I think he has a no trade and is 5million/year
- Cup-Bearer

Players aren't going to stay where they aren't wanted, much like Sharp potentially going to Montreal, I feel like he'd waive to come to Chicago.

Any good 2C is going to have at least a $5.00 million cap hit.

Agreed. We need Kane as much as we need Toews. They bring different things to the team, but both are vital to our long term success.
- DarthKane

i want to see what Kane can do with a full time true Centre before I pass judgment.

Cue the "We like our team; we were a bounce away from the Final" speech....

Next year's 2C will be Shaw, TT, Hayes, or.....Rasmussen. This GM doesn't have the balls to make a major deal. I'll believe it when I see it.
- hawks2010

I'd like to know what the hangup in the Kesler negotiations was centered around. If it involved not wanting to part with prospects, then I'd agree with you.

So, a question for those of you familiar with the last 5 drafts: When will fans in Chicago (not RFD) begin to see the fruits of recent Hawk drafts and player development (I know - Saad, Shaw, Kruger, more?)? But is it really common to only plug in 1 or maybe 2 players each year from within the organIzation? If so, are we missing on draft picks or is the team's core just that strong that there's no room or opportunity for youth - or some combination with a coach that resists? Isn't that dangerous to allow a team to get older and try to ride it out without switching out a few pieces each year? What has really happened to highly-touted prospects like Pirri and Olsen and Beach (past regime) and.....even Morin? We they overvalued internally (like Cub prospects?) or just need more time and opportunity to play?

Maybe that's happening (quietly) and we're just expecting too much?

Lots of questions - sorry. Just asking......
- bwarner929

When a team is loaded to win the Cup every year there aren't many openings.
The Hawks have been drafting at the end of the 1st round and they have gotten lucky some players have fallen into their lap....Saad for one.
Also have done well with the other players you mentioned.

Question is ....if there is the right development taking place in Rockford and for now that is either No or an incomplete grade.

Other issue is the head coach has his foot down on the gas peddle every game and doesn't work younger players into the lineup to learn.

I wrote On Monday that probably needs to change.

One bounce away but super fortunate to be there. They were far from dominating and needed their goaltender to carry them for two rounds.

At 6 mildo you expect CC to do some work but that isn't the way this team wants to play, nor is it the way they filled seats.

extraskater.com for fun facts.
- fattybeef

fatty you have touched on a good point. After CC who is our backup. Raanta is due a contract. Do you ink him or bring in a 2 million+ backup? As for butts in seats. The Kane/Towes marketing blitz combined with television did that. It was like tearing down the wall in Germany economy wise.

i want to see what Kane can do with a full time true Centre before I pass judgment.
- SaskHawkFan

Look how much he's accomplished with a particular centre playing with him consistently. The guy is awesome...there's no question about it.

i want to see what Kane can do with a full time true Centre before I pass judgment.
- SaskHawkFan

True worth aside, they're going to get the same deal from the sounds of it. Having the same agent and both the team and the agent saying they expect to be done on July 1 suggest the same deal. Separate deals would cause trouble, imo... But, we'll see.

fatty you have touched on a good point. After CC who is our backup. Raanta is due a contract. Do you ink him or bring in a 2 million+ backup? As for butts in seats. The Kane/Towes marketing blitz combined with television did that. It was like tearing down the wall in Germany economy wise.
- Cup-Bearer

The backup goalie is going to be $1M or less. If Raanta is paid more, he'll be in Rockford and Old Cheapie (to be named later) will be in Chicago.

I find it humorous from all those saying the Hawks have "gaping" holes. They lost in Game 7 of the conference final to a very good team. In OT. They're one year removed from a President's Trophy and a Cup. Do they need to get better? Yes. Do they have needs? Yes.

But, trading core players seems a bit hasty. All year we've talked about trade Sharp, trade Hossa, trade Oduya, trade Bickell. I agree the last two are not "core" players, but we saw the effort it took to replace guys like Ladd, Brouwer, Sopel; hell, even Byfuglien after 2010. If, rather when, they resign Patrick Toews, I think it'll be fun to watch the scouting department build more complimentary (and future star) players like Saad, Shaw and Teuvo.

I, for one, can do without seeing a Spezza or Kesler move. I like this team too much. Although, Stastny is an interesting piece. Don't see it happening, though.

True worth aside, they're going to get the same deal from the sounds of it. Having the same agent and both the team and the agent saying they expect to be done on July 1 suggest the same deal. Separate deals would cause trouble, imo... But, we'll see.
- mohel

They're both really the faces of the franchise, I agree they'll get the same deal.

If Crosby (#87) has a cap hit of $8.7 million, will Kane (#88) have a cap hit of $8.8 million? That would be awesome, but I think it will be higher.

You do know he is pretty slow, right?
- Elbows15

He is?

They're both really the faces of the franchise, I agree they'll get the same deal.

If Crosby (#87) has a cap hit of $8.7 million, will Kane (#88) have a cap hit of $8.8 million? That would be awesome, but I think it will be higher.
- DarthKane

Great would be 8.5 per. As much of a "we still want to get that center for kane " discount know what i mean

Look how much he's accomplished with a particular centre playing with him consistently. The guy is awesome...there's no question about it.
- DarthKane

Every rap on Kane from his early days....Out of shape, not strong enough, can't get inside, poor shooting accuracy and can't create space for shots...Isn't remotely an issue now.

Players aren't going to stay where they aren't wanted, much like Sharp potentially going to Montreal, I feel like he'd waive to come to Chicago.

Any good 2C is going to have at least a $5.00 million cap hit.
- Hawks82

The problem for the Kessler, Spezza, Pleks is w you lose. If Sharp is moved it will be at the trade deadline I just don't see you trading your leading scorer as an option.

He is?
- eichiefs9

Meh. Wouldn't trade Sharp for him.

what would it take to get Purcell?
- otiscleetus

Take him!

Hawks stand pat and play their kids.

i want to see what Kane can do with a full time true Centre before I pass judgment.
- SaskHawkFan

Kane has had prolonged dry spells playing alongside the best center in the game.

I would argue that while Kane is electrifying, and often times provides the only scoring we need in a game... we need Toews more.

When Kane doesn't score he's a liability. When Toews or Hossa doesn't score they still keep the puck 200 feet from their net.

Hawks stand pat and play their kids.
- top shelf 15

Agreed! Nothing wrong with another deep playoff run...

Kane has had prolonged dry spells playing alongside the best center in the game.

I would argue that while Kane is electrifying, and often times provides the only scoring we need in a game... we need Toews more.

When Kane doesn't score he's a liability. When Toews or Hossa doesn't score they still keep the puck 200 feet from their net.
- busmaster

But when can does score he carries us to the cup sometimes. He has proved in the playoffs, when needed he will throw the team on his back and will them towards the cup. Which I would say makes him VERY important if not just as important as toews and hoss

Agreed! Nothing wrong with another deep playoff run...
- Longball5187

Yep your team does nothing and is still a contender ,you guys shouldnt make mountains out of mole hills

From an outsider, the Hawks could just sit pretty and do nothing.

You aren't going to win every year, and they are by far one of the top teams in the league.

Know your identity. Hawks are a skill team, and its worked. Stick with that.

Meh. Wouldn't trade Sharp for him.
- Elbows15

I like Sharp, but I'm more than happy with Okposo. I'd like to see Sharp in an Isles uniform, but we have bigger needs than wingers.

Kane has had prolonged dry spells playing alongside the best center in the game.

I would argue that while Kane is electrifying, and often times provides the only scoring we need in a game... we need Toews more.

When Kane doesn't score he's a liability. When Toews or Hossa doesn't score they still keep the puck 200 feet from their net.
- busmaster

When has Kane played alongside of Toews for a long time?

They will trade Plek way before Eller in order to open a spot for Galchenyuk at his natural position. Eller showed this PO that he is the 3rd line physical center that this team need and that he can also be efficient in a shutdown role.

Plekanec is a versatile player with a 50 pts production but time has come for Galchenyuk to play center. What's the asking price for Sharp?
- Habsody

Eller+