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I will personally miss Stalberg but I understand why he will be a rich kid soon.

My knowledge of the league is limited but it seems to me we still need a second line center.

Ribirero would be perfect but likely too expensive
Are Hendricks or Weiss possibles or is it more likely we fill the position from Rockford?
- PEIHawkFan

I was hoping Vinney would land in Montreal and make Plekanec available.

Reasonable line up but I think we go to the Rockford class before Carcillo
I really think that ship has sailed.
- PEIHawkFan

Did not included Carcillo in my proposed lineup

Would expect announcements on Emery and Leddy soon. A bargain-basement vet signing or two in UFA. Viktor Stalberg will become a wealthy man in another city.
- John Jaeckel

Can we assume there won't be a problem with Kruger?

Reasonable line up but I think we go to the Rockford class before Carcillo
I really think that ship has sailed.
- PEIHawkFan

While I don't think it will happen right away, I agree that I don't see Carcillo starting the year in a Hawks uniform especially if you believe SB's talk of getting some of the kids up here to play. Hawks are probably trying to trade him but if there are no takers they can probably waive him and some team will pick him up. Personally I think Carcillo has to go to a team that will let him play like Dan Carcillo (pre-Hawks).

First off, I love the reported Emery contract. He is still young and probably understands his limitations and therfore will sign a low cap deal. Many here, including myself, thought he would pursue a starting gig. Fact is, he is good enough but limited at times by the hip. Great news for the Hawks! He stays and provides leadership and effective play between the pipes for under $2M.

I would love Hendricks or Gordon for the fourth line (pass on Jones) and wanted the, at the trade deadline, but part of me still is holding out hope for Briere. It likely won't happen, but a boy can dream, can't he?

Edit: can I add a few more commas?

While I don't think it will happen right away, I agree that I don't see Carcillo starting the year in a Hawks uniform especially if you believe SB's talk of getting some of the kids up here to play. Hawks are probably trying to trade him but if there are no takers they can probably waive him and some team will pick him up. Personally I think Carcillo has to go to a team that will let him play like Dan Carcillo (pre-Hawks).
- dan9189

Just hope that team is not in the Western conference (i.e. the Flames)

Would expect announcements on Emery and Leddy soon. A bargain-basement vet signing or two in UFA. Viktor Stalberg will become a wealthy man in another city.
- John Jaeckel

All in all, I'm very pleased with what this team has done (and are expected to do per reports) this off-season.

Despite the love for Frolik and Bolland, I thought those trades were brilliant. Ship out two bottom-sixers, acquire five draft picks, save $5MM of cap space. Wins all around.

Re-signing Bickell was a must, even if it was expensive. Risky in a sense that we're not sure if we'll get playoff Bickell or regular season Bickell (my guess is flashes of both) - but with a team that lacks size and physicality, Bickell's skill-set is non-existent anywhere else in the organization. And if the cap really does rise at the levels they're talking about after this season (and like Ray Shero is praying will happen), I don't think we look back on this deal as a bad one.

The real surprise for me was all the talk that Emery is coming back. This is huge for a number of reasons. In the immediate future, it gives the Hawks a solid back-up option. It also lets Antti Raanta see a lot ice night in and night out in Rockford, and lets him just to North American ice (and North American life in general). It also gives the Hawks some options in goal should Crawford demand elite goalie money a year from now. Raanta is restricted, and Emery will (likely) have two years remaining on his contract. Having options in net is a beautiful thing.

The assumed re-signs of Leddy and Kruger are also big, for obvious reasons.


I'm also a fan of the timeline they've given to their prospects (I suppose Saad and Leddy aside, but those have both worked out for the most part). Provided they add another lower-line vet, there will be one, maybe two spots available for kids like Smith, Morin, Hayes, and Pirri. Letting these guys over-cook in the minors, and now providing them the opportunity to earn a spot is the absolute right way to approach this. We're going to see the best of what they have to offer night in and night out. If we don't, someone else will take their spot. This competition is actually one of the things that I'm most excited for this season, as much as we've talked about these kids over the past 3-4 seasons.

A very good, savvy off-season thus far by the front office. If the team drags next year, I'm sure we will all feel differently. But for the here and now, they appear to be doing the right things.

Would expect announcements on Emery and Leddy soon. A bargain-basement vet signing or two in UFA. Viktor Stalberg will become a wealthy man in another city.
- John Jaeckel

Pretty much in line with my expectations. Rozy is 50-50 to return depending on cost. And a cheap free agent or two for the lower lines.

I have a gut feeling that Leddy was benched during the finals in part to keep his value down. Or is that too conspiratorial?

I have a gut feeling that Leddy was benched during the finals in part to keep his value down. Or is that too conspiratorial?
- sgt1480

Wondered the same thing, similar to Bicks not getting a lot of PP time in the finals

I have a gut feeling that Leddy was benched during the finals in part to keep his value down. Or is that too conspiratorial?
- sgt1480

Stanley Cup finals. He was benched because the coaching staff viewed him as a liability in the context of the game.

When you're within reach apex of the sport, you don't play politics with contracts. You make decisions to win.

I think the thought crossed all our minds, but it's ludicrous to think that this is the reality of the situation.

I have a gut feeling that Leddy was benched during the finals in part to keep his value down. Or is that too conspiratorial?
- sgt1480

Not with the Wirtzs'.

RFA QO deadline was yesterday. Anyone aware of who was/was not given one yet?

Stanley Cup finals. He was benched because the coaching staff viewed him as a liability in the context of the game.

When you're within reach apex of the sport, you don't play politics with contracts. You make decisions to win.

I think the thought crossed all our minds, but it's ludicrous to think that this is the reality of the situation.
- FredoXV

In that vein why dress him at all? You handicap your D by double shifting. In hind sight, it worked but had it gone to game 7, Leddy 8-9 minutes or Brookbank at 14 minutes. Either scenario would have gotten me beyond the point of anxiety.

I have a gut feeling that Leddy was benched during the finals in part to keep his value down. Or is that too conspiratorial?
- sgt1480

Lol

If they would have played him more his vale would have really tanked !!

First off, I love the reported Emery contract. He is still young and probably understands his limitations and therfore will sign a low cap deal. Many here, including myself, thought he would pursue a starting gig. Fact is, he is good enough but limited at times by the hip. Great news for the Hawks! He stays and provides leadership and effective play between the pipes for under $2M.

I would love Hendricks or Gordon for the fourth line (pass on Jones) and wanted the, at the trade deadline, but part of me still is holding out hope for Briere. It likely won't happen, but a boy can dream, can't he?

Edit: can I add a few more commas?
- Kentxo

Emery deal surprised, but a smart move...I recall all of the Salak chatter last time and Emery was a great fit. I don't think Ranta will be ready and need some seasoning in the AHL. You can always deal Ray after next season...with a favorable contract.

And yeah I'm dreamin' as well I'd love to see Briere between Sharpie and Hossa.
Wonder what it would take to get him here...?

Stanley Cup finals. He was benched because the coaching staff viewed him as a liability in the context of the game.

When you're within reach apex of the sport, you don't play politics with contracts. You make decisions to win.

I think the thought crossed all our minds, but it's ludicrous to think that this is the reality of the situation.
- FredoXV

This.

U
I will personally miss Stalberg but I understand why he will be a rich kid soon.

My knowledge of the league is limited but it seems to me we still need a second line center.

Ribirero would be perfect but likely too expensive
Are Hendricks or Weiss possibles or is it more likely we fill the position from Rockford?
- PEIHawkFan

There is a much better chance that Stanbow signs you or me than Ribeiro, who is looking for a 5 year deal. No thanks with that guy.

Other than maybe one outside UFA that is willing to play cheap to wear the Blackhawk sweater for a year or 2 max, don't look for much in the way of high profile names. The team is going to fill from within with youth for the most part.

Emery deal surprised, but a smart move...I recall all of the Salak chatter last time and Emery was a great fit. I don't think Ranta will be ready and need some seasoning in the AHL. You can always deal Ray after next season...with a favorable contract.

And yeah I'm dreamin' as well I'd love to see Briere between Sharpie and Hossa.
Wonder what it would take to get him here...?
- DK002

I think Briere could be convinced to center two of the best all-around wingers in the game while defending the Cup for $3.5M. Just a guess. Even so, Hawks don't have it to offer.

EK says Chicago is stil a possibility for Briere so you can count us OUT!

I think Briere could be convinced to center two of the best all-around wingers in the game while defending the Cup for $3.5M. Just a guess. Even so, Hawks don't have it to offer.
- Kentxo

I have a feeling the Hawks are going to be in on Briere. I don't necessarily think it will be the right move and I have NO idea how the cap situation would work out. And he's not REALLY a centerman anymore. We'll see

Would you rather have Roszival and Hendricks or Briere?

EK says Chicago is stil a possibility for Briere so you can count us OUT!
- Kentxo

Consider the source.

Would you rather have Roszival and Hendricks or Briere?
- Kentxo

I'd rather have Rozsival and Hendricks, personally. I feel like both of those guys could slide into other spots in the lineup. Q likes the versality of those type of players.

Hendricks could play on the 3rd line in Stalberg's role if needed. Not AS fast, but fast enough

I'd rather have Rozsival and Hendricks, personally. I feel like both of those guys could slide into other spots in the lineup. Q likes the versality of those type of players.

Hendricks could play on the 3rd line in Stalberg's role if needed. Not AS fast, but fast enough
- eburgio

I am leaning towards your viewpoint but a real 2C makes Hoss and Sharp even better.