Bolland has his name on hardware that Eller doesn't, and there's a reason for that. Eller's a nice player with upside, but don't discount names like Bolland or Sharp or Leddy being thrown around (not saying those are the guys, either). It's just silly for you to say they aren't worth anyone on your roster.
- John Jaeckel

Thank YOU! Said the same to him earlier!

If I'm allocating money I try to keep young dmen that have elite skating ability and vision...

Leddy at the same age isn't steps behind Keith in many ways....

The leverage for Leddy is only an offer sheet....That could happen and it is up to Bowman to get it done.

I think we are all spoiled here thinking dmen in the early 20's that come to the NHL and can play significant mins immedaitely on a playoff team happen all the time......They are a luxury item.

For every Leddy, Keith or Seabrook there are 20 Cam Barkers, who were over projected or get injured or get rushed to the NHL....And never amount to much.

Leddy isn't untouchable but almost...

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

Leddy IMO, is too valuable a piece to even think of letting go. He's really blossomed this year, having been alleviated of the pressure of playing top 4 minutes. But his real value, aside from his youth and promise, is the fact that he is experienced at playing top 4 minutes.

The other night when Seabs was benched, Leddy picked up the slack and we didn't skip a beat for that chunk of time that Seabs' was riding the pine. Leddy's ability to play either role...top 4 or bottom 2...gives the Hawks' enormous flexibility and that depth we have in rolling a SOLID 6 d.... is a MAJOR reason we are in rare air in the standings.

Saad is a 2nd pick. Eller is a 1st round pick and he does not play with players like Kane or Toews or Sharp or Hossa. Don't be a homer. I'm not saying he is better or worse but he is not worth a kings ransom.
- Champ

Hard to say who projects higher. I agree Saad has had a lot of opportunity to succeed. Eller is a center and right there, if he can do something else, he has value.

Leddy IMO, is too valuable a piece to even think of letting go. He's really blossomed this year, having been alleviated of the pressure of playing top 4 minutes. But his real value, aside from his youth and promise, is the fact that he is experienced at playing top 4 minutes.

The other night when Seabs was benched, Leddy picked up the slack and we didn't skip a beat for that chunk of time that Seabs' was riding the pine. Leddy's ability to play either role...top 4 or bottom 2...gives the Hawks' enormous flexibility and that depth we have in rolling a SOLID 6 d.... is a MAJOR reason we are in rare air in the standings.
- philco28

Is Leddy too valuable at $4 million a year? He has "improved" because he has simplified his game slightly and isn't playing top 4 minutes against top 6 guys nearly as much.

The bottom line is what are Leddy, Stalberg, Bickell et al asking for extensions. How do the Hawks feel about them in total—including their dressing room presence, their agents, their upsides, etc.

Right now, of the three, the guy I hold onto—all else being equal—is Viktor Stalberg. He is becoming a force and his game is getting smarter.

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

Going out on a limb a bit, but I believe it is possible to get Stalberg and RFA's to play ball a bit, should you win the cup or get to finals. Perhaps you get Stalberg to sign a 2 or 3 year deal with lesser amount to keep group together for a few years.?

Plus, I believe good chance Bolland may end up being the odd man out after this season. Just my hunch.

Is Leddy too valuable at $4 million a year? He has "improved" because he has simplified his game slightly and isn't playing top 4 minutes against top 6 guys nearly as much.

The bottom line is what are Leddy, Stalberg, Bickell et al asking for extensions. How do the Hawks feel about them in total—including their dressing room presence, their agents, their upsides, etc.

Right now, of the three, the guy I hold onto—all else being equal—is Viktor Stalberg. He is becoming a force and his game is getting smarter.
- John Jaeckel

With Leddy's best years to come...$4 mil/year may be a bargain. While he's found a home in the bottom pair...his confidence and experience are growing exponentially, grooming him nicely for the time when he eventually becomes a legit top 4 guy.

As for how the club feels about the players you mentioned and their agents...dunno...but isn't Leddy's agent Neil Sheehy ? Could be wrong on that...but we all know Sheehy hasn't endeared himself to the Hawks' brass.

As for Stalberg...his speed makes him a unique weapon and one i don't want to lose. He still makes d'zone/neutral zone mistakes with the puck that drive me crazy, but he is a true GAME BREAKER.

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

So what do you sell for in return that is as good or better at less cost?

Is Leddy too valuable at $4 million a year? He has "improved" because he has simplified his game slightly and isn't playing top 4 minutes against top 6 guys nearly as much.

The bottom line is what are Leddy, Stalberg, Bickell et al asking for extensions. How do the Hawks feel about them in total—including their dressing room presence, their agents, their upsides, etc.

Right now, of the three, the guy I hold onto—all else being equal—is Viktor Stalberg. He is becoming a force and his game is getting smarter.
- John Jaeckel

John, what is the compensation if Leddy signs an offer sheet?

Thanks for the feedback!

Gazing into your crystal ball - who stays on that blueline for 2013-14?
- TyCamScore

Wow. I'm certainly not a guy to ask about that. My crystal ball has a TON of static. If I had to guess, barring a trade it'll be much the same it is this year. With or without Kaberle, Montreal has cap space next year and would absolutely be able ot bring back their UFA/RFAs if they so choose. Markov is still a question mark in terms of health, so having depth is a plus. It'll probably shake out to:

Gorges-Subban
Markov-Emelin
Diaz-Boullion
Weber/Kaberle(?)

with call-ups in Tinordi and Beaulieu.

That being said, I can see a trade with Gorges being the only regular signed beyond 2014.

If you knew the names involved, you would know you are seriously overvaluing your guys. Bergevin has initiated much of this.
- John Jaeckel

JJ is this close to what you hear?
- Greek7

Not really questioning overvaluing, but from an outside observer, it makes little sense to acquire guys like Bolland and Leddy when players of their ilk represent Montreal's greatest strengths. Habs don't have ready replacements for guys like Eller or Tinordi and what they bring to the table.

Chris Kuc ‏@ChrisKuc 2m
Jonas Hiller was first goaltender off the ice for Ducks during morning skate. Appears he'll face #Blackhawks.

John, what is the compensation if Leddy signs an offer sheet?
- Fistafury17

That depends what the offer is. There's a sliding scale

This was the 2012 table...

●$1,110,249 or below - No Compensation
●Over $1,110,249 to $1,682,194 - 3rd round pick
●Over $1,682,194 to $3,364,391 - 2nd round pick
●Over $3,364,391 to $5,046,585 - 1st round pick, 3rd
●Over $5,046,585 to $6,728,781 - 1st round pick, 2nd, 3rd
●Over $6,728,781 To $8,410,976 - Two 1st Round Picks, 2nd, 3rd
●Over $8,410,976 - Four 1st Round Picks

Chris Kuc ‏@ChrisKuc 2m
Jonas Hiller was first goaltender off the ice for Ducks during morning skate. Appears he'll face #Blackhawks.
- droe411

"My Name is Jonas" Hiller, eh? Light him up!

Speaking of Leddy's...it's his birthday today...hope you sent him
flowers and cake Savvy

Is Leddy too valuable at $4 million a year? He has "improved" because he has simplified his game slightly and isn't playing top 4 minutes against top 6 guys nearly as much.

The bottom line is what are Leddy, Stalberg, Bickell et al asking for extensions. How do the Hawks feel about them in total—including their dressing room presence, their agents, their upsides, etc.

Right now, of the three, the guy I hold onto—all else being equal—is Viktor Stalberg. He is becoming a force and his game is getting smarter.
- John Jaeckel

True...but I think he may be the most difficult to keep. Bickell should be easy enough, he's playing at the top of his game an likely won't be much more. Stalberg and Leddy have yet to reach their potential, so agreeing on what to pay for that potential will be tricky.

But I want to keep both Vik & Bick!!

That depends what the offer is. There's a sliding scale

This was the 2012 table...

●$1,110,249 or below - No Compensation
●Over $1,110,249 to $1,682,194 - 3rd round pick
●Over $1,682,194 to $3,364,391 - 2nd round pick
●Over $3,364,391 to $5,046,585 - 1st round pick, 3rd
●Over $5,046,585 to $6,728,781 - 1st round pick, 2nd, 3rd
●Over $6,728,781 To $8,410,976 - Two 1st Round Picks, 2nd, 3rd
●Over $8,410,976 - Four 1st Round Picks
- eburgio

If somebody is going to offer sheet Leddy it would have to be in the 1st & 3rd tier or higher. Anything less and Stan will match, that's not enough compensation for losing him at that salary.

With Leddy's best years to come...$4 mil/year may be a bargain. While he's found a home in the bottom pair...his confidence and experience are growing exponentially, grooming him nicely for the time when he eventually becomes a legit top 4 guy.

As for how the club feels about the players you mentioned and their agents...dunno...but isn't Leddy's agent Neil Sheehy ? Could be wrong on that...but we all know Sheehy hasn't endeared himself to the Hawks' brass.

As for Stalberg...his speed makes him a unique weapon and one i don't want to lose. He still makes d'zone/neutral zone mistakes with the puck that drive me crazy, but he is a true GAME BREAKER.
- philco28

#freeLeddy

Saad is a 2nd pick. Eller is a 1st round pick and he does not play with players like Kane or Toews or Sharp or Hossa. Don't be a homer. I'm not saying he is better or worse but he is not worth a kings ransom.
- Champ

Where someone was drafted doesn't really matter once they're on the ice. Saad is worth what he is based on potential. I'm not saying I agree with what that potential is, but who's to say what he becomes.

If you knew the names involved, you would know you are seriously overvaluing your guys. Bergevin has initiated much of this.
- John Jaeckel

Then tell us the names.

BTW, i wasn't overvaluing the hans players, i was saying WTF?? Are we trading the Habs core?? and major Chi players??

Out of the three I would keep who I think will be the best player in the future, and that is Leddy. The truth is you are going to semi overpay someone. Vic on the 3rd line and Leddy on the 3rd pair. I think Victor is very well suited on the right side, which is where you are stacked. Leddy is on the 3rd pair right now, but who says he doesn't get put in the 2nd pairing next year?

Bolland has his name on hardware that Eller doesn't, and there's a reason for that. Eller's a nice player with upside, but don't discount names like Bolland or Sharp or Leddy being thrown around (not saying those are the guys, either). It's just silly for you to say they aren't worth anyone on your roster.
- John Jaeckel

Not saying that they are not worth any roster players. Just saying that Bergevin is trying to make his team bigger and meaner.

If somebody is going to offer sheet Leddy it would have to be in the 1st & 3rd tier or higher. Anything less and Stan will match, that's not enough compensation for losing him at that salary.
- DarthKane

Agreed anything under 3.4 million Stan will be matching in a second. It is over that point is where it gets tricky.

Out of the three I would keep who I think will be the best player in the future, and that is Leddy. The truth is you are going to semi overpay someone. Vic on the 3rd line and Leddy on the 3rd pair. I think Victor is very well suited on the right side, which is where you are stacked. Leddy is on the 3rd pair right now, but who says he doesn't get put in the 2nd pairing next year?
- droe411

At some point Oduya and Hjalmarsson will be broken up. Either by trades, Free Agency, or what have you. Leddy probably has the most upside and defensive depth is important. I like Stalberg a lot. His speed is ridiculous, but I agree that Leddy is more important

JJ-

Eklund is saying something is brewing with Leafs and Chicago for a forward. Is this along the lines of your past thread, or perhaps expanded to Bolland/Sharp heading out? I know the source, but when it echos what you already reported I wasn't sure if it was an echo of your thread or if there have been developments

John, what is the compensation if Leddy signs an offer sheet?
- Fistafury17

Under the old CBA, that depended on the initial qualifying offer he gets from the Hawks. Don't think that's changed. And if so, we would not know until the end of June (or later this year).

JJ-

Eklund is saying something is brewing with Leafs and Chicago for a forward. Is this along the lines of your past thread, or perhaps expanded to Bolland/Sharp heading out? I know the source, but when it echos what you already reported I wasn't sure if it was an echo of your thread or if there have been developments
- ikeane

Hawks have interest in Jay McClement. That I know for sure.