I could be wrong, but i honestly have no fear of Kane NOT resigning in Chicago. Worst case scenario, the Hawks put him on the block and make a killing. Yeah it would suck to lose him, but there could be a nice return for Kane if a deal doesnt get worked out in time.

Its win win
- BlazinMike

Maybe not so win-win: unless Kane indicates he would be willing to resign with any of the new teams, Hawks may be limited in who the can realistically trade him to - thus limiting the return - or someone would take him as a rental for next year - thus limiting the return.

Kane is pretty much in the driver's seat, if he wants to exercise that control.

How the hell does McDonough fit into this equation??????
- paulr

If you ever get the chance to ask anyone who has worked for the Hawks since 2007-08 OR does work for the Hawks now...who the biggest jerk in that office is, they will say John McDonough.

Tied in to Kane? Geez......kane is painted as an alcoholic and a loof.....had to have a "sit down" like a mafia member with his dad and Hawks brass. Wonder who called that meeting? The guy who has built a good portion of his marketing campaign around him?

Did you ever watch closely to the uncomfortable fake celebrations on the ice or in the locker-room with Hawks players/coaches and management? I suggest you do. The proof is there.

I'm guessing team Canada put Keith on the Olympic team because the local media pled his case? I'm guessing also that Yzerman and Babcock decided to use Keith as a top pairing defenseman on the best defense in the tournament for his skate issues? And Seabrook didn't make the team because I'm again guessing Keith somehow convinced Team Canada not to include him? Come on Steve, you can do better than that.
- paulr

Because he's right handed. Seabrook > Hamhuis, by quite a bit.

Because he's right handed. Seabrook > Hamhuis, by quite a bit.
- Ogilthorpe2

Among other things...Seabrook also was very bad vs Detroit in most of that series in 2013 so I'm sure Babcock had that thought in his head. Seabrook also got benched vs USA in the gold medal game in 2010 so they could play a younger guy named Drew Doughty.

If you ever get the chance to ask anyone who has worked for the Hawks since 2007-08 OR does work for the Hawks now...who the biggest jerk in that office is, they will say John McDonough.

Tied in to Kane? Geez......kane is painted as an alcoholic and a loof.....had to have a "sit down" like a mafia member with his dad and Hawks brass. Wonder who called that meeting? The guy who has built a good portion of his marketing campaign around him?

Did you ever watch closely to the uncomfortable fake celebrations on the ice or in the locker-room with Hawks players/coaches and management? I suggest you do. The proof is there.
- SteveRain

How about - whoever called it - the meeting worked - or Kane just grew up - or something - but no issues in a couple of years now.

Who cares if McDonough is a jerk? Players think ALL of the "suits" are jerks.

It seems that we want to give McDonough much too much credit for trying to screw up this team - he's doing his job as President of the "company" and it's marketing director - unless there is proof that he has tried - and succeeded - in thwarting any hockey decisions, I'm ready to just stop worrying about him.

JJ? Al? Wiz? Any specific situations that you can talk about? Did McD stop them from getting a legitimate 2C last year - or from having only 2 legitimate centers on the team? Or from giving Q the tools to roll four lines? Or....

I'm hoping this rumor is true BC it FORCES StanBo to take immediate action to improve the 2nd line...if not for a somewhat fed up Kaner we'd all be looking at Olli Jokinen or Shaw as 2nd line C this fall...youre under pressure Stan,now make a move!!

Frans is not on the block!!!

Trade for Spezza?
- jimmc7722

How do you know this for a fact?

quite a turnout! a bit shy of Chicago but looks like they doubled last parade.


- Sconnie

Honestly that's all well and good but really who cares and I think the bottom line is, how many people showed up at the Blackhawks parade yesterday compared to the Kings?

How about - whoever called it - the meeting worked - or Kane just grew up - or something - but no issues in a couple of years now.

Who cares if McDonough is a jerk? Players think ALL of the "suits" are jerks.

It seems that we want to give McDonough much too much credit for trying to screw up this team - he's doing his job as President of the "company" and it's marketing director - unless there is proof that he has tried - and succeeded - in thwarting any hockey decisions, I'm ready to just stop worrying about him.

JJ? Al? Wiz? Any specific situations that you can talk about? Did McD stop them from getting a legitimate 2C last year - or from having only 2 legitimate centers on the team? Or from giving Q the tools to roll four lines? Or....
- StLBravesFan

You can believe what you want to believe. I have heard it from numerous people. Media as well as front office guys. he's a control freak. in ALL decisions. ALL.

Have JJ or Al tell you about the $hit storm that followed the Kane/Versteeg/Madden limo ride.

Honestly that's all well and good but really who cares and I think the bottom line is, how many people showed up at the Blackhawks parade yesterday compared to the Kings?
- golfbard

Exactly.....they won the cup. They are the champions.

Last I checked, turnouts at a parade don't mean a thing.

How about - whoever called it - the meeting worked - or Kane just grew up - or something - but no issues in a couple of years now.

Who cares if McDonough is a jerk? Players think ALL of the "suits" are jerks.

It seems that we want to give McDonough much too much credit for trying to screw up this team - he's doing his job as President of the "company" and it's marketing director - unless there is proof that he has tried - and succeeded - in thwarting any hockey decisions, I'm ready to just stop worrying about him.

JJ? Al? Wiz? Any specific situations that you can talk about? Did McD stop them from getting a legitimate 2C last year - or from having only 2 legitimate centers on the team? Or from giving Q the tools to roll four lines? Or....
- StLBravesFan

All of this!

On the first part, as you mention, no incidents/issues in a few years now. We can all bemoan the fact that he was just a kid growing up and somehow it's unfair or when I was that age I was doing way worse. I was.

Wrong. Public personae/image when your being paid $6mil a year matters and if it means he has become more of an adult about his partying or just doing it away from the public eye...who cares? No incidents and no more talk of how he needs to be traded because he's a clubhouse cancer.

Exactly.....they won the cup. They are the champions.

Last I checked, turnouts at a parade don't mean a thing.
- SteveRain

Well they do on fan resume's and for the benefit of one fan base calling another band wagon, lame or whatever.

All of this!

On the first part, as you mention, no incidents/issues in a few years now. We can all bemoan the fact that he was just a kid growing up and somehow it's unfair or when I was that age I was doing way worse. I was.

Wrong. Public personae/image when your being paid $6mil a year matters and if it means he has become more of an adult about his partying or just doing it away from the public eye...who cares? No incidents and no more talk of how he needs to be traded because he's a clubhouse cancer.
- HawkintheD

Control freak or whatever, The Hawks are doing well on the ice in the community and on the balance sheet and I would think McDonough deserves as much credit as anyone.

Control freak or whatever, The Hawks are doing well on the ice in the community and on the balance sheet and I would think McDonough deserves as much credit as anyone.
- paulr

I don't dispute any of it. I think it's hilarious when Wirtz claims they lose money only have Forbes negate that claim.

McDonough is doing what he is supposed to be doing.....making money for Rockwell Wirtz.

Well they do on fan resume's and for the benefit of one fan base calling another band wagon, lame or whatever.
- HawkintheD

I don't get into that crap.


Everyone on here will claim they were one of the 5-10K fans in attendance in 1999 or 2000 and blah, blah, blah, blah. Only that person REALLY knows if they are lying. That's why I dont' get into it with other fan bases when they talk about Hawks fans being band-wagon fans.

Truth is a lot of them are, but you know what....who cares? I can't blame anyone for not spending money on a team when they suck. That's their decision and doesn't make them any more or less of a fan then anyone else.

This run the Hawks are on is like the Jordan Bulls. May never see it again in my lifetime.

Stasny isn't coming here. He may take less to stay in Colorado, but that's where that thought ends.

STL would be an ideal landing spot for him IF he doesn't resign. Rumor has it there is a deal on the table and the Avs are waiting to hear back from his camp.
- SteveRain

Playing between Saad and Kane would be the wet dream of any center in the league.

Especially one that drives possession like Statsny does. Plus he had his biggest years career wise playing for Q so "system" and familiarity is a good fit as well making the Hawks the most ideal if they can make the $ work. Salary dump Sharp to sign Statsny would be rad.

re stl: What bozo would want to hang out with Backes and Oshie on purpose?

Exactly.....they won the cup. They are the champions.

Last I checked, turnouts at a parade don't mean a thing.
- SteveRain

it means they have less fan support compared to the Hawks

There's also a scheduled press conference on Friday (i think it's Friday) in Colorado....prob to announce the extension
- eburgio

Or the ROR situation

Kane would be happy with Frans Neilsen!!
- DarthKane

Kane will be happy with about $9-$9.5 mill per season... period.
He doesn't have to resign but with both big boys coming due at once....There isn't any real room to squeeze the Hawks.
On Twitter@AlCimaglia

it means they have less fan support compared to the Hawks
- EnzoD

How does that translate to ON ICE results? Those are what matter.

Maybe not so win-win: unless Kane indicates he would be willing to resign with any of the new teams, Hawks may be limited in who the can realistically trade him to - thus limiting the return - or someone would take him as a rental for next year - thus limiting the return.

Kane is pretty much in the driver's seat, if he wants to exercise that control.
- StLBravesFan

You could be right, but either way I'm not too worried about it. If he REALLY wants to go play in Buffalo then so be it. The only crappy part is that ill only get to watch him a few times a season.

I don't get into that crap.


Everyone on here will claim they were one of the 5-10K fans in attendance in 1999 or 2000 and blah, blah, blah, blah. Only that person REALLY knows if they are lying. That's why I dont' get into it with other fan bases when they talk about Hawks fans being band-wagon fans.

Truth is a lot of them are, but you know what....who cares? I can't blame anyone for not spending money on a team when they suck. That's their decision and doesn't make them any more or less of a fan then anyone else.

This run the Hawks are on is like the Jordan Bulls. May never see it again in my lifetime.
- SteveRain

Quite possibly.

Totally agree with the other part and think they are dumb arguments. Also, don't care if bandwagon/new fans want to join the party. The more publicity, $$$, and talk generated around the sport especially in Chicago is all good IMO.

Kane will be happy with about $9-$9.5 mill per... period.
He doesn't have to resign but with both big boys coming due at once....There isn't any real room to squeeze the Hawks.
On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

I would Be SHOCKED if they both don't sign by 7/1. Hawks may give up a little more to make that happen.

I don't question the center thing has legs. However, 19/88 are holding up so many other contracts that it doesn't make sense for the Hawks to drag them out or not be receptive to getting them done ASAP.

How does that translate to ON ICE results? Those are what matter.
- SteveRain

more fans= more revenue = more money to spend near the cap...cap teams usually are more successful on the ice compared to non cap teams

Quite possibly.

Totally agree with the other part and think they are dumb arguments. Also, don't care if bandwagon/new fans want to join the party. The more publicity, $$$, and talk generated around the sport especially in Chicago is all good IMO.
- HawkintheD

110% agreed. Yeah, does the guy standing up in the middle of a play to go take a leak suck? Sure. However, it's also very cool to see a TON of kids at the games and seeing all the new rinks around Chicago being built.

I HATE the NBA. Hate it. Loved the glory years of the 80s and up until Jordan left, but I would rather watch soccer all day long then watch the NBA. Same with baseball.

If the Hawks can sway those discretionary dollars away from families so that they attend Hawks games, or the Hawk convention or enroll their kid into hockey....then the Hawks win.

People can say the Hawks and Bulls dont' compete. they do. On every level besides the court/ice. Do I spend my money HERE or THERE?