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Think he's got one more year left...not sure how he'd hold up over a full season, but if spotted well, i'd vote to keep him on the island one more season.
- philco28

That's not a bad scenario...provides an opportunity to work in/develop a Hog or two by platooning them w/ Rozy and having him relatively fresh for the playoffs.

I would argue that Bickell was the MVP of this team in the playoffs. Forget about points. His style allowed Kane and Toews to get unhooked. Without someone like him on this roster... Look no further than the past 2 years in the playoffs. Kane and Toews are put in the best spot to produce when we have a power forward on their line. When they score.... We are tough to beat. We have no replacement for Bickell in the system. Leddy is our 5th d at best for he near future.

I like Leddy alot. But for terms of how this roster is set up... Bickell is more important to me. As long as Q leaves him alone
- ilinkhawk

Agree with this. Don't know a lot about McNeil but he's not as big as Bick. Hard to find that combo size/skill.

Maybe if Jimmy Hayes filled out a bit and got stronger on his skates; right now I don't see him as that type of player but a few years ago I didn't see Bickell and Buff comparisons happening either.

Anyway, hoping they keep Bick...

Sooooooooooo

The #61and #91 picks to Winnipeg for Oduya.....

GreAt phucking job Stan

In this minute in time we all would say so
However would you have said that lastvFeb and next March ?
Nothing against Bickel but puck moving Dman in this league are rare and part of me thinks he has more upside than Seabrook and 3 million may look like a steal in two years
Takes time for Dman to mature
Case in point Hammer

Leddy is a young Brian Campbell
- PEIHawkFan

It's true....tough call...but Bicks has EARNED his raise. Not sure Leddy has earned the one his agent is likely seeking.

Agree with this. Don't know a lot about McNeil but he's not as big as Bick. Hard to find that combo size/skill.

Maybe if Jimmy Hayes filled out a bit and got stronger on his skates; right now I don't see him as that type of player but a few years ago I didn't see Bickell and Buff comparisons happening either.

Anyway, hoping they keep Bick...
- HawkintheD

Jimmy Hayes...ugh. I hope that kid improves, because he's pretty weak on his skates.

Should they not re-sign Bickell, there are some options out there. Pancakes likely won't be back in LA. Clowe is likely to hit Free Agency. Clarkson is expensive, but dude can pot 30 goals and is likely more consistent than Bicks.

That's not a bad scenario...provides an opportunity to work in/develop a Hog or two by platooning them w/ Rozy and having him relatively fresh for the playoffs.
- grinder10

Sounds like a plan Grinder

It's true....tough call...but Bicks has EARNED his raise. Not sure Leddy has earned the one his agent is likely seeking.
- philco28

And good on Bicks for earning that. Dude was making $541k the last 3 years. That's barely above league minimum. Hawks paid Fernando Pisani $550k. Ack...I had a difficult time writing that name.

I hope Bicks cashes in, but I don't know that he's anymore set for life if he signs a 4 year/12M deal, vs 5/15. He's still going to be a contributor when his deal is up.

Sounds like a plan Grinder

- philco28

Hey Phil, I was watching some CBC coverage of the post game festivities. Scott Oake asked Bolly about winning the cup. Figured you'd like his response....

"I think it's obvious, this is going back to The Blue Goose"

It's true....tough call...but Bicks has EARNED his raise. Not sure Leddy has earned the one his agent is likely seeking.
- philco28

Let me say this -- a lot of you guys here were really high on Olsen when he was brought up . . . "the next Seabrook" -- big, tough, hits, etc.

Problem was/is -- no matter how nasty he was/is, you gotta catch 'em before you can hit 'em. Very poor footwork and slow 1st step and acceleration. Very limited lateral mobility.

I will say this again like a broken record: Leddy is the best skater on this club AND fastest skater. It's not something you can be "taught" when you are already in the league. You can get (marginally speaking) better but you have to not only have the in-born athletic abilities, you also have had to be taught the right way at an early age. Muscle memory.

I have watched ALL of the Hawks close-up and Leddy's footwork, speed, lateral mobility are THE best on the club. He's got very good hockey instincts. Part of his problem on the club was, as Al referred to it, being on a leash. And much of the time this year and in the playoffs you could see it. You knew when he had been given the OK to do his thing. And when he didn't. When it was the latter, he was much more uncomfortable on the ice.

The comment earlier about defending before the blue-line is SPOT ON -- however, I think Nick did this only 2nd to Keith. He defended before our blueline much more than Seabrook or Oduya. I think his timidity on the ice stemmed from what he was being told/coached was OK or not.

Now whether he stays or not -- well, I hope he does. But not for crazy money. No way he's worth $4M next season. But in the 2nd season after, he could be a bargain. Hjalmarsson situation except now with a reduced cap.

Hoping Stan finds a way to keep him and Bicks.

Jimmy Hayes...ugh. I hope that kid improves, because he's pretty weak on his skates.

Should they not re-sign Bickell, there are some options out there. Pancakes likely won't be back in LA. Clowe is likely to hit Free Agency. Clarkson is expensive, but dude can pot 30 goals and is likely more consistent than Bicks.
- eburgio

Yeah Clarkson is the best of that bunch; not sure what happened to Clowe this year. Penner shows up in the playoffs usually when a contract is in the balance but he looked more like Jimmy Hayes in this year's playoffs. FWIW not real high on Hayes either but similar big body to Bick; what I see now is a big guy who doesn't hit much and is pretty weak in the corners. Can he improve? Sure. Will he? Anybody's guess.

Was really happy with Bickell's performance the whole year (not just PO's). Thought he was great on the 3rd line and is a guy that can apparently slide up and down any of the top 3 lines. Again; hope they can find a way to sign him and Eli's greatest fear isn't realized and Bick turns into Pancakes...

It's true....tough call...but Bicks has EARNED his raise. Not sure Leddy has earned the one his agent is likely seeking.
- philco28

I'll agree, Bickell has earned a raise. As to how much of a raise, that's debatable. I certainly don't think he's worth more than $2.5 million per season.

He'll end up getting more than that, I know. I'm just concerned that after Bickell gets his big pay day, he reverts to the Bickell of old, and essentially becomes another Dustin Penner. And a poor man's version of Penner to boot.

I'll agree, Bickell has earned a raise. As to how much of a raise, that's debatable. I certainly don't think he's worth more than $2.5 million per season.

He'll end up getting more than that, I know. I'm just concerned that after Bickell gets his big pay day, he reverts to the Bickell of old, and essentially becomes another Dustin Penner. And a poor man's version of Penner to boot.
- EKolb13

That's always a concern. But I think Bickell will get $14 million over 4 years.

Yeah Clarkson is the best of that bunch; not sure what happened to Clowe this year. Penner shows up in the playoffs usually when a contract is in the balance but he looked more like Jimmy Hayes in this year's playoffs. FWIW not real high on Hayes either but similar big body to Bick; what I see now is a big guy who doesn't hit much and is pretty weak in the corners. Can he improve? Sure. Will he? Anybody's guess.

Was really happy with Bickell's performance the whole year (not just PO's). Thought he was great on the 3rd line and is a guy that can apparently slide up and down any of the top 3 lines. Again; hope they can find a way to sign him and Eli's greatest fear isn't realized and Bick turns into Pancakes...
- HawkintheD

Clowe didn't workout in the offseason. Came out real strong about guys taking other people's jobs overseas and decided to stay local. Ended up coaching the ECHL SF Bulls (Sharks affiliate) and was practicing with them. Came to camp out of shape and then was fighting injuries.

His stock has been dropping the last couple of years. No way that dude gets over the $3M+ he was making on his last deal.

This sounds familiar....

"One of his biggest attributes is his hockey sense, he reads and understands the game at a level higher then most players his age,” said International Scouting Services. “He has the ability to beat a defenseman one-on- one and make them look like they were standing still. It looks like at times that the puck is attached to his stick with a string because he can move in any directions with the puck and not lose speed. He possesses an elite shot. He can create plays off his vision and creativity which gives him dangerous options”

When you watch some of the highlights of Drouin, you are stunned that he can move that quickly, has hands that good, and doesn't lose the puck. But then you are even more impressed that the moves are not made with the thought of shooting the puck, they are made with the thought of passing the puck. While it’s one thing to pull off those moves with your eyes fixed on the net, it’s quite another to do it and still be able to see your teammate and the defenders around him
- ilinkhawk

Reminds me a lot of . . . Peter Forsberg.

I'll agree, Bickell has earned a raise. As to how much of a raise, that's debatable. I certainly don't think he's worth more than $2.5 million per season.

He'll end up getting more than that, I know. I'm just concerned that after Bickell gets his big pay day, he reverts to the Bickell of old, and essentially becomes another Dustin Penner. And a poor man's version of Penner to boot.
- EKolb13

Hey Eli!

Referenced you and your concern in my post above yours. Totally get that but I think Bick did two things this year that made him better; 1) found a way to maintain consistency and 2) and realized goals and bunches of them can be scored when you go to the net.

Not saying he forgets all this when he gets his $$$ but hoping it's more a result of him growing as a player.

That's always a concern. But I think Bickell will get $14 million over 4 years.
- DarthKane

Yeah, I think you're right at this point. If Bickell gets that kind of money, he better earn every phucking red cent of it. If he doesn't, folks in Chicago will be out to lynch him.

Me like Rosy alot but not sure how much he has left in that body. But he was a real difference maker for them in the playoffs.

Wonder if Scotty asked #32 for an honest assessment on what he thought of Leddy as a player what he would say.
- RickJ

With all due respect, Rick, I don't think Scotty needs to ask Rozsival.

With all due respect, Rick, I don't think Scotty needs to ask Rozsival.
- John Jaeckel

Rozy 1 cup

Scotty what 13 cups now ? Lol

Hey Phil, I was watching some CBC coverage of the post game festivities. Scott Oake asked Bolly about winning the cup. Figured you'd like his response....

"I think it's obvious, this is going back to The Blue Goose"
- eburgio

I did see/hear that


The place sits just off the GO (rapid train route) stop at Mimico in Bolly's home hood. Legendary local tavern. Couple pics including Bolly's day there last time.

With all due respect, Rick, I don't think Scotty needs to ask Rozsival.
- John Jaeckel

What do you think about yost's article?

Let me say this -- a lot of you guys here were really high on Olsen when he was brought up . . . "the next Seabrook" -- big, tough, hits, etc.

Problem was/is -- no matter how nasty he was/is, you gotta catch 'em before you can hit 'em. Very poor footwork and slow 1st step and acceleration. Very limited lateral mobility.

I will say this again like a broken record: Leddy is the best skater on this club AND fastest skater. It's not something you can be "taught" when you are already in the league. You can get (marginally speaking) better but you have to not only have the in-born athletic abilities, you also have had to be taught the right way at an early age. Muscle memory.

I have watched ALL of the Hawks close-up and Leddy's footwork, speed, lateral mobility are THE best on the club. He's got very good hockey instincts. Part of his problem on the club was, as Al referred to it, being on a leash. And much of the time this year and in the playoffs you could see it. You knew when he had been given the OK to do his thing. And when he didn't. When it was the latter, he was much more uncomfortable on the ice.

The comment earlier about defending before the blue-line is SPOT ON -- however, I think Nick did this only 2nd to Keith. He defended before our blueline much more than Seabrook or Oduya. I think his timidity on the ice stemmed from what he was being told/coached was OK or not.

Now whether he stays or not -- well, I hope he does. But not for crazy money. No way he's worth $4M next season. But in the 2nd season after, he could be a bargain. Hjalmarsson situation except now with a reduced cap.

Hoping Stan finds a way to keep him and Bicks.
- savvyone-1

I don't want to lose either really...and hope both their agents are reasonable. Bicks needs to work on his night in/out consistency. And Leddy needs to get in the weight room and get some snarl in his game below the dots in his own zone.

Rozy 1 cup

Scotty what 13 cups now ? Lol
- mrpaulish

Although I do get Rick's point.

Personally, I'm on the fence about Leddy.

If he ever put it all together, he would be tremendous. But I also wonder if he has what it takes mentally. There are rumors out there he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

He got better this year, but the way Q (didn't) use him in the Finals spoke volumes.

I respect the hell out of Q for holding his ground on playing youngsters. And as I understand it, his having he right to tell Stanley to take a flying leap on that issue was a condition of his sticking around last summer.

I'll agree, Bickell has earned a raise. As to how much of a raise, that's debatable. I certainly don't think he's worth more than $2.5 million per season.

He'll end up getting more than that, I know. I'm just concerned that after Bickell gets his big pay day, he reverts to the Bickell of old, and essentially becomes another Dustin Penner. And a poor man's version of Penner to boot.
- EKolb13

EK....I appreciate and share your concerns about Bicks, but he's got more balls and heart than IHOP will ever dream of having.

I think the question is ...Leddy was traded for in the 2010 season to help us win the 2013 cup who will be traded for to help us win the 2015 cup ?