Good Morning everyone.

Dammit JJ , the Blackhawks are really going to startthe year with the roster AS IS huh ?
- mrpaulish

Nah, as much as I don't think any Hawk fans want it, I am waiting to hear Scott Gomez is signed to a one year deal and advertised as the #2 Center we have needed

Nah, as much as I don't think any Hawk fans want it, I am waiting to hear Scott Gomez is signed to a one year deal and advertised as the #2 Center we have needed
- ikeane

Noooooooooooooooo

Nah, as much as I don't think any Hawk fans want it, I am waiting to hear Scott Gomez is signed to a one year deal and advertised as the #2 Center we have needed
- ikeane

If Gomez is signed it will be as the #3 or better yet #4 center. But hopefully he isn't signed at all, if Stan is going for the veteran 1 year I hope he chooses Arnott over Gomez.

No that's a fair point and I agree with you about Bishop and Fistric being traded out of the division/conference; was just picking them as guys that ended up being traded for picks. I believe we got Oduya for picks last year. I guess my point was that sometimes I'm surprised that it took less than I would have thought to acquire a particular player.
- HawkintheD

Although less likely same conference trades do happen often enough. In fact 7 of the 16 TDL trades were between teams in the same conference last season. The price tag may be higher (like Ott or Grossmann were if SB wanted them) but that's where a good GM earns his paycheck. If 'overpaying' for a player helps your team OVERALL then is it really an overpayment? Not sure SB gets that, jmo based on his trade history, but I think he looks at trades in a vacuum (I.e. strickly analyzing the talent 'in the trade' without analyzing the overall effect the trade will have on the team).

JJ, Al and others, what is your opinion on the assets you offer for a Bishop vs Lehnar? Is there a difference? Additionally, is Zack Smith really available?
- TrueGrit

I haven't watched both enough to give too strong of an opinion.

It all comes down to scouting and who the acquiring club believes has the biggest upside.

The biggest difference is Lehner is 5 years younger and will take more to get him....His resume is shorter but shines brighter than Bishop.

5 yrs diference is a lot in hockey an incredible amount between goalies.

But Bishop could be more mature and primed for the big stage, although he is iffy..

Ott. needs defense I have heard, plus they would want a prospect or pick if Lehner was the target.

Trading Nick Leddy for Bishop is a gutsy move....Leddy is a NHL player and Bishop hast played in only 23 games in the big show...

Bowman's semi-defiant, completely self-satisfied (actually quite defensive) comments to ESPN indicate no plans to make a deal. As always, I think the Bowman Way (Cuz Scotty does this too) is to hold down expectations as much as possible, so you're not viewed as desperate to make a deal by other teams and you won't be criticized either from above or by the fanbase for not making a deal.

Unfortunately, that strategy has a short shelf-life without results.

Bowman has now repeated the "we were a 101 point team that underachieved in the playoffs" mantra for months—as a reason (some might say "excuse") for not improving the team.

If the Hawks underperform—cuz Bowman has set the bar for himself at the team at a 100 point (pro-rated) regular seaosn team and a BETTER than one round playoff performance—the calls for action are going to reach a crescendo.

IMO, McDonough and the marketing wunderkinder have squeezed about all they're going to out of the 2010 Cup and the One Goal campaign.

I can pretty much guarantee you if McDonough doesn't have his own exit strategy in place, some other bodies are going under the bus in short order. Or maybe Rocky decides the fish rots from the head down.

Personally, I think the Hawks path to a better performance this year—the benchmark Bowman himself has set—rests on a lot of breaks going their way. Minimal injuries to key players, Crawford rebounding and staying rebounded, guys like Leddy, Kruger or Stalberg stepping up—oh, and Kane staying vertical and wearing a shirt in front of cameras wouldn't hurt either.

Bowman appears, at least, to be shutting the door on any deals now. Problem is, it appears the trade market will be tight as a drum at the deadline this year, a seller's market. And if Bowman wants to make a move then for a goalie upgrade, he will have to pay dearly—when history tells us he is loathe to pay equal value.

Bowman's semi-defiant, completely self-satisfied (actually quite defensive) comments to ESPN indicate no plans to make a deal. As always, I think the Bowman Way (Cuz Scotty does this too) is to hold down expectations as much as possible, so you're not viewed as desperate to make a deal by other teams and you won't be criticized either from above or by the fanbase for not making a deal.

Unfortunately, that strategy has a short shelf-life without results.

Bowman has now repeated the "we were a 101 point team that underachieved in the playoffs" mantra for months—as a reason (some might say "excuse") for not improving the team.

If the Hawks underperform—cuz Bowman has set the bar for himself at the team at a 100 point (pro-rated) regular seaosn team and a BETTER than one round playoff performance—the calls for action are going to reach a crescendo.

IMO, McDonough and the marketing wunderkinder have squeezed about all they're going to out of the 2010 Cup and the One Goal campaign.

I can pretty much guarantee you if McDonough doesn't have his own exit strategy in place, some other bodies are going under the bus in short order. Or maybe Rocky decides the fish rots from the head down.

Personally, I think the Hawks path to a better performance this year—the benchmark Bowman himself has set—rests on a lot of breaks going their way. Minimal injuries to key players, Crawford rebounding and staying rebounded, guys like Leddy, Kruger or Stalberg stepping up—oh, and Kane staying vertical and wearing a shirt in front of cameras wouldn't hurt either.

Bowman appears, at least, to be shutting the door on any deals now. Problem is, it appears the trade market will be tight as a drum at the deadline this year, a seller's market. And if Bowman wants to make a move then for a goalie upgrade, he will have to pay dearly—when history tells us he is loathe to pay equal value.
- John Jaeckel

Did you hear him on XMRadio this morning? I missed it, had to go into work. Probably echoed his same thoughts from yesterday, but was curious.

If the Powerplay and Crawford suck again it will be a very long season

If the Powerplay and Crawford suck again it will be a very long season
- mrpaulish

In as very short season no less.

Since Blowman won't make a trade of any significance, I hope the Bears go get Clady. I heard a month ago that Cutler and Marshall were talking to Clady to come to the Bears. A 26-yr-old All-Pro LT? Yes, please! Then draft a linebacker (Urlacher is done, IMO, and his salary needs to be shed along with Hester's to pay for Clady). Bears might also need a guard.

Also hoping that Rodriguez gets a look at TE and/or the bears acquire another pass catching threat like a good TE or a good slot receiver. Cutler has been a 4,000 yard guy in the past---the Bears have never had a 4,000 yard passer. Ever.

Bowman's semi-defiant, completely self-satisfied (actually quite defensive) comments to ESPN indicate no plans to make a deal. As always, I think the Bowman Way (Cuz Scotty does this too) is to hold down expectations as much as possible, so you're not viewed as desperate to make a deal by other teams and you won't be criticized either from above or by the fanbase for not making a deal.

Unfortunately, that strategy has a short shelf-life without results.

Bowman has now repeated the "we were a 101 point team that underachieved in the playoffs" mantra for months—as a reason (some might say "excuse") for not improving the team.

If the Hawks underperform—cuz Bowman has set the bar for himself at the team at a 100 point (pro-rated) regular seaosn team and a BETTER than one round playoff performance—the calls for action are going to reach a crescendo.

IMO, McDonough and the marketing wunderkinder have squeezed about all they're going to out of the 2010 Cup and the One Goal campaign.

I can pretty much guarantee you if McDonough doesn't have his own exit strategy in place, some other bodies are going under the bus in short order. Or maybe Rocky decides the fish rots from the head down.

Personally, I think the Hawks path to a better performance this year—the benchmark Bowman himself has set—rests on a lot of breaks going their way. Minimal injuries to key players, Crawford rebounding and staying rebounded, guys like Leddy, Kruger or Stalberg stepping up—oh, and Kane staying vertical and wearing a shirt in front of cameras wouldn't hurt either.

Bowman appears, at least, to be shutting the door on any deals now. Problem is, it appears the trade market will be tight as a drum at the deadline this year, a seller's market. And if Bowman wants to make a move then for a goalie upgrade, he will have to pay dearly—when history tells us he is loathe to pay equal value.
- John Jaeckel

Ahhhh! Deja vu!

In as very short season no less.
- powerenforcer

To that I say Thank God then. Because as of right now, Crawford still sucks and the Power play still sucks. Until proven otherwise this is true.

Bowman's semi-defiant, completely self-satisfied (actually quite defensive) comments to ESPN indicate no plans to make a deal. As always, I think the Bowman Way (Cuz Scotty does this too) is to hold down expectations as much as possible, so you're not viewed as desperate to make a deal by other teams and you won't be criticized either from above or by the fanbase for not making a deal.

Unfortunately, that strategy has a short shelf-life without results.

Bowman has now repeated the "we were a 101 point team that underachieved in the playoffs" mantra for months—as a reason (some might say "excuse") for not improving the team.

If the Hawks underperform—cuz Bowman has set the bar for himself at the team at a 100 point (pro-rated) regular seaosn team and a BETTER than one round playoff performance—the calls for action are going to reach a crescendo.

IMO, McDonough and the marketing wunderkinder have squeezed about all they're going to out of the 2010 Cup and the One Goal campaign.

I can pretty much guarantee you if McDonough doesn't have his own exit strategy in place, some other bodies are going under the bus in short order. Or maybe Rocky decides the fish rots from the head down.

Personally, I think the Hawks path to a better performance this year—the benchmark Bowman himself has set—rests on a lot of breaks going their way. Minimal injuries to key players, Crawford rebounding and staying rebounded, guys like Leddy, Kruger or Stalberg stepping up—oh, and Kane staying vertical and wearing a shirt in front of cameras wouldn't hurt either.

Bowman appears, at least, to be shutting the door on any deals now. Problem is, it appears the trade market will be tight as a drum at the deadline this year, a seller's market. And if Bowman wants to make a move then for a goalie upgrade, he will have to pay dearly—when history tells us he is loathe to pay equal value.
- John Jaeckel

>JJ, another gem
>Not a SB apologist or attacker -- his scoresheet for acquiring experienced NHL talent is not very good so far
>But you have to really wonder about the negative impact of having to explain EVERYTHING to McD when you want to make a move AND get his approval -- doubt McD even knows what a skate hollow is
>Seems that Stan is either always trying to win a trade or the other trading partner is always trying to get more out of Stan after an initial "agreement"
>That, to me, shows something amiss in the ivory tower
>Regarding Leddy for Lehner -- a top 21 yr old-Dman with 130 or so NHL games under his belt for a top 21 yr old-Goalie prospect -- is a fair trade
>Prospects are nothing but unproven potential
>And, I believe, only 20% of all NHL draft picks play in the NHL

Since Blowman won't make a trade of any significance, I hope the Bears go get Clady. I heard a month ago that Cutler and Marshall were talking to Clady to come to the Bears. A 26-yr-old All-Pro LT? Yes, please! Then draft a linebacker (Urlacher is done, IMO, and his salary needs to be shed along with Hester's to pay for Clady). Bears might also need a guard.

Also hoping that Rodriguez gets a look at TE and/or the bears acquire another pass catching threat like a good TE or a good slot receiver. Cutler has been a 4,000 yard guy in the past---the Bears have never had a 4,000 yard passer. Ever.
- Kentxo

The Bears need a couple of tackles, but an All-Pro LT (in his prime) would be a nice start.The new OL coach/OC Kromer is probably a nice add but the real problem with the Bears OL is personnel, period, end of story.

Ahhhh! Deja vu!

- Kentxo

All over again.

I would be curious to know exactly what the other side asked for / had on the table. Same thing with some of the other deals not done.

Since Blowman won't make a trade of any significance, I hope the Bears go get Clady. I heard a month ago that Cutler and Marshall were talking to Clady to come to the Bears. A 26-yr-old All-Pro LT? Yes, please! Then draft a linebacker (Urlacher is done, IMO, and his salary needs to be shed along with Hester's to pay for Clady). Bears might also need a guard.

Also hoping that Rodriguez gets a look at TE and/or the bears acquire another pass catching threat like a good TE or a good slot receiver. Cutler has been a 4,000 yard guy in the past---the Bears have never had a 4,000 yard passer. Ever.
- Kentxo

Draft SEC defensive players and Tyler Eiffert as the tight end.

>JJ, another gem
>Not a SB apologist or attacker -- his scoresheet for acquiring experienced NHL talent is not very good so far
>But you have to really wonder about the negative impact of having to explain EVERYTHING to McD when you want to make a move AND get his approval -- doubt McD even knows what a skate hollow is
>Seems that Stan is either always trying to win a trade or the other trading partner is always trying to get more out of Stan after an initial "agreement"
>That, to me, shows something amiss in the ivory tower
>Regarding Leddy for Lehner -- a top 21 yr old-Dman with 130 or so NHL games under his belt for a top 21 yr old-Goalie prospect -- is a fair trade
>Prospects are nothing but unproven potential
>And, I believe, only 20% of all NHL draft picks play in the NHL
- SnapitUpstairs

There was an awesome interview where Kenny Williams described "winning trades" and how it is impossible to move players or acquire assets if you are known as having a *win only* mentality.

Can't find it of course but he also went on to say that sometimes over payment is necessary in terms of assets if you feel like you are a piece away or two from something special.

Granted that doesn't always work out. But when need be, the Sox have been able to add pieces they perceived as needing consistently (right or wrong it has happened) even if it hasn't always worked out it is tough to argue with that statement regardless of what you think of the guy.

Is amazing all the crying on this board! What did you all do 10 years ago when we really did suck???

Is amazing all the crying on this board! What did you all do 10 years ago when we really did suck???
- moots

Al Gore hadn't invented the internets yet, had he?

There was an awesome interview where Kenny Williams described "winning trades" and how it is impossible to move players or acquire assets if you are known as having a *win only* mentality.

Can't find it of course but he also went on to say that sometimes over payment is necessary in terms of assets if you feel like you are a piece away or two from something special.

Granted that doesn't always work out. But when need be, the Sox have been able to add pieces they perceived as needing consistently (right or wrong it has happened) even if it hasn't always worked out it is tough to argue with that statement regardless of what you think of the guy.
- fattybeef

I cant even look forward to summer with the two minor league baseball teams playing in Chicago

>JJ, another gem
>Not a SB apologist or attacker -- his scoresheet for acquiring experienced NHL talent is not very good so far
>But you have to really wonder about the negative impact of having to explain EVERYTHING to McD when you want to make a move AND get his approval -- doubt McD even knows what a skate hollow is
>Seems that Stan is either always trying to win a trade or the other trading partner is always trying to get more out of Stan after an initial "agreement"
>That, to me, shows something amiss in the ivory tower
>Regarding Leddy for Lehner -- a top 21 yr old-Dman with 130 or so NHL games under his belt for a top 21 yr old-Goalie prospect -- is a fair trade
>Prospects are nothing but unproven potential
>And, I believe, only 20% of all NHL draft picks play in the NHL
- SnapitUpstairs

Thanks Snapper. My basic point is this, Bowman's words and (in)actions are painting him into a corner where he's going to have to overpay to meaningfully improve the team. If he ever does anything to meaningfully improve the team.

And to be fair, I think getting a box of tape for Jack Skille was addition by subtraction. Oduya was a nice pickup for this team's defensive system. But he has sold off/allowed to leave a lot of talented NHL players and ALL STARS and does not have a lot to show for it. At all.

What's left from the Byfuglien/Sopel deal? Morin, and picks that turned into Kevin Hayes and Justin Holl.

What's left from the Versteeg deal? Stalberg and Paradis. Meh, okay . . . maybe

What's left from the Ladd trade? A draft pick.

What did he get for Niemi? Nothing.

For Campbell? Olesz.

The pick that turned into Danault could end up being slight edge Chicago for Brouwer. Might. And might not.

Sure, he created lot of cap space. What has been done with that cap space— he gave a sweetheart deal to Sharp. A huge raise to Frolik. But what about acquiring talent?

I will concede the cap management point on Bowman. I think they have hit on some, some, draft picks. but NHL talent acquisition (both player and prospect) has been an unmitigated disaster under Bowman.

So what we have seen to this point is an Assistant GM/cap specialist, supported by some very good amateur scouting, not a GM. Yet.

I cant even look forward to summer with the two minor league baseball teams playing in Chicago
- nickmo2699

I dont mind watching the Cubs grow in baby steps while drafting and acquiring as much pitching as possible. This is the 1st time in my life Ive seen the Cubs try to build from within

The Bears need a couple of tackles, but an All-Pro LT (in his prime) would be a nice start.The new OL coach/OC Kromer is probably a nice add but the real problem with the Bears OL is personnel, period, end of story.
- John Jaeckel

That will be rectified with extreme prejudice under the new regime...of that, i'm certain.

There was an awesome interview where Kenny Williams described "winning trades" and how it is impossible to move players or acquire assets if you are known as having a *win only* mentality.

Can't find it of course but he also went on to say that sometimes over payment is necessary in terms of assets if you feel like you are a piece away or two from something special.

Granted that doesn't always work out. But when need be, the Sox have been able to add pieces they perceived as needing consistently (right or wrong it has happened) even if it hasn't always worked out it is tough to argue with that statement regardless of what you think of the guy.
- fattybeef

Say what you want about Kenny Williams. He's one of the better GMs in baseball year in, year out.

See my post above. I just don't think Stanley's fit into the GM's shoes yet. Pro player acquisition is the hurdle he has failed to clear. And, let's face it, it is the aspect of the job he was least trained or prepared for. If McDonough is cutting him off at the knees and not allowing him to get his feet under him, that's a shame. And Rocky should recognize it and relieve McDonough of his responsibilities immediately.

Will blog on it at some point soon.

Say what you want about Kenny Williams. He's one of the better GMs in baseball year in, year out.

See my post above. I just don't think Stanley's fit into the GM's shoes yet. Pro player acquisition is the hurdle he has failed to clear. And, let's face it, it is the aspect of the job he was least trained or prepared for. If McDonough is cutting him off at the knees and not allowing him to get his feet under him, that's a shame. And Rocky should recognize it and relieve McDonough of his responsibilities immediately.

Will blog on it at some point soon.
- John Jaeckel

Someone, forgive me for not remembering who...asked a very poignant question regarding SB...and that is...would any other team in the league hire him to be their GM ? I say no. No wonder our org. has been called dysfunctional.