Players that Q needs to have "on the table" in trade talks: Crawford, Kruger, Hossa, Teravainen, Rundblad, Gusfasson, Svedberg, McNeill, Hartman, Pokka
Untouchables: Kane, Toews, Keither, Hjamarrson, Seabrook
Should look to resign: Shaw, Panik
Kids that could get a look/play a role: Svedberg, Pokka, Hartman, Motte, Schmaltz
Buyout: Bickell

It's going to be an interesting offseason.

I'm kind of surprised that Keith didn't get scorched on this board. Instead it's Gus and Runflat, easy targets because they're inexperienced, mistake-prone d men.

I might have had thicker beer goggles on last night than many here, but Keith was instrumental in the Blues victory. Lackadaisical horse poop play from him. As I recall, I counted more good defensive and physical (!) plays from Runblad than Keith. That is horrifying.
- kinigitt

Agreed. Keith was out of sorts yesterday. Almost unheard of. He looked like an AHL player getting thrown into the fire. I'm sure Q was extremely disappointed.

(1) Keith and Seabrook probably played their worst games since their rookie years. It was disturbing how poorly they played, namely Seabrook who has looked bad for the past couple of months. I'm not sure if he's playing concussed, hurt, or losing a step, but for the most part in the year 2016, he did NOT look like the #2 d-man. Hopefully the longer summer will give him time to rest up and return to the old #7 that we all know and love, regardless of his career high in point totals.

(2) I'm going to give Toews the benefit of the doubt because I truly believed he played hurt. He didn't look okay skating up and down the ice, even though he battled. He won a lot of the wall battles and kept possession of the puck but did nothing with it except for pass. He didn't go to the net as we are accustomed to.

(3) Hossa was fantastic, and as aforementioned earlier in the blog, it's a shame that his impact was essentially for nothing. Love the idea of him on the third line next season as I think he can still make a major impact without getting major minutes.

(4) Crawford wasn't perfect and didn't make every save, including giving up a few questionable ones in this series, but he still kept the team in it and made some huge saves down the stretch when it mattered. I still felt as if he outplayed his counterpart, but the team in front of him were outplayed.

(5) I don't care how, but Bowman 110% needs to find a way to ensure that Shaw wears the Indian head next season and beyond. Losing him will hurt more than losing Ladd, Brouwer, etc. Shaw is the fire that we need. His game has improved so much from rookie season, and he's just as valuable to the team as he is to the fans. THIS is the top priority of the off-season. Regardless of what everyone says, there's no one in the farm system like him. His attitude, willingness, and heart is what drives this team. Losing him will be catastrophic.

(6) Panarin disappeared. If found, please return to the UC.

(7) Weise was just getting settled. If he would have been given a chance earlier on in the series I think the tables may have turned. Don't think he'll be back next season, but we saw what he was capable of, albeit in a small sample size.

(8) No comments necessary on Rundblad. That dead horse has been beaten for a while.

Full marks to the Blues, they were the better team in this series and deserved to move on. Hitch would have been canned if they didn't pull off the win yesterday.

Can't win it every year, but I'm proud of our boys for the valiant effort they gave. Backs against the wall and they almost pulled away as victors.

I expect St. Louis to win the cup. No other team, minus Pittsburgh, has impressed me.
- TommyHawk

Best hawk on the ice, next to Crawford. His face said it all after the final buzzer.

Front Office: "We want to win NOW."

Fans: "We want to win in perpetuity!"

Never the twain shall meet. I've been lucky enough to see all of my fav pro teams win championships, sometimes multiple. I'm not blaming anyone. We all have down days, weeks, months, years. This is one of them. So, hopefully more rest, a little re-tooling and the Hawks go 4 in 8.

None of you "realists" will get me down after the heartbreaks of the 80's and early 90's, the horrible sell off and absolutely horrible decade-long horribleness of the late 90's and early 2000's. I, for one, can't wait for October to start a brand new season and to continue this run.

And thanks for all the blogs, JJ!

Why would B Campbell sign for peanuts?

Yes, Forsling won't be ready, but Gus will get better.

A an old UC friend of my "Blackhawk Bob" voiced his frustartion on FB.

That the Cap era basically cheated the Hawks of more championships, that If tehre had been the ability to keep the depth, that they could continue to speand, retain, and fortify via the draft, but the system cheated us.

Let's be honest, despite the bounces/defections, the let play by refs, and the two teams matched up even...of course we can attempt to argue the team with the most chances and skill should have one, but we know in close series, and the hawks years of long 9.5 month seasons, that the Blues played well enough inside their teams are-up to win..and did.

(I know that is a tough pill to swallow and causes many here to start finger pointing, but the team that one the tight series scored more and inside their system, were better.)

I felt I learned a lot about the Blues, that Piertangelo is still a work in progress and their defense can be pressured inot cough ups consistently.

I learned that despite his size and weaknesses in his end Robbie Fabbri has a competitive nature and a far higher upside than I imagined...this series was a revelation...and Hitch who will all love to hate, call a hack and think of as a defensive tactitian and bully style bench boss...well, he certainly knew how to grow Robbie Fabbri.
He played him with Backus for months.
I would watch and scratch my heads at Backus on his line that to me was under-utilizing his over-all value...and sure Backus was moved around mid season...but what Hitch did early was give Fabbri the space and ability to play with Backus as a high end smart linemate, sort of like Sharp was played with Toews or with Kane early on.

Let's try and compare Teravainen, draft two years earlier, and if there was a good a fit in TT's linemates during his on the job training.

Kudos to that.

The Blues are going to be good, and the Hawks will have a core and it is going to be a great time of parity now were we all get to see how they work through and prepare for the Red Wing type end of dominance.

It might take a bit of pressure off, when every regular season tune up for the playoff game stops getting approached by opposition teams like it is a do or die imaginary playoff match up gae after game. And a rested core still hungry. And a management team in a bit hotter seat to find talent and moves, maybe even the owner starting to question some of the ones we saw take place.

I dunno but I want Shaw and Crow here, as they are under-rated and strong.
I want the core and the big 3 intact.
Figuring out the build a bear back order of the roster better be starting now...

And I need Kruger signed for what he is worth...

I am not pressuring StanBo on TT, but I said go see if you can scoop up that ultra reasonable contract of Travis Harmonic (please, don't tell me where he wanst to play...he would play here and be able to catch a flight out to Winnipeg every night before and off day.) from the Isles if you are pretty sure TT has reached a high water mark as a competitor...Believe me, I NEVER thought I would be advocating losing yet another developmental roster but.....

The CAP side of building the rosters is crucial.

Me thinks there has to be a few UFAs who might love to try and fit in this press offense.

and all:

Don't stop watching hockey now...the best is yet to come, alas just not for the Blackhawks

and the last thing...a swipe:

Wasn't it a little silly posting those most valuable player in the series (ala Con Smythe trophy) banter in the last blog?

I guess that's why I have been a bit distant (and busy).

Problem is you don't have an in house replacement for the players that you can deal. Hammer, Seabrook, Keith, Hossa, Toews, Kane, Crawford.....Can Darling withstand a barrage of prime scoring chances over and over again like Crawford? Not so sure. He did so in a limited sample size vs Nashville but doesn't have the body of work like Crawford.
- SteveRain

Steve,

Bowman has 3 choices, IMO.

1)Trade Crawford for a 4D and cap space to resign Shaw.
2)Fill in the roster with AHLers and league minimum over-the-hill veterans and (likely) lose Shaw
3)Empty what is left of the prospect/pick asset pool to add a cost-controlled 4D/1LW and lose Shaw++

Option 2 gets the Hawks to this exact same point, except without the assets to acquire a Ladd/Weise at the TDL. I think it becomes a no-brainer what Stan has to do. Take a chance, trade the 2x Cup Winning goalie, OR be stuck in this limbo of "incomplete roster" and "real cup contender".

Let's hope this is true.

Sign in Preds locker room says, "Noon flight to Anaheim. Pack for 6 days."

Always a good year when the Preds last longer than the Hawks- even if it only for 2 days. And the Preds aren't even in Salary Cap hell.

Have a great summer
- predsfan97

what a joke-- win something then chirp

Steve,

Bowman has 3 choices, IMO.

1)Trade Crawford for a 4D and cap space to resign Shaw.
2)Fill in the roster with AHLers and league minimum over-the-hill veterans and (likely) lose Shaw
3)Empty what is left of the prospect/pick asset pool to add a cost-controlled 4D/1LW and lose Shaw++

Option 2 gets the Hawks to this exact same point, except without the assets to acquire a Ladd/Weise at the TDL. I think it becomes a no-brainer what Stan has to do. Take a chance, trade the 2x Cup Winning goalie, OR be stuck in this limbo of "incomplete roster" and "real cup contender".
- EnzoD

Which teams need a goaltender like Crawford? and who would they part with to get him?

Don't stop watching hockey now...the best is yet to come, alas just not for the Blackhawks


- wiz1901

I'm rooting for the Sharks. I like their style.

That and I'm stuck with a non-refundable nhl game center playoff package. Gotta get my money's worth.

Problem is you don't have an in house replacement for the players that you can deal. Hammer, Seabrook, Keith, Hossa, Toews, Kane, Crawford.....Can Darling withstand a barrage of prime scoring chances over and over again like Crawford? Not so sure. He did so in a limited sample size vs Nashville but doesn't have the body of work like Crawford.
- SteveRain

As I said last spring/summer, I will say again this spring/summer. I hope the Hawks solve their cap issue by trading Crawford.

Sign in Preds locker room says, "Noon flight to Anaheim. Pack for 6 days."

Always a good year when the Preds last longer than the Hawks- even if it only for 2 days. And the Preds aren't even in Salary Cap hell.

Have a great summer
- predsfan97

I noticed the Islanders-Lightning 2nd round matchup starts before G7 of your series. Enjoy it, because that's the only time you'll be playing past the 1st round.

Let's hope this is true.
- pdx2ord

19 is serious and WILL do everything he can to deliver on that statement

Someone meaning "someone" who doesn't think TT/Crawford/Shaw/TVR (insert name here) should be dealt.

The Hawks will not fill their D need without giving up an asset someone really wants, or a couple of them.

They will also need to create cap space. Although buying out Bickell should create some(?)
- John Jaeckel

Bickell buyout would be a 1.5m cap hit this year and next year. (2/3rds of his remaining salary [3m of 4.5m] spread out over twice the length of his remaining years [1 -> 2]). With him only being a 3m cap hit if sent to minors instead, can't really save anything with a buyout, just spread it out over two years instead of all next year.

Bickell buyout would be a 1.5m cap hit this year and next year. (2/3rds of his remaining salary
- Antilles[3m of 4.5m] spread out over twice the length of his remaining years [1 -> 2]). With him only being a 3m cap hit if sent to minors instead, can't really save anything with a buyout, just spread it out over two years instead of all next year.

1.5 million is still 1.5 million. If they want to fill the holes next year, every bit counts.

>Yes, indeed
>And add to the fact that some say Q has a big voice on personnel -- that's a lot of roster "voices"
>Mentioned this before: think this organization got a bit full of itself based on the monumental achievement of 3 Cups in 6 years -- and some very poor decisions were made
>Would love to hear why Oduya was not the offseason priority -- as Al said, you cannot lose Leddy, Oduya, Johns for nothing, but the Hawks did -- and look at their D depth now
>Many of you already mentioned it -- Soupy DOES live in the Western burbs and if he could be had on the cheap would help a lot next year
>This is the biggest offseason of Toews career -- not because the Hawks lost round 1 -- not because he did not score -- as Al said, he had 6 points -- but because of his cap hit
>Toews needs to produce more offensively -- and to do so -- he needs more escape moves from tight spaces, countermoves to the bearhug, more open ice moves, and a better shot -- in short, Toews needs to be more explosive and it's only going to happen if he's willing to develop more moves to be so -- BTW -- Kane does this every summer
>Unless that D gets fixed, next year we will see a lot more unwatchable regular season home games like this year -- ticket holders deserved a refund for those games -- especially for what the Hawks charge for tickets
- SnapitUpstairs

Maybe we can get a "kill two birds" scenario in place this summer. Kane either stays in Chicago or goes to Winnipeg and works with Toews on his offense. Toews can work with him on his defense. Think the last thing Kane needs after this huge disappointment is to go back to Buffalo.

And, yes, I have no doubt Toews is serious about coming back better than ever, and will do everything he can to make that true.

Steve,

Bowman has 3 choices, IMO.

1)Trade Crawford for a 4D and cap space to resign Shaw.
2)Fill in the roster with AHLers and league minimum over-the-hill veterans and (likely) lose Shaw
3)Empty what is left of the prospect/pick asset pool to add a cost-controlled 4D/1LW and lose Shaw++

Option 2 gets the Hawks to this exact same point, except without the assets to acquire a Ladd/Weise at the TDL. I think it becomes a no-brainer what Stan has to do. Take a chance, trade the 2x Cup Winning goalie, OR be stuck in this limbo of "incomplete roster" and "real cup contender".
- EnzoD

I just don't see it. CC loves him some night life but very hard to replace him. Even so, you deal him, you will still need a low AAV coming back to make difference to sign Shaw.

IMO, you have to deal Bickell with a cherry and get somebody to take on the full contract so you can sign Shaw. Will that happen? Not a chance in hell.

I just believe they made a decision to keep Kruger over Shaw and I highly disagree with it. Even Shaw does do them a favor and takes a bridge deal you have a 2nd year of panarin bonuses staring you in the face AND next summer you have to sign 72 and 65. 72 is going to want to solid coin.....my guess 5+ million annually assuming he puts up similar numbers.

Bowman's nightmare is just beginning.

I love watching the hocks. I think we're lucky to have such an exciting team to watch. I think Stan and company has been planning the future a few years out and has given more thought to the roster and cap considerations than anyone on this board. (Duh.) If it wasn't hard, it would be easy. The end of hockey season always sucks and this one will be longer than we've become accustomed to. Thanks hocks. Rest up and come back strong.

GO HOCKS!

I just don't see it. CC loves him some night life but very hard to replace him. Even so, you deal him, you will still need a low AAV coming back to make difference to sign Shaw.

IMO, you have to deal Bickell with a cherry and get somebody to take on the full contract so you can sign Shaw. Will that happen? Not a chance in hell.

I just believe they made a decision to keep Kruger over Shaw and I highly disagree with it. Even Shaw does do them a favor and takes a bridge deal you have a 2nd year of panarin bonuses staring you in the face AND next summer you have to sign 72 and 65. 72 is going to want to solid coin.....my guess 5+ million annually assuming he puts up similar numbers.

Bowman's nightmare is just beginning.
- SteveRain

Shaw and Bickell to Toronto for....? Jake Gardiner?

I haven't watched much of him. Just spit balling here.

Why would B Campbell sign for peanuts?

Yes, Forsling won't be ready, but Gus will get better.

A an old UC friend of my "Blackhawk Bob" voiced his frustartion on FB.

That the Cap era basically cheated the Hawks of more championships, that If tehre had been the ability to keep the depth, that they could continue to speand, retain, and fortify via the draft, but the system cheated us.

Let's be honest, despite the bounces/defections, the let play by refs, and the two teams matched up even...of course we can attempt to argue the team with the most chances and skill should have one, but we know in close series, and the hawks years of long 9.5 month seasons, that the Blues played well enough inside their teams are-up to win..and did.

(I know that is a tough pill to swallow and causes many here to start finger pointing, but the team that one the tight series scored more and inside their system, were better.)

I felt I learned a lot about the Blues, that Piertangelo is still a work in progress and their defense can be pressured inot cough ups consistently.

I learned that despite his size and weaknesses in his end Robbie Fabbri has a competitive nature and a far higher upside than I imagined...this series was a revelation...and Hitch who will all love to hate, call a hack and think of as a defensive tactitian and bully style bench boss...well, he certainly knew how to grow Robbie Fabbri.
He played him with Backus for months.
I would watch and scratch my heads at Backus on his line that to me was under-utilizing his over-all value...and sure Backus was moved around mid season...but what Hitch did early was give Fabbri the space and ability to play with Backus as a high end smart linemate, sort of like Sharp was played with Toews or with Kane early on.

Let's try and compare Teravainen, draft two years earlier, and if there was a good a fit in TT's linemates during his on the job training.

Kudos to that.

The Blues are going to be good, and the Hawks will have a core and it is going to be a great time of parity now were we all get to see how they work through and prepare for the Red Wing type end of dominance.

It might take a bit of pressure off, when every regular season tune up for the playoff game stops getting approached by opposition teams like it is a do or die imaginary playoff match up gae after game. And a rested core still hungry. And a management team in a bit hotter seat to find talent and moves, maybe even the owner starting to question some of the ones we saw take place.

I dunno but I want Shaw and Crow here, as they are under-rated and strong.
I want the core and the big 3 intact.
Figuring out the build a bear back order of the roster better be starting now...

And I need Kruger signed for what he is worth...

I am not pressuring StanBo on TT, but I said go see if you can scoop up that ultra reasonable contract of Travis Harmonic (please, don't tell me where he wanst to play...he would play here and be able to catch a flight out to Winnipeg every night before and off day.) from the Isles if you are pretty sure TT has reached a high water mark as a competitor...Believe me, I NEVER thought I would be advocating losing yet another developmental roster but.....

The CAP side of building the rosters is crucial.

Me thinks there has to be a few UFAs who might love to try and fit in this press offense.

and all:

Don't stop watching hockey now...the best is yet to come, alas just not for the Blackhawks

and the last thing...a swipe:

Wasn't it a little silly posting those most valuable player in the series (ala Con Smythe trophy) banter in the last blog?

I guess that's why I have been a bit distant (and busy).
- wiz1901

See what happens but I sadly feel we saw the last of 65 in the Hawk sweater. Kid is a warrior, a gamer, and arguably one of their best versatile players in recent memory. Can fit in on the 4th and 1st line, and being able to play 2 completely different games with 2 different sets of skill is truly remarkable.

You're right...Kruger at the right price is one thing, but that ship has sailed and between that deal and Panarin's bonuses we will be left with a top heavy roster and an overhyped band of prospects.

Sign in Preds locker room says, "Noon flight to Anaheim. Pack for 6 days."

Always a good year when the Preds last longer than the Hawks- even if it only for 2 days. And the Preds aren't even in Salary Cap hell.

Have a great summer
- predsfan97

After game 7, maybe one of your guys will be able to say something to the tune of, "we didn't fly all the way out here to lose".

Good luck.

Shaw and Bickell to Toronto for....?
- kinigitt

Going to take more then that if you want a legit 1lw or top 4 dman.

Unless you are willing to take back another crap contract, albeit a smaller cap hit.

Which teams need a goaltender like Crawford? and who would they part with to get him?
- Bjm84

About 60% of the NHL needs a guy like Crow. Of those teams that have the space to absorb his full $6mil? Probably a handful of teams that were already golfing 2 weeks ago. I have a feeling Stan will play it safe, part with Shaw,Ladd, Weise, Flash, Rosi and fill in with scrubs.

After game 7, maybe one of your guys will be able to say something to the tune of, "we didn't fly all the way out here to lose".

Good luck.
- blackhawk24

Not even worth the aggravation replying to other team's trolls.

Maybe they are going to trump national afterwards for a guys weekend..............

So after last summer, Stanbo took a big swing at the trade deadline at a repeat and it didn't work out. The 2 guys he got from Montreal did very little (no surprise at all to me) and he didn't bolster the position that turned out to be the team's Achilles heel.

Same thing happened to Dean Lombardi this year and last; Dale Tallon's acquisitions got him 6 post season games only; the Bruins collapsed and died before the playoffs started and one of Poile or Murray's teams are done after tomorrow night. Tough league to win championships in.

I think my criticism would be more along the lines of the type of players he keeps acquiring. Size and snarl is meaningful in today's NHL - the Hawks need more of it. He and Q need to figure that out.
- RickJ

I think if the bottom six in the last 2 games were etched in stone the outcome would have been dufferent.... Also your feelings about Weise and Ladd.