck possession players in the league, he won the Selke Trophy as the leagues best defensive forward and can play and excel in all situations. Few, if any, would be a better player around which to build a team. Last offseason, Blackhawks wild child Patrick Kane went through some highly-publicized partying that raised the spectre of his being moved out of Chicago -- he was too much trouble for a player coming off his least productive season. But the Blackhawks stuck with him and Kane scored 55 points in 48 games, a career-best 1.17 points per game during the regular season. Now, Kane actually had fewer shots on goal per game than in 2011-2012, so he benefitted from some high percentage (16.7%) shooting, but it was a great response to adversity. Kane also won the Conn Smythe, as playoff MVP and, over the course of his six-year career, he has 424 points, which ranks 14th. In four seasons with the Blackhawks, Marian Hossa has 216 points and is plus-71, one of a dozen players to have 200 points and a plus-50 rating over that span. The 34-year-old is still an excellent two-way player, but its going to be fascinating to see how his contract plays out. With new cap penalties for back-diving contracts, and the Blackhawks using their two buyouts on Rostislav Olesz and Steve Montador, they are committed to seeing his contract through and it runs through 2021. Injuries cost Patrick Sharp 20 games in the regular season and his goal-scoring rate (0.21 gpg) was his lowest since 2005-2006, but then Sharp came up big in the playoffs, leading with 10 goals in 23 games. Since 2007-2008, he has 160 goals, which ranks 21st. 20-year-old rookie Brandon Saad worked his way up the depth chart to spend the last couple months of the regular season skating alongside Toews and Hossa on Chicagos first line, scoring 24 points in his last 28 games. His size and physical presence adds a needed dimension to the Blackhawks forward lines. In Michael Froliks first couple years in the league, it appeared that he was going to be a scoring winger, scoring 42 goals, but hes managed a total of 19 goals in three seasons since and has found his niche as a checker and penalty killer in Chicago. Thats fine, but Frolik is paid a little much to be handling 12-13 minutes per game. Drafted in his final junior season, Andrew Shaw has been a terrific addition to the Blackhawks, already playing 85 games (only four players from the 2011 draft have played more), contributing 38 points. On top of that, points arent the real measure of Shaws contributions. Hes relentless and plays much bigger than he is and his energy (as well as his production) was crucial to the Blackhawks Stanley Cup win. Scoring the Stanley-Cup-winning goal was a nice way to redeem a down season for Dave Bolland, who scored at the lowest rate (0.40 ppg) of his career while finishing a career-low minus-7. While Bolland does get the tough checking assignments, hes handled much more difficult zone starts than what he had in 2013 and was more effective. When healthy, though, Bolland is usually a very good defensive centre who can contribute enough in an offensive role that the Blackhawks tried to have him fill their second-line centre spot. There is being more disciplined and then there is what was going on with Daniel Carcillo in 2013. A player who had 1068 penalty minutes in 310 career games (3.45 per game), had a total of 11 penalty minutes in 23 games last season. Hes a part-time player in Chicago, which can be a tough lineup to crack, but is Carcillo good enough to be anything more than that if hes not wreaking havoc? Brandon Bollig takes some playing time from Carcillo, as Bollig is a bigger, more physical presence and, while he has yet to record a point in 43 career games and has his ice time sheltered, he did have good possession numbers. The Blackhawks have tried to get Marcus Kruger to fill their second-line centre spot too, but the 23-year-old hasnt been up to that responsibility. Hes a decent two-way player, but hasnt provided the offence to fill a scoring role; at least not yet. Playoff hero Bryan Bickell is due for a substantial raise as an unrestricted free agent. Bickell is a complementary player, albeit one with good size and decent hands, but he can play in the top nine for just about any club, which means hes going to have no shortage of free agent suitors. If Bickell and Viktor Stalberg move on as free agents, there could be some openings up front. For years the Blackhawks have been just getting by in the second-line centre spot. If they want to make a push for a veteran free agent -- Stephen Weiss, Derek Roy, Vincent Lecavalier -- they might have the resources to make that kind of move and, as a championship contender, might be able to get players to take a little bit less to join the team. Returning Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Cap Hit Duncan Keith 77.11 47 3 24 27 +16 $5.538M Brent Seabrook 72.31 47 8 12 20 +12 $5.8M Johnny Oduya 71.38 48 3 9 12 +12 $3.383M Niklas Hjalmarsson 67.09 46 2 8 10 +15 $3.5M Sheldon Brookbank 59.86 26 1 0 1 -2 $1.25M Steve Montador             $2.75M Free Agent Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Class 12-13 Cap Hit Michal Rozsival 71.43 27 0 12 12 +18 UFA $2.0M Nick Leddy 69.41 48 6 12 18 +15 RFA $1.167M Bruins Defence Usage Chart from somekindofninja.com One of the very best puck possession defencemen in the game when hes on, like he was in the playoffs, Duncan Keith actually played his fewest minutes per game (24:07) since 2006-2007 during the regular season. Brent Seabrook also played less, his 22 minutes per game his fewest since 2007-2008, which is a testament to the trust that the coaching staff has in Johnny Oduya and Niklas Hjalmarsson, yet at the same time, Seabrook was seeing his ice time cut early in the Blackhawks playoff run; then he scored two huge overtime goals on the way to a Stanley Cup win and winning tends to erase any concerns about a possible decline in Seabrooks play. Adding Johnny Oduya from Winnipeg at the 2012 trade deadline has turned out to be an outstanding addition to the Blackhawks, a much-needed presence with mobility and good passing skills to play in their top four on the blueline. Niklas Hjalmarsson rounds out the top four, playing a career-high 20:54 per game in 2013 and finishing a career-best plus-15. Hjalmarsson has good size, moves well and has been a strong possession player over the last four seasons. Sheldon Brookbank is a tough extra defenceman. As long as hes not asked to do too much, though, he can be a serviceable option on the third pair. Concussions have derailed Steve Montadors career, though he did get into 14 games with Rockford last season. With a couple years left on his contract, and questions about whether hell be a viable regular going forward, its understandable that hes going to get bought out this summer. A tremendous skater and puck mover whose role was greatly reduced last season, Nick Leddy has lots of potential, but will need to improve his play without the puck in order to earn the trust of the coaching staff. He still had nice possession stats in 2013, but played nearly five minutes fewer per game and his usage was much more sheltered. He was exposed at times in the playoffs, but hes 22, hell get better. If the Blackhawks promote prospect Adam Clendening to replace free agent Michal Rozsival, they could still have a very similar defensive core going into next season. With such a strong group, stability is a bonus. Returning Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Cap Hit Corey Crawford 87.22 30 19 5 5 1.94 .926 $2.667M Free Agent Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Class 12-13 Cap Hit Ray Emery 81.90 21 17 1 0 1.94 .922 UFA $1.15M Corey Crawford rebounded from a down 2011-2012 season to post a career-best .926 save percentage and even if his playoff performance had some ups and downs, he finished with a .932 save percentage while playing every minute of all 23 games for the Blackhawks. Winning a Stanley Cup should help Crawfords rep, but another strong season with a .920-plus save percentage would command more respect too. Since Ray Emery should have an opportunity to compete for a starting job somewhere as a free agent, Finnish goalie Antti Raanta may be given first crack at the backup job. Top Prospects Player Pos. Team/League Stats Teuvo Teravainen C Jokerit (SML) 13-18-31, +2, 44 GP Phillip Danault C Moncton (QMJHL) 23-62-85, +16, 56 GP Mark McNeill C Prince Albert (WHL) 25-42-67,+4, 65 GP Brandon Pirri C Rockford (AHL) 22-53-75, +11, 76 GP Adam Clendening D Rockford (AHL) 9-37-46, +17, 73 GP Jeremy Morin RW Rockford (AHL) 30-28-58, +2, 67 GP Antti Raanta G Assat Pori (SML) 29-10-11, 1.85 GAA, .943 SV% Jimmy Hayes RW Rockford (AHL) 25-20-45, even, 67 GP Ben Smith RW Rockford (AHL) 27-20-47, +17, 54 GP Drew LeBlanc C St. Cloud St. (WCHA) 13-37-50, +14, 42 GP The 18th pick in last summers draft, Teuvo Teravainen is on the small side, but hes a skilled playmaker who could be a first-line player if he gets strong enough to handle that role in North America. Drafted 26th in 2011, Phillip Danault doesnt have standout skills, but is a solid, smart player who will compete for a job with the Blackhawks soon. Mark McNeill is a physically strong two-way centre who should be quick to contend for a job soon, but its questionable whether hell score enough to fill an offensive role. Brandon Pirri has already played three AHL seasons, scoring nearly a point-per-game last season and just turned 22, which has to put him in consideration for an NHL job before much longer. A talented puck-moving defenceman, Adam Clendening had a terrific first pro season. If the Blackhawks want to improve their puck skills on the back end, hes a candidate to move up when there is ice time available. 22-year-old winger Jeremy Morin has scored 48 goals and racked up 207 penalty minutes over the last two years in the AHL. Perhaps hes a touch closer to the league than some of the younger prospects, having scored five points in 15 AHL games, but thats a lot of guys pushing for jobs. Signed as a free agent, 24-year-old Antti Raanta has been dominant in Finland over the last couple seasons, putting an exclamation point on his career there with a .955 save percentage in 16 playoff games. With Ray Emery an unrestricted free agent, its entirely possible that Raanta will open next season as the number two behind Corey Crawford. 6-foot-6 winger Jimmy Hayes has 13 points in 41 career games with the Blackhawks and finished the AHL season strong, scoring 28 points in his last 29 games. While the Blackhawks have a very strong group of forward prospects, Ben Smith is a 24-year-old that has a little more experience and has fit, from time-to-time in a fourth-line role with the Blackhawks. Reigning Hobey Baker winner Drew LeBlanc had a very productive career at St. Cloud State, scoring 101 points in 90 games over the last three seasons. Lots of forwards in the mix for jobs in Chicago over the next few seasons. Additionally, defencemen Stephen Johns and Dylan Olsen, winger Garret Ross and goaltenders Kent Simpson and Mac Carruth are all worth tracking. For a team that just won the Stanley Cup, the Blackhawks prospect cupboard is quite well stocked. DRAFT 30th - Morgan Klimchuk, Ryan Hartman, J.T. Compher. FREE AGENCY According to www.capgeek.com, the Blackhawks have approximately $60.0M committed to the 2013-2014 salary cap for 18 players. Check out my possible Blackhawks lineup for next season on Cap Geek here. Needs: One top six forward, depth forwards, one or two defencemen, backup goaltender. What I said the Blackhawks needed last year: One top six forward, depth forwards, depth defencemen. They added: Brandon Saad, Jamal Mayers, Michal Rozsival. TRADE MARKET Dave Bolland, Michael Frolik, Daniel Carcillo, prospects. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. Brandon Montour Jersey . The team also announced Tuesday that the Braves will wear a commemorative patch on the right sleeve during the season. The patch, shaped like home plate, carries the number 715, Aarons autograph and a "40th Anniversary" banner. Derek Grant Jersey . -- Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings was selected Monday to his second straight Pro Bowl, while guard Kyle Long made it after a solid rookie season. http://www.cheapducksjerseys.com/?tag=adidas-patrick-eaves-jersey . Speaking Thursday on TSN 1050 Thursday, the Leafs GM also touched on the questions surrounding the teams leadership and the struggles of his big-name free-agent signing. “Its not from lack of effort from the coaching staff.Louis van Gaal hasnt been shy to promote Manchester Uniteds academy talent. We look at the most recent graduates. Following the appointment of Nicky Butt as Manchester Uniteds head of academy in February, Ed Woodward pointed out the clubs track record of success in player development.The United executive vice-chairman identified 15 academy graduates promoted to the first-team over the last four years, a figure that has only increased in the weeks since. Marcus Rashford, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and James Weir have each stepped up, leading Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler to label them Louis Lads. Butt appointed Nicky Butt appointed Manchester Uniteds head of academy While they are not quite on the level of Fergies Fledglings yet, we take a look at Uniteds recent academy graduates with the help of Sky Sports News HQs James Cooper…At United...Marcus RashfordRashford capped a remarkable rise with the winner in the Manchester derby on Sunday, his fifth goal in his eighth appearance for the senior team. The teenage forward was thrust into the spotlight against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League and responded with two goals in the must-win second-leg. Rashford the derby hero Marcus Rashford delivers match-winning display in Manchester derby He followed that up with another double against Arsenal before leaving Man Citys Martin Demichelis in his wake to notch the decisive goal at the Etihad, prompting Louis van Gaal to play down hopes of an England place at Euro 2016.. Marcus Rashford celebrates after putting United ahead in the Manchester derby Timothy Fosu-MensahThe Dutch-born defender came on for his Premier League debut as a substitute against Arsenal, replacing Marcos Rojo before keeping the lively Gunners winger Alex Iwobi under control. Hes since made another three appearances, and won praise from Van Gaal for saving United in their 1-0 win over Watford. Fosu-Mensah came on against Arsenal and kept Alex Iwobi under wraps James WeirLike Fosu-Mensah, Weir came on as a substitute in the win over Arsenal, but hes made little impact on the first-team other than that stoppage time cameo. James Weir (left) has been on the fringes of the first-team squad Joe RileyThe teenage midfielder filled in at left-back in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury before featuring again against FC Midtjylland. But hes more of an forward-thinking player, with opportunities difficult to come by in Van Gaals attack. Joe Riley has made a handful of appearances in cup competitions since February Adnan JanuzajUndoubtedly the most successful in terms of appearances, Januzaj burst onto the scene under David Moyes, announcing his arrival with two goals in a victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Hes not quite kicked on as hoped since then, and is now back at United after a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund was cut short. Adnan Januzaj has returned to United after a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund James Wilson (on loan at Brighton)The future looked bright when Wilson marked his senior debut with two goals against Hull City under interim boss Ryan Giggs, but he has found opportunities difficult to come by with Louis van Gaal in charge. Now on loan at Brighton until the end of the season, Wilson has four goals in 18 league appearances as Chris Hughtons side aim for promotion to the Premier League.Paddy McNairWith Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones all missing and fellow graduate Tyler Blackett suspended, Van Gaal handed Paddy McNair his debut against West Ham in September 2014. After winning international recognition last year, he hopes to go to Euro 2016 with Northern Ireland but has played just 133 minutes of football in 2016. Paddy McNair was handed his chance after a defensive injury crisis Jesse LingardThe Warrington-born winger stayed patient at United, completing loan spells at Leicester, Birmmingham City, Brighton and Derby County, and he has been rewarded this season with an extended run in the team. Patrick Eaves Jersey. He has made the most of it too, keeping out big-money signing Memphis Depay. Jesse Lingard found the net in Uniteds 1-1 draw with Chelsea Cameron Borthwick-JacksonIts been a meteoric rise for Borthwick-Jackson, who started the season by stepping up to the U21s. But with Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo sidelined, the teenager emerged as Uniteds first-choice left-back, earning praise from a proud Van Gaal after his assist for Lingard against Chelsea.Tyler Blackett (on loan at Celtic)After impressing on the clubs 2014 pre-season tour, Blackett started five of the opening six games of the 2014/15 season, but the defender, who has been with United since he was eight, lost his place after a red card against Leicester and is currently on loan at Celtic. Tyler Blackett joined Celtic on a season-long loan Donald LoveButts predecessor Brian McClair praised Loves positive debut in the defeat by Sunderland earlier this year, but the right-back has since been edged out by Guillermo Varela.Andreas PereiraSigned from PSV Eindhoven in 2012, the Brazilian attacker is already on his second professional contract at United, and has been a fixture on the first-team bench this campaign. The 20-year-old capped a breakthrough 2015 with the clubs U21 player of the year award, and scored a free-kick on his first competitive start for the senior team against Ipswich Town in September. One to watch. Andreas Pereira has agreed a new contract with Manchester United Will KeaneThe talented young striker has trekked around the lower leagues, spending time on loan at Wigan, QPR, Sheffield Wednesday and most recently Preston North End. Hes back with United now and came off the bench for four minutes against Sunderland after catching the eye with a five-goal haul in a reserve match against Norwich.No longer at United...Reece James - now at WiganJames seemingly came out of nowhere with two goals against LA Galaxy on the clubs 2014 pre-season tour, and after Luke Shaws fitness was criticised upon his arrival, there was a chance for the academy prospect to step up. But he ultimately failed to secure a regular place in the squad and was sent on loan to Rotherham and Huddersfield before leaving permanently for Wigan last year.Tom Lawrence - now at Cardiff City on loan from LeicesterThe highly-rated Wales international made his debut alongside Wilson in May 2014, but was sold to Leicester four months later. After a successful spell at Blackburn ended last month, he joined Cardiff on loan until the end of the season and is battling for a Euro 2016 spot. Tom Lawrence is hoping to make a case for Euro 2016 inclusion Michael Keane - now at BurnleyThe centre-back made just one Premier League appearance for United before Burnley made his loan move permanent last year, and hes been a key player under Sean Dyche as they push for promotion.Tom Thorpe - now at RotherhamThorpe played a single minute of league football for United, replacing Angel Di Maria in stoppage time against West Ham in September 2014. That was as good as it got, though, and hes now at Rotherham under Neil Warnock, but has not played in the Championship since November. Tom Thorpe (left) celebrates with then team-mates Paul Pogba (middle) and Jesse Lingard (right) in 2011 Scott Wootton - now at LeedsThe versatile defender made three senior appearances for United, conceding an injury-time penalty against Chelsea in his final outing as they lost 5-4 after extra time in the Capital One Cup. Now at Leeds United under Steve Evans, hes a regular at right-back.Ryan Tunnicliffe - now at FulhamYou may remember Tunnicliffes father made £10,000 on a 100-1 bet after his son made his United debut as a substitute against Newcastle, but three loan spells later he was allowed to leave for Fulham along with fellow academy talent Larnell Cole. Hes still at Craven Cottage but has struggled with injury and has been limited to just 21 league appearances. Ryan Tunnicliffe has struggled with injury at Fulham Also See: Butt appointed LVG praises Rashford WATCH: Blatant Utd penalty Rashford the derby hero Stitched Jerseys Cheap NFL Black Jerseys Stitched Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Jerseys NFL China Discount Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic ' ' '