The calm before the storm????????
- powerenforcer

More like the calm before the calm.

Frans Neilsen is on my draft day trade wishlist. Again. For what seems like the third draft in a row.

....Or getting ready to hear the words......"We like our team."
- Studebakerhawk

But that can't be with so many sources saying otherwise

Settle in hockey fans.....gonna be a fun day

More like the calm before the calm.
- DarthKane

I hope this doesn't turn out like the TDL where the rumors fly for weeks and then there is little or no player movement.

From Aaron Portzline:

#CBJ not on Ryan Kesler's 'approved' list. If CBJ tried to change that, they aren't any longer. Only want players who want to be in Cbus.

Aaron is the Jackets beat writer and well connected to the team. Worth noting as there was a lot of talk that Kesler was expanding his list or that Columbus was trying to convince Kesler to consider the Jackets.

Cap for next season. Over/under 70.5 I'm saying over.

Just in case the Hawks dont end up trading for Kesler, dont forget this is him.

Not getting my hopes up for anything big: I see adding two bottom-6 forwards (center and wing), Roszival gone and "a new Roszival" brought in along wot Brookbank coming back.

The plan will be Shaw at 2C; if (when?) that fails, TT gets a shot (if he doesn't completely screw up in Screw City).

I have no idea how they handle the cap situation this year or next year - probably Leddy and/or Oduya gone this year, a major cap-hit player gone next year, especially if the cap isn't well above $75MM next year.

And I see at least two transition years for this team, until (a) the cap catches up to the cap hit increase coming next year, and (b) Rockfish starts sending one or two top-6 ready forwards and a top-4 defenseman or two.

Just in case the Hawks dont end up trading for Kesler, dont forget this is him.
- BlazinMike

It's one of his more flagrant ones for sure.

Cap for next season. Over/under 70.5 I'm saying over.
- Fooseshark

Agreed

Just in case the Hawks dont end up trading for Kesler, dont forget this is him.
- BlazinMike

This has been shown before but it's still funny. http://vansunsportsblogs....n-kesler-tumbleweed-gifs/
The family of ducks is my favorite.

It's one of his more flagrant ones for sure.
- HawkintheD

If Kesler ever ended up in an Indian Head sweater, I'd hope he'd cut that crap out. Diving gets real old real fast

....Or getting ready to hear the words......"We like our team."
- Studebakerhawk

I don't get what Stan should state if trade/FA talks fall apart..

Well we didn't get Player X.. our season is toast...

Cap for next season. Over/under 70.5 I'm saying over.
- Fooseshark

Under. I say $70.2 million.

If Kesler ever ended up in an Indian Head sweater, I'd hope he'd cut that crap out. Diving gets real old real fast
- prd797

In 2011 he cut out all the extracurricular activity, he had his best year and so did his team. If Kesler comes here and focuses on his game he could have a career year.

Hawks announce two year extensions for Raanta and Smith

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=723916

Not getting my hopes up for anything big: I see adding two bottom-6 forwards (center and wing), Roszival gone and "a new Roszival" brought in along wot Brookbank coming back.

The plan will be Shaw at 2C; if (when?) that fails, TT gets a shot (if he doesn't completely screw up in Screw City).

I have no idea how they handle the cap situation this year or next year - probably Leddy and/or Oduya gone this year, a major cap-hit player gone next year, especially if the cap isn't well above $75MM next year.

And I see at least two transition years for this team, until (a) the cap catches up to the cap hit increase coming next year, and (b) Rockfish starts sending one or two top-6 ready forwards and a top-4 defenseman or two.
- StLBravesFan

I can see this being paid out in the same fashion.. Nicely stated.

Chicago Blackhawks ‏@NHLBlackhawks 47s
The #Blackhawks have agreed to terms with @BenASmith12 and @AnttiRaanta:

Under. I say $70.2 million.
- DarthKane

I got $70.21.

Well played, Al.
- mohel

Smith and Raanta sign 2 yr erxtensions.

Hawks announce two year extensions for Raanta and Smith

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=723916
- golfbard

Buying my Raanta jersey now.. I just like saying his name.. outloud.. More like Yelling it..

My Wife on the other hand.. has come to hate that guy in goal for some reason..

Smith and Raanta sign 2 yr erxtensions.
- Al

Excellent!!! Very happy about that, especially Smith.

Cap for next season. Over/under 70.5 I'm saying over.
- Fooseshark

69MIL..

I got $70.21.
- mohel

I feel like we're on the price is right!