Dear Stan:

Pick up the phone today and call Garth Snow. See what it will take, within reason, to bring James Wisniewski back to the Blackhawks.

Yah, yah, I know, Stan. He makes 3.25 million a year and he's injury prone.

But I also know— you know— he brings so many things to this team that went out the dressing room door this summer with his old pal Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd and Adam Burish: toughness, leadership on the ice and in the dressing room, looseness.

And the kid can play defense and score you some goals with a huge point shot.

Here's the other thing: Wiz has worn three sweaters, but none like the Indianhead. He's a Hawk. And he's cut from precisely the same cloth as Byfuglien, Ladd and Burish.

I also know Garth Snow, being in (some might argue 'perpetual') rebuilding mode, might not want to part with a huge piece of that puzzle.

Well, it's not like you don't have some assets to give back.

Troy Brouwer's going to cost you (or someone) some money this summer. He's off to a mediocre start in Chicago this year, but as you know, a majority of NHL GMs would love to have him.

Maybe Snow likes Jack Skille's speed and athleticism— and a fresh start on the Isle would help him, too.

What about a Shawn Lalonde to fill Wiz' spot in the Isle's rebuilding D pipeline?

If it were me, I'd strongly consider putting Kyle Beach and his $1.3 million salary into that deal. Who knows, you might get a draft pick back as well.

It can be done. The clock is ticking. Even if you have to overpay a bit, it could save a season that is rapidly heading south.

Wiz is just one man, but he brings so many things this team is lacking right now— on the ice and in the dressing room. And he's the kind of guy who could glue this dressing room together: a guy who knows a lot of the players, and perhaps more importantly, knows the character of those who've left and the spiritual hole that needs to be filled. A tough guy who leads by example and will not be questioned or disrespected.

Stan, it would be genius.

Thanks for hearing me out.


JJ

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