Also, just looked this morning -- has anyone else noticed that Soupy a MINUS 20 with a total of 17 points (6G, 11A)

And Leddy is a PLUS 13 (good for 22nd in the NHL) with a total of 12 points (3G, 9A). Average TOI is just under 17 min game.
- savvyone-1

People mis use +/- way too much. Its more a reflection of the team.

It can signal somethings but to use it by itself is misleading.
example: if a TEAM is +50 and a player is - whatever, then it can signal something. Or vise versa. If a Team is - and a player is plus. But when the player and team are in similar territory it doesnt mean (frank) all.

I didn't get to actually watch the last couple games, so what do you guys think of how Jimmy Hayes is performing? If this has already been addressed in a previous blog, sorry--I'm trying to get caught up.

The Leafs want a top 6 forward and a 3-5th round pick for Gardiner, I doubt the Hawks are really willing to make a deal like that, especially considering they don't really need any D help. Well at least not to the point where they'd give up that much. The only way Bozak leaves Toronto is if another center of his calibre comes back. Its been stated in the news in Toronto, they are content to keep him an try and sign him prior to free agency, unless they fall out of the playoff hunt. Kulemin I agree with, the Leafs are defintiely open to moving him as hes more of a checking winger now then a scorer, I doubt he ever pops 30 goals again. He can probably be had for a 2nd rounder or a decent prospect. More likely to be packaged with a prospect for a top line player though.. according to all the rumours around T.O
- Hockey61

Well, one thing is for sure. The parameters of actual NHL deals are typically broader and more creative than those discussed on message board threads. And fans of any given team tend to either over-value or under-value their team's tradeable assets.

Also, the "news" in Toronto had the them dealing Antropov to Chicago for years. Was never remotely based in fact. I would avoid the "news" in Toronto. And I used to live there, too, BTW.

People mis use +/- way too much. Its more a reflection of the team.

It can signal somethings but to use it by itself is misleading.
example: if a TEAM is +50 and a player is - whatever, then it can signal something. Or vise versa. If a Team is - and a player is plus. But when the player and team are in similar territory it doesnt mean (frank) all.
- Iggysbff

Agreed, completely

No inside information here just an angle from which to digest JJ's info. The Marlies are leading their division and are the third seed in the West while Rockford sits in 11th. Rockford is within striking distance of a playoff spot but perhaps it's getting close to the time where they have to decide whether to be buyers or sellers at the TDL. I have no idea what the Marlies would want for their playoff run but Lalonde and Beach are on expiring contracts. The Blackhawks are without a 2nd and a 3rd this coming draft.

Is Leddy a trade target at the deadline by other teams?

He is probably the most obvious candidate for an RFA offer sheet this summer.

All teams are looking for good puck handling Dmen able to run a power play.

Can the Hawks get more for him at the deadline than this summer? He is worth a 1st and a good roster player.

Or, will the Hawks move someone else and find a way to pay the big bucks Leddy's agent will ask?
- spatso

Hawks need to sign Leddy sooner than later period....

They wouldn't trade him now.

Leddy's agent only has an offer sheet as leverage....See Hjalmarsson.

No inside information here just an angle from which to digest JJ's info. The Marlies are leading their division and are the third seed in the West while Rockford sits in 11th. Rockford is within striking distance of a playoff spot but perhaps it's getting close to the time where they have to decide whether to be buyers or sellers at the TDL. I have no idea what the Marlies would want for their playoff run but Lalonde and Beach are on expiring contracts. The Blackhawks are without a 2nd and a 3rd this coming draft.
- nathanjf

Rockford needs and wants to make the playoffs as well.

People mis use +/- way too much. Its more a reflection of the team.

It can signal somethings but to use it by itself is misleading.
example: if a TEAM is +50 and a player is - whatever, then it can signal something. Or vise versa. If a Team is - and a player is plus. But when the player and team are in similar territory it doesnt mean (frank) all.
- Iggysbff

That is why I don't look at assists as strongly as some other fans. Look at it this way, a player can make all the right passes to set up teammates. If they cannot finish, does it make that player worse? Assists is also a stat that is not truely representative of a player, it has more to do with the team.

JJ,

With Leddy being so young and soon to be in demand $$$$ wise...(if the hawks dont re-sign him) do you think the hawks are targeting Gardiner as a possible back up plan 3rd line D man?

If the asking price is apparently a top 6 and a pick....is Stalberg or Frolik shipped back to Toronto? He would definitely be a top 6 forward there...

I like the McClement rumor, think he could help on the PK and at the dot.

Agreed, completely
- John Jaeckel

Like he goes on to say; it has a relative value. If the team has predominately plus players and one or two guys are negative by a margin that information has value.

Rockford needs and wants to make the playoffs as well.
- Al

No kidding - but at some point before the TDL that dream might be dead. Contingency plans never hurt anyone.


EDIT: besides it is becoming that time of year where you could make room for players who's season have ended elsewhere. I know Calnan is done already for instance.

No kidding - but at some point before the TDL that dream might be dead. Contingency plans never hurt anyone.
- nathanjf

Has anyone ever seen a team give up draft picks so its affiliate can win in the playoffs? Let alone trade a second rounder and or a third rounder for Lalonde and Beach..... Those guys right now are no where near worth that. The Hawks traded those picks for Oduya, don't think those players net that high a draft pick.

No kidding - but at some point before the TDL that dream might be dead. Contingency plans never hurt anyone.


EDIT: besides it is becoming that time of year where you could make room for players who's season have ended elsewhere. I know Calnan is done already for instance.
- nathanjf

Joakim Nordstrom was added late last week.

Also, Calnan doesn't have a contract. A player needs a contract in order to be added to a roster.

Has anyone ever seen a team give up draft picks so its affiliate can win in the playoffs? Let alone trade a second rounder and or a third rounder for Lalonde and Beach..... Those guys right now are no where near worth that. The Hawks traded those picks for Oduya, don't think those players net that high a draft pick.
- droe411

I wasn't suggesting they were worth that. Simply saying the hawks could grab some quantity for next years draft.

As for your other question: yes teams trade picks to make their affiliates better. See Henrik Karlson from earlier this year.

Joakim Nordstrom was added late last week.

Also, Calnan doesn't have a contract. A player needs a contract in order to be added to a roster.
- EKolb13

Wasn't aware that he hadn't been signed.

Joakim Nordstrom was added late last week.

Also, Calnan doesn't have a contract. A player needs a contract in order to be added to a roster.
- EKolb13

Hey Eli, any idea when Nordstrom will get his first look? Maybe after some suspensions are handed out after that Wolves brawl? haha.

I wasn't suggesting they were worth that. Simply saying the hawks could grab some quantity for next years draft.

As for your other question: yes teams trade picks to make their affiliates better. See Henrik Karlson from earlier this year.
- nathanjf

I think Karlson was insurance for Chicago not Rockford. They had no goalie that could come up in case of emergency. I just don't think a GM would waste draft picks to make sure his affiliate team could win a championship.

Who the hell CARES about this game! The buzz here in Socal is incredible for the game on Wednesday. All the local sportstalk are talking incessantly about it and the Ducks are playing the Sharks tonight. Thankfully the Ducks have a history with the Sharks so they hopefully won't be overlooking tonight but still this is the definition of a trap game tonight. Bring on Wednesday!

JJ, small tangent,

First thanks for posting picture of Mrs. JJ with your blog.

Second, what about giving Rosival some PP time? Didn't he do this in his younger days. Seems very poised and makes smart plays a lot.

Be a nice calming force out there. ....???
- TrueGrit

And he seems to get the puck through traffic.

Who the hell CARES about this game! The buzz here in Socal is incredible for the game on Wednesday. All the local sportstalk are talking incessantly about it and the Ducks are playing the Sharks tonight. Thankfully the Ducks have a history with the Sharks so they hopefully won't be overlooking tonight but still this is the definition of a trap game tonight. Bring on Wednesday!
- duxcup07

You know; the DUCKs are IMO the best story of the NHL.. NO ONE that I know of picked them to be this good this year. And as good as the Hawks have been; they only own a 4 point lead for the CONF.

No kidding - but at some point before the TDL that dream might be dead. Contingency plans never hurt anyone.


EDIT: besides it is becoming that time of year where you could make room for players who's season have ended elsewhere. I know Calnan is done already for instance.
- nathanjf

My comment was meant more for those that think there will be a revolving door of players going back and forth to Chgo.

Obviuosly wouldn't pass a deal....Not only cuz of players who need to be resigned but as important or moreso is that there are some on two way deals now and will be only on one way contracts next year.

Hawks need to sign Leddy sooner than later period....

They wouldn't trade him now.

Leddy's agent only has an offer sheet as leverage....See Hjalmarsson.
- Al

>Al, JJ, do agents have negotiating "restrictions" with other teams regarding a RFA player they represent?
>In other words, can Sheehy go to the 29 other teams and try to get a sheet or does the team going after Leddy have to "first" present Sheehy with an offer?
>Unless signed, Leddy will definitely get an offer sheet from some team -- to not expect it would be pure foolishness from SBow

JJ,

With Leddy being so young and soon to be in demand $$$$ wise...(if the hawks dont re-sign him) do you think the hawks are targeting Gardiner as a possible back up plan 3rd line D man?

If the asking price is apparently a top 6 and a pick....is Stalberg or Frolik shipped back to Toronto? He would definitely be a top 6 forward there...

I like the McClement rumor, think he could help on the PK and at the dot.
- ChicagoDave

First off McClement is not going anywhere. Randy loves the way this guy plays and so do us fans. Second, Frolik and Stalberg wouldn't be top 6 forwards on the leafs!!!! Since their both wingers rite?No way either of them are better than Lupul, Kessel, JVR or Frattin.(Leafs top 4 wingers)
Although i would love to have Stalberg back.

Like he goes on to say; it has a relative value. If the team has predominately plus players and one or two guys are negative by a margin that information has value.
- nathanjf

Like Leddy last year. Very good insight and generally what I go by.

Wasn't aware that he hadn't been signed.
- nathanjf

He's been signed for a while