Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman presented a challenge to his front-office staff, including his scouts. Because of the team's unique salary structure, including two superstars counting for a salary cap charge of $10.5 million each per season, they needed to discover players who could contribute on the cheap.

He outlined the prerequisites for players joining the Blackhawks -- individuals who might mesh well with guys like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa.

They had to be able to think the game quickly enough to contribute. In Toews and Kane, the Blackhawks have two stars who are high-end skill guys. But they’re also a step or two ahead of everyone else. It does no good to plug a guy into the roster who can’t think the game at a high level.

They also had to be able to skate well. Speed is everything in today’s game. Oh, yeah: They also can’t make much money.