Norris Trophy:
Also in the mix: Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators; Nick Leddy, New York Islanders; Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks; Anton Stralman, Tampa Bay Lightning
- Colbyboy

You're going to make Elbows hurl his dinner

You're going to make Elbows hurl his dinner
- 6628

Blasphemy!!! But then, they don't give the Norris to the best defensive defenseman.

On the Kane return my answer is next year. It's one thing to return to normal life and quite another to be thrown into an intense playoff series against a physical opponent like WPeg or LA with a healing broken bone in the shoulder area.

Too much can go wrong in a hurry.
Don't see the Hawks organization risking long term damage by playing Kane.
I think the team we have now is the team we will have for a playoff run.
- Colbyboy

I just dont see how on earth the Hawks wouldn't play Kane after the 12 weeks are up and if he's coming along as scheduled. They're clearly going on all in based off the recent trades. Why hold back Kane just to play it safe, when they might not sniff a Cup again for at least 2-3 years? Why even make the deals for Vermette and KT? Why not just sell? I dont get that logic all, and im sure the Hawks would agree....he's playing if we're still alive in the playoffs and he's cleared to play. No way in hell does he sit and watch.

You're going to make Elbows hurl his dinner
- 6628

He will just comment and say Rundblad could be in the Norris discussion next year as well....

He will just comment and say Rundblad could be in the Norris discussion next year as well....

as well.

- Al

Any defenseman who scores 15 goals and 30 or so assists will get into the Norris discussion be it Rundblad or the absolute worst defenseman in the NHL, Jake Gardiner. I'd like to see another trophy to the highest scoring defenseman, Bobby Orr award? That would leave the Norris for the best defenseman and weed out the stupid selections.

Any defenseman who scores 15 goals and 30 or so assists will get into the Norris discussion be it Rundblad or the absolute worst defenseman in the NHL, Jake Gardiner. I'd like to see another trophy to the highest scoring defenseman, Bobby Orr award? That would leave the Norris for the best defenseman and weed out the stupid selections.
- paulr

I think you might be on to something

I think you might be on to something
- 6628

Weber.....no doubt. Scores, plays solid def. Best all-around Dman in the league.

Weber.....no doubt. Scores, plays solid def. Best all-around Dman in the league.
- hawk35

Hard to argue with that. But I like the idea of the Norris and the Orr trophies. Moose Vasko, Jack Evans, Al McNeil, Doug Jarrett, Maggy....

Hard to argue with that. But I like the idea of the Norris and the Orr trophies. Moose Vasko, Jack Evans, Al McNeil, Doug Jarrett, Maggy....
- 6628

Chairman of the boards.
Loved Dougie throwing hip checks. Probably one of the hardest things to do well in hockey, combination of excellent skating skills, great timing and physicality.

Think JJ mentioned it earlier, one of the benefits that Desjardins brings is that he can take a FO.

That makes this line even more of a shut down line. Really big deal to reduce minutes off of 1st line.

If he gets any penalty kill time, you can reduce Toews penalty kill time and have another FO guy. Him, Krugs, Vermette, all on top PK line really gives an advantage on the FOs.

Huge in the playoffs.
- vabeachbear

Agreed on Toews getting some relief on killing penalties, Hossa too for that matter.
We need both fully healthy and charged for the playoffs. I keep suggesting Sharp on the PK since he was great at it a couple of years ago, and it would add to his value this summer. I'm not sure why Q wouldn't consider it.

Not sure I know what you're referring to actually. But whatever.
- John Jaeckel

Sorry working all day.

I thought you mentioned a few days back, TDL actually believe it was, about some bigger name or names that would be moved over the summer that would surprise many on the board, but don't think you revealed much else after that.

That's what I was referring to, maybe I misunderstood.

Any defenseman who scores 15 goals and 30 or so assists will get into the Norris discussion be it Rundblad or the absolute worst defenseman in the NHL, Jake Gardiner. I'd like to see another trophy to the highest scoring defenseman, Bobby Orr award? That would leave the Norris for the best defenseman and weed out the stupid selections.
- paulr

Agree, but Leddy does deserve consideration under the current format.

Hard to argue with that. But I like the idea of the Norris and the Orr trophies. Moose Vasko, Jack Evans, Al McNeil, Doug Jarrett, Maggy....
- 6628

You're showing your age but I remember everyone you mentioned.....And so does Pierre Pilote-He never misses an opportunity to credit his partner Vasko as a big part of his success.

Your showing your age but I remember everyone you mentioned.....And so does Pierre Pilote-He never misses an opportunity to credit his partner Vasko as a big part of his success.
- Al

Not unlike Keith and Seabrook today. They complement each other as well as anyone.

Great to see Pierre welcomed in the building these days, especially after the way they kind of ran him off toward the end of his playing days here.

Not unlike Keith and Seabrook today. They complement each other as well as anyone.

Great to see Piere welcomed in the building these days, especially after the way they kind of ran him off toward the end of his playing days here.
- 6628

Yes....He was a sort of a recluse from hockey...Went years without as much as watching a game. Nice that he is getting his due.

You're showing your age but I remember everyone you mentioned.....And so does Pierre Pilote-He never misses an opportunity to credit his partner Vasko as a big part of his success.
- Al

Wasn't he the heaviest skater in the league at about 200 lbs. back in the day?

‏@AlCimaglia
Hawk talk tonight at 7:30 CST with Chris Block at http://BlogTalkRadio.com/TheThirdManIn

Wasn't he the heaviest skater in the league at about 200 lbs. back in the day?
- StLBravesFan

Yes...tallest too until Peter Mahlovich.
In his later days closer to being Big Buff size than 200 lbs.

Up until the last game the Hawks forecheck has been OTL for the most part over the past two months. Smith was a nice player but he is another smaller nice player who really didn't bring a physical presence game in and game out....Hard to do for anyone but especially when you are asked to check bigger opponents.

Bowman needed to get bigger and did so with the two forwards acquired....Plus in the case of Desjardin they get grittier and save about $750k....which for the Hawks is also important.

Who sits??----TT or Nordstrom most likely but I don't see Carcillo in the picture come April or next season.
- Al

Hey Al hope you're well...couldn't agree more in regard to the forwards that Stan picked up. Liked Benny and wish him well, but as you mention didn't bring as much of a physical presence that the Hawks need. Looking forward to seeing what Dejardins does tomorrow evening as well as the other two with a game under their belt. Going to take a few games to get acclimated.

Norris Trophy:
Also in the mix: Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators; Nick Leddy, New York Islanders; Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks; Anton Stralman, Tampa Bay Lightning
- Colbyboy

Strahlman is the guy I really wanted the Hawks to go after last spring after they had hopefully moved Sharpie. Looked good in the finals against the Kings last Spring.

I just dont see how on earth the Hawks wouldn't play Kane after the 12 weeks are up and if he's coming along as scheduled. They're clearly going on all in based off the recent trades. Why hold back Kane just to play it safe, when they might not sniff a Cup again for at least 2-3 years? Why even make the deals for Vermette and KT? Why not just sell? I dont get that logic all, and im sure the Hawks would agree....he's playing if we're still alive in the playoffs and he's cleared to play. No way in hell does he sit and watch.
- SimpleJack

Because despite Kane being out ....they still think they can win and they just might. I stand by my thoughts on this. That being said you make a good point with your post.
To fans....
it's all about now but to an organization it's all about the big picture and when you have a 10 million dollar player signed forever one cup run is one cup run.

They made the deals on Vermette and KT because 20,000 x $200.... average ticket price = $400,000 a night..... so why not give every indication they are all in. Which they are.

Hey...as a fan .....I hope like hell I see Kane before October ....just don't think I will.

Because despite Kane being out ....they still think they can win and they just might. I stand by my thoughts on this. That being said you make a good point with your post.
To fans....
it's all about now but to an organization it's all about the big picture and when you have a 10 million dollar player signed forever one cup run is one cup run.

They made the deals on Vermette and KT because 20,000 x $200.... average ticket price = $400,000 a night..... so why not give every indication they are all in. Which they are.

Hey...as a fan .....I hope like hell I see Kane before October ....just don't think I will.
- Colbyboy

Off by a factor of 10: $4,000,000.

Plus the profits going to CSN Chicago.

Off by a factor of 10: $4,000,000.

Plus the profits going to CSN Chicago.
- StLBravesFan

Your right
It's 4 million a night plus CSN ...Makes my point even more valid

Headed to Staples to pick up a new Calculator!

You're going to make Elbows hurl his dinner
- 6628

List is flawed. No Seabrook.

Notes lose in regulation @ Philly