I get what Savvyone is saying. People will point to playing with Keith back a few years ago as Leddy's "chance". Well...sorry. Not buying it.

Leddy needs s a stationary D man to cover his butt. Keith has that for the most part in Seabrook who takes the Keith grenade passes and converts those to zone exits.

Leddy with hammer would be a fair chance for Leddy to prove himself, but again....unless they find a taker for somebody else outside of Oduya, leddy or Sharp, I just don't see Leddy being in the lineup opening night.
- SteveRain

I forget he is only 24. He has been around a while and d-men dont reach their prime until late 20's. SB does have a tough decision. I'd pick Leddy over JO

Don't know, I've never felt he was needed for anything...ever.
- Ogilthorpe2

I think Dr. Ben Carson echoed your thoughts.

I would. Dallas scares the bejebus out of me. They need D. They have plenty of O and a goalie who can win games by himself.

No need to help a divisional opponent. Rozsival is very tough to play against....just go back and watch that series vs Phoenix we lost in.
- SteveRain

C'mon, you must be having visions of the Rozsival from 3+ seasons ago, or the one from 2 seasons ago where, in spite of his rapidly advancing years he helped bring a CUP home.

The Rozsival of 2013 season is DONE. He spent more time on the sidelines and I recall more situations of Leddy's speed bailing out #32 more often than not.

I'd be all-in for shipping him off to Dallas and worry another day that he will come back to haunt you. #32 turns 36 in a few weeks. I'd worry FAR LESS about him coming back to haunt us than a 23 year old guy that is far from done in his development. Or a soon-to-be 33 year old with a few less hard miles on his odometer.

I forget he is only 24. He has been around a while and d-men dont reach their prime until late 20's. SB does have a tough decision. I'd pick Leddy over JO
- Cup-Bearer

If that's the case, then what type of contract do you sign Leddy too? I would think Cam Fowler is a fair comparison.

I forget he is only 24.
- Cup-Bearer

Not until NEXT March!
Still wet behind the ears.

Not until NEXT March!
Still wet behind the ears.
- savvyone-1

Is there a way to keep both Leddy and Oduya? Maybe Leddy get a longer term deal but is there any he stays for around 5 year and Leddy for another 2?

Is there a way to keep both Leddy and Oduya? Maybe Leddy get a longer term deal but is there any he stays for around 5 year and Leddy for another 2?
- DarthKane

Darth, are you talking $ or years?
Would think if Leddy were staying, longer term would mean lesser AAV? And with Oduya's age, would think we'd be talking no more than 2 more years.

Darth, are you talking $ or years?
Would think if Leddy were staying, longer term would mean lesser AAV? And with Oduya's age, would think we'd be talking no more than 2 more years.
- savvyone-1

Years, not money. I wouldn't pay Leddy $5 million and Oduya will certainly get more than $2 million.

Years, not money. I wouldn't pay Leddy $5 million and Oduya will certainly get more than $2 million.
- DarthKane

Makes sense, and am in agreement -- no way #8 gets that kind of coin at this stage of his career and yes, #27 will get more than $2M per -- just wanted to clarify. Extend him for 2 years at a good AAV and he's still trade-able.

Just need to rid ourselves of #32. He's done. Cap solved for upcoming season, 1 more run with 5 of 6 D and you've not hurt yourselves speed-wise.

Makes sense, and am in agreement -- no way #8 gets that kind of coin at this stage of his career and yes, #27 will get more than $2M per -- just wanted to clarify. Extend him for 2 years at a good AAV and he's still trade-able.

Just need to rid ourselves of #32. He's done. Cap solved for upcoming season, 1 more run with 5 of 6 D and you've not hurt yourselves speed-wise.
- savvyone-1

I still believe Rozsival will be the one moved to create cap space, he's been a warrior for us but his time is over. For some reason if he stays one more seaosn he'll still be done afterwards.

Maybe signed Leddy for 5-6 years at $4 million per and Oduya for the same but for 1-2 years. Oduya would be giving up a lot, I'm sure he'd get a bigger pay day elsewhere. But if Oduya is happy enough there there you never know.

I still believe Rozsival will be the one moves to create cap space, he's been a warrior for us but his time is over. For some reason if he stays one more seaosn he'll still be done afterwards.

Maybe signed Leddy for 5-6 years at $4 million per and Oduya for the same but for 1-2 years. Oduya would be giving up a lot, I'm sure he'd get a bigger pay day elsewhere. But if Oduya is happy enough there there you never know.
- DarthKane

I just dont know where we can send him at his full hit?

I just dont know where we can send him at his full hit?
- FourFeathers773

There are teams that need help on defense, Detroit is one for example. Plus, while his cap hit may be $2.2 million his salary is only $1.75 million.

When can teams put guys on waivers? Rozy was signed as free agent so losing him on waivers isn't too bad. I'd rather get a 7th round pick put cap space is what we're really after.

Makes sense, and am in agreement -- no way #8 gets that kind of coin at this stage of his career and yes, #27 will get more than $2M per -- just wanted to clarify. Extend him for 2 years at a good AAV and he's still trade-able.

Just need to rid ourselves of #32. He's done. Cap solved for upcoming season, 1 more run with 5 of 6 D and you've not hurt yourselves speed-wise.
- savvyone-1

I crunched some numbers (slow day at the office) and there is a way to keep both Oduya and Leddy for $4,000,000 each, assuming the cap is $74,000,000 for the 15/16 season. I made some assumptions on re-signing certain platers too. Keep in mind that due to the cap crunch sacrifices will need to me made. Either the defense or forward units (or both) will need to take a hit:

Saad ($4 million) Toews ($10.3 million) Hossa ($5.275 million)
Morin ($0.8) Teravainen ($0.894) Kane ($10.3)
Versteeg ($2.2) Shaw ($2) Smith ($1.5)
McNeill ($0.863) Kruger ($1.75) Nordstrom ($0.75)
Danault ($0.863)

Seabrook ($5.8) Keith ($5.538)
Hjalmarsson ($4.1) Oduya ($4)
Leddy ($4) Rundblad ($1)
Johns ($0.8)

Crawford ($6)
Raanta ($0.75)

Total Cap: $73,484,295

So keeping both Oduya and Leddy means losing both Sharp and Bickell. The forward unit takes a hit but the defense is solid. The alternative could be to keep Bickell and let one of #8 or #27 walk and replace them with a $1 million defenseman.

I just dont know where we can send him at his full hit?
- FourFeathers773

Roszival won't be enough.

Move him and send TT to a Rockfish - now your at $878 under the cap with 21 on the roster. Minimum salary is $550,000.

So - with 22 on the roster - presumably 1 extra forward and 1 extra defenseman - your about $300,000 under - not much room for a short term emergency.

I crunched some numbers (slow day at the office) and there is a way to keep both Oduya and Leddy for $4,000,000 each, assuming the cap is $74,000,000 for the 15/16 season. I made some assumptions on re-signing certain platers too. Keep in mind that due to the cap crunch sacrifices will need to me made. Either the defense or forward units (or both) will need to take a hit:

Saad ($4 million) Toews ($10.3 million) Hossa ($5.275 million)
Morin ($0.8) Teravainen ($0.894) Kane ($10.3)
Versteeg ($2.2) Shaw ($2) Smith ($1.5)
McNeill ($0.863) Kruger ($1.75) Nordstrom ($0.75)
Danault ($0.863)

Seabrook ($5.8) Keith ($5.538)
Hjalmarsson ($4.1) Oduya ($4)
Leddy ($4) Rundblad ($1)
Johns ($0.8)

Crawford ($6)
Raanta ($0.75)

Total Cap: $73,484,295

So keeping both Oduya and Leddy means losing both Sharp and Bickell. The forward unit takes a hit but the defense is solid. The alternative could be to keep Bickell and let one of #8 or #27 walk and replace them with a $1 million defenseman.
- DarthKane

A very unproven second line there - but it's a year away.

mistaTyCamScore]Nice blog JJ.

I made a case for people to get to know Rundblad before writing him off as well.

http://bit.ly/1vfwV4K

Check out the vids in my latest. The guy used to have serious offensive skill and an incredible shot. Would look pretty damn good on the PP if that was revitalized a bit with playing time in Chicago.
I mentioned in last thread/subject about Runndblad: it probably comes.down to how.mistake free and how.much rope.Q will give him once the season starts. If he is.still here. Bowman knows that this.is.the.sort of.dman he would.like.to see thrive in this system

Obviously Dahlbeck is seen even now as the safe choice if he shows his style from AHL days transfers in the way he plays in the NHL. I would be in favor to give Rundblad extra opportunity if.he shows improvement as the short peeiod.-of -,time in exhibition season is really unfair for judgment.

Would gou ike to see Rundblad given extra opportunity, say as a third pair or dresses as #7 dman ocassionaly once the season starts. A very good talent to just throw away but who knows how the player as well as if Q and Bowman will clash over playing time at some point.

Greetings everyone. I feel the nudge to chime in here. And no, it is not to intentionally argue or take the other side, I just want to go on record saying that I highly doubt that Leddy is moved and believe that Oduya gets too much credit on the board.

Yes I know what he brings experience wise, but there is no doubt he is on the decline career wise. I see him as another Andrew Ference. A nice piece on a good team, but a guy limited in his ability to play any higher than a 4.

Next year at this time, many will be happy that the Hawks stuck with Leddy. At this point, I would be happier seeing Leddy step up with Hammer and have Oduya skate along side Rundbland or maybe a Johns. Provide some stability.

But I have been wrong before..so who knows..

Greetings everyone. I feel the nudge to chime in here. And no, it is not to intentionally argue or take the other side, I just want to go on record saying that I highly doubt that Leddy is moved and believe that Oduya gets too much credit on the board.

Yes I know what he brings experience wise, but there is no doubt he is on the decline career wise. I see him as another Andrew Ference. A nice piece on a good team, but a guy limited in his ability to play any higher than a 4.

Next year at this time, many will be happy that the Hawks stuck with Leddy. At this point, I would be happier seeing Leddy step up with Hammer and have Oduya skate along side Rundbland or maybe a Johns. Provide some stability.

But I have been wrong before..so who knows..
- TrueGrit

You could be right . But Leddy will have to reach #4 potential right now .....

I just dont know where we can send him at his full hit?
- FourFeathers773

Why because so many teams are so solid in their top six?

A very unproven second line there - but it's a year away.
- StLBravesFan

I agree, that's why I think that one of Oduya and Leddy will be gone. I think two of Bickell, Sharp and Versteeg will be done too. I'm speaking of the 2015/2016 season of course.

Trade Rosy. Last year didn't show much other than that he is old and getting slower every day. Took some dumb penalties too due to being exposed.

I'll always appreciate Michal for '13 but the Hawks have gotta ship him and his 2.2 million out.

You could be right . But Leddy will have to reach #4 potential right now .....
- mrpaulish

If Leddy is kept I think we see the defensive parts shaken up. I don't think it would be 7/2 & 4/8. More likely it would be 4/2 & 7/8.

Re: David Runblad



All that nice footage on the wide Swedish rinks means a bit more time to slide and edge and throw the pass over.

I have to answer you John with this:

TEAM 1) He got traded out of the first organization because Blues chief scout Jarmo Kekalainen (now the Columbus GM) had a giant woody for Tarasenko and we all knew that Tarasenko WAS at top four player that draft year but was a Russian.
The blues were going to do their best to acquire the pick...not a knock just aggressive trading becasue they were convinced HE would come over and be a dominant NHL winger.

TEAM 2) You can argue that Ottawa probably felt they had similar styled defenders while Runblad was there...and the sophmore Karlsson was lights out crazy offensively took over....and Runblad was somewhat lost defensively with the team and partners when he did get ice time. BUT AGAIN...I can argue Runblad got traded to Phoenix more because Ottawa saw an opportunity to acquire a young disgruntled second overall pick who was centre and wanted $ and ICE. Ottawa wanted to seals the deal and his trade did.

TEAM 3) Runblad expected more opportunities in Phoenix and asked to be moved because he felt like the chances he got in six games were not in his best interest.

TEAM 4) Blackhawks and their pecking order were expected but don't think Runblad will sit quietly in the pressbox if not offered opportunities TO fail.
What everyone is ignoring is that the right handed shot was used a lot on the left side as happens more regularly in the Euro game so the point man and can move and his paddle is closer to the net.
I have a feeling they are no cards hidden from him.

He either wins a job after they send someone packing or he loses it to Clendnening Johns Dalbeck contingent.
I said it a long time ago, this guy was a dominant player in Europe.

I certainly am glad that so many comments and opinions have been fostered and are now chiseled in as fact by many, kinda the reverse of the "Tevo fan frantic-sy."

I hoping he busts loose ala the Russian kid in LA Slava Voynov....
- wiz1901

It would be a wasted draft choice to let Rundblad go. How much can he contribute? How mistake free. Show signs of improvement. Q has to give the kid an opportunity. I want nothing to do with a slower Rosy. Only Dahlbeck is ready among thedmen prospects, but this Rundblad could be a.nice weapon and may even prove to be an option should someone else get injured. Rundblad has some experience. I would like to gain a little salary cap relief by finding someone to take Rosy even if Chicago pays half on salary cap hit. Vetsteeg has something to prove and is good as a veteran to let prove he is still a worthwhile player. If a Rockford kid is looking good by X-mas & Versteeg is playing well, then you could move Verateeg.

But with Rundblad I hope he shows enough to stick for an entire season. Those other dmen prospects probably could benefit most by staying in Rockford the entire season. So yes,,I am trying to find cause to keep Rundblad.

Dahlbeck makes sense as the player Q would turn to but I just hope Rundblad can get at least some playing time. Chances are there will be injuries to regular top six dmen. If Dahlbeck is pretty good....if he shows he could be reliable as a third pair....maybe Leddy or Oduya gets traded for a large size center. Maybe Bickel goes too in a two for one. McNeil is a big body to recall.

Of course the defense pairing probably gets shuffled if Dahlbeck is a regular top six. Because if Rundblad plays,,cannot see him with Leddy or a rookie in Dahlbeck (although Dahlbeck could be playing well.

Bring on the games. Their performance may cause whatever decisions to be made....decisions most fans are guessing about right now

Nice blog JJ.

I made a case for people to get to know Rundblad before writing him off as well.

http://bit.ly/1vfwV4K

Check out the vids in my latest. The guy used to have serious offensive skill and an incredible shot. Would look pretty damn good on the PP if that was revitalized a bit with playing time in Chicago.
- TyCamScore

Agreed Ty. He looked underwhelming in his short audition last season, but Oduya wasn't so hot when he started with the Hawks either. Getting started in camp with the team/coaches will give us a much better assessment of what he can do as a Hawk. D need a little time to get comfortable in a new system anyway--especially the young ones. He could be significantly better than many of us think. Intriguing that he's also righty...

Re: David Runblad



All that nice footage on the wide Swedish rinks means a bit more time to slide and edge and throw the pass over.

I have to answer you John with this:

TEAM 1) He got traded out of the first organization because Blues chief scout Jarmo Kekalainen (now the Columbus GM) had a giant woody for Tarasenko and we all knew that Tarasenko WAS at top four player that draft year but was a Russian.
The blues were going to do their best to acquire the pick...not a knock just aggressive trading becasue they were convinced HE would come over and be a dominant NHL winger.

TEAM 2) You can argue that Ottawa probably felt they had similar styled defenders while Runblad was there...and the sophmore Karlsson was lights out crazy offensively took over....and Runblad was somewhat lost defensively with the team and partners when he did get ice time. BUT AGAIN...I can argue Runblad got traded to Phoenix more because Ottawa saw an opportunity to acquire a young disgruntled second overall pick who was centre and wanted $ and ICE. Ottawa wanted to seals the deal and his trade did.

TEAM 3) Runblad expected more opportunities in Phoenix and asked to be moved because he felt like the chances he got in six games were not in his best interest.

TEAM 4) Blackhawks and their pecking order were expected but don't think Runblad will sit quietly in the pressbox if not offered opportunities TO fail.
What everyone is ignoring is that the right handed shot was used a lot on the left side as happens more regularly in the Euro game so the point man and can move and his paddle is closer to the net.
I have a feeling they are no cards hidden from him.

He either wins a job after they send someone packing or he loses it to Clendnening Johns Dalbeck contingent.
I said it a long time ago, this guy was a dominant player in Europe.

I certainly am glad that so many comments and opinions have been fostered and are now chiseled in as fact by many, kinda the reverse of the "Tevo fan frantic-sy."

I hoping he busts loose ala the Russian kid in LA Slava Voynov....
- wiz1901

Good stuff, Wiz. The two things that caught my eye in Ty's video were Rundblad's shot and how, when he saw little between him and the opposing goalie, he aggressively skated it in to get a shot/pass around the net. Some good reads in that, albeit favorable, sampling. As for the rest, we'll see how he does on the smaller rinks w/in the Hawks' system..