If Leddy goes, you can bet they'll be rushing Clendening to Chicago.
- EKolb13

It's almost a certainty. When you consider the praise Clendening was getting during camp as well.

I don't recall Bolly being a rah-rah guy so I wouldn't read anything into how he was carrying the cup around. lol.

I also seriously doubt the Hawks had told Bolland ANYTHING about their future plans...why screw with a guy's mind during the Stanley Cup finals.

Bolly is just a laid back guy.
- kwolf68

Those rumors aren't just being floated here. They have been on HNIC and on the radio several times. He probably has some idea his time here may be close to ending. No extension means he is a trade candidate. The cap situation and need for other signings means sooner rather than later.

as a player....sometimes they just know.....He sees it, don't kid yourself. Last year of a deal, kids coming up, and he has the injury bug. Players know....
- UnnamedSource

Agree.

They also employ agents for a reason. I am sure they have inquired about an extension or the FO desire to discuss. If they were rebuffed then they go over it with him and review what may happen. Most trades are not surprises to the players involved.

as a player....sometimes they just know.....He sees it, don't kid yourself. Last year of a deal, kids coming up, and he has the injury bug. Players know....
- UnnamedSource

Perhaps, hard to say. However, that didn't stop Buff and Ladd from whooping it up in 2010 even though they "knew". I just don't think we should read into what Bolland was thinking based on how one interprets his demeanor.

If he goes, I'll miss Dave Bolland...did a lot for this franchise.

Don't believe there is not concern about this in the FO. Agreed on Regier but he has deep pockets behind him. And the ad money in Chicago is not what it used to be. Particularly when you are sharing it with numerous other teammates.
- tredbrta

Any money in Chicago at all is significantly more than exists in Buffalo for a hockey player. The place is a broken down sh$thole.

Shattenkirk signs 4 years 17 mill.

I really wonder where Sheehy is pricing Leddy. No way he can justify $3.5m.

How does it work if the Hawks qualify Leddy? They can then match anyone? Doesn't mean they go the arbitration route again a la Niemi and Campoli, right?

Speaking of collector items, check this out. Notice the team logos on the lower left shot glass.

Perhaps, hard to say. However, that didn't stop Buff and Ladd from whooping it up in 2010 even though they "knew". I just don't think we should read into what Bolland was thinking based on how one interprets his demeanor.

If he goes, I'll miss Dave Bolland...did a lot for this franchise.
- kwolf68

The difference is that there seems to be a clear plan who is part of the core now...not to mention a plan to replace certain players. I think after the 2010 cup there were still some questions about who would stay and who would go, likely based on return.

As much as I didn't like some of the moves the Front Office did/did not make, you could tell that they were determined to never again be hamstrung by the cap after 2010.

Perhaps, hard to say. However, that didn't stop Buff and Ladd from whooping it up in 2010 even though they "knew". I just don't think we should read into what Bolland was thinking based on how one interprets his demeanor.

If he goes, I'll miss Dave Bolland...did a lot for this franchise.
- kwolf68

Different times....that was the 1st cup.....this was Bollands 2nd, I'm sure the moment was not lost on him.

Agree.

They also employ agents for a reason. I am sure they have inquired about an extension or the FO desire to discuss. If they were rebuffed then they go over it with him and review what may happen. Most trades are not surprises to the players involved.
- tredbrta

Yep.....he knows in all likelihood he is gone.

What about mid first round? I heard that Tie Domi's kid has decent skills.
- faustus1500

There is a lot of talent in the 10-20 range. About 3 london knights should go then including domi's kid. All would be good players. I think it depends on who we give up to move up. If we trade TT I would want one of the top 5 picks. Have to include more with him, though. For other players we give up I would be fine with moving up to top 20

Speaking of collector items, check this out. Notice the team logos on the lower left shot glass.


- Beaver-Warrior

Buttman: "CURSES, FOILED AGAIN!"

Different times....that was the 1st cup.....this was Bollands 2nd, I'm sure the moment was not lost on him.
- UnnamedSource

It wouldn't surprise me if Bolland knew. It also wouldn't surprise me that his reaction was based on nothing more than him being a weird dude.

Shattenkirk signs 4 years 17 mill.

I really wonder where Sheehy is pricing Leddy. No way he can justify $3.5m.

How does it work if the Hawks qualify Leddy? They can then match anyone? Doesn't mean they go the arbitration route again a la Niemi and Campoli, right?
- tredbrta

They make an offer and depending on how much it is that sets what his compensation is for a restricted free agent offer. So if they feel he's not worth X number of dollars and low ball him with an offer, he won't bring back much in a compensation pick if he's tendered by another team and not matched. If he doesn't accept their deal AND doesn't get a RFA tender, then they do go to arbitration.

It's almost a certainty. When you consider the praise Clendening was getting during camp as well.
- UnnamedSource

And guys, don't kid yourselves -- Leddy was/is a rare bird. Whether he will ever be able to blossom into what his talents SUGGEST is still up for debate.

Very few guys essentially make that jump out of high school (yes, he was in college but as I recall didn't even finish a full season) and essentially go to the NHL. No seasoning in juniors or the AHL.

I know 6628 had mentioned it in one of John's blogs a few back, Leddy is really a rare guy in his skating abilities. Hands down the best skater on the club and fastest. For a young guy with a lack of experience prior to being up at the NHL level, it is AMAZING to me he has been as successful as he's been. Can only imagine Hawks trying to do this with another young guy -- none of whom have Leddy's skating ability.

Well, I've said it before -- won't be surprised if he's gone. Disappointed? Yes. But only because I think he CAN blossom here and maybe Q's (and as mentioned, it was not only a Q decision but a Scotty decision too) limiting him in the finals was best for him. He had some opportunities, got some minutes. Would rather he taste the "good life" instead of have been burned and have all of Hawkdom come after him with pitchforks and torches!

Let's see if the Bowmans can figure out a way to keep him here -- because the club will only be stronger IF they don't have to bring up a Clendening or Johns or whomever. We've lived it. Not easy and won't be easy for any of those guys if they have to endure.

For those who like to listen.....

Audio of SiriusXM interview with Boomer Gordon: Cup Final and Hawks Season Review - FOX 32 Chicago http://bit.ly/12nfsDH

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

It's almost a certainty. When you consider the praise Clendening was getting during camp as well.
- UnnamedSource

That would be a mistake.

Audio of SiriusXM interview with Boomer Gordon: Cup Final and Hawks Season Review - FOX 32 Chicago http://bit.ly/12nfsDH

Having to replace both 5th and 6th d-men in one off-season, when they're a combo of veteran skill/smarts and abundance of youthful talent, not easy. Hopefully they can keep at least one of those guys.

Those rumors aren't just being floated here. They have been on HNIC and on the radio several times. He probably has some idea his time here may be close to ending. No extension means he is a trade candidate. The cap situation and need for other signings means sooner rather than later.
- tredbrta

Wrote it last summer before I saw it anywhere else and JJ had the same about the same time....Bolland could go and might have left last summer but Q. got back in the driver's seat....And he is a huge Bolland supporter.

But and it is a big but....As a 4th line player he is too expensive as 2nd/3rd liner probably not and I highly doubt he was close to 100% for almost the entire year.

Audio of SiriusXM interview with Boomer Gordon: Cup Final and Hawks Season Review - FOX 32 Chicago http://bit.ly/12nfsDH

There is a lot of talent in the 2w0-20 range. About 3 london knights should go then including domi's kid. All would be good players. I think it depends on who we givee up to move up. If we trade TT I would want one of the top 5 picks. Have to include more with him, though. For other players we give up I would be fine with moving up to top 20
- tomcat24

If TT was in this year's draft where would he be selected? Last year he was ranked around 5/6/7 and then there was a huge run on defenceman and he fell like a snowflake right into lucky Stan's hands. Almost the same thing occurred the year before with McNeill.

So unless the Hawks want a big tough defenceman which they don't really need right now or a centerman with size and skill, what's the point of trading TT to move up?

Domi - nice hands and compete level but he's never going to be any bigger than he is now.

Wrote it last summer before I saw it anywhere else and JJ had the same about the same time....Bolland could go and might have left last summer but Q. got back in the driver's seat....And he is a huge Bolland supporter.

But and it is a big but....As a 4th line player he is too expensive as 2nd/3rd liner probably not and I highly doubt he was close to 100% for almost the entire year.

Audio of SiriusXM interview with Boomer Gordon: Cup Final and Hawks Season Review - FOX 32 Chicago http://bit.ly/12nfsDH
- Al

He really hasn't been 100%, though, in any season during this contract. I don't think you can bank on Bolland being a 100% healthy player during his career. And I'm not sure he is worth $3+ M in a less than perfect state.

And guys, don't kid yourselves -- Leddy was/is a rare bird. Whether he will ever be able to blossom into what his talents SUGGEST is still up for debate.

Very few guys essentially make that jump out of high school (yes, he was in college but as I recall didn't even finish a full season) and essentially go to the NHL. No seasoning in juniors or the AHL.

I know 6628 had mentioned it in one of John's blogs a few back, Leddy is really a rare guy in his skating abilities. Hands down the best skater on the club and fastest. For a young guy with a lack of experience prior to being up at the NHL level, it is AMAZING to me he has been as successful as he's been. Can only imagine Hawks trying to do this with another young guy -- none of whom have Leddy's skating ability.

Well, I've said it before -- won't be surprised if he's gone. Disappointed? Yes. But only because I think he CAN blossom here and maybe Q's (and as mentioned, it was not only a Q decision but a Scotty decision too) limiting him in the finals was best for him. He had some opportunities, got some minutes. Would rather he taste the "good life" instead of have been burned and have all of Hawkdom come after him with pitchforks and torches!

Let's see if the Bowmans can figure out a way to keep him here -- because the club will only be stronger IF they don't have to bring up a Clendening or Johns or whomever. We've lived it. Not easy and won't be easy for any of those guys if they have to endure.
- savvyone-1

Agreed! Leddy is also Bowmans crown jewel. I think he is a big part of the future here but unfortunately his agent may price him off the team. It also would mean they rush(more than likely) Clendening up which also would be a mistake....

No one said a big team always beats a skilled team . . for example. There was (and is) a good deal more nuance to it. A skilled big team will always beat a skilled small team. That is the gist of what alot of people say.

And it's always been proven true.

But you (and Ace) turn that into the Hawks are a small team that won. No, that's not true. Taking Zdeno Chara out of the equation, the Hawks are basically the same size as the Bruins. Why did they win? When they started to play bigger.

Hockey is, was and always has been a physical game. I will freely admit, I underestimated how tough this team could be. But if you or "Ace" or anyone else thinks they won purely by skill—that they didn't win in large part because they got physical—I don't know what you were watching.

And I really don't know what your point is or why you feel redeemed or in a position to gloat.

What was proven in these playoffs is the NHL is a man's sport—and when a skilled team plays like men, they win.

I didn't read your whole post—really didn't feel like I needed to. The Hawks won because this front office and this coaching staff made some great moves. And no one is disputing that. Does it mean you and others were right to say they shouldn't have made trades? No, it doesn't mean that. They got Iginla, maybe they beat Boston in 5. There's no way to know!

It really "proves" very little about your "philosophy" or anyone else's. So, lighten up.
- John Jaeckel

I don't disagree with anything you just said there. As hard to believe as it is, we usually agree on most things. Where we disagree however, is I feel you and most posters here, base their opinions far too much on results.

The tone of these blogs often mirror the outcome of last nights result. If we win a few games in a row, we are the best team in hockey. No one can match our speed and depth etc etc. If we lose three games in a row, this team is too small, not big enough, and changes need to be made etc etc. I am exaggerating a bit, of course. Just making a point.

You know if we had lost this series, these last couple of blogs would have been very different. Everyone would be talking about the front office not identifying glaring weaknesses in the team. We would have been talking about shipping out some major pieces of the team in order to get bigger and more physical. Bowman would need to be fired. Q would need to be fired. etc etc

Look at the tone of the blog after game 3 of this series. You, like many others, had this series going 7. After what was written when they went down 2-1 you would have thought they were down 0-3 and got blown out in each game.
Look at your praise for the front office now. As you just said, "they won because the front office made great moves." You have to be humble enough to admit you haven't exactly been preaching that sentiment the past year or so. As recently as game 3 you were talking about jobs being on the line. If we would have lost I would think you would be reiterating that point, but we won, so here comes the praise.

I will also be the first to say I am in the minority here in this way of thinking. I know most fans want to live and die by the outcome because "results are the only thing that matter." I just don't look at it that way.

The 2010 team..the team that we all feel may be the best team to win the cup since the lockout...was about 13 seconds away from probably getting knocked out in the first rd by Nashville. A few seconds away from the best team in hockey the past few years, being knocked out in the 1st rd. Imagine if Kane didnt tie that game 5 up and we went back to Nashville down 3-2 and lost. What would we all be saying about that team afterward? A first rd knockout would have had you, and most fans, screaming for changes and pointing out a hundred ways to make that team better. Same team. Two different results. Would have yielded two very different opinions.

Same principle applies in poker. Any good card player knows to never base their play on the result of the hand. You can go all in with 7-2 and hit quad 7s, doesn't mean it was the right play.

I just find many people are basing their opinions of players and front office too much on result and not enough on the process. There's a reason why the best organization in sports (red wings, patriots etc) are successful year in and year out. They don't deviate from the plan based on an underachieving season or a few bad bounces that resulted in a series loss.

Having to replace both 5th and 6th d-men in one off-season, when they're a combo of veteran skill/smarts and abundance of youthful talent, not easy. Hopefully they can keep at least one of those guys.
- Hemingways

If Leddy isn't with the team, it's likely due to money. If he's gone, then perhaps they are able to retain Rozsival?

He really hasn't been 100%, though, in any season during this contract. I don't think you can bank on Bolland being a 100% healthy player during his career. And I'm not sure he is worth $3+ M in a less than perfect state.
- QStache

If effective for 15-18 mins a night yes otherwsise no.

$3 mill isn't heavy load for a vg 3rd line center that can shut down the opponents top line...And certainly isn't much to spend on a 2nd liner.

But like I said Bolland was the only player of the untouchable 7 that I heard was being shopped since the summer of 2010....And that is significant.

Audio of SiriusXM interview with Boomer Gordon: Cup Final and Hawks Season Review - FOX 32 Chicago http://bit.ly/12nfsDH