Thanks John,

I won't look forward to the day if Hossa is bought out, he is treat to watch every game. Unfortunately the numbers may say it has to happen that's the downside.

The upside would be keeping two of the best young players in the game as Blackhawks throughout their careers.

I have watched a lot of hockey and there aren't many two way players that can be mentioned in the same breath as Hossa.


Blackhawks take care of business....Getzlaf/Perry's new contracts and now Rocky better knows better the cost of doing business-Kane-Toews- Hossa http://bit.ly/15mp83V
- Al

Nice analysis al
Could hosts a be naught out and sign with someone else. That would hurt

A couple of very nice places for Patrick Sharp to go.

Winnipeg. His hometown (essentially)
Columbus. If Kekalainen wants to rebuild around speed and a great face of the franchise in the market.

Could also see a fit for his game/experience in: Edmonton, Toronto, Florida
- John Jaeckel

>NY Rangers -- can't score a goal this year

While they have played very well, the Hawks have not played exactly half of the league so planning parade is kinda premature. Improving the team has to be considered.
- paulr

RIGHT

And trading Bolland, Sharp, Keith, Frolik, etc. at the deadline does not improve this team.

Marcus Kruger. The more I watch him play, the more I want him to stay for the long term. Not only has he been an absolute dog in the corners and in the other teams zone and amazing on the PK, but he also clearly has the heart of a lion. Did anybody notice the play where he got hurt and was slow to get up? He stayed out there like a champion, even though he couldnt skate properly and still made a play that almost set up a goal before limping back to the bench. I love this guy

Talking about trading roster players while this team is rolling is silly. This Hawks as they are right now can win the cup this year. Moving Bolland, Sharp or even Frolik (who I don't like) isn't going to help you win now.

Add a depth player or two at the deadline and hope everyone can stay healthy.

Deal with the lower salary cap and all the players that you guys love to trade, after the season. Quit trying to mess with it now. The Hawks are the most complete team in the league and they've played that way for more than half the year. Roll with it.
- AceRatbang

I agree with this, for the most part.

I don't see the sense in dealing anyone on the roster currently, unless you're trading a player on the roster for a significant upgrade, like making a deal for Iginla. Personally, I'd be happy with added depth for the playoffs. A quality defensive center who can win faceoffs would make me happy.

I cringe every time I see Evander Kane trade proposals. The guy is not very well liked (unless things have changed from last year) by some important team mates in the dressing room. Apply that to him walking out on bills in Winnipeg restaurants you don't have a very strong character guy.

A strong character guy, a leader is what you would be removing from the Hawks dressing room in Sharp.

Sure E. Kane's talent is drool-worthy and hey, maybe the kid grows up but until I hear otherwise I will pass all day on him.
- TyCamScore

Had not heard the bad about him
Walking out of a restaurant without paying indicates he is stupid or has a drinking/drug problem

I agree with this, for the most part.

I don't see the sense in dealing anyone on the roster currently, unless you're trading a player on the roster for a significant upgrade, like making a deal for Iginla. Personally, I'd be happy with added depth for the playoffs. A quality defensive center who can win faceoffs would make me happy.
- EKolb13

Right now that's all this team needs...

But! For some odd reason I'm STILL concerned about goal tending in the long run

Come on they can trade anyone!! Remember back in 09-10 they traded away the incomparable Cam Barker? This shows they have the guts to make any move needed to improve this club...................

Had not heard the bad about him
Walking out of a restaurant without paying indicates he is stupid or has a drinking/drug problem
- molly2522

No it doesn't mean he has a drug problem. It just means he's a little a-hole!

No it doesn't mean he has a drug problem. It just means he's a little a-hole!
- eburgio

Not paying your bill at a restaurant = drug problem. Every time!

I'm starting to feel a little Bob Luce-like here.


Al, Dennis, Vince, Carl, a few of the other "old-timers" will get the reference.
- John Jaeckel

good one JJ
Southwestern Motors 5959 S western - key sponsor - stuf was great!

Not paying your bill at a restaurant = drug problem. Every time!
- EKolb13

I did this on accident once, I must have been on crack............ I went back and paid though, so maybe I was rehabbed!

Right now that's all this team needs...

But! For some odd reason I'm STILL concerned about goal tending in the long run
- CaptainBlackhawk

This should make you feel better.

Boston and Pittsburgh both have goaltending questions going into the playoffs and they're the best teams in the east by far.

Vancouver has a flat out goalie distraction.

Even LA isn't thrilled with Quick this year.

St Louis has a goalie disaster this year.

San Jose New York and Nashville have good goalies. Their teams can't score though!

Mike Smith is Mike Smith again. Human.

All things considered, I'd say Montreal has the best goaltending situation right now.

I have a question that relates to Al's peice on the market value of Toews/Kane.

Why would the signing of a player with 1 team signify what the value is going to be? I mean, isn't it still the player who has to sign the contract? Does a player have to sign the highest contract he gets (maybe to play with a crappy team) or could he sign a lower contract with a team that has a chance to win every year? Say sometime in the next year, a player like Torres or Cooke goes crazy and seriously injures a player. The fallout is that the league sees declining attendance, some sponsers walk out, and some teams go deeper in the red. Now the market for players tanks because the salary cap goes down. What does today's numbers have to do with 2 years from now?

Not paying your bill at a restaurant = drug problem. Every time!
- EKolb13

what if you're a bad tipper? what does that mean?

I did this on accident once, I must have been on crack............ I went back and paid though, so maybe I was rehabbed!
- droe411

what if you're a bad tipper? what does that mean?
- eburgio

It means that you're cheap, or an a**hole - or both.

what if you're a bad tipper? what does that mean?
- eburgio

I think it means you have a drinking problem........

It means that you're cheap, or an a**hole - or both.
- EKolb13

But no drug/alcohol problem? My parents are getting older and starting to get frugal with the tipping. I'm just wondering if I need to check them into a rehab facility if it gets worse.

Marcus Kruger. The more I watch him play, the more I want him to stay for the long term. Not only has he been an absolute dog in the corners and in the other teams zone and amazing on the PK, but he also clearly has the heart of a lion. Did anybody notice the play where he got hurt and was slow to get up? He stayed out there like a champion, even though he couldnt skate properly and still made a play that almost set up a goal before limping back to the bench. I love this guy
- Ballam

Well said I love this guy too

Love both the third and fourth lines

Right now that's all this team needs...

But! For some odd reason I'm STILL concerned about goal tending in the long run
- CaptainBlackhawk

I hear you about the goaltending. I'm happy Crawford has improved his game and I like Ray in net, but the long run makes me a bit nervous. When you look at starters, real shut-down guys (both past and present), they're truly athletic. When I watch Crawford, I see more of a robotic, stiff style. To me, Crawford has to play a couple seasons at this type of level to really instill confidence that he's "the man." Little spurts won't do that. I know this won't happen but I would love for them to get Miller. I think he needs a change of scenary to help his game...even though he already stands on his head most nights. I'd like to see them give Karlsson a couple shots at some point if things get rocky for the current duo. I'm just curious what the big man can do. Maybe they have lighting in a bottle with him and don't even know it.

I think it means you have a drinking problem........
- droe411

I thought drinking & drug problems were one in the same?

But no drug/alcohol problem? My parents are getting older and starting to get frugal with the tipping. I'm just wondering if I need to check them into a rehab facility if it gets worse.
- eburgio

I think that just means that you're cheap, or an a**hole. I don't think they have rehab for either one yet.

I thought drinking & drug problems were one in the same?
- EKolb13

No way! Drugs = walking out on tab, drinking = bad tip.

No way! Drugs = walking out on tab, drinking = bad tip.
- droe411

I suppose you have expertise in this.

I'll take your word for it.