Not in this instance.

Continuing to double down on the bad bet known as "Rundblad, D"? Absolutely.

Because no team really "needs" a Kris Versteeg at his salary anymore, because there are some concerns about Bickell's health at his salary, the deals that are out there, as I hear it, basically involve the Hawks bribing teams into taking them on—with desirable prospects and/or picks. Bowman has surrendered a fair amount of picks already recently in unpopular deals (Timonen and Rundblad). So Bowman doesn't want to do that, or wants to minimize the damage as much as possible. That is what I hear is holding things up.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks JJ. My problem is that the organization clearly would like to retain Krugs and Krugs clearly would like to stay in Chicago, yet all the moves they have made so far seem to indicate his deal is on (or was on) the bottom of the to do list. Obviously they had to move sharp, saad was a tough decision but in the process took back a lot more salary then I would have thought. I do not understand how they can clear space unless it's a guy like Crawford, shaw, or even worse Seabs... Please not seabs. And in regard to who gets the A, I have a crazy thought. Hossa and Seabs know they're leaders and part of the core, but how about handing it to #65? Guys all heart, does a little bit of everything, sticks up for teammates, and brings an energy no one else on the roster brings. Wouldn't mind him being given that responsibility.

Anderson is a highly underrated goalie. And he could easily backstop this Hawk team to another Cup this season. He is great come playoff time.
- John Jaeckel

I'd actually be into trading Crawford for Anderson straight up. Saves $1.8M. That makes the math a bit easier, meaning we could retain salary on Bickell and get rid of him.

While some would think the PR for dealing Crow would be bad, consider the idea that the Chicago Blackhawks would then have a two Chicago-area natives in goal.

Thanks JJ. My problem is that the organization clearly would like to retain Krugs and Krugs clearly would like to stay in Chicago, yet all the moves they have made so far seem to indicate his deal is on (or was on) the bottom of the to do list. Obviously they had to move sharp, saad was a tough decision but in the process took back a lot more salary then I would have thought. I do not understand how they can clear space unless it's a guy like Crawford, shaw, or even worse Seabs... Please not seabs. And in regard to who gets the A, I have a crazy thought. Hossa and Seabs know they're leaders and part of the core, but how about handing it to #65? Guys all heart, does a little bit of everything, sticks up for teammates, and brings an energy no one else on the roster brings. Wouldn't mind him being given that responsibility.
- redrising10

Seabrook is more mature than Shaw. Shaw is known as the prankster on the team and one who is always talking. Teammates would not take him serious.

Thanks JJ. My problem is that the organization clearly would like to retain Krugs and Krugs clearly would like to stay in Chicago, yet all the moves they have made so far seem to indicate his deal is on (or was on) the bottom of the to do list. Obviously they had to move sharp, saad was a tough decision but in the process took back a lot more salary then I would have thought. I do not understand how they can clear space unless it's a guy like Crawford, shaw, or even worse Seabs... Please not seabs. And in regard to who gets the A, I have a crazy thought. Hossa and Seabs know they're leaders and part of the core, but how about handing it to #65? Guys all heart, does a little bit of everything, sticks up for teammates, and brings an energy no one else on the roster brings. Wouldn't mind him being given that responsibility.
- redrising10

Shaw can't be trusted to have a conversation with the officials without pissing one of them off and getting an unsportsmanlike call.

At some point (now?), if it comes to that, I think we need to look at it as trading Danault-McNeil-Ross for Kruger (and, maybe, Shaw).
- StLBravesFan

I like your take on this.

A lot of people have been really bent out of shape about trading Johns and other prospects, though I have a hard time understanding the anguish. I imagine many people who follow the prospect pool more than I do really want the kids to succeed, and that's totally cool. I don't watch the Icehogs, so maybe I would feel more of an affinity for them if I did and really root for the kids making the big team.

However, I think a lot of our prospects are overvalued by some on this board… Long term, how amazing are Danault, McNeill, and Ross? So amazing that we absolutely can't move them? So amazing that they could jump into the bottom 6 and by Christmas have locked down a spot in the top 6? Again, we've seen late rounders get a spot on the big boy team IF they can hack it. Andrew Shaw (19th-rounder after getting passed over twice!) comes to mind… You'd think these players would have gotten more of a look by now...

To me, if it takes Bickell + McNeill + Ross to get someone to take Bickells' contract, just (frank)ing do it. Try to get back a second round pick in return for this cohort. I imagine Bowman is waiting until all the arbitration stuff gets done so that all the GMs know what else they need… however, I'm not sure this makes his position anything but weaker the longer he waits.

This year, probably, and maybe the year after that. A bit further down the road though? We shall see. My money's on Dano.
- Volodya

I hope Dano turns out to be everything people hope for. Can't really say. Never have watched him play much, if at all. I just don't see the need to diminish what Saad did as a member of the Hawks.

Saad will be playing with a couple of good young players in Columbus in Johanson and Foligno. Hossa still remains one of the best 2-way players in the game. lbh, his offense isn't what it once was. Which is fine because his play on his side of the puck more than makes up for it. Toews will never be defined solely on his offensive numbers. Its the fact he can put up the numbers he does at the same time as shutting the other teams' best down. Anyone playing with those two has to be able to hold his end of the deal. IMO. Saad did. It remains to be seen whether Dano or anyone else can.

Or maybe because Versteeg is good value for the money? And at the moment the best LW on the team?
- TTtime

No the best LW is who ever lines up with Toews and Hossa

I'd actually be into trading Crawford for Anderson straight up. Saves $1.8M. That makes the math a bit easier, meaning we could retain salary on Bickell and get rid of him.

While some would think the PR for dealing Crow would be bad, consider the idea that the Chicago Blackhawks would then have a two Chicago-area natives in goal.
- DMChi2010

You might be into making that trade but it would go over like a lead balloon in the dressing room. The veterans in there know Crawford comes to play when the money is on the line. Their response would be "you made that trade to save $1.8M, why are we still looking at Rundblad?" F$ck you Stan.

You might be into making that trade but it would go over like a lead balloon in the dressing room. The veterans in there know Crawford comes to play when the money is on the line. Their response would be "you made that trade to save $1.8M, why are we still looking at Rundblad?" F$ck you Stan.
- RickJ

Haha. You bring up an interesting point, though, about dressing room dynamics. I would have loved to be able to read the minds of all the Hawks during the playoffs whenever Rundblad and all the other defensive train wrecks were on the ice...

Haha. You bring up an interesting point, though, about dressing room dynamics. I would have loved to be able to read the minds of all the Hawks during the playoffs whenever Rundblad and all the other defensive train wrecks were on the ice...
- DMChi2010

Probably don't need to read any minds - the expression on Q's face says it all.

Nobody's saying CC sucks (well except fvinese) though. The issue seems to be are there cheaper yet adequate replacements—if you have to move his deal. Anderson would win behind this team, no doubt in my mind. he has never had a defense or a team like this in front of him.

Hell, I'll bet they could pry Niemi out of Dallas for the right price. Don't tell me they can't win a Cup with him in net! LOL

I've not heard the shutdown center equivalent you can acquire for less money than Kruger—who's nearly as effective. Maybe there is. I just haven't heard it yet.

Hopefully, they keep Kruger and Crawford. Best of all worlds. And if somehow Stanley can pull a decent vet d-men out of his nether regions, kismet!
- John Jaeckel

JJ, I'm all for moving anyone, anyone if it makes the team better and in the hard cap era a solid deal you have to look at sideways for awhile before you conclude this is a solid deal. I was one who early liked the Saad move and the Sharp deal as well, but had to look at it and read Cordell for awhile to think so. At face value right away, no though.

I like Anderson, like to watch him play in the full throttle Sens system. He passes the eye test for me, so to speak. But the dude is 34 yrs old and has played 50 games in a season 4 times in his NHL career, never in the AHL and once in juniors.

Most will mention consistency as his weaknesses and that maybe true, but for me I see the guy as a goalie who looks great but often but doesn't finish. He'll make huge saves looking good doing it, a world class athlete, but doesn't close........He reminds me a lot of Kari Lehtonen in that he looks spectacular but not long enough or often enough to be a pillar #1.

I'll admit he's intriguing but if you want me to roll the dice on a Crawford-Anderson swap I need much more than just Bickell's money going the other way. You've never seen me post a trade scenario and I ain't starting now, except to reiterate a swap of those two need much more than Bickell's ineffective game to complete that deal.

Nobody's saying CC sucks (well except fvinese) though. The issue seems to be are there cheaper yet adequate replacements—if you have to move his deal. Anderson would win behind this team, no doubt in my mind. he has never had a defense or a team like this in front of him.

Hell, I'll bet they could pry Niemi out of Dallas for the right price. Don't tell me they can't win a Cup with him in net! LOL

I've not heard the shutdown center equivalent you can acquire for less money than Kruger—who's nearly as effective. Maybe there is. I just haven't heard it yet.

Hopefully, they keep Kruger and Crawford. Best of all worlds. And if somehow Stanley can pull a decent vet d-men out of his nether regions, kismet!
- John Jaeckel

I think Dallas is pinning a lot of hope on Niemi.

At some point (now?), if it comes to that, I think we need to look at it as trading Danault-McNeil-Ross for Kruger (and, maybe, Shaw).
- StLBravesFan

Don't have many picks to deal..
Been saying for awhile to look toward players in the last year of an ELC to be used as a deal sweetener.

JJ, I'm all for moving anyone, anyone if it makes the team better and in the hard cap era a solid deal you have to look at sideways for awhile before you conclude this is a solid deal. I was one who early liked the Saad move and the Sharp deal as well, but had to look at it and read Cordell for awhile to think so. At face value right away, no though.

I like Anderson, like to watch him play in the full throttle Sens system. He passes the eye test for me, so to speak. But the dude is 34 yrs old and has played 50 games in a season 4 times in his NHL career, never in the AHL and once in juniors.

Most will mention consistency as his weaknesses and that maybe true, but for me I see the guy as a goalie who looks great but often but doesn't finish. He'll make huge saves looking good doing it, a world class athlete, but doesn't close........He reminds me a lot of Kari Lehtonen in that he looks spectacular but not long enough or often enough to be a pillar #1.

I'll admit he's intriguing but if you want me to roll the dice on a Crawford-Anderson swap I need much more than just Bickell's money going the other way. You've never seen me post a trade scenario and I ain't starting now, except to reiterate a swap of those two need much more than Bickell's ineffective game to complete that deal.
- Mr Ricochet

Ottawa watches every penny...It would take a lot for them to swallow a $6 mill goalie.

No, they are not. In the just completed season, at the start of the playoffs it was obvious that CLG, VAN, MIN, OTT, MTL, at minimum, had no chance to win the Cup. The were all seriously flawed and not built to last through 4 rounds. A case could be made for the remaining 11 teams, although some had a better chance. And the best 3 chances were ANA, TB & CHI.

In the seasons that the Kings got in with the 8th seed, I don't recall anyone thinking that they had no chance.
- scottak

I'm sorry, but that's a completely worthless assessment based on nothing more than hindsight and useless opinion.

I think Dallas is pinning a lot of hope on Niemi.
- Al

Jim Knill knows he can't rely on Lehtonen, and his ugly contract is a tough one to move. I see Niemi as the Stars #1 goaltender by late October.

Nobody's saying CC sucks (well except fvinese) though. The issue seems to be are there cheaper yet adequate replacements—if you have to move his deal. Anderson would win behind this team, no doubt in my mind. he has never had a defense or a team like this in front of him.

Hell, I'll bet they could pry Niemi out of Dallas for the right price. Don't tell me they can't win a Cup with him in net! LOL

I've not heard the shutdown center equivalent you can acquire for less money than Kruger—who's nearly as effective. Maybe there is. I just haven't heard it yet.

Hopefully, they keep Kruger and Crawford. Best of all worlds. And if somehow Stanley can pull a decent vet d-men out of his nether regions, kismet!
- John Jaeckel

Does anybody recall all the angst after the '10 Cup when Doug Wilson's offer sheet essentially forced the Hawks to choose between Hjalmarsson and Niemi. Hawks fans seemed fairly evenly divided regarding whom to keep back then.

Obviously the choice to keep Hjalmarsson has worked out well. Can we infer any parallels here? Maybe, maybe not?

I do tend to think goalies are more plug-and-play successful than positional players, at least during the regular season. Did the Rangers fall apart when Lundquist got hurt? No, Talbot stepped in and the team did not miss a beat. How did Nashville do when Rinne went down? Seems like they did alright, still finishing ahead of the Hawks. The Hawks found a way to survive and thrive without their Cup winning goalie from 2010...and now it's his replacement we just cannot fathom doing without?

Crawford is a good goalie and the 6 mil contract is a fair one. The Hawks would do well to keep him if they can, BUT, if they could package him with Bickell's contract In return for someone like Anderson and the cap space needed to resign Kruger and a veteran blue liner...count me in.

Does anybody recall all the angst after the '10 Cup when Doug Wilson's offer sheet essentially forced the Hawks to choose between Hjalmarsson and Niemi. Hawks fans seemed fairly evenly divided regarding whom to keep back then.

Obviously the choice to keep Hjalmarsson has worked out well. Can we infer any parallels here? Maybe, maybe not?

I do tend to think goalies are more plug-and-play successful than positional players, at least during the regular season. Did the Rangers fall apart when Lundquist got hurt? No, Talbot stepped in and the team did not miss a beat. How did Nashville do when Rinne went down? Seems like they did alright, still finishing ahead of the Hawks. The Hawks found a way to survive and thrive without their Cup winning goalie from 2010...and now it's his replacement we just cannot fathom doing without?

Crawford is a good goalie and the 6 mil contract is a fair one. The Hawks would do well to keep him if they can, BUT, if they could package him with Bickell's contract In return for someone like Anderson and the cap space needed to resign Kruger and a veteran blue liner...count me in.
- DoubleMinor

That would be a good Plan D. Lets do it Stan

Well, at least Garbutt wasn't mentioned in this list...

...but I suspect his name was discussed.

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...hl-players-141831625.html
- ArlingtonRob

How in the (frank) is Bpzak.on that list?

Shaw can't be trusted to have a conversation with the officials without pissing one of them off and getting an unsportsmanlike call.
- 6628

??

When has Shaw ever gotten an unsportsmanlike penalty for discussing anything with an official? Shaw doesn't have a bad reputation with the NHL or any ref that I'm aware of...perhaps you know something I don't?

He's plays with an edge and is whistled for the usual...

...hooking, holding, interference and the rare boarding or high stick.

His reputation is with opposing players...not refs.

But regarding Shaw getting an A...I just think it's wayyy to early to consider a move like that...as a player he's still developing his game and there are other more deserving veterans in this group.

But I don't think it has anything to do with his reputation with refs.

How in the (frank) is Bpzak.on that list?
- walshyleafsfan

I have no clue...

Must be something about him we're not aware of...perhaps someone who watches more eastern conference hockey could fill us in.

I have no clue...

Must be something about him we're not aware of...perhaps someone who watches more eastern conference hockey could fill us in.
- ArlingtonRob

Top 10 poop players? For sure.

But top 10 loathsome players and Bozak is on there? He doesn't do anything to even have an opinion of him.

I suspect it's the typical media stuff. A Leaf needs to be on there for hits and stuff.

But Bozak over Dion? And no Kessel (now he's gone)

I recall hearing parts of an interview with Saad after the trade, and he said he let his agent do everything. I wonder if he will take some initiative next time? Agents look out for money first, not taking into account what might put the player in the best position to win. He may have more money in the end, but his hockey "one goal"s will be less.
- powerenforcer

Not just winning but friendships and personal lifestyle and media exposure and future earning potential. Even so, I've come to accept this deal as being the best for everyone involved except maybe Jeremy Morin.

??

When has Shaw ever gotten an unsportsmanlike penalty for discussing anything with an official? Shaw doesn't have a bad reputation with the NHL or any ref that I'm aware of...perhaps you know something I don't?

He's plays with an edge and is whistled for the usual...

...hooking, holding, interference and the rare boarding or high stick.

His reputation is with opposing players...not refs.

But regarding Shaw getting an A...I just think it's wayyy to early to consider a move like that...as a player he's still developing his game and there are other more deserving veterans in this group.

But I don't think it has anything to do with his reputation with refs.
- ArlingtonRob

That's why I prefaced that comment by saying, this is a crazy thought! I would just like to see a guy like that given that honor, and maybe it would encourage him to play a smarter game. That being said, gotta be 7 or 81

Thanks. Liked this about Tikhonov.... Hope the guy is right.

.
- tredbrta

By the way, I HIGHLY recommend the documentary movie Red Army! It is about hockey in the U.S.S.R in the late 70s through the fall of communism and hockey in Russia today as well as its influence over the years on the N.H.L. Fascinating perspectives of hockey and politics.

Especially interesting to me is what a complete jerk Tikhonov's grandfather (edited) is made out to be. From the little I've read about Tikhonov the younger, his personality is way different (better) but, wow, what an interesting family history he has.