Ott from Buffalo?? Could be available and cap hit could be accommodated.
- 67hawks

67 , I agree, ...............but here comes an asskicken for mentioning THAT name on these boards when guys wake up this AM.

Ott from Buffalo?? Could be available and cap hit could be accommodated.
- 67hawks

Cap hit of $2.95MM - practically, how does that fit? Who do you move - that Buffalo would want?

Cap hit of $2.95MM - practically, how does that fit? Who do you move - that Buffalo would want?
- StLBravesFan

KANER!

67 , I agree, ...............but here comes an asskicken for mentioning THAT name on these boards when guys wake up this AM.
- wonthecup10

Sorry to rain on the parade here, but to fit Ott (who I don't want, for the record) you would need to trade $2M+ in salary. So Buffalo would need to want an expensive rostered player on the Hawks that you would be willing to trade for Ott. Who might that be? Remember, it has to be a player that the Hawks would trade for Ott AND someone Buffalo would want more than Ott at roughly the same salary. I'll hang up and listen for my answer.

I will ask this, though - as long as we're ignoring two large pieces of reality (the other team's needs/wants AND the salary cap), why not just go for Crosby? He'd be a pretty good 2C also....

Saw this:

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/col131201.html

They can have Brookbank....

Sorry to rain on the parade here, but to fit Ott (who I don't want, for the record) you would need to trade $2M+ in salary. So Buffalo would need to want an expensive rostered player on the Hawks that you would be willing to trade for Ott. Who might that be? Remember, it has to be a player that the Hawks would trade for Ott AND someone Buffalo would want more than Ott at roughly the same salary. I'll hang up and listen for my answer.

I will ask this, though - as long as we're ignoring two large pieces of reality (the other team's needs/wants AND the salary cap), why not just go for Crosby? He'd be a pretty good 2C also....
- mohel

Would think that the list of players that might fit that category are Bickell, Leddy, and Oduya. Question then becomes is this subtraction by addition?

Sorry to rain on the parade here, but to fit Ott (who I don't want, for the record) you would need to trade $2M+ in salary. So Buffalo would need to want an expensive rostered player on the Hawks that you would be willing to trade for Ott. Who might that be? Remember, it has to be a player that the Hawks would trade for Ott AND someone Buffalo would want more than Ott at roughly the same salary. I'll hang up and listen for my answer.

I will ask this, though - as long as we're ignoring two large pieces of reality (the other team's needs/wants AND the salary cap), why not just go for Crosby? He'd be a pretty good 2C also....
- mohel

I agree with the $$$$, I don't want to trade kids which is why I hope Pirri or ??? works out. also I was glad to see Beach's game yesterday, Ott is a vet that checks some boxes, but with 39 & 26 on the books don't see a fit yet.

Would think that the list of players that might fit that category are Bickell, Leddy, and Oduya. Question then becomes is this subtraction by addition?
- ikeane

I say no way to any of them. Yogi said it best - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I don't mean this for just Ott - I would not trade a rostered player (unless it is silly lopsided) from this team unless it shows a real weakness prior to the TDL. The one possibility is for the PK, and that is improving a bit.

Back to JJ's original question, I think despite the losses to the Blues and Avs the Hawks are without a doubt the best team in the NHL. St. Louis is the real deal this year and IMO the biggest roadblock to the Hawks repeating in the West, the Avs are a young highly skilled offensive team that will be a pain in the ass for years to come.

That being said, the Hawks are a better overall team then both of those teams. If the Hawks can stay focused and healthy, I think at the very least they'll be back in the SCF. Also if you want to bet against Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp, Keith.....be my guest but I know better and there's no way in hell I'd bet against this team.

Phil, agree Trestman screwed this up with kicking on 2nd down. Have no friikin clue what he was thinking. But the hitting in training camp is not his fault. It's the new NFL CBA that caused that. The NFL is so worried about future lawsuits they have made the league a joke. The NFL is what it is. It's only going to get worse. Before you know it the NFFL will be the National Flag Football league!
- PaulNewman

Cool Hand Luke


Heard Trestman say he kicked on 2nd down because he didn't want to risk a penalty taking them out of range.

Thanks for reminding me about the CBA stipulations. Still, no excuse for a team that tackles as poorly as this Bears team. Jimmy Johnson would have had a coronary watching our guys tackle. JJ's Cowboys' teams STUCK PEOPLE and they stayed STUCK....if you know what i mean.

Would think that the list of players that might fit that category are Bickell, Leddy, and Oduya. Question then becomes is this subtraction by addition?
- ikeane

I'd be shocked if Stan made any more moves this season. He normally waits until closer to the deadline but he made a big splash earlier with the Versteeg deal. There's no way Stan gives up one if the guys you mentioned for Ott either. If Stan does make a move I'd expect it would be for a cheap 4th line type forward or maybe he upgrades Brookbank by aquiring a better veteran dman who is a pending UFA (ie Brookbank and a pick/low prospect for veteran dman).

This is off topic, but I had to solicit opinions here as I don't have a better place to do so. My son hates the shootout, and he loves it. I asked him what alternative he would propose, and he said he would make overtime played until there was a winner, but with a new gimmick. 4 on 4 with the caveat that you could only send 3 skaters into your own zone to defend(like lacrosse kind of). So if you win the puck and get through the neutral zone you have a power play. all OTs would end fairly quickly, and, you might get an exciting finish if the defending team clears to it's mandatory cherry picking odd man who would be camped somewhere in the Neutral zone. I would bring back the 2 line pass for this man...

Will be interesting what style prospects graduate from Rockford and are able to win a spot in chg line up. Whom would Ross supplant? Already have Krueger, Shaw sort of light weight poundage but battle hard. Hartman acclaimed. Danault, McNeil, no pushovers and Nordstrom should be a fourth line center, except Krueger is there now. Then you have TT and probably after two more years Broadhurst could be ready. I just will guess that Ross is someone another team tries to get tossed into a trade. I just think Stan would rather bring in a young guy who thrives in physical play along the wall and is a big body size sort, not another left handed Shaw.

Not that Ross wouldn't be a good player one day. But just think ahead how players might fit in. My gosh not any way knowing how it will all turn out. Just my take if I had to sort of have an outline for how some player development turns out.
- jhawk59

It's a great question JHawk...Ross would have to hurdle a lot of top tier prospects to 'supplant' someone. But Shaw did it...and Ross is his virtual clone, at least IMO. The resemblance in their games is uncanny. Ross may need another year or two in the A to fine tune at the pro level...but he's won me over as a potential Blackhawk.

The real key for me MM is who is better 1-6 on the back end. St. Louis is the only team close.
- Elbows15

One thing I noticed about the Blues is they have four players currently scoring at a +20% clip (G/SOG), including Backes and Steen. Those current numbers are close to double (Backes) and more than double (Steen) their career shooting %.

Law of averages says their scoring is going to come back down to earth.

67 , I agree, ...............but here comes an asskicken for mentioning THAT name on these boards when guys wake up this AM.
- wonthecup10

Add sweeteners to Khabi at the deadline when cap dollars can be stretched. I am quite aware that our cap space does not permit this now.

I'd be shocked if Stan made any more moves this season. He normally waits until closer to the deadline but he made a big splash earlier with the Versteeg deal. There's no way Stan gives up one if the guys you mentioned for Ott either. If Stan does make a move I'd expect it would be for a cheap 4th line type forward or maybe he upgrades Brookbank by aquiring a better veteran dman who is a pending UFA (ie Brookbank and a pick/low prospect for veteran dman).
- DarthKane

Hello Darth. That's the only type of move I could see as well, but I'd be surprised if it happens given Q's recent glowing comments about his fourth line. Once Bickell comes back there will be one more talented player on the bottom six. If the PK sucks near the TDL, maybe Brookbank goes for a PKer. I think your main point - that you'd be shocked at any more trades - is correct, unless injuries hit.

Add sweeteners to Khabi at the deadline when cap dollars can be stretched. I am quite aware that our cap space does not permit this now.
- 67hawks

So, a GM is going to take Khabi at this point? Are you still referring to Ott? If so, why would Buffalo (or anyone) want a backup goalie who has gone off the cliff?

One thing I noticed about the Blues is they have four players currently scoring at a +20% clip (G/SOG), including Backes and Steen. Those current numbers are close to double (Backes) and more than double (Steen) their career shooting %.

Law of averages says their scoring is going to come back down to earth.
- MartiniMan

the line is clicking and on a roll, only injuries or next season will derail it.

What has been more apparent to me this year than in any other year is that depending on who shows up, the Hawks can play anywhere from good to great.

If you assume *every* team shows up for the Cup champs, then you can conclude the Hawks' "good" games can compete with the "great" games from all but top tier teams like the Lightnings, Blues and Avalanches.

However, you often get a glimpse of the greatness and when they turn it on, most teams wilt in the windburn. Thats why they come back from the third period deficits and hold the puck for minutes on end.

Complacency is all that stands in the way of a presidents trophy. I know, We're not Canuck fans. We don't care about that one.

Injuries are all that stand in the way of another Cup.
- busmaster

You still need those lucky puck bounces and avoid the bad Ref calls for and against.

I'd be shocked if Stan made any more moves this season. He normally waits until closer to the deadline but he made a big splash earlier with the Versteeg deal. There's no way Stan gives up one if the guys you mentioned for Ott either. If Stan does make a move I'd expect it would be for a cheap 4th line type forward or maybe he upgrades Brookbank by aquiring a better veteran dman who is a pending UFA (ie Brookbank and a pick/low prospect for veteran dman).
- DarthKane

I agree, that is why I said it would be subtraction by addition. I too can see Brookstank flipped at the TDL as a rental since he is a pending UFA and a solid Sopel type added (no I am not suggesting bringing back the catfish)

In a possible seven game series against the Hawks, there is no way the Avs can maintain pace or defensive coverage in an entire series.

I was just looking at Capgeek and noticed something pretty cool about the goalie situation. Raanta's number is $925K, which is the exact portion of Bulin's contract that can be stashed in Rockford if he returns to health and the Hawks don't want him. In other words, the backup goalie won't cost more that Bulin's cap number whether the backup is Bulin or Raanta. This means that no other roster move is needed to switch goalies. Maybe it is a coincidence that these contracts match up like this, but I don't think so. Good play, Stan.

In a possible seven game series against the Hawks, there is no way the Avs can maintain pace or defensive coverage in an entire series.
- wiz1901

I am curious about your opinion on this. Which team(s) do you believe can hang with the Hawks for a whole series? Assuming good health for both teams....

the line is clicking and on a roll, only injuries or next season will derail it.
- Topshelf2010

+1

I would add I think they are the best line in the NHL. I'm not sold that the Hawks have an answer for them.

They will need one.

BTW - Kudos where deserved. A nice road trip. Let's just hope Q gives Raanta more starts to keep Crawford rested.

I find it hysterical that it the battle for the Stanley Cup is that easy a matter that anyone can say there are two road blocks, Avs & Blues.

To me these western league teams are all close in ability and none can be instanly counted outv as weak or roll overs.

I seem to recall two years where nicke dup Hawk teams were put to bed early.

There are no gimmee, and it is very tough to predict anything, especially before you see who Colorado and the Blues (and the Hawks) have to go through to get to that later point.

If there is one thing certain about playoff hockey is there are series upsets.

Just keep thinking about how the silly Blues announcing team during their bed shat against the Sharks kept saying that the players might be looking past this game because they all want the rematch against LA Kings (tonight) to begin.

I think that the season series sometimes act as both wake up calls and message senders between the guys on the ice.
Does it affect outcomes in the playoffs?
I truly think it is less about past memories and more about being able to play as a team and score in the post season. That's where any momentum actually helps feed the cause or effects emotions positively.