It's an EXCELLENT question. Playing on that edge is part of his game, and he does have a scoring touch, but he seems intent on doing IDIOTIC things, like starting brawls and doing dumb stuff after whistles. If he could play hard between the whistles and avoid scrum stupidity...he'd have a chance. He's his own worst enemy as i see it.
- philco28

That's too bad...I remember seeing a piece on him, I think it was last year when he was rehabbing his shoulder..he was helping coach a kids team in Rockford..as I recall he was saying how it helped him grow up wanting to set an example for the kids or something like that....then I see the pink sweater brawl...oh well..

Doesn't that happen often? Wasn't like there was any handshake agreement was there?

Besides didn't the rumor of Suter/Parise going together out there for some time? How'd the 'Hawks handle that? No way they'd afford both. Their current roster would have significant changes.

I sure hope the FO doesn't let something like this influence their thinking on Leddy. It should be clearly on the ice. Teams steering clear of players because of agents sure seems counterproductive.
- blackhawk24

I think there is a very pragmatic concern. Teams need to manage next year around a compressed cap. It means that teams close to the cap need to get their ducks in order. A huge wild card can be the RFA who holds out and encourages offer sheets. A team near the cap is incredibly vulnerable to an O'Reilly type offer.

A GM has a good idea of what needs to get done. By all reports Bowman does not trust or like Sheehy. They have probably had preliminary talks. So, the talk about dealing may be smoke to force Leddy and Sheehy to make a commitment. But, Bowman also knows he will not trust Sheehy beyond the trade deadline unless assurances are undertaken.

That's too bad...I remember seeing a piece on him, I think it was last year when he was rehabbing his shoulder..he was helping coach a kids team in Rockford..as I recall he was saying how it helped him grow up wanting to set an example for the kids or something like that....then I see the pink sweater brawl...oh well..
- Glenman12

Saw the same piece and had renewed optimism about Beach....but your last point sums up Beach's self-destructive nature perfectly.

Didn't you hear Rob they had this long run out of the gate...
- moots

I did hear something about a nice start...

But really, the cover of SI?

I did hear something about a nice start...

But really, the cover of SI?
- ArlingtonRob

SI is like ESPN, not much to read or see if you are a hockey fan!!!

Early word is Bears have a deal in place with Martellus Bennet as their new TE
- FourFeathers773

I figured they'd try to get Cook, but Bennett played well with the Giants last year and he's another big guy who can haul down balls. If they cut some of the bums like Kellen Davis and Hester then the Bears should be in good cap shape.

If Leddy gets offer sheeted after the seaon, and the Hawks don't match, what is the compensation for the Hawks?

Then that's totally different. That guy should take out the cork before its too late.

Like I said in an earlier post; looking around just waiting to be offended by someone.
- blackhawk24

Being offended is a choice. Kids don't get to make it though, because they are kids. But too often, adults are just waiting to make it for themselves, so they can demonstrate some holier than thou morality, or worse (and more common) to lever it to some advantage. I may just feel that way because I'm an a-hole, though. But never slowing down to let the offenses of others get in my way has been very useful during my life. I advise my children the same way. Now.. mind your language anyway, because civility dictates it. That is all.

If Leddy gets offer sheeted after the seaon, and the Hawks don't match, what is the compensation for the Hawks?
- Lido_Shuffle

All depends on the amount of the offer!

If Leddy gets offer sheeted after the seaon, and the Hawks don't match, what is the compensation for the Hawks?
- Lido_Shuffle

It was a 1st and 3rd in the O'Reilly offer.

It was a 1st and 3rd in the O'Reilly offer.
- spatso

That's what I thought it might be. Thanks.

It was a 1st and 3rd in the O'Reilly offer.
- spatso

Don't think Leddy is going to get a 5m average on his next deal. But you never know with the crazy deals thrown around now!!!

Don't think Leddy is going to get a 5m average on his next deal. But you never know with the crazy deals thrown around now!!!
- moots

I figure Leddy will get something close to what Hjalmarsson got, dollar wise.

Don't think Leddy is going to get a 5m average on his next deal. But you never know with the crazy deals thrown around now!!!
- moots

Point is Bowman knows he is vulnerable if Sheehy sets out to screw him.

Point is Bowman knows he is vulnerable if Sheehy sets out to screw him.
- spatso

I undertand that he used the Hawks to drive up Suter's value, but why would he be out to screw Bowman?

SI is like ESPN, not much to read or see if you are a hockey fan!!!
- moots

I agree. Haven't even picked a copy up at a news stand in decades. Heck, I haven't watched a second of ESPN in years either, they lost me a long time ago. Unless ESPN is the only place to watch a Sox game in July, I never flip over.

I figure Leddy will get something close to what Hjalmarsson got, dollar wise.
- EKolb13

Probably, but Hammer was coming off a Cup win which always inflates their next contract. I hope it's for a little less, but with his agent he might be asking for a little more!!

I agree. Haven't even picked a copy up at a news stand in decades. Heck, I haven't watched a second of ESPN in years either, they lost me a long time ago. Unless ESPN is the only place to watch a Sox game in July, I never flip over.
- ArlingtonRob

We had our DVR replaced over the weekend.. The cable guy on his test punched in 3 numbers; it was ESPN.. I went.. OOOO that's where that station is. ESPN the killer of sports.

I undertand that he used the Hawks to drive up Suter's value, but why would he be out to screw Bowman?
- DarthKane

If you are a RFA (Leddy) and it is clear to several teams that the Hawks won't be able to match a well structured offer it starts to look more like a UFA negotiations. With O'Reilly they were able to get several teams into the negotiations making the deal progressively more attractive.

O'Reilly's agent was supposedly a nasty piece of work in how he strong armed negotiations. Trust is an important part of negotiations. Bowman does not want to give the hammer to Sheehy.

The trade rumors is a fun forum, even when often many do not appear possible.

I want to follow up with remarks/review of my post by JJ and EKolb.

JJ: Stalberg If you are Bry Murray and you have a prize trading piece, you want to address the areas where your team has to be concerned most in years ahead while you have that trading piece. Your review why Stalberg makes sense for Ottawa type of roster certainly does makes sense. But why not go instead after another good center, a high draft choice, a Leddy and do not bring more into play by taking on Stalberg. Give up few assets as possible when you are dealing with coveted pieces....Stalberg is just a nice add, not a coveted piece of the puzzle.

The Sens have a lot of young forwards and they make a case for bringing in unheralded players too. A hard working team that can put a Leddy and Karlson on the blueline - wow. Or if Leddy not available, turn to the Entry Draft and use all means possible to get into the top tier of prospects. Unless you are going to outbid with crazy money, your next impact players come from the draft. Or in this scenario Leddy would impact that team but agasin, realize nhl trades are not usually the normative way you add impact players without giving up somehing.

And if I am Chicago I want Lehner, not Anderson. Anderson is ok, an upgrade, but not a big upgrade. Not worthy of a #1 or Leddy going there way.

I cannot see Bowman trading Leddy. It upsets the dman structure in a bad way. Clendenning is your future PP quarterback (thank goodness) but he is a third pair slot certainly when he is ready for the NHL, which is at least one year away. Perhaps Johns could one day become a second pair dman, but he, too, needs at least one year in Rockford. The whole thing about our top prospects -- they are not yet even at Rockford -- is they represent the needs this team has been crying for a long time. You can honestly be excited to really see a top prospect who projects as your next top six center (Tervainen), a mean tough SOB possible shut down (Johns), a fast battle ready (not sold on that part entirely)with some skill center (McNeil), and an intriguing multi talent even probable upgrade in the face off center/defensive and offensive capable c/w (Danault).

Those players are the future. Not the poor skating forwards in Rockford. Those Rockford guys will eventually find their way on to other NHL rosters because they do have ability;however, they do not fit in the speed skate theme here. Because Smith will go to battle areas to score and does have a good skill set, he might be a good utility type. But it is not his size, but I've heard that his recovry offense to defense posture is to slow -- skating issue. May be a Q favorite? Hayes is a big guy who can score. But slow a nd big turning radius.

So Bowman will almost surely just try to pick up bottom line fill in as depth usage. The physical and the face off proficient sort like we all talk about. Bowman is loathe to trade his picks and he probably will not choose to get in a biidding contest even if there are some players he would like to add..

Personal favorite: Morin. wiz doesn't like that I mention his name when I refer to an opinion he has given. I see a lot of ability, improved skater (still too slow), soft hands, can make a pass and has a great, great shot. A goal scorer mentality whom the Hawks tried to change his approach style. He has been accused of being selfish, not using his teamattes. Is he only projection as a 2nd line talent/wiz thinks perhaps so? First of all, he has to play the right way -- not so selfish. Then it is all about opportunity, right place, right team, what year? Could a team that has drafted poorly overall for many years -- Dallas -- find a place for him/ sure! Just know that sooner or later Bowman has to move out prospects and bring in a new boatload. And you could go up and down AHL rosters and find prospects who have ability but have a shortcoming, like a Morin or Hayes. Or one dimensional Pirri.

EKOLB My idea is/was to see a bigger sample size regarding Lalonde. However, I trust your judegment; surely you have seen him more than myself. Lalonde has gone on good two week stretch as in last year, but your pointing to his weakness in his own end in dealing with responsibility (forechecking pressure) is the same as when he was selected. You'd love to have an offensive dman with a mean streak in your third pair. Oh well, now I turn to Birch as the next surprise. Wait and see. I'm with you on seeing what the ceiling is for Dahlbeck, Lavin. Stanton may actually be a descent third pair. But the Rockford guys -- including Olsen after another year, are at best third pair or evn 7th dmen. Agreed on that EKOLB.

If you are a RFA (Leddy) and it is clear to several teams that the Hawks won't be able to match a well structured offer it starts to look more like a UFA negotiations. With O'Reilly they were able to get several teams into the negotiations making the deal progressively more attractive.

O'Reilly's agent was supposedly a nasty piece of work in how he strong armed negotiations. Trust is an important part of negotiations. Bowman does not want to give the hammer to Sheehy.
- spatso

I know an agent will want to get the most for his client, and there are a few agents who can be difficult to deal with. But I doubt an agent would target team to screw over. Sure, they want as much money as possible but there's only so far they can push before their client ends up playing for the Islanders.

The trade rumors is a fun forum, evn when often many do not appear possible.

I want to follow up with remarks/review of my post by JJ and EKolb.

JJ: Stalberg If you are Bry Murray and you have a prize trading piece, you want to address the areas where your team has to be concerned most in years ahead while you have that trading piece. Your review why Stalberg makes sense for Ottawa type of roster certainly does makes sense. But why not go instead after another good center, a high draft choice, a Leddy and do not bring more into play by taking on Stalberg. Give up few assets as posible when you are dealing with coveted pieces....Stalberg is just a nice add, not a coveted piece of the puzzle.

The Sens have a lot of young forwards and they make a case for bringing in unheralded players too. A hard working team that can put a Leddy and Karlson on the blueline - wow. Or if Leddy not available, turn to the Entry Draft and use all means possible to get into the top tier of prospects. Unless you are going to outbid with crazy money, your next impact players come from the draft. Or not too often for teams when they have an opportunity to add an impact player. Which is what Leddy wouold mean to that team.

I cannot see Bowman trading Leddy. It upsets the dman structure in a bad way. Clendenning is your future PP quarterback (thank goodness) but he is a third pair slot certainly when he is ready for the NHL, which is at least one year away. Perhaps Johns could one day become a second pair dman, but he, too, needs at least one year in Rockford. The whole thing about our top prospects -- they are not at Rockford -- is they represent the needs this team has been crying for a long time. You can honestly be excited to really see a top prospect who projects as your next top six center (Tervainen), a mean tough SOB possible shut down (Johns), a fast battle ready (not sold on that part entirely)with some skill center (McNeil), and an intriguing multi talent even probable upgrade in the face off center/defensive and offensive capable c/w (Danault).

Those players are the future. Not the poor skating forwards in Rockford. Those Rockford guys will eventually find their way on to other NHL rosters; they do not fit in the speed skate theme here. Because Smith will go to battle areas to score and does have a good skill set, he might be a good utility type. But it is not his size, but I've heard that his recovry offense to defense posture is to slow -- skating issue. May be a Q favorite?

So try to pick up bottom line fill in as depth usage. The physical and the face off proficient sort like we all talk about. Bowman is loathe to ttrade his picks. Personal favorite: Morin. wiz doesn't like that I mention his name. I see a lot of ability, improved skater (still too slow), soft hands, can mke a pass and has a great, great sot. A goal scorer mentality whom the Hawks tried to change his approach style. He has been accused of being selfish, not using his teamattes. Is he only projection as a 2nd line talent? First of all, he has to play the right way -- not so selfish. Then it is all about opportunity, right place, right team, what year? Could a team that has drafted poorly overall for many years -- Dallas -- find a pplace for him/ sure! Just know that sooner or later Bowman has to move out prospects and bring in a new boatload.

EKOLB I want to see a bigger sample size regarding Lalonde. However, I trust your judegment; surely you have seen him more than myself. Lalonde has gone on good two week stretch as in last year, but your pointing to his weakness in his own end in dealing with responsibility (forechecking pressure) is the same as when he was selected. You'd love to have an offensive dman with a mean streak in your third pair. Oh well, now I turn to Birch as the next surprise. Wait and see. I'm with you on seeing what the ceiling is for Dahlbeck, Lavin. Stanton may actually be a descent third pair. But the Rockford guys -- including Olsen after another year, are at best third pair or evn 7th dmen. Agreed on that EKOLB.

Tim Sassone ‏@TimSassone
#Blackhawks have recalled Jimmy Hayes from Rockford and assigned Steve Montador to IceHogs.

Jimmy Hayes just called up!

That's what I thought it might be. Thanks.
- Lido_Shuffle

There's a table published each season for it. I bet it can be found fairly easy, I'm too lazy and am enjoying a jar of Guinness right now, waiting to go to bowling practice.

It starts at like a 3rd rounder for about $1M and ends up at (4) 1st rounders for something like $8M. There's 7 or so tiers.