Chicago makes last late pitch for Drew Doughty

It's impossible to know exactly why an athlete in professional sports chooses to sign with a certain club or team. Sometimes the reasons may seem obvious: money, convenience, role, team location.

For Drew Doughty, the EHE's version of LeBron James at this point in time, facing a 'decision' like the one he has in front of him may not be so simple.

While there is no doubt Doughty will be receiving a large chunk of change - reports range from $11 to $14 million per season with a eight-figure signing bonus - he is entering the prime of his career in search of the one thing that all hockey players dream of: the Stanley Cup.

That is worth more to Doughty than money, convenience, role, or team location.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, who were also-rans in the league basement prior to last offseason before a massive overhaul brought them back into contender status, the fit feels all too perfect. The club is in search of a new defensive leader after losing Matt Niskanen, Brent Seabrook, and others to unrestricted free agency.

In fact, it feels a little too perfect.

"We feel we offer the best chance for Drew to continue flourishing and help put us over the hump for Cup contention," stated Hawks GM Thomas Gidlow at a late night presser at United Center. "We've made what we feel is a highly competitive offer and made our case clear to him and his team that we want him here in Chicago."

"Frankly, it's a bit weird how his game seems tailor made for our club. The way we have set up our club, he would be a tremendous addition and we feel he would fit right in."

Reports surfaced late Friday that Doughty's decision was down to three teams and could come as early as Saturday morning. It can't come fast enough for Chicago, which has bypassed other free agent rearguards in pursuit of Doughty.

The Blackhawks did acquire defenseman Justin Schultz from Columbus on Friday, and have brought in Marc Staal, Brett Pesce, and Erik Gudbranson to complement holdovers Jake Muzzin and Derek Forbort on Chicago's backend. Adding Doughty to that mix would put the Hawks' defensive unit, already among the EHE's best, into an even higher orbit.

"We have done all we can do," continued Gidlow. "It's up to him now. Obviously we want him here, but if he chooses to go elsewhere, that's not something we can totally control."

"Other guys have signed and we knew the risk going after Drew Doughty. In the end we feel it will be worth it."

Chicago could still make a play for another free agent if Doughty goes elsewhere, but the remaining crop of top-end players is thinning out. The Blackhawks have roughly $54 million committed to their 2018-19 team salary at present, and must acquire a backup for new starting goaltender Cory Schneider. Otherwise, they have plenty of space under the EHE's $71.3 million salary cap.

"We have contingencies for whatever happens," quipped Gidlow. "But I won't sit here and say we won't be disappointed if we lose out. We've done a lot of work to rebuild this organization and it will continue no matter what happens."

"Make no mistake though. We are confident in what we've presented and committed to."

As stated, no one can say with absolute certainty what makes a pro decide where to go. What is certain is that a decision will be made, and likely sooner rather than later.

Chip Whitley, Blackhawks Beat Reporter