Oh god...if the Hawks give up any significant asset for Latendresse I think I'll boycott the rest of the season.

Not only is he one hit away from his career being in serious jeopardy, but for a player his size, he plays with about as much physicality as Alexei Zhamnov.
- andru2797

Interestingly enough, if it wasn't for a trade to send Zhamnov to Philly we wouldn't have gotten Colin Fraser and the pick used on Bryan Bickell. So the Русский had that going for him at least.

In case you guys were serious, I am hoping you are not, but I hate to burst your bubble, but showcases are for high school kids. If a team wants a guy, they trade for him. If he is under the radar a bit, they want to keep it that way.

If somebody wants a guy, they don't want anyone else to see him and want him and definitely don't want him getting hurt.

So let the showcase concept go the way of the trap game.
- TrueGrit

I wasn't being serious....

It doesn't surprise me people were whining and crying about Jesus/Saad name......some people had a hard time with the Krugman nickname for Marcus Kruger because it was against political beliefs.....proves a lot of people need a hobby or two.
- UnnamedSource

I think what some miss is that we all can laugh about anything, it is just ironic that anything contrary to or critical of the current admin or similar is met with hysteria and must be silenced.

It took me a while to learn those rules and not to challenge the "in crowd" with anything, They are free to assail and bash me and others, we know we have to just sit and take it.

That is how the ref calls the game, so we deal with it and move on or move away.

It is rather ironic that Saad's dad is of Syrian decent and has a good chance of having Muslim influence. That would be a bit ironic.

I wasn't being serious....
- DarthKane

Good, but if you can tell SB that I will be showcasing my skills in our 35 and over league tonight I would appreciate it.

Good, but if you can tell SB that I will be showcasing my skills in our 35 and over league tonight I would appreciate it.
- TrueGrit

I heard SB's willing to give up the infamous "future considerations" for you!

If your thinking Ice Hogs who might be soon traded I would look to the two boys who weren't called up.

If Hayes is called up to be a center I can see the logic....Mayers has little left and imo Kruger is a better wing.
- Al

I respectfully disagree on Kruger. While his draws are weak and inconsistent, his zone coverage defensively and instinctive play around and behind the net are a big positive from my point of view. I like him at center.

But either way if they are on 4th line together, no doubt Hayes can give you some strength around the other teams goal and compliment Frolik and Kruger well.

Perhaps Hayes gets a shot on the PP?

I heard SB's willing to give up the infamous "future considerations" for you!
- DarthKane

I heard they have been unhappy with one of their popcorn vendors and may be willing to go a new direction. So there is hope for me.

I will like Hayes a lot more if he can play to his size.

They might be all deserving in some respect but they aren't the same type of player.
- Al

Some guys take longer to develop than others and its frequently the bigger clumsy 6'6" types. What do you think Morin, Smith, Pirri and Beach are thinking when they see Shaw and Saad in Chicago and now Hayes being called up.

I've never cared much for Morin's game and if he can't replace Patick Sharp as an emergency injury replacement even for a few game trial they probably need to push him out the door to another organization.

I know you aren't so high on Hayes but I like him a fair bit and am willing to be patient because he brings something the Hawks don't have - some size and wing span that can play in or near the paint with a little bit of touch. I think he could score 20 in an NHL season but wouldn't expect him to be a big banger.

And its getting much nearer to the time of the season where Jamal Mayers suffers my predicted very mysterious season ending injury where he will not be seen again in a Hawks uniform.

Good, but if you can tell SB that I will be showcasing my skills in our 35 and over league tonight I would appreciate it.
- TrueGrit

Do you dominate at the dot ?

Do you dominate at the dot ?
- mrpaulish

I heard he can dominate a donut....

OT: LT Bushrod signs 5-yr deal w/Bears. Cutler has to be happier than a pig in sh!t.

I heard they have been unhappy with one of their popcorn vendors and may be willing to go a new direction. So there is hope for me.
- TrueGrit

Don't sell yourself short. Beer vendors are where its at!

As you know, I've been banging this drum for quite some time this season (with my "this team could be scary good if Keith and Seabrook ever play up to abilitiy") -- as well as past few years.

Keith way overrated IMO and certainly not earning what he's being paid. Leddy's been more physical than Keith this year (not saying much but at least he WILL engage). How many chances have we seen these guys take this year and get burnt. Cycling and recyling in our zone only to end up losing the puck and seeing it end up in our net.

Keith's "deer in the headlight" act carrying puck up on the PP has GOT TO END!!! Would love to see him and that monster contract moved. I've heard all about the "but he faces other teams' top lines/players" all before -- his +/- (and Seabrook's) this year DOES SAY IT ALL -- they are +2 while the other D men are all in double digits. There's a reason for that, and that's with their minutes reduced.

I thought Keith was way overrated in the Norris year -- but the hype and the Hawks overcame all of that. Keith couldn't hold Lidstrom's jock IMO.
- savvyone-1

Keith could play better...but I wouldn't look to trade him.

Interesting stat...who leads the team in givaways - Seabrook with 27. Keith is 2nd with 18. Leddy only has 3 giveaways, albeit with far less ice time.

Do you dominate at the dot ?
- mrpaulish

Actually is one of my strengths. I think both Shaw and Kruger are getting as many draws as possible as part of a learning curve. Winning draws is both art and science. Experience is huge and learning techniques and others tendencies will pay dividends later.

Both Kruger and Shaw are survivor like, they will figure it out. Maybe not fast enough for many fans, but would not doubt that it is an organizational decision to send those guys out there and figure it out a bit.

Don't sell yourself short. Beer vendors are where its at!
- fourfeathers

I have to work my way up. Not sure I am ready for that yet, but maybe one day with a lot of hard work...

I'm with you....The more I watch him, the more I feel horrible for Seabrook. Guy gets more grenades then anyone in the league.

Keith seems to have platued very quickly....I'd quietly shop him to see what I could get for him.
- SteveRain

I'd slot Leddy with Seabs this time next year. Interesting tidbit though. While I agree on the merits on moving DK (marketing McD-boy influence aside), I think Leddy needs another year to grow that 3rd pairing slot before he gets 1st pairing TOI and responsibility against the opposing teams' best forwards.

OT: LT Bushrod signs 5-yr deal w/Bears. Cutler has to be happier than a pig in sh!t.
- blackhawk24

I'm a fan in rainy phucking Scotland and I'm potentially as happy about this as Cutler is. Add in a tight-end that can catch the phucking ball and tonight has been a good start to free agency

Actually is one of my strengths. I think both Shaw and Kruger are getting as many draws as possible as part of a learning curve. Winning draws is both art and science. Experience is huge and learning techniques and others tendencies will pay dividends later.

Both Kruger and Shaw are survivor like, they will figure it out. Maybe not fast enough for many fans, but would not doubt that it is an organizational decision to send those guys out there and figure it out a bit.
- TrueGrit

Kruger is at 45.3% and Shaw 43.5% (Bolland is 45.6). We need a regular center that is consistently 50%+. Kruger was 45.9% last year so he hasn't figured it out yet.

I think what some miss is that we all can laugh about anything, it is just ironic that anything contrary to or critical of the current admin or similar is met with hysteria and must be silenced.

It took me a while to learn those rules and not to challenge the "in crowd" with anything, They are free to assail and bash me and others, we know we have to just sit and take it.

That is how the ref calls the game, so we deal with it and move on or move away.

It is rather ironic that Saad's dad is of Syrian decent and has a good chance of having Muslim influence. That would be a bit ironic.
- TrueGrit

Again...way to much thought into it. The essence of the nickname was a play on words and not meant to be taken seriously. The pushback from JJ was because people were taking it seriously because of their political beliefs. There was no criticism or agenda meant by it.

As far as the "in crowd"......again to much though into it. If you think there is some clique behind the scenes on this board then your own personal paranoia needs to be taken down a notch. We come here to discuss hockey...some times we get sidetracked but mostly it's hockey. JJ is in a tough spot and has to respect all the opinions that are on this board while also being a baby sitter sometimes when things get out of hand. The whole idea of the board is a fun place to exchange thoughts and opinions. If you have gone over the line then shame on you......

I don't really wish to discuss this any further so my above thoughts are pretty much it on the subject.......onward to more Hawks talk.

I do have a framed copy of one particular issue in my man cave. It had something to do with some hockey event in Feb, 1980.
- blackhawk24

As do I of Toews holding up this big shiny cup in the summer of 2010, hope I can get another one just like it!!!!

Anyone watching Pens Bruins? I'd be surprised if a team besides those two got out of the east.

Anyone watching Pens Bruins? I'd be surprised if a team besides those two got out of the east.
- rollpards19

Agreed. Both looking pretty tough.

Anyone watching Pens Bruins? I'd be surprised if a team besides those two got out of the east.
- rollpards19

Right up there with the TB/FLA game.

Agreed. Both looking pretty tough.
- fourfeathers

The only way Montreal wins the East is if Price carries him by him self.

I'm a fan in rainy phucking Scotland and I'm potentially as happy about this as Cutler is. Add in a tight-end that can catch the phucking ball and tonight has been a good start to free agency
- prd797

Sportsnet Central just had a comparison of Martellus Bennett to Kellen Davis. Bennett had 55 catches for the Giants last year. Davis had 47 catches .... over FIVE YEARS. Yikes! Still no Urlacher word.

Anquan Boldin goes from Superbowl champion Ravens to Superbowl runner-up 'Niners.