48 hours.....just saying.......the board is making progress

Hossa is under contract until 2021 (I believe).

The new CBA mandates either a compliance buyout within the next two years (which would basically mean walking away from one of the team's two best players—and allowing him to re-sign with a competing club), a very expensive buyout after that, or cap penalty for his retiring early.

A source close to hockey ops told me a few weeks back the notion that's been floated in a couple of blogs of Hossa being a compliance buyout is "not happening." If you have some other intel, feel free to share.

There certainly is an opportunity/cost, risk/reward argument that arises around biting the bullet and making him a compliance buyout. And certainly, there are some bean counters within the organization who would push for that—possibly accompanied by the argument that he wiil be replaced by the Great Brandon Saad. Problem is, he won't be.

You subtract a relaitvely healthy Marian Hossa from this team, and it is not as good. Period.

I'm willing to buy that Saad could be Hossa-Lite someday. But Saad is also benefitting hugely (in terms of psychology and production) by playing with, ironically, Hossa and Toews. Few, if any, rookies come into the league with that kind of opportunity. Is he making a lot of it?Yes, over the last 15-20 games , he has. You lose Hossa, you not only lose his production at both end of the ice, but other players (including Saad) are not as good, because he makes them better.

When Saad is a point a game player, or close to that—really no matter who he plays with— and called on defensively to shadow the likes of Pavel Datsyuk—then you can say he's replaced Hossa, a Hall of Fame player.
- John Jaeckel

The tell will be this summer...

And no one close to the Hawks would even hint to the contrary because the majority of ticket buyers and advertisers have no clue about the cap risks.

If the Hawks wanted ..they have two players to buyout this summer: Monty and Olesz..... Both make sense.

If they use one buyout only, then there is one logical reason and one logical reason only....

That would be to save one until next summer and see what happens with Hossa's health etc.

The risk is not only if Hossa's suffers a career ending injury but also early retirement is awful as well.

My take is there will be quite a few buyouts this summer....Organizations won't breath a word until ticket buying is over.

Philly has cause to buyout both Briere and Bryzgalov....LA could do the same with Carter and or Richards, NY with Brad Richards.

It should be quite a summer...

If I got a vote I keep Hossa even if he plays only 3 or 4 more years.....But I'm not paying.

Today's article....

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

Its over when the season ends, and pro-rated its barely a couple thou. The Hawks had like 15 million in room when they signed him (pro-rated obviously)
- rollpards19

I know he's only going to get a pro-rated portion of that contract, plus the $92,000 signing bonus.

I just would have thought the total would have been south of a million. Also, how does that number affect negotiations with him and other RFAs this summer?

That's more of the concern I have.

Hossa is under contract until 2021 (I believe).

The new CBA mandates either a compliance buyout within the next two years (which would basically mean walking away from one of the team's two best players—and allowing him to re-sign with a competing club), a very expensive buyout after that, or cap penalty for his retiring early.

A source close to hockey ops told me a few weeks back the notion that's been floated in a couple of blogs of Hossa being a compliance buyout is "not happening." If you have some other intel, feel free to share.

There certainly is an opportunity/cost, risk/reward argument that arises around biting the bullet and making him a compliance buyout. And certainly, there are some bean counters within the organization who would push for that—possibly accompanied by the argument that he wiil be replaced by the Great Brandon Saad. Problem is, he won't be.

You subtract a relaitvely healthy Marian Hossa from this team, and it is not as good. Period.

I'm willing to buy that Saad could be Hossa-Lite someday. But Saad is also benefitting hugely (in terms of psychology and production) by playing with, ironically, Hossa and Toews. Few, if any, rookies come into the league with that kind of opportunity. Is he making a lot of it?Yes, over the last 15-20 games , he has. You lose Hossa, you not only lose his production at both end of the ice, but other players (including Saad) are not as good, because he makes them better.

When Saad is a point a game player, or close to that—really no matter who he plays with— and called on defensively to shadow the likes of Pavel Datsyuk—then you can say he's replaced Hossa, a Hall of Fame player.
- John Jaeckel

The way Hossa has played and for what he brings on and off the ice a buyout would be absolutely the wrong move. It was floated and I thought should be considered - but only if he didn't return from the Torres hit the same player. I actually think he is playing better this year than he was before the hit last year. Certainly driving the net more.

Based on what I have seen here about the buyouts and penalties - the candidates for BO would need to be Montador type contracts. If the Hawks need to move salary it would be better done thru trade - if they had to move a high salary then add a prospect or pick to incentivize the other team. I would think candidates would be Bolland or even Sharp (if they really needed space).

Of course, if they blow come PO time anything could happen. Hoepfully, nothing as stupid as buying out Hossa though.

48 hours.....just saying.......the board is making progress
- UnnamedSource

Don't temp me.....

Don't temp me.....
- DarthKane

Don't temp you to do what?

Ochenta y cinco

Hjalmarsson for Gagner straight up is not a fair trade. Gagner plus (either a pick or player of some type) for Hjalmarsson might be a fair deal.
- EKolb13

I might take their number 1 this year but, at Gagner's expected salary, that would need to be a serious package.

I just want them to keep him from going free agent in 2014.

Hey JJ, great post as usual. I know you leaned towards Bolland playing his last season in Chicago, do you feel Sharpie may join him on a train outta Chicago? With the injuries, and pre-injury goal posts, I could see a decent return come back for Sharp. Just a thought. Anything you can share about Dave Bolland and his potential exit from the Hawks?

Ochenta y cinco
- Beaver-Warrior

Do I make myself clear? or am I being obtuse?
- Beaver-Warrior

Crystal clear Beav

Ochenta y cinco
- Beaver-Warrior

heard he was recalled.

Hossa is under contract until 2021 (I believe).

The new CBA mandates either a compliance buyout within the next two years (which would basically mean walking away from one of the team's two best players—and allowing him to re-sign with a competing club), a very expensive buyout after that, or cap penalty for his retiring early.

A source close to hockey ops told me a few weeks back the notion that's been floated in a couple of blogs of Hossa being a compliance buyout is "not happening." If you have some other intel, feel free to share.

There certainly is an opportunity/cost, risk/reward argument that arises around biting the bullet and making him a compliance buyout. And certainly, there are some bean counters within the organization who would push for that—possibly accompanied by the argument that he wiil be replaced by the Great Brandon Saad. Problem is, he won't be.

You subtract a relaitvely healthy Marian Hossa from this team, and it is not as good. Period.

I'm willing to buy that Saad could be Hossa-Lite someday. But Saad is also benefitting hugely (in terms of psychology and production) by playing with, ironically, Hossa and Toews. Few, if any, rookies come into the league with that kind of opportunity. Is he making a lot of it?Yes, over the last 15-20 games , he has. You lose Hossa, you not only lose his production at both end of the ice, but other players (including Saad) are not as good, because he makes them better.

When Saad is a point a game player, or close to that—really no matter who he plays with— and called on defensively to shadow the likes of Pavel Datsyuk—then you can say he's replaced Hossa, a Hall of Fame player.
- John Jaeckel

OMG! You either don't read well or don't comprehend well but that response is just crazy off base in terms of what I wrote. You may claim not to have an anti-Saad agenda but when you use two of my posts which were about COMPLIMENTING Hossa and his extraordinary character to denigrate the "Great Brandon Saad," a 20-year-old who I never said was "great" or worthy of mythical status, your agenda seems clear. And I didn't say anything about a compliance buyout or Hossa being one. But, if you have information that Hossa "WILL PLAY FOREVER" (which I predicted he will not, in fact, play forever), I'd be interested to hear it. Now I expect to be banned for not bowing to the great JJ. Pfffftttt!

Don't temp you to do what?
- EKolb13

I parked in spot #85 today....

you guys certainly know how to rock a national anthem

What 'floating forward' do the Hawks currently have?
- paulr

Kane is a floater. He is back checking more this year but there is no question that is his style. Several examples of this last night.

Gagner would be top 6 and probably be put out their with Kane (they were linemates in juniors). That would turn the 2nd line into a sieve.

At 4-5 mildo a year no way that makes sense.

Hammer in a trade (if he keeps this up) should bring someone much better than Gagner at both ends of the ice.

heard he was recalled.
- ikeane

About time.

I parked in spot #85 today....
- DarthKane

Beav cleared it up for me.

BTW, not sure if this is mentioned but LeBlanc cannot play for Rockford nor can he play for Chicago in the playoffs.

So they'll be monitoring his play during practices, but he doesn't think he'll see game time this year. Interesting to see how this goes from here.
- prd797

Are you certain of this? I thought he could play in the PO.

You had me right up to here. The whole Saad "replacing" Hossa narrative is really off—and shows a lack of appreciation for Hossa's talent and career. Also places an unfair expectation on Saad.
- John Jaeckel

JJ...didn't the Hawks orgainization have Dale Tallon wear #9 when he was acquired from Vancouver?

Talk about unfair expectations...

you guys certainly know how to rock a national anthem
- Fountain-San

Chicago ALWAYS has the backs of Americans EVERYWHERE....

Much LUV to Boston
#STRENGTH

Beav cleared it up for me.
- EKolb13

As always, a pleasure to be of service.

Are you certain of this? I thought he could play in the PO.
- tredbrta

Yeah I've been pretty sure for a while, but this article confirms it. All due to being signed post-TDL.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...expect-to-play-for-hawks/

Link to the sun-times article is in this one from PHT

Philco posted a link to the video of the interview with Leblanc a few pages back.

Kane is a floater. He is back checking more this year but there is no question that is his style. Several examples of this last night.

Gagner would be top 6 and probably be put out their with Kane (they were linemates in juniors). That would turn the 2nd line into a sieve.

At 4-5 mildo a year no way that makes sense.

Hammer in a trade (if he keeps this up) should bring someone much better than Gagner at both ends of the ice.
- tredbrta

In Gagner's defense he is tough, just smallish. Gagner drops the gloves a couple times a year to defend his mates, and can throw a check. Kane is probably the least physical player in the NHL

Are you certain of this? I thought he could play in the PO.
- tredbrta

True