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

I wouldn't bet a penny Kruger will be back....and I agree.
When push came to shove the 1st to go was the easiest to replace...Bollig.

Oduya could likely stay if he gives a favorable deal...It will be tough for him because this is his last big swing and the only time he has been in position to make really big money. It will depend on how much he wants to stay with Hammer because others will offer him more in the summer.
- Al

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.

Indeed. I think next summer will be the start of the Hawks re-tooling the roster until the cap catches up too the Toews & Kane deals. My bet is that Sharp and Bickell will be gone at next year's draft.
- EKolb13

Sharp is one to watch.....Watching Kane on social media, very little interaction with 10 even during this whole ice bucket thing. Where there is smoke, there is fire. If Saad has another strong year, and Hossa doesn't regress a ton, Sharp is probably gone.

Oduya is not only better than with Jets....He is much better than he has ever been in any point of his career.
- Al

Agreed. It would be nice if he agreed to stay at a discount - he is Swedish and for some reason they have been taking lesser deals (Sedins, Hammer, Steen) rather than hitting he open market. It does look like his last deal of term though so I think he goes for the $$. If so, trade him while they can.

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

Maybe, but come next summer who do the Hawks have at center past Toews and Kruger? I don't think Kruger can be written off that easily.

Sharp is one to watch.....Watching Kane on social media, very little interaction with 10 even during this whole ice bucket thing. Where there is smoke, there is fire. If Saad has another strong year, and Hossa doesn't regress a ton, Sharp is probably gone.
- SteveRain

I think Sharp is gone next summer regardless of how that pans out. It's either his cap hit has to go, or you have to think about Seabrook's cap hit. Something has to give.

As long as Saad keeps progressing, Bickell can go too. That opens up a spot for McNeill.

That would be silly to assume.

The entire world knew those extensions were coming. Teams already knew that, even if the extensions weren't done this summer, every move the Hawks made had to have Kane and Toews long term cap hits in mind. Everyone knew their AAV's were going to be close to 9-10 million.

Those extensions literally changed nothing IMO, and it was smart to get them done sooner rather than later since you're talking about two of the best forwards on the planet.
- mochoson

I agree that this will not be a give away like Campbell or some of the other "capocolypse" trades. Their position is weakened somewhat but $2m is not going to force them into anything.

Bolland was offered around the summer before he was dealt....Same might be true of Sharp going next summer.

No matter what....One big move needs to happen if Saad and others are the real deal.
- Al

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).

Young defensemen aren't in Buffalo's "needs" column at the moment.
- nfph

What about a veteran defenseman like Rozsival, or Oduya?

I think Sharp is gone next summer regardless of how that pans out. It's either his cap hit has to go, or you have to think about Seabrook's cap hit. Something has to give.

As long as Saad keeps progressing, Bickell can go too. That opens up a spot for McNeill.
- EKolb13

Agree, particularly if a Johns or Dalbeck really show something then Seabs may be in the discussion next season along with Sharp. They could get a massive return for him though it would be hard to see him go. I know it's a broken record from me but they need to take some of these older premium assets towards the end of deals that will probably escalate and turn them into high picks/prospects. That is the way you avoid the Wings fate.

Decent piece (for once) on the state of Detroit at Yahoo yesterday...

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...last-stand-142645008.html

Maybe, but come next summer who do the Hawks have at center past Toews and Kruger? I don't think Kruger can be written off that easily.
- EKolb13

Can you afford to pay a 4th line guy close to 2 million? I don't think you can.

In fairness, I don't know who they would have at center. I'm sure Teuvo will get a look next year after Richards goes. You still have Shaw. I guess it comes down to $$s for Kruger, but I just dont' see him being a top priority over Oduya/Leddy or Saad right now. Not unless the Hawks have thrown very team friendly deal at him and he accepts.

Like Bolland, for all the hype about how he could be this or that, I just don't see it. I see a very stable defensive minded guy, with no size, and very limited skill. Yeah, he tries hard, but that's enough . His lack of production in the playoffs hurt. He has to be better when it matters most.

Yea I was thinking one of them but in hindsight that's probably not a fair trade for NYI. The Islanders are loaded at center and are weak on defense and top 6 wingers (not converted centers like Lee or Nelson). I think a bigger trade with Sharp, Oduya and a 2nd could land a nice package back that would include either Lee or Nelson plus Martin plus a pick.
- FourOrr

I get your point but just seeing how Snow operates he values kids unless a potential trade of superstars were involved. Like last year before knowing what Nelson is, was offered for a package of Miller & Vanek but only Pulock was added plus picks of course. Geez I'm soooo facking happy Miller turned it down

But point being is that Snow has finally built depth and Nelson has become untouchable but I think Lee could be dealt but for the right young controlled player "if you get my point?"

Since the Isles traded Amac & gave some kids in Mayfield, Czuczman some icetime, the D actually played better bc those kids are more sound defensively than what was there. So improving the G position (which was the biggest hole) by a country mile has helped as well.

Grant it, most Isle fans would like to add an Oduya or Sharp but at what price ? But I've said many times the best trade between both team cant/wont happen bc the Hawks cant afford to trade a specific Dman bc of lack of depth currently. We all know your top 4 D is solid and is needed, and right now Hawks don't have anyone yet pushing for there spot/icetime.

If a Johns or Dalbeck really show something then Seabs may be in the discussion next season. They could get a massive return for him though it would be hard to see him go. I know it's a broken record from me but they need to take some of these older premium assets towards the end of deals that will probably escalate and turn them into high picks/prospects. That is the way you avoid the Wings fate.

Decent piece (for once) on the state of Detroit at Yahoo yesterday...

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...last-stand-142645008.html
- tredbrta

It would take a few seasons for either Johns or Dahlbeck to acclimate themselves and give the kind of performance to usurp Seabrook on the top paring.

It's easier to replace Sharp then it is Seabrook at this point.

I'd have to think the only thing that gets Seabrook put on the trading block next summer is what he wants for money in his next contract. If that number is too damn big, that could force Bowman to make a real hard choice.

Sharp + rosival and a 2nd to Ottawa for Lazar + 1st round + Zack Smith
- lmiller

Oh God Please!!! leddy To NYI for Martin + Martin is what we need more of get it done stan!!!!

Can you afford to pay a 4th line guy close to 2 million? I don't think you can.

In fairness, I don't know who they would have at center. I'm sure Teuvo will get a look next year after Richards goes. You still have Shaw. I guess it comes down to $$s for Kruger, but I just dont' see him being a top priority over Oduya/Leddy or Saad right now. Not unless the Hawks have thrown very team friendly deal at him and he accepts.

Like Bolland, for all the hype about how he could be this or that, I just don't see it. I see a very stable defensive minded guy, with no size, and very limited skill. Yeah, he tries hard, but that's enough . His lack of production in the playoffs hurt. He has to be better when it matters most.
- SteveRain

Is Kruger a 4th line guy? I happen to believe that Kruger would make an adequate third line center.

Also, I believe that Shaw is better on the wing than at center. Shaw just kind of fits there right now. It could be a different story come next summer.

Leddy +++ for Martin!!!

Hawks and panthers are always dance partners. Give me your best deal

Before this turns into a pipe dream of us trading Versteeg or Rozsival and getting back some highly coveted prospect or draft pick.....and then wiz's head explodes, lets take a step back.

1 TT is still showing on cap geek's roster. I dont' see him starting the year in the NHL unless he absolutely tears up the preseason. So you can deduct his 800K right away and now you have a cap deficit of around 1.4 and change.

2. Outside of TT, you have 3 highly HYPED guys that all of the sudden the media has hitched their wagons to. Cledening vs Johns vs Dahlbeck. That isn't by coincidence. I heard on the hawks post game radio show after game 7, Dahlbeck's name come up UNPROVOKED which tells me a D man is 99.9% going, unless Stan Bow is blown away for an offer on Sharp or Bickell.

3. As much as the Jay Zawaski's of the world want to drive Versteeg to the airport, at 2.2 million for the next 2 years, he has value in a cap world and a roster stacked with HIGH dollars on high end players. He's a low risk, high reward, and they aren't going to move him. Period.

4. Rozsival is possible as moving him, gets you 800K below the cap with a 22 man roster, which contrary to what some may want to believe, is VERY possible considering they may know full well this is their last push for a cup with the current core. May take sweetening that pot with Rozsival and prospect that many think is coveted but the Hawks are sour on.

So out of all that....you get down to where we were 2 months ago.....Oduya vs Leddy. I would venture to guess the Hawks have had talks with Oduya's agent about what # JO wants on his next deal and if he's willing to be a team guy and leave $$ on the table for a chance to win. If he is....then LEddy will be dealt. Q doesn't seem to be a fan of Leddy, and can this team really afford to pay a #5 d man over 3+ million starting in 2015-16? I don't think they can.

Leddy out east for a prospect during camp as LONG as Dahlbeck or Cledening or Johns all don't bomb, and the winner of the 3 man competition, if there is even a competition, will be the Hawks 6/7 d man along side the bag of pucks known as Rundblad.
- SteveRain

Stan already addressed this at the end of year press conference. He wants to see what kind of shape Versteeg is in come training camp. Spending an off season rehabbing instead of training is two different things. Not only that, but a deep playoff run didnt help him either. He is going to evaluate Versteeg come training camp and make a decision then. As far as tradeable pieces go, Sharp gives us the biggest breath of fresh air, so why be opposed to it. His PP spot will be taken by 91 anyway and he doesnt kill penalties anymore. Saad will score thirty and Kane might up his numbers as well. THis team will not have trouble scoring.

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 can't recall a player getting squared up as much as Kruger...He is really tough but eventually the poundings take a toll.

Unfortunately he does little to defend himself and even players who rarely throw big hits look to pound Kruger and do.

Oh God Please!!! leddy To NYI for Martin + Martin is what we need more of get it done stan!!!!
- BGKarras

How about Bickell for Martin???

It saves Hawks $3M

Stan already addressed this at the end of year press conference. He wants to see what kind of shape Versteeg is in come training camp. Spending an off season rehabbing instead of training is two different things. Not only that, but a deep playoff run didnt help him either. He is going to evaluate Versteeg come training camp and make a decision then. As far as tradeable pieces go, Sharp gives us the biggest breath of fresh air, so why be opposed to it. His PP spot will be taken by 91 anyway and he doesnt kill penalties anymore. Saad will score thirty and Kane might up his numbers as well. THis team will not have trouble scoring.
- nickmo2699

Bowman also addressed the Sharp trade rumors too, and said he wasn't moving.

Is Kruger a 4th line guy? I happen to believe that Kruger would make an adequate third line center.

Also, I believe that Shaw is better on the wing than at center. Shaw just kind of fits there right now. It could be a different story come next summer.
- EKolb13

I think for us to compete in this conference we need a third line center with some agitation to his game. Kruger falls short and is nothing more than a 4th line center on this team.

Stan already addressed this at the end of year press conference. He wants to see what kind of shape Versteeg is in come training camp. Spending an off season rehabbing instead of training is two different things. Not only that, but a deep playoff run didnt help him either. He is going to evaluate Versteeg come training camp and make a decision then. As far as tradeable pieces go, Sharp gives us the biggest breath of fresh air, so why be opposed to it. His PP spot will be taken by 91 anyway and he doesnt kill penalties anymore. Saad will score thirty and Kane might up his numbers as well. THis team will not have trouble scoring.
- nickmo2699

if you want to win a cup this year, you keep Sharp.

Unless the deal is too good to pass up. I think if they were going to trade him, it would have happened at the draft.

Bowman also addressed the Sharp trade rumors too, and said he wasn't moving.
- EKolb13

I thought Bowman said he doesn't comment on trade rumors. I don't recall him ever addressing Sharp individually. I know his agent came out all flustered but I don't recall Stan addressing it. Could be wrong.