And he'll be in NO or Cleveland next year.
- StLBravesFan

Just so king James drops in 45 Thur nite so they can get that poop off the ice.

@Lazerus tweeted: "No surprise, but Bowman indicated the #Blackhawks will not be putting Corey Crawford on the trade block in order to free up cap room." Talk amongst yourselves.
- Marlowe

Pointless tweet. On what planet would you say otherwise about your starting goalie in the playoffs?

He barely played Miritic who was an offensive spark for the team until after he sat on the bench forever. He truly doesn't like young players.

Meanwhile his teams goes for stretches of a baffling number of minutes without scoring?
- Elbows15

They don't have a floor leader - a take-charge guy who demands the ball and makes plays - Rose ain't it.

They only have 7 forwards, 3 Dmen and 2 goalies (plus Raanta) committed to for next year. 2 of the forwards are Bickell and Sharp. Crawford is nowhere near the top of the list to move.
- RickJ

You can like Crawford all you want, and I do - but the fact is, the dropoff is greater if you lose guys like Sharp, Kruger or Oduya, than if you lose CC.

Trade CC and Bickell who becomes redundant with Dejardins in the fold, and you're completely out of cap hell.

They don't have a floor leader - a take-charge guy who demands the ball and makes plays - Rose ain't it.
- StLBravesFan

Well. Brace yourself. Cause he is being canned shortly. His D wasn't very good this year either.

Well. Brace yourself. Cause he is being canned shortly. His D wasn't very good this year either.
- Elbows15

They don't have a floor leader - a take-charge guy who demands the ball and makes plays - Rose ain't it.
- StLBravesFan

I'll just quote your post rather than all the other ones criticizing the job TT has done with the Bulls.

For those counting down what could be the final days of TT's tenure with the Bulls, you are badly mistaken.

There is NO current coach or potential replacement that will live up to what Thibs has done in Chicago. Everyone else is a downgrade.

You can like Crawford all you want, and I do - but the fact is, the dropoff is greater if you lose guys like Sharp, Kruger or Oduya, than if you lose CC.

Trade CC and Bickell who becomes redundant with Dejardins in the fold, and you're completely out of cap hell.
- busmaster

Time will tell.

Nothing will be said to the press until after the playoffs...perhaps nothing until something actually happens...draft day too.

They don't have a floor leader - a take-charge guy who demands the ball and makes plays - Rose ain't it.
- StLBravesFan

Much like the Bears - No leader on Offense. Cutler ain't it either.

I'll just quote your post rather than all the other ones criticizing the job TT has done with the Bulls.

For those counting down what could be the final days of TT's tenure with the Bulls, you are badly mistaken.

There is NO current coach or potential replacement that will live up to what Thibs has done in Chicago. Everyone else is a downgrade.
- TommyHawk

With all the reports that have swirled around all season? He will be let go. There have been too many stories from different sources.

You can like Crawford all you want, and I do - but the fact is, the dropoff is greater if you lose guys like Sharp, Kruger or Oduya, than if you lose CC.

Trade CC and Bickell who becomes redundant with Dejardins in the fold, and you're completely out of cap hell.
- busmaster

Not so fast, we may agree upon a lot of debate, but our D is not as deep as we have been so graciously afforded the past 6-7 years. Not to mention what it may look like next year+ with 2+ rookies on D. How many rookies on O?

I'm not ready to have the reigns of the sleigh over to Darling (as much as we love what we all seen) over 60 (dare we say playoffs) games played plus the playoffs with 20+ games in the NHL.

Change is inevitable, embrace the now with eyes on the future.

Just thinking out loud again.

Anyone been keeping tabs on Panarin in the IIHF world championship? I think Russia lost today but he had another clutch late game situation goal to send it to OT. Tied for 2nd in the entire tourny in pts. Russia's best player on their best line. And thats on a roster with Malkin, Tarasenko, etc....playing against some other very quality NHL competition. And the goal he scored today was of the net front presence variety, showing fearlessness to dig in and grind out a goal. The one he scored to win it in OT the other day was Kaner-like(just like many of his youtube highlights), using his elite speed to skate the length of the ice, find a seem to maneuver through the blueline, make a move around the defender, snap with that wicked quick release and score....

He's the real deal from everything ive seen, and i cant wait to see him play for the Hawks using his skills to fit our system and possibly even on a line with Kane(talk about something worth drooling over...) What a huge steal at that price. Imagine moving Bickell, Versteeg, and Shaw...and bringing on this young, studly Russian phenom along with maybe Danault/Hartman/Baun/McNeil to replace them...not really that bad of a drop off all things considered.

Id also say move Crawford(despite Bowmans recent comments and CC's recent play) and bring on Darling.

I think keeping/resigning the depth on D and with forwards(guys like Oduya, Saad, Kruger, Desjardins, Nordstrom, etc...and possibly even Sharp) is more important than holding onto a goalie worth 6mil when the organization has the depth at that position to make up for it as well. I think a great team with maintained depth in front of Darling can get the job done.....and the more i watch this kid Panarin and the steady improvement in the midst of a rookie playoff run by Teuvo the more confident i feel about it. Not to mention the depth of promising prospects on D....

I think we're still one of the top 3-4 team in the NHL next year, with a legit shot at the Cup again if we make the right moves(great front office to rely on doing just that) and the Cap truly lands around 71mil.

Just some thoughts...

Not so fast, we may agree upon a lot of debate, but our D is not as deep as we have been so graciously afforded the past 6-7 years. Not to mention what it may look like next year+ with 2+ rookies on D. How many rookies on O?

I'm not ready to have the reigns of the sleigh over to Darling (as much as we love what we all seen) over 60 (dare we say playoffs) games played plus the playoffs with 20+ games in the NHL.

Change is inevitable, embrace the now with eyes on the future.

Just thinking out loud again.
- Drgonzo399

I'm ready to go to war next year with Johns and TVR in the mix at 5-7d, with Pokka and Paliotta possible as well. I'm sure Stanbo'll add another journeyman 35 year old marginal-type veteran off the scrap heap as well...

For forwards we may have a possible blue chipper in Panarin who's like 23, plus TT, and an over-ripened pair in Danault and McNeil - its time to see what we have in them and jettison Carcillo, Bickell, Richards and maybe Vermette. They will all come cheap which you'll need.

Give these guys a couple months to jell and you'll be rewarded in April.

Not sure about Darling or Raanta, but will you put your hopes on them in exchange for the chance to keep Sharp, Oduya, Kruger and Saad? I've seen enough to say yes.

Anyone been keeping tabs on Panarin in the IIHF world championship? I think Russia lost today but he had another clutch late game situation goal to send it to OT. Tied for 2nd in the entire tourny in pts. Russia's best player on their best line. And thats on a roster with Malkin, Tarasenko, etc....playing against some other very quality NHL competition. And the goal he scored today was of the net front presence variety, showing fearlessness to dig in and grind out a goal. The one he scored to win it in OT the other day was Kaner-like(just like many of his youtube highlights), using his elite speed to skate the length of the ice, find a seem to maneuver through the blueline, make a move around the defender, snap with that wicked quick release and score....

He's the real deal from everything ive seen, and i cant wait to see him play for the Hawks using his skills to fit our system and possibly even on a line with Kane(talk about something worth drooling over...) What a huge steal at that price. Imagine moving Bickell, Versteeg, and Shaw...and bringing on this young, studly Russian phenom along with maybe Danault/Hartman/Baun/McNeil to replace them...not really that bad of a drop off all things considered.

Id also say move Crawford(despite Bowmans recent comments and CC's recent play) and bring on Darling.

I think keeping/resigning the depth on D and with forwards(guys like Oduya, Saad, Kruger, Desjardins, Nordstrom, etc...and possibly even Sharp) is more important than holding onto a goalie worth 6mil when the organization has the depth at that position to make up for it as well. I think a great team with maintained depth in front of Darling can get the job done.....and the more i watch this kid Panarin and the steady improvement in the midst of a rookie playoff run by Teuvo the more confident i feel about it. Not to mention the depth of promising prospects on D....

I think we're still one of the top 3-4 team in the NHL next year, with a legit shot at the Cup again if we make the right moves(great front office to rely on doing just that) and the Cap truly lands around 71mil.

Just some thoughts...
- SimpleJack

I caught the end of the game today, and was in awe at what I was seeing. Not sure if I was watching Panarin, or if #88 was disguised and playing overseas. It's unbelievable how similar their games are (at least from today's impression). Panarin wasn't afraid to crash the net, but you could tell based off his play that he is like a wizard with the puck. He loves to stick handle, has patience, and very good vision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiCuTnnNNCE

Above is a video of the shootout of today's game. What should you notice? Panarin is the first shooter for Russia ... and he is also the fifth shooter. He is the only Russian player to shoot twice, if that tells you something (considering Kovalchuk, Tarasenko, etc. are on the team as well). Even though he misses on both opportunities, his first attempt in particular is a spitting image of the type of moves that Kane often does. Stick-handles, waits, waits, waits, shoots. I'm sure he's been watching a lot of his game.

All I know is that should Panarin get a shot with the big league next season, and if he's on 88's line, then it will be quite a show.

I'm ready to go to war next year with Johns and TVR in the mix at 5-7d, with Pokka and Paliotta possible as well. I'm sure Stanbo'll add another journeyman 35 year old marginal-type veteran off the scrap heap as well...

For forwards we may have a possible blue chipper in Panarin who's like 23, plus TT, and an over-ripened pair in Danault and McNeil - its time to see what we have in them and jettison Carcillo, Bickell, Richards and maybe Vermette. They will all come cheap which you'll need.

Give these guys a couple months to jell and you'll be rewarded in April.

Not sure about Darling or Raanta, but will you put your hopes on them in exchange for the chance to keep Sharp, Oduya, Kruger and Saad? I've seen enough to say yes.
- busmaster

Bingo

I caught the end of the game today, and was in awe at what I was seeing. Not sure if I was watching Panarin, or if #88 was disguised and playing overseas. It's unbelievable how similar their games are (at least from today's impression). Panarin wasn't afraid to crash the net, but you could tell based off his play that he is like a wizard with the puck. He loves to stick handle, has patience, and very good vision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiCuTnnNNCE

Above is a video of the shootout of today's game. What should you notice? Panarin is the first shooter for Russia ... and he is also the fifth shooter. He is the only Russian player to shoot twice, if that tells you something (considering Kovalchuk, Tarasenko, etc. are on the team as well). Even though he misses on both opportunities, his first attempt in particular is a spitting image of the type of moves that Kane often does. Stick-handles, waits, waits, waits, shoots. I'm sure he's been watching a lot of his game.

All I know is that should Panarin get a shot with the big league next season, and if he's on 88's line, then it will be quite a show.
- TommyHawk

Oh...he'll get more than a shot, and he'll get a very long leash if he initially struggles with the size of the ice, and the english language.

He's not coming here to live in Rockford.

You can like Crawford all you want, and I do - but the fact is, the dropoff is greater if you lose guys like Sharp, Kruger or Oduya, than if you lose CC.

Trade CC and Bickell who becomes redundant with Dejardins in the fold, and you're completely out of cap hell.
- busmaster

I don't agree that Bickell = Dejardins

...but they could both be gone by next fall. This is gonna be an interesting summer.

Oh...he'll get more than a shot, and he'll get a very long leash if he initially struggles with the size of the ice, and the english language.

He's not coming here to live in Rockford.
- ArlingtonRob

I guess he'll be needing a Russian mentor. Looks like there are only two available via free agency - Gonchar and Volchenkov

But on a serious note, I'd expect the team to bring in another Russian player (veteran) to help ease in his transition. It did wonders for TT when Timonen came over, even if Timonen himself hasn't contributed much.

Just to reiterate...

A. look at what Panarin has been doing at the IIHF tourny.

B. consider them being able to keep Sharp by moving Bickell and Versteeg instead as long as Bickell steps it up and continues his solid playoff run. Bring on guys like Baun/McNeil/etc....

C. Resign Saad for around 4mil and Kruger for around 2 mil, bring back Desjardins and Nordstrom for around 2-2.5 combined....

D. Move Crawford(using his recent play as incentive for other teams to take on his contract, and despite Bowmans recent comments) and use the combo of Darling(who the organization loves) and Raanta, saving another 5 mil or so.

E. Get Oduya to resign for around 3 mil, and rely on their insane depth with defensman prospects, while also adding a cheap, effective vet Dman.

F. Let Richards(-2.0), Vermette(-3.8), Carcillo(-.6), Rozsival(obviously, -2.2), Timonen(-.5), and Rundblad(-.8) all walk

G. Sign a cheap yet still effective FA 2C ala Richards from last years offseason for around 2mil

H. Have the Cap end up at 71.5 mil as its been projected

I. you could be looking at:

Saad(4.0) - Toews(10.5) - Hossa(5.3)
Panarin(.9) - cheap, effective vet 2C ala Richards(2.0) - Kane(10.5)
Sharp(5.9) - Shaw(2.0) - Teuvo(.9)
Desjardins(1.3) - Kruger(2.0) - Nordstrom(1.0)
Baun/McNeil(.8)

Keith(5.5) - Seabs(5.8)
Oduya(3.0) - Hammer(4.1)
TVR(.9) - Cheap, effective vet(1.0)
Pokka(.9)
Johns(.8)

Darling(.6)
Raanta(.8)

= 70.5 mil....with a lil room to spare even(maybe for a cheap roster player in return for Bickell or Versteeg)....

This team will still be the class of the league next season and beyond....u can book it.

I don't agree that Bickell = Dejardins

...but they could both be gone by next fall. This is gonna be an interesting summer.
- ArlingtonRob

Correct. difference is 3 mil/yr and no pretense or wasting time seeing if he's a top-6 guy. Low ceiling, comes cheap, gives you some snarl, is durable. Everything you need and nothing you don't.

I guess he'll be needing a Russian mentor. Looks like there are only two available via free agency - Gonchar and Volchenkov

But on a serious note, I'd expect the team to bring in another Russian player (veteran) to help ease in his transition. It did wonders for TT when Timonen came over, even if Timonen himself hasn't contributed much.
- TommyHawk

Hmmm...I hadn't considered a Russian FA to help with Panarin's transistion to hockey in North America. I suppose a trade is possible as well.

Interesting...

Correct. difference is 3 mil/yr and no pretense or wasting time seeing if he's a top-6 guy. Low ceiling, comes cheap, gives you some snarl, is durable. Everything you need and nothing you don't.
- busmaster

Don't get me wrong...I kinda like Dejardins, but he's at most a third liner. But like Shaw I think he's best suited to 4th line duty...and he does it rather well.

He's versatile since he plays both center and wing...he has some size, and he's tough, and still has some years left...and he doesn't have bad hands either.

So if the Hawks can bring him back at a good rate, and he wants to return...

...sure, give him a 1-2 years deal.

Don't get me wrong...I kinda like Dejardins, but he's at most a third liner. But like Shaw I think he's best suited to 4th line duty...and he does it rather well.

He's versatile since he plays both center and wing...he has some size, and he's tough, and still has some years left...and he doesn't have bad hands either.

So if the Hawks can bring him back at a good rate, and he wants to return...

...sure, give him a 1-2 years deal.
- ArlingtonRob

Desjardins will never be a 3rd liner. Shaw has scored more goals in one season than Dejardins has in his entire career. Not that there is anything wrong with being a good 4th line player. He shouldn't be signed for anything over a mill.

Desjardins will never be a 3rd liner. Shaw has scored more goals in one season than Dejardins has in his entire career. Not that there is anything wrong with being a good 4th line player. He shouldn't be signed for anything over a mill.
- Elbows15

Yep...that's how I see it.

When I mentioned third line use I was thinking of spot duty for a matchup or as a temporary fill-in...but agree, not full time.

Just to reiterate...

A. look at what Panarin has been doing at the IIHF tourny.

B. consider them being able to keep Sharp by moving Bickell and Versteeg instead as long as Bickell steps it up and continues his solid playoff run. Bring on guys like Baun/McNeil/etc....

C. Resign Saad for around 4mil and Kruger for around 2 mil, bring back Desjardins and Nordstrom for around 2-2.5 combined....

D. Move Crawford(using his recent play as incentive for other teams to take on his contract, and despite Bowmans recent comments) and use the combo of Darling(who the organization loves) and Raanta, saving another 5 mil or so.

E. Get Oduya to resign for around 3 mil, and rely on their insane depth with defensman prospects, while also adding a cheap, effective vet Dman.

F. Let Richards(-2.0), Vermette(-3.8), Carcillo(-.6), Rozsival(obviously, -2.2), Timonen(-.5), and Rundblad(-.8) all walk

G. Sign a cheap yet still effective FA 2C ala Richards from last years offseason for around 2mil

H. Have the Cap end up at 71.5 mil as its been projected

I. you could be looking at:

Saad(4.0) - Toews(10.5) - Hossa(5.3)
Panarin(.9) - cheap, effective vet 2C ala Richards(2.0) - Kane(10.5)
Sharp(5.9) - Shaw(2.0) - Teuvo(.9)
Desjardins(1.3) - Kruger(2.0) - Nordstrom(1.0)
Baun/McNeil(.8)

Keith(5.5) - Seabs(5.8)
Oduya(3.0) - Hammer(4.1)
TVR(.9) - Cheap, effective vet(1.0)
Pokka(.9)
Johns(.8)

Darling(.6)
Raanta(.8)

= 70.5 mil....with a lil room to spare even(maybe for a cheap roster player in return for Bickell or Versteeg)....

This team will still be the class of the league next season and beyond....u can book it.
- SimpleJack

Mostly I like, though I'm still not sure about CC being traded and I think Danault from everything I read (mostly here and a few other places) will be your 3rd or 4th line center next year.

Will be interesting offseason but more concerned with this round and hopefully the next right now.

Eight more W's...