The highlighted is an interesting take on things. Raanta has 1 season or 35 more NHL games played to go before his waiver-exempt status disappears. Keeping Leighton over Raanta gives Bowman a $200,000 savings towards the salary cap, and given the current situation could help out Bowman slightly if it comes down to that.

As for McNeill and Danault, I can't see them winning jobs out of camp. Even if they did well enough to win a roster spot, I still can't see the big club carrying them. Not with the 13 forwards that are already under a one-way contract.

If the organization is viewing the both of them as replacement components for the '15-'16 season, they are best served with more playing time in Rockford preparing for the '15-'16 season. At best, McNeill and Danault will get an opportunity to get a taste of NHL action as call-ups to replace injured players.
- EKolb13

Great post ref

Very interesting ,

What is the real difference between Raanta and Leighton ? If its not much and Rannta can grow a lot in Rockford as the baby Hawks #1 then why not do it ? Especially if it saves the Hawks $200k >

The Hawks used the Wings as a model of the type of team they wanted to be and even brought in Scotty Bowman to aid Dale and then Stan. I don't think the Wings placed that much importance on size and I think Stan doesn't either. That may be a reason why the Hawks tend to draft players like Hinostroza instead of more guys like Hayden.
- jhawk159

Dunno, the Wings had Stuart, Kronwall, Lidstrom was not small, Franzen, Holmstrom, drafted Abdelkader and others, the list goes on.

While I agree that size matters, lets not just assume that all size guys are not fast. Seems to me, the Kings were flying around pretty good in the games they won.

I stress the games they won. Was anyone blown away by them in those first 3 games against San Jose?

You can use the argument that wore down San Jose, but I have to say I am not in agreement with the case that they wore the Hawks down with their size. If anything, I could make the argument the hawks wore them down with their speed. Really after they got up 3-1, is when Kane and Saad started turning it on, why was that? Did they just decide to start playing, or was their speed to much for the big Kings guys.

Not saying it isn't good to have big guys, but they need to skate. Ideally you have that in Bickell if he'd show up.

Remember John Scott was Huge
- vabeachbear

Read the blog again. You are strenuously agreeing with me.

Read the blog again. You are strenuously agreeing with me.
- John Jaeckel

What else you got JJ ? Someone has to be moved in less than 21 dayss......

What else you got JJ ? Someone has to be moved in less than 21 dayss......
- mrpaulish

When i have it, you'll have it.

Crickets . . .

When i have it, you'll have it.

Crickets . . .
- John Jaeckel

lol.............ok.........................................................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

When i have it, you'll have it.

Crickets . . .
- John Jaeckel

Does the move have to be done before camp starts?

Does the move have to be done before camp starts?
- z1990z

If I'm not mistaken, teams have to be under the salary cap ceiling a day before the regular season starts, or something like that...

The highlighted is an interesting take on things. Raanta has 1 season or 35 more NHL games played to go before his waiver-exempt status disappears. Keeping Leighton over Raanta gives Bowman a $200,000 savings towards the salary cap, and given the current situation could help out Bowman slightly if it comes down to that.

As for McNeill and Danault, I can't see them winning jobs out of camp. Even if they did well enough to win a roster spot, I still can't see the big club carrying them. Not with the 13 forwards that are already under a one-way contract.

If the organization is viewing the both of them as replacement components for the '15-'16 season, they are best served with more playing time in Rockford preparing for the '15-'16 season. At best, McNeill and Danault will get an opportunity to get a taste of NHL action as call-ups to replace injured players.
- EKolb13

Concerning the comment on Raanta...The switch would have to be done at the right time.

If Leighton does really well in Rockford he could get claimed as he is subject to waivers and has a modest contract.

I am looking for a few persons interested in playing yahoo Fantasy Hockey in a ten team rotisserie league with
a live draft Tuesday evening Sept. 30th.
Not looking for any one who just wants to draft and then quit after a month and not make moves.
We are going to set it up with small reserve benches so no one can horde talent, and if you are needing an area of upgrade you have to drop and add or start trading.
It is a part of group that started playing together years ago, but many of the originals have become half hearted in interest and there were so few moves that it looked like they didn’t care, so it was a lifeless fantasy league that we would love to revive.
We are setting this up in away that each GM has 9 forward positions, three at each, two goalies you can carry only three max., but only FOUR defenseman. There will be a SHORT reverse bench…we are debating three or even two there.
There will be IR or day to day IR slot too, even discussing one of each.

Send me a P M with your regular email if interested....

Concerning the comment on Raanta...The switch would have to be done at the right time.

If Leighton does really well in Rockford he could get claimed as he is subject to waivers and has a modest contract.
- Al

That would mean that Leighton would have to be called up to Chicago and then sent back down. The new CBA did away with re-entry waivers.

@reporterchris: Colin Fraser's deal with the #stlblues guarantees him $300,000 for the season. His NHL salary is $650,000; AHL salary is $250,000.

Great read JJ.

I think you'll see more teams draft bigger bodies with raw talent. More of a working project and hope they turn out to be that speed, skill and size package a la the Tanner Pearson story.


My latest: 20 Offseason Thoughts From The Windy City
http://thehockeychat.com/...ghts-from-the-windy-city/

Great read JJ.

I think you'll see more teams draft bigger bodies with raw talent. More of a working project and hope they turn out to be that speed, skill and size package a la the Tanner Pearson story.


My latest: 20 Offseason Thoughts From The Windy City
http://thehockeychat.com/...ghts-from-the-windy-city/
- TyCamScore

Thanks, Ty - I, too, thought Bollig was more of a positive force than a negative force last year - the Smith-Kruger-Bollig 4th line was , at times, the most consistent in performing their jobs on the team.

That would mean that Leighton would have to be called up to Chicago and then sent back down. The new CBA did away with re-entry waivers.
- EKolb13

Yes...And if he played well in Rockford and did well here he could get claimed.
Should have explained better....But my point is they could get exposed if he were to get claimed and something happened to Crawford or Raanta. If memory serves that almost happened last year.

Your point about saving $200k would makes sense to me only to begin the season... as that would give more options to Bowman because he has to clear over $2 mill now.

That is the only way I see it happening as a short term fix... because both players earn the same amount wherever they play...And Raanta may have been made a promise he would be in Chicago only...

Dunno, the Wings had Stuart, Kronwall, Lidstrom was not small, Franzen, Holmstrom, drafted Abdelkader and others, the list goes on.
- John Jaeckel

JJ as much as you would like to boot him in the arse as the opposing player, I would LOVE him in a Hawk uni! KRONWELL that is!

Thanks, Ty - I, too, thought Bollig was more of a positive force than a negative force last year - the Smith-Kruger-Bollig 4th line was , at times, the most consistent in performing their jobs on the team.
- StLBravesFan

For the most part the aim has been for quite awhile to draft bigger bodies.
It just so happened that some smaller guys like TT and Pirri kind of fell into their lap but for the most part they look to draft size since Tallon...plus players who can skate.

Thanks, Ty - I, too, thought Bollig was more of a positive force than a negative force last year - the Smith-Kruger-Bollig 4th line was , at times, the most consistent in performing their jobs on the team.
- StLBravesFan

I don't know how many times after a Hawks game I said allowed "that 4th line was the best line tonight".

It was the inconsistencies of a 3rd line that drove me nuts. Let's see if a more balanced 4 line attack returns this season from year's past.

Yes...And if he played well in Rockford and did well here he could get claimed.
Should have explained better....But my point is they could get exposed if he were to get claimed and something happened to Crawford or Raanta. If memory serves that almost happened last year.

Your point about saving $200k would makes sense to me only to begin the season... as that would give more options to Bowman because he has to clear over $2 mill now.

That is the only way I see it happening as a short term fix... because both players earn the same amount wherever they play...And Raanta may have been made a promise he would be in Chicago only...
- Al

I agree. I'd have to think the chances of that happening are slim. $200,000 is a drop in the bucket, but if it comes down to Bowman having to clear out as much room as he can to start the season, it's an option.

I remember a quote from long ago but can never remember who said but it went something like " A good big man will beat a good small man every time."

Since I was always short I hate to admit that all things being equal a bigger athlete has an advantage most of the time over a smaller opponent.

I agree. I'd have to think the chances of that happening are slim. $200,000 is a drop in the bucket, but if it comes down to Bowman having to clear out as much room as he can to start the season, it's an option.
- EKolb13

If, for instance, it's Leddy for pucks and a 22-skater roster, as of now (with Raanta) that leaves them less than $500,000 under the cap - not even enough for a minimum-salary player.

Switch Raanta and Leighton and they're at about $675,000 under - not great, but at least room for a minimum salary.

I agree. I'd have to think the chances of that happening are slim. $200,000 is a drop in the bucket, but if it comes down to Bowman having to clear out as much room as he can to start the season, it's an option.
- EKolb13

You made a good point though...The $200k is a drop in the bucket but it can be the difference of trading 1 instead of 2 players.

If, for instance, it's Leddy for pucks and a 22-skater roster, as of now (with Raanta) that leaves them less than $500,000 under the cap - not even enough for a minimum-salary player.

Switch Raanta and Leighton and they're at about $675,000 under - not great, but at least room for a minimum salary.
- StLBravesFan

It could make a difference if need be...

You made a good point though...The $200k is a drop in the bucket but it can be the difference of trading 1 instead of 2 players.
- Al

Thanks.

I am looking for a few persons interested in playing yahoo Fantasy Hockey in a ten team rotisserie league with
a live draft Tuesday evening Sept. 30th.
Not looking for any one who just wants to draft and then quit after a month and not make moves.
We are going to set it up with small reserve benches so no one can horde talent, and if you are needing an area of upgrade you have to drop and add or start trading.
It is a part of group that started playing together years ago, but many of the originals have become half hearted in interest and there were so few moves that it looked like they didn’t care, so it was a lifeless fantasy league that we would love to revive.
We are setting this up in away that each GM has 9 forward positions, three at each, two goalies you can carry only three max., but only FOUR defenseman. There will be a SHORT reverse bench…we are debating three or even two there.
There will be IR or day to day IR slot too, even discussing one of each.

Send me a P M with your regular email if interested....
- wiz1901

Question...Will the season end a week or so before the NHL regular season finishes or at the same time?