Sex is for procreational purposes only.
- Beaver-Warrior

Good lord....

Best opportunity? As in best chance to win?

Or easiest opportunity? As in best chance to play now.
- Ogilthorpe2

Or easiest chance of being handed a job, just like Skille's parents were looking for a few years ago. Same poop. Different day.

Bad news:

yahoodi, a good dude and frequent poster here passed away over the weekend. RIP.
- John Jaeckel

Condolences to anyone that knew him. As much as we all love hockey and are passionate about our opinions, something like this puts it all in perspective. In the end it's just a game. RIP

Condolences to anyone that knew him. As much as we all love hockey and are passionate about our opinions, something like this puts it all in perspective. In the end it's just a game. RIP
- kissthecup22

Yes. I was remiss in not offering my condolences on my first few posts. Always liked seeing a Yahoodi post and looked forward to reading them. Sad. Sorry for him and his family. Godspeed, Yahoodi!

RIP Yahoodi
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends here that knew him well
So sad life is short.

Didn't you ever think about sex?
- StLBravesFan

Yes. Sex and hockey October-April. Sex only May-September.

Let him sign with a team that guarantees him whatever he wants. I seldom see players who buck the system and get guaranteed playing time amout to much. Hopefully he toils in Florida playing for a cut rate team in front of people disguised as empty seats. Hopefully that compensation second round pick comes to the team with the intention of EARNING a spot on the team.
- paulr

RIP Yahoodi.....I often agreed with your posts, and will miss them going forward...Condolences to those close to him.


I predict Hayes will start next year in the AHL for the team he signs with (Boston or Florida), and will spin it that his path to the NHL was faster there than with the Hawks. The Hawks are better off with a compensatory second round pick in what is supposed to be a very deep draft next year.

RIP Yahoodi.....I often agreed with your posts, and will miss them going forward...Condolences to those close to him.


I predict Hayes will start next year in the AHL for the team he signs with (Boston or Florida), and will spin it that his path to the NHL was faster there than with the Hawks. The Hawks are better off with a compensatory second round pick in what is supposed to be a very deep draft next year.
- hawks2010

Hell, if they are moving Sharp next year anyway, that could be a nice trading chip too

Sharp + 2nd rounder for a very good younger player or prospect

Hell, if they are moving Sharp next year anyway, that could be a nice trading chip too

Sharp + 2nd rounder for a very good younger player or prospect
- FourFeathers773

Agreed,
that pick could work in our favor anything to make a deal more attractive so as stan can get something of value or who knows a very good player maybe there to select

Back to Kevin Hayes for a moment.

Juxtapose that to Dennis Rasmussen. Rasmussen wasn't even drafted, was signed as a FA by the Hawks. He could have signed on with any number of teams and despite the Hawks depth at center in the organization signed here and is dedicated to working hard and making the team and doesn't expect to be given anything.

Kevin Hayes could take some lessons from Rasmussen.

I don't know much about him, but in some video clips I've seen I like his skating. He is obviously a bigger boy as well and has a good reputation for a strong two-way game. He could be an interesting candidate to fill a bottom 6 centering role.

Back to Kevin Hayes for a moment.

Juxtapose that to Dennis Rasmussen. Rasmussen wasn't even drafted, was signed as a FA by the Hawks. He could have signed on with any number of teams and despite the Hawks depth at center in the organization signed here and is dedicated to working hard and making the team and doesn't expect to be given anything.

Kevin Hayes could take some lessons from Rasmussen.

I don't know much about him, but in some video clips I've seen I like his skating. He is obviously a bigger boy as well and has a good reputation for a strong two-way game. He could be an interesting candidate to fill a bottom 6 centering role.
- kwolf68

I'm still waiting to read or hear something that projects Kevin Hayes as an 'impact' player' in the NHL going foward. Until I do, why would I think he's anything more than a Jake Dowell or Jimmy Hayes waiting to happen.

Which by definition means he's a journeyman, a 4th liner, a marginal talent.

I'm still waiting to read or hear something that projects Kevin Hayes as an 'impact' player' in the NHL going foward. Until I do, why would I think he's anything more than a Jake Dowell or Jimmy Hayes waiting to happen.

Which by definition means he's a journeyman, a 4th liner, a marginal talent.
- RickJ

Oh I agree. I am not sure why the buzz about him. He did have a fantastic season for BC, but the rep on him is that he plays very soft despite his size. And now the extra attitude question and the sense of entitlement. Thanks, but no thanks...the Hawks are loaded with center prospects (Hayes probably knows that and isn't so convinced he can beat them all out, another concern).

He was a lower first round draft pick so he obviously has hockey talent, but he wasn't top 5, where the players are more "can't miss". I think someone said it best...August 16th can't come soon enough and some team can celebrate the fact they cherry picked the next superstar center from us.

What does he expect? To be handed a job in Chicago while TT, McNeill, Danault, Rasmussen, Ross and others are busting their ass? Kevin...take a swim.

Back to Kevin Hayes for a moment.

Juxtapose that to Dennis Rasmussen. Rasmussen wasn't even drafted, was signed as a FA by the Hawks. He could have signed on with any number of teams and despite the Hawks depth at center in the organization signed here and is dedicated to working hard and making the team and doesn't expect to be given anything.

Kevin Hayes could take some lessons from Rasmussen.

I don't know much about him, but in some video clips I've seen I like his skating. He is obviously a bigger boy as well and has a good reputation for a strong two-way game. He could be an interesting candidate to fill a bottom 6 centering role.
- kwolf68

No, Hayes doesn't need lessons from Rasmussen: different skaters, different circumstances, different situations.

Hayes either is - or is not - a better player; he either is - or is not - more ready for the Show. Hayes needs to evaluate his situation, and do what he thinks is best for him.

He'll be picked up by someone - at the same terms (I think) as he could have had in Chicago - and he'll either be in the N or the A next year. A kid with talent and size in an excellent situation - in less than a month, he'll be a free agent, able to go anywhere he wants and is wanted.

Why are we all over his ass? He played by the rules and is going to be rewarded - Chicago in January is such a nice place?

Best opportunity? As in best chance to win?

Or easiest opportunity? As in best chance to play now.
- Ogilthorpe2

I don't agree with what he's doing, nor do I think it's what's best for him long term, BUT, it's not much different than a young lawyer going to a small growing firm rather than an old established one. He might get to partner in 5 years at the former, it will take more (or he may never make it) at the established firm.

And the quicker into the NHL the quicker to the NHL pension and benefits. Short sighted yes, but I think I understand why he's doing what he's doing.

I don't agree with what he's doing, nor do I think it's what's best for him long term, BUT, it's not much different than a young lawyer going to a small growing firm rather than an old established one. He might get to partner in 5 years at the former, it will take more (or he may never make it) at the established firm.

And the quicker into the NHL the quicker to the NHL pension and benefits. Short sighted yes, but I think I understand why he's doing what he's doing.
- scottak

More to the point, I think, the quicker to a non-ELC contract and to UFA.

Jesus, he can go to a place of HIS choosing, not where the league tells him to go. How can that not be best for him? Chicago is NOT the only good organization in the league, nor is it the only Cup contender.

More to the point, I think, the quicker to a non-ELC contract and to UFA.

Jesus, he can go to a place of HIS choosing, not where the league tells him to go. How can that not be best for him? Chicago is NOT the only good organization in the league, nor is it the only Cup contender.
- StLBravesFan

If Hayes wants to accelerate his path into the NHL (which is his right to do) then it's unlikely he'll choose a true contender. He'll choose a team like Carolina, New York (Islanders), or Florida. These types of teams can afford to play a rookie forward big minutes, the likes of Chicago, Boston, and LA cannot (and should not).

I personally wouldn't take the path Hayes is, but he's working within the system and there is technically nothing wrong with what he's doing. If this was happening in Dallas instead of Chicago nobody here would care.

Realistically losing Hayes won't be a big loss, we have plenty of prospects at his level anyway and we're not in a position where prospects need to be rushed. Plus, we'll get a 2nd round pick so it's not like we get nothing out of the deal. If Hayes chooses to go elsewhere I won't be offended either.

No, Hayes doesn't need lessons from Rasmussen: different skaters, different circumstances, different situations.

Hayes either is - or is not - a better player; he either is - or is not - more ready for the Show. Hayes needs to evaluate his situation, and do what he thinks is best for him.

He'll be picked up by someone - at the same terms (I think) as he could have had in Chicago - and he'll either be in the N or the A next year. A kid with talent and size in an excellent situation - in less than a month, he'll be a free agent, able to go anywhere he wants and is wanted.

Why are we all over his ass? He played by the rules and is going to be rewarded - Chicago in January is such a nice place?
- StLBravesFan

I dont think there was a question in regards to wanting him then why would Chicago invest their time with him? Hayes is coming off as a spoiled brat i agree he has earned the right to do as he wants but do you think any organization will just give him anything without earning it? becouse if that is the case that organization is sending the wrong message to its players. January in north america can be pretty miserable anywhere unless you are in California or Florida.

I dont think there was a question in regards to wanting him then why would Chicago invest their time with him? Hayes is coming off as a spoiled brat i agree he has earned the right to do as he wants but do you think any organization will just give him anything without earning it? becouse if that is the case that organization is sending the wrong message to its players. January in north america can be pretty miserable anywhere unless you are in California or Florida.
- BGKarras

He's not coming off as a spoiled brat - he's a 22 or 23 year old young man who wants to control his life - a situation he's earned by staying in college.

I don't know who'll give him what - maybe he winds up at Boston's team in the A, or the Rangers' team or the Flyers' - maybe he gets an invite to a camp and wows them there - or not.

For whatever reason, he apparently doesn't want Chicago - why is he acting like spoiled brat to not want to be here? The FO here failed to convince him to sign.

He's not coming off as a spoiled brat - he's a 22 or 23 year old young man who wants to control his life - a situation he's earned by staying in college.

I don't know who'll give him what - maybe he winds up at Boston's team in the A, or the Rangers' team or the Flyers' - maybe he gets an invite to a camp and wows them there - or not.

For whatever reason, he apparently doesn't want Chicago - why is he acting like spoiled brat to not want to be here? The FO here failed to convince him to sign.
- StLBravesFan

Or, his agent failed to convince the Hawks FO to give his client what he wants.

There will likely be plenty of places for Hayes to get his pro career started, including the KHL. Producing in the place he gets a contract will determine how many chances he gets long term.

And you guys wonder why I come here to post....Our blogger doesn't even know the agreement the Blues have with their AHL affiliate....

It'll be interesting to see if the Blues add a veteran goaltender to play in Chicago next season, as their third string goaltender right now is Jordan Binnington and if there are any injuries to Brian Elliott or Jake Allen, Binnington would be the next option.

Or, his agent failed to convince the Hawks FO to give his client what he wants.

There will likely be plenty of places for Hayes to get his pro career started, including the KHL. Producing in the place he gets a contract will determine how many chances he gets long term.
- RickJ

You guys still get the beautiful second round pick even if he signs in the KHL, right?

You guys still get the beautiful second round pick even if he signs in the KHL, right?
- stljam

Yes, a failed negotiation with a first round pick who goes to FA yields a compensatory 2nd round pick.

Back to Kevin Hayes for a moment.

Juxtapose that to Dennis Rasmussen. Rasmussen wasn't even drafted, was signed as a FA by the Hawks. He could have signed on with any number of teams and despite the Hawks depth at center in the organization signed here and is dedicated to working hard and making the team and doesn't expect to be given anything.

Kevin Hayes could take some lessons from Rasmussen.

I don't know much about him, but in some video clips I've seen I like his skating. He is obviously a bigger boy as well and has a good reputation for a strong two-way game. He could be an interesting candidate to fill a bottom 6 centering role.
- kwolf68

Also, Rasmussen has been a Blackhawks fan since he was 7:

http://espn.go.com/blog/c...hicago-to-pursue-nhl-goal

Hayes was a career 0.56 PPG player before Gaudreau...he can bury the puck into open nets but based on watching him in the Frozen 4 he is far from a Top 6 winger in the NHL right now. his skating is average at best (and that is at the collegiate level)..Not to mention he has no physicality to his game. The Hawks will be just fine without him of that we can all be sure. He likely wouldnt make the team for at least 2 years if he stayed in Chicago so he's taking his talents to south beach (my prediction). on another note, Coach Q was giving some HIGH praise for Teuvo...can we all agree that Q is not part of the propoganda machine and therefore this assessment should be very promising for Tuevo potentially being an injury call-up next year??

Also, Rasmussen has been a Blackhawks fan since he was 7:

http://espn.go.com/blog/c...hicago-to-pursue-nhl-goal
- DarthKane

Saw that. Nice "feel good" story.