And they need to sign Kruger.

So maybe they ride what they have and just part ways with a hungry-to-get-paid Stalberg in the offseason. Or they fill a slight area of need and move Stalberg in the deal now in order to get some compensation for him.

See Cam Barker, March 2010.
- John Jaeckel

Agreed. IMO for whats its worth is you lock up Kruger and Leddy and keep them. Our needs have always seem to be at the dot and you can never have enough depth at the back end.

Depending on who they get. Stalberg and Bickel are your prime candidates to move. I would hate to see Stalberg go because I don't think he has reached his upside and I've always loved his speed. For all you young hockey players out there watch how the other teams D plays when he is on the ice......for a guy who has only had one season of 20 goals they show him premier play respect........with the space they give him.
- UnnamedSource

......and that is something you don't see in the stat sheet. His speed pretty much makes any line he is on that much more effective.

Shaw is well known for his reckless play. Between him and Carcillo, the Hawks have two of the dirtiest players in the league.
- hankthetank

No big argument here. Care to list the dirtier players of other Western Conference teams? I can think of some. Please, whenever you're ready. Start with your favorite . . .

Not an expert here, but it's my favorite too, though I like _The Outlaw Josey Wales_ also.
- AL SEC0RD

My other favorite of eastwood's that i have watched 10 or more times is kelly's heroes

No big argument here. Care to list the dirtier players of other Western Conference teams? I can think of some. Please, whenever you're ready. Start with your favorite . . .
- John Jaeckel

Do you always get so defensive when someone on the Hawks gets called out? I'm talking about Shaw and Carcillo.
Shaw's reputation in the AHL speaks for itself. He's carried that into the NHL. And I think we're all familiar with Carcillo's antics.

......and that is something you don't see in the stat sheet. His speed pretty much makes any line he is on that much more effective.
- UnnamedSource

stalbergs last two games he started to slow his hands down and simplify he stick handling by using his speed and size to get around the defense. I think that is the key to his progress if he can push the puck ahead and power through opponents

Do you always get so defensive when someone on the Hawks gets called out? I'm talking about Shaw and Carcillo.
Shaw's reputation in the AHL speaks for itself. He's carried that into the NHL. And I think we're all familiar with Carcillo's antics.
- hankthetank

What about "no big argument here" is defensive?

I then asked you a question in the name of context and fairness. Can't you answer it?

Go back and look at your post, your first here since all the crap the other day, and tell me how it isn't trolling.

And they need to sign Kruger.

So maybe they ride what they have and just part ways with a hungry-to-get-paid Stalberg in the offseason. Or they fill a slight area of need and move Stalberg in the deal now in order to get some compensation for him.

See Cam Barker, March 2010.

I forgot about Olsen who probably has not been written off completely throughout the league. And, yes, the Hawks are HIGH on Johns specifically.
- John Jaeckel

What have you heard about Justin Holl.....I think he is with Minnesota? It would be insane to let a guy like Stalberg go and get nothing in return....if they don't add elsewhere. If they get someone through prospects that can help the team then fine, keep him for the Cup run....but if they stand pat.....and then let him go. Stupid.

My other favorite of eastwood's that i have watched 10 or more times is kelly's heroes
- molly2522

Oh yes! What a cast of characters--Donald Sutherland is hilarious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuStsFW4EmQ

stalbergs last two games he started to slow his hands down and simplify he stick handling by using his speed and size to get around the defense. I think that is the key to his progress if he can push the puck ahead and power through opponents
- molly2522

I think he has always done that. His only move is to basically take his speed, blow by a defender, and rush the net. If he could develop a deke while skating that fast.............he would up his goal total by twenty.

What about "no big argument here" is defensive?

I then asked you a question in the name of context and fairness. Can't you answer it?

Go back and look at your post, your first here since all the crap the other day, and tell me how it isn't trolling.
- John Jaeckel

So, yes, you do always get defensive.
I was stating my opinion. I'm pretty sure that's what these forums are all about. How is saying that Shaw and Carcillo are two of the dirtiest players in the league trolling? It's not. Shaw better be careful or he'll end up being the next Carcillo. Dangerous hits like the one on Pavelski aren't helping.

Leddy and Clendening are similar and #8 is a RFA at the end of this year. As it stands right now there is no room for Clendening which makes him perfect for a trade and I'm sure a lot of teams would want him.

As far as Olsen goes, he seems to have really taken a step back this year and may have dropped a few steps behind every one. With his size he is still attractive to other teams. Also what about Justin Holl? What they do this off season with Hammer , whether resign, trade, or decide to let him play out his contract is a big sign on what they think of Johns development.
- UnnamedSource

Clendening is really far away from the NHL right now, and there are positive signs, but it would take a very desparate team to buy into Clendening and thinking immediate or even within a year help
I also think that that I was always the first to criticize Olsen, and also the first to defend the fact that the kid has never been in the right shape until recently and that he still has upside and that his snowshoes can get lighter and he will be able to play in the majors.
He needs work in many phases but he is putting it in. Not so much has Olsen taken a backstep as the fan hype has come to the realization that all the hawk fan websites that cropped up as the hawks converged on Lord Stanley's Cup were edited and managed by by rookie talent evaluators who didn't watch what the play on the ice was showing, just saw stats, measurements, and drafted in the first round and firm grabbed hold Olsen's gitarule until Olsen couldn't breathe.
Don't expect Justin Holl or Stephan Johns to be quickly advanced up the ladder either.
I remember when after the Cup so many where adding Lalonde to the roster, but you see these young guys have to become adjusted to an entire pro regime and the higher level of competitiveness the AHL brings and when they prove are smart in all situations, they may get a call to the parent club, where the are provided with a much better defenseman as a partner in the NHL, and if they click, the beocme pros.
It really isn't complex.

I do agree that the there is a chance that the Blackhawks could use their Rockford guys as bait.
But think on that:
The team would have to be a Calgary type situation, where the they would love to suddenly add two forwards and a defender, you can come in now, not embarass themselves and have upside to be help and regulars while they rebuild with them as supplementary pieces.
and even then....Calgary or the team that you trade with is going to have to be certain that the Rockfords can play in the big league now....

Do you always get so defensive when someone on the Hawks gets called out? I'm talking about Shaw and Carcillo.
Shaw's reputation in the AHL speaks for itself. He's carried that into the NHL. And I think we're all familiar with Carcillo's antics.
- hankthetank

No argument that Shaw plays on the edge, but I am not sure I would put him in the Carcillo category (can't speak to his AHL rep). And there's no argument re. Carcillo--although his rep was generally earned elsewhere (despite the suspension last year).

Are the Blackhawks, as currently constructed, one of the first teams that comes to mind when the word dirty is mentioned? I don't think so. Tough to play against? Maybe--but not necessarily because they're dirty. Hated? I don't know--but don't think that's the case either.

I do know they've had their fair share of dirty and mean players over the decades though (as is the case with many teams) . . . .

Sorry...but yes..i have been to VicTown as well...took the long ferry ride and drank at the StickyWickets...nearly got lost in that place. Cavernous watering hole if there if ever was one

- philco28

Beach volleyball on the roof!

So, yes, you do always get defensive.
I was stating my opinion. I'm pretty sure that's what these forums are all about. How is saying that Shaw and Carcillo are two of the dirtiest players in the league trolling? It's not. Shaw better be careful or he'll end up being the next Carcillo. Dangerous hits like the one on Pavelski aren't helping.
- hankthetank

Agreed That Shaw has to maintain is level of competitiveness, but I think if you are actually watch his play Shaw is a really fine controlled player in many repects.
he takes a beating game in and out and is not kicking back.

Granted he has picked his spots with guys, but Pavelski was hardly some ultra dirty deal ...Carcillo's skated hit the wall too, not a complete sling of Little Joe, and it WAS when Pavelski did the new patented turn into the wall, but if it really was that way, the league would have acted, because they look at them.
And they did nothing...so youy saw a different dirty play than the NHL did...

No argument that Shaw plays on the edge, but I am not sure I would put him in the Carcillo category (can't speak to his AHL rep). And there's no argument there--although his rep was generally earned elsewhere (despite the suspension last year).

Are the Blackhawks, as currently constructed, one of the first teams that comes to mind when the word dirty is mentioned? I don't think so. Tough to play against? Maybe--but necessarily because they're dirty. Hated? I don't know--but don't think that's the case either.

I do know they've had their fair share of dirty and mean players over the decades though (as is the case with many teams) . . . .
- AL SEC0RD

He's not in the Carcillo category. Yet. One would really have to commit themself to play as dirty as Carcillo. As good as they are, the Blackhawks are developing a reputation as a dirty team. Shaw's antics int he AHL are well known. Carcillo is one of, if not the dirtiest player in the game. Keith's dirty hit last year, Bolland's stick work. Talented bunch, but developing a dirty reputation.

Agreed That Shaw has to maintain is level of competitiveness, but I think if you are actually watch his play Shaw is a really fine controlled player in many repects.
he takes a beating game in and out and is not kicking back.

Granted he has picked his spots with guys, but Pavelski was hardly some ultra dirty deal ...Carcillo's skated hit the wall too, not a complete sling of Little Joe, and it WAS when Pavelski did the new patented turn into the wall, but if it really was that way, the league would have acted, because they look at them.
And they did nothing...so youy saw a different dirty play than the NHL did...
- wiz1901

Because as we all know, the NHL is very consistent when it comes to suspensions. They always get it right.

Because as we all know, the NHL is very consistent when it comes to suspensions. They always get it right.
- hankthetank

As inconsistent as the NHL is, they obviously make the ultimate and final decision, whether you or I or anyone else deem their ruling right or wrong. Shaw's hit was far from a good idea and following him in Rockford shows he's not against making bone-headed decisions, but the NHL didn't feel they needed to bring the hammer down, so that's the end of it.

Not entirely sure what you are trying to accomplish, the final horn sounded, game has been over, season moves on. Whining doesn't change anything. Felt the same way when I saw Torres pulverize Hossa last year.

He's not in the Carcillo category. Yet. One would really have to commit themself to play as dirty as Carcillo. As good as they are, the Blackhawks are developing a reputation as a dirty team. Shaw's antics int he AHL are well known. Carcillo is one of, if not the dirtiest player in the game. Keith's dirty hit last year, Bolland's stick work. Talented bunch, but developing a dirty reputation.
- hankthetank

other than in the bowels of your parents basement, where are the hawks getting this reputation?

Clendening is really far away from the NHL right now, and there are positive signs, but it would take a very desparate team to buy into Clendening and thinking immediate or even within a year help
I also think that that I was always the first to criticize Olsen, and also the first to defend the fact that the kid has never been in the right shape until recently and that he still has upside and that his snowshoes can get lighter and he will be able to play in the majors.
He needs work in many phases but he is putting it in. Not so much has Olsen taken a backstep as the fan hype has come to the realization that all the hawk fan websites that cropped up as the hawks converged on Lord Stanley's Cup were edited and managed by by rookie talent evaluators who didn't watch what the play on the ice was showing, just saw stats, measurements, and drafted in the first round and firm grabbed hold Olsen's gitarule until Olsen couldn't breathe.
Don't expect Justin Holl or Stephan Johns to be quickly advanced up the ladder either.
I remember when after the Cup so many where adding Lalonde to the roster, but you see these young guys have to become adjusted to an entire pro regime and the higher level of competitiveness the AHL brings and when they prove are smart in all situations, they may get a call to the parent club, where the are provided with a much better defenseman as a partner in the NHL, and if they click, the beocme pros.
It really isn't complex.

I do agree that the there is a chance that the Blackhawks could use their Rockford guys as bait.
But think on that:
The team would have to be a Calgary type situation, where the they would love to suddenly add two forwards and a defender, you can come in now, not embarass themselves and have upside to be help and regulars while they rebuild with them as supplementary pieces.
and even then....Calgary or the team that you trade with is going to have to be certain that the Rockfords can play in the big league now....




- wiz1901

Not necessarily. There are teams out there are about to blow things up....Buff, Wash, and possible Calgary that will sell a rebuild to their fan base and will take a few prospects that may be 2 years away or if they have lack of system depth in a position where they need to fill a need.

Of course i do....BUXTON.

I feel pretty safe in saying this....if you haven't seen it....The Shawshank Redemption is a film i believe every human being alive would benefit from seeing.
- philco28

Even Alex Burrows?

He's not in the Carcillo category. Yet. One would really have to commit themself to play as dirty as Carcillo. As good as they are, the Blackhawks are developing a reputation as a dirty team. Shaw's antics int he AHL are well known. Carcillo is one of, if not the dirtiest player in the game. Keith's dirty hit last year, Bolland's stick work. Talented bunch, but developing a dirty reputation.
- hankthetank

Perhaps semantics with Shaw--on the edge, dirty? Either one probably fits. I like him on my team. Carcillo--I like him on the 'Hawks so far, but he hasn't played long enough in Chicago to do the things he did elsewhere--but no argument about him. Look at some of his incidents over the years--embarrassing.

When it comes to "dirty," perception is likely reality among fans. Won't argue on behalf of Keith re. the Sedin hit--I wish he wouldn't have done it. Despite the hit on Keith in the corner that putatively precipitated Keith's retaliation, I think the Sedin's are classsy, outstanding players. Contary to Bolland's opinion, I'd take them on my team. Is Bolland dirty? Very often he is. Not quite in the Ken Linesman category (if you remember him). Some of this is just hockey--makes for the rivalries--but I am not going to defend the Blackhawks when they are dirty. I remember their brawls with North Stars--man did I hate Cicarelli, Plett, McCrae, and others--but were the 'Hawks angels? Of course not. Is it easy to hate Burrows? Sure. Is it easy to hate Bolland? I suspect it is.

Edit: I meant to include, however, that despite the hit on Sedin, Keith really isn't that dirty. There just isn't a lot to argue otherwise.

So, yes, you do always get defensive.
I was stating my opinion. I'm pretty sure that's what these forums are all about. How is saying that Shaw and Carcillo are two of the dirtiest players in the league trolling? It's not. Shaw better be careful or he'll end up being the next Carcillo. Dangerous hits like the one on Pavelski aren't helping.
- hankthetank

I don't get it. How come you can't list dirty players from other teams. You said Shaw and Carcillo are two of the dirtiest players..." Who are the others? Do you not know? Nobody here knows what your idea off a dirty player is.So you need to say "Carcillo is every bit as dirty as...Burrows.....or Hendricks....or......Boll..." if all you can do is list Blackhawks...on a Blackhawk blog....then that sir...is trolling....

So, in the words of the Breakfast Club...."C'mon Claire, just answer the question."

Depending on who they get. Stalberg and Bickel are your prime candidates to move.
- UnnamedSource

The following applies to ALL Hawk RFA, UFAs including Leddy...
Here is EXACTLY how it will go in my reality:

Bowman will have early talks with all the agents, try and agree on basic ballpark numbers and after a few conversations Bowman will understand if the guy will stay and really decent numbers or are they going shopping. The bullcrap will be out of the way, and he will know before the deadline, who is seriously be talking of walking if they don't get more than generous numbers...
Bowman will talk to teams if he has a guy who is unsatisfied with his possible upcoming raise, and he will tell whichever GM he is talking to exactly what salary that player will be looking for. (The GM will get permission and talk to the player's agent.)

Then a deal gets made.

This is not gonna be a case of oh, too bad, "he could have reached this great upside."
it is going to be economically we value this player at this amount inside out present winning salary structure, and if the player and agent cannot, they will have to possibly become that great player elsewhere.

He's not in the Carcillo category. Yet. One would really have to commit themself to play as dirty as Carcillo. As good as they are, the Blackhawks are developing a reputation as a dirty team. Shaw's antics int he AHL are well known. Carcillo is one of, if not the dirtiest player in the game. Keith's dirty hit last year, Bolland's stick work. Talented bunch, but developing a dirty reputation.
- hankthetank

Part of being competative in any sport is by playing just over the edge. Sure Shaw is borderline dirty, sure Carcillo is very dirty but it no different from players other teams have. So long as the Hawks don't dive, bite and pull hair I'm not really concerned about how they are perceived.