Even if the nHawks were in last place there is no one in Rockford these days who is going to tempt anyone to give up a #1#2 center.
- Al

I think Stan should target a #4 centre. It's fun to talk about options for a 2C, but between Bolland, Shaw and Kruger I think we have plenty of options for the 2C and 3C roles. Could we have a better 2C, sure but that doesn't mean Stan can realistically get one.

Even if the nHawks were in last place there is no one in Rockford these days who is going to tempt anyone to give up a #1#2 center.
- Al

Not even for Lalonde and this guy

The ice at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto is considered one of the best and it too is a large multi use facility. I was at the UC last year to see a game and I have been to the ACC many times and the difference I found is the ACC is colder in the stands. The UC is warm. Is it because Chicagoans are more warm blooded or is it because the temperature in the building is higher? Montreal is another arena that is colder inside however it isn't as multi use as the other two.
- paulr

We batted this issue around several blog posts ago. The vast majority of venues are multi-use and yet we don't hear bad ice there. So apparently their are other factors in play at the UC as JJ noted. Edm is thought to have one of the best surfaces...not heavily used for other events...but with 6-7 months of winter up there...its always cold!

They are good at 3C and 4C with Kruger and Shaw.

2C is where the hole is because Bolland is injured.
- Return of the Roar

With Bolland healthy there is a hole in the L2-C spot. Bolland is NOT a L2-C. His fit is perfect as a checking L3-C what with his more defensive posture of playing and his inability to win draws. The last thing you want working a line with Pat Kane and Patrick Sharp is a player who constantly loses possession of the puck.

Trouble is, I don't know who the L2-C fit would be. Vermette is possible yes. I was thinking Peter Mueller from last year, but he is terribly injury prone. Bozak in Toronto is an absolutely beast on draws, but does he fit there? Anyone with a bigger name comes with a dynamic price tag in both terms of salary and resources traded.

Just imagine a checking line for the playoffs comprised of Ott, Carcillo, and Bollig...

Talk about the lineup/matchup flexibility Q would have by just adding Ott.

As much as I would hate to say it, I think Bolland and a prospect is worth pursuing to make that deal happen. And you get cap relief and don't need to resign Ott for two more years.
- Return of the Roar

+1

Gives you more snarl than Bolland, better at the dot. Though I would hate to to lose Bolland with all cylinders clicking here I think Shaw or Krugs can fill that role. You have to give to get and like ROR Ott's a guy I've wanted to see in the Indianhead for a while.

+1

Gives you more snarl than Bolland, better at the dot. Though I would hate to to lose Bolland with all cylinders clicking here I think Shaw or Krugs can fill that role. You have to give to get and like ROR Ott's a guy I've wanted to see in the Indianhead for a while.
- HawkintheD

Ott would be good w/Kaner and Sharp because he'd win some board battles. He's such a bastardd. One of those guys you hate when he's on the other team, but love if he's on your team.

because we want them to!!!!
- eburgio

Ha beat me to it!

Is our ice worse than MSG?
- hockey nut 28

To be honest I'm not sure.

What I can tell you with certainty is off the record comments have been made by Hawk players for many years.

I also know for a fact this hasn't been brought up as much in the past because only visting players were giving quotes and complaining.

I wrote about the ice a few weeks ago only because..... Quenneville made comments about the ice and it was the first time in 7 years any Hawk player or coach has publicly acknowlegded an issue to my knowledge.

I have brought up the ice issue in the past to off ice personnel on a few occassions. The response was either no admission of an issue or a defense of the ice quality at the UC.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

I think Stan should target a #4 centre. It's fun to talk about options for a 2C, but between Bolland, Shaw and Kruger I think we have plenty of options for the 2C and 3C roles. Could we have a better 2C, sure but that doesn't mean Stan can realistically get one.
- DarthKane

....Or an affordable player who is slotted too high on a team with a poor record.

Great article JJ. Few things.

-I'd also say that another reason the team defense has played so well is that the forwards are playing more aggressive and responsible than in season's past. Alot more forechecking and backchecking this year. This is something that was absent last year.

-Brassard is nice but I'd actually really like to see SB go after O'Reilly. The Hawks have assets and if someone like Bolland is moved in the offseason, then giving ROR a 5-6 year deal for 5-5.5 per is worth it. Solves the #2C issue and moves Bolland back to #3C and move Shaw to wing. I know the Avs would rather not make this deal with a future division opponent but if the Hawks make a real solid offer it'd be tough for them to turn down. That team is a mess right now and in need of a rebuild.
- dan9189

On what basis does ROR qualify for $5-5.5M per over 5 years? One 55 point season? If that's the case, #19 and #88 will be looking for $9-$10 large when it's their turn.

Mr. O'Reilly may not even play this year if he and his agent don't swallow some economic reality pills soon. And at this point in his career he is overrated as a #2C on a top team. Gimme Matt Duchene over ROR anyday.

....Or an affordable player who is slotted too high on a team with a poor record.
- Al

Similar to Frolik when he was in FLA? Not necessarily the same type of player but situation.

On what basis does ROR qualify for $5-5.5M per over 5 years? One 55 point season? If that's the case, #19 and #88 will be looking for $9-$10 large when it's their turn.

Mr. O'Reilly may not even play this year if he and his agent don't swallow some economic reality pills soon. And at this point in his career he is overrated as a #2C on a top team. Gimme Matt Duchene over ROR anyday.
- RickJ

Done, get the checkbook!

Obviously kidding, like ROR but not for that kind of $$$ and with the cap going down how do we crowbar that contract into the current roster?

Bowman would rather stand pat, or at a minimum add bottom line depth players. Another dman is a possibility too. However, Bowman will surrender not hardly much above fair value. Just look.at his GM history, the reasonable help at Rockford, and mix this together with reasonable help coming vis-a-vis draft choices.

Go for the gusto, eh? Can do with this bunch. There are only so many players who fit as newbies if you want to not deviate from the team speed and skill theme

And then, we would maybe buy out a player gained at trade deadline.

Well, maybe you do not buy out Stajan? Bowman has been linked to this player who is toiling in relative obscurity in that lonely outpost named Calgary (perhaps Winnipeg is worse?).

About this reasonable help.......several Icehogs have an idea of nhl hockey since they 've been up for a cup of coffee. Remember they are fill in on bottom lines/pairs so we do not expect the world out of them They do represent players marginally better or worse than whomever you alternatively. pick up. Only in the in house sample they do not cost a draft or a young ;olayer off your nhl roster.

Pirri has skill. Hayes should audition fior the big Buff in Luongo.crease role. Morin also has ability but maybe Al or JJ know what his devlopment looks like this year. B Smith cojld be a good utility and has a nice shot btw. Stanton needs to get a couple nhl games. Dahlbeck has to be a long shog but has a style that is safe if you need him. Lavin.... no idea please Al or JJ input again. Oh my Beach....could. be a Burrish with talent role. All these guys would be hungry 100% effort.

In order to remain competitive years ahead we must not trade our #1 or our best prospects like Johns and Tervsinen. Btw is young Broadhurst devloping into a top six prospect?
- jhawk59

I will only answer what I am fairly certain about....

For now, and he has been asked for a long time, Hayes doesn't play to his size and isn't a NHL power forward. Beach some of the same issues and others but the same conclusion.

If they were close....Would Bowman sign Carcillo for two more years while his bandages were still on from his 2nd knee surgery???

Stanton looks like a future NHL player to me same with Morin and Pirri. But I wouldn't bet any of them are future Blackhawks for any length of time.

JJ may know and Wiz probably has a few DVD"s on some of the others you brought up.

....Or an affordable player who is slotted too high on a team with a poor record.
- Al

Kind of, but hopefully doesn't take as long to fit in...

Not even for Lalonde and this guy


- philco28

Maybe if you throw in the young ladies:

Khabi hurt AGAIN....wonder what would have happened in the '09 playoffs had Nik not got hurt.

NHL Transactionist ‏@NHLTransactions
EDMONTON OILERS: Placed goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin on injured reserve; recalled goaltender Yann Danis from Oklahoma City (AHL).
- philco28

Lotsa of miles on his back and whatever else....Bad move by the Oil to sign him-period.

Great article JJ. Few things.

-I'd also say that another reason the team defense has played so well is that the forwards are playing more aggressive and responsible than in season's past. Alot more forechecking and backchecking this year. This is something that was absent last year.

-Brassard is nice but I'd actually really like to see SB go after O'Reilly. The Hawks have assets and if someone like Bolland is moved in the offseason, then giving ROR a 5-6 year deal for 5-5.5 per is worth it. Solves the #2C issue and moves Bolland back to #3C and move Shaw to wing. I know the Avs would rather not make this deal with a future division opponent but if the Hawks make a real solid offer it'd be tough for them to turn down. That team is a mess right now and in need of a rebuild.
- dan9189

The key as much or more more than anything else...

I'd also say that another reason the team defense has played so well is that the forwards are playing more aggressive and responsible than in season's past. Alot more forechecking and backchecking this year. This is something that was absent last year.

Maybe if you throw in the young ladies:
- Al

Done

What about the Hawks scouts that were following Ottaw and Toronto around ?
- mrpaulish

There is a caravan of scouts in Toronto much of the time and there are many following Ottawa due to their injuries.

What would the Jackets be looking to get back in a deal involving
Bressard?
- jhawk159

2nd and Morin seems fair

Good piece on Beaver Warrior's homeboy Mac Carruth

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=657597&navid=DL|CHI|home
- philco28

I'm heading up to Ptown to catch tonight's game against the Oil Kings. I'll be sure to say howdo for ya.

I will only answer what I am fairly certain about....

For now, and he has been asked for a long time, Hayes doesn't play to his size and isn't a NHL power forward. Beach some of the same issues and others but the same conclusion.

If they were close....Would Bowman sign Carcillo for two more years while his bandages were still on from his 2nd knee surgery???

Stanton looks like a future NHL player to me same with Morin and Pirri. But I wouldn't bet any of them are future Blackhawks for any length of time.

JJ may know and Wiz probably has a few DVD"s on some of the others you brought up.
- Al

Beach, Lalonde and Stanton's (and maybe others) contracts are all up at the end of this season so I'm thinking Stan would probably like to convert some of them into a playoff addition/depth for the Hawks because they likely don't have a future on Madison Avenue.

Beach, Lalonde and Stanton's (and maybe others) contracts are all up at the end of this season so I'm thinking Stan would probably like to convert some of them into a playoff addition/depth for the Hawks because they likely don't have a future on Madison Avenue.
- RickJ

Stanton could be a third pairing guy in a year or two...

2nd and Morin seems fair
- Alexzanki

Stalberg & a signed john scott jersey

Lotsa of miles on his back and whatever else....Bad move by the Oil to sign him-period.
- Al

Especially for those $$$$