I know several of us have been high on Kruger the past couple year, but could he be the odd man out? Shaw has taken the 3C role and it's his now. Kruger hasn't had much success in the top 6 so I doubt there's a home for him there. Kruger could replace Bickell (if he's not re-signed) on Shaw's wing but that's about it. If another team wants Kruger maybe he goes?
- DarthKane

I never hear of the Hawks offering Kruger in any deals. Ever. Apparently, last year, the Hawks were going around and around with Washington about Erskine and Halpern. When McPhee asked for Kruger, the conversation was over.

As much as Kruger has progressed, he still has upside. He is not close to physically mature—and look at how good he is already along the boards. He will gain strength and another step to go with extremely high hockey sense, plus passing and all-world competitiveness.

This is a player you keep.

I am hearing Monty has played his last game in a Hawk sweater. Hawks are actually hoping someone will ask for him as their depth guy before the deadline. Although if he is in the organization and healthy during the playoffs, and there was a need, then yeah, they'd likely bring him up.
- John Jaeckel

I could see Montador and Stanton being "Black Aces" come playoff time.

As much as Kruger has progressed, he still has upside. He is not close to physically mature—and look at how good he is already along the boards. He will gain strength and another step to go with extremely high hockey sense, plus passing and all-world competitiveness.

This is a player you keep.
- John Jaeckel

This.

If Leddy is not dealt before qualifying offers go out, his QO will need to be be pretty high. The issue could be fitting that under the cap with the money necessary for Stalberg, Kruger and Bickell.

If they can only afford a middling QO, then they set themselves up for an offer sheet.
- John Jaeckel

Would Leddy be looking for what Subban got?

I never hear of the Hawks offering Kruger in any deals. Ever. Apparently, last year, the Hawks were going around and around with Washington about Erskine and Halpern. When McPhee asked for Kruger, the conversation was over.

As much as Kruger has progressed, he still has upside. He is not close to physically mature—and look at how good he is already along the boards. He will gain strength and another step to go with extremely high hockey sense, plus passing and all-world competitiveness.

This is a player you keep.
- John Jaeckel

So looking at all the comments thus far about these guys and the UFA/RFA list for this summer, it seems most like Stalberg and Bickell would go before Leddy and Kruger.

From a cap management standpoint going into 13-14 it seems like the 'Hawks can save about half of Rosival's $2M with his replacement.

As long as the Hawk D stays relatively healthy—which should happen because they are so deep—goaltending is not a problem this year.

I'm coming around a bit on C2. Not sure he's legitimately one of the best keepers in the NHL as his current stats and some overzealous types might suggest. But as long as he keeps his technique, he's a pretty good goalie. And that glove is very good, IMO.

As Al has often said, good enough to win with this team in front of him.
- John Jaeckel

Hope you and Al are right JJ. Hope you're right. Cause I never want to walk out of the UC again feeling the way I did after the two OT losses to the Yotes last season. Disappointed? Sure. Robbed? It happens. But THAT was sickening. And it feels like yesterday. At least to me. Think those goals are still rattling around somewhere behind Crawfords mask? Shouldn't be. Hope not. Bet it is.

I believe JJ is implying to what the agent might be asking for money wise and might pull a Ryan O'Reilly deal out of his butt. Can the Hawks justify a $5 million dollar deal for Leddy? Don't dismiss this. Calgary did it for O'Reilly. Buffalo, Florida and some others might do the same on Leddy seeing him as a top pairing puck moving Dman. Then it will be back in the Hawks court on what to do. Match or accept the picks?
- jimmy33

Take the picks. Twice....

That's not a knock against Leddy at all. But a first round pick, especially a Florida Panther or Buffalo Sabre 1st round pick, would probably be a lottery pick. And as long as Toews, kane, Seabs, Hossa, Sharp, are here, the 5 million + per year contracts are spoken for....

As a Habs fan I have never heard a peep about Leddy and to be honest I am not sure why would we want him. I know this is a BlackHawks post but the Habs need is a physical depth player because we already have a surplus of left handed and "offensive"D-men.

Right now the habs are the highest scoring defensive unit, thanks largely to Subban, but they lack in a big physical, clear the net type of guy.

I have heard many rumours since the offseason however that the Habs are heavily interested in Hjarlmasson. There is absolutely no way that Pacioretty is included however. He is our biggest and best winger n the team and a main reason why management decided to resign Desharnais.
- willey101

Great because Hwak fans love this 21 year old and his upside so go away Habs

JJ is right we are going after a Tompson or Martin

The next week will help sort out the sellers
Many teams like Dallas Wash NJ and Tampa Bay and others are on the sellers fence tring to decide

I never hear of the Hawks offering Kruger in any deals. Ever. Apparently, last year, the Hawks were going around and around with Washington about Erskine and Halpern. When McPhee asked for Kruger, the conversation was over.

As much as Kruger has progressed, he still has upside. He is not close to physically mature—and look at how good he is already along the boards. He will gain strength and another step to go with extremely high hockey sense, plus passing and all-world competitiveness.

This is a player you keep.
- John Jaeckel

I hear what you're saying, but with 2 pending RFAs and 2 pending UFAs a hard decision may have to be made to let 1-2 go. Just thinking outside the box, I don't necessarily want to see Kruger go.

How about Leddy for Ott and then go sign DeKuyser

Take the picks. Twice....

That's not a knock against Leddy at all. But a first round pick, especially a Florida Panther or Buffalo Sabre 1st round pick, would probably be a lottery pick. And as long as Toews, kane, Seabs, Hossa, Sharp, are here, the 5 million + per year contracts are spoken for....
- yahoodi

100% agree with this.

How about Leddy for Ott and then go sign DeKuyser
- jackandemmett

Yeah, let's do that! Stick an unproven college defensemen in the line up to replace your best puck moving defenseman and expect to win a cup.

Sounds like a real winning idea to me!

I never hear of the Hawks offering Kruger in any deals. Ever. Apparently, last year, the Hawks were going around and around with Washington about Erskine and Halpern. When McPhee asked for Kruger, the conversation was over.

As much as Kruger has progressed, he still has upside. He is not close to physically mature—and look at how good he is already along the boards. He will gain strength and another step to go with extremely high hockey sense, plus passing and all-world competitiveness.

This is a player you keep.
- John Jaeckel

I should know this, but I don't. Can anyone tell me how to upload an image from my computer?

Yeah, let's do that! Stick an unproven college defensemen in the line up to replace your best puck moving defenseman and expect to win a cup.

Sounds like a real winning idea to me!
- EKolb13

Agreed,

I wouldn't mind Ott on the Hawks but just when did he turn into a future HOF. Leddy for Ott I think I'll pass on that one.

Take the picks. Twice....

That's not a knock against Leddy at all. But a first round pick, especially a Florida Panther or Buffalo Sabre 1st round pick, would probably be a lottery pick. And as long as Toews, kane, Seabs, Hossa, Sharp, are here, the 5 million + per year contracts are spoken for....
- yahoodi

Correct, but it's just as likely the picks are Shark or Canuck picks, which likely aren't as valuable.

I should know this, but I don't. Can anyone tell me how to upload an image from my computer?
- John Jaeckel

I use Photo Bucket, it's a free site. You upload photos from your PC to Photo Bucket. Photo Bucket then provides a link (IMG) and you just cut and paste into your reply.

Take the picks. Twice....

That's not a knock against Leddy at all. But a first round pick, especially a Florida Panther or Buffalo Sabre 1st round pick, would probably be a lottery pick. And as long as Toews, kane, Seabs, Hossa, Sharp, are here, the 5 million + per year contracts are spoken for....
- yahoodi

The picks the hawks would get would be for the following draft. If leddy signs an offer this summer, hawks would get 2014 draft picks. Agree that Florida might have a high pick again, but I don't think buffalo is that far away from being in the top 8.

This is off topic, but interesting...

Are the Canucks leaving Chicago and are the Blues are moving in?

http://bleedinblue.com/20...ment-with-chicago-wolves/

http://www.theprovince.co...m+team/8014738/story.html

A few quick things:

1. Leddy proving more and more why Duncan Keith SHOULD NEVER see time on the PP. Great shot on Wednesday night, with a fantastic Stalberg screen.

2. Dave Bolland...sucks. I don't care to get into it with his militia of supporters, but the guy is useless. 15 of 24 games...no points. Can't happen EVER as a 2nd line center. If Bowman were smart, you shop him NOW. Why? Shaw and Kruger can fill that role, and if you can get a top 6 winger for Bolland+prospect/picks you can plug Sharp into that spot.

Bolland just doesn't care. Doesn't care about faceoffs, is the most overpaid guy on the team, and is easily replaceable. Save me for the "he's a great playoff guy, etc" He's lost playing with Kane, and is a team WORST -4. Get this pile of crap out of here...ASAP.

3. I would seriously look to bring up Montdaor at some point to see what he can do. If they are going to rest Roszival for the playoffs, fine, but Brookbank is worthless. Guy causes more turnovers for his teammates because he has no clue what the hell he is doing. Caught him doing idiotic drop passes a few times to Leddy that were unnecessary and kept the puck in the zone.

Hawks needs some size, and a healthy Hossa and Sharp back. Lets hope Stanley sacks up, or this team could be out after the 1st round for the 3rd straight year, and that doesn't fall on Quenneville...can only coach what you have...

This is off topic, but interesting...

Are the Canucks leaving Chicago and are the Blues are moving in?

http://bleedinblue.com/20...ment-with-chicago-wolves/

http://www.theprovince.co...m+team/8014738/story.html
- EKolb13

Puke.

The Blue Wolves ?

Correct, but it's just as likely the picks are Shark or Canuck picks, which likely aren't as valuable.
- John Jaeckel

I'd be very surprised actually if there isn't an O/S for Leddy this summer because his agent is going to be looking for $5M/yr and Stan won't be volunteering that but may just have to pay it or close. (See - Tyler Myers, Cam Fowler, Erik Karlsson and teams with cap space like Detroit).

Thought occurred to me that Mr. Duncan Keith might just be the guy to go if Sharp isn't moved and the Hawks think that highly of Leddy. Call is succession planning.

Correct, but it's just as likely the picks are Shark or Canuck picks, which likely aren't as valuable.
- John Jaeckel

I'd be very surprised actually if there isn't an O/S for Leddy this summer because his agent is going to be looking for $5M/yr and Stan won't be volunteering that but may just have to pay it or close. (See - Tyler Myers, Cam Fowler, Erik Karlsson and teams with cap space like Detroit).

Thought occurred to me that Mr. Duncan Keith might just be the guy to go if Sharp isn't moved and the Hawks think that highly of Leddy. Call is succession planning.

Hold On there Buddy , Leddy and a top Hawks Foreward for , Max Pac , Eller and Diaz , so the Habs are going to give up what main parts of the nucleus of a flourishing team for Leddy and a foreward , Will never happen Maz Pac and Eller are going nowhere and neither is Diaz we've finally achieved chemistry a trade like that will turn Habs Nation upside down almost as bad as the Maurice Richard Riot when he gort suspended in the playoffs ... that trade will absolutely NEVER HAPPEN

Hold On there Buddy , Leddy and a top Hawks Foreward for , Max Pac , Eller and Diaz , so the Habs are going to give up what main parts of the nucleus of a flourishing team for Leddy and a foreward , Will never happen Maz Pac and Eller are going nowhere and neither is Diaz we've finally achieved chemistry a trade like that will turn Habs Nation upside down almost as bad as the Maurice Richard Riot when he gort suspended in the playoffs ... that trade will absolutely NEVER HAPPEN
- toneez

"Late to the party.. ... re read the blog.... this wasn't a proposed trade it was the names that have been discussed ...."
-JJ

I never hear of the Hawks offering Kruger in any deals. Ever. Apparently, last year, the Hawks were going around and around with Washington about Erskine and Halpern. When McPhee asked for Kruger, the conversation was over.

As much as Kruger has progressed, he still has upside. He is not close to physically mature—and look at how good he is already along the boards. He will gain strength and another step to go with extremely high hockey sense, plus passing and all-world competitiveness.

This is a player you keep.
- John Jaeckel

Halpern just put on waivers.