Very well put JJ.

CC is a good, not great goaltender. The contract just signed is both too long and too much for one with his skill set, especially when there are lower priced options that are just as talented, or more so, than CC.

The most obvious option currently toils in Ottawa and can be had for the next 2 years at $3.125 per year.
- scottak

If it were me, that's where I would have gone. Sure, Crawford has some chemistry in the Hawks' room and Anderson is a bit more injury prone and two years older. But if I want a goalie to put the team on his backand truly win me a big game (as opposed to "not lose it"), I take Anderson over CC (and about 90% of the rest of the goalies in the league). Because he can do it. And has done it. More so than Crawford has. And that playing behind lesser defenses.

But, we are where we are. And this front office is also very conscious of any kind of marketing/pr fallout of letting a Stanley Cup "hero" walk and replacing him with another guy who the fan they target knows next to nothing about. This front office creates the belief system then lives by it.

Well done John...

I will say the elephant in the room concerning future cap peril is Hossa.
That said the trade off was to send Hossa packing and lose a huge piece to the puzzle which can't be replaced for less money or take a chance.

Hawk management figures they can stay a true Cup contender for the next 5 years is my guess, and if so they need Hossa....And that's why he is here.

So my take is embrace their decision and pray for the best.

As far as Crawford...We have talked for the last few years the Hawks have a hole at the goalie position. If Raanta turns out to be the real deal he can be kept or traded...really no downside.

As far as Hammer....Couldn't have said it better than John....There is no one with his skill set coming.

If Hammer wants to stay they will pay him.

The money will come from the third pair and or Oduya.

The Hawks have the best defense 1-6 in the game, but they have a lot of money tied up in #'s 4-6 and that is where the cap shuffle will take place.

I don't have a crystal ball but by the time Kane and Toews are due a raise the cap could be closer to $80 mill than $70.

The concern with Crawford is if can he handle the pressure of a huge contract and do so without Stephane Waite.

He was the best player throughout the playoffs and I am certain discussions behind close doors surrounded the fact that without Crawford there wouldn't have been another parade in Chicago.

I have said this for a long time...Crawford was and is loved by management and that was a big reason why Niemi was sacrificed. Obviously they still think highly because they didn't need to sign him for 6 years.

Crawford has never made much money so they rewarded him greatly with the design that he will be a big part of the 5 year window I spoke about.

So far Bowman and Co. have been more right than wrong on Crawford.

This club is set up for another big run with some good luck on the injury front ...

So hang on tight!

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

If it were me, that's where I would have gone. Sure, Crawford has some chemistry in the Hawks' room and Anderson is a bit more injury prone and two years older. But if I want a goalie to put the team on his backand truly win me a big game (as opposed to "not lose it"), I take Anderson over CC (and about 90% of the rest of the goalies in the league). Because he can do it. And has done it. More so than Crawford has. And that playing behind lesser defenses.

But, we are where we are. And this front office is also very conscious of any kind of marketing/pr fallout of letting a Stanley Cup "hero" walk and replacing him with another guy who the fan they target knows next to nothing about. This front office creates the belief system then lives by it.
- John Jaeckel

My fear with CC is he has a very short body of work 1 good year, 1 bad year, 1 Cup where he missed half he season and was matched, numbers wise, by his #2.

Where do we go if 13-14 is more like 11-12 than last year? The more prudent option would have been to see how he does the first half of 13-14, then make a decision. And you still could have gotten him for 6/36 mid season.

There's a few things I look at here.

Is Raanta the answer? It's one thing to bring up a prospect to play on the first line, like Saad, to see what he can do. He's playing with two future hall of famers, not much risk there. Or bring up a defenseman to play 12 minutes a night on the third pairing. Doesn't work out? No biggie, we've seen Q play someone 3 minutes a night, he can be buried after the first period.

But to assume a prospect is a #1 goaltender? That's a whole different beast. This team is still built to win now, and if Raanta doesn't pan out, who's next? Someone like Khabibulin? No thanks.

If the cap goes up like many expect, the Hawks win another cup next year, and Crow pulls out the Conn Smythe this time, what are you paying him now? Has to be more than Rask, doesn't it? So maybe you're saving $1.5mil/year.

Also, if the cap continues to go up, it's perfectly reasonable to expect by year two of Crow's new contract, he may only be the 12th or 14th highest paid goalie. I'm good with that in the middle of his prime.

And if you let him walk, here's your choices after the 2014 season:

http://www.capgeek.com/fr...osition_id=G&fa_type_id=2

Basically, you have only a couple to consider as a proven option. Lundqvist, who could be $8 mil, probably more, and is 31. And the STL boys. You could maybe pay them a little less, but I don't think you upgrade the position, and you're messing with the locker room.

Yeah, I think it's too much for Crow now. But, long term, I like it more and more.

My fear with CC is he has a very short body of work 1 good year, 1 bad year, 1 Cup where he missed half he season and was matched, numbers wise, by his #2.

Where do we go if 13-14 is more like 11-12 than last year. The more prudent option would have been to see how he does the first half of 13-14, then make a decision. And you still could have gotten him for 6/36 mid season.
- scottak

There were reasons not to go that route but from a logical business perspective you have a point.

But let me ask everyone this...

If the Hawks get to the Conference Finals, not go to the Cup Finals necessarily, and are led again by Crawford...

What will he be worth then???

That has to be a big factor in the thought process and the other factor appears to be they wanted Crawford focused on this season.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

I have no hard figures to use. Its all speculation.

Here is some info:

http://www.theglobeandmai...0-million/article7029575/

I think anyone expecting a big increase could be in for a disappointment. All we can really do is wait and see.
- Iggysbff

Bingo, who knows whats going to happen. Weird to see the Hawks' invest long term and money into a goalie but who knows, it might work out.

My fear with CC is he has a very short body of work 1 good year, 1 bad year, 1 Cup where he missed half he season and was matched, numbers wise, by his #2.

Where do we go if 13-14 is more like 11-12 than last year? The more prudent option would have been to see how he does the first half of 13-14, then make a decision. And you still could have gotten him for 6/36 mid season.
- scottak

He may have been matched numbers wise by Emery, but the eye test tells you Emery just isn't as good. And the boys always seemed to play harder in front of Razor, knowing they had to. Post-to-post, probably the slowest in the league. He was perfect for a #2, but I don't think things end well in Philly if they try riding him for a full season.

Where do we go if next year is more like two years ago? Two cups in five years. I'm okay with that. Crow is in his prime and seemed to overcome his bugaboos last year.

Well done John...



I have said this for a long time...Crawford was and is loved by management and that was a big reason why Niemi was sacrificed. Obviously they still think highly because they didn't need to sign him for 6 years.

Crawford has never made much money so they rewarded him greatly with the design that he will be a big part of the 5 year window I spoke about.


On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Great points, Al. Crawford being signed first could simply be the FO inking the loyal player over the guy who signed an offer sheet in 11. I just hope it doesn't expand into keeping the loyal guy vs letting Hammer go. He is way too important to any dynasty plans to let walk for no return.

They need to sign Hammer early or move him for something at the deadline.

The calculation shows an annual revenue increase of 5%: I would certainly think that would be on the low side of the calculation, especially with the Canadian TV contracts coming up for renewal after 2013-2014.
- StLBravesFan

I'm no economist by any means, but would the weakened Canadian Dollar possibly influence the cap somewhat?

V The contract just signed is both too long and too much for one with his skill set, especially when there are lower priced options that are just as talented, or more so, than CC.

The most obvious option currently toils in Ottawa and can be had for the next 2 years at $3.125 per year.
- scottak

What is not obvious to you is that barring injury, Anderson will resign for MORE than Crawford is making each year of his deal. And he isn't on the table as a replacement now, or for two more seasons.

I think Lundqvist is going to want the highest contract and also stay in Manhattan.

Interesting that you looked at Crawford's now deal and Lundqvist as a really easy "replacement upgrade" when it I could be a Brad richards type circus of interviews and audiences of potential suitors and there possibly be a team who goes rouge and pays more than the wild did for Parise and Suter.

I will say it again...this advance signing takes a lot of the certainty out of their Cap and its alignment.
You have clear pictures for Hammer's representatives, and Kane and Toews too.

There doesn't become any "wedge player" to use against their negotiations, as a bartering tool by either side.

The money available will be right their for both sides to see, and decide early on, if the players are staying or bolting for big bucks .

Stan can have early discussions and can't get blindsided or stalled...they pretty much will have everyone's intentions in the open early enough that the team will have ample time to get offers on any UFAs who definitely won't stay at the Cap fit prices.

According to capgeek.com Crawford doesn't have a no-trade clause, so it appears that Bowman paid a premium for this. I know we're a long way off fro worrying about this but it Raanta turns out to be the real deal and Crawford is still playing reasonably well I'm sure Stan will find another home for him. My first choice would be for the cap to increase significantly and Crawford continue to play excellent and his finishes his contract here. But it's good to know there are options...just in case.

I just cant believe it. It makes me sick to my stomach. I will say Crawford finally looked like he trusted his defense last year (which took him a while to do). But without the strength of that defense Crawford is a significantly worse goaltender (and as we debated last offseason, arguably not worth the $2.66 he was being paid then). I just don't know why there was any sense of urgency to get this deal done. Crawford had ALL the leverage. Why would you not wait a year and see... Even if you still want him, unless he wins another Cup, he's not going to be worth more... I just don't get it.
- PuckAndSticks

Thats every goalie in the league dude. He outplayed Rask who everyone thinks is miles better and Boston had a top defense. BTW Rask got 8mil per.

The player share of HRR dropped to 50% (from 57%). But the cap for this year is a once only negotiated transition year. I hear people talking about revenues and the cap going up significantly next year. But the full impact of the 7% reduction in player share kicks in and I have seen no evidence of any new large source of revenues (other than for the expansion of the classic games).
- spatso

Organic growth man.

According to capgeek.com Crawford doesn't have a no-trade clause, so it appears that Bowman paid a premium for this. I know we're a long way off from worrying about this but it Raanta turns out to be the real deal and Crawford is still playing reasonably well I'm sure Stan will find another home for him. My first choice would be for the cap to increase significantly and Crawford continue to play excellent and his finishes his contract here. But it's good to know there are options...just in case.
- DarthKane

This is the best everyone can hope for, along with a Stanley Cup win or two.

I just cant believe it. It makes me sick to my stomach. I will say Crawford finally looked like he trusted his defense last year (which took him a while to do). But without the strength of that defense Crawford is a significantly worse goaltender (and as we debated last offseason, arguably not worth the $2.66 he was being paid then). I just don't know why there was any sense of urgency to get this deal done. Crawford had ALL the leverage. Why would you not wait a year and see... Even if you still want him, unless he wins another Cup, he's not going to be worth more... I just don't get it.
- PuckAndSticks

If this deal makes you feel sick, you might need a doctor...perhaps a psychologist.

Lighten up Francis...

What is not obvious to you is that barring injury, Anderson will resign for MORE than Crawford is making each year of his deal. And he isn't on the table as a replacement now, or for two more seasons.

I think Lundqvist is going to want the highest contract and also stay in Manhattan.

Interesting that you looked at Crawford's now deal and Lundqvist as a really easy "replacement upgrade" when it I could be a Brad richards type circus of interviews and audiences of potential suitors and there possibly be a team who goes rouge and pays more than the wild did for Parise and Suter.

I will say it again...this advance signing takes a lot of the certainty out of their Cap and its alignment.
You have clear pictures for Hammer's representatives, and Kane and Toews too.

There doesn't become any "wedge player" to use against their negotiations, as a bartering tool by either side.

The money available will be right their for both sides to see, and decide early on, if the players are staying or bolting for big bucks .

Stan can have early discussions and can't get blindsided or stalled...they pretty much will have everyone's intentions in the open early enough that the team will have ample time to get offers on any UFAs who definitely won't stay at the Cap fit prices.
- wiz1901

That is the big point, right there. The agents for Crow and Hammer know the amount of cap space available (though perhaps have less info on the potential growth of the cap) - I assume they know about CapGeek. I assume the Hawks were talking extension with Hammer, too. Each player's agent had incentive to race to an agreement if it was felt there was limited cap space available and their client wanted to remain a Hawk. What we don't know is whether the Hawks tried to sign Hammer first at a price that would fit them.

Interesting contract for #50 to be sure. I have always liked CC and wanted him to bounce back after the disaster series against the Yotes. Couple of things to look at. 3 years as a starter. 2 of 3 seasons were very good. Year 2 was off a bit stat wise, but still not all that bad. Then he goes lights out this year and was the MVP in my book for the finals. 6 million a year? Hmmmm.. Im sure when this deal kicks in he will be passed up by other net minders in terms of salary. Lundquist will get rediculous money from the Rangers and Im sure Anderson will get big bucks when he re-ups. CC is the story most teams would like. He spent alot of time in A and worked his way up. CC is a worker and is not a diva. Non-diva netminders are worth a mill a year easy in my book.

Everything will balance out. Oduya's deal looked bad until we see the f'n wacked out deals other D-men got. I saw all the posts about cap issues with this deal. One would have to think that Stanley and Co. projected out when looking at 19/88 with contracts coming up. Then you got Hossa who I think plays 2 more and then retires to be with that gorgoeus wife of his full time. My gawd

Bottom line.. this a two time Cup winner in four seasons. We are drafting well and have the best all around player (19) in the league. All is well people. Enjoy the banners and get ready for the Caps!!!!!

If this deal makes you feel sick, you might need a doctor...perhaps a psychologist.

Lighten up Francis...
- ArlingtonRob

That is the big point, right there. The agents for Crow and Hammer know the amount of cap space available (though perhaps have less info on the potential growth of the cap) - I assume they know about CapGeek. I assume the Hawks were talking extension with Hammer, too. Each player's agent had incentive to race to an agreement if it was felt there was limited cap space available and their client wanted to remain a Hawk. What we don't know is whether the Hawks tried to sign Hammer first at a price that would fit them.
- mohel

Hammer in many ways is more difficult to sign early...

Every summer a ham and egger dman becomes rich, UFA goalies are going to hit the market and I'm not sure how many upcoming UFA dmen are better than Hammer....

Hammer in many ways is more difficult to sign early...

Every summer a ham and egger dman becomes rich, UFA goalies are going to hit the market and I'm not sure how many upcoming UFA dmen are better than Hammer....
- Al

Fully agree. My point was that they likely tried to sign Hammer, too, perhaps even first. There are plenty of facts were don't know. If he wanted to wait and said he wants to see what the UFA market brings, I don't blame the Hawks for turning their attention to Crow. I say this while very much hoping they can work it out with Hammer.

Fully agree. My point was that they likely tried to sign Hammer, too, perhaps even first. There are plenty of facts were don't know. If he wanted to wait and said he wants to see what the UFA market brings, I don't blame the Hawks for turning their attention to Crow. I say this while very much hoping they can work it out with Hammer.
- mohel

Hammer's agent slow played the Hawks last time...He may do the same this time.

Fully agree. My point was that they likely tried to sign Hammer, too, perhaps even first. There are plenty of facts were don't know. If he wanted to wait and said he wants to see what the UFA market brings, I don't blame the Hawks for turning their attention to Crow. I say this while very much hoping they can work it out with Hammer.
- mohel

That is a great point. Im sure alot goes on behind the scenes that we never hear about. Im sure #4 is seeing these WTF contracts D are getting. I have no doubt he will draw huge interest if hes a FA with money being thrown at him left and right.

For $2-3M more Than CC, the Hawks could have signed Lundqvist, who is the best goalie in the world.
- scottak

First point...Lundqvist is not leaving NY.

Second...Lundqvist has not won anything.

Third...if you would pay a goalie 9M a year you must work for the Flyers.

JJ, I just don't see how Hjalmarsson deals is contingent upon Crawford taking less than Jimmy Howard.

Does hammer want to go to the West Coast as he and his agent stated when he "signed" with San Jose?

I think you are absolutely correct that he played well enough for us to think of him as a notch below Seabrook and Keith.

and if the open market was gonna put almost 5 mil in Bickell's pocket I have to think that Hammer gets more than 5 mil.

You may see Stanton Peckham Kostka and Johns mixed in your pairings for Cap relief in the next couple, but pretty sure they try hard to get him to stay...they may have NO control over that.

Before they start trading Oduya, or Leddy or others, they pretty much have know what Hammer's intentions are, and price.

Then they make adjustments around those facts.
- wiz1901

If Hammer really wants out...trade him. He is a valuable asset that should not walk for nothing.

I can't say that investing that much money and term in a goaltender has ever been a good idea, except maybe Lundqvist or Brodeur. Noone else who got paid in goal has ever really lived up to the deal's expectations.

That, and now the hawks have 70% of next year's cap number invest in 8 players, leaving about 1.2 million bucks to sign 2 guys for a 23 man roster.

I have to think that there is a trade in the works, for somebody who actually earns salary.
- TommyDeVito

Lundqvist is a handsome man, who plays guitar on the side, luvs Manhatten and hasn't won a damn thing, so how exactly has he "lived up to the deal's expectations"?

And who on the Hawks hasn't "earned" their salary recently?

Perhaps you should worry more about your own club...