You didn't convince me...most of of on this site realize it's all for fun. JJ reports what he hears but we all know it's just that. JJ never says "this trade is going to happen", he just lets us know what he knows.

I have a question for the people who don't like this trade. If the Jets included Evander Kane instead of Ladd would you make the deal?
- DarthKane

I know, I should have made it red. Just having fun. I know we aren't the ones who make the deals and we get a little testy sometimes but it's all a lot of fun. We love our Hawks and all have our opinions. To answer your question.. no I wouldn't. I don't think the wheels have fallen off in Chicago. I don't think any major trades are necessary. I know that last year I was really excited about the idea of Iginla when all of that was going around but when you look at a team like the Hawks, they have the talent to win it all again. They just need to find their footing. #2 in the NHL standings is not the time for drastic trades.

I doubt Frolik settles for the same money as his current contract. I guess we'll find out this summer. His production points wise is up this season and it might mirror what he did in Florida. If that's the case, I'm sure he could go to arbitration and get an arbitrator to give him a raise.
- EKolb13

True, but the point of this trade is to win now. Who will give us that chance more? Steeger or Frolik? We can argue the numbers afterward, plus we'd have Steeger and (hopefully) 'Zus off the books. We could pursue another strong PK with F/O skills in the off season.

Dare to dream!

Awesome. The Preds now have another goalie that leaks like a sieve.
- EKolb13

JJ, what's your take on Jimmy Lodge?
- EKolb13

Skilled, fast, American. Needs to add weight/strength. Kind of a typical Hawk F prospect really!

[quote=EKolb13]I doubt Frolik settles for the same money as his current contract. I guess we'll find out this summer. His production points wise is up this season and it might mirror what he did in Florida. If that's the case, I'm sure he could go to arbitration and get an arbitrator to give him a raise.

True, but the point of this trade is to win now. Who will give us that chance more? Steeger or Frolik? We can argue the numbers afterward, plus we'd have Steeger and (hopefully) 'Zus off the books. We could pursue another strong PK with F/O skills in the off season.

Dare to dream!
- resqmed99

Yeah, I'd still keep Versteeg over Frolik at this point. Both are pretty even talent wise. Versteeg is the better value.

Skilled, fast, American. Needs to add weight/strength. Kind of a typical Hawk F prospect really!
- John Jaeckel

Thanks JJ. Good to see you posting in the tread again.

His production this season is comparable to Michal Frolik. He's a good player, but certainly not worth TT and a first.
- CBHawks88

You need to actually read the blog. Ladd for TT and a first is not the deal.

The other thing you need to consider is that first round picks where the Hawks are in the draft order often end up being Adam Munro or similar.

Finally, Ladd>>>Frolik, end of story.

You guys would pay out of your bungholes to re-aquire Ladd.

I know, I should have made it red. Just having fun. I know we aren't the ones who make the deals and we get a little testy sometimes but it's all a lot of fun. We love our Hawks and all have our opinions. To answer your question.. no I wouldn't. I don't think the wheels have fallen off in Chicago. I don't think any major trades are necessary. I know that last year I was really excited about the idea of Iginla when all of that was going around but when you look at a team like the Hawks, they have the talent to win it all again. They just need to find their footing. #2 in the NHL standings is not the time for drastic trades.
- PhilMeister89

I don't think the Blackhawks need to make a big trade either, but that doesn't mean they won't if the opportunity is there.

Like I said before, I expect Stan will make a deal for some 4th line help at most.

Yeah, I'd still keep Versteeg over Frolik at this point.
- EKolb13

I don't think Q knows where to use him. I don't think Versteeg has shown Q he should use him, either. Handzus messes this up, because we're a puck possession team, and when you have someone slowing down the break out, it throws everyone off. Time to rest 'Zus, and throw Pirri into this again (when he's healthy!)

Skilled, fast, American. Needs to add weight/strength. Kind of a typical Hawk F prospect really!
- John Jaeckel

Skille redux ?

Icehogs lose 4-3 in OT to the Heat on a PPG. Sounds earily familiar

Mashinter with a goal though

No, but it would obviously be in the next 6 weeks
- John Jaeckel

I should have been more specific as to before or after the Olympics.

BEST.POST/UPDATE.2014!!!

His production this season is comparable to Michal Frolik. He's a good player, but certainly not worth TT and a first.
- CBHawks88

And if he is so good and such a strong leader, why would he be available. Just to shake things up? No, it would be because he isn't the leader and captain they hoped he would be.

I don't the the Blackhawks need to make a big trade either, but that doesn't mean they won't if the opportunity is there.

Like I said before, I expect Stan will make a deal for some 4th line help at most.
- DarthKane

I was just answering your question on Evander Kane is all. I agree that if any moves are to be made by Stan it will help add depth on the lower lines or bring in veteran presence similar to the Handzus deal.

I don't think Q knows where to use him. I don't think Versteeg has shown Q he should use him, either. Handzus messes this up, because we're a puck possession team, and when you have someone slowing down the break out, it throws everyone off. Time to rest 'Zus, and throw Pirri into this again.
- resqmed99

Yeah, I'm not buying that. That sounds like a bunch of crap to me.

Also, Pirri is still out. He did not play in this morning's game.

Icehogs lose 4-3 in OT to the Heat on a PPG. Sounds earily familiar

Mashinter with a goal though
- ikeane

Mashinter. He's just like Beach, only far less douchey.

Yeah, I'm not buying that. That sounds like a bunch of crap to me.

Also, Pirri is still out. He did not play in this morning's game.
- EKolb13

So where do you play him?

And if he is so good and such a strong leader, why would he be available. Just to shake things up? No, it would be because he isn't the leader and captain they hoped he would be.
- AceRatbang

It's possible that that's exactly what it could be. It might not be about leadership at all.

So where do you play him?
- resqmed99

It doesn't matter where I would play him. Q uses him where he needs to use him.

Mashinter. He's just like Beach, only far less douchey.
- EKolb13

Perfect comparison

Thanks for the rumor JJ. We have missed them and seeing you around the boards. What about Leddy? He seems to be pretty par for the course. Have you heard if he is in the Hawks long term plans, or a potential trade bait piece in the future?

JJ are you feeling like the Hawks are looking to shake up things a little bit?

Seems a little premature to me to make big changes

You need to actually read the blog. Ladd for TT and a first is not the deal.

The other thing you need to consider is that first round picks where the Hawks are in the draft order often end up being Adam Munro or similar.

Finally, Ladd>>>Frolik, end of story.
- John Jaeckel

Lodge, a third-round pick, isn't going to play for this team anytime soon (if ever - see Pirri, Brandon). Essentially, we are paying TT and a first in order to upgrade Bickell with Ladd and receiving a mid-tier prospect as a consolation prize.

I agree. Ladd IS a better player than Frolik, but in terms of production this year they aren't far off.