Brouwer and Kopecky strike me as "been there, done that" players. Although that type of player might be something the Hawks can acquire.

I think you have to look at one of Stalberg, Bickell, and Leddy, as all three will be in line for big pay raises for next year. And with the cap going down, the Hawks won't be able to afford all three. So trading one for a rental might make some sense.

Bickell, McNeill and a 3rd for Stephen Weiss?
- yahoodi

Tallon will be able to get way more than that for Stephen Weiss.

Brouwer and Kopecky strike me as "been there, done that" players. Although that type of player might be something the Hawks can acquire.

I think you have to look at one of Stalberg, Bickell, and Leddy, as all three will be in line for big pay raises for next year. And with the cap going down, the Hawks won't be able to afford all three. So trading one for a rental might make some sense.

Bickell, McNeill and a 3rd for Stephen Weiss?
- yahoodi

I put up a pretty big post about this a few threads ago. They absolutely can afford all three. Leddy is restricted. Stalberg probably won't command more than 2 mil per. We are 4 mil under next years cap before we use the buyout (Presumably on Rusty which would give us another 3.125 in space and hopefully on Montador at 2.75).

That would give us roughly $10 million to resign Kruger, Leddy, Bickell, Stalberg and a back up goalie. 5.5 to resign Leddy, Kruger, Stalberg leaves us 4.5 for backup goalie, kid up from the Rock to be the #7 and a new player/Bickell.

Next year, with the buyouts, if used, there is still $3 mil in cap space. And, before Towes/Kane come up, Frolik, Hammer, Brookbank and Bolland all come off the books. It can be done. Players can be added.

I do, however, like your trade for Weiss, but I think it will take more. I remember when Soupy was traded and the original report had Rusty and Weiss coming back. All I could think was, finally another center.

Tallon will be able to get way more than that for Stephen Weiss.
- MartiniMan

Kruger, Stalberg, 3rd?

Brouwer and Kopecky strike me as "been there, done that" players. Although that type of player might be something the Hawks can acquire.

I think you have to look at one of Stalberg, Bickell, and Leddy, as all three will be in line for big pay raises for next year. And with the cap going down, the Hawks won't be able to afford all three. So trading one for a rental might make some sense.

Bickell, McNeill and a 3rd for Stephen Weiss?
- yahoodi

I don't know if all three will be in line for big pay days, this was one of the contracts that the NHL was targeting during the lockout. They were trying to limit the second contract so teams wouldn't have to pay still unproven talent piles of money. Look at PK Subban, he didn't get the big pile of cash he was hoping. I would say Leddy gets the biggest, then Stalberg, then Bickell I don't see getting paid anything large. Even thought the cap is going down, I think Stan did a good job in getting this team ready for that. They have two buyouts next year, so say Olesz and Montador go that gets them almost 6 million right there. Plus the 4 million capgeek says it has in cap space for next year with 2 RFA's (Leddy and Kruger), 5 UFA's (Emery Rosival Bickell Stalberg and Mayers). I happen to think even with raises to the three you mentioned that this team is well setup for next year.

I put up a pretty big post about this a few threads ago. They absolutely can afford all three. Leddy is restricted. Stalberg probably won't command more than 2 mil per. We are 4 mil under next years cap before we use the buyout (Presumably on Rusty which would give us another 3.125 in space and hopefully on Montador at 2.75).

That would give us roughly $10 million to resign Kruger, Leddy, Bickell, Stalberg and a back up goalie. 5.5 to resign Leddy, Kruger, Stalberg leaves us 4.5 for backup goalie, kid up from the Rock to be the #7 and a new player/Bickell.

Next year, with the buyouts, if used, there is still $3 mil in cap space. And, before Towes/Kane come up, Frolik, Hammer, Brookbank and Bolland all come off the books. It can be done. Players can be added.

I do, however, like your trade for Weiss, but I think it will take more. I remember when Soupy was traded and the original report had Rusty and Weiss coming back. All I could think was, finally another center.
- bejewell

You got to it first! I wrote the same thing. The one thing Stan has done well is position this team Cap wise.

Brouwer and Kopecky strike me as "been there, done that" players. Although that type of player might be something the Hawks can acquire.

I think you have to look at one of Stalberg, Bickell, and Leddy, as all three will be in line for big pay raises for next year. And with the cap going down, the Hawks won't be able to afford all three. So trading one for a rental might make some sense.

Bickell, McNeill and a 3rd for Stephen Weiss?
- yahoodi

The grass is not always greener. And GMs, even the great Stan Bowman, make mistakes. Personally, I don't care whether Brouwer was dealt a couple of years ago. Nor should a good GM or a smart organization—if he fills a need.

For $3 million a season, Brouwer is a much better value than T-Kop.

But you are right, there could be other, better options out there. But if not, you don't hesitate on a guy who can help your team and presents reasonable value for the dollar—just because you traded him away previously. Shure, if there is some prohibitive there in his character or game, maybe that is good reason not to. But let's assume there is no major skeleton in Brouwer's closet, and Q's issue with him was his skating and an occasional—really just occasional— defensive brain fart or bad penalty.

So you're talking then about a plus-skating, 20-goal/200 hit guy with a rock solid two way game, a young Erik Cole (remember, a better guy than Brouwer who does what Brouwer does and more). Price starts with Sharp, Leddy or TT. And the salary is $5 million a year.

Value for value.

I hope Stanley isn't telling us in May about how many regular season points we had, because he was holding out for getting that kind of player for Shawn Lalonde and a bag of pucks, or because Troy Brouwer doesn't get some fans excited enough.

No idea on Carcillo. No one will know squat until he is seen in a practice jersey, then I think you can say a week or two.

Team needs some muscle and willingness around the net upfront. Viktor, Bickell, Saad, none seem to be that guy. An All-Terrain forward.

Let me be clear, Saad is winning me over in terms of his NHL worth right now. But I still see a guy who right now really plays a finesse game in a PF body. When he's 25, he could be an absolute monster around the cage, and I applaud his willingness at times, but he is playing against men. This is not about his potnetial or anyone's. it's about what this team needs right now.

I also applaud the hawks for their recent past interest—as I've been told— in a guy like Clarkson. He is exactly the kind of guy I am talking about as a need.
- John Jaeckel

Do not disagree, just wonder if NJ would think of parting with Clarkson. If so what price?

They seem pretty vanilla and lack prospects. Perhaps, if they fall down a bit, we can get them to bite on something.

Brouwer would be great too, price tag and all, but figure he is least of Caps problems. I actually feel bad for them. Love Adam Oates and hope he gets time there to do his thing.

SLATER! SLATER! SLATER! SLATER!






and no, not ac slater. Slaters gonna slate

SLATER! SLATER! SLATER! SLATER!






and no, not ac slater. Slaters gonna slate
- FourFeathers773

Blake Wheeler?

You got to it first! I wrote the same thing. The one thing Stan has done well is position this team Cap wise.
- droe411

No argument.

The question is, when you are within striking distance—at what point does maintaining the cap space for the future or holding onto prospects—become past the point of diminishing returns.

At some point, you have to do something with the cap space.

I think sometimes also, Hawk fans are all not on the same page. I think there are some who really are satisfied with a "winning team, a full building—but no bold ("risky") moves to really go for it in any year." You know, we're good enough to maybe have a shot for the next few years.

Some of us, myself included, feel that is a low percentage—though probably from a pure dollars and cents perspective—safe way to go.

Dean Lombardi, Ray Shero, Dale Tallon (even though technically he was gone at the time), Ken Holland have ALL won Cups. ALL have shown the willingness to go big to put their team over the top and worry about the dollars later.

The other "safe" approach really reminds me of Dollar Bill. The Hawks just wanted 1-3 rounds of playoffs every year. To quote Wirtz himself: "Stanley Cups? Those things are too expensive."

And anyone who wants to say, "you don't understand the CBA." Sorry, I understand it well enough. I counter with: you probably don't understand what it takes to win Stanley Cups.

Hawks like Teddy very much, have inquired about him in hte past. Problem is, so does TB and they look strong this year. Again, a value for value deal might get him. But you would give up a good piece.
- John Jaeckel

Exactly. Would a smooth skating young defenceman interest them? Go after Nate Thompson the same time. Lets get Stevie Y on the phone.

No argument.

The question is, when you are within striking distance—at what point does maintaining the cap space for the future or holding onto prospects—become past the point of diminishing returns.

At some point, you have to do something with the cap space.

I think sometimes also, Hawk fans are all not on the same page. I think there are some who really are satisfied with a "winning team, a full building—but no bold ("risky") moves to really go for it in any year." You know, we're good enough to maybe have a shot for the next few years.

Some of us, myself included, feel that is a low percentage—though probably from a pure dollars and cents perspective—safe way to go.

Dean Lombardi, Ray Shero, Dale Tallon (even though technically he was gone at the time), Ken Holland have ALL won Cups. ALL have shown the willingness to go big to put their team over the top and worry about the dollars later.

The other "safe" approach really reminds me of Dollar Bill. The Hawks just wanted 1-3 rounds of playoffs every year. To quote Wirtz himself: "Stanley Cups? Those things are too expensive."

And anyone who wants to say, "you don't understand the CBA." Sorry, I understand it well enough. I counter with: you probably don't understand what it takes to win Stanley Cups.
- John Jaeckel

I agree! I think he did a great job at the time that other people were going all out to sign people this off season. The call may have been from higher up to keep the the bottom line in view while still building a winner. The time to go for it is now though! You know what the next hand full of years look like cap wise. If he is the cap expert he was claimed to be he should be able to manage this team while taking shots at championships. It doesn't always turn out like it did in 09/10, with piles of young talent maturing together to win a championship. I really think that is what Stan is trying to do, wait for all this young "talent" he has drafted and traded for to come together. I really hope I am wrong as I don't see that happening with what is in the pipeline.

SLATER! SLATER! SLATER! SLATER!






and no, not ac slater. Slaters gonna slate
- FourFeathers773

Slater would be a perfect fit, but the Jets just re-signed him so we'd likely have to overpay to get him, which I'm ok with. Slater leads the Jets forwards in SH time per game and it almost 54% at faceoffs. I tried to construct a reasonable deal for Slater but I'm not sure what the Jets need.

Not sure how comfortable Clarkson would be on the left side but he would be ideal along side Toews and Hossa/Kane. I feel like he could be had for a young, dynamic playmaker who will be defensively responsible enough to play in NJ. Would you part with Kruger for him? Bolland? Then go get a guy like McClement or even bring back Reasoner to win some draws on the 4th line.

Not sure how comfortable Clarkson would be on the left side but he would be ideal along side Toews and Hossa/Kane. I feel like he could be had for a young, dynamic playmaker who will be defensively responsible enough to play in NJ. Would you part with Kruger for him? Bolland? Then go get a guy like McClement or even bring back Reasoner to win some draws on the 4th line.
- Kentxo

ughhh. Fine, I'll cave. Lalonde and Olsen

Slater would be a perfect fit, but the Jets just re-signed him so we'd likely have to overpay to get him, which I'm ok with. Slater leads the Jets forwards in SH time per game and it almost 54% at faceoffs. I tried to construct a reasonable deal for Slater but I'm not sure what the Jets need.
- DarthKane

Yeah, Slater was mentioned a bunch here last year before he resigned. It doesn't seem likely that they'd part with him. He would be perfect though because he can kill penalties, hit a ton and win draws.

BTW, anyone notice that Brouwer is 24/48 in draws this year? Not bad for a power LW.

Yeah, Slater was mentioned a bunch here last year before he resigned. It doesn't seem likely that they'd part with him. He would be perfect though because he can kill penalties, hit a ton and win draws.

BTW, anyone notice that Brouwer is 24/48 in draws this year? Not bad for a power LW.
- Kentxo

Actually I was going to point that out as well—he's always been a pretty good second FO option.

Not sure how comfortable Clarkson would be on the left side but he would be ideal along side Toews and Hossa/Kane. I feel like he could be had for a young, dynamic playmaker who will be defensively responsible enough to play in NJ. Would you part with Kruger for him? Bolland? Then go get a guy like McClement or even bring back Reasoner to win some draws on the 4th line.
- Kentxo

i really don't think it would take Bolland or Kruger to get Clarkson. He's valuable, sure, but you're talking a 2nd or 3rd round pick and that should get done. Nor would you trade from an area you're already weak (center) to get a RW.

i really don't think it would take Bolland or Kruger to get Clarkson. He's valuable, sure, but you're talking a 2nd or 3rd round pick and that should get done. Nor would you trade from an area you're already weak (center) to get a RW.
- eburgio

Good point.

JVR has 5 more years left at a comfortable 4.25m cap hit.

He's part of our "rebuild on the fly" and is a big piece of the puzzle for us going forward.


Jay McClement has one more year on his deal at 1.5m. Depends if you're looking for a rental or a player to keep a roster spot through next season. I'd say theres a better chance of you looking into Tyler Bozak as a rental

Yeah, Slater was mentioned a bunch here last year before he resigned. It doesn't seem likely that they'd part with him. He would be perfect though because he can kill penalties, hit a ton and win draws.

BTW, anyone notice that Brouwer is 24/48 in draws this year? Not bad for a power LW.
- Kentxo

I still think David Steckel would be a reasonable option for the 4th line centre / penalty killer. I'm sure he could be had for cheap too since he's a UFA in the summer.

Another one of my favourite trade acquisition targets is Zack Smith in Ottawa. Like Slater he was recently signed to an extension so I don't know how realistic that trade would be. Smith has been great on the draw (56.3%) and we could desperately use the help.

I still think David Steckel would be a reasonable option for the 4th line centre / penalty killer. I'm sure he could be had for cheap too since he's a UFA in the summer.

Another one of my favourite trade acquisition targets is Zack Smith in Ottawa. Like Slater he was recently signed to an extension so I don't know how realistic that trade would be. Smith has been great on the draw (56.3%) and we could desperately use the help.
- DarthKane

Steckel skates in 15,000 mile old motor oil though

JVR has 5 more years left at a comfortable 4.25m cap hit.

He's part of our "rebuild on the fly" and is a big piece of the puzzle for us going forward.


Jay McClement has one more year on his deal at 1.5m. Depends if you're looking for a rental or a player to keep a roster spot through next season. I'd say theres a better chance of you looking into Tyler Bozak as a rental
- t_leafs21

I think Bozak would be a decent addition to the Blackhawks, what would you expect in return (keep in mind he's a pending UFA)?

I think Bozak would be a decent addition to the Blackhawks, what would you expect in return (keep in mind he's a pending UFA)?
- DarthKane

2nd round pick

or maybe a B level prospect and a 4th?

Sorry Hawks fans but there is no way that Toronto is going to give you JVR. Bozak or Steckel sure; Grabovski, Kulemin, MacArthur, Komarov or McClement maybe; but definitely not JVR.