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

Has a little Q in him eh?

Actually agree with you on this point. Ridiculous that during the season, McDermott didn't get more time. I'm not saying he's the second coming, but come on, this team needs someone who can score. He should've been playing more and getting experience.

I was a big fan of thibs, but its clear, this team has shut him out. He's the kind of coach that can't sustain long term, just too much intensity every minute of every day of every year.

Interesting article from ESPN's Powers on Bowman...

http://espn.go.com/blog/c...-lost-confidence-in-hawks

Has a little Q in him eh?

Actually agree with you on this point. Ridiculous that during the season, McDermott didn't get more time. I'm not saying he's the second coming, but come on, this team needs someone who can score. He should've been playing more and getting experience.

I was a big fan of thibs, but its clear, this team has shut him out. He's the kind of coach that can't sustain long term, just too much intensity every minute of every day of every year.
- vabeachbear

McDermott was injured most of the second half, when he came back - well, it's hard for a rookie to fit back into a line-up getting ready for the play-offs.

But yes - Thibodeau wouldn't have played him anyways.

Context for the Lazerus tweet re: Crawford no trade and some more about the propects, including confirmation of Rob or 'Bows (?) statement that Panarin ain't coming over to live in Rockford: http://chicago.suntimes.c...ocus-split-present-future. Options. It's all about having options. As others have said, this summer / off season is shaping up to be quite a ride.

Context for the Lazerus tweet re: Crawford no trade and some more about the propects, including confirmation of Rob or 'Bows (?) statement that Panarin ain't coming over to live in Rockford: http://chicago.suntimes.c...ocus-split-present-future. Options. It's all about having options. As others have said, this summer / off season is shaping up to be quite a ride.
- Marlowe

Interesting read, thanks for sharing.

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...
- HawkintheD

Sharp will be gone next year and Crawford stays. Crawford is not only an elite goalie but maybe more importantly he's a character guy in the room. It's the character of the Hawks that explains why they have won 9 of their last 10 playoff rounds against very good teams.
Toews,Hossa,Keith Seabrook,Hammer,Kane,Crawford and even Sharp all "Character Guys"

Sharp will be gone next year and Crawford stays. Crawford is not only an elite goalie but maybe more importantly he's a character guy in the room. It's the character of the Hawks that explains why they have won 9 of their last 10 playoff rounds against very good teams.
Toews,Hossa,Keith Seabrook,Hammer,Kane,Crawford and even Sharp all "Character Guys"
- Colbyboy

Most probably. However, if Stan is asked about Crawford and can fetch a good return, especially if it means moving someone that has to get moved, I bet he pulls that trigger.

Context for the Lazerus tweet re: Crawford no trade and some more about the propects, including confirmation of Rob or 'Bows (?) statement that Panarin ain't coming over to live in Rockford: http://chicago.suntimes.c...ocus-split-present-future. Options. It's all about having options. As others have said, this summer / off season is shaping up to be quite a ride.
- Marlowe

Exactly. Good GMs give themselves lots of options. Some succeed, some succeed wildly, some fail but you need options to allow for the failures and to help create more successes. Sometimes they make you make hard decisions (see St. Louis having to move Bishop due to having too many goalie options at the time both in NHL and AHL), sometimes of which you may make the wrong choice but you need the options.

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

No doubt I have faith in TVR and can't wait to see John's in the NHL. But again, inexperience and Q decisions which flows down to forwards/goalies. I am absolutely for playing kids and leting them figure it out for the better part of a season.

Panarin, very excited like geting a ripe first rounder for a salary. But can he play D or some one will have to cover. I haven't seen/read enough. He's a play maker which is what Sharp, Saad need. If you split Kane, TT, and Panarin you have 3 very dangerous lines. Insert scorer and center who can play D and look out.

Oduya I have always loved what he brings as 4D, warts and all. I think he may be kept. Saad and Kruger going no where. So big decision comes down to CC or Sharp. Me, I trade from our deepest strength with is our forwards. Give the rookie goalies another year or two.

Trade I'm sure will depend on remainder of playoff performance and return (Montreal looks like need Sharp badly, Canadian, connect the dots). I'm hesitant to rid a goalie with potentially 2 cups and so would org and fans. But, I do have faith in the org and trust their decisions either way win or lose short or long term. I know we have all seen this with the current state of the org with any of us who have been "fully supportive fans for any length of time. Say 25+ years on my part.

Side note: If we have to wait for Sunday I'm going to have to check into playoff hockey withdrawal rehab.

Interesting article from ESPN's Powers on Bowman...

http://espn.go.com/blog/c...-lost-confidence-in-hawks
- HawkintheD

Bowman and his staff have done a great job not only in keeping this team competative for the past 5 years but in not doing what many GMs, and almost all fans do, and that is panic at the first sign of trouble. While fans clamour at the TDL for the team to make crazy bold moves, and many teams make all kinds of crazy trades seemingly in a panic, Bowman doesn't get all bent out of shape and instead makes calculated moves or in many cases, non moves. Lucky for us Hawk fans Bowman and his staff don't act like airport windsocks, changing their opinion or strategy with every win or loss but instead have the ability to see the big picture. Many have said this is the golden age to be a Hawk fan with excellent on ice personell, with exceptional coaching, an outstanding Front office that manages the team and the business as well as or better than anyone and of course a top end owner who not only corrected all his father messed up but who is willing to continue to ensure this team is competative.

I like our team .... indeed!

No doubt I have faith in TVR and can't wait to see John's in the NHL. But again, inexperience and Q decisions which flows down to forwards/goalies. I am absolutely for playing kids and leting them figure it out for the better part of a season.

Panarin, very excited like geting a ripe first rounder for a salary. But can he play D or some one will have to cover. I haven't seen/read enough. He's a play maker which is what Sharp, Saad need. If you split Kane, TT, and Panarin you have 3 very dangerous lines. Insert scorer and center who can play D and look out.

Oduya I have always loved what he brings as 4D, warts and all. I think he may be kept. Saad and Kruger going no where. So big decision comes down to CC or Sharp. Me, I trade from our deepest strength with is our forwards. Give the rookie goalies another year or two.

Trade I'm sure will depend on remainder of playoff performance and return (Montreal looks like need Sharp badly, Canadian, connect the dots). I'm hesitant to rid a goalie with potentially 2 cups and so would org and fans. But, I do have faith in the org and trust their decisions either way win or lose short or long term. I know we have all seen this with the current state of the org with any of us who have been "fully supportive fans for any length of time. Say 25+ years on my part.

Side note: If we have to wait for Sunday I'm going to have to check into playoff hockey withdrawal rehab.
- Drgonzo399

Some good observations. I do think the Blackhawks are going to either trade or sign for a veteran or two in the offseason. Why? Because Q is not going to be okay with fielding a team of 3-4 rookies at the forward position(assuming guys like Bickell, Sharp, Shaw/versteeg are traded and Richards and Vermette walk).

I think Baun has a real good shot at making this team because of his size and speed combination. We can probably pencil in Teravainen as a 2C unless Stan gets creative. Maybe Vermette resigns at a discount though? It's possible if he likes it here and no longer wants to move around. I would also look to move Hossa down a line or two so his competition gets easier, doesn't have to play as many minutes etc. We need to ultimately can get more miles out of that stud and that means reduced minutes in the regular season.

I feel better about the defensive situation. I believe Seabrook will get a nice fat contract after the trades and they will bring up Johns for sure. JJ has mentioned a few times that Oduya might play ball to finish his career here leaving one spot open for TVR, Paliotta, Gustaffson, Pokka.

Some good observations. I do think the Blackhawks are going to either trade or sign for a veteran or two in the offseason. Why? Because Q is not going to be okay with fielding a team of 3-4 rookies at the forward position(assuming guys like Bickell, Sharp, Shaw/versteeg are traded and Richards and Vermette walk).

I think Baun has a real good shot at making this team because of his size and speed combination. We can probably pencil in Teravainen as a 2C unless Stan gets creative. Maybe Vermette resigns at a discount though? It's possible if he likes it here and no longer wants to move around. I would also look to move Hossa down a line or two so his competition gets easier, doesn't have to play as many minutes etc. We need to ultimately can get more miles out of that stud and that means reduced minutes in the regular season.

I feel better about the defensive situation. I believe Seabrook will get a nice fat contract after the trades and they will bring up Johns for sure. JJ has mentioned a few times that Oduya might play ball to finish his career here leaving one spot open for TVR, Paliotta, Gustaffson, Pokka.
- Bjm84

Following up at myself, I would take a good long look at role players with some some bang and skating like Dale Weise(Montreal), Marcus Foligno(Buffalo) etc.

Bowman and his staff have done a great job not only in keeping this team competative for the past 5 years but in not doing what many GMs, and almost all fans do, and that is panic at the first sign of trouble. While fans clamour at the TDL for the team to make crazy bold moves, and many teams make all kinds of crazy trades seemingly in a panic, Bowman doesn't get all bent out of shape and instead makes calculated moves or in many cases, non moves. Lucky for us Hawk fans Bowman and his staff don't act like airport windsocks, changing their opinion or strategy with every win or loss but instead have the ability to see the big picture. Many have said this is the golden age to be a Hawk fan with excellent on ice personell, with exceptional coaching, an outstanding Front office that manages the team and the business as well as or better than anyone and of course a top end owner who not only corrected all his father messed up but who is willing to continue to ensure this team is competative.

I like our team .... indeed!
- paulr

Very well said. And cut from another post of mine.....
But, I do have faith in the org and trust their decisions either way win or lose short or long term. I know we have all seen this with the current state of the org with any of us who have been "fully supportive fans for any length of time. Say 25+ years on my part.

Furthermore a few people mentioned options. Spot on. Now we have options with Bickell and Sharp that in Bowman was secretly a member of this board he would have traded for Timmo before the deadline.

@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

Yup. He was going to keep Niemi as well...

Yup. He was going to keep Niemi as well...
- fattybeef

"The goalie we're counting on to win another Stanley Cup is totally on the block. He's a lame duck goaltender, but we need him to come up with 8 more wins this playoffs"
--No GM Ever

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

If Sharp not center than = expendable. Been saying the same thing since 2011. If he has a good post season it is definitely time to cash in and reload on some assets.

I'd keep Bickell before Sharp to be perfectly honest with you. Not a coincidence that the Russian is a LW and they need to have some size availability.

Ideally they package Sharp and TT and get a top 10 pick and grab a big mean nasty center. But I don't know how delusional that idea is.

The thought of Toews - TT - Kruger - Danault being the guys up the pipe is a little light in my opinion.

Some good observations. I do think the Blackhawks are going to either trade or sign for a veteran or two in the offseason. Why? Because Q is not going to be okay with fielding a team of 3-4 rookies at the forward position(assuming guys like Bickell, Sharp, Shaw/versteeg are traded and Richards and Vermette walk).

I think Baun has a real good shot at making this team because of his size and speed combination. We can probably pencil in Teravainen as a 2C unless Stan gets creative. Maybe Vermette resigns at a discount though? It's possible if he likes it here and no longer wants to move around. I would also look to move Hossa down a line or two so his competition gets easier, doesn't have to play as many minutes etc. We need to ultimately can get more miles out of that stud and that means reduced minutes in the regular season.

I feel better about the defensive situation. I believe Seabrook will get a nice fat contract after the trades and they will bring up Johns for sure. JJ has mentioned a few times that Oduya might play ball to finish his career here leaving one spot open for TVR, Paliotta, Gustaffson, Pokka.
- Bjm84

It will be a challenge to sign FA's simply due to the fact that most likely Stan will have to take back some salary in a Sharp trade. This will be hard to read but the 4th nuber is the total salary for that line/pairing.

Saad Towes Hossa
4.5 10.5 5.3 20.3
Versteeg TT Kane
2.2 0.9 10.5 13.6
Bickell Shaw Panarain
4 2 0.9 6.9
Desjardins KrugerDanault
0.9 2.75 0.9 4.55

Keith Seabrook
5.8 5.5 11.3
Hjammer Johns
4.1 0.9 5
Oduya TVR
2.75 0.9 3.65
Runblad
0.9 0.9

Crawford 6

Darling 0.6
72.8

Bolded numbers are hopeful guesses and they are still over the estimated cap of $71m. Likely Bickell goes and hopefully for not much salary in return.
I hate doing this now but without Hawks hockey until Sunday I have to do something to keep from working!

Some good observations. I do think the Blackhawks are going to either trade or sign for a veteran or two in the offseason. Why? Because Q is not going to be okay with fielding a team of 3-4 rookies at the forward position(assuming guys like Bickell, Sharp, Shaw/versteeg are traded and Richards and Vermette walk).

I think Baun has a real good shot at making this team because of his size and speed combination. We can probably pencil in Teravainen as a 2C unless Stan gets creative. Maybe Vermette resigns at a discount though? It's possible if he likes it here and no longer wants to move around. I would also look to move Hossa down a line or two so his competition gets easier, doesn't have to play as many minutes etc. We need to ultimately can get more miles out of that stud and that means reduced minutes in the regular season.

I feel better about the defensive situation. I believe Seabrook will get a nice fat contract after the trades and they will bring up Johns for sure. JJ has mentioned a few times that Oduya might play ball to finish his career here leaving one spot open for TVR, Paliotta, Gustaffson, Pokka.
- Bjm84

Yes, not to mention 2 rookie golaies. Q will quit and goto Montreal.

I say you split the 3 play-makers, Kane, TT, and Pananrin and ride it out for 30+ games. Damn dangerous wings/lines there.

Hossa completely agree but an understatement him and Toews play so well together. Give the one of the play-makers to free up space for Hossa but possibly a bigger D role.

Vermette (very possible if we get far this year which we already have) would be a steal at 2.5 for 2 years. Offer him a job after he retires.

Seabs is a lifer. Unless we get lifetime offer. Irreplaceable in my opinion unless Johns really proves and improves he can fill the Seabrook void that will be left on the ice. Likely not his leadership though.

Sorry SimpleJack, didn't see you had done that already!

Tracey Myers tweeted Sunday Afternoon is what is being said for the start. Nothing official though

Cup Prediction: Hawks beat the Rangers in 6

If Sharp not center than = expendable. Been saying the same thing since 2011. If he has a good post season it is definitely time to cash in and reload on some assets.

I'd keep Bickell before Sharp to be perfectly honest with you. Not a coincidence that the Russian is a LW and they need to have some size availability.

Ideally they package Sharp and TT and get a top 10 pick and grab a big mean nasty center. But I don't know how delusional that idea is.

The thought of Toews - TT - Kruger - Danault being the guys up the pipe is a little light in my opinion.
- fattybeef

Suppose Brad Richards would come back for 2 years 5 million (over 35 contract). Would you take him as your 2/3C?

It will be a challenge to sign FA's simply due to the fact that most likely Stan will have to take back some salary in a Sharp trade. This will be hard to read but the 4th nuber is the total salary for that line/pairing.

Saad Towes Hossa
4.5 10.5 5.3 20.3
Versteeg TT Kane
2.2 0.9 10.5 13.6
Bickell Shaw Panarain
4 2 0.9 6.9
Desjardins KrugerDanault
0.9 2.75 0.9 4.55

Keith Seabrook
5.8 5.5 11.3
Hjammer Johns
4.1 0.9 5
Oduya TVR
2.75 0.9 3.65
Runblad
0.9 0.9

Crawford 6

Darling 0.6
72.8

Bolded numbers are hopeful guesses and they are still over the estimated cap of $71m. Likely Bickell goes and hopefully for not much salary in return.
I hate doing this now but without Hawks hockey until Sunday I have to do something to keep from working!
- Kentxo

I do have to say, you are really close to what lotsa folks think Saad and Kruger are going to get. $4.5M for Saad and $2.75M for Kruger each seem very reasonable.

However, where does this thinking come from that Desjardins and JO are going to sign for less money than they made this year? Desjardins is going to take a 40% pay cut? Why, cuz he feels lucky he's here? JO is going to take nearly a 20% pay cut for the same reason? Would you take a 20-40% pay cut to stay at your company?

Yup. He was going to keep Niemi as well...
- fattybeef

UNTIL Willie OS'd Hammer. Part of that was the big fish needing an up and coming true defencemen. Icing on the cake was he gets to screw the 'Hawks one way or another.

Just so you don't think like David-(frank)ing-Haugh, who for reasons unknown (other than he knows poop about hockey) whined like a little female dog for over a year how the 'Hawks were wrong to let Nemo go and keep Hammer.

Hawks are the most likely to pick up Mike Reilly the best college prospect the blue jackets haves similar to the hayes situation says blue jackets blogger . Anybody have more info on this kid?