Leddy should be dealt first...sorry Savvy...he'll fetch a nice return and maybe live up to his promise somewhere else.

Oduya and Hammer still have another 2-3 good years left as a tandem.
- philco28

Maybe? Both need new contracts after next season - with Oduya being a UFA and Leddy an RFA.

There's the premise of getting a good return from trading Leddy. That could open up a spot for one of Dahlbeck, Clendening, and Johns to compete for a spot.

Clendening has the same deficiencies as Leddy in his own end and doesn't have the wheels that Leddy does. However, Clendening brings more toughness then Leddy, and Clendening can handle the opposition playing a physical game.

Dahlbeck could develop into a good two-way defenseman with a little offensive upside, and plays a solid defensive game.

Then there's the fact that Oduya will be a few months shy of 34 years old at the end of next season. Which means he isn't getting any younger, and you have to question when do his abilities start falling off?

I'm kind of torn between which one of the two to trade...

that is the decision as I see it right now...morin vs steeg....

Morin is RFA. Somebody with salary has to go: 4 mil of cap space and and about 6 positions to fill.

Smith and Rannta also RFA
- bogiedoc

I was looking at your cap sitch, doesn't it make more sense to dump Versteeg and his 2.2m hit and promote TT for the year with his 900k. Instant savings right there to resign Morin and you will be probably getting 2 roster players fork the price of 1 Versteeg.

Runblad gets regular 3rd pairing minutes when you move one of Rozsival or Leddy.
Again 1mill plus savings in that.

Creating cap space would be the #1 priority. But I'm sure Stan could get a could mid-round draft picks or a mid-level prospect. I'd rather keep Steeger if possible but realize he could be replaced by younger talent.

Trading #32 would make the most sense, that frees up a lot of space and we lose a part time defenseman (albeit a very good one).

Either way, I have no doubt Stan has thought of all the possibilities and has several back-up plans.
- DarthKane

I don't think this makes a lot of sense. Leddy needs a steady partner that can cover his defensive gaffes.

If you're going to try and sell Rundblad as that solution, I can tell you now that idea is a load of crap. The next two in the system - Dahlbeck and Johns are going to make rookie mistakes, and going into next season's playoffs could be an adventure, if they're still trying to figure everything out.

Try not to let your bad vision supercede your objectivity.

Stoner launched himself clearly off his skates (supposedly, not allowed), didn't get Shaw's head because Shaw's head was moving slightly away from the hit.

These kinds of hits are what the league says it is trying to eliminate, regardless of the resulting injury.
- StLBravesFan

I actually like your posts and often agree with you, so I mean no personal offense when I say this, but people need to learn what "leaving the skates" actually means.

I am so sick of people saying "he left his skates, it's charging!!!" when the player in question leaves his feet AFTER impact. Body checking at the lowest levels is taught as lowering your body into a hit, and then exploding upwards, to uproot the opposing player from his skates.

Leaving your feet, as charging, means leaping or diving, launching yourself into a player, like a torpedo or a football tackle (body position is irrelevant, jumping into a player while upright still generates more force). Such hits are incredibly dangerous, hence the rule against them. When a player leaves his feet after a hit, it is NOT an illegal check. It is a good check that is heavily delivered (and bad form, as it usually takes you out of the play).

So I will ask you and the others crying foul to show me either 1) Stoner left his feet prior to impact (he didn't) or 2) Stoner aimed his arm or shoulder anywhere other than Shaw's right shoulder (he didn't). I love Andrew Shaw and it sucks that he's hurt, but that's a legal check and exactly what Stoner is paid to do, and whining about it makes us look bad as Hawks fans.

Runblad gets regular 3rd pairing minutes when you move one of Rozsival or Leddy.
- DDM-Coga

That's a scary premise.

That's a scary premise.
- EKolb13

Hes been that brutal since the deadline? whats his story?

Maybe? Both need new contracts after next season - with Oduya being a UFA and Leddy an RFA.

There's the premise of getting a good return from trading Leddy. That could open up a spot for one of Dahlbeck, Clendening, and Johns to compete for a spot.

Clendening has the same deficiencies as Leddy in his own end and doesn't have the wheels that Leddy does. However, Clendening brings more toughness then Leddy, and Clendening can handle the opposition playing a physical game.

Dahlbeck could develop into a good two-way defenseman with a little offensive upside, and plays a solid defensive game.

Then there's the fact that Oduya will be a few months shy of 34 years old at the end of next season. Which means he isn't getting any younger, and you have to question when do his abilities start falling off?

I'm kind of torn between which one of the two to trade...
- EKolb13

Good stuff EK....think our win % is off the charts since Oduya came aboard.
He's still in PRIME physical condition and i believe he'd still be effective with Hammer for at least another 2-3 years.

I think Ben Smith stays with the team next year, and Morin is shown the door.
Zus is gone, Brookbank is gone.
I think Leddy stays, 23 and a 2.7 hit. I think if Roszival can be moved he will be, and if not I think Oduya is, perhaps both. If they can get anything for Versteeg he's likely gone as well.

With the big two coming up in the '15-'16 season, it's highly possible that some of the kids start getting a look to see if they are viable pieces when 19 & 88 get their next big contracts. I think any veteran additions will be cheaper contracts, perhaps someone looking for a last chance at a cup run. Maybe they kick the tires on Bolland?

it will be interesting to watch the plan, you know they have to be thinking about 15-16 already.

Hes been that brutal since the deadline? whats his story?
- DDM-Coga

At least for me, he hasn't inspired anything that says he's the guy to go with next season, even as the 7th defenseman.

He didn't look all that great in the few games he got with the Hawks at the end of the season. If you factor that in with the fact that he's on his fourth organization since being drafted in 2009, along with the idea that he couldn't earn playing time in his stops in Ottawa and Phoenix - teams that could have used blueline help, that doesn't show me that he's earned anything for anyone to say that he's a solid solution to fill a role.

bruins putting forth some serious snarl and nastiness in G2.....

I smell a Rask shutout here!!

bruins putting forth some serious snarl and nastiness in G2.....

I smell a Rask shutout here!!
- bogiedoc

It's 1-1

Crawford has been the mvp of the playoffs so far, to me. And that isn't good. The way this team is set with all the talent and depth the goalie shouldn't even get a star on most nights. But so far in the playoffs and even against boston last year Crawford was usually the 1st or 2nd star imo. Most of them were bad yesterday. I hope for a better effort tomorrow Afternoon. I hate those games
- tomcat24

I get your point but last year Crawford was the best players in the Minny series and was the MVP of the playoffs.

But sooner than later the part-time efforts must stop.
Great chance to win this series in 4 or 5 games if focused.

Hawks beat the Wild 5-2 despite sloppy effort. Kane leads the charge: On The Blackhawks :Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1q0FnTL

Good stuff EK....think our win % is off the charts since Oduya came aboard.
He's still in PRIME physical condition and i believe he'd still be effective with Hammer for at least another 2-3 years.
- philco28

It could be that Oduya could have another 2-3 years left of what he's given this team so far. Then again, age catches up with a player very quickly and the chances of a drop off in abilities can happen at any time.

bruins putting forth some serious snarl and nastiness in G2.....

I smell a Rask shutout here!!
- bogiedoc

I'm hoping for a miracle, but I just don't see how they won't be back in the finals this year. 3 finals in 4 years hopefully they lose to the West again. And hopefully we get back to the finals, too. 3 in 5 years isn't that bad.

Good stuff EK....think our win % is off the charts since Oduya came aboard.
He's still in PRIME physical condition and i believe he'd still be effective with Hammer for at least another 2-3 years.
- philco28

Sooner or later we are going to have to cough up some serious dollars for Kane & Toews. That means bodies have to go especially the older bodies.

At least for me, he hasn't inspired anything that says he's the guy to go with next season, even as the 7th defenseman.

He didn't look all that great in the few games he got with the Hawks at the end of the season. If you factor that in with the fact that he's on his fourth organization since being drafted in 2009, along with the idea that he couldn't earn playing time in his stops in Ottawa and Phoenix - teams that could have used blueline help, that doesn't show me that he's earned anything for anyone to say that he's a solid solution to fill a role.
- EKolb13

He probably is going to go back to Sweden soon since he can't seem to find a spot int he NHL yet. But if you package him up with Versteeg I bet teams will bite on that package and get a decent return from it.

Runblad also screwed up the Avs drafting. Blues drafted him, in 2009, trade him to OTT for the 16th overall in 2010, and drafted Tarasenko at that position. That was the Avs target at 17, and we picked Hishon instead (which was a stupid off the board pick)...oh what could have been.

It could be that Oduya could have another 2-3 years left of what he's given this team so far. Then again, age catches up with a player very quickly and the chances of a drop off in abilities can happen at any time.
- EKolb13

Valid points, but i'll take my chances with 27 over 8 if we have to part with one. The upside to getting a good return, plus Oduya's obvious value make trading Leddy first, an easy choice. Just my view though

Maybe? Both need new contracts after next season - with Oduya being a UFA and Leddy an RFA.

There's the premise of getting a good return from trading Leddy. That could open up a spot for one of Dahlbeck, Clendening, and Johns to compete for a spot.

Clendening has the same deficiencies as Leddy in his own end and doesn't have the wheels that Leddy does. However, Clendening brings more toughness then Leddy, and Clendening can handle the opposition playing a physical game.

Dahlbeck could develop into a good two-way defenseman with a little offensive upside, and plays a solid defensive game.

Then there's the fact that Oduya will be a few months shy of 34 years old at the end of next season. Which means he isn't getting any younger, and you have to question when do his abilities start falling off?

I'm kind of torn between which one of the two to trade...
- EKolb13

You forgot one factor to throw into the mix....Clendening may never be as good as Leddy is today. For me Dahlbeck is a more likely NHL player.

That's not to say Clendening can't be a top 4 dman but his learning curve isn't anywhere near Leddy and really not that of Dahlbeck either.

Concerning the return for Leddy it won't be bad and easily tradeable... but it would be much better if he played top 4 minutes.

Hawks beat the Wild 5-2 despite sloppy effort. Kane leads the charge: On The Blackhawks :Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1q0FnTL

I get your point but last year Crawford was the best players in the Minny series and was the MVP of the playoffs.

But sooner than later the part-time efforts must stop.
Great chance to win this series in 4 or 5 games if focused.

Hawks beat the Wild 5-2 despite sloppy effort. Kane leads the charge: On The Blackhawks :Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1q0FnTL
- Al

Crawford was definitely the MVP against minny last year. Sharp was 2nd. Part-time effort is the perfect term. I still wish they were better in their own zone. Everyone says they are. I don't see it. All I see is a chinese fire drill every time a team can gain control in the Hawks zone. Crawford really has to make quality stops

You forgot one factor to throw into the mix....Clendening may never be as good as Leddy is today. For me Dahlbeck is a more likely NHL player.

That's not to say Clendening can't be a top 4 dman but his learning curve isn't anywhere near Leddy and really not that of Dahlbeck either.

Concerning the return for Leddy it won't be bad and easily tradeable... but it would be much better if he played top 4 minutes.

Hawks beat the Wild 5-2 despite sloppy effort. Kane leads the charge: On The Blackhawks :Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1q0FnTL
- Al

But his youth, pedigree and promise make him an outstanding asset to deal.

But his youth, pedigree and promise make him an outstanding asset to deal.
- philco28

asset management is key, gave up Barker who was under performing, now have a good asset in Leddy who could fetch multiple assets in return such as a player or prospect plus a pick.

I actually like your posts and often agree with you, so I mean no personal offense when I say this, but people need to learn what "leaving the skates" actually means.

I am so sick of people saying "he left his skates, it's charging!!!" when the player in question leaves his feet AFTER impact. Body checking at the lowest levels is taught as lowering your body into a hit, and then exploding upwards, to uproot the opposing player from his skates.

Leaving your feet, as charging, means leaping or diving, launching yourself into a player, like a torpedo or a football tackle (body position is irrelevant, jumping into a player while upright still generates more force). Such hits are incredibly dangerous, hence the rule against them. When a player leaves his feet after a hit, it is NOT an illegal check. It is a good check that is heavily delivered (and bad form, as it usually takes you out of the play).

So I will ask you and the others crying foul to show me either 1) Stoner left his feet prior to impact (he didn't) or 2) Stoner aimed his arm or shoulder anywhere other than Shaw's right shoulder (he didn't). I love Andrew Shaw and it sucks that he's hurt, but that's a legal check and exactly what Stoner is paid to do, and whining about it makes us look bad as Hawks fans.
- Sandus

Well, except Stoner left his feet before contact. He launched into Shaw.

Tracey Myers ‏@TramyersCSN
Andrew Shaw (leg) questionable for tomorrow. Q said not long-term issue. #blackhawks

asset management is key, gave up Barker who was under performing, now have a good asset in Leddy who could fetch multiple assets in return such as a player or prospect plus a pick.
- DDM-Coga

THIS

@MarkLazerus: Kris Versteeg was "under the weather" last night. He was supposed to play, but late scratch after warmups. #Blackhawks