Does Bowman want to win another Cup more than he wishes to wait another year for Lesdy to maybe take another step forward in development? The answer seems obvious.

I would prefer to keep young players just because I like to see prospects work out. But reality is that Oduya make morese sense, especially if he gives a home town discount. But then Oduya and Sharp both are leading candidates to be gone after the season. This is a development that is far away right now. If it does turn out that way.

The Morin concussion comment by 6628 post above is not good. Neither is it good that should he get his bell rung, TT recalled and same happens to him. And oh BTW I guess Mashinter then might have opportunity to stick his nose in on any transgressions. He is not a feared pugligist. Right? Does he deliver hard checks. That the team could use.
- jhawk59

Mashinter is DANGEROUS with the mitts off. Problem is...he has to wear them to get on the ice.

Thanks Captain

This is the line I am most looking forward to watch now that we have a legit center between these two studs. I'm also excited to see Versteeg's year, I'm actually expecting him to have a bounce back year after coming off that terrible season he has last year. Just overall, glad hockey is finall back
- jjh181

Does Bowman want to win another Cup more than he wishes to wait another year for Lesdy to maybe take another step forward in development? The answer seems obvious.

I would prefer to keep young players just because I like to see prospects work out. But reality is that Oduya make morese sense, especially if he gives a home town discount. But then Oduya and Sharp both are leading candidates to be gone after the season. This is a development that is far away right now. If it does turn out that way.

The Morin concussion comment by 6628 post above is not good. Neither is it good that should he get his bell rung, TT recalled and same happens to him. And oh BTW I guess Mashinter then might have opportunity to stick his nose in on any transgressions. He is not a feared pugligist. Right? Does he deliver hard checks. That the team could use.
- jhawk59

If Mashinter is anything, he is a feared pugilist. He had 3 one-punch knockouts of opponents in half a season in Rockford last year.

And perhaps costs you a lot more than it's really worth but can he get you the trophy
- stljam[wife], lol. Maybe a better analogy than I though originally.

I'd have to believe that Leddy would do more good than harm in the Hawk's quest of winning another Stanley Cup.

I'm preaching to the choir here, but there is only so much room under that cap, and only so many players and their respective salaries fit. Some players are more important than others, and when it comes down to brass tacks, someone has to go to get under the cap ceiling. Anyone can make an argument for "X" player centered around ideas like talent, upside, experience, current salary, the next contract, which is better than the other, maximum return in a trade, ect. They're all perfectly good arguments as to who should stay and who should be traded.

At the end of the preseason, someone is going to go, like it or not. That's just the reality of a league with a hard salary cap.

If Mashinter is anything, he is a feared pugilist. He had 3 one-punch knockouts of opponents in half a season in Rockford last year.
- BreakoutHockey

I personally think Mashinter can find a spot on the team this year as an enforcer/pf. Possibly even in the future replacing regular season Bickell, long stretch but I believe Mashinter can pull it off because he has the edge and the dedication.

If Mashinter is anything, he is a feared pugilist. He had 3 one-punch knockouts of opponents in half a season in Rockford last year.
- BreakoutHockey

Two by my count, but I may have missed the third. It should be noted that one of those one-punch KO's was an smaller player playing for Lake Erie. Another was Cody Beach, who's more of a Matthew Barnaby type of antagonist than a real pugilist anyways.

Mashinter can throw'em, I won't debate that. As for this "feared" heavyweight prize fighter theory that an opposing team's players fear and shy away from, that was not the case last season in Rockford. I don't believe that Mashinter has that type of reputation.

A guy like Labrie probably does.

Me too....that pass by Richards was GOLD. Great touch, vision and completion. Terrific addition by Stan...signed Captain Obvious.

- philco28

Then the Keith pass to Richards was platinum.

Mashinter is DANGEROUS with the mitts off. Problem is...he has to wear them to get on the ice.
- philco28

Good Phil, Q WILL TEACH him how to get on the ice with the mitts on. All we need is 7 minutes a night of useful play without being a bonehead,he'll be fine. Momentum can swing in certain games your way when your gunslinger can actually win a scrap unlike last year. still cheering for 15,24 &86 to make a cause! Please Stan get busy.....10,10, 10 or 29,29,29....go bye bye!

Mashinter is DANGEROUS with the mitts off. Problem is...he has to wear them to get on the ice.
- philco28

If they're going to skate Mashinter, why not keep Bollig for only a few hundred thousand more?

Yeah....one thing about Brad Richards is he always has been able to pass the puck.

Comforting he is passing it here at 2 mil a year, no matter what everyone thinks before a league game sees him with Kane.

I personally think Mashinter can find a spot on the team this year as an enforcer/pf. Possibly even in the future replacing regular season Bickell, long stretch but I believe Mashinter can pull it off because he has the edge and the dedication.
- jjh181

A guy like Mashinter only makes the team if Stan can carry 23 players. Which means either 1 big contract or 2 moderate contracts would need to be moved first.

Always love your take 66


Would just say i thought the pp looked pretty decent, especially when Richards was out there. Hawks are going to score a lot of extra man goals with 91 on the ice.
- philco28

The staff hasn't had much time to zero in on anything. Perhaps it's a bit unfair to comment on the PP so soon. But the main reason I anticipate seeing how it develops so much is the combination of Richards and Dineen and the impact some new blood and ideas might bring to what I think has become a stale approach. Richards doesn't have to be the most mobile guy on the ice. Just a guy who can play give and go. I believe he is capable, but I think his conditioning still is a work in progress.

If they're going to skate Mashinter, why not keep Bollig for only a few hundred thousand more?
- StLBravesFan

IMO, Bollig is better than Mashinter anyways.

The staff hasn't had much time to zero in on anything. Perhaps it's a bit unfair to comment on the PP so soon. But the main reason I anticipate seeing how it develops so much is the combination of Richards and Dineen and the impact some new blood and ideas might bring to what I think has become a stale approach. Richards doesn't have to be the most mobile guy on the ice. Just a guy who can play give and go. I believe he is capable, but I think his conditioning still is a work in progress.
- 6628

One thing I noticed about the PP last night was Q used just the regular lines and parings. I didn't see an actual PP unit out there - unless I missed it.

Two by my count, but I may have missed the third. It should be noted that one of those one-punch KO's was an smaller player playing for Lake Erie. Another was Cody Beach, who's more of a Matthew Barnaby type of antagonist than a real pugilist anyways.

Mashinter can throw'em, I won't debate that. As for this "feared" heavyweight prize fighter theory that an opposing team's players fear and shy away from, that was not the case last season in Rockford. I don't believe that Mashinter has that type of reputation.

A guy like Labrie probably does.
- EKolb13

Labrie scared me and I wasn't on the ice. That's the guy with the horse head.

IMO, Bollig is better than Mashinter anyways.
- EKolb13

For sure, but his cap hit is also $680,000 more and given our situation that's a lot of cap space. Especially considering that either guy will be limited to 4th line minutes (maybe 10 minutes per game) and no time on special teams.

Labrie scared me and I wasn't on the ice. That's the guy with the horse head.
- 6628

I've never seen the guy, but I've heard of him by reputation.

The majority of the scraps Mashinter got into last season in Rockford were from sticking up for a teammate who was being roughed up. That's the exact opposite of Mashinter instilling fear in the enemy.

For sure, but his cap hit is also $680,000 more and given our situation that's a lot of cap space. Especially considering that either guy will be limited to 4th line minutes (maybe 10 minutes per game) and no time on special teams.
- DarthKane

He might even be able to throw a left AND a right. Unlike Bollig.

I've never seen the guy, but I've heard of him by reputation.

The majority of the scraps Mashinter got into last season in Rockford were from sticking up for a teammate who was being roughed up. That's the exact opposite of Mashinter instilling fear in the enemy.
- EKolb13

Wait till you see him. There is no tie long enough to fit his neck. He's probably the thickest guy I've seen out there. Think Ted Bully x 2

For sure, but his cap hit is also $680,000 more and given our situation that's a lot of cap space. Especially considering that either guy will be limited to 4th line minutes (maybe 10 minutes per game) and no time on special teams.
- DarthKane

No doubt. However, I believe that the point Saint was trying to make was why dump Bollig in the first place if the enforcer's role is that important?

Wait till you see him. There is no tie long enough to fit his neck. He's probably the thickest guy I've seen out there. Think Ted Bully x 2
- 6628

I've got a feeling Labrie will become a instant fan favorite in Rockford.

No doubt. However, I believe that the point Saint was trying to make was why dump Bollig in the first place if the enforcer's role is that important?
- EKolb13

Bollig is a nice story. But the whole league knows if you tie up his left he's all yours. Just don't get caught coming in with his uppercut.

I've got a feeling Labrie will become a instant fan favorite in Rockford.
- EKolb13

Especially the farmers.

He might even be able to throw a left AND a right. Unlike Bollig.
- 6628

Mashinter has a good right. That's for sure. However, he's a little chaotic and swings wildly when he's throwing down with someone. He's not the typical pugilist type. He isn't out there looking for a dance partner most of the time. He's usually in a fight because he's sticking up for someone.

Mashinter has a good right. That's for sure. However, he's a little chaotic when he's throwing down with someone. He's not the typical pugilist type.
- EKolb13

If he's a wild card, maybe like a young Charlie Manson, that's a good thing. Makes guys think first.