Isn't that the price of winning at the NHL level? You end up picking lower in the draft; the pool most years isn't that great?

And the ones that are.. are already in the NHL?
- victorymc98

One point I keep thinking is a good thing with the prospects - especially those highlighted by JJ - is how their style and skill is a good fit initially on bottom lines in Chicago. I do not know, however, why Hartman was omitted. Maybe just forgot to include him.

Now I will be maybe the first to suggest the following idea (apology if anyone previously brought up this possible scenario):

A trade after this season involving Sharp and a Chicago draft choice for a top ten selection. That is where Bowman can draft his next potential core player and not a bottom line player. I cannot and will not bother to outline a specific trade, but the gist of it is as to take the only likely route to adding another core player by way of the draft.

One point to consider too is that Sharp is worth less each year older and battle worn.

Just my 2 cents.

I wouldn't blame the last of back-to-back Cups on Q. Versteeg, Bollig and Handzus all tanked it during the LA series, Q was forced to roll with 3 lines and regardless of how much we love him Shaw is not the ideal 2nd line centre (neither is Smith). LA has the exact opposite happen, their 4th line stepped up big time, yet it still took them OT in game 7 to beat us.
- DarthKane

The entire blog saw issues with the Hawks team all year concerning the 3rd and 4th line and 3rd period weakness, nothing was done to prepare for a prolonged playoff run or to improve the team. Also concerns about facing a physical team and injuries. I am sure many Hawk players were not 100% coming out of the Blues series too.

Q never let any players come up and get that experience and confidence to play in pressure points. Instead, lets add more pressure, one mistake and you sit for the rest of the game. Brilliant. Lets play Brookbank at wing. Yes, if these rockford players and Regin got more time and chemistry - maybe they could have performed. That is all on Q.

Also the crappy pk and pp in the Kings series is on the coaching staff.
Also a healthy Kings team is and will be a difficult matchup for the Hawks. I am little worried because our new pickup Richards was not a thorn in the Kings side in the cup finally.

The Versteeg and Rundblad pickups were the worse pickups - how were those guys going to get you a cup last season. Again, if we could have kept Frolik (we only needed 500K or even less) to retain him, but he was worth a 4th round pick, lol.

I wouldnt mind giving those guys a shot at least. I know Saad is supposed to be top 6 now, but the kid is young and has great IQ and speed/talent to go with it. I have no problem with Saad being on the PK as long as the PK is aggressive. If he's going to be out there standing in front of Crow waiting to eat multiple slap shots a night then put someone less important out there because it wont be very effective no matter who is out there.
- BlazinMike

One point I keep thinking is a good thing with the prospects - especially those highlighted by JJ - is how their style and skill is a good fit initially on bottom lines in Chicago. I do not know, however, why Hartman was omitted. Maybe just forgot to include him.

Now I will be maybe the first to suggest the following idea (apology if anyone previously brought up this possible scenario):

A trade after this season involving Sharp and a Chicago draft choice for a top ten selection. That is where Bowman can draft his next potential core player and not a bottom line player. I cannot and will not bother to outline a specific trade, but the gist of it is as to take the only likely route to adding another core player by way of the draft.

One point to consider too is that Sharp is worth less each year older and battle worn.

Just my 2 cents.
- jhawk59

Who will give you a top-10 pick in a (supposedly) loaded draft for Sharp and a pick?

It would have to be a lottery team - who probably would not have much use for Sharp - who would probably be looking for prospects and draft picks themselves.

Who will give you a top-10 pick in a (supposedly) loaded draft for Sharp and a pick?

It would have to be a lottery team - who probably would not have much use for Sharp - who would probably be looking for prospects and draft picks themselves.
- StLBravesFan

If the draft is loaded, I can't see a team going out of their way to do that.

However, I would think if a team were to give up a top 15 pick for Sharp, it would be a team that is on the doorstep to making the playoffs.

Who will give you a top-10 pick in a (supposedly) loaded draft for Sharp and a pick?

It would have to be a lottery team - who probably would not have much use for Sharp - who would probably be looking for prospects and draft picks themselves.
- StLBravesFan

A team like Columbus or a playoff bubble team. A strong draft means a team could still draft a prospect later in round one whom projects well, or is a high reward, big gamble, or a player slips through to

late round one whom the team's scout really likes. Notice I didn't suggest a specific trade, just said I would like to see this sort of trade be done. It is possible, although perhaps you are correct not too likely. Comes down to timing and if a team could make a big push with Sharp.

This is also merely my idea of where to find the next core player. Signing a free agent or finding a gem undrafted is not likely. Fleecing another GM a la the old Sam Pollack (Montreal Canadiens GM) is not a common occurrence nowadays. The draft is the marketplace for future core players.

A team like Columbus or a playoff bubble team. A strong draft means a team could still draft a prospect later in round one whom projects well, or is a high reward, big gamble, or a player slips through to

late round one whom the team's scout really likes. Notice I didn't suggest a specific trade, just said I would like to see this sort of trade be done. It is possible, although perhaps you are correct not too likely. Comes down to timing and if a team could make a big push with Sharp.

This is also merely my idea of where to find the next core player. Signing a free agent or finding a gem undrafted is not likely. Fleecing another GM a la the old Sam Pollack (Montreal Canadiens GM) is not a common occurrence nowadays. The draft is the marketplace for future core players.
- jhawk59

I think - but only think - that it would take someone with more "upside" than Sharp - 33/34 next year - I think it would take a Saad or a Seabrook (30/31 next year) to get it done.

pray tell, why is the usual suspect list so short nowadays?
I've not seen Unnamed here in quite some time - hope all is well with him?
Mohel? invisible orange?
I've been on the course all summer, hope they are too and nothing is wrong
- dpard

I would answer your question, but I have the fear of god in me. There's people with imaginary internet power watching over us *shudders*

I would answer your question, but I have the fear of god in me. There's people with imaginary internet power watching over us *shudders*
- biegs

I'm more a Zeus type myself.

The entire blog saw issues with the Hawks team all year concerning the 3rd and 4th line and 3rd period weakness, nothing was done to prepare for a prolonged playoff run or to improve the team. Also concerns about facing a physical team and injuries. I am sure many Hawk players were not 100% coming out of the Blues series too.

Q never let any players come up and get that experience and confidence to play in pressure points. Instead, lets add more pressure, one mistake and you sit for the rest of the game. Brilliant. Lets play Brookbank at wing. Yes, if these rockford players and Regin got more time and chemistry - maybe they could have performed. That is all on Q.

Also the crappy pk and pp in the Kings series is on the coaching staff.
Also a healthy Kings team is and will be a difficult matchup for the Hawks. I am little worried because our new pickup Richards was not a thorn in the Kings side in the cup finally.

The Versteeg and Rundblad pickups were the worse pickups - how were those guys going to get you a cup last season. Again, if we could have kept Frolik (we only needed 500K or even less) to retain him, but he was worth a 4th round pick, lol.
- Topshelf2010

It's funny how peoples perceptions can change. This isn't directed at you personally, but shortly after a Frolik was acquired people were talking about him the way they're talking about Versteeg now. The Blackhawks gave Frolik a chance and that seemed to work out well. Why not give Steeger a chance?

Edit: The same can be said for Oduya, many fans weren't happy Stan acquired then re-signed him.

It's funny how peoples perceptions can change. This isn't directed at you personally, but shortly after a Frolik was acquired people were talking about him the way they're talking about Versteeg now. The Blackhawks gave Frolik a chance and that seemed to work out well. Why not give Steeger a chance?

Edit: The same can be said for Oduya, many fans weren't happy Stan acquired then re-signed him.
- DarthKane

There was a special discount on Swedish meatball pizza when he first showed up.
I swear the line was all the way out the front door of Johnny O's Pizza Grotto.

It's funny how peoples perceptions can change. This isn't directed at you personally, but shortly after a Frolik was acquired people were talking about him the way they're talking about Versteeg now. The Blackhawks gave Frolik a chance and that seemed to work out well. Why not give Steeger a chance?
- DarthKane

He may not have been recovered from his ACL surgery so maybe that was some of his problem. I'd give him another shot and see if he can rebound.

pray tell, why is the usual suspect list so short nowadays?
I've not seen Unnamed here in quite some time - hope all is well with him?
Mohel? invisible orange?
I've been on the course all summer, hope they are too and nothing is wrong
- dpard

Keep hoping.

Keep hoping.
- Ogilthorpe2

Keep those dreams brotherman.

Any contract details out yet on Leighton's deal? It's obviously 2-way so how will that affect Hawk cap status? I assume that moving Leddy alone no longer gets them cap-compliant - is that right?

Any contract details out yet on Leighton's deal? It's obviously 2-way so how will that affect Hawk cap status? I assume that moving Leddy alone no longer gets them cap-compliant - is that right?
- bwarner929

Leighton starts in Rockford, so his cap hit doesn't have an impact. Moving Leddy gets us cap compliant if Stan goes with a 22 man roster.

Leighton starts in Rockford, so his cap hit doesn't have an impact. Moving Leddy gets us cap compliant if Stan goes with a 22 man roster.
- DarthKane

The goalie Leighton? Didn't realized you guys signed him.

If the draft is loaded, I can't see a team going out of their way to do that.

However, I would think if a team were to give up a top 15 pick for Sharp, it would be a team that is on the doorstep to making the playoffs.
- EKolb13

A loaded draft may be the reason Sharp could fetch a higher pick. Some teams may believe they can get quality prospects later and would be willing to part with value for scoring now. That said, teams may be starting to value those picks more with the cap. Maybe it takes the Hawks 1st and Sharp to jump into the top 10? Of they can pull it off it would be great - just hope they use it for a true physical talent. A cornerstone defenseman or a power forward - this system needs size.

The goalie Leighton? Didn't realized you guys signed him.
- Yeti1181

Welcome to 12 hours ago.

Welcome to 12 hours ago.
- DarthKane

Holy crap I'm a time traveler.

Holy crap I'm a time traveler.
- Yeti1181

You're welcome.

Just spent the last 4 days in Chi town. Awesome city you guys have.

Nearly every team in the western conference got better this off season. Many of them have gotten much better, and many of those gave the hawks fits last year.. SB did very little to improve the team this year. Especially to give them more size, strength, grit & grind, and to reverse the significant reduction of speed that was evident last year. Really hoped to have seen more activity by this time than what we have so far...

Nearly every team in the western conference got better this off season. Many of them have gotten much better, and many of those gave the hawks fits last year.. SB did very little to improve the team this year. Especially to give them more size, strength, grit & grind, and to reverse the significant reduction of speed that was evident last year. Really hoped to have seen more activity by this time than what we have so far...
- fvineze

Please enlighten us with the specific details of the moves you would have made if you were the GM of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Please enlighten us with the specific details of the moves you would have made if you were the GM of the Chicago Blackhawks.
- DarthKane

Agreed. The Hawks were a Game 7 overtime goal from making the Finals, and we know beating the NYR. BOOM...Cup. When you are THAT close massive overall is not needed. They have virtually the same team as last years very successful team, with an obvious upgrade in Richards over Handzus.

Also guys, They have until March and around 60 games to see how things are moving. Lots of time to tweak. I would like to see them use that time to play Morin, McNeil or some other of the young guys for a chunk of games to see how they do. The most impressive part of the Kings Cup run was the contributions of their younger guys playing some solid, productive minutes. I think sometimes we are spoiled by how good and talented the Hawks are, and we don't want to let young guys screw it up a little, but they need the chance to get better and gain valuable experience. Not too much too soon, but not to shelter them either...

The regular season should really be a tune-up and a trial period for the Hawks until the REAL hockey starts in April. Heck, even Clendening (especially if Leddy is moved) should get some minutes to grow and be evaluated. Then at least, you know by March which young guys can cut it (like Saad last year) and which guys you need to send down and look for veteran help.