Apparently, the mission...

...was business as usual.

"Mr. Bowman?...Brad Richards returning your call, line 2."
- ArlingtonRob

Hang up....please!!

I don't think so either. I was just showing how easy it would be to deal with the cap issue we are presently in
- wizardofi

If there are significant changes, they'll lose some salary there. If not, they'll trade Rozy for pucks and replace him with Dahlbeck/Johns.

Even I'm not that cynical: I think they were all-in, based on JJ's comments, and the logic of it.

I always assumed it would be basically Sharp + for him! even if it took separate deals to get it done.

Yes on the division thing - as long as they finish top-3 in the Central, they'll only have to face one of LA/Annie.

But the Central is getting tougher - even so, Hawks should be able to outlast Minnie and Dallas in the regular season.

The Weekes issue is interesting: wonder what happened - did Crawford have any input? Did they see a deterioration in his play? A lack of progress in Raanta?

For answers to these and other burning questions - don't look to your daily beat reporters.
- StLBravesFan

Their "all in" may differ from what fans think of as "all in", of course. If Kruger was the only established NHL player Bowman was willing to give up, then that's not as all in as some would have wished. I just don't see how, even after moving Sharp, we'd have the type of package VAN was obviously looking for without giving up Saad. They wanted a NHL proven player (center preference) and we don't have a lot of those to spare.

I agree on the division completely. NSH might push more too with the Neal acquisition and Rinne being healthy, but the Hawks should finish in the top 3.

Even I gave up on this notion. If the Hawks revisit this now...I'll be pissed.

Should've be the case from 2011 onward.
- ArlingtonRob

If they haven't done it in the past 4 seasons, they won't do it now.

I don't think the Blues or Avs will be better next year during the regular season. The Wild are going to be the ones to watch though.
- wizardofi

If they solve their goalie problems, maybe.

Perhaps...

...but I still think the Hawks took a step or 2 back. The playoff run was a nice gift to help us forget how average the club was for the latter half.

Time will tell...
- ArlingtonRob

I just don't see how that can be assessed fully. With how poorly Handzus played pretty much all year, losing him does not change the team that much except on the PK. Hopefully Smith or the new Swede will be able to step up in that role.

I agree the team was average the latter half of the season, but they still managed to get third in a highly competitive division. Tells me if they play up to their standard, they'll be fine with some tweaks.

- jhawk59

Keep reading, Wolfie and I buried the hatchet (I think).

Not improving the roster from this prior season just might lead to similar results in the coming season.

Seems like a somewhat logical assessment.
- ArlingtonRob

The hope (HOPE) is that the longer summer, without Cup distractions; Bickell coming in healthy and more in shape; Versteeg coming in healthy and more in shape; contributions from Morin; Saad understanding that it's an 82 game season....

I said HOPE.

I just don't see how that can be assessed fully. With how poorly Handzus played pretty much all year, losing him does not change the team that much except on the PK. Hopefully Smith or the new Swede will be able to step up in that role.

I agree the team was average the latter half of the season, but they still managed to get third in a highly competitive division. Tells me if they play up to their standard, they'll be fine with some tweaks.
- L_B_R

And they did get out of that division in the playoffs, and had an easier time doing so than did the Kings in their division.

I don't think so either. I was just showing how easy it would be to deal with the cap issue we are presently in
- wizardofi

The most obvious move which has been talked about since the end of the season: Trade Oduya for picks. Last year of a contract at age 34 to open up a spot for Rundblad or Johns or Clendenning. It clears out $3.4 mil and give you some cap flexibility for injurys or another 4th line type player.

A 3 mil plus free agent center coming here doesn't work cap wise at all.

Keep reading, Wolfie and I buried the hatchet (I think).
- mohel

We did. We are now best friends and Mohel is invited to Pittsburgh for pizza (NY style) and beer (PBurgh style)...

Nearly got back to Chicago, but my wife's job and some hockey opportunities for my oldest at our current HS put us here. Great place...HATE the Pens still.

MISS Chicago, but had to nix the move for various reasons (my wife was shocked).

The hope (HOPE) is that the longer summer, without Cup distractions; Bickell coming in healthy and more in shape; Versteeg coming in healthy and more in shape; contributions from Morin; Saad understanding that it's an 82 game season....

I said HOPE.
- StLBravesFan

There is plenty of room for organic growth on the Hawks - lots of young players that have yet to hit their prime. On the other end, could be the year that Sharp or Hossa begin to diminish. But Hossa is a beast and Sharp (if here) will have something to prove.

The most obvious move which has been talked about since the end of the season: Trade Oduya for picks. Last year of a contract at age 34 to open up a spot for Rundblad or Johns or Clendenning. It clears out $3.4 mil and give you some cap flexibility for injurys or another 4th line type player.

A 3 mil plus free agent center coming here doesn't work cap wise at all.
- bogiedoc

Add Leddy: any of the four ready for second-pairing responsibility?

Maybe.

I just don't see how that can be assessed fully. With how poorly Handzus played pretty much all year, losing him does not change the team that much except on the PK. Hopefully Smith or the new Swede will be able to step up in that role.

I agree the team was average the latter half of the season, but they still managed to get third in a highly competitive division. Tells me if they play up to their standard, they'll be fine with some tweaks.
- L_B_R

It was hard not to take a step or two back from 2013. 2013 is the greatest season we will EVER see as a Blackhawk fan. Incredible streak, winning percentage, and playoff run. One of the top 5 seasons ever for any team in history.

When I have my grandkid on my knee, I will be telling them of the incredible post lockout season of the Blackhawks, and how it was the best season I have ever seen from the Blackhawks (can't say the best ever, as I have seen the Canadiens teams of the late '70 and the Islanders of the early '80s)

We did. We are now best friends and Mohel is invited to Pittsburgh for pizza (NY style) and beer (PBurgh style)...

Nearly got back to Chicago, but my wife's job and some hockey opportunities for my oldest at our current HS put us here. Great place...HATE the Pens still.

MISS Chicago, but had to nix the move for various reasons (my wife was shocked).
- kwolf68

I used to visit Pittsburgh several times per year - it is a very under-appreciated city (in my opinion, of course ).

And pizza and beer is never a bad option.

The hope (HOPE) is that the longer summer, without Cup distractions; Bickell coming in healthy and more in shape; Versteeg coming in healthy and more in shape; contributions from Morin; Saad understanding that it's an 82 game season....

I said HOPE.
- StLBravesFan

yes...and I can hope for an inside straight during my friday evening poker game.

Hawks and Q consider their roster a bunch of interchangeable parts...they are quick to tell us that they don't really have the conventional 4 line set-up...no kidding.

Their lack of depth at center through out the organization is glaring.

Pirri's flame out was a major disappointment to say the least. They need to stop trying to convert wings into center: Kane, Smith, Shaw, Saad. It ain't working and it really hurts their line continuity

There is plenty of room for organic growth on the Hawks - lots of young players that have yet to hit their prime. On the other end, could be the year that Sharp or Hossa begin to diminish. But Hossa is a beast and Sharp (if here) will have something to prove.
- mohel

I like it, Organic growth. Very possible that Saad, Shaw, Kruger and Smith take more strides. Hey, even (don't read this sentence, Elbows) Leddy could make a jump that was previously unimaginable by some of us.

If they solve their goalie problems, maybe.
- StLBravesFan

And did I miss something? The Blues haven't done squat. The Avs are in the midst of contract hassles..again. Dallas hasn't done anything. The Jet..well are the Jets.

I used to visit Pittsburgh several times per year - it is a very under-appreciated city (in my opinion, of course ).

And pizza and beer is never a bad option.
- mohel

It's cool. The people here are cool. It has a blue collar ethic with some budding intellectualism. The hockey here is very good and competitive, most of the schools are world class (where my kids goto school the Ivy's recruit here dailey, though be prepared to bend over on your taxes), and the scene down in the Burg is so kicking.

But if the Bears, Sox or Hawks come rolling into town it's game on....

I like it, Organic growth. Very possible that Saad, Shaw, Kruger and Smith take more strides. Hey, even (don't read this sentence, Elbows) Leddy could make a jump that was previously unimaginable by some of us.
- reeder16

Reeds. If Leddy is still here opening night I am going to make Rob look like Mr. (frank)ing Sunshine.

I like it, Organic growth. Very possible that Saad, Shaw, Kruger and Smith take more strides. Hey, even (don't read this sentence, Elbows) Leddy could make a jump that was previously unimaginable by some of us.
- reeder16

Another one people will cringe at is Bollig. But I think he was pretty good in the regular season (not so good in the playoffs). Last year was by far the most hockey he's ever played. He has also worked hard on his game and improved more than most would have guessed.

Bickell will be better, too, I believe. Versteeg, too, although I'm a bit hesitant there. Morin could become like last year's Ben Smith, breaking onto the roster. And I think Nordy could find a place if he throws down a few sandwiches.

But, then again, I'm a unicorn.....

There is plenty of room for organic growth on the Hawks - lots of young players that have yet to hit their prime. On the other end, could be the year that Sharp or Hossa begin to diminish. But Hossa is a beast and Sharp (if here) will have something to prove.
- mohel

Smearing poop on them? Is this some new training regimen?

Smearing poop on them? Is this some new training regimen?
- Elbows15

Fancy poop, it is.....

Reeds. If Leddy is still here opening night I am going to make Rob look like Mr. (frank)ing Sunshine.
- Elbows15

Hey, I said don't read it

I'd like to see him moved tomorrow. Preferably for a young centre, with size who knows where his own end is and can get up and down the ice. I really think there must be one out there.

Any thoughts on moves that might take place tomorrow? Versteeg and Rozy for picks?

Another one people will cringe at is Bollig. But I think he was pretty good in the regular season (not so good in the playoffs). Last year was by far the most hockey he's ever played. He has also worked hard on his game and improved more than most would have guessed.

Bickell will be better, too, I believe. Versteeg, too, although I'm a bit hesitant there. Morin could become like last year's Ben Smith, breaking onto the roster. And I think Nordy could find a place if he throws down a few sandwiches.

But, then again, I'm a unicorn.....
- mohel

Bollig was fine during the regular season, but there are cheaper options for his level of play in the Rock imo. He's already 27, he's not exactly going to become anything more than he is now. His spot might be better used for getting some a kid NHL experience, like Nordy.