Look at what Dale Tallon did with the Blackhawks a few years back… built a contender on 5-6 years of solid drafting and prospect development (see: Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, Byfuglien, Bolland, Kane, Toews), and supplemented the team with a few key aquisitions and signings (Hossa, Niemi, Sharp, Versteeg). Look at where it got them.

I see similar strategy in Chiarelli’s approach… though he inherited young talent like Krejci, Bergeron and Stuart (who are all entering potential breakout years), he should be credited for acquiring/drafting an abundance of talented youth that could spell success for this franchise for years to come. Names that come to mind include Wheeler, Lucic, Horton, Seguin, Colborne, Caron, Sauve, and some fairly decent goalie named Tuukka Rask. Blend that with the veteran savvy and skill he’s brought in (Chara, Savard, Recchi, Seidenberg… Ryder, Thomas and Ferrence are debatable) and I’d say he’s done an incredible job of creating a deep team with plenty of potential for success in its future (knock on wood).

MK, Was that you on the “Savvy not as hurt” question? That was a beaut! Loved Chia Pete’s reaction.