Where's Pri$y?

True but I think the Hawk front office has showen it's not willing to part with those players very easily. Something would have to give though.
- Bjm84

I honestly don't know how Stan plans to address the 2C issue, maybe he just finds a solution from within. There's not a lot of potential 2C free agents that would be affordable. Maybe Bolland (plus) goes to the Islanders for Fran Nielsen and he becomes our 2C?

Kruger was on the list as not skating. But he does work hard too.
- DarthKane

He sure does and those two team first guys get a big fat A for their outstanding PK work this season.

I honestly don't know how Stan plans to address the 2C issue, maybe he just finds a solution from within. There's not a lot of potential 2C free agents that would be affordable. Maybe Bolland (plus) goes to the Islanders for Fran Nielsen and he becomes our 2C?
- DarthKane

Yeah, that'd work. I don't really think the Hawks need a great 2C but just a 2C. You know what I mean? A guy that can win faceoffs, has decent vision, and can play in along the boards better than Kane or Sharp can. They don't need another guy to really dish pucks and score goals.

He sure does and those two team first guys get a big fat A for their outstanding PK work this season.
- philco28

I think Frolik's work on the PK may earned him a long term spot on the roster. I don't like his cap hit any more than the next fan, but I love Frolik's work ethic and versatility.

Yeah, that'd work. I don't really think the Hawks need a great 2C but just a 2C. You know what I mean? A guy that can win faceoffs, has decent vision, and can play in along the boards better than Kane or Sharp can. They don't need another guy to really dish pucks and score goals.
- Bjm84

If Sharp can take faceoffs and play LW on the 2nd line then a 2C doesn't really need to be good on facoffs (although it would be good if he was). Nielsen would be great, 40-50 points and solid defensively. I'm not saying I want to get rid of Bolland, I would just really like to get Nielsen.

I agree on Ladd's INTANGIBLES...but the guy i miss most is BUFF. His versatility to play both forward and d was phenomenal. He gave us a psychological edge i believe and can you imagine him as the point man on our pp ?
- philco28

I agree. Ladd was great and a key part with Bolland on the Hawks most consistent line, but Buff In the Playoffs could really turn a game around. When he is pissed and has something to prove: look out. I really think he would destroy a schmuck like Backes. I wouldn't mind if he stayed here to play D and every now and then went up front

I think Frolik's work on the PK may earned him a long term spot on the roster. I don't like his cap hit any more than the next fan, but I love Frolik's work ethic and versatility.
- DarthKane

I am interested to see how he does in the playoffs. He might be like Bolland in that he takes it up a notch. He sure did last year. Playing with Bolland and Bickell, I think. I still say make a line with Bolland, Fro, and Shaw

He wasn't, Bobby Orr was.
- paulr

From the neck down, Orr was the greatest player of all time, from the neck up, Gretzky.

If I have to choose one: Orr, and it's an easy choice

Where's Pri$y?
- Kentxo

Somewhere in the Maritimes

I am interested to see how he does in the playoffs. He might be like Bolland in that he takes it up a notch. He sure did last year. Playing with Bolland and Bickell, I think. I still say make a line with Bolland, Fro, and Shaw
- tomcat24

Frolik tends to step up his game in the playoffs. I think he was one of our better forwards last year against Phoenix.

Somewhere in the Maritimes
- John Jaeckel

They lose internet up there?

ESPN Chicago ‏@ESPNChiHawks 7m
Sharp was unavailable to talk, and Quenneville said Sharp was questionable for Friday, more to be determined after tomorrow's practice.

I'd say just let him sit the remainder of the season and have him back for the playoffs. I'd give Frolik another shot up on that second line.

Bobby Orr didn't? WOW is all I Can say about that.
- Beaver-Warrior

Bobby Orr is to Wayne Gretzky what Bill Russell is to Michael Jordan

ESPN Chicago ‏@ESPNChiHawks 7m
Sharp was unavailable to talk, and Quenneville said Sharp was questionable for Friday, more to be determined after tomorrow's practice.

I'd say just let him sit the remainder of the season and have him back for the playoffs. I'd give Frolik another shot up on that second line.
- teh_HAWKZ

I would play sharp against the oilers and flames for sure, maybe flip a coin between friday and saturday and sit against the chatchy teams.

Bobby Orr is to Wayne Gretzky what Bill Russell is to Michael Jordan
- fattybeef

Not being a basketball fan what does your comparison mean?

An arrest had been made in the Boston bombings....press conference at 4:00CST

I agree. Ladd was great and a key part with Bolland on the Hawks most consistent line, but Buff In the Playoffs could really turn a game around. When he is pissed and has something to prove: look out. I really think he would destroy a schmuck like Backes. I wouldn't mind if he stayed here to play D and every now and then went up front
- tomcat24

Oh....to DREAM

Not being a basketball fan what does your comparison mean?
- paulr

I'm a basketball fan and I think it is a pretty bad analogy. Russell was the biggest winner in basketball in the 1960s but never put up really spectacular scoring numbers. He is widely considered one of the top 5 (if not the top 3) players in basketball history.

Jordan was the greatest scorer in the game during his career (and might have been the greatest scorer in league history if not for his two retirements), but also was one of the biggest winners in league history with 6 MVPs, 6 Finals MVPs, 2 Olympic Golds, and 6 NBA championships.

Frankly, I'm really not sure how Orr and Gretzky are comparable, particularly considering Orr won the scoring title twice as a Dman.

EDIT: Unless the comparison is that Russell was the league's best ever defender and Jordan was the league's best ever scorer, and the point is that Orr is the league's best ever defender and Gretzky is the league's best ever scorer.

EDIT 2: Someone walked into my office about 40 minutes ago and I didn't post this so if this was clarified, my apologies.

I'm a basketball fan and I think it is a pretty bad analogy. Russell was the biggest winner in basketball in the 1960s but never put up really spectacular scoring numbers. He is widely considered one of the top 5 (if not the top 3) players in basketball history.

Jordan was the greatest scorer in the game during his career (and might have been the greatest scorer in league history if not for his two retirements), but also was one of the biggest winners in league history with 6 MVPs, 6 Finals MVPs, 2 Olympic Golds, and 6 NBA championships.

Frankly, I'm really not sure how Orr and Gretzky are comparable, particularly considering Orr won the scoring title twice as a Dman.
- QStache

Yeah, not a great analogy. Don't forget that Jordan was also one of the greatest perimeter defenders in history as well.

I look at Leblanc as a freebie short term signing for a position the Hawks have a bit of a need to fill. Sort of a Tyler Bozak 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' pickup. I don't expect anything great in a 23 year old rookie but if he can play all the better.

Who other than Hobey Baker winners Ryan Miller, Paul Kariya and Chris Drury have had big time NHL careers?
- RickJ

There were a few others who were decent payers but as you say not mnay stars.

Clendening is not ready...at all..another year in the Ahl to sharpen up his defensive game...I think Chris Block,Wiz,or Eli could have better analysis on each of these guys, and I'm sure they would agree with Clendening not being ready for the NHL
- captainserious

Clendening is noit ready and before anyone has him penciled in as the next Duncan Keith...

Last year Dylan Olsen was the next great....hopefully Clendening doesn't regress as well....Still very young.

Blackhawks continue to roll with a 5-2 win over Dallas - Power Play Woes & What's up with Dave Bolland??-FOX Chicago:http://bit.ly/ZuL8qx

From the neck down, Orr was the greatest player of all time, from the neck up, Gretzky.

If I have to choose one: Orr, and it's an easy choice
- John Jaeckel

Idk about that, Orr was reckless with his body and hardly lasted long enough. You cant compare Defenseman and forward. Orr was best D-Man of all time and Gretz was the best forward. Respect your hockey knowledge JJ but gretz was a one in a million player that played the game at a slow motion place and made it look easy. He holds records that will never be broken and won a nice amount of cups. Both players had great teams.

All in all, I take Gretz because he played the game smarter than Orr did. Orr was a warrior but his style of play held him back.

ESPN Chicago ‏@ESPNChiHawks 7m
Sharp was unavailable to talk, and Quenneville said Sharp was questionable for Friday, more to be determined after tomorrow's practice.

I'd say just let him sit the remainder of the season and have him back for the playoffs. I'd give Frolik another shot up on that second line.
- teh_HAWKZ

Me too!

Idk about that, Orr was reckless with his body and hardly lasted long enough. You cant compare Defenseman and forward. Orr was best D-Man of all time and Gretz was the best forward. Respect your hockey knowledge JJ but gretz was a one in a million player that played the game at a slow motion place and made it look easy. He holds records that will never be broken and won a nice amount of cups. Both players had great teams.

All in all, I take Gretz because he played the game smarter than Orr did. Orr was a warrior but his style of play held him back.
- nickmo2699

More primitive Medicine and surgical procedures held Orr’s career back. Orr without medically butchered knees has a chance at a complete career.