Please forgive me if this has already been talked about, but we're all concerned with Tazer and Kane's upcoming contracts and how they'll want 8+mill. I think Kane will hold out for as much as he can, but honestly I could see Toews taking a little less knowing that it would go to helping the team either pay someone more or pick someone else up. Has there ever been a NHL player that came out and said they'd take less to help the team? I'm all for paying someone what they're worth, but in a cap era league I think some players if they were seriously committed to a team and not selfish would offer up a little coin to help better the team.
- Fooseshark

This is something to think about, after July 5th. By then, Bowman will have hopefully made a couple of deals to clear some cap room and such. Then we should have a little clearer picture as to what Bowman has for cap room.

Helluva prospect -Akim Aliu

Helluva High Pick - Kyle Beach

I think I'll take Seabs- developed 1st pairing dman for the next 5-6 years
- captainserious

for the next five or six years

The Rocket was a name of a passenger train that the Rock Island railroad ran many,many years ago. Think that's the reference here.
- Beaver-Warrior

Interesting. I'll have to look that up.

A band aide type player could be paid less than 5.8 million per
- UnnamedSource

Yeah, I don't think a band aide Seabrook type player is going to be getting much less than 5.8....This teams window to win is now, you don't trade away top pairing d-men for picks or prospects to either get younger or hope to develop someone..you keep them and try to win now

Just watched the finish of the game on NHL Network...watching those last few minutes gets sweeter each time. Like a fine wine.

I don't know, this one feels different than the last one...it feels BETTER. Hard to explain (and I LOVE the 2010 team, a heck of a crew)
- kwolf68

Watched the replay last night. What makes game 6 even more amazing is it was probably the worst officiating of the series. The calls they were making on the Hawks could have been called repeatedly on the Bruins every shift. The Rosival high stick, the Shaw roughing....

In your face Zebras!

for the next five or six years
- UnnamedSource

He turned 28 in April,if he can't play at a high level for the next 5-6 years it is because of injury..otherwise he is good for 5-6 years

I know you have it as 90% Bickells stays in Chicago, but I don't think it's that high...if someone like the Oilers or Habs come in at 4.2-4.5 million per over 4 years then we're hosed.

What folks are missing and won't seem to accept is there is ALWAYS some GM out there ready to "overypay" for named free agents. Bryan made a name for himself in the post-season. Went from enigmatic role player who sometimes didn't show up to a high end power forward with soft hands, a great shot and superior toughness and heart....in 16 wins alone Bickell goes from bench fodder to a Top 6 role on ANY team in hockey...

THAT is worth bucks...maybe not all teams would pay it, including the Hawks, but I have a bad feeling he's going to get a monster offer from someone and we WONT be able to match it.



I HOPE I am wrong. But the guy was part of the group that just spearheaded a team to the Cup, rest assured someone wants some of that sweet action.
- kwolf68

We have all become Bickel fans but if Mtl or Edm offer over 4 million he needs to accept and we lose him
They maybe disappointed as he needs to prove he is really an every night player

Yeah, I don't think a band aide Seabrook type player is going to be getting much less than 5.8....This teams window to win is now, you don't trade away top pairing d-men for picks or prospects to either get younger or hope to develop someone..you keep them and try to win now
- captainserious

At the same time you don't over value your players and allow them to get old without trying to get something of value in return. Great organizations have the ability to think big picture and don't allow themselves to fall in love with their players like us fans do. That is why you draft players, that is why you develop them and prepare them to replace any players you may trade away. The great detroit teams would never miss a beat if they traded someone or a player retired......the hawks want the window to be open for as long as possible.....you do that by making tough decisions but smart ones as well.....

He turned 28 in April,if he can't play at a high level for the next 5-6 years it is because of injury..otherwise he is good for 5-6 years
- captainserious

with a lot of tread on those tires......

This is something to think about, after July 5th. By then, Bowman will have hopefully made a couple of deals to clear some cap room and such. Then we should have a little clearer picture as to what Bowman has for cap room.
- EKolb13

Right but what gets me are these players that strap their team with these crazy cap hits. Look at the Pens, because Malkin and Crosby have seriously hit hits they will have to possibly let Letang walk because there will be zero dollars available for him. So my point is, don't these players take into consideration what their potential "new deal" will do to their team. Or are they 99% of the time just looking at the money?

Please forgive me if this has already been talked about, but we're all concerned with Tazer and Kane's upcoming contracts and how they'll want 8+mill. I think Kane will hold out for as much as he can, but honestly I could see Toews taking a little less knowing that it would go to helping the team either pay someone more or pick someone else up. Has there ever been a NHL player that came out and said they'd take less to help the team? I'm all for paying someone what they're worth, but in a cap era league I think some players if they were seriously committed to a team and not selfish would offer up a little coin to help better the team.
- Fooseshark

JMO but I could never see them paying Kane more than Toews. I think they are offered the same money just like last time unless there is a major fall of in performance by one or the other. I would be worried about Kane balking and looking towards Buffalo. Everything Regeihr is doing seems focused on 2015. All those picks, unloading salary etc...

with a lot of tread on those tires......
- UnnamedSource

Meaning he isn't worn down? A lot of tread means that you are pretty fresh. Now if you are running out of tread on the other hand...

At the same time you don't over value your players and allow them to get old without trying to get something of value in return. Great organizations have the ability to think big picture and don't allow themselves to fall in love with their players like us fans do. That is why you draft players, that is why you develop them and prepare them to replace any players you may trade away. The great detroit teams would never miss a beat if they traded someone or a player retired......the hawks want the window to be open for as long as possible.....you do that by making tough decisions but smart ones as well.....
- UnnamedSource

And I agree with you totally...however,expecting kids with no NHL experience to come in and help this team,or replace a top pairing d-man is not a way to contend..not now,this team doesn't need to rebuild from scratch,they need to make adjustments...But whatever,we are arguin over stuff that might happen a few years from now...we should enjoy the cup, I know Frolik is having a blast!!!
http://twitter.com/Andrew...49960780390756352/photo/1

Big players come up big at the most important times. Seabrook is in this class. Think back to his stick/poke check on Hartnell in Game 6 in Philly (2010). Keith and Hammer are in this category. I will always question Keith's PP shin burners, but will never question whether they have a place on this team. Money players.

That said, money players could fetch a handsome return. Think of what Philly would give up to get a guy like Seabrook. Jebus. You'd be looking at a a helluva prospect and a high pick at least
- eburgio

Simmonds and Couturier would solve some issues. Cap relief from Seabs going would give them the ability to lock in Hammer. Seabs did really come on in the SCF though.

Meaning he isn't worn down? A lot of tread means that you are pretty fresh. Now if you are running out of tread on the other hand...
- Fat_Tony_Amonte

Meaning he isn't worn down? A lot of tread means that you are pretty fresh. Now if you are running out of tread on the other hand...
- Fat_Tony_Amonte

a lot of wear and tear

And I agree with you totally...however,expecting kids with no NHL experience to come in and help this team,or replace a top pairing d-man is not a way to contend..not now,this team doesn't need to rebuild from scratch,they need to make adjustments...But whatever,we are arguin over stuff that might happen a few years from now...we should enjoy the cup, I know Frolik is having a blast!!!
http://twitter.com/Andrew...49960780390756352/photo/1
- captainserious

Very true and a lot may depend on how the kids develop but I do not believe he finishes his contract in Chicago....

Looks like Fro likes to party just as hard as Kane and with less clothes.

Helluva prospect -Akim Aliu

Helluva High Pick - Kyle Beach

I think I'll take Seabs- developed 1st pairing dman for the next 5-6 years
- captainserious

Aliu was a 2nd round project and Beach was not considered a sure thing - he was considered a reach by some in a very good draft.

Seabs would need to bring established players back or a 1-5 pick.

After his SCF hard to even consider.

Helluva prospect -Akim Aliu

Helluva High Pick - Kyle Beach

I think I'll take Seabs- developed 1st pairing dman for the next 5-6 years
- captainserious

Aliu was a 2nd round project and Beach was not considered a sure thing - he was considered a reach by some in a very good draft.

Seabs would need to bring established players back or a 1-5 pick.

After his SCF hard to even consider.

Simmonds and Couturier would solve some issues. Cap relief from Seabs going would give them the ability to lock in Hammer. Seabs did really come on in the SCF though.
- tredbrta

Simmonds has a 4mil cap hit and Couturier is at 1.3 and e'll be expecting a raise in 2 years...Don't see the flexibility...Hammer needs to be re-upped but it will be at the cost of Oduya before Seabrook...by the way,loved te way Oduya played this season,was definitely worth the 2 picks

Looks like Fro likes to party just as hard as Kane and with less clothes.

- Hawks64

I bet he doesn't have to use the line: hey I'm that guy from 2 and a half men! To pick up girls anymore...he can just say: I just won the Cup with The Blackhawks!!!!Woooooooo!!!!

Looks like Fro likes to party just as hard as Kane and with less clothes.

- Hawks64

He's earned it with his work this year...OUTSTANDING GRUNT WORK ALL YEAR...and the penalty shot goal vs Detroit was HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE

Right but what gets me are these players that strap their team with these crazy cap hits. Look at the Pens, because Malkin and Crosby have seriously hit hits they will have to possibly let Letang walk because there will be zero dollars available for him. So my point is, don't these players take into consideration what their potential "new deal" will do to their team. Or are they 99% of the time just looking at the money?
- Fooseshark

Again, don't start thinking about this until after July 5th. I'm sure there will be some changes between now and then. Also, there will be changes between now and July 1st, 2014. The cap will change again. Players will move in trades. Compliance buyouts will happen. Someone posted earlier that these things have a way of working themselves out. I forget who posted it, but it's a good viewpoint to have.

He turned 28 in April,if he can't play at a high level for the next 5-6 years it is because of injury..otherwise he is good for 5-6 years
- captainserious

He didn't play at a high level most of this RS and the first few rounds. He looked great against Boston. Maybe the east is a better fit for his style?

Again, looking at it without fan glasses you see some real cap relief in a trade but would need serious immediate return to make it worthwhile. He also has an NMC I think. You also need to be confident Hammer steps into 2D and you can sign/develop replacements for 3-6D. Big ifs..