I'm putting 50$ (CDN...so about 30$) on the Sharks DISMANTLING the Preds.

Oh, and to the Ducks, Kesler, Bieksa, and Perry specificially?

We can certainly agree on that. Though, I think people here will be surprised how much he can get as a UFA. He had an outstanding season prior to his trade from MTL to CHI. Plenty of teams with lots of cap space that would slot him at 3LW. Anyway, the only playoff series I'm excited for is the Penguins-Capitals. Hopefully Ovi and Co don't let Sid, Geno+Letang carve them up.
- EnzoD

He had 9 goals in the first 20 games of the season with the Habs - then 5 in his next 36 with Montreal - and, of course, 1 in 19 with Chicago (including the tournament).

How is that an outstanding season?

How is that worth over $3MM per year in a down-cap environment?

I like Burns as a player and as an off-ice personality. Pavelski as a 7th round pick to Elite Captain is a great story as well so I'd be happy with a Sharks Stanley Cup victory. Are you also jumping on the Pittsburgh bandwagon?? I am still putting my money on Washington. Too much depth on both forward and defense for Pittsburgh to skate circles around them like they did to NYR. Also, Holtby > Murray, but the kid has been good.
- EnzoD

I don't care much for Barry Trotz and the style of hockey he likes to play but I do think the Caps are the better team. Their defence group is the potential weak link, no wheelhorse behind the blueline. So if Crosby and Malkin play outstanding, I think the Pens could win but I don't think how they handled the Rangers is much of a barometer.

We"ll see what Weise can get on the open market in a year before there is an expansion draft (probably). I know I wouldn't go beyond $1.5M/year for him.

Actually would like to see a St.Louis / San Jose WCF, that would likely be a war.

But a STanley Cup between the Penguins and Dallas would probably be very wide open and exciting as hell.
- RickJ

I MIGHT go up to $2 for him, but yeah... not a chance he gets much more than that unless somebody is desperate to fill up a bunch of cap space.

Watch Weise sign for 2.25-2.75 somewhere. Not here that's for sure.

Watch Weise sign for 2.25-2.75 somewhere. Not here that's for sure.
- kinigitt

not replacing Shaw huh?

What do you guys think about Pokka. He will be turning 22 this summer and has progressed a bit. He has one more year on his current deal, so I'm thinking they might give him a bit more of a look to see if he is going to sink or swim in the NHL.

Or do you guys think Forsling will be brought over in the near future? (I think they still need to sign him)

I would think both of these guys are ahead of Dahlstrom or Norell in terms of upside.

We"ll see what Weise can get on the open market in a year before there is an expansion draft (probably). I know I wouldn't go beyond $1.5M/year for him.

Actually would like to see a St.Louis / San Jose WCF, that would likely be a war.

But a STanley Cup between the Penguins and Dallas would probably be very wide open and exciting as hell.
- RickJ

I like Shaw a lot - certainly want to keep him - but:

If you wouldn't give Weise more than $1.5MM (and I agree) - would Shaw get more than $2.5 on the open market in a down-cap situation - 15 goals/30 points per year?

Kruger got $3MM because it's Chicago - payment for past services, payment for taking a friendly deal last year. I like him too, but what would he get on the open market - again, in a down-cap situation?

not replacing Shaw huh?
- Fountain-San

Doubt it. He's got leverage; 2 seasons of good numbers (for a 4th liner) and some hype, add that to UFA status and a big frame and good wheels.

He'll get paid.

Look at the nimrod contract Belesky got. Sure he got 20 goals, but he's pretty similar. Funny thing is he improved on his offensive numbers.

I like Shaw a lot - certainly want to keep him - but:

If you wouldn't give Weise more than $1.5MM (and I agree) - would Shaw get more than $2.5 on the open market in a down-cap situation - 15 goals/30 points per year?

Kruger got $3MM because it's Chicago - payment for past services, payment for taking a friendly deal last year. I like him too, but what would he get on the open market - again, in a down-cap situation?
- StLBravesFan

There's enough teams with enough space that Shaw would get $3 per easily.

Biggest thing is he's only 24 and has a chance to produce more than he has, whereas Weise is 27 and probably not getting any better.

Even if he stays a 30-40 point guy, that's easily worth $3 mill per year.

I MIGHT go up to $2 for him, but yeah... not a chance he gets much more than that unless somebody is desperate to fill up a bunch of cap space.
- BINGO!

which happens every summer....

What do you guys think about Pokka. He will be turning 22 this summer and has progressed a bit. He has one more year on his current deal, so I'm thinking they might give him a bit more of a look to see if he is going to sink or swim in the NHL.

Or do you guys think Forsling will be brought over in the near future? (I think they still need to sign him)

I would think both of these guys are ahead of Dahlstrom or Norell in terms of upside.
- breadbag

There's slow. And then there's Rozy. And then there's Pokka.

Seriously, he is going to be limited as an NHL player, IMO, based on all I have heard.

Would love to Leddy over Seabs heading into next season. I know that Horse has been beaten to death...just sayin

Watch Weise sign for 2.25-2.75 somewhere. Not here that's for sure.
- kinigitt

Honestly, I am full prepared to let Fleishmann, Weise, and Ladd walk on July 1.

Fleishmann and Weise weren't that effective, the team would be better served by giving some of the Rockford guys a chance. The money (if available) that would be required to keep Ladd should be given to Shaw.

He had 9 goals in the first 20 games of the season with the Habs - then 5 in his next 36 with Montreal - and, of course, 1 in 19 with Chicago (including the tournament).

How is that an outstanding season?

How is that worth over $3MM per year in a down-cap environment?
- StLBravesFan

This is a big thing for everyone to remember. I know there are teams that are looking to get to the cap floor, but I would imagine there are plenty more in the top half. That's going to squeeze players.

I like Shaw a lot - certainly want to keep him - but:

If you wouldn't give Weise more than $1.5MM (and I agree) - would Shaw get more than $2.5 on the open market in a down-cap situation - 15 goals/30 points per year?

Kruger got $3MM because it's Chicago - payment for past services, payment for taking a friendly deal last year. I like him too, but what would he get on the open market - again, in a down-cap situation?
- StLBravesFan

The thing with Shaw is that beyond his numbers he brings versatility, heart and the guts to play injured. He is an inspiration to his teammates on and off the ice. And I think there is an Indianhead stenciled on his heart somewhere. So what value in salary do you put on that?

And that is what was so disappointing about Weise - he brought next to nothing to the Hawks on the ice. I was hoping for a little of bit of Shaw in him, never saw it. When they got him I said I would rather have given up much less and acquired Lee Stepniak instead. So bye-bye Dale, see you when the Devils or Avalanche come to town.

Would love to Leddy over Seabs heading into next season. I know that Horse has been beaten to death...just sayin
- Colbyboy

Q will have NONE of that kind of silly talk. Doesn't play the right way.

On another note, TOI leader (nearly 25) last night, +2, on ice for 4 of the 5 Isles goals (1 a PP) and facing top lines. But in Q's mind, would never be even a #3 or #4 here.

Blackhawks Breakdown ‏@HawksBreakdown 1m1 minute ago
Kelly Chase says Brent Seabrook couldn't get on the plane by himself after game 7 because of what the Blues did to his back.

Might explain what we were seeing on the ice in that game.

Q will have NONE of that kind of silly talk. Doesn't play the right way.

On another note, TOI leader (nearly 25) last night, +2, on ice for 4 of the 5 Isles goals (1 a PP) and facing top lines. But in Q's mind, would never be even a #3 or #4 here.
- savvyone-1

Which amounts to Short Term Gain (2015 Cup) Versus Long Term Pain

Q will have NONE of that kind of silly talk. Doesn't play the right way.

On another note, TOI leader (nearly 25) last night, +2, on ice for 4 of the 5 Isles goals (1 a PP) and facing top lines. But in Q's mind, would never be even a #3 or #4 here.
- savvyone-1

HOF defenseman who loved physicality more than almost anyone, Scott Stevens, is a HUGE Nick Leddy fan. Oh well. I wonder what Q sees in TVR that he didn't see in Leddy?

"Little Caesars Arena"

Which amounts to Short Term Gain (2015 Cup) Versus Long Term Pain
- Colbyboy

Possibly.
None of us could possibly know had they traded Oduya and done it early and either gotten picks or another piece to help. Whether #8 could have stepped up at that time is debatable as well (IMO I'd say no given the Q-leash and head games).

While everyone talks about the new 7 yr contract ($5.7M AAV), highly doubt he would have commanded that here (maybe in the 4.5-4.9 range?). He'll be only 30 I believe when that contract ends.

Regardless, for a guy that's been pretty darn healthy missing very few tilts, given his skill set, it's a good deal for both sides.

"Little Caesars Arena"

:
- hawkeytalkman

What about "5 Dollar Hot & Ready Center"?? or "Cheese Filled Deep Dish Arena"? or "Horrible Pizza Place"? or "I'd Rather Eat DiGiorno Arena"?

Blackhawks Breakdown ‏@HawksBreakdown 1m1 minute ago
Kelly Chase says Brent Seabrook couldn't get on the plane by himself after game 7 because of what the Blues did to his back.

Might explain what we were seeing on the ice in that game.
- pdx2ord

radio analyst Kelly Chase joined The Ryan Kelley Morning After Tuesday to reflect on the Blues’ 3-2 Game 7 win over the Blackhawks Monday night.

Read excerpts and listen to the interview below:

What was it like last night?

“I was holding my breathe. Obviously, the Blues dug down. I have to give them a lot of credit. The Hawks didn’t go away by any means. The Blues had to push them out and they did. What a game. They are a beat up group after playing us. Last night the Hawks got on the plane and I guess Brent Seabrook was barely able to get on the plane.”

Blackhawks Breakdown ‏@HawksBreakdown 1m1 minute ago
Kelly Chase says Brent Seabrook couldn't get on the plane by himself after game 7 because of what the Blues did to his back.

Might explain what we were seeing on the ice in that game.
- pdx2ord

Exhausted/beat up guys who have played a schit load of hockey the last 6 years. Get some rest... All things considered they are still a damn good team and will be fine next year with rest and a mental re-charge..