Sticking with Calgary, Matt Stajan...This year and next at $3.5? Lefty C, decent F/O guy.
- Ogilthorpe2

No thanks. where do you want to play him, who you trading for him? Rearranging chairs trade...

But teams will give to them....Bolland makes 3.3 and Hammer makes 3.5. I could see teams paying in the 5's for each of them.
- UnnamedSource

It's possible. If either chooses the hefty contract and you couldn't fault them, then hasta la vista. Especially Bolland; I like him but not for 5mil/yr. Hammer's making a case for getting close to that but maybe we could keep him for a bit less; 4.25 or 4.5?

But teams will give to them....Bolland makes 3.3 and Hammer makes 3.5. I could see teams paying in the 5's for each of them.
- UnnamedSource

Giving either of them 5m is insane! If they get it on the open market, nice playing with ya..Good Bye!! We have another year with both... If Bolland goes crazy in points the rest of the way and next year at the all star break, you think about it.. Hammer needs to put up a point total to get to that level. And Bickell makes nothing in the scheme of things...

TSNBobMcKenzie:
Nick Petrecki (SJS) and Dana Tyrell (TBL) on waivers today.

Would love to see Tyrell be picked up. Nice gritty center.

It's possible. If either chooses the hefty contract and you couldn't fault them, then hasta la vista. Especially Bolland; I like him but not for 5mil/yr. Hammer's making a case for getting close to that but maybe we could keep him for a bit less; 4.25 or 4.5?
- HawkintheD

I would love to keep Hammer but with two Dmen already making mid-5's and another (Oduya) in the mid 3's I just don't think there will be enough to go around. You also have to consider the increases Kane and Toews will want and get a couple of years after that. You also have to consider the pipeline as well with Clendening, Olsen, Stanton, Holl, Johns, Stanton, Lalonde, and others. Of course not all of them will make it but 2 or 3 is more than likely to be wearing the Indian head in 2-3 years. They will have to make a decision on Leddy as well....to keep him or move forward with Clendening. I just don't see 3 5'11 dmen on one team. As for Bolland......there will be teams who will over value him and pay him a high 4 or low 5 salary. With the up and coming Danault the decision may be easy for the Hawks.

Giving either of them 5m is insane! If they get it on the open market, nice playing with ya..Good Bye!! We have another year with both... If Bolland goes crazy in points the rest of the way and next year at the all star break, you think about it.. Hammer needs to put up a point total to get to that level. And Bickell makes nothing in the scheme of things...
- moots

There is at least a half dozen teams in which Hammer would be a 1-2 dmen...today! Not every dman generates a high point total. He is a stay at home dman who will get 5 million plus on the open market after next year....barring injury. You could make the argument he has been our best dman this year. Bolland could get there as well especially if he has a big post season.

Obviously nothing is certain, but I see no world where Dave Bolland is on this team after next year. The presence of Shaw, Kruger, and Danault as much, much less expensive options (and by then probably better playing) makes it seem dumb to keep Bolland on. Whether Hammer stays or goes probably depends on the development of the young defensemen. In fact, I think this is the season to trade Bolland, but that obviously depends on the return.

Sticking with Calgary, Matt Stajan...This year and next at $3.5? Lefty C, decent F/O guy.
- Ogilthorpe2

I think the Hawks should be looking at a better option for that number #2 center if that was what you were thinking. If not we should stick with Bolland as the #2.

If possible,I would like to see if the Hawks can package Bolland(who is probably expendable due to his salary and our bottom 2 center depth), Stalberg and a couple of prospects (except Teravainen) for a legit #2 left handed (60+point) Center or Bickell, Stalberg and a couple of prospects for a Ladd type power forward. There might be a team out there looking to deal for a package like this if their own player is in the final year of his contract and they are out of the playoff chase.

Bowman did a nice job with the defensive depth this past summer so as of now they are ok there. The bottom 6 forwards are fine as of now and we have Carcillo hopefully back soon.

An upgrade at the Goalie position is always welcome.

I think the Hawks should be looking at a better option for that number #2 center if that was what you were thinking. If not we should stick with Bolland as the #2.

If possible,I would like to see if the Hawks can package Bolland(who is probably expendable due to his salary and our bottom 2 center depth), Stalberg and a couple of prospects (except Teravainen) for a legit #2 left handed (60+point) Center or Bickell, Stalberg and a couple of prospects for a Ladd type power forward. There might be a team out there looking to deal for a package like this if their own player is in the final year of his contract and they are out of the playoff chase.

Bowman did a nice job with the defensive depth this past summer so as of now they are ok there. The bottom 6 forwards are fine as of now and we have Carcillo hopefully back soon.

An upgrade at the Goalie position is always welcome.
- Greek7

60 + point centers as well as power forwards are hard to come by and most often are not dealt but leave a team via FA.....if they are dealt the price is extremely high and not a price Bowman will ever be comfortable with.

Obviously nothing is certain, but I see no world where Dave Bolland is on this team after next year. The presence of Shaw, Kruger, and Danault as much, much less expensive options (and by then probably better playing) makes it seem dumb to keep Bolland on. Whether Hammer stays or goes probably depends on the development of the young defensemen. In fact, I think this is the season to trade Bolland, but that obviously depends on the return.
- rollpards19

The Hawks are deep in the system at center. I agree about Bolland but wait till the off season.....a mixture of picks and prospects will probably come in return.

60 + point centers as well as power forwards are hard to come by and most often are not dealt but leave a team via FA.....if they are dealt the price is extremely high and not a price Bowman will ever be comfortable with.
- UnnamedSource

True but it does happen. Jeff Carter last year.

I think the Hawks should be looking at a better option for that number #2 center if that was what you were thinking. If not we should stick with Bolland as the #2.

If possible,I would like to see if the Hawks can package Bolland(who is probably expendable due to his salary and our bottom 2 center depth), Stalberg and a couple of prospects (except Teravainen) for a legit #2 left handed (60+point) Center or Bickell, Stalberg and a couple of prospects for a Ladd type power forward. There might be a team out there looking to deal for a package like this if their own player is in the final year of his contract and they are out of the playoff chase.

Bowman did a nice job with the defensive depth this past summer so as of now they are ok there. The bottom 6 forwards are fine as of now and we have Carcillo hopefully back soon.

An upgrade at the Goalie position is always welcome.
- Greek7

Why does anyone ever want to deal Stalberg

He is young fast and improving every year
Toronto dealt him and how much would they love to have in their lineup every night
A lot of upside here
We might have the best third line in the league right now

Everybody wanted to deal Hammer last off season and he has possibly been our best on the back end this year
Everybody wanted Shane Doan and Ryan Suter last summer and how happy are we they are not here
Especially at the bucks they get paid

The best trade is often the trade you don't make
This team is good on the ice and the prospects are developing at a good pace

Many teams are envious of the Hawks

Fast and Young

Why does anyone ever want to deal Stalberg

He is young fast and improving every year
Toronto dealt him and how much would they love to have in their lineup every night
A lot of upside here
We might have the best third line in the league right now

Everybody wanted to deal Hammer last off season and he has possibly been our best on the back end this year
Everybody wanted Shane Doan and Ryan Suter last summer and how happy are we they are not here
Especially at the bucks they get paid

The best trade is often the trade you don't make
This team is good on the ice and the prospects are developing at a good pace

Many teams are envious of the Hawks

Fast and Young
- PEIHawkFan

I would like to keep Stalberg of course. Hawks still need the PF and the 2nd line center more. Only if the Hawks can can get an upgrade on these 2 positions. He also is a free agent and will probably be looking for 3-4.5 million per year

I would love to keep Hammer but with two Dmen already making mid-5's and another (Oduya) in the mid 3's I just don't think there will be enough to go around. You also have to consider the increases Kane and Toews will want and get a couple of years after that. You also have to consider the pipeline as well with Clendening, Olsen, Stanton, Holl, Johns, Stanton, Lalonde, and others. Of course not all of them will make it but 2 or 3 is more than likely to be wearing the Indian head in 2-3 years. They will have to make a decision on Leddy as well....to keep him or move forward with Clendening. I just don't see 3 5'11 dmen on one team. As for Bolland......there will be teams who will over value him and pay him a high 4 or low 5 salary. With the up and coming Danault the decision may be easy for the Hawks.
- UnnamedSource

Fellas I am as Obsessive compulsive as anyone, but going from adding a piece this year to figuring out what we will do with guys 2 or 3 years from now is borderline insane.

There has to be other things to put your mind to.

Why does anyone ever want to deal Stalberg

He is young fast and improving every year
Toronto dealt him and how much would they love to have in their lineup every noght
A lot of upside here

Everybody wanted to deal Hammer last off season and he has possibly been our best on the back end this year
Everybody wanted Shane Doan and Ryan Suter last summer and how happy are we they are not here
Especially at the bucks they get paid

The best trade is often the trade you don't make
This team is good on the ice and the prospects are developing at a good pace

Many teams are envious of the Hawks

Fast and Young
- PEIHawkFan

Preach man. Stalberg makes Bickell play at a faster pace. The third line is finally dangerous again and everyone wants to break it up, when forever everyone has been saying we need depth. If Bicks can keep up his physical play, that is a perfect third line. Shaw has finally gotten to 50% on his draws, if he can be a 52-55% guy it would be awesome. Also when Car Bomb comes back I want him with Kruger and Frolik in the playoffs that line would be a female dog to play against

The Hawks are deep in the system at center. I agree about Bolland but wait till the off season.....a mixture of picks and prospects will probably come in return.
- UnnamedSource

Making a lot of assumptions....Some playing center now will end up as wingers.

Also, there is not one center in Rockford or here except for Toews, and Mayers who is on the 18th fairway, that can win a faceoff.

I temper my optimism on being deep at center, especially because Shaw and Kruger could still wind up on the wing....

on Twitter@AlCimaglia

Making a lot of assumptions....Some playing center now will end up as wingers.

Also, there is not one center in Rockford or here except for Toews, and Mayers who is on the 18th fairway, that can win a faceoff.

I temper my optimism on being deep at center, especially because Shaw and Kruger could still wind up on the wing....

on Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Al why would Kruger play wing? Is it the face-offs? Because I think he has the best defensive in zone positioning on the team, is a good passer in his own zone and the neutral, and works his tail off. I feel like you decrease his value at wing but I would like to hear your opinion

Fellas I am as Obsessive compulsive as anyone, but going from adding a piece this year to figuring out what we will do with guys 2 or 3 years from now is borderline insane.

There has to be other things to put your mind to.
- TrueGrit

No game tonight....and we are 9-0-2......quit being such a pain.

Making a lot of assumptions....Some playing center now will end up as wingers.

Also, there is not one center in Rockford or here except for Toews, and Mayers who is on the 18th fairway, that can win a faceoff.

I temper my optimism on being deep at center, especially because Shaw and Kruger could still wind up on the wing....

on Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Deep as in 2-3 years away deep......

I would like to keep Stalberg of course. Hawks still need the PF and the 2nd line center more. Only if the Hawks can can get an upgrade on these 2 positions. He also is a free agent and will probably be looking for 3-4.5 million per year
- Greek7

Stalber going to 3-4 million from a salary 0f 850k is quite a stretch considering he has has only one 20 goal season.

True but it does happen. Jeff Carter last year.
- Greek7

Jeff Carter didn't want to be in Columbus and at the time LA wasn't a top 8 team in the Western Conference.......not to many teams are going to give the already high scoring Blackhawks who happen to be the best team in the league in terms of points any more ammunition.

Some combination of Kruger, Bolland, Stalberg, Leddy, Bickell, Frolik and Hammer are mutually exclusive going in to next year (and beyond). The biggest question facing Bowman is who to keep and what to get for those that you don't.

That is about the extent of my trade speculation.

Some combination of Kruger, Bolland, Stalberg, Leddy, Bickell, Frolik and Hammer are mutually exclusive going in to next year (and beyond). The biggest question facing Bowman is who to keep and what to get for those that you don't.

That is about the extent of my trade speculation.
- nathanjf

Agree with those names....but keep in mind a one thing. Leddy, Frolik, Stalberg, & Kruger are all Bowmans guys (acquired by him).....does this effect who stays and who goes?????......

Jeff Carter didn't want to be in Columbus and at the time LA wasn't a top 8 team in the Western Conference.......not to many teams are going to give the already high scoring Blackhawks who happen to be the best team in the league in terms of points any more ammunition.
- UnnamedSource

Carter was offered to the Hawks.

Some scuttlebutt that it was just to jack up the price for other teams, but once you're in the doorway . . .

As of now, Scott Burnside over on ESPN.com is projecting Corey Crawford to be the starting goaltender for Canada in the Olympics next year. WTF?

http://espn.go.com/nhl/no...canada-roster-predictions