Would not do that trade. Leddy has proven to be a blue chipper and IMO could make Keith expendable in a year or so. Would do it for a 1rst round and Stalberg. The team is solid so you don't want to disrupt too much. I think players like C. Neill or S. Ott (if available) could be had for a high draft and a prospect. This would improve your team but not disrupt the chemistry which is often the key to winning, more so than just talent.
- Hawkster

You will not find many, if any, credible talent observers who agree with you there. I know Keith takes a lot of beatings here, but when he's on his game, Leddy would have a LOOOOONG way to go to make him expendable.

Otherwise, these are all valid arguments.

With Iginla and his 7M...who moves to fit him under the cap for 20 games and the playoffs.

Don't see it happening, or even helping.
- ArlingtonRob

If I'm not mistaken, the cap room is already there.

- EKolb13

Love that clip. Burish asking him if that was his best hit of the season...

Love that clip. Burish asking him if that was his best hit of the season...
- blackhawk24

This clip NEVER gets old.

Move him to forward on 1st or 2nd line
- BearsnHawks

A. you realize how out of shape he is correct?

B. he did not like playing forward whilst he was here, he was traded so that he could play D elsewhere, how does that work?

If I'm not mistaken, the cap room is already there.
- EKolb13

I'm not good with the cap, nor do I want to be, but a quick check shows about 3.5M in space currently.

Never been a fan of pricey rentals that cost high picks and good young talent. But that's one of the many reasons I'm not a GM.

A. you realize how out of shape he is correct?

B. he did not like playing forward whilst he was here, he was traded so that he could play D elsewhere, how does that work?
- fattybeef

I thought Buff was traded because he was gonna be too damn expensive. And Buff wanted to play D? I never heard that specifically...

...and not sure why he wouldn't want to play forward since his finest hockey moments, his greatest success, occurred at forward.

You will not find many, if any, credible talent observers who agree with you there. I know Keith takes a lot of beatings here, but when he's on his game, Leddy would have a LOOOOONG way to go to make him expendable.

Otherwise, these are all valid arguments.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, here is my beef with your response. If you look at it as Keith vs. Leddy, then yes, there is no comparison in talent. But if by trading Keith (and keeping Leddy) to get peices that this team is lacking, then in the bigger picture Keith is expendable. I am all for moving Keith if the peices comming back fill needs (FO specialist, PP QB, and big body), which I think is not out of the picture.

Bang the f--- on. You nailed it, Wiz.

They have kicked the tires on or asked about a variety of guys with size of late: McLaren, Sestito,others.

Hayes is being given an audition to see if he can add some of that element. I'm not sure how physically difference making he can be, but I also agree with you, where he can be really effective is down low in a "half-court" style game. His skating has improved marginally and he will hit some people. Not sure if he can keep up with 2nd liners defensively in the NHL. In fact, I don't think he can. That was an "issue" with Brouwer. Hayes is slower than Brouwer.

But worth a shot.
- John Jaeckel

JJ what i remember about hayes last year was that his straight line speed once he was moving was pretty good nd he looked to be able to keep up. His skating style was not pretty and was somewhat upright unlike hossa or saad that have a power skaters lower center of gravity leaning forward driving off their edges
His awkwardness appearance is increased i think because of his size but I sure hope he brings the attitude of I'm not going to give up my opportunity

Let's pry Wayne Simmonds from Philly, if they will trade JVR for Luke Phucking Schenn then we have to be able to swing a deal for Stalberg straight up.
- nickmo2699

I'd absolutely go wild for that move. Wanted the Hawks to make a play for him when he moved on from LA.

I thought Buff was traded because he was gonna be too damn expensive. And Buff wanted to play D? I never heard that specifically...

...and not sure why he wouldn't want to play forward since his finest hockey moments, his greatest success, occurred at forward.
- ArlingtonRob

What's with all the "want"? Buff doesn't want to play forward, Sharp doesn't want to play center. I would think all any player would want is to win a cup. Get wih the program and play where you can help your team acheive that. IMO, Everyone should work towards winning the cup no matter what their own personal needs are, but that's just me.

JJ, here is my beef with your response. If you look at it as Keith vs. Leddy, then yes, there is no comparison in talent. But if by trading Keith (and keeping Leddy) to get peices that this team is lacking, then in the bigger picture Keith is expendable. I am all for moving Keith if the peices comming back fill needs (FO specialist, PP QB, and big body), which I think is not out of the picture.
- powerenforcer

Losing Duncan Keith would create an enormous hole. A hole much bigger than the few needs you mentioned all combined.

Come on now.

I'd absolutely go wild for that move. Wanted the Hawks to make a play for him when he moved on from LA.
- PhatJoeSki

What in reality do you think they would want in return?

Losing Duncan Keith would create an enormous hole. A hole much bigger than the few needs you mentioned all combined.

Come on now.
- AceRatbang

Where, a hole in minutes played? I do not see it. Show me.

I thought Buff was traded because he was gonna be too damn expensive. And Buff wanted to play D? I never heard that specifically...

...and not sure why he wouldn't want to play forward since his finest hockey moments, his greatest success, occurred at forward.
- ArlingtonRob

Of course he was released because he wanted to play D (assumption).

He did not like playing forward OR standing in front of the goal which he personally stated in more than one interview. (fact, direct from his mouth in two separate interviews on the score)

If he would have stayed at forward or showed any type of consistency/interest to dominate at that position I highly doubt the Hawks would have let him go.

Love the Dany Heatley All Star rants

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWFjeK0_45I

Love the Dany Heatley All Star rants

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWFjeK0_45I
- philco28

Wouldn't expect anything less from a criminal like him.

This clip NEVER gets old.
- EKolb13

EK...just listening to Jimmy Hayes' clip from the other day...he's talking up his centering skills, but i think i read where you weren't impressed ?

Please chime in again Sir

Wouldn't expect anything less from a criminal like him.
- fattybeef

Whoever did these spots should do one on him being a douchey criminal.

I'm not good with the cap, nor do I want to be, but a quick check shows about 3.5M in space currently.

Never been a fan of pricey rentals that cost high picks and good young talent. But that's one of the many reasons I'm not a GM.
- ArlingtonRob

It's the AAV value you want to look at. It's a little over $7.5 million today.

Of course he was released because he wanted to play D (assumption).

He did not like playing forward OR standing in front of the goal which he personally stated in more than one interview. (fact, direct from his mouth in two separate interviews on the score)

If he would have stayed at forward or showed any type of consistency/interest to dominate at that position I highly doubt the Hawks would have let him go.
- fattybeef

You may very well be correct about his preferences, although he's an idiot if true, but I think there are 5.2M reasons for Buff not being on the Hawks currently.

Who would have gone if he stayed and signed?

EK...just listening to Jimmy Hayes' clip from the other day...he's talking up his centering skills, but i think i read where you weren't impressed ?

Please chime in again Sir

- philco28

He doesn't play the position well enough defensively. He looks kind of lost out on the ice. I also can't remember him winning a draw.

It's the AAV value you want to look at. It's a little over $7.5 million today.
- EKolb13

Fair enough...like I said...I don't know the details. But with an Iggi acquisition the Hawks would be pretty much done.

Not sure he gets us over the top...and for a steep price too.

He doesn't play the position well enough defensively. He looks kind of lost out on the ice. I also can't remember him winning a draw.
- EKolb13

Thanks EK...none of this surprises me. I'll be shocked to see him at the dot tonight.

I thought Buff was traded because he was gonna be too damn expensive. And Buff wanted to play D? I never heard that specifically...

...and not sure why he wouldn't want to play forward since his finest hockey moments, his greatest success, occurred at forward.
- ArlingtonRob

He prefers D. He would have basically zero issue if asked to return to W (especially if it was "just for the playoffs) with the Hawks. 99.9% sure.