from Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times,

“It’s been proven time and again that competition raises people’s games,” Bowman told the Sun-Times. “When there are nine candidates for two spots, you’re better off than if you have three candidates. If, for whatever reason, the guys don’t play as well, or don’t fit the way you envision, and you only have three of them, you’re in a tough spot. It’s hard to find players in October. We’re trying to manage our assets and prepare ourselves for the future.”

That future remains uncertain thanks to the sagging Canadian dollar and the potentially stagnant salary cap. With 13 players locked up for more than $63 million (the cap is expected to be around $71 million), new contracts owed to Brandon Saad and Marcus Kruger, and seven or eight other spots to be filled, the Hawks certainly will be parting with at least one core player, and will be getting younger in a hurry.

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