Rob Rossi's article below basically says that it's between the Pens and Hawks for Kesler.

http://triblive.com/sport...ler-sources#axzz2uohL9d1q
- dan9189

I really do think he will be gone by Wednesday. Of course gillis took forever with luongo and screwed that up. If he doesn't come here I could live with him going to pitts. I do not want him going to a team like Anaheim, who was rumored to like him

You can hold out hope....Numbers don't lie and a GM stood up last night and told everyone who wanted to listen he isn't trading anyone off the roster...And he likes his team.

You want to dream about Kesler and someone like him go ahead and I agree he is a vg player....As I said on Tweeted awhile ago Kesler is Bolland ++. but...

Kelser comes to Chgo when Brent Seabrook not Bryan Bickell goes the other way.

The Canucks will not trade with the Hawks unless there is drastic overpayment and you can book that.

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.
Al,understood,probably will stand pat. 36&67 haven't been replaced ,probably out in the 2nd round,and the 2nd line center will be addressed in the off season.notthe worst thing in the world either.hawks will be strong for years.
My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw
- Al

From Wiki...

Smith did draft some very successful NHL players: Brent Seabrook, Corey Crawford, Dustin Byfuglien, Duncan Keith, James Wisniewski, Adam Burish, Tuomo Ruutu and Craig Anderson. Four of those players helped win the Stanley Cup for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.

Smith has been heavily criticized for his frequent drafting of Russian players. During his stint as the Jets general manager, he drafted players such as Alexei Zhamnov, Igor Korolev, Sergei Bautin and Nikolai Khabibulin. Smith also was responsible for drafting Jets mainstay Keith Tkachuk. His tenure in Chicago was considered a disaster as he failed to address many of the team's holes and drafted first round flops such as Mikhail Yakubov, Pavel Vorobiev, Adam Munro and Anton Babchuk. Another move that many hockey pundits viewed as laughable was his hiring of Alpo Suhonen as the team's head coach as Suhonen was deemed too soft as a coach, along with his refusal to discipline players and change up lines during long losing streaks. Suhonen ended up quitting before season's end. Smith was also criticized by the Chicago media for his acquisitions of ex Toronto Maple Leafs such as Korolev, Garry Valk, Todd Gill and Alexander Karpovtsev, moves which essential dubbed the team "the Chicago Maple Leafs".
- Ogilthorpe2

I'll just leave this here...

You want to dream about Kesler and someone like him go ahead and I agree he is a vg player....As I said on Tweeted awhile ago Kesler is Bolland ++. but...



The Canucks will not trade with the Hawks unless there is drastic overpayment and you can book that.
- Al

Kesler is eons better than Bolland. Coming out of juniors where he put up big numbers Kesler is what the Hawks hoped Bolland would become.

Don't overpay I agree, but look at this thing 10 ways to Sunday. Think outside the box and if it doesn't work out fine, but scrub this thing up and down before walking away.

Few bring what Kesler does.

You can hold out hope....Numbers don't lie and a GM stood up last night and told everyone who wanted to listen he isn't trading anyone off the roster...And he likes his team.

You want to dream about Kesler and someone like him go ahead and I agree he is a vg player....As I said on Tweeted awhile ago Kesler is Bolland ++. but...

Kelser comes to Chgo when Brent Seabrook not Bryan Bickell goes the other way.

The Canucks will not trade with the Hawks unless there is drastic overpayment and you can book that.

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw
- Al

I never understood a reporter asking him his plans right before the deadline. It puts him in a tough spot. You can't really comment on any plans. He should have said that instead. GMs lie all the time anyway. I do agree though it will probably be only a very minor trade. I still wonder about the overpay stuff, especially with the Canucks going rebuild. If there is a player they really like they might take it. Like TT

Al, the piece says the Hawks have emerged as THE Penguins' challenger for Kesler. Don't know the Pittsburgh writer but he has no reason to name the Hawks if he didn't hear something. If he was a Hawk's writer with a possible bias then you might think a few times on it.

So many things would have to happen, Bickell to Vancouver for one I'd imagine, but you can't blame a Hawks fan for mentally masturbating over the thought of a skilled #2 center who brings it every game with grit.

IF Kesler is on the market Bowman damn well better at least look at it. And with St Louis sending out a line of Ott-Sobotka-Lapiere with Miller in the cage behind them the Hawks better look at any possibilty, including the Blues pounding lumps all over them.
- Mr Ricochet

Anyone can say sources said....He didn't say it was his source.

JJ clued everyone in the other day of what is happening concerning the Kesler trade chatter...And everyone knows the 1 hole the Hawks have is at 2C.

The Pens can fit him and it makes sense but the Hawks can't.

Bowman emphatically said last night in front me and many others that he isn't even getting incoming calls about trades.

He likes his team and there is no way Gillis can trade with the Hawks unless drastic overpayment....The conversation starts with Brent Seabrook and probably includes a few others.

Of all the Organizations the Canucks would not deal with, the Hawks are at the top of the list...Certainly not for Bryan Bickell unless many others included.

The next time I'm wrong about player X coming to the Hawks at the deadline I will be the first to write so....But since 2006 it hasn't happened one time.

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw

I never understood a reporter asking him his plans right before the deadline. It puts him in a tough spot. You can't really comment on any plans. He should have said that instead. GMs lie all the time anyway. I do agree though it will probably be only a very minor trade. I still wonder about the overpay stuff, especially with the Canucks going rebuild. If there is a player they really like they might take it. Like TT
- tomcat24

Trust me I have heard on conference call and in person many times and he knew exactly what he said. BTW...That is exactly what a reporter should ask...Do you plan on being active at the deadline?

If there was any doubt the answer would have been we are always trying to improve the team.

As it is now he discredits himself with the team if he trades anyone off the roster....Not happening.


Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw

I'll just leave this here...


- prd797

Yeah that was classic. And giving up McCabe for him made it worse. I still thought McCabe could turn out pretty good. Weird thing with Karpo was he was always one of the best shot-blockers. I think it takes a certain amount of guts to do what he did. But the belief was always he wouldn't play hurt and was a wimp. I'm sure he was though

Concerning the trades before the deadline...

No need to waste anymore keystrokes. Some of you read me and some don't.

I explained in detail what will likely happen in today's article and the reasons for thinking so....And my conclusion isn't based on my opinion alone.

But this is America and everyone can think what they like...

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw

Kesler is eons better than Bolland. Coming out of juniors where he put up big numbers Kesler is what the Hawks hoped Bolland would become.

Don't overpay I agree, but look at this thing 10 ways to Sunday. Think outside the box and if it doesn't work out fine, but scrub this thing up and down before walking away.

Few bring what Kesler does.
- Mr Ricochet

Yes on better as indicated by ++

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw

How is it that Pens are not in worse cap shape than Hawks? How can we be talking about Pens chasing Kesler while Hawks can't for "cap reasons"?

I never understood a reporter asking him his plans right before the deadline. It puts him in a tough spot. You can't really comment on any plans. He should have said that instead. GMs lie all the time anyway. I do agree though it will probably be only a very minor trade. I still wonder about the overpay stuff, especially with the Canucks going rebuild. If there is a player they really like they might take it. Like TT
- tomcat24

Wrote today about TT too....Bowman speaks of him like he is his son....He goes nowhere for now.

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw

Trust me I have heard on conference call and in person many times and he knew exactly what he said. BTW...That is exactly what a reporter should ask...Do you plan on being active at the deadline?

If there was any doubt the answer would have been we are always trying to improve the team.

As it is now he discredits himself with the team if he trades anyone off the roster....Not happening.


Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw
- Al

Yeah but every GM should be looking and doing something to improve at the deadline. I think he should have said what you did about always trying to improve this team. Besides no team is perfect. What if he does go out and make a trade now for a depth guy? Will it hurt the credibility? Guess not as much as a big move would

Wrote today about TT too....Bowman speaks of him like he is his son....He goes nowhere for now.

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw
- Al

Yeah I know you are right about all the trade stuff. Just dreaming I guess. Funny thing is normally I want to only trade for really young players that can help for a decade. But there is no doubt this team would be dynamic with kesler. I still think TT will get in a few games at the end of the year

All and all Kesler holding the cards it is hard to imagine the canuck rebuild starting with taking a load on low end guys from the pittsburgh to rush a trade now.

If that is what the Pens think will get them Ryan Kesler, a whole lotta other teams need to step because that offer is insulting and does little to help the Canucks...you pony up if you want a true 2nd line centre, this is a return of a 3rd line centre, one of two younger defenders who have proven they couldn't wrest away even third pair NHL jobs, and two picks in a lousy thin draft - so lousy that the first rounder would be like a late second rounder...lots of warts on most players after slots in the mid twenties...Insulting!

When the summer comes teams can plan a deal with Canucks have time to re-arrange their roster and THEN will make an offer.

Now seema the perfect time to drop kesler if he embarassed your team, was YELLING, OUT out out to the press, or he was involved with four of his teammates wives...not now.

I refused to post here and agrue after the Blues sabres deal.

So...the Blues won the Cup already and also started their 2010 hawk summer purge to get Miller resigned...

and Ott's nine goals and toughness should real make the difference five on five for the Blues to waltz in, huh?

too funny
- wiz1901

Hard to disagree with your logic on Kesler Wiz. Despres looked like crap last night. That package would be a steal for Shero.

Gillis should be holding out for Maata and/or Bennet in that package. Knowing his ego he is probably wanting the reported package plus Maata, Bennet and who knows what else.

Also agree with Al. Bowman has stated publicly he is not moving. We all know that the only package the Hawks could put together to compete with the Pens would need to include TT and maybe Clendening or Johns as well. Has Bowman ever engaged in a bidding war? Kesler to the Hawks looks like a zero.

I do believe the Blues improved with the trade but not to the degree many here think or their no show fans. Al pointed out their first sell out was the Hawks in December. I know fans there are crying about price increases. Armstrong going all in now may be a necessity. He may need to get something started there or ownership may not let him spend to the cap.

I'll just leave this here...


- prd797

Back before Foley started developing Harry Caray disease.

How is it that Pens are not in worse cap shape than Hawks? How can we be talking about Pens chasing Kesler while Hawks can't for "cap reasons"?
- Cmonalready

Letang is on LTIR.

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw

Yeah I know you are right about all the trade stuff. Just dreaming I guess. Funny thing is normally I want to only trade for really young players that can help for a decade. But there is no doubt this team would be dynamic with kesler. I still think TT will get in a few games at the end of the year
- tomcat24

Tom...Find the transcript or read my article and your mind will be put to ease...

TT will be here is possible by year end but they aren't rushing him.

Hawks are thrilled with his play...He is only 19.


Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw

Anyone can say sources said....He didn't say it was his source.

JJ clued everyone in the other day of what is happening concerning the Kesler trade chatter...And everyone knows the 1 hole the Hawks have is at 2C.

The Pens can fit him and it makes sense but the Hawks can't.

Bowman emphatically said last night in front me and many others that he isn't even getting incoming calls about trades.

He likes his team and there is no way Gillis can trade with the Hawks unless drastic overpayment....The conversation starts with Brent Seabrook and probably includes a few others.

Of all the Organizations the Canucks would not deal with, the Hawks are at the top of the list...Certainly not for Bryan Bickell unless many others included.

The next time I'm wrong about player X coming to the Hawks at the deadline I will be the first to write so....But since 2006 it hasn't happened one time.

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw
- Al

Bickell, Pirri, and one of the following:

Morin;
2 1sts;
Smith; or
TT.

Hate to lose Smith or TT, but you don't get a player like that with twocheap years remaining for a bag of pucks.

Kesler has a NTC ?


http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/chi140302.html
- mrpaulish

Roussell with another deliberate attempt to injure on Thursday. This guy is quickly becoming the dirtiest player in the league....

Never knew Hainsey could throw em like this. Good to see Rousell bleed for it. Wish the Hawks would react like this more to this type of play.

http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/122849

Yeah but every GM should be looking and doing something to improve at the deadline. I think he should have said what you did about always trying to improve this team. Besides no team is perfect. What if he does go out and make a trade now for a depth guy? Will it hurt the credibility? Guess not as much as a big move would
- tomcat24

That's what I wrote today...My guess a depth dman,

What would hurt his credibility only is if someone who has battled here all season was dealt....Because Bowman said what he did to put everyone at ease and to lessen expectations.

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw

#BlackhawksMark Lazerus @MarkLazerus ·
Corey Crawford on Brent Seabrook's own-goal: "He’s a good player. Give him an open chance like that, he’ll bury it."

Concerning the trades before the deadline...

No need to waste anymore keystrokes. Some of you read me and some don't.

I explained in detail what will likely happen in today's article and the reasons for thinking so....And my conclusion isn't based on my opinion alone.

But this is America and everyone can think what they like...

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw
- Al

Thanks for your insight on Bowman Al. Great article.

How is it that Pens are not in worse cap shape than Hawks? How can we be talking about Pens chasing Kesler while Hawks can't for "cap reasons"?
- Cmonalready

Shero moved some veterans like Staal for decent returns before big pay days. Planned or not it has worked in the Pens favor so far.

It looked as if Letang would be a replay of this but the stroke wrecked that plan. If he was healthy we would be hearing Letang's name right now a lot.

The Hawks will probably eventually face this choice with core names as well if they want to remain a contender. Sharp, Seabs would be 2 candidates before their next contracts come up.

Concerning the trades before the deadline...

No need to waste anymore keystrokes. Some of you read me and some don't.

I explained in detail what will likely happen in today's article and the reasons for thinking so....And my conclusion isn't based on my opinion alone.

But this is America and everyone can think what they like...

Hawks give Penguins the cold shoulder, 5-1.Outdoor game, Bowman presser & trade deadline expectations.

My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1g2xhzw
- Al

100% agree, Al. Plus as far as Kesler goes, the 'Nucks can probably get a better return over the summer.

The "Big Prize" of the trade deadline (Miller, this year) rarely winds up with a Stanley Cup victory. I suppose you could make the argument with Jeff Carter and L.A., but for every one of the those there's more than a handful of failures. Iginla, Kovalchuck, Hossa (to Pitt) immediately come to mind.