Actually, Crawford's new deal includes a NMC and a modified NTC.

http://www.capgeek.com/player/273
- EKolb13

But if the extension doesn't kick in until next season, then the NMC doesn't as well, right?

I am a C2 fan, but just think about this for a minute. Lets assume C2 goes LTIR. Do you risk a rookie taking you to the promised land? They did with Niemi, it worked, and they lost him to SJ. If Raanta takes you to a cup, he will command huge money on his next deal - next year.

If he fails to take you to the cup, it removes a year of a stacked team's skills to win from the window.

Miller's game is in many ways a reflection of the team of ass in front of him the last few years. The guy is a winner, can help win you a cup, and will be motivated to do so to preserve his contract negotiation capability going forward.

Like I said, it is all about if C2 can come back to playoff form from last year. If not, it's all about ONE GOAL right?
- Return of the Roar

You know RR - I didn't realize the guy was only 33. If his health is good he many have 3-5 years of quality service left. You have a very good point. Bury Raanta and resign him for cheap...

What do you think they'll ask for for Miller? We certainly have tons of bargaining chips...

As always, very nice writeup Al. Since I missed the first 25 minutes or so of last night's game (alas, I have responsibilities beyond just following hockey), the win looked much more dominant to me. Looking at the box score, though, tells me that the 1st wasn't so great with the Preds getting 17 SOG... The kill on Sharp's double minor wasn't just handled, it was a thing of beauty, and bodes well for the Hawks fixing the PK.

No doubt the other teams around the league are still creating a "book" on Raanta, but for now at least he continues to be a moving target, getting better with each game. I no longer think the jury is out on whether he's ready for the NHL. The answer is a resounding yes.
- Tugboat

I think Raanta has progressed but he would benefit from a AHL schedule to be able to practice...

Too many penalties again and Raanta was vg early and that led the way.

I think the plan will be to bring LaBarbera up until the trade deadline or Khabby returns....But Raanta will likely be here when the roster expands and maybe even before.

All is well in Blackhawk land with 3-1 win in Nashville. Kane/Keith with MVP years-On The Blackhawks: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1i1r6Bs

No trades, roll 4 lines or maybe even give the olypmians some rest before the olympics start. Get everyone healthy and fresh for the post season. dont care about the presidents cup, or any personal awards. Just the Stanley Cup.

You hit the nail on the head...the owner was more of a fan then an owner. He caused most of this problem and then in mid-stream changed course again and fired the GM. It seems the plan was to tank the next 2 yrs and draft in the top 3 but fan pressure each and every game to fire Darcy, leaving the game early and letting the Maple Leaf fans out number your own fans finally made him change course. I feel hiring LaFontaine and Nolan was half PR as both are well respected by the Buffalo fans and bought Pegula time. I think Nolan has got this team going in the right direction but lack of talent will keep Buffalo drafting top 3 this year. As for Miller I think he gets traded after the Olympics with Buffalo hoping another great performance will raise his value.
- Leninthebuff

Thanks...And I have always liked the Sabres but when you sign a John Scott and do what has happened over the past couple of years well.....Too bad for the fans.

All is well in Blackhawk land with 3-1 win in Nashville. Kane/Keith with MVP years-On The Blackhawks: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1i1r6Bs

Forgot about McNeill, and I'll defer to those who watch LeBlanc.

But would you trade Pirri or Morin for Miller if C2 went LTIR and if it meant a Cup?
- Return of the Roar

McNeill keeps growing on me every game. He's not showing the power forward game, but he does play a good two way game that keeps improving. You can see him taking a role as a leader on the ice, and he plays in all situations. Also, he steps in and wins faceoffs. He kind of reminds me of Sharp a little bit.

I'm not impressed with LeBlanc at all. He skates well, but his head is constantly down. Also, the guy avoids contact at all costs.

As to the hypothetical situation of Morin & Pirri for Miller, I'd do that trade in a heartbeat, given the conditions you outlined.

But if the extension doesn't kick in until next season, then the NMC doesn't as well, right?
- Lash8

Correct.

You know RR - I didn't realize the guy was only 33. If his health is good he many have 3-5 years of quality service left. You have a very good point. Bury Raanta and resign him for cheap...

What do you think they'll ask for for Miller? We certainly have tons of bargaining chips...
- busmaster

1) This FO has ALWAYS made moves to win this season.

2) You forget that by trading for Miller you're going to have to trade two significant pieces already on the "big league" roster plus a draft pick or two. I'm not sure how that helps you this season winning especially with how well Raanta is playing. The league has already seen Raanta and he was heavily wanted by many teams before the Hawks signed him. Burying him isn't going to help the Hawks "sign him on the cheap".

You know RR - I didn't realize the guy was only 33. If his health is good he many have 3-5 years of quality service left. You have a very good point. Bury Raanta and resign him for cheap...

What do you think they'll ask for for Miller? We certainly have tons of bargaining chips...
- busmaster

Miller only needs to be good this year. Let him walk as a UFA afterward.

Let Raanta bake in the oven some more in Rockford and resign him next year for more reasonable money.

What will BUF ask...a lot. What will they get...not a lot. They have no leverage now. And the Hawk FO will not gut the productive NHL talent to get him. They may not be able to make a deal for him.

But as Captain Blackhawk mentioned, there is no real new info on C2's injury, so it is all hypothetical at this point. Unless there is truth to the rumor that the FO IS interested in Miller, in which case that gives you some indication as to how severe C2's injury may be.

McNeill keeps growing on me every game. He's not showing the power forward game, but he does play a good two way game that keeps improving. You can see him taking a role as a leader on the ice, and he plays in all situations. Also, he steps in and wins faceoffs. He kind of reminds me of Sharp a little bit.

I'm not impressed with LeBlanc at all. He skates well, but his head is constantly down. Also, the guy avoids contact at all costs.

As to the hypothetical situation of Morin & Pirri for Miller, I'd do that trade in a heartbeat, given the conditions you outlined.
- EKolb13

Anyone in Chicago would. Sadly, the Sabres might laugh at Bowman on the phone.

I think the plan will be to bring LaBarbera up until the trade deadline or Khabby returns....But Raanta will likely be here when the roster expands and maybe even before.
- Al

Say it isn't so!

I heard somewhere during last night's telecast that Khabibulin's injury was long term. Hopefully I wasn't dreaming that.

Anyone in Chicago would. Sadly, the Sabres might laugh at Bowman on the phone.
- CaptainBlackhawk

Or equally not want to be laughed at like Gillis was RE: Bobby Lou. Get what you can or get nothing.

The Sabres lost 2 yrs of growth by the new owner being more a fan than a true owner.
- Al

Nobody would disagree with the line above, but I guess you didn't see what they got for Pominville and Vanek on those deals. It was a substantial return each time, especially with how the Islanders have played this year.

Say it isn't so!

I heard somewhere during last night's telecast that Khabibulin's injury was long term. Hopefully I wasn't dreaming that.
- EKolb13

Capgeek has Sgt Stoli on LTIR.

Or equally not want to be laughed at like Gillis was RE: Bobby Lou. Get what you can or get nothing.
- Return of the Roar

There would be many teams in the NHL willing to offer more than Morin and Pirri.

One thing worth noting though is that Crawford's new deal has no NTC, NMC, or other option limiting conditions, unlike others with this Hawks team who got those strings with their big deals.

He is from Montreal, home of a $6MM+ goalie who isn't getting the job done in Carey Price, also with a no strings contract, and a friendly management team to deal with.

It is all about how bad C2s injury is first and foremost though. I don't see the Hawks front office comfortable hitting playoff time having to lean on Raanta and LaBarbera as their tandem. And they also may not have the luxury of time to make a change for a guy like Miller waiting to see if C2 is healed, back in game shape, and effective enough to play well in the post-season.

Just spitballin.....

I do agree that the Hawks would not have to give up much to get Miller. Buffalo has no leverage - as Al mentioned they missed their window.
- Return of the Roar

I think you should get your fact straight before making ridiculous statements!
Carey Price has been lights out this year and you say he is not getting the job done. Do you even watch hockey?? STFU

What do you think they'll ask for for Miller? We certainly have tons of bargaining chips...
- busmaster

It will not take a lot to get Miller, but that is only my opinion.
The only way that changes is if there is a bidding war due to unforseen mitigating circumstances that befall other strong team(s).

I think you should get your fact straight before making ridiculous statements!
Carey Price has been lights out this year and you say he is not getting the job done. Do you even watch hockey?? STFU
- flyerdude17

...and I think you should go troll another thread.

Miller only needs to be good this year. Let him walk as a UFA afterward.

Let Raanta bake in the oven some more in Rockford and resign him next year for more reasonable money.

What will BUF ask...a lot. What will they get...not a lot. They have no leverage now. And the Hawk FO will not gut the productive NHL talent to get him. They may not be able to make a deal for him.

But as Captain Blackhawk mentioned, there is no real new info on C2's injury, so it is all hypothetical at this point. Unless there is truth to the rumor that the FO IS interested in Miller, in which case that gives you some indication as to how severe C2's injury may be.
- Return of the Roar

Are you really this out of it? To even put Crawford in Carey Price's category is ridiculous. Now dumb comments about Raanta. You are not up to speed man. I suggest reading posts and stop your blogging, nothing good is coming out!

I think you should get your fact straight before making ridiculous statements!
Carey Price has been lights out this year and you say he is not getting the job done. Do you even watch hockey?? STFU
- flyerdude17

Since when is a GAA of 1.96 and a Save % of .936, lights out?

1) This FO has ALWAYS made moves to win this season.

2) You forget that by trading for Miller you're going to have to trade two significant pieces already on the "big league" roster plus a draft pick or two. I'm not sure how that helps you this season winning especially with how well Raanta is playing. The league has already seen Raanta and he was heavily wanted by many teams before the Hawks signed him. Burying him isn't going to help the Hawks "sign him on the cheap".
- CaptainBlackhawk

I'm no expert on the ins/outs of GM strategy, but this sounds intuitively true. That Raanta has (as Jesse Pinkman would say) mad skillz isn't some secret that can be buried.

...and I think you should go troll another thread.
- EKolb13

He is stating facts.

Say it isn't so!

I heard somewhere during last night's telecast that Khabibulin's injury was long term. Hopefully I wasn't dreaming that.
- EKolb13

Completing all 12 steps usually takes a long time.

I think one of Morin and Pirri will be here next season. Hopefully it's Morin. There has to be at least one depth forward around for next season. As for the next wave in Rockford, I think at this point McNeill stands out slightly infront of the likes of Danault or LeBlanc. And really, from watching LeBlanc play this season in Rockford, Bowman may have found himself a real dud.

It will be interesting to see what Teravainen will do. If Jokerit's season ends early, we could possibly see Teravainen here in a few months.
- EKolb13

E,

What's the knock on LeBlahhhh's game? Where do you see his deficiencies? Skating? Handling the puck? Is he getting accustomed to the pro game or do you see real talent deficiencies that will keep him from being a serviceable NHL forward? Thanks. I'll hang up and listen for your answer.

...and I think you should go troll another thread.
- EKolb13

HB is for everyone dude, this is not an exclusive Hawk site so go pound sand.
Besides Raanta is my goalie and Teuvo my star prospect and I probably watch more hockey nhl style than anyone on here, I have no life other than watching nhl hocky 24/7 and I mean all teams. I am not trolling, so watch your mouth.