Why send Regin to Rockford when Teravainen can be sent down without going through waivers? The same goal is accomplished and we don't risk losing a player for nothing. If TT is 100% NHL ready that's a different thing, but if he's not then let him season a big in Rockford.
- DarthKane

Sorry, didn't include the caveat. Yes, send Regin down IF TT is ready. If he's not, you keep Regin and send TT down. Thanks for calling me out on that. Makes zero sense to do it my posted way if TT needs time in the AHL.

Damage is damage. Swinging a bat uses almost no shoulders. I'd rather he do it three days after the season than three weeks after while rehabbing.
- Sandus

Really? Where did you get that idea? I had tears in two portions of the rotator tendons [cuff] and scapula (blade). At no time during the initial healing process was swinging a bat allowed.

If Sharp had shoulder issues he either kept it to himself or it so minor, he was given the OK [by the 'Hawks brass] to go to the cage that day at Wrigley.

Sorry, a rotator cuff or even some kind of facet impingement (both of which can fall under shoulder/neck injuries) can seriously impact a bat swing.

All of this is subjective. We do not even know the type of shoulder injury Sharp may have had. Anything like a dislocation or RC should not have allowed him to swing a bat.

All I know is his playoff performance was unacceptable and ANY bat swinging 3 days later eliminates many serious shoulder issues. That leads more credence to the rumors about a personal issue or a combination of things - physical and mental.

Hopefully, he comes out on fire this year so Stan has the option to move him for a real return at the TDL or after the season.
- tredbrta

Since you must have missed it the first time, I had a separated shoulder which caused me to have to stop playing baseball permanently. I could (and can) still hit, and during tryouts was able to hit with significant power. But I had to quit because throwing was impossible. You can hit without a perfectly intact shoulder, and you can play hockey without a perfectly intact shoulder (which I did, and do, as I'm currently nursing a partial rotator cuff tear of my own), but you cannot throw.

So again, taking batting practice does not mean that he wasn't injured. It just means if he was injured, it wasn't anything that would prevent him from playing or from swinging a bat.

Really? Where did you get that idea? I had tears in two portions of the rotator tendons
- blackhawk24[cuff] and scapula (blade). At no time during the initial healing process was swinging a bat allowed.

If Sharp had shoulder issues he either kept it to himself or it so minor, he was given the OK [by the 'Hawks brass] to go to the cage that day at Wrigley.

See my previous post for explanation.

Your shoulder injury was likely more severe (and sounds awful). If I had to guess, there were lots of things you were unable to do with such an injury, playing hockey probably one of them. My contention is not that you don't need a shoulder to swing a bat (it's obviously in your hands and you move your arms), just that if your shoulder is not too damaged to play hockey, then you can swing a baseball bat for 20 minutes without doing any significant damage.

We can't win next year unless we are better and we can't be better by getting rid of Sharp..........it's sort of a crazy thing to even contemplate............me thinks it must be Leddy and giving up on what might be for a shot in 2015.......that's not to say he won't be a wonderful player but we can be better without him
- nellie

That's a load of poop.

JJ am I reading too much into your blog? Didn't Sharp have a shoulder injury late last season and in the PO? You didn't wish him in the section of players who need health and healing. Are you hinting that Sharp will be the big salary gone before opening game?

Sharp to NYI for Josh Bailey and 2015 2nd.
- powerenforcer

No, he just sucked.

That's a load of poop.
- Ogilthorpe2

Sharp detector go off?

Sharp detector go off?
- Elbows15

My spidy sense was tingling.

My spidy sense was tingling.
- Ogilthorpe2

I think there's a cream for that now. Or some kind of antibiotic.

My spidy sense was tingling.
- Ogilthorpe2

I have to choose my response to you carefully. Let me get back to you.

Since you must have missed it the first time, I had a separated shoulder which caused me to have to stop playing baseball permanently. I could (and can) still hit, and during tryouts was able to hit with significant power. But I had to quit because throwing was impossible. You can hit without a perfectly intact shoulder, and you can play hockey without a perfectly intact shoulder (which I did, and do, as I'm currently nursing a partial rotator cuff tear of my own), but you cannot throw.

So again, taking batting practice does not mean that he wasn't injured. It just means if he was injured, it wasn't anything that would prevent him from playing or from swinging a bat.
- Sandus

Sorry about that. I did miss it the first time.

That said, we still do not know if Sharp's injury was even a separation. He was essentially absent until the last few games of the playoffs. Maybe it was more severe earlier in the playoffs and he healed up right in time for batting practice (thus the better performance in games 6 and 7)? Maybe we will never know (make that probably will never know).

I agree he could have had a separation and batted... would that degree of separation cause him to play as badly as everyone observed? I can tell you from personal experience the BP did eliminate RC swelling or tear as a possible injury unless he numbed it up for BP which would be ridiculously dangerous. It also pretty much eliminates several other classes of shoulder/neck problems.

People are pretty much concluding the BP confirms the injury was less serious than rumored and the slump might have to do with other issues. I am agreeing.

Personally, I'm relieved it was not a serious injury as that would impact his trade value. Slumps happen. Hopefully, he comes back motivated this year. I still believe he is the most logical candidate to trade at some point to meet their long term plans. He can be here for another run or not. I just want to see SB get a great return back for him.

Richards could have a productive season if he is not overused. I wish that could be put in signage in front of Q as he walks into the various hockey venues because Q does rely sometimes too much on his best players. Richards is no spring chicken; he needs to receive rest and he needs to.be in good shape. He is sure up for the challenge and still has a good amount of ability. Just someone hit Q over the head with a.barrage of advice if he pushes Richards too hard.

If this team is to advance in the playoffs, then Chicago needs to be the better team in net, their defense team wide has to be better as well and Bowman has to find someone who can match up at the center position on each line.

Chicago drafted Kane #1 overall and it would be appropiate if he could deliver like a leading scorer in the playoffs and not just the big goals only in certain critical games. He is paid megabucks now so Bowman should get Kane the right situation to excel. Richards is part of the solution that will play itself out. However, a formidable strong second scoring line would make Kane's line that much more a scoring threat. Moreover, if someone like McNeil or even a hard charging Morin can provide some size and physical play to go along with some scoring come playoff time, then rolling four lines might be a reality.

I would hope someone else new -,like Danault and or Nordstrom - finds a spot in the lineup too. I would hope that they would be at least at 50% on faceoffs.

Chicago may have the better set of dmen but it is problematic and questionable right now to say Chicago is as good as some.other Western Conference teams. With some of the things I mentioned work in out well for the Blackhawks, then they conceivably could be a real threat. Oh btw Bickel needs to show up as well!

Richards could have a productive season if he is not overused. I wish that could be put in aarge sign in front of Q as he walks into the various hockey venues because Q does rely sometimes too much on his best players. Richards is no spring chicken; he needs to receive rest and he needs to.be in good shape. He is sure up for the challenge and still has a good amlintbkf ability. Just someone hit Q over the head with a.barrage of advice if he pushes Richards too hard.

If this team is to advance in the playoffs, then Chicago needs to be the better team in net, their defense team wide has to be better as well and Bowman has to find someone who can match up at the center position on each line.

Chicago drafted Kane #1 overall and it would be appeopiate if he could deliver like a leading scorer in the playoffs and not just the big goals only in certain critical games. He is paid megabucks now so Bowman should get Kane the right situation to excel. Richards is part of the solution that will playbiyswlf.out. However,,a formidable strong second scoring line would make Kane's line that much more a scoring threat. And if someone like McNeil or even a hard charging Morin can provide some.size and physical.play to.go along with some scoring come playoff time, then rolling four lines might be a reality.

I would hope someone else new -,like Danaultand or Nordstrom - finds spot in tje one up too. I would hope that they would be at least at 50% on faceoffs.

Chicago may have the better set of dmen but it is problematic and questionable right now to say Chicago is as good as some.other Western Conference teams. With some.of the things I mentioned work in our well for the Blackhawks,,they conceivably could be a real threat. Oh bye Bixksl.needs to show up as well!
- jhawk59

And we all know how rare it is to find a player with that.

Richards could have a productive season if he is not overused. I wish that could be put in signage in front of Q as he walks into the various hockey venues because Q does rely sometimes too much on his best players. Richards is no spring chicken; he needs to receive rest and he needs to.be in good shape. He is sure up for the challenge and still has a good amount of ability. Just someone hit Q over the head with a.barrage of advice if he pushes Richards too hard.

If this team is to advance in the playoffs, then Chicago needs to be the better team in net, their defense team wide has to be better as well and Bowman has to find someone who can match up at the center position on each line.

Chicago drafted Kane #1 overall and it would be appropiate if he could deliver like a leading scorer in the playoffs and not just the big goals only in certain critical games. He is paid megabucks now so Bowman should get Kane the right situation to excel. Richards is part of the solution that will play itself out. However, a formidable strong second scoring line would make Kane's line that much more a scoring threat. Moreover, if someone like McNeil or even a hard charging Morin can provide some size and physical play to go along with some scoring come playoff time, then rolling four lines might be a reality.

I would hope someone else new -,like Danault and or Nordstrom - finds a spot in the lineup too. I would hope that they would be at least at 50% on faceoffs.

Chicago may have the better set of dmen but it is problematic and questionable right now to say Chicago is as good as some.other Western Conference teams. With some of the things I mentioned work in out well for the Blackhawks, then they conceivably could be a real threat. Oh bye Bixksl.needs to show up as well!
- jhawk59

Over the past 2 seasons Richards has averaged between 18-19 minutes per game. I hope that doesn't increase, it would be good to stay around the 18 minute mark (tops).

Sorry about that. I did miss it the first time.

That said, we still do not know if Sharp's injury was even a separation. He was essentially absent until the last few games of the playoffs. Maybe it was more severe earlier in the playoffs and he healed up right in time for batting practice (thus the better performance in games 6 and 7)? Maybe we will never know (make that probably will never know).

I agree he could have had a separation and batted... would that degree of separation cause him to play as badly as everyone observed? I can tell you from personal experience the BP did eliminate RC swelling or tear as a possible injury unless he numbed it up for BP which would be ridiculously dangerous. It also pretty much eliminates several other classes of shoulder/neck problems.

People are pretty much concluding the BP confirms the injury was less serious than rumored and the slump might have to do with other issues. I am agreeing.

Personally, I'm relieved it was not a serious injury as that would impact his trade value. Slumps happen. Hopefully, he comes back motivated this year. I still believe he is the most logical candidate to trade at some point to meet their long term plans. He can be here for another run or not. I just want to see SB get a great return back for him.
- tredbrta

I'm with you on most of this except for trade value. I want to see him less injured because I believe a healthy Patrick Sharp is a top 50 nhl talent and a big asset to an NHL club. My personal opinion is that you don't trade Patrick Sharp at all unless he declines significantly, at which point you don't worry about a return for him anyway.

Flyers sign Del Zotto to a one year deal.

http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=727870

How are things going? a couple things going for Richards now: 1) no big contract 2) Has a real coach now 3) Has some players who can take the pressure off him.
- powerenforcer

Things are going well as for Richard's I am going to have to say he will probably surprise a lot of people just because of the players he will be playing with.

Why send Regin to Rockford when Teravainen can be sent down without going through waivers? The same goal is accomplished and we don't risk losing a player for nothing. If TT is 100% NHL ready that's a different thing, but if he's not then let him season a big in Rockford.
- DarthKane

Isn't that partly why Richards was brought in? In order to give Tuevo time to help develop his game in Rockford?

Sharp to NYI for Josh Bailey and 2015 2nd.
- powerenforcer

If the Isles have already told Bailey he isn't in their plans why would the Blackhawks think he is some gem worthy of Sharp?


Come on, at least get us a player!


Everybody see this?

The IceHogs sign Blackhawks 2010 second-round pick defenseman Justin Holl, after his four years at Minnesota.

The IceHogs sign Blackhawks 2010 second-round pick defenseman Justin Holl, after his four years at Minnesota.
- wiz1901

That tentatively puts 11 defensemen in Rockford for the time being...

I'm with you on most of this except for trade value. I want to see him less injured because I believe a healthy Patrick Sharp is a top 50 nhl talent and a big asset to an NHL club. My personal opinion is that you don't trade Patrick Sharp at all unless he declines significantly, at which point you don't worry about a return for him anyway.
- Sandus

That is pre salary cap thinking. Considering the need for cap space along with Sharp being an aging asset. He probably will not be signed coming off of his current deal unless he will take some kind of cut proportionate to the cap. A player in that circumstance needs to be rolled into new assets - particularly if it could possibly bring back a high pick or prospects in a package.

You keep Sharp around and he will end up being our version of Detroit's Franzon. Letting him go as a UFA would be the other choice and then you see no return. I can see him being here for another run. If they choose to keep him thru 16-17....

If the Isles have already told Bailey he isn't in their plans why would the Blackhawks think he is some gem worthy of Sharp?


Come on, at least get us a player!


Everybody see this?

The IceHogs sign Blackhawks 2010 second-round pick defenseman Justin Holl, after his four years at Minnesota.
- wiz1901

Are the Isles good judges of talent? They sort of wrote off Niederreiter didn't they or did Nino force his way out? Not a big fan of Bailey but I would definitely look at players Garth Snow doesn't like.

Still kills me that people think trading Sharp now is the right move. "we'd get the best return, and we'd get the most cap relief.." Those reasons will still be relevant next summer too. Why do it a year early and make the team worse? Regardless how good the package is, its not gonna make the team better next season. So, with other options existing, why on earth would u move an Olympian who led the team in scoring last year? "oh, we'll just plug in Bickell permanently in our top 6"....really? U sure thats a safe bet? "moving Sharp will surely land us some 3rd line depth"....why not keep Sharp and then Bickell can be the 3rd line depth? Seriously, it just makes no sense whatsoever to want Sharp gone now....

That is pre salary cap thinking. Considering the need for cap space along with Sharp being an aging asset. He probably will not be signed coming off of his current deal unless he will take some kind of cut proportionate to the cap. A player in that circumstance needs to be rolled into new assets - particularly if it could possibly bring back a high pick or prospects in a package.

You keep Sharp around and he will end up being our version of Detroit's Franzon. Letting him go as a UFA would be the other choice and then you see no return. I can see him being here for another run. If they choose to keep him thru 16-17....
- tredbrta

If you're looking at it purely economically, then you can't just look at Sharp's trade value now vs. the future. You have to assess whether 1 season of Sharp plus 2015 trade return or 2 seasons of Sharp plus 2016 return or 3 seasons of Sharp and no return at all has more intrinsic value than trading Sharp now.

So basically you have four options. The problem is they all hinge on one giant variable: how good will Patrick Sharp be over the next 3 seasons and how valuable is he? The only difference between cap and pre-cap is that your cap relief factors into a "return" for Sharp.

I realize I'm not explaining this the best, but what I'm trying to say is, if you keep him and he plays well, he probably justifies the cap hit. If you keep him and he plays poorly, you can always trade him away for nothing, and you still end up with $6M in cap space for players already on your roster or in your system. In my world, especially given what contracts are going for these days, the potential of Patrick Sharp continuing to be the All-Star forward he has previously been and his familiarity with systems and personnel outweigh whatever players you could replace him with in trade or using said cap relief.

Still kills me that people think trading Sharp now is the right move. "we'd get the best return, and we'd get the most cap relief.." Those reasons will still be relevant next summer too. Why do it a year early and make the team worse? Regardless how good the package is, its not gonna make the team better next season. So, with other options existing, why on earth would u move an Olympian who led the team in scoring last year? "oh, we'll just plug in Bickell permanently in our top 6"....really? U sure thats a safe bet? "moving Sharp will surely land us some 3rd line depth"....why not keep Sharp and then Bickell can be the 3rd line depth? Seriously, it just makes no sense whatsoever to want Sharp gone now....
- SimpleJack

What some people are looking at:

Before January 1 (42 games): 22 goals, +18
After January 1 (40 games): 12 goals, -5
Play-offs (19 games): 5 goals, -2

He was not very productive for the last 59 out of 101 games.