Personally I think this team is loaded with bottom 6 guys, I think this is a year where they should go out and try and acquire a big gun or two for the playoff run.
- dan9189

Not sure I agree that it is loaded with Bottom 6 guys. A few of the Hawks' bottom 6 guys are top 6 guys on other teams. The issue really is, the Hawks are loaded with finesse players (top 6 AND bottom 6) and they might need to swap one out for a banger come playoff time.

Their most physical forward is Bryan Bickell. Or Carcillo. After that, big drop off, and neither will play big minutes.

Bangers also don't have to come without skill. but those proposing Jimmy Hayes might want to get a little more realistic. Hayes is a pup and his skating is so suspect (at the NHL level) that you can't say he will be able to do much damage on opposing defensemen. Have to be able to catch it in order to hit it.

I think in yesterdays blog I pointed out exactly how the process works, where they make sure everybody who really wants to stay at the numbers they can afford DO.

If it was you or me, who has never made the year wages possible in the NHL, and you had the choice of playing for the hawks or elsewhere, would you take less to stay where "everybody knows your name", and you know their abilities, etc.

Interesting how with a team like Capitals paid handsomely UFA's or re-upped guys who talked up leaving Washington...they guys were blessed with really fat contracts are now the same names that the caps are supposedly offering up, like Joel Ward ( 3 million ) and Brooks Laich (4.5 million), etc.

Brad Richards is being talked up if Rangers belly up, because they also need to sign a lot of players...

The point is when a player gets to that certain age of the second UFA contract, they sometimes are looking at it from a perspective of, "I don't give care if I win something as much is this deal provides me with financial security."

So if these UFA hawsk want to stay, it has to be closer to Bowman's terms or when things go sour, you are trying to find them new homes with those thick contracts.

It looks like Tallon has talked to Campbell...apparently he is not happy with effort, results on that deal...

No point in all this just saying...

What would you do??????
- wiz1901

I pointed out in today's article what I would think the Hawks will do concerning Stalberg...And I don't disagree.

They bump Bickell up a bit and his new contract won't break the bank.
Shaw is signed at near the minimum for one more year...."Jackpot"
Stalberg won't stay most likely because Bowman isn't going to pay him $2.5 -$3.0 mill per but someone will.

The plan for next year could very well be Shaw back to the wing, Danault at center and Bickell at wing.

The key is to not only keep the top players together but also keep some consisitency in the bottom six forwards.

That's how a club stays good over time.


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l

Absolutely, especially the back checking.
- Al

And shot blocking, PK, and better breakouts.

Well, I was talking about Shaw.

See my post immediately above, I believe Bolland gets moved in the offseason. They will want him around in the playoffs.
- John Jaeckel

Isn't Kruger basically a younger Bolland without the reputation around the league? I never really considered the comparison, but looking at SteveRain's comment and your response, seems like it might be a fair comparison on defense and it appears that Kruger's upside on offense is at least as good as Bolland's ...

And shot blocking, PK, and better breakouts.
- John Jaeckel

Style of play has also been tweaked...

You don't see 4-5 long stretch passes every game...The high forward doesn't fly out of the defensive zone anymore as soon a Hawk player touches the puck.

A lot of little things and good fundamental hockey makes a big difference.

Not sure I agree that it is loaded with Bottom 6 guys. A few of the Hawks' bottom 6 guys are top 6 guys on other teams. The issue really is, the Hawks are loaded with finesse players (top 6 AND bottom 6) and they might need to swap one out for a banger come playoff time.

Their most physical forward is Bryan Bickell. Or Carcillo. After that, big drop off, and neither will play big minutes.

Bangers also don't have to come without skill. but those proposing Jimmy Hayes might want to get a little more realistic. Hayes is a pup and his skating is so suspect (at the NHL level) that you can't say he will be able to do much damage on opposing defensemen. Have to be able to catch it in order to hit it.
- John Jaeckel

But doesnt the fact that Carbomb can play on the first line spread out that physicality JJ? If Carcillo plays on line 1 and Line three remains in tact, are you saying we add a fourth line guy or a possible banger that can be in the top 6?

Not sure I agree that it is loaded with Bottom 6 guys. A few of the Hawks' bottom 6 guys are top 6 guys on other teams. The issue really is, the Hawks are loaded with finesse players (top 6 AND bottom 6) and they might need to swap one out for a banger come playoff time.

Their most physical forward is Bryan Bickell. Or Carcillo. After that, big drop off, and neither will play big minutes.

Bangers also don't have to come without skill. but those proposing Jimmy Hayes might want to get a little more realistic. Hayes is a pup and his skating is so suspect (at the NHL level) that you can't say he will be able to do much damage on opposing defensemen. Have to be able to catch it in order to hit it.
- John Jaeckel

And Carcillo doesn't have the bulk to really do the sort of damage that Bickell (and hopefully another big forward) can inflict. That's the key, hard checks over the course of a 7-game series that sucks the life out of the opposition to allow the Hawks to really utilize their puck possession game.

I'd also like to add that THE Dave Bolland:

-Is a team WORSE -3
-Still can't win a faceoff to save his life
-Has fewer points then Bickell, tied with Shaw, Stalberg, and Oduya
-Has already missed 2 games with seperate injuries, to go along with his concussion, and back back problems.

This is inexcusable. There is NO excuse for the -3. There is no excuse for the lack of production. Guy had 4 points in the 1st 3 games, and has become his typical inconsistent self. Do you think Shaw or Kruger may have more then 7 points playing with Sharp and Kane for 16+ games?

He has to be a prime target to deal at the draft or this offseason, especially with the emergence of Shaw and Krguer at center. Bolland for 4+ million is a deal that this team can't agree to pay.
- SteveRain

Bolland hasn't been very good. In fact, Kane's Superman's act has covered up a lot of the line's flaws.

This is going to sound more of a defense of Bolland than it should. But Bolland's success has always been when he's partnered with the right wingers. When he was with Marty and Ladd, those were two guys that really worked the boards and GOT THE PUCK. Fro and Bicks were dominant on the forecheck and GOT the puck in the playoffs. When you're as bad as Bolland is at the dot you need wingers that will fight along the boards, forcheck like crazy and GET the puck.

Does that sound like Sharp and Kane?

Bolland's a + defender, but partnering him up against big lines is hazardous when Kane and Sharp don't really work the corners and have a tendancy to float.

I'm not trying to be an apologist for Bolland. I think he's tradeable in the offseason too. But he's playing a role he's not really suited for.

Agreed. Two fast teams that like to score. Should be a good one I know I am loading up on the beers for tonight.
- al3535

It's borderline criminal that game must be played on the horrible ice of the UC.

Isn't Kruger basically a younger Bolland without the reputation around the league? I never really considered the comparison, but looking at SteveRain's comment and your response, seems like it might be a fair comparison on defense and it appears that Kruger's upside on offense is at least as good as Bolland's ...
- QStache

Very similar players. Danault is right there in the same category. Shaw is more of an all-terrain guy and probably the better goal scorer (and faceoff guy) than all of the other three (except Danault looks like he can be a 50% guy on draws).

Danault is the fastest of them all. He and Kruger are probably the better playmakers of the four.

Nice problem to have and eventually I suspect two of them will be 2C and 3C and one will be a wing. And one will be in another sweater.

Style of play has also been tweaked...

You don't see 4-5 long stretch passes every game...The high forward doesn't fly out of the defensive zone anymore as soon a Hawk player touches the puck.

A lot of little things and good fundamental hockey makes a big difference.
- Al

Yep, gaps are better. Great point.

I'd also like to add that THE Dave Bolland:

-Is a team WORSE -3
-Still can't win a faceoff to save his life
-Has fewer points then Bickell, tied with Shaw, Stalberg, and Oduya
-Has already missed 2 games with seperate injuries, to go along with his concussion, and back back problems.

This is inexcusable. There is NO excuse for the -3. There is no excuse for the lack of production. Guy had 4 points in the 1st 3 games, and has become his typical inconsistent self. Do you think Shaw or Kruger may have more then 7 points playing with Sharp and Kane for 16+ games?

He has to be a prime target to deal at the draft or this offseason, especially with the emergence of Shaw and Krguer at center. Bolland for 4+ million is a deal that this team can't agree to pay.
- SteveRain

Bowman has options....Probably a year too late in getting more value for Bolland but...

As I wrote today, Danault will give the Hawks a lot of options.


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Not sure I agree that it is loaded with Bottom 6 guys. A few of the Hawks' bottom 6 guys are top 6 guys on other teams. The issue really is, the Hawks are loaded with finesse players (top 6 AND bottom 6) and they might need to swap one out for a banger come playoff time.

Their most physical forward is Bryan Bickell. Or Carcillo. After that, big drop off, and neither will play big minutes.

Bangers also don't have to come without skill. but those proposing Jimmy Hayes might want to get a little more realistic. Hayes is a pup and his skating is so suspect (at the NHL level) that you can't say he will be able to do much damage on opposing defensemen. Have to be able to catch it in order to hit it.
- John Jaeckel

I understand that but I wasn't proposing Jimmy Hayes. I'm ok with dealing for a banger or two but right now anything less than the Cup from this team will be a disappointment. I'd like to see Bowman swing for the fences this year and try to get another top 6 guy that would make this team almost unbeatable. Guys like Bolland and Saad are guys that can be moved down to a lower line if the Hawks got another big gun. Who that guy(s) is, I'm not sure yet but I'd like to see SB go all in and load this team up. He has a real chance to put his stamp on this team and if they win the Cup, he will finally get his due because everyone knows the 2010 wasn't really "his" team.

Bolland hasn't been very good. In fact, Kane's Superman's act has covered up a lot of the line's flaws.

This is going to sound more of a defense of Bolland than it should. But Bolland's success has always been when he's partnered with the right wingers. When he was with Marty and Ladd, those were two guys that really worked the boards and GOT THE PUCK. Fro and Bicks were dominant on the forecheck and GOT the puck in the playoffs. When you're as bad as Bolland is at the dot you need wingers that will fight along the boards, forcheck like crazy and GET the puck.

Does that sound like Sharp and Kane?

Bolland's a + defender, but partnering him up against big lines is hazardous when Kane and Sharp don't really work the corners and have a tendancy to float.

I'm not trying to be an apologist for Bolland. I think he's tradeable in the offseason too. But he's playing a role he's not really suited for.
- yahoodi

This! Why not flop Shaw and Bolland and see what happens. I look at the 3c as being your most responsible defensive forward. If Shaw is doing this night in and night out, why not put Bolland back in the slot he is comfortable in and move Shawzer to center Kane and Sharp. Kane and Shaw have shown a bit of chemistry in the past and I think this makes the line-up even more dangerous.

But doesnt the fact that Carbomb can play on the first line spread out that physicality JJ? If Carcillo plays on line 1 and Line three remains in tact, are you saying we add a fourth line guy or a possible banger that can be in the top 6?
- nickmo2699

Some, if he plays there.

But look at the 2010 team: Byfuglien, Brouwer, Ladd, Eager, Madden, Burish

Hitters who could all skate (well enough). There was a banger on every line, sometimes two.

I still strongly suspect, this team will have a much easier time getting the President's Trophy than it will the Stanley Cup, because that is how it is currently constructed. it is actually faster than the 2010 team, which has benefits. But . . . the playoffs are a different game.

Very similar players. Danault is right there in the same category. Shaw is more of an all-terrain guy and probably the better goal scorer (and faceoff guy) than all of the other three (except Danault looks like he can be a 50% guy on draws).

Danault is the fastest of them all. He and Kruger are probably the better playmakers of the four.

Nice problem to have and eventually I suspect two of them will be 2C and 3C and one will be a wing. And one will be in another sweater.
- John Jaeckel

I just posted about Bolland's trade value...

I don't think you doubted the story about Bolland being offered around last summer...You heard similar about the same time.

Bowman now knows who's interested and a Shaw-Danault-Bickell line makes sense and will be affordable for next season.

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I understand that but I wasn't proposing Jimmy Hayes. I'm ok with dealing for a banger or two but right now anything less than the Cup from this team will be a disappointment. I'd like to see Bowman swing for the fences this year and try to get another top 6 guy that would make this team almost unbeatable. Guys like Bolland and Saad are guys that can be moved down to a lower line if the Hawks got another big gun. Who that guy(s) is, I'm not sure yet but I'd like to see SB go all in and load this team up. He has a real chance to put his stamp on this team and if they win the Cup, he will finally get his due because everyone knows the 2010 wasn't really "his" team.
- dan9189

i know, but others have, totally agree

Bolland hasn't been very good. In fact, Kane's Superman's act has covered up a lot of the line's flaws.

This is going to sound more of a defense of Bolland than it should. But Bolland's success has always been when he's partnered with the right wingers. When he was with Marty and Ladd, those were two guys that really worked the boards and GOT THE PUCK. Fro and Bicks were dominant on the forecheck and GOT the puck in the playoffs. When you're as bad as Bolland is at the dot you need wingers that will fight along the boards, forcheck like crazy and GET the puck.

Does that sound like Sharp and Kane?

Bolland's a + defender, but partnering him up against big lines is hazardous when Kane and Sharp don't really work the corners and have a tendancy to float.

I'm not trying to be an apologist for Bolland. I think he's tradeable in the offseason too. But he's playing a role he's not really suited for.
- yahoodi

Agreed

Hey JJ hey Al..great stuff as usual, keep up the great work!!

Say it ain't so Bolland could be traded?? I know people have mentioned the home town discount, and I liked Wiz's post about the thinking behinf it...but Wouldn't it be better if Bolland stayed? This team is still thin at C...3rd line Bolland Bickell Danault...4th line Kruger Frolik CarBomb....2nd line Shaw Kane Sharp...1st line Toews Hoss and who ever you get for in a trade for Saad!!

Hey JJ hey Al..great stuff as usual, keep up the great work!!

Say it ain't so Bolland could be traded?? I know people have mentioned the home town discount, and I liked Wiz's post about the thinking behinf it...but Wouldn't it be better if Bolland stayed? This team is still thin at C...3rd line Bolland Bickell Danault...4th line Kruger Frolik CarBomb....2nd line Shaw Kane Sharp...1st line Toews Hoss and who ever you get for in a trade for Saad!!
- captainserious

Love this thought process!!!!!

Bolland hasn't been very good. In fact, Kane's Superman's act has covered up a lot of the line's flaws.

This is going to sound more of a defense of Bolland than it should. But Bolland's success has always been when he's partnered with the right wingers. When he was with Marty and Ladd, those were two guys that really worked the boards and GOT THE PUCK. Fro and Bicks were dominant on the forecheck and GOT the puck in the playoffs. When you're as bad as Bolland is at the dot you need wingers that will fight along the boards, forcheck like crazy and GET the puck.

Does that sound like Sharp and Kane?

Bolland's a + defender, but partnering him up against big lines is hazardous when Kane and Sharp don't really work the corners and have a tendancy to float.

I'm not trying to be an apologist for Bolland. I think he's tradeable in the offseason too. But he's playing a role he's not really suited for.
- yahoodi

Therein lies the problem...He's playing a role he's not suited for, because he still is THE top or one of the top, third line centers in hockey.

Marty wouldn't get the puck on a forecheck, as much as he would control it. I said it then, and I'll say it again, Havlat got him that deal. You take Havlat off that line in 08-09, and Bolland still gets paid (thanks to be a Tallon man crush), but not to the extent of which he got paid.

Bolland excels at shutting down, and exploiting a top opposing line, by taking their game and throwing it right back in their face. That's why he racks up so many points in the playoffs. Never have seen a Sedin sniff a Selke.

We are now sixteen games into the Bolland experiment at center. I would love to see this team go add a LEGIT top six center, but they wont'. Imagine how much more dangerous they would become. Bolland slides down, and if Shaw or Kruger were still here, one mans the fourth line role, and the other plays wing.

I'll never understand the logic of paying Bolland higher then four million for his next deal.

Love this thought process!!!!!
- nickmo2699

Watch out...I'm gonna get banned from a mod that has a thing for Saad...because what I wrote is blasphemy!!!

But I swear, I would trade him now along with Lalonde and some picks if I could get something along the lines of a big banger that can skate and park his fat ass in front of a goalie...Load up and go for the CUP STAN!!!!!!!!!!

Hey JJ hey Al..great stuff as usual, keep up the great work!!

Say it ain't so Bolland could be traded?? I know people have mentioned the home town discount, and I liked Wiz's post about the thinking behinf it...but Wouldn't it be better if Bolland stayed? This team is still thin at C...3rd line Bolland Bickell Danault...4th line Kruger Frolik CarBomb....2nd line Shaw Kane Sharp...1st line Toews Hoss and who ever you get for in a trade for Saad!!
- captainserious

I'm not sure they will move Bolland over the summer but....

If Kruger can play the 2nd line role as well or better and between Shaw and Danault next year the 3rd line is covered he seems expendable.

We are now sixteen games into the Bolland experiment at center. I would love to see this team go add a LEGIT top six center, but they wont'. Imagine how much more dangerous they would become. Bolland slides down, and if Shaw or Kruger were still here, one mans the fourth line role, and the other plays wing.

I'll never understand the logic of paying Bolland higher then four million for his next deal.
- SteveRain

If I didn't think that Shaw really added something to the 3rd line, I'd love to see Kruger force Bolland down to the third line and Shaw down to the 4th.

Some, if he plays there.

But look at the 2010 team: Byfuglien, Brouwer, Ladd, Eager, Madden, Burish

Hitters who could all skate (well enough). There was a banger on every line, sometimes two.

I still strongly suspect, this team will have a much easier time getting the President's Trophy than it will the Stanley Cup, because that is how it is currently constructed. it is actually faster than the 2010 team, which has benefits. But . . . the playoffs are a different game.
- John Jaeckel

The good news is only ONE player may be needed and could make a big difference....I think Hawks mgt. won't hesitate this time.

The team is probably faster skating but they don't play as fast which is not a bad thing. But you don't have the same size and physicality, I agree.

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