EDIT - Inadvertantly posted this in the previous blog's message board -


My question is this - and forgive me, as I haven't followed a lot of the "Make whole" narrative over the past several months -

If there is a rollback to $60M next season, are existing contracts rolled back by a percentage. ie.e a reduction of each contract value from somewhere between 7-12% as was discussed earlier? I know this was the original intent of many of the owners, i.e. to reclaim some of the cash already committed by contracts signed under the expired CBA. I know that the NHLPA was hard-nosed about the make-whole scenario as well, but I haven't followed very closely about where that issue stands now after the last couple of proposals.

It seems that a $60M cap would be polarizing with some the owners if they are making whole all existing contracts. Teams like Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and the NY Rangers will have a difficult time putting completel rosters together without being exceptionally top heavy or moving siginificant pieces. Even the Penguins have a about 52.5M committed to 15 players for the 13-14 season.

With the exception small market or over-extened teams,I would expect that a $60M cap with a make-whole arrangement would be to the detriment of both sides.
- FredoXV

Basically big market teams or those like Minny that rang the bell this summer in a big way will have to live with those contracts. There is supposedly $300 mill set aside so contracts won't have to rollback 12% or so.

In my view there could be more compromise...Maybe the cap limit goes to 65 mill instead of $60 mill next yr.

The entire salary paradigm is going to change signiificantly between reduce cap limits, less variance and term limits.

I don't have all the answers, as matter of fact some of my thoughts don't seem to be under consideration but......

If you want to listen to me and Chris Block discuss a lot of different CBA angles here is the link from yesterday.

http://j.mp/VrpClk

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

Third viewing of the LW Danault and RW McNeill complementing wrecking ball checking centre Boone Jenner in the Canada vs. Russia game.


They spend almost every shift against Buffalo's Mikhail Grigorenko, Edmonton's Nail Yakupov & Tampa's Nikita Kucherov.

They check the poop out of them, take the play away from them with THEIR chances, run the cycle and take SO many minutes off the Russian possession time that limited the Russian scoring lines attack zone minutes.

I really wished for a rematch just so we can see if Russian tries to get their line off and away from playing them heads up.

Chiming in on JJs point:
As fans, we would love to continue to drink koolaid I try and see that we drafted a bigtime scorer every pick every year, but it really is outstanding when you do not have to project at how if guys have the understanding and followthrough on the ice.

These two kids playin on wing, and play it BEYOND the elite level at junior. the centre position is where they started so it is an easy transition to move over.

They are NOT ready for Blackhawk prime time, even as checkers.

But when they are READY they will be ready for the part that so many young draftees spend years in pro adjusting to: being solid in the own end, and on the attack they will continue to develop that cycle and their attack skills, never having to brain clogged with understanding defense, which means the advance on instinct, and more offense prowess comes as they work.

They two kids make me very excited, because that means two more guys who bring it, and that means more chances for anyone who has scoring skills to prosper along with either as linemates or as teammates.
- wiz1901

Further proof that Danault will be that "monster" (meaning: "rover" a la football) that you can play as a wing or a center, 2nd or 3rd line, and get value from him every shift. A lot of people have compared Danault to Dave Bolland which is not a bad comparison, but another Hawk player I think he compares favorably to is Marcus Kruger. And I say favorably, because Danault will likely be a better pro than Kruger—whose game and potential I still like. People need to remember, Kruger played a decent, passable 2C on a very good team as a rookie. That, in itself, is kind of remarkable for a fairly unheralded player. They are VERY similar players but I think Danault plays with a more snarl and urgency and tempo—not unlike another guy I have compared him to, Mikhail Grabovski of Toronto.

Basically big market teams or those like Minny that rang the bell this summer in a big way will have to live with those contracts. There is supposedly $300 mill set aside so contracts won't have to rollback 12% or so.

In my view there could be more compromise...Maybe the cap limit goes to 65 mill instead of $60 mill next yr.

The entire salary paradigm is going to change signiificantly between reduce cap limits, less variance and term limits.

I don't have all the answers, as matter of fact some of my thoughts don't seem to be under consideration but......

If you want to listen to me and Chris Block discuss a lot of different CBA angles here is the link from yesterday.

http://j.mp/VrpClk

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

That's just it . . . right now, no one knows where the cap is going to be this year or next (unless something has been announced unbeknownst to me in the last half hour), and therefore hard to say where the hawks will be re: the ir current cap commitments. My guess is, they will likely be looking t dump a deal (like Hjalmarsson's or will buy out a guy like Montador and that's about it.

Think he was hurt - listened tot he game and sounded like he took a pretty serious tumble into the boards early in the first.
- FredoXV

Thanks Fredo...i missed the first half of the game and only saw one shot of the kid the rest of the way. When Russia tied it late in the 3rd...TSN cams showed Shalunov standing with an almost indifferent look on his face...commentators said "he appears to look happy." LOL.

That's just it . . . right now, no one knows where the cap is going to be this year or next (unless something has been announced unbeknownst to me in the last half hour), and therefore hard to say where the hawks will be re: the ir current cap commitments. My guess is, they will likely be looking t dump a deal (like Hjalmarsson's or will buy out a guy like Montador and that's about it.
- John Jaeckel

Right now Stan's looking pretty good for not overspending on UFAs during the summer. Otherwise we'd be staring down the barrel of another salary dump.

I'm sure they'll be a buyout clause in the CBA and Montador will be gone. I wouldn't be surprised if Stan found a way to unload Frolik either, but he'd have to sweeten the deal with a good prospect.

Right now Stan's looking pretty good for not overspending on UFAs during the summer. Otherwise we'd be staring down the barrel of another salary dump.

I'm sure they'll be a buyout clause in the CBA and Montador will be gone. I wouldn't be surprised if Stan found a way to unload Frolik either, but he'd have to sweeten the deal with a good prospect.
- DarthKane

Before we hire a marching band to celebrate this team was built to consistently win in the playoffs, and that hasn't happened the past two years.

Plus StanBo still has some big decisions to make considering 6 players will account for 60% of the cap if it stays at the proposed $60 million limit.

Shalunov appeared to have been have been benched for much of the last half of Russia's o/t win over Switzerland. BOO because i really like this kid.
- philco28

Against Canada when Brett Ritchie was setting up to shoot out thenest /inside the circle, Shalunov managed to use his stick to scratch Rotchies family jewels.

I was really rooting for the swiss to upset.

I thought Shalunov's minutes were cut but a lot had to do with PK & PP situations too....but then he hit the boards hard, so it could be a combination of things.

The three guys acquired since March, Oduya, Rozsival and Brookbank, averaged about 115 blocks last season.
- John Jaeckel

I think Rozsival & Brookbank are your PK guys.

Al, the negotiations on Cap will be give & take, and the players thought the pension issues was settled, but the owners took back much of that earlier deal, maybe as a possible trade on other bargining points...

Yeah, the Cap again may loom in their future.
A lot depends on hossa playing.
Well, they sure have a lot of lower salaries to fill with.

Nothing etched in stone yet but the same story has been going around for a bit.

Tonight on Twitter after the meeting it was brought up again that there would be at least 4 teams added.

I get the reasons why although I don't like it...

I still haven't completely bought into the change to East and West Conferences.

I would be against more teams added unless it was a part of some sort of re-allignement.
- Al

You and I know those extra playoff teams/games are for more teams selling higher priced admission and more concession stand items.

You and I know those extra playoff teams/games are for more teams selling higher priced admission and more concession stand items.
- wiz1901

Yep....It forces more $$ out of fans which helps the owners.

It also allows some players with the opportunity of getting some stats in the post season which won't hurt their market value.

That's why I think it is automatic to be so...

I think Rozsival & Brookbank are your PK guys.

Al, the negotiations on Cap will be give & take, and the players thought the pension issues was settled, but the owners took back much of that earlier deal, maybe as a possible trade on other bargining points...

Yeah, the Cap again may loom in their future.
A lot depends on hossa playing.

Well, they sure have a lot of lower salaries to fill with.
- wiz1901

That's why I can't trust in saying it's over for sure...Maybe 75% sure but not done.

Yep....It forces more $$ out of fans which helps the owners.

It also allows some players with the opportunity of getting some stats in the post season which won't hurt their market value.

That's why I think it is automatic to be so...
- Al

Wonderful, just wonderful. That makes the last game of the finals, what Canada Day?

Wonderful, just wonderful. That makes the last game of the finals, what Canada Day?
- Beaver-Warrior

No the season will be over by the end of June is my guess...

Many building in the US book concert dates etc after mid June.

So get ready for a compacted schedule if this ends soon.

Against Canada when Brett Ritchie was setting up to shoot out thenest /inside the circle, Shalunov managed to use his stick to scratch Rotchies family jewels.

I was really rooting for the swiss to upset.

I thought Shalunov's minutes were cut but a lot had to do with PK & PP situations too....but then he hit the boards hard, so it could be a combination of things.
- wiz1901

I was rooting for the Cheeseheads too...for the 2nd time in 4 days....Shalunov plays with an edge. A bit dirty, but at least he's not a p u ss y

Before we hire a marching band to celebrate this team was built to consistently win in the playoffs, and that hasn't happened the past two years.

Plus StanBo still has some big decisions to make considering 6 players will account for 60% of the cap if it stays at the proposed $60 million limit.
- Al

I was patting Stan on the back only for not overspending this summer, nothing else. But come to think of it, the Brian Campbell trade will look even better too if the cap goes down significantly.

I'm not ready to give up on Crawford yet, but his leash will be shorter than ever, in a 48 game schedule eveything will be high intensity.

Especially so because Q. knows if the team sputters or doesn't win more than 1 playoff round he could be looking at an early exit from Chgo.

Minny has loaded up so unless they are not in the hunt for a playoff spot they won't think of dealing Backstrom. But if they disappoint, he is in the last season of his hefty contract.

The way it looks now, if things get started at least 20 of 30 teams will make the playoffs....So it will likely be more difficult to trade at the deadline.

From what I have heard recently there could be some good trade action before things get started. In many ways that makes the most sense.
- Al

Al happy new year...hope we'll see some new columns from you soon...
I saw that the league was trying to get 20 teams in as if it isn't diluted enough.
It will certainly effect the TDL. I'm also thinkin' the owners are trying to generate more revenue- go figure- in this shortened season window.

Hawks will need a goalie at some point - of course if Stan had gotten Vokoun well... what was your take on the Roszival pick up - another #5dman? Of course if it means Monty is in the press box I'm all for it.

From the way JJ sounds I wonder if we'll see Hutton this year or not...

I was patting Stan on the back only for not overspending this summer, nothing else. But come to think of it, the Brian Campbell trade will look even better too if the cap goes down significantly.
- DarthKane

IMO not overspending this summer had to with two high priced free agents choosing another destination beside Chicago.

I think this was especially so in the case of Parise.


As far as Brian Campbell it was a pure salary dump wth nothing in return....And his departure has made a big difference.

Al happy new year...hope we'll see some new columns from you soon...
I saw that the league was trying to get 20 teams in as if it isn't diluted enough.
It will certainly effect the TDL. I'm also thinkin' the owners are trying to generate more revenue- go figure- in this shortened season window.

Hawks will need a goalie at some point - of course if Stan had gotten Vokoun well... what was your take on the Roszival pick up - another #5dman? Of course if it means Monty is in the press box I'm all for it.

From the way JJ sounds I wonder if we'll see Hutton this year or not...
- DK002

Same to you and if the lockout ends I will be writing again soon after.

I am not going to comment much about Rosival/Monty....

Rosival is what he is and so is Monty....except Rosival is a better PK player which does matter.

I think there will be some deals around the league before the season begins with a big name or two getting traded. It will be interesting to see if Bowman will be proactive because others will be.

Couldn't wait to the TDL last season to improve cuz there were only a few sellers....Same will most likely be true this time so deals will happen quickly is my guess.

Thanks Fredo...i missed the first half of the game and only saw one shot of the kid the rest of the way. When Russia tied it late in the 3rd...TSN cams showed Shalunov standing with an almost indifferent look on his face...commentators said "he appears to look happy." LOL.
- philco28

Yeppers, I saw the viddy clip. Little or no facial reaction. How would you like to play poker with the lad?

No the season will be over by the end of June is my guess...

Many building in the US book concert dates etc after mid June.

So get ready for a compacted schedule if this ends soon.
- Al

June 30th or July 1st, little or no difference. In a perfect world, hockey season would end by late May. IMHO

I think before contracts end, they will do the standard: conversations to test whether if Toews and Kane want to stay and get a deal in play beforehand.
If not they trade them.

I think you need to think more immediate and not try and go off into the 2-3 projections (something as a fanatic fan I did for most of my years wearing that Indianhead on my heart like we do...), it serves little purpose.

The Hawks have had training staff skating Hossa everyday for months now, with the hopes he CAN be diagnosed as fit and ready.

Toews admitted he was not completely healed from his fifth concussion when he played in the playoffs. His choice to not go somewhere in Europe to play wanst so much a choice as a recommendation.

You think the reason that they were so readily willing to throw a ridiculous 10 million at Parise was to just say we tried?

If this shorten schedule starts the 19th, three losses can devastate a team in the standings.
So your concern about core and depth are well taken.
They couldn't just "fill" if the top guys are out, but it sure is comforting that there is such a thick group of possible replacements, even if we view them as a 3-4 building plan.
Vladdie_Kon1:
I really don't think Detroit can look at the group they have with the same comfort.
Tomas Tatar ready for the NHL?
You think he will get to shoot the puck 200 plus times to score 20 goals for the wings? I just don't see it. I don't care about goal totals, unless I think the AHL player can play NHL three zone hockey and imo tatar cannot.
The Czech goaler Mrazek (loved him in junior for his battling prowess) is really quick, but since you are regularvI am sure you know what part of the net he has much trouble stopping puck entrance in.
Joakim Andersson is that typical Swedish factory prototype centre who does all well and actually does have some scoring game. upside.
Frk the shot looks a bit more rounded at World Junior, but a concussion away from the shelf.

Nyqvist a solid player and NHL ready but I am not sure he is a top line guy or even ever a second line guy.

Granted, the kid World junior canada on dee Xavier Ouellet is so much better than when he played junior. He really can place the puck from the point and actually seems to have taken steps to becoem a much more complete defensive player, beacsue before now he look ordinary.
There are many IFs in wing system...and when you have larger quanity of guys even when they are Ifs like that hawks do, you have more chances that they succeed and prosper...
- wiz1901

Wiz, I agree there are many "IFs" in the Wings farm system (as with most NHL farm systems). Even the top prospects can be a crap shoot. I just like the fact we have some good talent coming up the pipe. Hasn't been this good in many years and the Wings need a youth infusion. Holland may have to move a couple of forwards in Detroit to make room. Considering how late the Wings have had to pick in the draft the last 13 years I'm encouraged by what I see so far. Nyquist and Brendan Smith would both be Detroit right now if the NHL wasn't in lockout. Heck, this is easily the best Griffins team in 5 years.

As far as Tatar goes... let me just say he's earned a shot at playing in Detroit. That doesn't mean he's bonafide NHL material yet. He will have to prove that to Ken Holland. And Holland makes ALL his prospects earn their ice time. Tatar came to GR when he was only 18 and I think he's developed his overall game as well as the Wing's brass could have hoped. This year has been his breakout year so he's gotten a fair amount of attention. He just turned 22 so he's still young. The biggest improvements I see is he's much stronger on his skates and more tenacious on the puck overall. He's almost a point a game player this year... so why wouldn't they see what he can do in Detroit ? Time will tell...

Of the other prospects you mentioned I think Ouellet has propelled himself to near the top of Detroit's prospects. I'm also anxious to see what Pulkinen can do in GR. Might see him in GR next year from what I've heard.

June 30th or July 1st, little or no difference. In a perfect world, hockey season would end by late May. IMHO
- Beaver-Warrior

I forgot you guys are July 1 not July 4....lol

Seeking everyone's opinion .... Does a shortened season (about50 games) help or hurt a veteran team like the Hawks ?

I feel like it helps. Hossa is much closer to full health now than he would have been lets say in September and the lay off maybe avoided him returning too early.

Carcillo is at full health. When Carcillo was in the line up last year the Hawks were 24-10 and a top of the West.

With a 10 year CBA in place at least the Hawks management should full well know the rules and budgets going forward and should no longer be tame in making deals because of not knowing future salary caps, ect.

I am hoping so bad this season gets underway.

Yeppers, I saw the viddy clip. Little or no facial reaction. How would you like to play poker with the lad?
- Beaver-Warrior

Hey BW....just hope he can play pro...looks like a good prospect.

Seeking everyone's opinion .... Does a shortened season (about50 games) help or hurt a veteran team like the Hawks ?

I feel like it helps. Hossa is much closer to full health now than he would have been lets say in September and the lay off maybe avoided him returning too early.

Carcillo is at full health. When Carcillo was in the line up last year the Hawks were 24-10 and a top of the West.

With a 10 year CBA in place at least the Hawks management should full well know the rules and budgets going forward and should no longer be tame in making deals because of not knowing future salary caps, ect.

I am hoping so bad this season gets underway.
- mrpaulish

I don't think it matters. I also don't consider them a very old or a very young team. Detroit is old. St. Louis is young. The Hawks are, to me on the young side overall.

Maybe helps them slightly as they did not have a lot of roster turnover and therefore should be able to hit the ground running with everyone healthy. I will say it leaves little margin for long losing streaks or late nights out on the road. Everyone will need to be all hockey, all the time.