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.
- Hank3Henshaw

I would also try Karlsson because we can afford to with 51 points
Stats and wins aside
I may get shot for this but I cannot see starting Emery in a big playoff game
His post to post move is slow...very slow
He fumbles the puck and just looks awkward
If he was playing for almost any other team right now he would look as bad as he is

I like Crawford
Try Karlsson

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

Depth is really what this team needs right now, but not at the expense of its current depth. Unless you could bring back a legit No. 2 center, I wouldn't trade anyone off the current roster.

The time to sell is later, though certainly no later than the draft.

Toews and Kane should remember the last time they took large pay increases (combined with bonuses) and the toll it took on team depth. Better win it now, because if they are getting Getzlaf /Perry contracts next time around, kiss your Stanley Cup chances goodbye.

I would also try Karlsson because we can afford to with 51 points
Stats and wins aside
I may get shot for this but I cannot see starting Emery in a big playoff game
His post to post move is slow...very slow
He fumbles the puck and just looks awkward
If he was playing for almost any other team right now he would look as bad as he is

I like Crawford
Try Karlsson
- PEIHawkFan

11 wins no losses and you want to get a new backup?

By looking at how they are playing Bolland, he won't be a shut down center this year. They are asking him to step up on the offensive side, while still being responsible. I don't want Kane on the Ice drawing the toughest match up, so if Bolland is on his line it won't be against the oppositions best line.
- droe411

I always thought there were 4 teams every year--
-- the pre-trade deadline team
-- the making and getting ready for the playoffs team
-- the playoff team
-- and next year... a way distant 4th

Toews and Kane should remember the last time they took large pay increases (combined with bonuses) and the toll it took on team depth. Better win it now, because if they are getting Getzlaf /Perry contracts next time around, kiss your Stanley Cup chances goodbye.
- 67hawks

They probably will get similar deals to what the Ducks just gave out. They're not going to come cheap.

I don't see how that prevents the Hawks from being contenders though.

Al, I love reading your articles.

Something to keep in mind, If Hossa retires after the 2015 season, the Hawks will be on the hook for an additional $2,625,000 per year cap hit - through the 2020/2021 season - because of the new "Cap Advantage" rules.
- Tanuki

Thanks...

I heard the buyout #'s for not this year but next on the NHL Network....this year is about $1.3 mill after 2013-14 believe $1.1 mill for about 15 years. I'm thinking the additional $2.6 is in there....

But as you know the biggest thing is none of the buyout cost is a taken as a Salary Cap hit.

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

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

It means you are one of the Top 50 NBA players of all time and wore #33 for the Bulls.

I would also try Karlsson because we can afford to with 51 points
Stats and wins aside
I may get shot for this but I cannot see starting Emery in a big playoff game
His post to post move is slow...very slow
He fumbles the puck and just looks awkward
If he was playing for almost any other team right now he would look as bad as he is

I like Crawford
Try Karlsson
- PEIHawkFan

Emery's numbers since having suppose career ending surgury.. 33W 10L 4T.

I think he's been the hawks best back up in years.

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

Just gonna say, I don't think it HAS to be a "he must be bought about before their contracts are up—or else they'll be unaffordable" proposition. Depends on how their deals are structured, what the cap is, etc.

I have almost zero doubt that he leaves before his deal is up. You also have to remember the amount of money there is to be made by keeping him. It's not like his presence is just a drain on the balance sheet.

The old adage holds true: winning solves a lot of problems. And it earns hockey teams lots of money.

Remember, also, this: Kane and Toews ripped it up last night in the latter half of a game that was already won against an undisciplined, last in the conference team. Hossa not being out there might have been much more evident and painful if the Hawks were playing Anaheim or Pittsburgh or Boston.

I don't know if this is possible, but if I were in hawk marketing, i would want the narrative to play out like this: hawks win a Cup this year, maybe one more in the next couple of years, Hossa gets his 500th goal in a Hawk sweater and he heads back to Slovakia in 2015 or 2016. Next time we see him at the UC, #81 is going up in the rafters.

I have also said this before and I'll say it again here. If this guy wanted to be an NHL head coach, I believe he could be a very good one. He has the perfect demeanor and few players I have ever seen over the last 45+ years understand the game as well. At the very least, I would not be surprised to see him get involved with Team Slovakia, possibly as their head coach at either the junior or pro level.

Do some teams look at the hawks and decide the talent gap is too great to try and make a run at the cup

Did not get in trouble every time I drank but every time I got in trouble I was drinking. Just saying

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

He's a very good hockey player, and he still has a lot of upside.

Would not have been as angry when "the streak" ended had it not been for the Avs broadcast crew. Here are a couple of the (paraphrased) big hits from the previoius meeting:

"All Duchene is is a point producer" - Is that why he had 28 points in 58 games last year?


"The streak is over! Let's see how this ignites the Avalanche season!" - Uh, you're in last place in the conference. ...
- FredoXV

How about this one....I flipped on the Ducks game after the Hawks game was over and their TV crew couldn't stop gushing about the Getzlaf signing, the Perry signing, the organization. Ducks this, Ducks that. Blah..blah..blah. Then they put this one out there. "The Ducks, with only 3 regulation losses, are the story of the year in the NHL". Before my sarcastic "really", if you're going to say that because expectations for Anaheim were low coming into the season there's a bit of truth to that staement I'll say I respect your opinion but.....really.

I loved it too. Did y'all notice the club didn't miss a beat with Seabrook out? I've been tired of this guy sleepwalking (just like Bollus) through the season so far.

The nonchalant plays and attitude. In this league -- you do that and there are going to be lots of guys that will stuff that right up your a$$. Which is exactly what has happened a number of times to Seabrook. His skating has improved over the years but he's no speed demon by any stretch. Lackadaisical attitude and play like that will burn you almost every time unless your goalie bails you out.

And in spite of the thoughts about Duncan Keith being MUCH better, he's been better but he seems to have a real problem this year taking the wrong angle on lots of plays coming back into our zone. He tries cutting players off thinking they are going to skate along the wall and as soon as he does that, they jump the middle and are past him. Exactly, BTW what Oduya did last night.
- savvyone-1

I don't get the Seabrook and Bolland sleep walking thing.....

Just gonna say, I don't think it HAS to be a "he must be bought about before their contracts are up—or else they'll be unaffordable" proposition. Depends on how their deals are structured, what the cap is, etc.

I have almost zero doubt that he leaves before his deal is up. You also have to remember the amount of money there is to be made by keeping him. It's not like his presence is just a drain on the balance sheet.

The old adage holds true: winning solves a lot of problems. And it earns hockey teams lots of money.

Remember, also, this: Kane and Toews ripped it up last night in the latter half of a game that was already won against an undisciplined, last in the conference team. Hossa not being out there might have been much more evident and painful if the Hawks were playing Anaheim or Pittsburgh or Boston.

I don't know if this is possible, but if I were in hawk marketing, i would want the narrative to play out like this: hawks win a Cup this year, maybe one more in the next couple of years, Hossa gets his 500th goal in a Hawk sweater and he heads back to Slovakia in 2015 or 2016. Next time we see him at the UC, #81 is going up in the rafters.

I have also said this before and I'll say it again here. If this guy wanted to be an NHL head coach, I believe he could be a very good one. He has the perfect demeanor and few players I have ever seen over the last 45+ years understand the game as well. At the very least, I would not be surprised to see him get involved with Team Slovakia, possibly as their head coach at either the junior or pro level.
- John Jaeckel

Not an absolute but becasue the salary cap drops for next year it would seem that two years from the ceiling won't be high enough to avoid it....

But the most important two factors are compliance buyouts were the #1 thing accomplished for big markets teams in new CBA...It can help get them out of the corner.

Philly this summer could do two...Briere and Bryzgalov.

As far as Hawks are concerned the biggest factors besides Kane and Toews are Hossa's age and most important is none of the buyout counts against the cap.

It's a math problem that most likely says they will...But a lot could happen in two years.

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

the guy is one of the best playoff shutdown centers in hockey-----we will have to beat this years version of aThornton or a Sedin...........Bolland has proven he can handle all of them in series after series..........there is a brilliance and artistry there that very few possess. And do not minimize who Kanes turnovers are minimized by his center........get used to the fact that he's not a great offensive player but value the very special skills he has.........and are really tough to replace
- nellie

Well said! No way you move Bolland before the PO. However, I think before the draft or some time in the OS he is gone. This team cannot afford him and they have possible replacements on the way.

Regarding the Sharp discussion. Could Sharp be a buyout possibility? Remember, each team has 2. They may end up buying him out to see another top 6 guy come back at a cheaper hit. There will be some quality players being bought out - not only dregs like Montador.

Well, the truth is, Seabrook is having a down year by his All-star Canada Defenseman standards. His ice time is down, Q isn't playing him against top lines like he used to, and last year would have never let a player rip by him like last night. He's still a vital peice but it's more than fair to hold him to a higher standard.

My only question is why they can't get the kind of movement on the PP that they had on Seabrook's goal. It's obvious they can do it...

More than a little concerned about Hossa. That wasn't a particularly big hit that put him out for the night. If that continues the whole year and/or next, a summer 2014 amnesty becomes an actual thought......

Onwards
- yahoodi

Everyone's ice time is down....

This isn't true

If Frolik can bag a few goals and gain some confidence, I think he could be a real offensive weapon.
- powerenforcer

He can't buy a goal.

Yeah. Only difference is he's prettier than Soupy and that appears to be invaluable to the front office.

Talk about showing you're not indispensable. Apart from those "tired" games to end the streak, the Hawks haven't missed a beat without Sharp. Good guy, good player, just not worth the cap hit. But of course he's going nowhere with that NTC.
- flahawkfan

I doubt a guy who has a child and wife in chicago waives his NTC to pick up and move to a new team

Know what, Ogi? I won't disagree with you. But Dan Carcillo can do the job you just described. So does Kruger. Outside of Toews and Hossa, I'm not sure there's a guy on the Hawks who's better along the boards than 178 pound Marcus Kruger.

I'm not here to bury Bolland.

Just saying. I think it is a valid argument as to how indispensible he is to this team at his salary.
- John Jaeckel

KRUGMAN!

His postseason play will go a long way in determining whether or not he's moved this summer. He'll need something close to his 2010 performance to entertain keeping him, IMO.
- blackhawk24

A great post season will help maximize his value in a trade

Today's article, thoughts on the game-Perry's new deal and the future of Kane Toews and Hossa's buyout down the road....


Blackhawks take care of business and win in Colorado 5-2 - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/15mp83V
- Al

Nice summary, Al. Good pick up on O'byrne. That guy is cheap. Were the players talking about it. He hurts Sharp and grins at the big screen replay then the crosscheck to Saad's face. Didn't realize he was the one who hurt Hossa last night as well.

If the Avs weren't essentially a farm team for the rest of the league this might turn into a Canuck type rivalry. As it stands, ownership and Sherman will be shipping OReilly and probably Duchesne eventually to shed salary.

Everyone's ice time is down....

This isn't true
- UnnamedSource

Yes it is. Oduya and Hjalmarsson are on the ice for many more defensive draws and against many more of the opponents top lines. Roles that were virtually Seabrook exclusive the last two years. Yes everyone's ice time is down but if you haven't seen a down tick in Seabrook's performance this year you haven't been watching...

couldn't agree more....

I remember two years ago when the Hawks were down 3-0 to Vancouver and took it to 7 games after... #36 returned from injury in game 4! the guy is a SHUT DOWN center! come playoff time, it is all about match ups. We all know how much Q loves to shuffle his lines around...you know who will be matched up against the top lines of other teams when the games mean the most!


24-2-3. How much can we really complain about right now about this team?! Have a nice day everybody. GO HAWKS!
- frafra

Exactly what I was thinking about Bolland. Guy can be a playoff beast!

Thanks...

I heard the buyout #'s for not this year but next on the NHL Network....this year is about $1.3 mill after 2013-14 believe $1.1 mill for about 15 years. I'm thinking the additional $2.6 is in there....

But as you know the biggest thing is none of the buyout cost is a taken as a Salary Cap hit.

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

My info came from capgeek. My understanding is that the compliance buyouts for this year and next have no effect on the cap, but after that it does.

If they do buy him out at the end of this year, they will pay 1.3 mill per year until the end of the 2020/2021 season in "Cap Advantage" penalties - which counts against the cap. If they wait until the end of next season, that number goes to 1.8 mill.

If capgeek is correct, the Hawks are probably best off if Hossa plays out his contract. If they don't go with a compliance buyout, this is what it will cost them (cap hit) to buy him out at the end of the 2014/2015 season:
2015-16: -$1,741,667
2016-17: $2,158,333
2017-18: $5,158,333
2018-19: $5,158,333
2019-20: $5,158,333
2020-21: $5,158,333
2021-22: $883,333
2022-23: $883,333
2023-24: $883,333
2024-25: $883,333
2025-26: $883,333
2026-27: $883,333

And if you add the cap advantage penalty:
2015-16 through 2020-21 $2,625,000 per year

That makes this ugly scenario:
Total cap hit
2016/2017: $4,783,333
2017/2018: $7,783,333
2018/2019: $7,783,333
2019/2020: $7,783,333
2020/2021: $7,783,333
2021/2022: $3,508,333