5 Blackhawks with looming cap questions heading into 2018-19 NHL season

3. Anthony Duclair

Now we get into RFA territory with a guy who has showed a lot of promise, even if he hasn’t had the numbers to back it up. Duclair gives the Hawks added speed on the wing, which they’ve needed since moving Panarin. Saad still stands out as the fastest on the break when it comes to this lineup, but Duclair played an important, yet limited role after the move to Chicago.

Whether he stays or goes really comes down to what the Hawks think he’s worth and how that fits into their lines moving forward. When you have the hits Kane and Toews contracts make, the forward depth looms large.

Here’s what helps. Schmaltz still has a rather workable contract, at least through this season. Sikura, who should get more time is in the same boat. Sharp retiring gives a little more breathing room but they also have Jurco and Hinostroza to consider who are RFA’s as well. Stud youngster Alex Debrincat, who’s tearing it up with Kane overseas right now, has another manageable contract. So does that help Duclair?

I hope so. He’s had a few down years with less games played lately but fits nicely into what the Hawks like. It’s hard to want to move away from him and he’s coming off a $1.2 million dollar cap hit which could see a bump but shouldn’t affect decisions too much moving forward. He likely stays.