how does Versteegs deal work? His money is being paid by FL, but he still counts against the cap to us?
- hockey nut 28

Only half is paid by Florida...the other half is ours counting against the cap

I would disagree on your order of importance. Here's mine and why:
1. Saad...Showed in playoffs what he can bring in the future. Hossa style power forward.
2. Kruger....Penalty killer, Center of which the Hawks have none in their system.
3. Oduya...If he's willing to sign for current or slightly higher money.
4. Leddy...We're dealing from strength at his position. He's an asset we should look at dealing.

out of the 4, IMO....in regards to the importance of being resigned.

1. Oduya. Only because if he wants a ton of money, Bowman has to move him now before he loses him for nothing.

2. Saad....what is scary is what this kid may get. 4 million a year? I think is possible.

3. Leddy...only if Oduya wants huge money does he become a priority. Even then, I wouldn't be shocked to see the Hawks look to make a trade for another Oduya they could mold or explore the UFA market.

4. Kruger...can you afford to pay a 4th line guy 2 million a year? I don't think you can. Time for Kruger to take a large step and start showing up in the playoffs on the score sheet. Has 4 career playoff goals in 48 games. Only goal this year was an empty netter. 2 were tap in rebounds last year (Detroit and Boston).
- SteveRain

Tomorrow (Wednesday) the Blackhawks grace the cover of the NHL.com annual August top ten prospects, which the site dubs 30 in 30. Anyone care to guess who makes, does not make the list. Probably could come up with a top 15 prospects too. But let us just be glad Bowman has a genuine list of prospects and not get too caught up in their actual ranking.

Players who were in the NHL for the proverbial cup of coffee have made the lists constructed in 30 in 30. So go ahead and include Nordstrom.

One observation I will make has to do with the timing and obstacles some prospects will face in their ascension. To be precise, how many smallish lightweight scoring wing position players ultimately stick on Chicago's roster! Certainly Louis, Hinostrra, and Motte have ability. But imagine, if you can, how each one day is on the parent NHL roster. Hmmm......cannot fathom this actually happens.

Another subject: again I will rail about the Leddy to NYI suggestion(s) on this board. No one has ever explained how this is sensible from the NYI point- of - view.

Oduya would make more sense, as they could profit by adding a veteran to the top heavy number of first round dmen choices either to be on the roster or to soon displace someone for a spot in the lineup. I mean, it is sort of an unreal occurrence given their proportionate number of first round dmen. And moreover, this Ville Pokka, 20, playing last year in Finland's top league, led that loop in plus/minus. He was a #2 but may be ahead of or in the mix, anyway, with #1's Reinhart and Pullock. Those two are their top prospects and are offensive - minded type. note: Leddy is offensive minded.

Free agent signee tJ Brennan, the old BC or BU prospect, has bounced around a bit. Learned his craft well enough after a few AHL years and oh btw was either an AHL all star or MVP while posting career year 24 goals last season. Another candidate trying for a job on Long Island.

Carry over former first round choices include deHahn and T Hickey. Both should be at least depth on some NHL roster. Actually deHahn is pretty good, improving.

So you be Garth Snow and make a case for trading for a still developing dman like Leddy. Already on roster: M Carkner, T Hamonic (their best), L Visnovsky, B Strait and K Czuczman is being given a shot as well. There are a couple depth developing dmen I will not even list available from their AHL affiliate. Leddy going to NYI - if it happens someone needs to see a shrink, or it is part and parcel to a larger scheme where more transactions would follow.

This guy knows EXACTLY what Garth Snow wants, doesnt want, values, doesnt value, and so on...it's like he's in the sequel to "Being John Malkovich", "Being Garth Snow"
- EnzoD

Don't be jealous bc I do......

Before thinking about Snow making a good deal...
How about having a plan in place that makes sense?
- Al

Did I even suggest an offer or plan?

Agreed 100% on Oduya and that is the only scenario, him wanting seabrook money, where I can see him being moved over Leddy. LIke you said, doesn't trust Leddy, and I think that ship has sailed. Would be very hard for that bridge to mend if they had to keep Leddy and move Oduya.

I think Kruger is a lot further down in importance to sign then people think. Yeah the kid tries hard, but he's never going to be a top 6 guy, and I'd argue he may never be a top 9 guy. Hard to justify paying him over 2 million for what you get. Really time 16 took a big step this year. I have never seen a professional hockey get destroyed as much as 16 does. I give him credit, he bounces back, but he gets smoked a TON.
- SteveRain

I have to disagree with you. I understand where you're coming from and I know he's not a top 6 forward but he plays an important role on the team and is not easily replace. Not to mention that he wouldn't provide that much cap relief if he was dealt.

The organization does not have any defensive centres that will be NHL ready anytime soon. Nordstrom and Rasmussen may be ready to step up but it's doubtful they're at Kruger's level. For all the moaning and groaning about Handzus he was great on the PK, his departure leaves a void on the penalty kill. If Kruger is moved as well then who will play on the PK? I know Toews can but he shouldn't be overworked with extra PK time, same for Hossa.

I'm not saying Kruger is irreplacable, but he's not a guy we can easily get rid of and replace (especially with his improving face off %). I'm not saying pay Kruger whatever he wants either, but if he can be re-signed for Zack Smith type money he's worth keeping and Stan can get rid of somebody else if needed.

Sharp for Martin and Frans Nielsen
- Tanuki

No thanks.... try again tho

No thanks.... try again tho
- Ur Not Me

just please do not suggest the Hawks take back Josh Bailey....unless its Versteeg/Rosival for Bailey I dont want him...8 goals last year... the top 10 pick argument only lasts for so many years of mediocre play

just please do not suggest the Hawks take back Josh Bailey....unless its Versteeg/Rosival for Bailey I dont want him...8 goals last year... the top 10 pick argument only lasts for so many years of mediocre play
- EnzoD

See I wouldn't offer Bailey unless it made sense for both sides.
Hawks need slight cap relief and better players for bottom 6 and 5,6 Dmen
Am I correct on this assumption?

just please do not suggest the Hawks take back Josh Bailey....unless its Versteeg/Rosival for Bailey I dont want him...8 goals last year... the top 10 pick argument only lasts for so many years of mediocre play
- EnzoD

Not to defend Josh Bailey, but wasn't Tavaras supposed to make everyone forget about Gretzky? Yea, playing for the Islanders can do that to you.

Don't be jealous bc I do......
- Ur Not Me

I believe I know less than many on this board who see tons of games each year. I do recognize a situation for what it is, however, regarding the NYI prospect pool. And I am probably more aware of the situation at hand with some of the other team's prospects. I stress that I am no expert, not in authority. But when fans keep suggesting Leddy to NYI, I just would rather see they suggest Leddy going elsewhere.

Maybe include rationalization for a suggested trade as well.

Expound upon Blackhawk prospects if you like. I am sure you would do as good or better than I on those prospects.

This guy knows EXACTLY what Garth Snow wants, doesnt want, values, doesnt value, and so on...it's like he's in the sequel to "Being John Malkovich", "Being Garth Snow"
- EnzoD

There is one every thread. Apparently 3-5 on the Isles thread.

Ur Not Me is IMO is a good poster though - he knows his stuff and I appreciate his perspective.

I think "Ur Not Snow" may be a better handle though.

Absolutely no way would the Flames give up a good prospect and a 2nd round pick for Oduya....
- Chisoxhawk

Ur Not Treliving or Burke....

JJ has heard rumors of their interest for a while. I think a 2nd and a prospect is more likely coming from an eastern team in need but never say never.

Did I even suggest an offer or plan?
- Ur Not Me

Not up to u make a plan...But I have been watching for awhile and I don't see one.

I believe I know less than many on this board who see tons of games each year. I do recognize a situation for what it is, however, regarding the NYI prospect pool. And I am probably more aware of the situation at hand with some of the other team's prospects. I stress that I am no expert, not in authority. But when fans keep suggesting Leddy to NYI, I just would rather see they suggest Leddy going elsewhere.

Maybe include rationalization for a suggested trade as well.

Expound upon Blackhawk prospects if you like. I am sure you would do as good or better than I on those prospects.
- jhawk59

I think I've come here and explained why a Leddy trade to isles doesn't make much sense bc the isles have similar type Dman already on team and in pipeline. Now I could see the Isles take him bc of having NHL experience if no one else is available but at what price? If it will cost a high end prospect, the Isles wont do it, draft pick plus 2nd tier player/players yes could see it.
Grant it I'm no expert in other prospects unless I read a lot about them or hear what the experts say.
Ex: I've heard a lot chatter about TT but bc he is your #1 prospect, hawks wont trade him unless its warranted. Also I've heard a lot about McNeil and even asked here what's the scoop on him?
so I get your point..

Did I even suggest an offer or plan?
- Ur Not Me

I think Al was saying Snow seems to lack a comprehensible plan. It certainly changes year to year.

Leddy and Versteeg packaged to the Sens for forward prospect Stefan Noesen and 2nd or 3rd round pick.

Would love it to be more of a return but teams know the Hawks are up against it.
- acmidd28

Stefan Noesen plays for Anaheim now. Check your facts bub.

There is one every thread. Apparently 3-5 on the Isles thread.

Ur Not Me is IMO is a good poster though - he knows his stuff and I appreciate his perspective.

I think "Ur Not Snow" may be a better handle though.
- tredbrta

Thanks.... might think about the new handle name....

Bingo!

Division rivals are not going to go out of their way too help each other out.
- EKolb13

Anaheim and Vancouver disagree with you.

Bickell and Leddy to Calgary for Curtis Glencross and a 2nd rd pick. You know Burke still loves big guys.
- powerenforcer

IMO
This isn't that bad

Not picking on you specifically, but I hate this line of thought. If he leaves via free agency, we gain cap space...cap space that can be used to replace him or someone else.

Cap space is a commodity, in and of itself. No such thing as losing someone for nothing in the hard cap world.
- Ogilthorpe2

No offense taken, but I disagree.

Cap space is very important, but in a cap world where restocking your system with picks and prospects to help fill gaps when entry level guys exceed what you can afford to pay a certain slot, then you can't allow a guy who can at the very least fetch you a decent prospect or pick walk at years end.

There is no guarantee this team can win 16 playoff games. There is a very real log jam in the west. Hawks and Kings are above the rest, but not as far as they were say this past year. Dallas, STL, Anaheim, Minnesota can easily knock them off. Which is why Q better be smart about his minutes this year to his star players. Will it really matter if they finish 2nd-4th in the division? I don't think so. The only carrot is to win the central and face a hopeful crap wild card team from the pacific.

If Bowman goes for it and dumps a Rozsival say, and then can't resign Oduya and trades his rights for a crap pick, that's bad management IMO.

Not up to u make a plan...But I have been watching for awhile and I don't see one.
- Al

well the biggest issue has been ownership/lease deal.

snow's plan is to build thru the draft (which he has) but to me, he's failed to recognize who stays and/or who goes and not knowing when to sell high on a player or holding on to long and receive nothing. His best management style has been drafting and negotiating contracts, hands down very good.

Bc of the horrible lease deal which takes more than 50% of profit regardless is what hinders Wang to build this team the cheap way plus w/the circus atmosphere the isles are not a FA destination. The Isles have offered big $$$ to FA's but none took it.

So in hindsight Snow has a plan its just taking longer bc of the issues at hand.
hope this helps without elaborating in full complete detail?

I'd like to nominate this for "Post of the Thread" which I'd also like to be a thing. Agree 100%! Well said.
- Baaaaaaannerman!

Raining down, Steve Rain. Agreed. Also 100%! Well said.

I think I've come here and explained why a Leddy trade to isles doesn't make much sense bc the isles have similar type Dman already on team and in pipeline. Now I could see the Isles take him bc of having NHL experience if no one else is available but at what price? If it will cost a high end prospect, the Isles wont do it, draft pick plus 2nd tier player/players yes could see it.
Grant it I'm no expert in other prospects unless I read a lot about them or hear what the experts say.
Ex: I've heard a lot chatter about TT but bc he is your #1 prospect, hawks wont trade him unless its warranted. Also I've heard a lot about McNeil and even asked here what's the scoop on him?
so I get your point..
- Ur Not Me

Only 1 way I see Leddy making sense for NY. If the cost is Martin plus pick or less than Snow ends up with another offensive d man with potential - gives him more options at a position which generally fetches a higher return than a checking wing. He can then evaluate Leddy vs the other, present options and trade at his leisure. Snow has more players he can move back and forth to the minors without waivers - much greater flexibility than SB currently.

In that scenario it makes perfect sense.

I have to disagree with you. I understand where you're coming from and I know he's not a top 6 forward but he plays an important role on the team and is not easily replace. Not to mention that he wouldn't provide that much cap relief if he was dealt.

The organization does not have any defensive centres that will be NHL ready anytime soon. Nordstrom and Rasmussen may be ready to step up but it's doubtful they're at Kruger's level. For all the moaning and groaning about Handzus he was great on the PK, his departure leaves a void on the penalty kill. If Kruger is moved as well then who will play on the PK? I know Toews can but he shouldn't be overworked with extra PK time, same for Hossa.

I'm not saying Kruger is irreplacable, but he's not a guy we can easily get rid of and replace (especially with his improving face off %). I'm not saying pay Kruger whatever he wants either, but if he can be re-signed for Zack Smith type money he's worth keeping and Stan can get rid of somebody else if needed.
- DarthKane

All depends on how much space is left when it comes time to sign Kruger. Bryan Bickell's size is also very lacking in this organization currently so while I hate that he floats and only shows up in the playoffs, he has some high importance.

#3 centers can be found. the Hawks picked one up in 2008 and marched to the conference finals. That's assuming Kruger is a #3 center, which I don't 'think he is.

I'm very curious to see where Kruger's number comes in at. If he wants to stay at 1.75 or below, I'm all for it. If not, I look elsewhere.