Six lesser known but highly valuable cap bargains on the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Chicago Blackhaws have been a powerhouse in the NHL for a number of years. Led by high-end offensive talent such as Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith, this team has been a very reliable source for goals including an NHL-leading 122 this season. As a team constantly facing tough decisions due to the NHL’s cap ceilings, the Hawks are often forced to turn to cheap alternatives to replace their departed assets while also allowing the team to retain its top players.

This creates opportunities for the beneficiaries to earn a boost in value in salary cap fantasy leagues. As secondary depth options these players hold more appeal in multi-category leagues. But being effective role players on a strong club definitely helps matters.

Andrew Shaw (F)
2013-14: $577,500
2014-15: $2,000,000
2015-16: $2,000,000

Please refer to this article for an in-depth look at Shaw, one of the best bang-for-the-buck producers so far this year, including the effect of his new contract extension on his keeper-league value.

Marcus Kruger (F)
2013-14: $1,325,000
2014-15: $1,325,000

Kruger has quietly become an effective all-around contributor for the Hawks. While he does not excel in any area other than blocked shots or faceoffs, his modest numbers across the board make him an attractive centerman in deeper leagues. His cost is below-average so whatever he contributes can be a nice bonus for your fantasy squad if the right categories are present.

Brandon Bollig (F)
2013-14: $575,000

Much like Shaw, Bollig has emerged as a strong fantasy contributor this year. The PIM and hits are his calling card but an increase to the 10-minute mark in average ice time has given him the opportunity to chip in with a few points. This adds a lot of value to Bollig as it makes him more of an offensive contributor than the classic goon. You will not find many players that are more valuable in this price range.

Ben Smith (F)
2013-14: $562,500

Smith has sneaky value in deeper leagues that have the categories where he is at his best. He is not a physical player in any way, shape or form but is a decent secondary scorer who can also contribute some blocks, shots and faceoffs from the wing position.

In keeper leagues Smith’s value is at a crossroads. He has a decent depth role with the Hawks at the moment but he is not signed beyond this year and at 25 years of age has yet to establish himself as a proven NHLer. He could emerge as a solid secondary scorer moving forward or he could disappear entirely from the NHL scene. He is not likely to have much trade value right now so if you own him you might as well hang on to him and hope for the best.

Sheldon Brookbank (D)
2013-14: $1,250,000

Brookbank is a decent option in deep leagues that count hits and PIM. Additionally, he has a decent history blocking shots and chipping in a few points along with solid plus-minus totals most years. The downside is the he does not dress every night so he is definitely more useful in leagues with bench positions so that he can be deactivated when he is out. But when he plays he has proven to be a decent contributor.

Antti Raanta (G)
2013-14: $925,000

Raanta’s value extends beyond what he has done so far in his short NHL career. The injuries to Nikolai Khabibulin and most recently Corey Crawford put Raanta at the top of the Hawks’ goalie mountain for the time being. This should lead to decent overall numbers along with a high volume of wins.

When Crawford eventually returns Raanta should resume his backup duties with Khabibulin’s long-term status up in the air. From there he will continue to be good for spot starts. This may ultimately prove to be more of a short-term boost in one-year leagues but at the price you cannot go wrong.

Previously in Capped:

Keeper League Cap Value

Bargain Hunting