Big question is... where do you max out with these guys?



What is everyone's expectations salary-wise for Bickell & Stalberg? Be realistic.
- TyCamScore

From the 'Hawks: Bickell $800k, Stalberg, $1.6M. On the open market, some 20-30% more.

I don't think Stanley will be volunteering to ask Rocky and Mr. McCub for a large cheque to buy out #10 1 year into his deal. He better have other employment lined up if he does that meeting.

He"ll trade him for a bag of old jock straps before he buys him out.
- RickJ

I think Stan will and can do anything he wants if this team gets to the finals. Another first round exit however....

Also, we know this team's top priority will be resigning Toews and Kane. If Sharp has to be bought out to set that up they will do it. No one knew where the cap was going.

I am sure Mr. McCub will cry a river if he loses a pretty boy marketing tool though.

If Stalberg is extended, it really makes this off-season all the more interesting - because someone who a lot of us like isn't coming back.

General consensus has been that Leddy and Kruger are re-upped, and Stalberg is traded around draft day.

I will say, I've been mighty impressed with his game this year. Even outside of a top-six role which I still think he is best suited for, he's created all kinds of match-up problems for teams this season with his speed. Overall game (effort, puck possession, passing, vision) have all come quite a ways this year, and I won't be disappointed if he stays a Hawk for a few more seasons.

I really have to think, at the end of the day, that this means that Leddy is the odd man out. Some folks point to Sharp and Hoss as trade and buyout candidates respectively, and I just don't see it. Sharp has a NTC (I think, someone correct me if I'm wrong), and just bought a huge house and has a new baby - can't see him wanting to up and move. JJ just spoke to the likelihood of a Hossa buyout.

And, Leddy's going to bring a a decent return back from someone - and who knows how much his agent (who the 'Hawks hate) is asking for (I'm guessing its $3M +)

He's good player with great potential, and I wouldn't be happy to see him depart. I just think the writing is on the wall with this one, barring some major deal elsewhere.

Too soon to speculate, perhaps, I know. But especially with the talk of Clendening and Stanton looking competent (and possibly NHL ready) in Rockford, maybe moving Leddy at season's end is the right move.

Side note, Clendening is 5th on the team in scoring this season with 6 G / 31 A , and is a +8. Stats don't necesarily translate, but with a line like that, I'd say he's probably ready to make the jump.
- FredoXV




I think the majority on this board would love to see him come back as his speed is a great asset to the team on the 3rd line. If Stalberg wants more than 3.5 million they should let him go. What is the max the Blackhawks should pay?



Said the same earlier in the thread. I think they might be willing to go to 3.5 but no more!
- Greek7

Clendenning is not ready defensively and when he comes up he will have to be.

Leddy could go but only in a blockbuster.....Teams will line up for him though.

Those end to end rushes where Leddy flies by most of the opposing team makes an impression on scouts and those watching at home.

21 yr old dmen with his potential are usually kept and the difference between putting up #'s in the AHL compared to the NHL is night and day.

Clendenning is young and will benefit from not being rushed up to try to replace a kid who has gotten a ton mins at the NHL level at a very very young age.

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

From the 'Hawks: Bickell $800k, Stalberg, $1.6M. On the open market, some 20-30% more.
- blackhawk24

Maybe for Bickell but I see Stalberg as a 3 million plus player next year by someone. Tallon? Other Teams willing to come to the salary floor?

Carcillo isn't on the first line.
- paulr

Just going bt JJ's projected lineup

Leddy is a 3rd pairing D right now....im guessing he projects top 4 and possibly would be top 4 on many teams in the league right now....BUT

the hawks have D in the pipeline that can fit that 3rd pairing....

leddy has no chance of cracking that top 4 on the hawks in the next 2 years with how they are playing....the lines have been great

WHY NOT SELL HIGH???

That's a lot of cheddar for a 3rd line player....You would be paying for goal scoring potential...That he may have but, if Stalberg is only playing on the 3rd line his producton is limited.

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

And here's where the conversation gets interesting -

Having Stalberg on the third line gives the 'Hawks a lot of leverage in a negotiations. I'm not stating that his position on the roster is a result of an impending negotiation strategy - but it has to factor in in the here and now.

However, it does put the 'Hawks in a good position whenwhen looking at comparable NHL contracts. Now they can point to third-liner comparables rather than top-six comparables.

His third-line status may have been a purely on-ice decision, but it gives the front office would be fools not to use it. I think that in a UFA market, he'd be looked at as top-six type player.

Maybe for Bickell but I see Stalberg as a 3 million plus player next year by someone. Tallon? Other Teams willing to come to the salary floor?
- Greek7

Well, the floor is easier to reach for next season by $5.9M or more than it was this season (prorated).

Bickell is paid near the minimum...So progression wise $1.5-$1.8 per yr deal would be a really big raise.

Stalberg will be looking for and most likley get offers that are much higher.

Could cost around $2.5 mill to keep him or more and the issue is then....

If not a top 6 forward here will the Hawks dedicate that much cap space to a 3rd line player??
- Al

I think $2.5 to $3.0 would be fair for Stalberg. Normally even this is an overpayment for Stalberg, but you know he'll get at least this in the open market.

As a bonus for Stals he has a lot of Swedish teammates in Chicago - Oduya, Hjlamarsson and Kruger (maybe Karlsson next year). Maybe Stan can trade for his brother (current part of the Sharks) as added incentive.

Leddy is a 3rd pairing D right now....im guessing he projects top 4 and possibly would be top 4 on many teams in the league right now....BUT

the hawks have D in the pipeline that can fit that 3rd pairing....

leddy has no chance of cracking that top 4 on the hawks in the next 2 years with how they are playing....the lines have been great

WHY NOT SELL HIGH???
- ChicagoDave

Why not keep the deepest top five dmen together?

Oduya isn't old but not young either.....

From the 'Hawks: Bickell $800k, Stalberg, $1.6M. On the open market, some 20-30% more.
- blackhawk24

If either of them sign for these values, their agents should both be fired.

Well, the floor is easier to reach for next season by $5.9M or more than it was this season (prorated).
- blackhawk24

I still say Stalberg gets over 3 million by some team!

And here's where the conversation gets interesting -

Having Stalberg on the third line gives the 'Hawks a lot of leverage in a negotiations. I'm not stating that his position on the roster is a result of an impending negotiation strategy - but it has to factor in in the here and now.

However, it does put the 'Hawks in a good position whenwhen looking at comparable NHL contracts. Now they can point to third-liner comparables rather than top-six comparables.

His third-line status may have been a purely on-ice decision, but it gives the front office would be fools not to use it. I think that in a UFA market, he'd be looked at as top-six type player.
- FredoXV

Having Stalberg on the third line gives the 'Hawks a lot of leverage in a negotiations. I'm not stating that his position on the roster is a result of an impending negotiation strategy - but it has to factor in in the here and now.

But his agent knows the same and it isn't like the Hawks can go to arbitration.

Bickell is paid near the minimum...So progression wise $1.5-$1.8 per yr deal would be a really big raise.

Stalberg will be looking for and most likley get offers that are much higher.

Could cost around $2.5 mill to keep him or more and the issue is then....

If not a top 6 forward here will the Hawks dedicate that much cap space to a 3rd line player??
- Al

Mike Frolik is one guy who is going bye-bye sionara in order to help resign Stalberg and Bickell. And they won't have to resign Roszival, he's a one and done. Mayers is gone, Emery will be gone, probably one of Bollig and Carcillo too.

Why not keep the deepest top five dmen together?

Oduya isn't old but not young either.....
- Al

I would advise trading him in the off season because I do not see them coming to an agreement before then...

Get the most out of him this year and sell in the off season, after hopefully a deep deep run in the playoffs....

Your thoughts Al? do the hawks have the $$ and the interest in keeping Leddy around?

Right my bad... he's always hurt so I forgot him. ha.

Yeah, figured as much with Kaberle.

What are your thoughts on Diaz?
- TyCamScore

It's hard to say right now, as he is slowly working his way back from a concussion.
Prior to that, he was easily one of the Habs best defenceman. He ranks behind Markov and Subban offensively for the Habs (who are both top-10 in points for a D-man), but he's still top 40 in points despite missing a fair amount of games. He's also been very good defensively in his own end. Its hard to say, because of the small sample size, but he's comparable to another Swiss defenceman the Habs pulled from nowhere in Streit. Less of a point-shot, but better without the puck. Montreal certainly misses his impact, as they can no longer role 3 defensive pairings, having to focus on Markov-Emelin and Subban-Gorges.

Mike Frolik is one guy who is going bye-bye sionara in order to help resign Stalberg and Bickell. And they won't have to resign Roszival, he's a one and done. Mayers is gone, Emery will be gone, probably one of Bollig and Carcillo too.
- RickJ

I'm a big Frolik fan but I agree with you. It's not that I want to trade Frolik and he certainly would be missed, but if something needs to be done then I'd rather lose him that 29 or 25. Frolik hasn't been tradeable to this point, but he'll have only one year left on his deal and he's playing some of his best defensive hockey (plus he's an RFA). A team like the Islanders would certainly look at him, he could even be top 6 there. We might be able to hang on to Frolik for the duration of his current contract, but after that he's gone.

If either of them sign for these values, their agents should both be fired.
- FredoXV

Let's see shall we. New CBA. More uncertainty. 'Hawks attractive. Doing exceptionally well. All that crap...

Saad from Chi, Eller, White.
- Champ

CAPITOL LETTERS!!!!!!!! BULL SH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I still say Stalberg gets over 3 million by some team!
- Greek7

2 years ago? You bet. Now, with a new CBA, lower cap, compliance buyouts potentially flooding the market? Hmmmm, not-so-sure.

I'm a big Frolik fan but I agree with you. It's not that I want to trade Frolik and he certainly would be missed, but if something needs to be done then I'd rather lose him that 29 or 25. Frolik hasn't been tradeable to this point, but he'll have only one year left on his deal and he's playing some of his best defensive hockey (plus he's an RFA). A team like the Islanders would certainly look at him, he could even be top 6 there. We might be able to hang on to Frolik for the duration of his current contract, but after that he's gone.
- DarthKane

The correct way to do this would be to have Bowman call Stalberg and Frolik into a room and make them exchange contracts based on performance this year. Presto, problem solved. They can't keep paying Frolik that kind of money to score 1 or 2 goals a year and make Duncan Keith's shooting percentage look like Bobby Hull's in comparison.

Then you triple Bickell's current contract by not resigning Roszival.

Leddy is a 3rd pairing D right now....im guessing he projects top 4 and possibly would be top 4 on many teams in the league right now....BUT

the hawks have D in the pipeline that can fit that 3rd pairing....

leddy has no chance of cracking that top 4 on the hawks in the next 2 years with how they are playing....the lines have been great

WHY NOT SELL HIGH???
- ChicagoDave

Depends on the return and I sure hope the FO is considering it. Of course for the "right" return.

The correct way to do this would be to have Bowman call Stalberg and Frolik into a room and make them exchange contracts based on performance this year. Presto, problem solved. They can't keep paying Frolik that kind of money to score 1 or 2 goals a year and make Duncan Keith's shooting percentage look like Bobby Hull's in comparison.

Then you triple Bickell's current contract by not resigning Roszival.
- RickJ

If Stan buys out Montador and Olesz he can re-sign all the RFAs and UFAs for reasonable deals and not trade anyone.

Frolik is a solid contributor, but $2.33 million is a bit to much. He could be replaced by Hendricks for at least $1 million less. Smith or Hayes could also take a spot on the 4th line (although they wouldn't be as effective on the PK). If Frolik was making $1.33 million he'd be a steal, it's too bad Stan paid him so much (damn Alan Walsh).

Just wanna nip this in the bud right now..... Sorry Habs fans but Saad is not going to be traded unless we are getting some SERIOUS value coming the other way. To think that we would trade him and a 1st for Plekanec who has a $5 Million per year contract or whatever package you put around lars eller is ludicrous. He plays on our first line, is 20 years old, is on a rookie contract, and is (sometimes to a fault) thought of EXTREMELY HIGHLY in the organization. Keep Dreamin

Just wanna nip this in the bud right now..... Sorry Habs fans but Saad is not going to be traded unless we are getting some SERIOUS value coming the other way. To think that we would trade him and a 1st for Plekanec who has a $5 Million per year contract or whatever package you put around lars eller is ludicrous. He plays on our first line, is 20 years old, is on a rookie contract, and is (sometimes to a fault) thought of EXTREMELY HIGHLY in the organization. Keep Dreamin
- Jagbears

This ^^

Saad isn't going anywhere unless the return is significant