All the million and one posts and much ado about a lot of bs. I contributed to it as well.

It seems obvious to me that:

1). Seabrook, the only big body, big minutes all around game with emphasis on willingness to play physical....is not going anywhere. Not many of these type in the NHL. I know that for one or more reasons both Keith & Seabrook had some poor playoff performance. But know this: their skill and their game has not disappeared. They are still darn good. One more Cup run with all core players...except maybe Sharp

2). The objective #1 is another Cup and therefore you do not wish to trade Sharp. Only if a #2 center or a legitimate big physical winger is coming our way for Sharp.....then consider maybe this sort of trade. I had suggested a trade in last blog because it may bring back what the team needs. But I am not certain the Tampa players are worth it for Sharp. Johnson & Killorn.

3). If there is a desire to trim salary due to salary cap, Oduya has trade value. And as a #4 dman his next salary/contract will not fit that slot. I actually like Dahlbeck chance to become a solid NHL dman more than Leddy. But I want to see Bowman's faith and how long is his leash for Leddy's smarts and ability to take next step. And whether TT can be a special player.

If I had to bet I say TT is going to be very good just not immediately. The biggest issue with him as far as I am concerned is his size and being another skill but not big size Chg forward. His scouting report translates into NHL success eventually. But I refuse to say now how much he will score (too early to predict that)

4). Bickel is "maddingly" inconsistent. But big size capable players are hard to develop and worth keeping if only for playoffs. Morin could be a useful scorer but eventually probably is moved....because there are a few prospects who can be energy type their first couple years in the NHL AND whom play better defense. Skate better too. But if Morin scores some his skating wouldn't be the biggest obstacle in Q 's mind. Sure, skating matters but Q is going to use whomever he likes best, defensively, in bottom line roles over the scoring prowess of a Morin.

Lastly. Best to rotate Raanta with LaBarbara so that Raanta gets lots of action/development. It is a prudent financial move as far as the team salary cap must be addressed.
- jhawk59

great summary of everyone's thoughts over the past 8-9 months!

Not a fan of trading Johnny O. Can't see how they replace him and still maintain their defensive strength.
- Lido_Shuffle

We won't be able to re-sign him next year (will probably ask for a bigger contract). Stan probably trading him while he can. The new D will consist of Keith/Seabrook, Jammer/Leddy, Rundblad/Roszival or Rockford call-up/cheap free agent

We won't be able to re-sign him next year (will probably ask for a bigger contract). Stan probably trading him while he can. The new D will consist of Keith/Seabrook, Jammer/Leddy, Rundblad/Roszival or Rockford call-up/cheap free agent
- BearsnHawks

Once Stan finalizes the deals with Kane and Toews I'm sure he'll talk with Oduya and Leddy's agents. Once he gets a good idea of what they want he'll factor that into what he does.

I really don't think Oduya will ask for that much. There's no way he should make more that Hjalmarsson. I could see Oduya signing for around $3.5 million for 2-3 years. JO could decide to take a chance that a team like Edmonton will pay him $5 million, but look how well that process worked for Chris Campoli.

You make it sound like Sharp is refusing to play center. He has said several times in interviews over the last few years that he would if asked. It is an organizational (read Q) decision.
- NewToHockey

Sharp is not the 2-way player he used to be and Q realizes this. He is no longer capable of playing 2C, PK, etc. (like he did up until 2010) where defense (and effort) is required. Putting him on a line with Kane is a (frank)ing disaster. Kane is a better defensive forward than Sharp at this point.

All these rumors are fun, and I enjoy all the proposed deals here especially anything with JVR+. That said in looking at UFA centers why do I have the feeling we are shopping at centers r us and getting Colin Fraser or Jake Dowell type guys? 500k types who are centers by definition but not really answers to any question other than who comprise the bottom half of the least deep 4 centers on an nhl roster?
- Morganskaner88

Those guys are to young. I expect someone 32-36

Those guys are to young. I expect someone 32-36
- BearsnHawks

Is Dave Bolland out of the question?

If there is a sensible trade using Sharp as bait to reel in the needs of the Blackhawks, my logic is given below. I just want to emphasize that this could be considered. If you do not have a good read on the Tampa players, then review their scouting report and stat's. Johnson had an impressive rookie season. I think he is adequate in face off dept and would be good with top line players. Acquire him and eventually either Johnson or Kruger is moved some time after next season.

Chg gets someone to be a legitimate center, inexpensive contract, can be productive two way player. Killorn is the big body physical forward for bottom lines. Killorn addition would afford Q opportunity to dress a physical line up on bottom lines with Killorn, Bollig, Shaw inclusive.

Bollig plays bad he sits. Those three on bottom lines might be good strategy in some future playoff match up

Why would Tampa do this? To establish two serious scoring lines. Break in Drouin, heralded rookie, with less pressure on line #2 with Sharp. They also have Filipula and Palat.

Must be the next coming of Gretzky
- VANTEL

Saad is a top 6 forward, now, for probably any team in the NHL, is 21, and has a low cap hit. How many teams have a player like that? Why would the Hawks trade someone like that for Kesler?

Sharp is not the 2-way player he used to be and Q realizes this. He is no longer capable of playing 2C, PK, etc. (like he did up until 2010) where defense (and effort) is required. Putting him on a line with Kane is a (frank)ing disaster. Kane is a better defensive forward than Sharp at this point.
- CBHawks88

You may be on to something there. But who knows how much of Sharp's criticism is solely upon his willingness and not a lack of capability to be the "past" and not yet "old" Sharpie.

If you don't want him don't take him at all. Simple . Good luck against the Kings again hopefully Spezza can shut down Carter next time.
- VANTEL

We were fine two years ago. I think, the Hawks, are the better overall team. However, the bounce of the puck goes many ways, especially (the wrong way) when Handzus is playing on your 2nd line.

Who the hell wants Johnny Oduya and what in the name of Murray Bannerman do you think you'll get for him?

Not trolling, just asking.

Saad had 19 goals this year, a career high. He ain't Jesus.

Kesler for Saad, Terovainen and 1st is a fair deal IMO.

I would be worried next year that where Kesler is playing Kane may want to follow.
- VANTEL

Hawks would trade Kane to Buffalo for their top 5 assets before that would happen.

Who the hell wants Johnny Oduya and what in the name of Murray Bannerman do you think you'll get for him?

Not trolling, just asking.
- grand-magus

Never heard of him.

Saad had 19 goals this year, a career high. He ain't Jesus.

Kesler for Saad, Terovainen and 1st is a fair deal IMO.
- dshiddy

Send it in.

How ya doing Scooby? No action in the Leaf thread?

I don't think any of those guys are coming to Chicago.

Honestly, Bowman will more than likely sign another bottom 6 center, and Q will rotate out Shaw and Smith to center the 2nd line to start the season until Teravainen is ready to go.
- EKolb13

Glad someone thinks like me

Saad had 19 goals this year, a career high. He ain't Jesus.

Kesler for Saad, Terovainen and 1st is a fair deal IMO.
- dshiddy

Fair for Vancouver, not so much for Chicago. Our top prospect, best young player (this was his first full season) plus a 1st round pick. No thanks.

With Saad it's not just about what he's done. It's about what he's done and what he will do. You just don't give up on talent like this for a short term player.

Who the hell wants Johnny Oduya and what in the name of Murray Bannerman do you think you'll get for him?

Not trolling, just asking.
- grand-magus

some here would want him to be part of a Roster player, pick, and prospect for a legitimate 2C which isnt out of the question considering he is a fairly good top 4 Dman that played against some of the hardest competition statistically this past year and did very well for himself

Fair for Vancouver, not so much for Chicago. Our top prospect, best young player (this was his first full season) plus a 1st round pick. No thanks.

With Saad it's not just about what he's done. It's about what he's done and what he will do. You just don't give up on talent like this for a short term player.
- DarthKane

Kesler is in his prime, the other three are a risk.

If Kesler brought the Hawks two cups would it be worth it to you?

Who the hell wants Johnny Oduya and what in the name of Murray Bannerman do you think you'll get for him?

Not trolling, just asking.
- grand-magus

Most Blackhawks fans want Oduya (at least the smart ones do ).

I know he doesn't put up big numbers, but he moves the puck well, blocks shots and forms a great shutdown pair with Hjalmarsson. I hope he stays.

Sharp is not the 2-way player he used to be and Q realizes this. He is no longer capable of playing 2C, PK, etc. (like he did up until 2010) where defense (and effort) is required. Putting him on a line with Kane is a (frank)ing disaster. Kane is a better defensive forward than Sharp at this point.
- CBHawks88

Hmm. He played the system fine for Canada. The whole Sharp doesn't play defense is BS. imo.

Who the hell wants Johnny Oduya and what in the name of Murray Bannerman do you think you'll get for him?

Not trolling, just asking.
- grand-magus

Oduya is a bargain next season for a team needing an experienced, descent to good offensive puck mover. Ideal for second pair. Suggested as possible salary cap casualty for chg.

Kesler is in his prime, the other three are a risk.

If Kesler brought the Hawks two cups would it be worth it to you?
- dshiddy

Saad isn't much of a risk, he's arrived and he will be a force in the NHL for a while.

I'm a Kesler fan, I'm not trying to downplay his talent. But realistically we'd have him for 2 years, why give up Saad who could play for 10 more years with us. I'll take Saad and his long term potential.

I have no issue giving up TT in a deal or the 1st, but not Saad.

BTW...if Saad, Teravainen and the 1st are risks why would you trade for them? Especially for a player in his prime.

That wasn't my point. At one point, Seguin was untouchable; then he wasn't. The why of it is irrelevant. If GMs never ask about people who were at one time untouchable, they would never know when those statuses change.
- NewToHockey

I think Saad is considered "untouchable" now. Could that change by next year is he does something stupid? Yes, is it probable? No

Saad isn't much of a risk, he's arrived and he will be a force in the NHL for a while.

I'm a Kesler fan, I'm not trying to downplay his talent. But realistically we'd have him for 2 years, why give up Saad who could play for 10 more years with us. I'll take Saad and his long term potential.

I have no issue giving up TT in a deal or the 1st, but not Saad.

BTW...if Saad, Teravainen and the 1st are risks why would you trade for them? Especially for a player in his prime.
- DarthKane

Canucks are retooling, Hawks need to win the next 2-3 years. Trade makes sense for both sides. Saad is little risk, TT could be good, and then the 1st is unlikely to be anything.

With the market for Kesler, that's what I think he'd get. Ducks, Penguins and Hawks are all in the same boat...