His ability to chase guys down and close gaps in the nuetral zone, often, goes without notice. I recognize his struggles around the goal line, but from my novice eyes, he appears to be learning the tricks of the trade with poke checks and angles a little more. Like Keith, and Oduya for that matter, they are never going to consistently knock people off of the puck, it is their quickness and transition ability that mitigate the physical play and keeps the other team honest in respecting that ability.

Leddy was touted as a Phil Housley, when drafted and brought up, it is a different game, I think if worst case he can be a Brett Hedican from Cannucks I believe...then that is fine. Probably bad comparison, as I just recall Hedican being able to skate like the wind. He was bigger but less skilled then leddy.
- TrueGrit

He has to chase down guys because he is so often out of position. And for all your bashing of Oduya, Leddy in no way can handle facing top ten QoC as Oduya does. Or play on the PK. But I would love to see Leddy playing top 4 minutes against top level competition.

Sadly, as a Hawk fan, it would definitely remove them from serious contention for the Cup.

Still committed to your 5 standard positions and comments from last year? Was hoping you were going to develop your game a little more this offseason? I tried to keep the thoughts concise and clear...I guess too soon?
- TrueGrit

I am just aware when someone is bored and spewing nonsense.

He's got a word document saved with this stuff, I swear.
- prd797

He had to make edits to replace Pirri with Leddy. He has a thing for limited players, apparently.

His ability to chase guys down and close gaps in the nuetral zone, often, goes without notice. I recognize his struggles around the goal line, but from my novice eyes, he appears to be learning the tricks of the trade with poke checks and angles a little more. Like Keith, and Oduya for that matter, they are never going to consistently knock people off of the puck, it is their quickness and transition ability that mitigate the physical play and keeps the other team honest in respecting that ability.

Leddy was touted as a Phil Housley, when drafted and brought up, it is a different game, I think if worst case he can be a Brett Hedican from Cannucks I believe...then that is fine. Probably bad comparison, as I just recall Hedican being able to skate like the wind. He was bigger but less skilled then leddy.
- TrueGrit

Hedican is one of my all time favorite D men. Excellent power skater. More size but less speed than Leddy. Solid player.

Well said.

Just throwing out a few items to test the new guys. Kind of baiting my competition.

To be honest, my concerns are not so much with the Hawks, I have no doubt they will be better. However, the Wild, Lanche and Stars have made big steps forward.

Right now it is all about health and Q playing more than 7 forwards all year.
- TrueGrit

Agree.

Richards will be a big upgrade at 2C and I'm sure Q will mix and match during the season to some extent. Either way think the offense will be fine.

Smith really came on last season and excelled pretty much wherever he played, but I think him and possibly Saad will be fine on the pk.

The problem with Q shortening his bench happened in the playoffs. So provided they make them which they should, the ability to roll 4 lines will play an important role in whether they get to hoist the Cup again.

He had to make edits to replace Pirri with Leddy. He has a thing for limited players, apparently.
- Elbows15

Left the Zus bullet point untouched though

Left the Zus bullet point untouched though
- prd797

Yeah well, I was an advocate of Handzus being put out to pasture too.

Yeah well, I was an advocate of Handzus being put out to pasture too.
- Elbows15

I've revealed some agreement between you and TG then.


Lucky thing for Richards is that he has a very low bar to hurdle over. Not that that will make a difference thought, he'll get picked apart by this board when he makes his first mistake.

I've revealed some agreement between you and TG then.


Lucky thing for Richards is that he has a very low bar to hurdle over. Not that that will make a difference thought, he'll get picked apart by this board when he makes his first mistake.
- prd797

Tuesday should be fun. Never too early to start.

I've revealed some agreement between you and TG then.


Lucky thing for Richards is that he has a very low bar to hurdle over. Not that that will make a difference thought, he'll get picked apart by this board when he makes his first mistake.
- prd797

I predict before then. Someone will have an issue with the way he laces his skates, the tape he uses on his stick, or some such nonsense.

Tuesday should be fun. Never too early to start.
- Elbows15

I'll be happy to have two late evenings back to back again. And actually some 'real' hockey to talk about.

Hope the Bears don't waste my few hours less of sleep on Monday and lose to the (frank)ing Jets.

He has to chase down guys because he is so often out of position. And for all your bashing of Oduya, Leddy in no way can handle facing top ten QoC as Oduya does. Or play on the PK. But I would love to see Leddy playing top 4 minutes against top level competition.

Sadly, as a Hawk fan, it would definitely remove them from serious contention for the Cup.
- Elbows15

What he said.

Though I'd rather keep Oduya and Leddy.

If only I could decide who should be the one to go...

What he said.

Though I'd rather keep Oduya and Leddy.

If only I could decide who should be the one to go...
- Ogilthorpe2

Still think trading Rosy helps more than it hurts. Certainly more so than trading Oduya (or Leddy).

Too bad the Hawks can't fool someone into thinking Leblah is worthy of a draft pick. Getting his one-way money off the books wouldn't hurt either.

JJ making me keep the thesaurus handy when reading the blog. Well done.

Trade Oduya and Keep Leddy!
- TrueGrit

Trade Rozsival and Versteeg, keep Oduya and Leddy.

Still think trading Rosy helps more than it hurts. Certainly more so than trading Oduya (or Leddy).

Too bad the Hawks can't fool someone into thinking Leblah is worthy of a draft pick. Getting his one-way money off the books wouldn't hurt either.
- prd797

LeBlanc money doesn't affect the cap though PRD. And there is a certain element I enjoy about him toiling away in the Rock.

I'll be happy to have two late evenings back to back again. And actually some 'real' hockey to talk about.

Hope the Bears don't waste my few hours less of sleep on Monday and lose to the (frank)ing Jets.
- prd797

Its a night game. Cutler and night games are always an adventure.

What he said.

Though I'd rather keep Oduya and Leddy.

If only I could decide who should be the one to go...
- Ogilthorpe2

But does trading JT make the Hawks better?

LeBlanc money doesn't affect the cap though PRD. And there is a certain element I enjoy about him toiling away in the Rock.
- Elbows15

He's part of that 925k exemption, no?

Yeah, I suppose it is rather droll to see him continue to be useless for the Freezer Pigs.

I'm sure Eli is counting the days until he's gone.

He's part of that 925k exemption, no?

Yeah, I suppose it is rather droll to see him continue to be useless for the Freezer Pigs.

I'm sure Eli is counting the days until he's gone.
- prd797

Yes, he is. His contract just calls for him to be paid the same whether he is in Rockford or on the big club.

Yes, he is. His contract just calls for him to be paid the same whether he is in Rockford or on the big club.
- Elbows15

Right on.

Obviously think he'd be better off 'toiling' with some other organisation. Guy is a waste of money.

Between the start of this upcoming season and the start of next season, you will see Leddy, Oduya and Rozsival replaced by Clendening, Dahlbeck and Johns.
Besides promoting prized prospects to the parent club, these moves will free up valuable cap space. The Hawks will also get slightly bigger and more physical on the back end.
Leddy will not be signed again as he is too weak on the puck and makes too much for a third pairing d-man. Moving Oduya would give the Hawks more cap space than moving either of the other two. Rozsival will be gone once the Hawks find anyone to take him.
Dahlbeck may be the most NHL ready of the three. Johns might still need a partial season in Rockford to hone his game. Clendening, however, would replace Leddy's puck moving ability when Leddy is dealt.

Still think trading Rosy helps more than it hurts. Certainly more so than trading Oduya (or Leddy).

Too bad the Hawks can't fool someone into thinking Leblah is worthy of a draft pick. Getting his one-way money off the books wouldn't hurt either.
- prd797

Doesn't necessarily get them under the cap, depending on who comes back on the roster (I'm assuming TT goes down without replacement).

Simple, insert orange cone!

Does most of Oct/Nov and then from Dec1 on = until late?
- TrueGrit

Most of October (9 games) - almost NONE of November (4 games) so I'll split it with you - he was tardy.

It is weird seeing no-neck Barry on a bench surrounded by players in jerseys that aren't some disgusting mustard colour.

Its a night game. Cutler and night games are always an adventure.
- Elbows15

Did you see the holding call on Sims in the Rams game on the play where he would have sacked Romo with a little over 2 minutes left?

Rams gave the game away and continue to find ways to lose. Good thing I am not a Rams fan other than very casually rooting for the hometown team.