Nurse with Edmonton's pick. Have not heard this specifically, but would have to think Leddy would be going the other way.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks JJ.

I disagree.

Danault is probably good enough defensively to slot there. McNeill could probably slot there as well.

As to one of them being ready to slot there at the start of next season, maybe Danault has some sort of shot to end up there. It's probably unlikely at this point.
- EKolb13

Fair enough and I certainly defer to you on that one. I could see Smith slotting in on the third line, maybe 4th if you wanted to move Frolik up. Biggest question I see at this point is a No. 2 center and a PP QB.

What's the dirt on Jones ?
- philco28

Possible attitude issues came up with some scouts when he refused to scrimmage at the combine - said he had played enough or something. He was also seriously outplayed in the playoffs. Saw it at the Fourth Period - no link to a legit source only rumor. Other real observations that he has gained fat not muscle quickly since the season ended. Looked overweight in those HNC interviews. If your not working out now and trying to grab that 1 spot will you ever be serious enough?

The off season starts today and here is what I really think they are gonna do:

Everyone here sees the logivcal subtractions in a buyout of Montador (not a huge relief) and tarding Bolland or Brookbank...
but tell me this: which team out there is not Cap strapped and willing to take on that Bolland contract (with in itself implies a owner who wants spend spend spend and not belt tighten) a BIG chuck for a guy who has a history of health issues, despite two Cups including one he was the determining factor in.

JUST THINK THINK THING everyone!
Teams do want to remake, but they are now looking to DUMP theirs too, so I don't see as many suitors as the rest of you.

Let's hope Stan Bowman has a verbal agreement with Bickell worked out from before the playoffs, because as much as I am sure they like his "new upside", IF ANY TEAM signs him for a LARGE SUM, they will end up disappointed unless he actually becomes a top line player game in and out, and the entire year doesn't really indicate a transformation in Bickell just an upward swing....

I just think that the hawks are smart enough to not get emotional on his next contract.
He can go out and move on and be financially well set....or stay for less, which may be unrealistic for all of us to think...

If Bickell wants to look out for his family, they will let him WALK.

I truly have trouble understanding that Leddy's agent is so stupid that he doesn't understand the market...and that with the Cap shrinkages, almost EVERY team isn't gonna go out and play RFA ridiculous offer.
Teams right now are SCRAMBLING to find relief by sending veterans (good players!) under contract new homes....not securing future potential puck carriers.

To make more space for Leddy & Kruger signings they will try and find room elsewhere before they start looking to get Bickell's name on paper.

The RFAs will be done quickly, watch.

The will have Ben Smith Pirri, Morin, and Hayes carousel into the openings that are made with Leblanc as a future pivot, Danault asa future defensive wing and McNeill as the eventual Bickell type replacement (who will also add the secondary face-off aspectala Bruins lines...)

They will use that second buyout on hossa NEXT June, watch.
It won't be about anything but business.


I am betting THIS is the path, and although I am not really a gambler, I would bet I am on down the right road of what they are planning...

So no tears if Bickell is gone ok?

(I have been defending his upside for three seasons, and still like every aspect of his game inside of his true abilities...)
- wiz1901

Two things with Bickell. He wants to stay in Chicago. Will not take a true "sweetheart" deal, but all things considered, the Hawks will be fortunate when he re-ups at around $13-14 million over 4 years. Something like that.

Viktor Stalberg is as good as gone.

The Hawks do not "want" to trade Leddy or Bolland, but the money to sign Bickell, Kruger and others will have to come from somewhere.

I would not be terribly surprised if the Hawks save a CBO and use it on Hossa next summer.

Definitely....If he Kruger,Shaw and Frolik can continue to improve it will obviously make this team even stronger than it already is...And to be honest with you, I can also see improvements from Bickell and Hammer as well..I think Keith Seabs and Oduya have maxed themselves, what you see is what you get from them the next 5 years or so...but hey, maybe I'm wrong, Chara is what, 36 and he is still a VERY VERY good Dman, despite this last playoff series
- captainserious

Kruger and Shaw have room to grow. Not so sure about Frolik. I think he just needed to find his role and he did. Keith, Seabs and Oduya just need to maintain playing at a high level. They can play for a while but I don't see them improving. Kane and Toews may get a little better

Fair enough and I certainly defer to you on that one. I could see Smith slotting in on the third line, maybe 4th if you wanted to move Frolik up. Biggest question I see at this point is a No. 2 center and a PP QB.
- QStache

I agree with you on Smith. He should be penciled in as a 3rd or 4th line wing for next season.

Just heard from a very good source: fasten your seatbelts. The Hawks are trying to move up high in the draft. That could definitely factor in to the Leddy and/or Bolland situations.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, Have you heard about them possibly moving Frolik?

Possible attitude issues came up with some scouts when he refused to scrimmage at the combine - said he had played enough or something. He was also seriously outplayed in the playoffs. Saw it at the Fourth Period - no link to a legit source only rumor. Other real observations that he has gained fat not muscle quickly since the season ended. Looked overweight in those HNC interviews. If your not working out now and trying to grab that 1 spot will you ever be serious enough?
- tredbrta

The guy to ask about Jones would be Beaver-Warrior. He watches a lot of P-Hawks games.

I would not be terribly surprised if the Hawks save a CBO and use it on Hossa next summer.
- John Jaeckel

It would be the smart move. If the Hawks win another Cup next year, what would really be the draw for Hossa to stick around. Plus if the Hawks can manage to land a kid like Drouin (probably a huge and useless hypothetical), they'd have the inhouse offense to replace Hossa.

JJ, Have you heard about them possibly moving Frolik?
- UnnamedSource

Only that Tallon wants him. That's it. 30 GMs want Toews, doesn't mean he's getting moved.

Hawks also talking to Edmonton.
- John Jaeckel

Oh god not Edmonton. Those guys simply ask for too much unless it's a bare bones trade.

I think there is a match there, but the Oilers haven't been easy to work with lately. Maybe their continued suck-ta-tude will loosen up their grip.

Ditto on Seth Jones...heard his work ethic is questionable. No doubt he's a huge talent, but if he isn't gonna play like a champion then he's never gonna see the ice in Chicago. Then again, if he could be motivated and mature the Hawks could have an absolute beast on their hands.

Possible attitude issues came up with some scouts when he refused to scrimmage at the combine - said he had played enough or something. He was also seriously outplayed in the playoffs. Saw it at the Fourth Period - no link to a legit source only rumor. Other real observations that he has gained fat not muscle quickly since the season ended. Looked overweight in those HNC interviews. If your not working out now and trying to grab that 1 spot will you ever be serious enough?
- tredbrta

Plus, D-men drafted that high seem to have a higher potential to be total busts. I have no numbers to back that up, but it sure seems that way.

I agree with you on Smith. He should be penciled in as a 3rd or 4th line wing for next season.
- EKolb13

Definitely, Smith is NHL ready and deserve a slot. He plays a cerebral game, works hard, and is pretty strong. I see him starting on the 4th line and possibly moving up from there.

I'm looking to flip Pirri since he is beneath McNeil and DeNault. I could also see the Hawks giving guys like Morin and Beach a look on the 4th line, especially if Bollig leaves.

I don't think Frolik gets moved unless it's in a packaged deal with mutlitple players going each way.

Two things with Bickell. He wants to stay in Chicago. Will not take a true "sweetheart" deal, but all things considered, the Hawks will be fortunate when he re-ups at around $13-14 million over 4 years. Something like that.

Viktor Stalberg is as good as gone.

The Hawks do not "want" to trade Leddy or Bolland, but the money to sign Bickell, Kruger and others will have to come from somewhere.

I would not be terribly surprised if the Hawks save a CBO and use it on Hossa next summer.
- John Jaeckel

Good stuff JJ.

Re: Hossa. I was thinking that too that if the Hawks use ONLY ONE of their CBOs that means next Summer Hossa could be the next.

I assume this happens after Marian thinks it over and decides to come back for another season.

However, what if Marian Hossa retires NOW, how would that impact things (other than our team losing a world class player)?

Definitely, Smith is NHL ready and deserve a slot. He plays a cerebral game, works hard, and is pretty strong. I see him starting on the 4th line and possibly moving up from there.

I'm looking to flip Pirri since he is beneath McNeil and DeNault. I could also see the Hawks giving guys like Morin and Beach a look on the 4th line, especially if Bollig leaves.

I don't think Frolik gets moved unless it's in a packaged deal with mutlitple players going each way.
- Bjm84

Beach is gone. No way the Hawks are tendering him a contract.

Plus, D-men drafted that high seem to have a higher potential to be total busts. I have no numbers to back that up, but it sure seems that way.
- Ogilthorpe2

Bullcrap.

Sincerely,
Cam Barker

I find it hilarious those folks that are writing (here) that they've read that Seth Jones has "questionable work ethic".

You're probably reading one or two scouts reports online. This (probably) came from some sort of combine where he didn't want to work out for someone for a particular situation.

Seems to me Barkov who is touted for the 6th pick and Carolina would be our best move up in the draft because he would suit the second line Center spot and he is big,
skilled and ready.

Carolina are Center heavy.

Should be a fun few days

Could Teravainen be a replacement for Hossa if he decides to play for a year or two more then retire?

JJ or anyone from the gallery, correct me if I am wrong, but the Hawks can not simply make a qualifying offer for Leddy and then trade him later right? I mean if they qualify him and he gets an offer sheet, you are left to either match or let him go?

Hence why you have to trade him on the front end to assure you get something back?

Watch the Hawks and FL.

Might not involve Hawks obtaining their pick, but lots of conversation going on, two very well-suited trading partners.

FL interested in Bolland, Leddy, Frolik, Teravainen.

Hawks in love with Jones, Drouin and Darnell Nurse (you heard it hear first).

FL may have other assets that can help the Hawks.
- John Jaeckel

Florida interested in Frolik? Weird, pretty sure they had given up on that guy when they shipped him to us for Skille. Turns out that was an excellent deal for Chicago. Everyone else you mentioned should be shopped, but keep Fro

I find it hilarious those folks that are writing (here) that they've read that Seth Jones has "questionable work ethic".

You're probably reading one or two scouts reports online. This (probably) came from some sort of combine where he didn't want to work out for someone for a particular situation.
- CaptainBlackhawk

Supposedly it's the reason Colorado is likely passing on him.

I'm very wary of Seth Jones. I would be hesitant to ship significant assets to get him.
- Ogilthorpe2

Cam Barker 2.0?

Supposedly it's the reason Colorado is likely passing on him.
- Ogilthorpe2

I've heard this to, from more than 1 place. I guess if you're drafting that high and there is someone else just as good and they have fewer ?s then that's the guy you go with.

Still, EVEN IF that's the case I am not sure why Roy would have advertised it.

Good stuff JJ.

Re: Hossa. I was thinking that too that if the Hawks use ONLY ONE of their CBOs that means next Summer Hossa could be the next.

I assume this happens after Marian thinks it over and decides to come back for another season.

However, what is Marian Hossa retires NOW, how would that impact things (other than our team losing a world class player)?
- kwolf68

Why would any player like Hossa in his right mind just retire with years left on his contract at big money? He knows he could be bought out because of CBA rules or could just go on LTIR if he physically can't perform.

If anything Hossa would tell the Hawks he doesn't want to play anymore and they would say fine we will buy you out so we don't get killed with the cap hit rules.