Sharp was already replaced...when they moved him to L3-wing in the Cup finals and the Hawks nearly rallied from 3-1 down. Sharp is not Gretzky here, unless he plays with Kane again he'll never sniff his point total from last year again...if the Hawks can get resources and the needed cap relief move him. He's gone next year anyway.

That said, I think the Hawks can keep Sharp this year and trade off other pieces for immediate cap relief and would have no issue if they did that.
- kwolf68

For what its worth, Sharp got better as that series went along and scored 2 goals in game 7. He didnt even play with Kane last year(aside from early in the playoffs), so not sure what you're getting at about his regular season point total. They'll get resources and cap relief next summer as well, so, because he's gone next year anyways, why the hell would u move him now if you dont have to? How is this so hard to figure out?

Not arguing Saad will be even better and will put up points, but who's that other top 6 LW gonna be(assuming Bickell) and how is that not gonna also cause a chain reaction that will weaken the bottom 6 forward depth? So, knowing that most of these players(Sharp, Oduya, Leddy) will be gone next summer anyways, with a chance to load up with the best possible players for a Cup run, id much rather explore all options on moving Rozy or Versteeg(preferably both), then if not try Leddy while also sending someone(TT or Regin) down to rockford, and resign Brookbank. Anything other than trading Sharp a year too early when its not needed.
- SimpleJack

I can understand that. But a big change will have to happen by next year to get under the cap, so I was thinking to just do a deal this year that will help for next year as well.

But it makes sense to do a big deal next year and make a bigger push this year for a cup.

I can understand that. But a big change will have to happen by next year to get under the cap, so I was thinking to just do a deal this year that will help for next year as well.

But it makes sense to do a big deal next year and make a bigger push this year for a cup.
- carcus

Exactly, and that is all im saying. This Hawks roster is STACKED, it likely wont be this stacked again for at least a few years(or even longer, who knows), so mess with it as little as possible. Trading the leading scorer from the previous season who's a top line Olympian wouldn't qualify as little.

If they do that, they will be in the exact same spot next year. Do you want to pull the band-aid off quickly? Or slowly over a couple of years?

Sharp makes the most sense for me if I were the GM in this situation.
- carcus

More and more I run through the numbers and various 15-16 cap numbers, the more and more I believe they will keep Sharp this season, move other pieces for low draft picks / prospects and go for it in 14-15. THEN they will assess where they're at next summer and depending on how the '15 playoffs shook out, they'll move other pieces, potentially including Sharp. With the roster they have now, they're better with Sharp than without. If a deal was there to move Sharp, it would have likely happened. So unless another team has an equivalent injury early in camp and they have the cap room to acquire a $5.9M cap hit, Sharp stays for 14-15.

Not arguing Saad will be even better and will put up points, but who's that other top 6 LW gonna be(assuming Bickell) and how is that not gonna also cause a chain reaction that will weaken the bottom 6 forward depth? So, knowing that most of these players(Sharp, Oduya, Leddy) will be gone next summer anyways, with a chance to load up with the best possible players for a Cup run, id much rather explore all options on moving Rozy or Versteeg(preferably both), then if not try Leddy while also sending someone(TT or Regin) down to rockford, and resign Brookbank. Anything other than trading Sharp a year too early when its not needed.
- SimpleJack

Cap space will need to be created as a result of Kane and Toews's new deals in addition to keeping some of our upcoming talent long term (i.e. Saad). We're looking beyond this season, if it was just about this year then Rozsival could be moved and the problem is solved (with a roster of 22).

We're going to have to lose quality players and something will need to be sacrificed. Much like losing Byfuglien, Ladd, Bolland and Frolik we will continually lose good players if the model is working. It hurts to lose fan favourites (believe me, I'm still not over the Frolik loss) but it needs to be done.

If they do that, they will be in the exact same spot next year. Do you want to pull the band-aid off quickly? Or slowly over a couple of years?

Sharp makes the most sense for me if I were the GM in this situation.
- carcus

What makes the team better for THIS YEAR.

Worry about next year next summer - go for the win this year, because between this year and next year, they're likely to have to move a couple of important pieces.

I'm still thinking that if the cap goes to $73-$75, the Hawks will need a couple of years to absorb the Kane/Toews contracts, plus the Saad/Kruger increases, and let the cap catch up.

For what its worth, Sharp got better as that series went along and scored 2 goals in game 7. He didnt even play with Kane last year(aside from early in the playoffs), so not sure what you're getting at about his regular season point total. They'll get resources and cap relief next summer as well, so, because he's gone next year anyways, why the hell would u move him now if you dont have to? How is this so hard to figure out?
- SimpleJack

They have to look at all of the moveable pieces that are moveable this summer - Sharp, Oduya, Leddy, Versteeg, Roszival, Bickell - and determine which moves will leave them with the best possible team this year.

Could be Sharp.

My .02 on who you trade and why:

Sharp

WHY; Brings a nice return, maximum cap relief, dealing from (winger depth)
WHY NOT: Proven scorer, plays in multiple situations, can play some C

Oduya

WHY: Decent cap relief, decent return, probably unaffordable on next deal
WHY NOT: Critical part of defensive depth and style of play

Leddy

WHY: Good return, probably more than a few GMs chump up for his promise
WHY NOT: Upside, lack of PP point depth



IMO, the most valuable guy, right now, to the Hawks is Oduya. He might also be most in demand on the trade market due to his salary and the fact that a LOT of teams are trying to emulate the Hawks' transition game now, which starts with the defensemen.

That said, some teams will want Leddy because of his lower salary, unrealized upside and experience in Chicago's system.

If you deal Oduya, it forces Leddy into the Top 4. Is he ready? Good question. Think about it, he was there in 2011-12, before being replaced by Oduya. The team got a LOT better AFTER Oduya settled in. But Leddy's gotten better as well. And I think will get better still. Tough question.

Sharp?

Some used to say, erroneously, Saad would replace Hossa. I think Saad replaces Sharp. The Hawks are fairly loaded at W, including Teravainen, who could play there for a while.

But it all is greatly dependent on the return.
- John Jaeckel

PP and top 6 yes but his PK minutes have gone down considerably since 2010. If he brings back a pesty third line center that can relieve shaw of the center role I think we dont lose as much as we think. The hawks were a good team last year but I think it is safe to say that their defense was not what it was from a forwards standpoint as it was in 2013

Cap space will need to be created as a result of Kane and Toews's new deals in addition to keeping some of our upcoming talent long term (i.e. Saad). We're looking beyond this season, if it was just about this year then Rozsival could be moved and the problem is solved (with a roster of 22).

We're going to have to lose quality players and something will need to be sacrificed. Much like losing Byfuglien, Ladd, Bolland and Frolik we will continually lose good players if the model is working. It hurts to lose fan favourites (believe me, I'm still not over the Frolik loss) but it needs to be done.
- DarthKane

Beyond this season yes its well documented that we will have to create extra cap space and make big moves/sacrifices. I miss Fro too...but yea someone had to go.

PP and top 6 yes but his PK minutes have gone down considerably since 2010. If he brings back a pesty third line center that can relieve shaw of the center role I think we dont lose as much as we think. The hawks were a good team last year but I think it is safe to say that their defense was not what it was from a forwards standpoint as it was in 2013
- nickmo2699

Zack Smith.

What makes the team better for THIS YEAR.

Worry about next year next summer - go for the win this year, because between this year and next year, they're likely to have to move a couple of important pieces.

I'm still thinking that if the cap goes to $73-$75, the Hawks will need a couple of years to absorb the Kane/Toews contracts, plus the Saad/Kruger increases, and let the cap catch up.
- StLBravesFan

Don't get too attached to Kruger. As much as I like and appreciate what he brings to the Hawks, he is can be replaced saving the difference between any increase you need to pay him and an ELC contract.

Not saying I want him to go but the reality is Ladd, Brouwer, and even the Versteeg of 2010 were better players than Kruger.

The strength of the organizational prospects are in bottom 6 players. For a reason too.

More and more I run through the numbers and various 15-16 cap numbers, the more and more I believe they will keep Sharp this season, move other pieces for low draft picks / prospects and go for it in 14-15. THEN they will assess where they're at next summer and depending on how the '15 playoffs shook out, they'll move other pieces, potentially including Sharp. With the roster they have now, they're better with Sharp than without. If a deal was there to move Sharp, it would have likely happened. So unless another team has an equivalent injury early in camp and they have the cap room to acquire a $5.9M cap hit, Sharp stays for 14-15.
- blackhawk24

Agree. I can see another run with Sharp but he will be the most likely piece to be moved when the time comes. That said, a move could come elsewhere or even sooner due to demand (say an east contender suffering injury and needing scoring). I think keeping Sharp through the end of this deal doesn't make sense in the current environment. His offense is more easily replaced with Saad, TT and others waiting than D and D is more important to this system than Sharp's O.

Don't get too attached to Kruger. As much as I like and appreciate what he brings to the Hawks, he is can be replaced saving the difference between any increase you need to pay him and an ELC contract.

Not saying I want him to go but the reality is Ladd, Brouwer, and even the Versteeg of 2010 were better players than Kruger.

The strength of the organizational prospects are in bottom 6 players. For a reason too.
- Elbows15

True, but Kruger is a very different type of forward that those guys. We don't yet have a replacement for Kruger, so I think he sticks around for a while. Plus I still believe Kruger's game will continue to grow and improve.

I know the brass told Danault to be a Kruger type forward, even if that happens Krugs can slot into the 3C role and Danault 4C. Maybe Nordtrom develops into a solid defensive centre but we'll need more time before we can make a fair assessment. But other than those two guys we don't have much depth in defensive centre type prospects.

Sharp. You have plenty of offense, with guys like Saad stepping up to fill that void.

Losing a key defender would be a bigger blow.
- carcus

You've missed my point. The Hawks will necessarily lose some of their strong D depth next year to get cap compliant w the new Kane/Toews salaries. Forget about whether Saad is TODAY capable of stepping into Sharpie's shoes. Next year, at least one of Clendening/Dalbach/Johns, and maybe two of them, will be taking up meaningful TOI, and I think Hawks need to lose one of their top 6 D from their roster this year to free up some TOI now for a learning curve. To make room for top 6 D spot for some on-the-job training THIS year, it means trading one of Leddy/Rozy/Oduya.

I can understand that. But a big change will have to happen by next year to get under the cap, so I was thinking to just do a deal this year that will help for next year as well.

But it makes sense to do a big deal next year and make a bigger push this year for a cup.
- carcus

The only Cup you can contend for is the next one. Take you best shot and worry about movements when you have to. Unless a deal is out that makes you better for both.

There aren't many top 6 LWs out there.

The only Cup you can contend for is the next one. Take you best shot and worry about movements when you have to. Unless a deal is out that makes you better for both.

There aren't many top 6 LWs out there.
- Elbows15

Yes - and to be honest, at this point, the Hawks have only one proven one.

We THINK Saad is ready to be a top-6 LW - he still has to prove it.

Yes - and to be honest, at this point, the Hawks have only one proven one.

We THINK Saad is ready to be a top-6 LW - he still has to prove it.
- StLBravesFan

Don't tell Ogie. He will get cranky

Don't tell Ogie. He will get cranky
- Elbows15

And when he gets cranky....

Don't get too attached to Kruger. As much as I like and appreciate what he brings to the Hawks, he is can be replaced saving the difference between any increase you need to pay him and an ELC contract.

Not saying I want him to go but the reality is Ladd, Brouwer, and even the Versteeg of 2010 were better players than Kruger.

The strength of the organizational prospects are in bottom 6 players. For a reason too.
- Elbows15

I disagree with this. Kruger is still younger than people realize, and much of his focus has been on the defensive game. He has shown good vision in the past and some solid offensive instincts. I feel like his shot could be better, but he is doing exactly what his role requires, and with some added weight could do even more.

Andrew Ladd was a 4th overall pick. Troy Brouwer was getting top line minutes and had a huge shot, but wasn't half the defensive player Kruger is. 2010 Versteeg is the same player as 2014 Versteeg, but faster.

I don't see him as being as replaceable as you imply. Plus I think his cap number is good value.

Don't tell Ogie. He will get cranky
- Elbows15

Ogi is always cranky...just to varying degrees of crankiness.

I disagree with this. Kruger is still younger than people realize, and much of his focus has been on the defensive game. He has shown good vision in the past and some solid offensive instincts. I feel like his shot could be better, but he is doing exactly what his role requires, and with some added weight could do even more.

Andrew Ladd was a 4th overall pick. Troy Brouwer was getting top line minutes and had a huge shot, but wasn't half the defensive player Kruger is. 2010 Versteeg is the same player as 2014 Versteeg, but faster.

I don't see him as being as replaceable as you imply. Plus I think his cap number is good value.
- Sandus

Agree and it's not like Kruger is going to ask for $5.5 million per season. I could see Krugs signing for around $2.5 million for 4-5 years. Kruger would still be under 30 at the end of the deal and have the opportunity for another big contract.

And when he gets cranky....
- StLBravesFan

When doesn't het get cranky?

When doesn't het get cranky?
- stljam

I have always felt that Ogi is really pleasant. Cranky isn't what I think of when Ogi comes to mind.





sorry, couldn't type that with a straight face.

I disagree with this. Kruger is still younger than people realize, and much of his focus has been on the defensive game. He has shown good vision in the past and some solid offensive instincts. I feel like his shot could be better, but he is doing exactly what his role requires, and with some added weight could do even more.

Andrew Ladd was a 4th overall pick. Troy Brouwer was getting top line minutes and had a huge shot, but wasn't half the defensive player Kruger is. 2010 Versteeg is the same player as 2014 Versteeg, but faster.

I don't see him as being as replaceable as you imply. Plus I think his cap number is good value.
- Sandus

You can disagree all you want. I know exactly how old he is. And there is a cap in place and the Hawks will need to move players to save salary. Tough choices will have to be made. And Kruger may be one of those choices.

Especially when Danault has been instructed to be more Kruger like in his play. This isn't a question of whether Kruger is effective in his role or not. Its a question of cost control.

And the whole Kruger getting more physically mature is a fallacy to me. He is 24. Shouldn't he a physically mature by now? This isn't an 18 year old out of juniors.

Paying Kruger 2.5 to 3 mil a year is a luxury they may not be able to afford.

I have always felt that Ogi is really pleasant. Cranky isn't what I think of when Ogi comes to mind.





sorry, couldn't type that with a straight face.
- carcus

He actually is a very pleasant person. That makes it even more fun to call him cranky.