JJ,
Any word on what the Hawks are doing with the spare contract? Waiting on Hawks sign to an entry level contract.

S. Johns/K. Hayes

I thing Johns makes more sense or is there a College FA they are looking on getting in on like Andrej Sustr?

yeah, but no...more things involved.
Dudley knew the Versteeg well, and Boston didn't see him as part of their major league roster as a wing.
I bet both GMS thought we made a AHL move that might come back and help us if there is an injury.... .....and the funny thing that happened is Versteeg clicked with two good players, and was also able to play, and talk bigger with the Hawks...Sometimes that's all the guy needs to get going....sort like Saad (not comparing players/skills) ...the energy translated to big goals and he established myself....in this case to the tune of a 4.4 million a year salary! until 2016!!!!!
There is a lesson to be learned in this.
Versteeg has long security (unless he is bought-out) and has scored only 88 NHL goals.
Think about that and then move yourself in as the present hawk GM and decide what you think is fair for a guy who has scored half as many, Viktor Stalberg.
You are put in a position of Bowman and you see Evander Kane whose goal totals fall between Versteeg and Stalberg 88 Versteeg/ 63 Kane / 43 Stalberg and Kane's based on his "upside has a present salary of 5.25 million until 2018

So Bowman has to look at upside.
...think about that Toews and Kane will want bigger payday after the next TWO seasons (even closer ....with the correction of my three seasons to go remark...
and make a decision.
Get the most for his asset, by paying him, trading him before he can leave or upset the
present rolling four lines and doing before the deadline.

My entire point is the GM is not an easy implusive no stress occupation.
- wiz1901

What's to say they don't get their extension after this season with the market currently being what it is.....a max signing bonus....and lifetime personal services contract when they retire with a percentage on revenue.....the hawks will not let kane and toews go.....plus there will be pressure from the league with the Hawks being the only definitive draw in the western conference.

Yeesh, that's a disgusting thought!

Now if it was Susannah you were talking about Phil
- savvyone-1

Shhh, Eli, please don't tell him I have a wandering eye
- savvyone-1

80 million for 8 years would be a bargin. I could see 9.5-10 million / per for those guys.

Franchise players. They are cheap now when compared to their peers. Not even top 25 in terms of cap hits. I think they deserve to get paid and paid very well and the Hawks should do the paying.
- fattybeef

I think you could see the same spread as we saw when Sid and Malkin were both signed. It's the same situation really. After this season that Kane has had I think it boosts his deal price. I say 9 mil per for both bc IMO they love the city and they want to win.

Well, sorry to see True Grit go. I enjoy debating with those who see the game different then I do.

As far as what did/didn't happen....Handzus could be valuable if used corretly. I am not expecting much. Like Sammy Pahlsson type pick up.

The guy I wanted was Ryan Clowe, and how nice did he look in front of the net on the Rangers PP? Did I mention he had a nice 3 pt night, and 2 goals? yeah, it was 1 game, but watch this game....A change of scenery, playing for a contract, may ignite him, and YES he was worth the price of Victor Stalberg, who probably won't be on this team by October. Minnesota got better, STL got better, Vancouver better, LA added a nice D man...so those teams are shrinking the window on talent compared to the Hawks. I don't even care who they play....because last year I wanted Phoenix compared to LA or SJ and we saw how that turned out.

I'm not going to rail on Bowman until the season is over. I think he did a piss poor job of correcting holes, most notably a 2nd line center, and size ,but it is what it is today. I don't care about what of, could have, or should have happened yesterday. Fact is, it didn't. ....Go check Kane's stats with Bolland and w/o Bolland. I rest my case on #36. God willing Sharp can man the 2nd line spot, and move Bolland back to the 3rd line. That's the only value he adds to this team.

So now, all I care about is the health of this team, PP ramping up, and getting back in a groove of playing smart, consistent hockey. I think they are small, and will have to rely on speed to out work larger size teams. They also will have to capitalize on the PP in the postseason to go far...

Are they good enough to win a cup? Yeah, if they stay healthy, and Corey Crawford doesn't melt down....again. However, if they don't, then I expect the same people who have been calling those of us who dare question this organization's approach to personnel "negative, or haters" or whatever else, to be here the day the Hawks season ends. If it's negative, then they need to answer the bell just like I'll be here IF they win 16 games and are riding buses up Michigan avenue...
- SteveRain

why did he leave....someone hurt his feelings?

Nichol out Cracknell in. Not sure of the thinking there, but we'll see. Gives us a tough 4th line.

yeah, but no...more things involved.
Dudley knew the Versteeg well, and Boston didn't see him as part of their major league roster as a wing.
I bet both GMS thought we made a AHL move that might come back and help us if there is an injury.... .....and the funny thing that happened is Versteeg clicked with two good players, and was also able to play, and talk bigger with the Hawks...Sometimes that's all the guy needs to get going....sort like Saad (not comparing players/skills) ...the energy translated to big goals and he established myself....in this case to the tune of a 4.4 million a year salary! until 2016!!!!!
There is a lesson to be learned in this.
Versteeg has long security (unless he is bought-out) and has scored only 88 NHL goals.
Think about that and then move yourself in as the present hawk GM and decide what you think is fair for a guy who has scored half as many, Viktor Stalberg.
You are put in a position of Bowman and you see Evander Kane whose goal totals fall between Versteeg and Stalberg 88 Versteeg/ 63 Kane / 43 Stalberg and Kane's based on his "upside has a present salary of 5.25 million until 2018

So Bowman has to look at upside.
...think about that Toews and Kane will want bigger payday after the next TWO seasons (even closer ....with the correction of my three seasons to go remark...
and make a decision.
Get the most for his asset, by paying him, trading him before he can leave or upset the
present rolling four lines and doing before the deadline.

My entire point is the GM is not an easy implusive no stress occupation.
- wiz1901

Wiz...please give a similar breakdown on the Flick/Sauve trade as you see it

Looking forward to tonights game.

Don't have much confidence with Elliott in net. Excited to see how JBo and Petro look together, I think this is exactly what Petro needs.

To satisfy the political comment quota for the day for JJ and TrueGrit...

Commander in Chief is in town and his motorcade just strolled past my apartment. I get a little uneasy with people hanging out of a Tahoe with automatic assault rifles.

Carry on with your day...
- eburgio

Politics aren't my deal on here. Just to be clear. I just try to keep it off.

I thing Johns makes more sense or is there a College FA they are looking on getting in on like Andrej Sustr?
- SDHawkFan

Sustr signed in Tampa Bay.

JJ,
Any word on what the Hawks are doing with the spare contract? Waiting on Hawks sign to an entry level contract.

S. Johns/K. Hayes

I thing Johns makes more sense or is there a College FA they are looking on getting in on like Andrej Sustr?
- SDHawkFan

Dunno

yeah, but no...more things involved.
Dudley knew the Versteeg well, and Boston didn't see him as part of their major league roster as a wing.
I bet both GMS thought we made a AHL move that might come back and help us if there is an injury.... .....and the funny thing that happened is Versteeg clicked with two good players, and was also able to play, and talk bigger with the Hawks...Sometimes that's all the guy needs to get going....sort like Saad (not comparing players/skills) ...the energy translated to big goals and he established myself....in this case to the tune of a 4.4 million a year salary! until 2016!!!!!
There is a lesson to be learned in this.
Versteeg has long security (unless he is bought-out) and has scored only 88 NHL goals.
Think about that and then move yourself in as the present hawk GM and decide what you think is fair for a guy who has scored half as many, Viktor Stalberg.
You are put in a position of Bowman and you see Evander Kane whose goal totals fall between Versteeg and Stalberg 88 Versteeg/ 63 Kane / 43 Stalberg and Kane's based on his "upside has a present salary of 5.25 million until 2018

So Bowman has to look at upside.
...think about that Toews and Kane will want bigger payday after the next TWO seasons (even closer ....with the correction of my three seasons to go remark...
and make a decision.
Get the most for his asset, by paying him, trading him before he can leave or upset the
present rolling four lines and doing before the deadline.

My entire point is the GM is not an easy implusive no stress occupation.
- wiz1901

Funny you left Bolland off your comparison, he of 70 career NHL goals, a chronic back injury, a consistent inability to play with top players, and being paid 3.375 a year for 5 years when his deal was signed....for being a wannabe Robert Horry/Jim Leyritz of hockey.

Did I mention he also sucks at winning faceoffs? Forcing this team to add another faceoff guy, just to take draws? Did you see the Kane stats of playing with and w/o Bolland?

I'll say it until I'm blue in the face.....a 3rd line center is easily replaced every NHL trade deadline...Case in point is Michael Handzus, who at this stage of his career....is exactly that. Or Sammy Pahlsson. Or Paul Gaustad. And so on....

What is going to be the test of time for Bowman are his trades from the summer of 2010....Not trading a guy at the peak of his career, was a grave mistake. There is no way to prove it, but keeping Buff or Ladd over Bolland SHOULD have been the move. Legit power forwards are rare in the NHL, and the Hawks 2, possibly 3...in Brouwer.

Sustr signed in Tampa Bay.
- EKolb13

Would have been a great pickup.

JJ,
Any word on what the Hawks are doing with the spare contract? Waiting on Hawks sign to an entry level contract.

S. Johns/K. Hayes

I thing Johns makes more sense or is there a College FA they are looking on getting in on like Andrej Sustr?
- SDHawkFan

They want a spot so they can pounce when Vancouver buys out Luongo.

why did he leave....someone hurt his feelings?
- UnnamedSource

I don't know....It's a hockey blog....never should cross into other avenues and become personnel. We are all grown men....at least some of us are...

JJ,
Any word on what the Hawks are doing with the spare contract? Waiting on Hawks sign to an entry level contract.

S. Johns/K. Hayes

I thing Johns makes more sense or is there a College FA they are looking on getting in on like Andrej Sustr?
- SDHawkFan

Again with the 50 player negotiations list!

It is so interesting how fans are somehow seeing it as this huge part of everything---it isn't!

Sustr was signed.....with Tampa Bay

When either decided to leave college the Hawk will drop somebody off who they think less about...
Hayes may want to get out after his issues, but the final decisions on whether you come out now or later...I think a kid interested in trying to become a pro call te team who owns his rights and ask them what they think and doesn't just tell them. Granted, Pirri and Clendening made decisions that the Hawks had to answer with their opinions....

JJ, AL, WIZ,ELI, thanks for the candid coverage during the season from all different aspects & locations. Hopefully SB sees the same things that you guys do.
I hope these guys have a long run but we all know what is needed to get there & hope the roster provides such.
Bickell will sleepwalk him self out of the line up at some point, (and hopefully out of chicago this summer.) so carbomb & bollig just have to be patient. for all the carcillo haters, he's signed thru next year, jammer will be gone so will a couple of others so the kid just needs to be patient & practice hard.
I hope your right JJ and a deal with the canadiens materializes and we get a couple of those pieces you mentioned with out trading Leddy ( who needs to be signed A S A P !) for your beloved 25!
Hopefully another streak to start tonite and A LONG couple of month run to follow!
Later Boys!!

Funny you left Bolland off your comparison, he of 70 career NHL goals, a chronic back injury, a consistent inability to play with top players, and being paid 3.375 a year for 5 years when his deal was signed....for being a wannabe Robert Horry/Jim Leyritz of hockey.

Did I mention he also sucks at winning faceoffs? Forcing this team to add another faceoff guy, just to take draws? Did you see the Kane stats of playing with and w/o Bolland?

I'll say it until I'm blue in the face.....a 3rd line center is easily replaced every NHL trade deadline...Case in point is Michael Handzus, who at this stage of his career....is exactly that. Or Sammy Pahlsson. Or Paul Gaustad. And so on....

What is going to be the test of time for Bowman are his trades from the summer of 2010....Not trading a guy at the peak of his career, was a grave mistake. There is no way to prove it, but keeping Buff or Ladd over Bolland SHOULD have been the move. Legit power forwards are rare in the NHL, and the Hawks 2, possibly 3...in Brouwer.
- SteveRain

This, to me, is the glaring issue going into the playoffs. Defense is good and deep. They helped the faceoff situation with Handzus. PP is middle of the road. Goaltending is probably fine as long as the D is. I just worry that opponents are going to punish the Hawks D more than the Hawks punish opponents D. There is almost zero physical presence on the Hawks' top 2 lines. Two of the Hawks' handful of "physical forwards (Bollig and Carcillo) are very limited TOI guys.

I don't know....It's a hockey blog....never should cross into other avenues and become personnel. We are all grown men....at least some of us are...
- SteveRain

I just don't understand why some people can't suppress their politics—even after getting warned and banned for it. I mean, get a life.

This, to me, is the glaring issue going into the playoffs. Defense is good and deep. They helped the faceoff situation with Handzus. PP is middle of the road. Goaltending is probably fine as long as the D is. I just worry that opponents are going to punish the Hawks D more than the Hawks punish opponents D. There is almost zero physical presence on the Hawks' top 2 lines. Two of the Hawks' handful of "physical forwards (Bollig and Carcillo) are very limited TOI guys.
- John Jaeckel

Its a war of attrition JJ, and the D retreating back and getting blasted night after night spells a series exit. Clowe was the only Power Forward up for sale and again "we like our team." In all honesty I hope they lose if it means Stan is sent packing holding hands with Mcpolesmoke. It kills fans like us that know that a GM with balls makes the necessary moves to win. Brassard was fantastic last night, he would have allowed Bolland to play in his true spot. Clowe would scare the poop out of any guy going after 19-88-81. Lack of hockey knowledge in our front office is becoming more and more clear.

Funny you left Bolland off your comparison, he of 70 career NHL goals, a chronic back injury, a consistent inability to play with top players, and being paid 3.375 a year for 5 years when his deal was signed.

Did I mention he also sucks at winning faceoffs? Forcing this team to add another faceoff guy, just to take draws? Did you see the Kane stats of playing with and w/o Bolland?

There is no way to prove it, but keeping Buff or Ladd over Bolland SHOULD have been the move. Legit power forwards are rare in the NHL, and the Hawks 2, possibly 3...in Brouwer.
- SteveRain

Actually, no intent to hide from the Bolland hate, but was just dealing with a soon to be RFA issue, and try and put a perspective.

I will say that a less than 3.4 mil contract for Bolland seems more of a trivial issue while the team GROWS some young centres.
For me to think that Stalberg could lull the Hawks into more money than Bolland makes unnerves me, but I understand it.

Actually, no intent to hide from the Bolland hate, but was just dealing with a soon to be RFA issue, and try and put a perspective.

I will say that a less than 3.4 mil contract for Bolland seems more of a trivial issue while the team GROWS some young centres.
For me to think that Stalberg could lull the Hawks into more money than Bolland makes unnerves me, but I understand it.
- wiz1901

Understood, and like you I don't think Stalberg is going to worth the money....I think he is a 1 dimensional player, who still can't finish properly, and a liability defensively.

Myers tweets that Carcillo is practicing but not on any regular line


- philco28

He must be the new winner of "Q's Dog House".

To me, the Forsberg team must have told the Caps he was returning into the draft...or why would you you draft a guy and quit on him?


I read this am that they have concerns about his skating ability. I've never seen Forsborg play, but that's what I read why they were down on him.