Few changes to Blackhawks' deep, talented lineup

Much like the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Chicago Blackhawks have found out that turning a Stanley Cup title into multiple championships isn't easy in the current NHL era, even if a team is blessed with a young core of elite players.

The Blackhawks looked like potential Cup winners at times during the 2011-12 season, but a concussion for captain Jonathan Toews late in the season and some suspect goaltending didn't help as Chicago was bounced in the first round for the second straight campaign.

There wasn't a lot of activity from general manager Stan Bowman, but there wasn't a lot of need for it, either. Chicago is still loaded, and there are several kids who could bolster the team's depth up front and help the Blackhawks back into Cup contention.

Forwards

2012-13 Hawks Fantasy Team Preview

Under-valued: Patrick Sharp - Over last two seasons, Sharp has averaged 74 games, 33.5 goals, 70 points, plus-14, 38 PIMs, 22 PPP and 275 SOG -- also had LW, C, RW eligibility in Yahoo! Leagues last year and should be a lock to match that kind of production in 2012-13.

Over-valued: Patrick Kane - Since breaking out for 30 goals and 88 points in 2009-10, production has dipped to 73 points and 66 (career-low) over last two seasons. Still has potential for point-per-game stats, but definitely a high-risk, high-reward type player because you won’t know what you’re getting.

Sleeper: Viktor Stalberg - Not a complete sleeper as many fantasy owners know the name, but Stalberg nearly doubled his production from 2010-11 to 2011-12 with 22 goals and 43 points last season. He should be on a line with Marian Hossa again, which means he could continue to improve this year.

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Brandon Saad - Jonathan Toews - Marian Hossa

Viktor Stalberg - Patrick Kane - Patrick Sharp

Bryan Bickell - Dave Bolland - Andrew Shaw

Michael Frolik - Jamal Mayers - Jimmy Hayes

Marcus Kruger - Daniel Carcillo

Defensemen

Duncan Keith - Brent Seabrook

Nick Leddy - Johnny Oduya

Niklas Hjalmarsson - Steve Montador

Sheldon Brookbank

Goaltenders

Corey Crawford

Ray Emery

NOTES: There are two clear objectives for the Blackhawks at the onset of this season -- complete the long-standing search for a dependable No. 2 center and sort through several NHL-ready or near-ready forward prospects. There are a number of combinations for Quenneville to sift through and test out depending on the answers to those to questions.

Kane could be tried in that spot again as well, as could Sharp, a prospect like Brandon Pirri or even 2012 first-round pick Teuvo Teravainen. Marcus Kruger has had chances as the center behind Toews, and a strong camp from him would allow coach Joel Quenneville to load up his top line, or mix-and-match.

Pirri is one of several guys who could be at camp making a case for a spot on a crowded roster, along with guys like Shaw, Hayes, Saad, Jeremy Morin and maybe a healthy Kyle Beach. Of the established forwards, Kruger and Frolik might be looking over their proverbial shoulders.

The defense corps is pretty settled. Oduya was a nice fit after the trade deadline last season, and the addition of Brookbank gives the Hawks seven NHL-caliber defensemen. Few players have more pressure on them as the new season approaches as Crawford, who can't be the weak link on what should be a contender for the Presidents' Trophy, especially considering possible steps back by division rivals Detroit and Nashville.

Follow Corey Masisak on Twitter: @cmasisak22