Chicago Blackhawks goaltending situation in a decent spot

In 2017-18 the Chicago Blackhawks goaltending situation was pretty bad but they seem to have found their way in 2018-19 which has them in the race.

The goaltenders union in Chicago is looking pretty solid after a lackluster 2017-2018 season. The Chicago Blackhawks trio of Corey Crawford, Cam Ward, and Collin Delia has gotten the job done for the most part this season. This, of course, after a shaky start for them as well.

It was reported Monday that Crawford joined his team in full practice. He told them after practice that it was good to be back, he’s feeling good and is very happy to be back with his teammates.

Crawford, when healthy, has been one of the best goalies in the world. He has largely been overlooked because of the fact that he is on a team loaded with superstars. When you have the luxury of a career playing with Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Marian Hossa-type players, people tend to overlook the star goalie.

There is also the uneducated take that he was good because of the team he played on. Defenseman like Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, or Niklas Hjalmarsson can leave a perception that your job as a goalie is easy, but that is simply not true.

Crawford is a Vezina Trophy type of goalie when at his best and the hope is he can return to that form. He has never won the award, but he has had seasons worthy of the honor, and sometimes you have to tip your cap to other elite goalies who win it.

More from Da Windy City

• 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
• Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
• The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
• Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
• Chicago White Sox News: Erick Fedde signs two-year deal

With that said, in his absence, Cam Ward and Collin Delia have done a really nice job. The team in front of them hasn’t played great up until the last few weeks. The only thing you can ask from backup goalies is making the timely saves and giving their team a chance to win. They have done just that.

It was announced by the team on Monday morning that Delia has signed a three-year contract extension that runs through the 2021-22 season with an average annual value of $1 million. Delia is likely going to be Chicago’s backup goalie for the duration of the contract with the possibility of seeing plenty of time in net depending on the health of Crawford.

That is a very good deal for Delia, personally, because he now has an NHL contract and some stability going forward. He could also be on a very team-friendly deal if he plays well enough to be the starter one day. If the Blackhawks are only paying their starter $1 million in the future, that would be a great deal for them.

Cam Ward signed a one-year deal last summer and he very well could want to come back, depending on the Crawford situation. Ward is 34 now and is likely a backup moving forward. He is a Stanley Cup Champion and playoff MVP in his career.

Ward hasn’t maintained the same level of play as Crawford at the same age, but he still has a place in this league. Whether it is with Chicago or not is to be seen, but it is all of the sudden a crowded position on this roster.

Crawford is coming off another concussion, so it is unclear if he will play a starter’s role going forward. But, if he can get back to form and stay healthy, the Blackhawks would obviously benefit from it. He is signed at $6 million through the 2019-20 season.

A duo of he and Delia is the likely case for next season, but it would be nice to see a third goalie in the organization again next year as well in case of injury. Maybe it will be Ward or maybe it will be someone else, but there should be a plan in place just in case.