People. Why would these two take a 7.5-8 mil contract when they could go on the open market next offseason, choose the team they wish to play for, and get upwards of $10-10.5 mil. Simply to just stay in Chicago? Seriously?

Yes - over the span of a 6 year deal they are going to leave 15 mil on the table out of the generosity of their hearts. C'mon.
- CaptainBlackhawk

I, for one, had no expectation of $8m. I believe $9.5-10M is a generous discount. $10.8M is a handicap to the team that should/could be avoided. This may be about Brisson and the NHLPA wanting to reset the market.

And, if Toews and Kane reach the open market I think each could get $12.5m easily. Probably even more.

Good news is no Kevin Hayes at prospect camp. Kid still hasn't signed a deal. At this stage don't see him signing at all. If I were Bowman I would move on and let this kid leave and take the comp pick. Kid has not played a single shift of NHL hockey and he is dragging this out like he is this stud prospect. Buh-bye!

This may have been talked about already, but are there signing bonuses in hockey? Couldn't T & K take less on the contract while the hawks give them some kind of bonus? Or with the new CBA, would it count against the cap?

This may have been talked about already, but are there signing bonuses in hockey? Couldn't T & K take less on the contract while the hawks give them some kind of bonus? Or with the new CBA, would it count against the cap?
- Fooseshark

Under this CBA (and the previous one), signing bonuses count against the salary cap.

Under this CBA (and the previous one), signing bonuses count against the salary cap.
- BreakoutHockey

But contract incentives can correct?

Uh yea that'll work. You don't sign them now and then they go on to each have great years and perhaps win a Cup, by the time that number comes out, which as you saw this offseason was hours before free agency, then you will likely watch both of them walk out the door.
- golfbard[

What happens if both have a mediocre year this year? It could happen because we really haven't fixed our holes because of cap restrictions.

I thought Bergeron's deal was a bargain when it was signed. Didn't Weiss sign around the same time with Detroit?

I think the Bruins end up losing Soderburg next year. Would be an awesome 2c here but no space.
- tredbrta

Why don't you guys try trading Kane?

I know it sounds crazy, but I have a hard time thinking he is a $10-12 mill guy.

Try to get a lottery pick or something with him.

Toews MAY be worth it but I honestly don't think Kane is.

SB tends to overpay - hurts in the first few years but usually is advantageous in later years.

The twins should be paid 9mil max, come on. So you are saying that the twins are basically twice as good as keith or almost 3 times as good as Hjammer.

Just a bad decision by the twins - the Hawks will field a lesser team - thus the twins play more and their skill level will drop as they will be tired or more prone to injury. so sad.

One can say the window will be closed if they sign that contract.

Nobody in that list replaces Kruger or Shaw. I don't see Nordy panning out as a starting NHL center. Morin replaces Versteeg, no argument.

Defense get downgraded no matter how you look at it, and if Clendening gets brought up, we are in a boatload of trouble. Sharp has to go because the numbers say so. Nobody has mentioned replacing Richards. He is on a one year contract and will have to be replaced at 2C after next year, or paid more than $2M for another year, I would think. If they have Smith center a line next season, he could possibly replace Kruger, but then, you're still short a center.

This is going to suck no matter how they go about it. One D prospect and one forward prospect is going to have to be a surprise star for in order to have a chance to go all the way after next season. In my ideal world, Oduya stays, Sharp, Versteeg and Bickell go (that makes up for Toews & Kane, plus Saad's raise), then we adjust as necessary. I doubt it will work out that way, though.
- Q...argh

I believe you are looking fairly accurately at the big picture. I do not believe that you can categorically make a blanket statement about Nordstrom or Bickel.

I hold hope Nordstrom could become a very reliable 4tC and maybe even a shutdown. He thinks the game well and Q will eventually start to trust him. He needs experience and then an opportunity to gain NHL experience in that role. You cannot say for sure he will or will not succeed any more than you knew how Kruger would turn out three years ago. And with Kruger the complete picture is still not known. It may be a lot more clear if Kruger is given a couple of long stretches - say 10-15 gp - as a #3c with at least one scoring type of wing on his line.

Bickel is not easily replaced. He is capable of producing like he did in the playoffs two years ago. I personally do not think he ever will maintain that level of play for an entire season. He may have a few games a few times during the season where he plays like that....if he stays healthy. Bickel is not whom you move until the last choice whose salary goes. Or darn close to the last salary you choose to move. I am unhappy with his lack of motivation and lack of results during the regular season. But I see him for what he is. And where is the big size physical replacement coming from? Cannot say McNeill, at least not right now.

I, for one, had no expectation of $8m. I believe $9.5-10M is a generous discount. $10.8M is a handicap to the team that should/could be avoided. This may be about Brisson and the NHLPA wanting to reset the market.

And, if Toews and Kane reach the open market I think each could get $12.5m easily. Probably even more.
- tredbrta

Better hope the supporting cast can be held on to for cheap deals. Not complaining but that's a whole lotta cap $$$ for two guys. This will really put the pressure on for scouting to find the right guys and develop them in Rockford. Im glad for 88 and 19 and getting what they deserve... but damn that's a lot of coin!

I really like the development of McNeill so far. He has nhl size, plays both ends of the rink and may have an offensive upside. Very good rookie year in AHL.

Why don't you guys try trading Kane?

I know it sounds crazy, but I have a hard time thinking he is a $10-12 mill guy.

Try to get a lottery pick or something with him.

Toews MAY be worth it but I honestly don't think Kane is.
- JIwasinskiJr

Its been discussed ad nauseam before...then the playoffs role around and he's spectacular and everyone shuts up about trying to think of trading him.

SB tends to overpay - hurts in the first few years but usually is advantageous in later years.

The twins should be paid 9mil max, come on. So you are saying that the twins are basically twice as good as keith or almost 3 times as good as Hjammer.

Just a bad decision by the twins - the Hawks will field a lesser team - thus the twins play more and their skill level will drop as they will be tired or more prone to injury. so sad.

One can say the window will be closed if they sign that contract.
- Topshelf2010

This contradicts your statement......who do you think he's over paid for?

This contradicts your statement......who do you think he's over paid for?
- UnnamedSource

As much as I like CC.. 6?
4-5 sure and same for Bicks. Think 4 is a tad high. But after seeing the ape schit deals all these looney tune GM's just handed out. Looks like bargains now.

Beave . Im so sorry.......

Kompon Gone !!!!

Kompon Gone !!!!
- mrpaulish

Yup...GM/Head Coach of the Portland Winterhawks.

BEST NEWS OF THE OFFSEASON!!!!
Chris Kuc ‏@ChrisKuc 8m
Per @gdrinnan, #Blackhawks assistant coach Jamie Kompon set to be named general manager and head coach of Portland Winterhawks of WHL.

As much as I like CC.. 6?
4-5 sure and same for Bicks. Think 4 is a tad high. But after seeing the ape schit deals all these looney tune GM's just handed out. Looks like bargains now.
- z1990z

Two recent goalie contracts..... Ryan Miller just signed for six. Reports suggest that Schneider will sign for the same amount. Crow is better than either. Still waiting for someone to offer some evidence that CC would have signed for less than $6M.

Bickell's contract was out-dated within weeks of its signing.

A reminder to those who think the Kompon news will solve the problems of the Hawks PP.... Said Power Play was CRAP before he got here.

Kompon Gone !!!!
- mrpaulish

Finally good news!

Kompon Gone !!!!
- mrpaulish

Couldn't get along with Jimmy Waite? Didn't give it much of a chance

BEST NEWS OF THE OFFSEASON!!!!
Chris Kuc ‏@ChrisKuc 8m
Per @gdrinnan, #Blackhawks assistant coach Jamie Kompon set to be named general manager and head coach of Portland Winterhawks of WHL.
- CaptainBlackhawk

PARTY LIKE IT'S 1999!!!

A reminder to those who think the Kompon news will solve the problems of the Hawks PP.... Said Power Play was CRAP before he got here.
- mohel

Good point.

PARTY LIKE IT'S 1999!!!
- Q...argh

Sage will party like it's 1929.