This will be all about teams looking for help form the rosters and farm teams of successful clubs.
These player come cheaper and many of the minor leagues in thick organizations are close and they come at so much cheaper a rate than paying Dave Bolland (or anybody who is a mid range UFA). Not a knock on Bolland or UFAs who want to secure their future.
Teams get it now...don't pay a ufa defenseman if you can secure one under contract for a NHL player and aspiring minor leaguers.

Bowman may be using his chips and working it.

100% agreed.

6- The smoke of Sharps off ice issues here and a fresh start in the South .
- mrpaulish

Can you elaborate?

Sharp made team Canada this year and led the Hawks in scoring. I think he might still be pretty good at hockey.
- rollpards19

I don't disagree he is good at hockey. However, you need a 2c and you need center depth. Rolling out Toews and Kruger and mixmatch of Smith/Shaw and god knows who else isn't going to be enough.

Can they keep Sharp? Yeah, maybe.....but I didn't hear a flat out denial from Bowman yesterday and I would think an agent going public with "Blackhawk Business" didn't sit well..

he has a NMC but as a player if you get "deal" and are asked to move your NMC to a decent option, I would think Sharp would....I don't think south Florida is that option but there could be others Sharp would say "OK" to.

Lastly because this is gong to a roller coaster all day.....look at that list for Kesler. If he DOES NOT waiver and allow Van to talk to anyone else.....it really is Anh vs Chicago. And does anyone here really think at the end McDonough will allow them to LOSE that battle now that everyone and their brother knows it's that close?

Contrary to what many on this board think, the hawks realized that while yes they were a bounce away from a repeat, their ability to get to that point was a helluva lot harder then it has been in the past and standing pat and watching others to continue to close that talent gap could lead to wasting years of a LEGIT chance to win championships....that's all that matters. Championships. Not waiting on 165 lb Fins to maybe/maybe not be something in 2-3 years.

And if it's not Kesler, and not Spezza...I bet they deal $$ to outbid anyone for Stasny. I just can't see them NOT securing that spot.....

I just wonder if it is true then about Campbell requesting a trade From florida? But what else would dale want? I can't see sharp and 27th for #1. And would we keep it and use it on ekblad or reinhart or trade it for Kesler? Would it be for kesler straight up?
- tomcat24

I totally can see that .


Sharp by himself may propel FLA into the playoffs . The East is bruutallll.


If Florida doesnt make the playoffs this season Dale could be fired .

Please provide some logic. This should probably be how I reply to all your posts. That or US's trademark "No".
- HawkintheD

Sharp is 32, has to play with however Q gives him and still has a team leading best year at 78 points and a career consistent positive +/-. And a two time, key contributing SC winner, with a $5.9m cap hit
Kesler will be 30 in 60 days, had 43 points this year, 11, last, and 41 the previous. His +/- has been negative two years running. No SC wins, and a likely $5m+ cap hit.

Sharp is nearly as much a grinder as Kesler, isn't afraid of the corners or hits, and can play center (2010 SCC).

Player for player anyone would prefer Sharp. To give up him for Kesler it's a net loss. To add Kesler with him is the only play.
Period.

No bonuses except for Entry Level deals and deals for 35 and older crowd.

Raanta was given security (2 years/one-way deal) for less value. He wanted to stay here. Simple as that. Good move on Stanley's part
- eburgio

No performance bonuses for Entry Level deals and deals for 35 and older crowd.

Signing bonuses can be handed out - Gaborik, Nikitin, etc...

Can you elaborate?
- nickmo2699

Google it

I just wonder if it is true then about Campbell requesting a trade From florida? But what else would dale want? I can't see sharp and 27th for #1. And would we keep it and use it on ekblad or reinhart or trade it for Kesler? Would it be for kesler straight up?
- tomcat24

If the hawks were to secure the #1 pick i would assume they would flip it to vancouver for Kesler and #6. straight up for Kelser is a overpayment IMO

Thanks Burgie, but I'd rather shoot from the hip and make comments on things I clearly know nothing about.

Did you say you were a True Detective watcher too (in addition to GOT)?
- HawkintheD

Yeah, wild speculation and diarrhea of the mouth are my preferred methods of communication.

I haven't watched True Detective, but I want to. We just finished up Silicon Valley, which is an easy series to watch. Have you see that?

Btw...you need to have a PSA when you change your avatar. I didn't know who was hollering at me until I noticed the GoT.

That's along the lines of what I'm thinking. After TT they don't have a lot of guys that have top 6 upside so if he goes (and Kesler/Spezza/choice C come here in a trade) I think that's exactly what you do with Sharp.
- HawkintheD

It definitely is a good plan, imo. Adding a good center and still being good enough for a few Cups while getting some good youth that I think would play now And for the next decade. Of course who knows what stan ends up doing. It does sound like he really is trying for a legit center

I don't disagree he is good at hockey. However, you need a 2c and you need center depth. Rolling out Toews and Kruger and mixmatch of Smith/Shaw and god knows who else isn't going to be enough.

Can they keep Sharp? Yeah, maybe.....but I didn't hear a flat out denial from Bowman yesterday and I would think an agent going public with "Blackhawk Business" didn't sit well..

he has a NMC but as a player if you get "deal" and are asked to move your NMC to a decent option, I would think Sharp would....I don't think south Florida is that option but there could be others Sharp would say "OK" to.

Lastly because this is gong to a roller coaster all day.....look at that list for Kesler. If he DOES NOT waiver and allow Van to talk to anyone else.....it really is Anh vs Chicago. And does anyone here really think at the end McDonough will allow them to LOSE that battle now that everyone and their brother knows it's that close?

Contrary to what many on this board think, the hawks realized that while yes they were a bounce away from a repeat, their ability to get to that point was a helluva lot harder then it has been in the past and standing pat and watching others to continue to close that talent gap could lead to wasting years of a LEGIT chance to win championships....that's all that matters. Championships. Not waiting on 165 lb Fins to maybe/maybe not be something in 2-3 years.

And if it's not Kesler, and not Spezza...I bet they deal $$ to outbid anyone for Stasny. I just can't see them NOT securing that spot.....
- SteveRain

You want cap space with no real net loss that can't be plugged with rookies. Trade Bickell and Crawford.

If the hawks were to secure the #1 pick i would assume they would flip it to vancouver for Kesler and #6. straight up for Kelser is a overpayment IMO
- SaskHawkFan

Damn that would be a good haul: adding Kesler and a good prospect like ritchie, Ehlers, or nylander for some combo of sharp and something

I can see this happening. for a few reason.

1 - very nice climate sure beats chicago in january
2 - no state income tax, take home more cash
3 - tallon wants to make the playoffs and needs some Vets that can lead the youth
4 - Shapie has 2 cups
5 - Campbell telling him its a nice place to play
- SaskHawkFan

Well Campbell allegedly wants out, so maybe that point isn't accurate.

I'm less inclined to ship off Sharp as some are. I can see why some would trade him, but I'd rather try and get a guy like Neilsen or Vermette than some expensive centre like Spezza or Kesler.

Sharp is 32, has to play with however Q gives him and still has a team leading best year at 78 points and a career consistent positive +/-. And a two time, key contributing SC winner, with a $5.9m cap hit
Kesler will be 30 in 60 days, had 43 points this year, 11, last, and 41 the previous. His +/- has been negative two years running. No SC wins, and a likely $5m+ cap hit.

Sharp is nearly as much a grinder as Kesler, isn't afraid of the corners or hits, and can play center (2010 SCC).

Player for player anyone would prefer Sharp. To give up him for Kesler it's a net loss. To add Kesler with him is the only play.
Period.
- fvineze

Sharp plays on a line with Marian Hossa, or Patrick Kane at times. Kesler plays with... Alex Burrows and Jannik Hansen. Chicago had 261 goals for, Vancouver had 191. It's not hard to see the disparagement.

EDIT: He also had 13 points, not 11 the year before... and that was in 17 games. When he was an a real contender 3 years ago, he had 41 goals/73 points.

You want cap space with no real net loss that can't be plugged with rookies. Trade Bickell and Crawford.
- fvineze

Versteeg too.

You want cap space with no real net loss that can't be plugged with rookies. Trade Bickell and Crawford.
- fvineze

Crawford has very little value on the trade market at that salary. The perception is he's the product of a good team. And who really needs a goalie? At least one paid 6million per.

Bickell is a tradeable asset, mainly because of his decent cap hit and his combination of size and relative youth and skill.

Funny thing is...I did not want to resign Bickell long term, I thought his one playoff was just a one time thing, but now I don't want to trade him having seen him perform very well in two straight playoffs. He floats and is lazy and inconsistent during the season, but he's becoming a post-season warrior for us (and his size is not like something we have in abundance). He should stay right here in Chicago.

Well Campbell allegedly wants out, so maybe that point isn't accurate.

I'm less inclined to ship off Sharp as some are. I can see why some would trade him, but I'd rather try and get a guy like Neilsen or Vermette than some expensive centre like Spezza or Kesler.
- prd797

i have no real desire to get rid of Sharp either has been a favorite of mine for years, but you know the saying sell High. The reality of a cap word, better to trade a year to soon than a year too late.

Kelser had 5 less goals on a poopty team. He's also C with a 53% FO percentage, 3 years younger, and 1 million cheaper. If that's not a net gain, I'm not sure what is.
- JRoenick97

Also a Selke contender annually

You want cap space with no real net loss that can't be plugged with rookies. Trade Bickell and Crawford.
- fvineze

Bickell yes, but who is manning goal? Raanta?

Crawford has his flaws but overall he has proven to be a goalie you can win with, and a goalie for 3 out of 4 playoff runs can steal a series. You aren't dealing him. Sorry. Not unless they get a helluva deal they can't refuse AND they have a PROVEN veteran lined up on the cheap. I can't think of one out there now...and please don't say Ray Emery.

As for Bickell.....yeah I would deal him, and I think he may have some value. However, you still don't have size in the system that is NHL ready to replace him and you need size to come out of the west since Brandon Bolig has proven the past 2 years that the playoff speed is too quick for him to be effective.

Sharp, Oduya, Bickell, Rozsival....there's 15+ million that you could move and get something back for....not much for Rozsival, but the other 3...yes....especially the Oduya considering that clown in Edmonton just got HUGE money. Deal from strength.....

i have no real desire to get rid of Sharp either has been a favorite of mine for years, but you know the saying sell High. The reality of a cap word, better to trade a year to soon than a year too late.
- SaskHawkFan

DING!

I totally can see that .


Sharp by himself may propel FLA into the playoffs . The East is bruutallll.


If Florida doesnt make the playoffs this season Dale could be fired .
- mrpaulish

Well if it all it takes for the #1 is sharp and the 27th I would do that in a second. We would have a lot of options then, too

Crawford has very little value on the trade market at that salary. The perception is he's the product of a good team. And who really needs a goalie? At least one paid 6million per.

Bickell is a tradeable asset, mainly because of his decent cap hit and his combination of size and relative youth and skill.

Funny thing is...I did not want to resign Bickell long term, I thought his one playoff was just a one time thing, but now I don't want to trade him having seen him perform very well in two straight playoffs. He floats and is lazy and inconsistent during the season, but he's becoming a post-season warrior for us (and his size is not like something we have in abundance). He should stay right here in Chicago.
- kwolf68

I think he's gone either this offseason or next offseason especially if they do acquire a #2C.

Kesler fits the Hawks style a little better and is a true 2nd line center. Spezza is a top line center and landing him would give the Hawks a 1a and 1b option down the middle.
- eburgio

And Q will always play around with line combos - ANY of the names being suggested would be great, some maybe a little better than others mostly based on what's required to get them. Will be fun to see what StanBo comes up with.

I think he's gone either this offseason or next offseason especially if they do acquire a #2C.
- dan9189

Who Bickell? Crawford?

I could see Bickell being moved to open up cap space for Saad.

I'd be surprised if Sharp, Bickell, or Leddy were here in two years. Oduya probably moved as well, but he should not move this year, defensive depth is questionable.

The Smith and Raanta signings are 100% brilliant .



Great start to the day .