Blackhawks may force Corey Crawford into free agency

With the announcement Wednesday that Henrik Lundqvist was no longer a New York Ranger comes word that another goaltender may be leaving the only organization he's ever played for. According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, Chicago has already let Corey Crawford know they're only re-signing him with a condition.

"The Hawks let Crawford know after the season they could only bring him back on a bargain deal," said LeBrun on Twitter. "So I didn't think that would appeal to Crawford. Maybe he sees what's out there next Friday (start of agency) and then circles back to Chicago. We'll see."

Crawford is coming off a contract that had a cap hit of $6 million per season. He won't command that much in free agency, but it remains to be seen whether he'd be willing to take a "bargain deal" in order to return to Chicago.

At 35, Crawford is much closer to the end of his playing days than the beginning. However, he can still have some good years and be a valuable team member. Crawford was drafted in the 2nd round (52nd overall) by Chicago in 2003. He's won two Stanley Cups with the team, as well as being a two-time winner of the William M. Jennings trophy.

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