Here's another thing - trading Kane would help gain assets plus cap space to resign Seabrook. I think losing Seabrook would hurt more than Kane given you'd still get a really good return for Kane. Toews Keith and Seabrook are incredible players, leaders and while Kane is an elite dynamic player, I'd rank him behind those three as a key member of the hawks. All of this would assume that he's not charged or suspended, but when was the last time a top forward was available with so much gas left in the tank? You might not get equal value, but it could well retool your team without taking a step back and solving the cap issues. I think you guys made out very well for saad and this could end up being a good thing long term to move him.
- Isles_since_6

IMO, this is exactly right. The Hawks should use this as the opportunity that presented itself to move forward out of perpetual cap hell. Trading Kane should bring back two very good to excellent pieces, should make them much better on D, even deeper at Centre, allow them to add Kruger to the core (where he belongs), extend Seabrook and Shaw, keep Crawford long term, should they choose to, "afford" to trade away Bickell's contract and still have significant Cap space moving forward. The Hawks didn't "ask" for this to happen, but it did...this is a crucial event for the Hawks short term AND long term.

I am not sure why people were so quick to believe he would be traded. It can't possibly be a good "hockey deal", so why do it.

The only thing that is going on is the spin doctors on both Kane's side and the Hawks side are working together to come up with some wishy washy platitudes. That way, everyone can come out of it satisfied that Kane is still a Blackhawk and their own moral compass won't stop pointing north because of it.

... and THAT is only if he is actually charged with something. More than likely, not much will ever be public and the Hawks will simply come out with support for him and everyone moves on.

IMO, this is exactly right. The Hawks should use this as the opportunity that presented itself to move forward out of perpetual cap hell. Trading Kane should bring back two very good to excellent pieces, should make them much better on D, even deeper at Centre, allow them to add Kruger to the core (where he belongs), extend Seabrook and Shaw, keep Crawford long term, should they choose to, "afford" to trade away Bickell's contract and still have significant Cap space moving forward. The Hawks didn't "ask" for this to happen, but it did...this is a crucial event for the Hawks short term AND long term.
- MexicoHawk

You won't get full value in return and definitely not some of the stuff that has been mentioned on these boards the last couple of weeks.

IMO, this is exactly right. The Hawks should use this as the opportunity that presented itself to move forward out of perpetual cap hell. Trading Kane should bring back two very good to excellent pieces, should make them much better on D, even deeper at Centre, allow them to add Kruger to the core (where he belongs), extend Seabrook and Shaw, keep Crawford long term, should they choose to, "afford" to trade away Bickell's contract and still have significant Cap space moving forward. The Hawks didn't "ask" for this to happen, but it did...this is a crucial event for the Hawks short term AND long term.
- MexicoHawk

HI MEX!

HOPE ALL IS WELL SOUTH OF THE BORDER!

I DISAGREE VEHEMENTLY WITH THIS ENTIRE LINE OF THINKING, BUT I'D LOVE THE CHANCE TO HAVE YOU HELP ME UNDERSTAND HOW TRADING A TOP END OFFENSIVE TALENT, WHO HAS PROVEN TO BE AS CLUTCH OF A PLAYER AS THERE CURRENTLY IS IN THE LEAGUE, COULD POSSIBLY MAKE THE TEAM BETTER? IT'S PRETTY WELL ACCEPTED PREMISE THAT THE TEAM GIVING UP THE BEST PLAYER IN THE TRADE USUALLY COMES OUT ON THE SHORT END OF THE TRADING STICK...AT LEAST IN THE SHORT TERM. YEAH YOU MIGHT GET MULTIPLE ASSETS BACK, BUT ARE ANY OF THEM GOING TO SCORE AT A PPG CLIP THIS YEAR? EVEN COLLECTIVELY CAN THEY SCORE AT A PPG CLIP?

IF SAAD, SHARP, AND JOHNNY O WERE STILL IN THE FOLD, I'D BE A LOT MORE INCLINED TO SEE THE WISDOM IN SHEDDING KANERS CAP HIT.

AGAIN, ALL OF THIS IS CONTINGENT ON KANE BEING A FREE MAN COME OCTOBER, BUT I FAIL TO SEE HOW TRADING KANE BENEFITS THE TEAM IN THE SHORT TERM.

HAVE A GREAT DAY AMIGO.

You do have a point but lets say Kane says he will change and then pulls something worse in a years time then what? You've lost one of the clutch big time game players for NOTHING.
- SaskHawkFan

Unfortunately life is a gamble and Kane is a guy you take the gamble on since he's already a part of the organization you already have a player like Darling who is walking the recovering line and who knows how many others within the org are walking this same line. This may not be his last indiscretion but this is the risk of recovery.

Unfortunately life is a gamble and Kane is a guy you take the gamble on since he's already a part of the organization you already have a player like Darling who is walking the recovering line and who knows how many others within the org are walking this same line. This may not be his last indiscretion but this is the risk of recovery.
- BetweenTheDots

very deep - you don't get to know the outcome of your choices beforehand

MAYBE WE SHOULD JUST WAIT AND SEE WHAT HE DID DO?

NO?
- Ogilthorpe2

Yes, we all should. But a GM, Team President, Owner can do what they want to when they want to.

Yes, we all should. But a GM, Team President, Owner can do what they want to when they want to.
- powerenforcer

AGREED, BUT MAKING A RASH DECISION BASED ON WHAT HE MIGHT HAVE DONE IS NOT WISE...AND SINCE NOBODY KNOWS WHAT HE DID YET, MOVING HIM NOW WOULD BE SILLY..





IMO

Yes, we all should. But a GM, Team President, Owner can do what they want to when they want to.
- powerenforcer

My guess this that they will all show more patience that most (if not all) Blackhawks fans.

HI MEX!

HOPE ALL IS WELL SOUTH OF THE BORDER!

I DISAGREE VEHEMENTLY WITH THIS ENTIRE LINE OF THINKING, BUT I'D LOVE THE CHANCE TO HAVE YOU HELP ME UNDERSTAND HOW TRADING A TOP END OFFENSIVE TALENT, WHO HAS PROVEN TO BE AS CLUTCH OF A PLAYER AS THERE CURRENTLY IS IN THE LEAGUE, COULD POSSIBLY MAKE THE TEAM BETTER? IT'S PRETTY WELL ACCEPTED PREMISE THAT THE TEAM GIVING UP THE BEST PLAYER IN THE TRADE USUALLY COMES OUT ON THE SHORT END OF THE TRADING STICK...AT LEAST IN THE SHORT TERM. YEAH YOU MIGHT GET MULTIPLE ASSETS BACK, BUT ARE ANY OF THEM GOING TO SCORE AT A PPG CLIP THIS YEAR? EVEN COLLECTIVELY CAN THEY SCORE AT A PPG CLIP?

IF SAAD, SHARP, AND JOHNNY O WERE STILL IN THE FOLD, I'D BE A LOT MORE INCLINED TO SEE THE WISDOM IN SHEDDING KANERS CAP HIT.

AGAIN, ALL OF THIS IS CONTINGENT ON KANE BEING A FREE MAN COME OCTOBER, BUT I FAIL TO SEE HOW TRADING KANE BENEFITS THE TEAM IN THE SHORT TERM.

HAVE A GREAT DAY AMIGO.
- Ogilthorpe2

You don't think that if Kane is traded,Toews will be extra motivated to win so he can quiet the people who say Kane was the reason this team won 3 cups? See Messier.

Youi don't think that if Kane is traded,Toews will be extra motivated to win so he can quiet the people who say Kane was the reason this team won 3 cups? See Messier.
- powerenforcer

Motivation doesn't win Championships, talent does.

Youi don't think that if Kane is traded,Toews will be extra motivated to win so he can quiet the people who say Kane was the reason this team won 3 cups? See Messier.
- powerenforcer

Who says Kane is the reason the Hawks won 3 cups?

You don't think that if Kane is traded,Toews will be extra motivated to win so he can quiet the people who say Kane was the reason this team won 3 cups? See Messier.
- powerenforcer

Who ever said Kane was the reason this team won 3 Cups?

Seems to me almost everyone says Toews is not only the best player on the team, but maybe in the league.

I don't think Toews gets short-shrifted in the praise or PR department.

Who says Kane is the reason the Hawks won 3 cups?
- Dannyboy

One thing we do know is that depth wins cups. There are available scenarios out there that suggest these Hawks can be deep enough to win another cup, with, or without Kane. If Arty P, TT, and Marko Dano are all strong players, and you get back
the right pieces for Kane this team could be deep enough. All big ifs, of course. But I think that's the motivation to discuss whether they might trade Kane or not. For my part, I am neither for or against trading him. But what I do want, is for the Hawks to find a way to remain deep. If the best way to do that is to trade him, then I'm for it. If it's not the best way, I'd love to find out he is innocent and they keep him.

Patrick Kane is just one guy. How has Crosby done in the playoffs recently? He's just one guy, too, on a team that isn't as deep as the Hawks.

AGREED, BUT MAKING A RASH DECISION BASED ON WHAT HE MIGHT HAVE DONE IS NOT WISE...AND SINCE NOBODY KNOWS WHAT HE DID YET, MOVING HIM NOW WOULD BE SILLY..





IMO
- Ogilthorpe2

Trading Kane is a difficult proposition. There haven't been many trades historically where a team trades a superstar and gets fair value in return. So to expect a very good to excellent return is unrealistic. Sure, there would be salary cap relief but I would rather the team find that another way.

A lot has been said about the trade trading Kane from a branding perspective. But I'd argue that trading Kane could (and likely would) hurt the Blackhawks brand. This team has marketed Toews and Kane since they joined the team and that's who fans identify with. Trading Kane wouldn't be insurmountable but the team would need to shift their focus and I don't think there is anyone who can take Kane's place on the marketing front (at least not yet). All of this assumes Kane is not convicted of any crime. We've seen plenty examples of sports stars and celebrities who's tarnished their imagines to varying degrees yet have gone on the have successful careers.

Trading Kane is the quickest solution but is it the best solution?

Trading Kane is a difficult proposition. There haven't been many trades historically where a team trades a superstar and gets fair value in return. So to expect a very good to excellent return is unrealistic. Sure, there would be salary cap relief but I would rather the team find that another way.

A lot has been said about the trade trading Kane from a branding perspective. But I'd argue that trading Kane could (and likely would) hurt the Blackhawks brand. This team has marketed Toews and Kane since they joined the team and that's who fans identify with. Trading Kane wouldn't be insurmountable but the team would need to shift their focus and I don't think there is anyone who can take Kane's place on the marketing front (at least not yet). All of this assumes Kane is not convicted of any crime. We've seen plenty examples of sports stars and celebrities who's tarnished their imagines to varying degrees yet have gone on the have successful careers.

Trading Kane is the quickest solution but is it the best solution?
- DarthKane

This is where the timing of all of this stings. Could Saad have been that guy?

I am not sure why people were so quick to believe he would be traded. It can't possibly be a good "hockey deal", so why do it.

The only thing that is going on is the spin doctors on both Kane's side and the Hawks side are working together to come up with some wishy washy platitudes. That way, everyone can come out of it satisfied that Kane is still a Blackhawk and their own moral compass won't stop pointing north because of it.

... and THAT is only if he is actually charged with something. More than likely, not much will ever be public and the Hawks will simply come out with support for him and everyone moves on.
- Interloper

It's easy to believe because it's easy to believe upper management is sick of the same "oh don't worry guys, I'll start behaving now" schtick while investing 10.5 million dollars a year.

HI MEX!

HOPE ALL IS WELL SOUTH OF THE BORDER!

I DISAGREE VEHEMENTLY WITH THIS ENTIRE LINE OF THINKING, BUT I'D LOVE THE CHANCE TO HAVE YOU HELP ME UNDERSTAND HOW TRADING A TOP END OFFENSIVE TALENT, WHO HAS PROVEN TO BE AS CLUTCH OF A PLAYER AS THERE CURRENTLY IS IN THE LEAGUE, COULD POSSIBLY MAKE THE TEAM BETTER? IT'S PRETTY WELL ACCEPTED PREMISE THAT THE TEAM GIVING UP THE BEST PLAYER IN THE TRADE USUALLY COMES OUT ON THE SHORT END OF THE TRADING STICK...AT LEAST IN THE SHORT TERM. YEAH YOU MIGHT GET MULTIPLE ASSETS BACK, BUT ARE ANY OF THEM GOING TO SCORE AT A PPG CLIP THIS YEAR? EVEN COLLECTIVELY CAN THEY SCORE AT A PPG CLIP?

IF SAAD, SHARP, AND JOHNNY O WERE STILL IN THE FOLD, I'D BE A LOT MORE INCLINED TO SEE THE WISDOM IN SHEDDING KANERS CAP HIT.

AGAIN, ALL OF THIS IS CONTINGENT ON KANE BEING A FREE MAN COME OCTOBER, BUT I FAIL TO SEE HOW TRADING KANE BENEFITS THE TEAM IN THE SHORT TERM.

HAVE A GREAT DAY AMIGO.
- Ogilthorpe2

Why are we shouting?

The problem I see is We gave Teows and Kane contracts at 10.5 when they should have been at 9.5. HOSSA,KEITH,HAMMER,SEABS, are all still great players but at some point you are going to have to pay other players to keep them. You want to have the ability to offer TT, DANO, Panarin 5-6 year Ext next year instead of only 2 year bridge deals. Assuming they deserve it (SAAD). Last summer what do you think SAAD would have taken on a 5 year deal? 4 mil per year? We of course could not do it because of T and K EXT. Do we want to be forced to keep flipping player's that would not take ELC's? Stan needs to remember that Chicago is right now one of a few cities that Player's will either take a discount to stay or come to. He needs to have cap space to do that. If guys are willing to sign team friendly deals we should find a way to make room for them. SEABS at 5-6 X 6, Shaw at 4 x 2.75 Kruger at 5 x 2.25 Are all under Market, and TT, DANO, PANARIN all put up 45-55 points next year wouldn't you love to be able to extend them for 5 year 4 mil after next year? With Kane contract you could never do that. Its ELC bridge or trade and then Trade after bridge. If kane and Teows were at 9.5 I would probably not say any of the above. K and T EXT was when they were predicting 75 Mil I cap not 70.

I'm glad we agree on this Ogi, even if I was a bit off on the phrase! My expectation is that an out of court settlement for ~$1mil will be reached JUST before Training Camp. Then, Kane will issue a public apology for his actions, his irresponsibility, and his damage to the Blackhawks organization/brand. He will go on a weekend/2 week Alcoholic Booze-Free Rehab Cruise to "fix his issues", and maybe miss the first 2 weeks/month of the Regular Season on a Blackhawks imposed suspension for "conduct detrimental to the organization". He will return to his PPG scoring pace in the RS and Playoffs by November and the Dynasty Train will keep on chugging!!!
- EnzoD

Im more for the if he isnt charged or whatever, they just dont say anything and pretend like it didnt happen except for whatever stipulations they have behind closed doors.

Let me also say we will not get fair value for Kane. If we can trade 5-10 player in the league for a 30-50 player in the league and save 5 Mil on cap space that bridges the gap of talent. That gives you ability to sign another player. would you trade Kane for SAAD and BUFF? that is what you are doing. Would you consider that fair value?

This is where the timing of all of this stings. Could Saad have been that guy?
- Ogilthorpe2

I believe he could have been, Saad may not have filled the void 100% but it would have been close. I agree with your earlier comments that the possibility of trading Kane would look/feel different if Saad, Sharp and Oduya were still here.

Let me also say we will not get fair value for Kane. If we can trade 5-10 player in the league for a 30-50 player in the league and save 5 Mil on cap space that bridges the gap of talent. That gives you ability to sign another player. would you trade Kane for SAAD and BUFF? that is what you are doing. Would you consider that fair value?
- kmw4631

No.

The problem I see is We gave Teows and Kane contracts at 10.5 when they should have been at 9.5. HOSSA,KEITH,HAMMER,SEABS, are all still great players but at some point you are going to have to pay other players to keep them. You want to have the ability to offer TT, DANO, Panarin 5-6 year Ext next year instead of only 2 year bridge deals. Assuming they deserve it (SAAD). Last summer what do you think SAAD would have taken on a 5 year deal? 4 mil per year? We of course could not do it because of T and K EXT. Do we want to be forced to keep flipping player's that would not take ELC's? Stan needs to remember that Chicago is right now one of a few cities that Player's will either take a discount to stay or come to. He needs to have cap space to do that. If guys are willing to sign team friendly deals we should find a way to make room for them. SEABS at 5-6 X 6, Shaw at 4 x 2.75 Kruger at 5 x 2.25 Are all under Market, and TT, DANO, PANARIN all put up 45-55 points next year wouldn't you love to be able to extend them for 5 year 4 mil after next year? With Kane contract you could never do that. Its ELC bridge or trade and then Trade after bridge. If kane and Teows were at 9.5 I would probably not say any of the above. K and T EXT was when they were predicting 75 Mil I cap not 70.
- kmw4631

How do you know Kane and Toews would have signed for $9.5M?

Trading Kane is a difficult proposition. There haven't been many trades historically where a team trades a superstar and gets fair value in return. So to expect a very good to excellent return is unrealistic. Sure, there would be salary cap relief but I would rather the team find that another way.

...
- DarthKane

This