John Jaeckel: UFA Morning Update

First!

I'm with you. I don't expect much from the hawks today if at all. If they are it'll be for maybe a veteran goalie or something like that.

Looks lke the Scum are giong to be loading up. Good thing they are East now

As I've reported here already and was confirmed for me this morning. the Hawks are definitely looking for veterans who either come to them or fall through the cracks in a buyer's market.
- John Jaeckel

Smart move. Not a lot of money available for UFAs this year. There could be some decent quality players available after the initial rush that will have to take lower dollar, shorter term deals.

Really would like to be proactive over reactive for the help at the faceoff dot (i.e. Gordon/Hendricks type). Those guys seem to be snapped up quick. If Emery leaves I wonder if they look at Ellis, Bachman, or Mason.

I like Larose. Saw a lot of him when I was stationned in NC. Not a fan of what Jones brings. Hawks need center depth. Really wish they would focus more on that. Like Eli, also would not mind Zues back in a 4th line role for a mil or less

I'm with you. I don't expect much from the hawks today if at all. If they are it'll be for maybe a veteran goalie or something like that.
- Hawksfan512

If the Hawks do anything, they will probably be in on a veteran back-up goalie, a 3rd pairing defenseman and a 4th line center that can do well at the dot.

Like Eli, also would not mind Zues back in a 4th line role for a mil or less
- ikeane

Larose is another small guy.....why?

9th. FinAlly got it. Took a while but did it.

I would like to thank the academy.......

Based on the players JJ mentionned, I am wondering if the Hawks FO feels Smith can play center for them, or the #2 center spot is Pirri's to lose. I think Larose is the perfect multipurpose player.

Gut feeling says that Bouchard gets passed over and Hawks look at him in a few days to audition for #2 center role. Who knows, may spark the PP.

Really hope Hawks get some faceoff help. Kruger and Shaw are not strong performers at the dot. Really leaning more towards Boyd Gordon who could bounce from #4 to #3 center as needed and is a strong faceoff guy

Larose is another small guy.....why?
- dpard

High motor, plays BIG

Larose is another small guy.....why?
- dpard

Small guy, tenacious, plays big, 2 way 3rd liner, some offensive skill. Would not mind him on the Hawks having watched him in Carolina a lot for 3 years

Smart move. Not a lot of money available for UFAs this year. There could be some decent quality players available after the initial rush that will have to take lower dollar, shorter term deals.
- Chinaski

This. Here's to hoping every GM spends like a mo fo.

High motor, plays BIG
- John Jaeckel

Fair enough....not that familiar with him

High motor, plays BIG
- John Jaeckel

What he said

High motor, plays BIG
- John Jaeckel

Shaw like player?

If the Hawks do anything, they will probably be in on a veteran back-up goalie, a 3rd pairing defenseman and a 4th line center that can do well at the dot.
- EKolb13

vet backup: Ellis/Mason

3rd pairing dman: Fistric/White

4th line center than can win faceoffs: Hendricks/Gordon

I would take one each from any of these pairings

Shaw like player?
- Dannyboy

Not as nasty. Not an agitator, more a 3rd line 2 way player that flies around and is effective, but can still pot the occassional goal. $1.7 cap hit last 2 years per capgeek. Might be this year's Frolik

vet backup: Ellis/Mason

3rd pairing dman: Fistric/White

4th line center than can win faceoffs: Hendricks/Gordon

I would take one each from any of these pairings
- ikeane

I was thinking Jose Theodore, Roszival and Handzus (the latter two coming back on the cheap). Wishful thinking on Roszival and Handzus. We'll see what happens.

High motor, plays BIG
- John Jaeckel

BINGO!

He's a American version of Frolik.

Would be a smart pick up!

Not as nasty. Not an agitator, more a 3rd line 2 way player that flies around and is effective, but can still pot the occassional goal. $1.7 cap hit last 2 years per capgeek. Might be this year's Frolik
- ikeane

Bingo

I was thinking Jose Theodore, Roszival and Handzus (the latter two coming back on the cheap). Wishful thinking on Roszival and Handzus. We'll see what happens.
- EKolb13

I am thinking their postseason success may price them out of Stan's price range.
Not sure if Theodore has anything left in the tank, but for a 1 year deal I would not mind finding out. Canes blogger says Zues may command $2 mil a year. Isnt that why Frolik was sent packing? save money on 4th line players? Unless Stan sees Zues as a 4th liner who can play in the #2 slot if Pirri falters

Another good faceoff 4th liner I would consider: Maxim Lapierre

I was thinking Jose Theodore, Roszival and Handzus (the latter two coming back on the cheap). Wishful thinking on Roszival and Handzus. We'll see what happens.
- EKolb13

I was thinking Theodore too...no clue what he has left.

If rosi doesn't come back, is Lydman an option?

I was thinking Jose Theodore, Roszival and Handzus (the latter two coming back on the cheap). Wishful thinking on Roszival and Handzus. We'll see what happens.
- EKolb13

Eli - mentioned on the last thread that Theodore does have a connection with Q. If both had their ways, a deal could be figured out between both parties. Then again, maybe the Hawks are banking on Raanta as the backup last year and letting their young guys play in Rockford.

Thoughts on a Carruth/Simpson tandem next year?