Sheldon Brookbank, Defenseman
2013-14 cap hit: $1,250,000 | Age: 33 | Season stats: 2 goals, 5 assists, plus-2
Season recap: Brookbank was the ultimate utility player for the Blackhawks. Coach Joel Quenneville used him in a variety of roles as a defenseman and even played him as a forward. Quenneville showed more trust in him this season.
Season highlight: Brookbank was leaned on late in the regular season when Johnny Oduya was injured. Brookbank played 16 or more minutes in five of the Blackhawks' last six regular-season games.
Season lowlight: Brookbank played in seven playoff games this season after playing in just one the previous season, but he was still a healthy scratch for 12 playoff games this season.
Final grade: C+
Inside the numbers: Brookbank was third on the team with 52 penalty minutes despite playing in just 48 regular-season games.
Notes: Brookbank and Mike Kostka were the only Blackhawks defensemen to also see time as a forward this season.
Quotes: "I mean I didn't really know 100 percent what to expect [when I signed with the Blackhawks]," Brookbank said in April. "Obviously I thought I'd be playing more. That's for sure. But like I said, our team is that deep and we won the championship. If that's what I am on a championship team, then I'll take it."
What's next: Brookbank will be an unrestricted free agent and isn't expected to be offered a new contract with the Blackhawks. His lineup spot could go to David Rundblad or a prospect in the organization.
