Just don't buy the replicas from the NHL online store unless you want screened on numbers.

Had that fun surprise last year...
- FredoXV

Just an FYI, you simply have to be careful in reading the description.

The NHL online store is a GREAT place to buy official jerseys but they are expensive (although I don't think you can get them much cheaper anywhere else -- what I did was used a % off coupon on my order).

I bought my daughters 2 jerseys each: a Hossa Red and a Hjalmarsson Winter Classic. They even have the fight strap inside them! And as I recall, they were around $200+ each using a discount code. All the patches are real, real tackle twill numbers and names sewn on the back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nn0L6055gs

As far as tonight; what's more important the "streak" or winning it all. Hos stay home get better; the Hawks have a large enough lead they could get losses in the next 9 games and still secure 1 seed.

John Jaeckel: Hawk Trade Deadline Preview
- John Jaeckel

Neil? Wow caught me off guard here...I dunno...you think? NAh Murray loves this guy. Too much of a team player and with the kids coming in the system...this is the guy we need! But hey, everything has a price and nothing's for ever

WGN and the Tribune both reported yesterday that Hossa and Shaw flew to Denver with the team and are expected to play.

Just an FYI, you simply have to be careful in reading the description.

The NHL online store is a GREAT place to buy official jerseys but they are expensive (although I don't think you can get them much cheaper anywhere else -- what I did was used a % off coupon on my order).

I bought my daughters 2 jerseys each: a Hossa Red and a Hjalmarsson Winter Classic. They even have the fight strap inside them! And as I recall, they were around $200+ each using a discount code. All the patches are real, real tackle twill numbers and names sewn on the back.
- savvyone-1

For those who like to buy up jerseys...

The Icehogs are discontinuing their black 3rd jersey at the end of the season and are introducing a new 3rd jersey. I was at the game last weekend and they're trying to sell out their stock of the black 3rd jerseys at a reduced price. The website doesn't reflect the discount, but you can try to call the team store. (815) 489-8230

Does Chris Neil at 33 at 1.9 for three years after this one make any sense aside from "win now"?

Like the player. Think he would help today but does he fit in after this year?

Tab brought up Alfredsson. Aside from Sharp being out not sure where exactly he fits in or how much is left in the tank.

Neither help the center situation. Sharp being out complicates that even more. The OHL is done in what the next month? Less than that? Joking with my roommate on the over/under on Danault getting a look at the end of the year?

edit: Quebec league I mean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nn0L6055gs
- mrpaulish

Wow!!! Nothing gets the day going in the wright direction (see what I did there) like a vintage Gary Wright video. Wonder how long it took him to dream (did it again) up that backdrop.

Thanks for the vid that's awesome; in a totally funny 70's way!!!


Great blog JJ!

I know you were a big fan of Thompson last year too. Haven't seen much of him or the Lightning this year so I'll have to check him out. He has the body type and could fill a few needs in a lower line role. Barring injuries, him or someone similar is who I possibly see Stan going for at the deadline; hope anyway.

For those who like to buy up jerseys...

The Icehogs are discontinuing their black 3rd jersey at the end of the season and are introducing a new 3rd jersey. I was at the game last weekend and they're trying to sell out their stock of the black 3rd jerseys at a reduced price. The website doesn't reflect the discount, but you can try to call the team store. (815) 489-8230
- EKolb13

Do they sell them with the players' names on them? Took the kids to a couple hogs/admirals games up in Milwaukee during the lockout and they loved it.

So they sell them with the players' names on them? Took the kids to a couple hogs/admirals games up in Milwaukee during the lockout and they loved it.
- fourfeathers

They do customization.

Just an FYI, you simply have to be careful in reading the description.

The NHL online store is a GREAT place to buy official jerseys but they are expensive (although I don't think you can get them much cheaper anywhere else -- what I did was used a % off coupon on my order).

I bought my daughters 2 jerseys each: a Hossa Red and a Hjalmarsson Winter Classic. They even have the fight strap inside them! And as I recall, they were around $200+ each using a discount code. All the patches are real, real tackle twill numbers and names sewn on the back.
- savvyone-1

Well, it was purchased for me as a gift, so I couldn't really research it, or express my chagrin upon receiving it.


Was disappointing, as I bought my first couple in stores in Chicago, and and the most recent one ordered. The screened-on actually look alright, and at a distance you can't really tell a difference.

Call me a stickler for authenticity, however...

Call me a stickler for authenticity, however...
- FredoXV

Yep! Me too, which is why I spent the coin on these -- they look great and should for how much money they charge. The other thing -- these come out of Canada (the jerseys) and then are finished at a shop in the US.

and God Forbid that the faintly happen to the proportion which the posters imbide...

and

for your information,

my mother-in-law is still here for a week, so

I call personal privilege to be a nasty naysayer...
- wiz1901

was gonna ask who p!ssed in your cheerios

What about a David Clarkson from New Jersey?

Rumor has it he can be had for a top pick + prospect... Sounds like New Jersey wants to make sure they get something in return this time instead of watcing another top player depart in free agency... He would fit in well on that top line, IMO...
- JR1973

You're right! Hawks had extensive talks with NJ about him last year.

Who would they sell? Briere and Kimmo both have NMCs. Everyone else is young with good long term contracts.... And nobody wants Bryz Lol.
- moylander

I'll take Bryz... if just to talk to him

WGN and the Tribune both reported yesterday that Hossa and Shaw flew to Denver with the team and are expected to play.
- Hemingways

I hope they both play, especially Shaw. That third line had been on fire lately.

Dream weavers:

Clarkson is not on the block & the flyers are not "sellers."
There is a much better chance the Rangers are letting go than the flyers...

I think you missed one player on Calgary & one player on Winnipeg roster that the be Hawk may ventually in low-key pursuit of.

unless Tamp falters out of contention, I don't even see them dealing Thompson. Thompson has never been a plus player


And I tend to agree with the experts who say this is going to be a relatively quiet trade dealine in terms of defensive help. In the past teams out of contention, readily launched their 5 -7 defenders with expiring contracts for 3rds and even 2nds or even both (Oduya & Nicklas Grossmann).

GM's found out that in free agency, they had to vastly over-pay for bottom end defenders (and forwards for that matter).

Most are willinging to give raises and keep the reliable help they like, instead of making the business decision to "get something" for them.
"Business" has basicially changed to paying out inside the organizations even at the lower end, because outside help is now more expensive and may not fit with the core group already in place.

That coupled by the nice selection of options even in the third round of this draft class means you could get a nice long term find in the draft, but even the buyers will be cautious to not over pay in those 2nd & 3rds.

I predict less few first rounders switch hands between now and the draft, even in possible trades where the flip picks.

and for the folks who just can't resist posting their dream trade scenarios, restrain from mention any guys who would be considered top 8 on their PRESENT team, unless their team is in full blown re-build...
'cause they ain'y happening...
for example,
The Ducks are NOT trading any good players.
- wiz1901

Checked the standings lately? Thompson is a valuable lower line player.

You're right! Hawks had extensive talks with NJ about him last year.
- John Jaeckel

I think Clarkson is way too valuable to move with a prospect + pick. And if he decides to test the FA waters, I am sure he'll net himself a nice payday.

However, if he were available for that cheap of an asking price, he'd be the first on my list of Bowman's apparent acquisitions.

I hope they both play, especially Shaw. That third line had been on fire lately.
- DarthKane

Heard just now, Hossa has a shoulder bruise, was held out the other night as a precaution and to rest. He is fine. Shaw was also held out of the third as a precaution. Yes, both are a go.

Neil? Wow caught me off guard here...I dunno...you think? NAh Murray loves this guy. Too much of a team player and with the kids coming in the system...this is the guy we need! But hey, everything has a price and nothing's for ever
- SENSpatriot

There were Stalberg for Neil conversations a few weeks ago. Gauthier and Ryan Stewart have been scouting the Sens heavily.

Heard just now, Hossa has a shoulder bruise, was held out the other night as a precaution and to rest. He is fine. Shaw was also held out of the third as a precaution. Yes, both are a go.
- John Jaeckel

Awesome. I'm hoping that Shaw doesn't take a run at Stasny. I know, I know, we all like payback. But having Hossa, shaw, fro and sharpie out the other day has cured me of the need for vengeance. Health is more important if we want to have another parade this summer.

What do you say we all chip in and buy JJ a Saad jersey for all the fine work he does for us.
- MartiniMan

On my list:

A regular road black, Byfuglien 52
A red Brouwer 22
A white Kruger 16
Hossa 81, any color except the the throwback (which blows)
And by all means a Danault, number TBD, when he arrives

All size XXL

Heard just now, Hossa has a shoulder bruise, was held out the other night as a precaution and to rest. He is fine. Shaw was also held out of the third as a precaution. Yes, both are a go.
- John Jaeckel

Checked the standings lately? Thompson is a valuable lower line player.
- John Jaeckel

Do you like him more than Matt Hendricks?

Does Chris Neil at 33 at 1.9 for three years after this one make any sense aside from "win now"?

Like the player. Think he would help today but does he fit in after this year?

Tab brought up Alfredsson. Aside from Sharp being out not sure where exactly he fits in or how much is left in the tank.

Neither help the center situation. Sharp being out complicates that even more. The OHL is done in what the next month? Less than that? Joking with my roommate on the over/under on Danault getting a look at the end of the year?

edit: Quebec league I mean
- fattybeef

Better than Montador at his age and salary. Much better. Rozsival is older and makes more.

Sometimes it's like you guys are in Rocky's will.