RealGM

I just read this yesterday in the WireTap article. I honestly don't know anything about this guy, but he's 24 and apparently is pretty damn good. What do you guys think of this signing? Do you expect him to succeed in the NHL? Will he replace Crawford in a couple of years? Or will he come in to play the second string role?

crawford has earned his starting spot in these playoffs. raanta will probably replace ray emery as the backup.

I haven't watched, I tend to bandwagon the Blackhawks because it's not my sport.

But what separated/s Crawford from what Emery has done? I know Emery's old, but 17-1-1 isn't anything to sneeze at.

Think he should've started Game 3 or 4 for the Hawks to get extra, re-newed motivation.

I think at least in part he's insurance for Crawford. If they win the cup this year he's got as good a shot as any Hawk player at the conn smythe. Following on that he'd be a pretty likely possibility for Sochi given Canada's shallowness in net. Honestly he may have already priced himself away from the Hawks when he becomes a UFA after next season. They also don't have anyone in the system even close to ready so at the very least it doesn't hurt to have a proven (one of the best goaltenders in Europe) backup for a few years.