Using the VUKOTA projection system of Puck Prospectus, Insider takes the temperature of key players on every NHL team. For a detailed explanation of Prospectus' proprietary GVT value metric, read more here.
Summer Skate -- Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks ended their Stanley Cup slump with a collection of talent assembled through the draft, including a tremendous collection of value role players. Unfortunately, the new salary cap era has forced them to surrender players like Kris Versteeg, Andrew Ladd, Dustin Byfuglien, John Madden, Colin Fraser, Ben Eager, Cam Barker and Brent Sopel to reward clubs that have done terrible jobs building a team, like the Atlanta Thrashers. On the plus side, those they could afford to keep are left with a tremendous opportunity to rack up scoring by playing alongside top talents like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith, and all the open ice they create.