Considering Saad got $6mil x 6 and Panarin outscored him by nearly 30 points (in his rookie year), I don't think Panarin will be signed for anything less than $6mil....
- EnzoD

Agreed. They'll offer him 5M, he'll ask for what his buddy is getting 7.5M and will probably settle at 6-6.5M.

Here is what I would like to see all pro sports leagues adopt (would take much trust on all sides, but would benefit the fans the most):

Teams have a player's rights for x amount of years, and in those years the player only signs 1 year contracts. Salary can increase, or decrease, depending on THEM and THEM only.

Agreed. They'll offer him 5M, he'll ask for what his buddy is getting 7.5M and will probably settle at 6-6.5M.
- tyweb69

Lets see how he does in his sophomore year first, how the league reacts on a nightly basis and how Q counter-reacts. If AP puts up even better numbers, we are looking at more than $6M AAV.

No one knows for sure. But you are just being, umm, not very smart, if you think he didn't lose leverage as the summer wore on. Because he did.

Some may say: well he didn't have any offers.

Having done this rumor thing for a while, and having talked to a lot of people last summer, i'm fairly confident there were offers. Were they better than what he got? No one knows for sure. The real issue is he got an asset in Trevor Daley who had been useful for nearly ten years in Dallas and is playing pretty effective hockey right now for the Pens. So that is NOT being blamed on Stan. And while no one (here at least) may ever know the whole story, there is some reason to believe that the coaching staff soured on Daley awful early.

Is it a blame game? Not for me.

What it comes down to is IF mistakes were made. IF there is a disconnect between Q and Bowman (and there is evidence that at least suggests it). IF there is a deal out there by which the defense 4-7 can be improved, and/or the team can add another quality 2-way LW.

IF . . . then those are things that need to be addressed so the team can do better next season.

What I don't get is why some people get so butthurt over the suggestion that there are moves out there that could improve the team: trades, internal resolutions, what have you.

If they do nothing to improve, you can pretty much count on the same result. PLEASE no one tell me they sucked 5-on-5 all year because they were "tired." Really, so did they take Ritalin before every power play or 3-on-3?

People have every right to criticize or suggest improvements, especially if they buy tickets or tv packages or merchandise.

And if someone wants to say all is well, Great. They are allowed. But I hear people being ripped right now for daring to criticize Q or Stanley.
- John Jaeckel

Maybe I'm not smart if I don't believe what isn't proven as fact. But then again, I don't believe in Santa or some guy named Jesus that turns water into wine either.

People can criticize any and everyone they want. And I'm sure I'll be prepared for my one day ban coming when I think the bowing out of round 1 has a lot more to do with Toews - 0g in the playoffs (after a 58pt season for 10mil)....Kane 1g, Panarin 1g - when they had plenty of PP opportunities to produce (especially in game 1). That has much more effect on the outcome of a series than a rumored deal that was/wasn't available or if a coach/GM aren't bff's all the time.

Honestly, I have ZERO clue on what to expect from Stan in the next 15 months. Last year, everyone pretty much knew that Sharp was gone and Bickell was going to get moved (HA!). Nobody expected Saad to be dealt after his Cup-Winning comments on a long term deal. With Panarin's comments this week, it is clear that he wants to get paid (and rightfully so, he's a stud). I just don't know how the Hawks are a playoff team in 17/18 without Panarin in the lineup. So, Stan has to decide if he wants to keep the playoff streak alive (like Detroit) or bottom out in 2 years to get a high draft pick and build for another run in Toews/Kane's early 30s....
- EnzoD

Well said here -- I'm been trying to say this but your statement is much more succinct!

Here is what I would like to see all pro sports leagues adopt (would take much trust on all sides, but would benefit the fans the most):

Teams have a player's rights for x amount of years, and in those years the player only signs 1 year contracts. Salary can increase, or decrease, depending on THEM and THEM only.
- powerenforcer

Or how about the team that wins the Championship gets a 5 or 10% overage of cap bonus for winning - call it a "dynasty" rule - to try to repeat. If they lose the next season, cap immediately goes to the league level.

Lets see how he does in his sophomore year first, how the league reacts on a nightly basis and how Q counter-reacts. If AP puts up even better numbers, we are looking at more than $6M AAV.
- blackhawk24

That's why it is imperative they get it done over the summer. If he is willing to negociate get it done now!

Most teams don't win 3 cups in 6 years....but lets forget that

Tell me the exact trade Stan turned down for players/picks that were verified offered.
- PatShart

Like anyone would really verify any offers

No one knows for sure. But you are just being, umm, not very smart, if you think he didn't lose leverage as the summer wore on. Because he did.

Some may say: well he didn't have any offers.

Having done this rumor thing for a while, and having talked to a lot of people last summer, i'm fairly confident there were offers. Were they better than what he got? No one knows for sure. The real issue is he got an asset in Trevor Daley who had been useful for nearly ten years in Dallas and is playing pretty effective hockey right now for the Pens. So that is NOT being blamed on Stan. And while no one (here at least) may ever know the whole story, there is some reason to believe that the coaching staff soured on Daley awful early.

Is it a blame game? Not for me.

What it comes down to is IF mistakes were made. IF there is a disconnect between Q and Bowman (and there is evidence that at least suggests it). IF there is a deal out there by which the defense 4-7 can be improved, and/or the team can add another quality 2-way LW.

IF . . . then those are things that need to be addressed so the team can do better next season.

What I don't get is why some people get so butthurt over the suggestion that there are moves out there that could improve the team: trades, internal resolutions, what have you.

If they do nothing to improve, you can pretty much count on the same result. PLEASE no one tell me they sucked 5-on-5 all year because they were "tired." Really, so did they take Ritalin before every power play or 3-on-3?

People have every right to criticize or suggest improvements, especially if they buy tickets or tv packages or merchandise.

And if someone wants to say all is well, Great. They are allowed. But I hear people being ripped right now for daring to criticize Q or Stanley.
- John Jaeckel

No problem or issue with critique of any of FO, coaching staff or players - when there's support of the argument and it hasn't already been beaten to death many times over. I don't mind a spirited discussion. What I get tired of is statements like - "the Hawks are done being an elite team" or "the Hawks will never make it into the playoffs next year" without any qualification or other supporting statement. Tell me why you think that so we can continue to discuss it. I think that we don't know what team we have for next year so the tales of the Hawks demise are a tad premature. I agree with you that there is however a great deal of work to be done in the offseason and I appreciate hi laying it out for discussion like you just did.

Well said here -- I'm been trying to say this but your statement is much more succinct!
- DMChi2010

Yup. Core has a lot of miles on it, and there's no separation between the Hawks and the rest of the league. Yes, they have the mental edge over most of the league, but there is no talent gap any longer.

I'm not sure how much I even blame the FO as much as I used to, as what are they to do when they give Q productive players who Q doesn't want to play? Not Stan's biggest fan by any stretch, but Q owns this as much as the front office does.

Even though TT is younger than Drouin, that's one of the reasons I wanted him. In 5 years Drouin will still be a good/very good player, and TT get sick of getting smashed, and be back to the SEL. Drouin would have given them a younger guy to keep this thing going, as their core ages out.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Caggiula sign in Vancouver. They can offer him a chance to play with UND teammates and they'll probably guarantee him some playing time next season.
- DarthKane

Wearing Blue and Green together is a tough fashion statement

Maybe I'm not smart if I don't believe what isn't proven as fact. But then again, I don't believe in Santa or some guy named Jesus that turns water into wine either.

People can criticize any and everyone they want. And I'm sure I'll be prepared for my one day ban coming when I think the bowing out of round 1 has a lot more to do with Toews - 0g in the playoffs (after a 58pt season for 10mil)....Kane 1g, Panarin 1g - when they had plenty of PP opportunities to produce (especially in game 1). That has much more effect on the outcome of a series than a rumored deal that was/wasn't available or if a coach/GM aren't bff's all the time.
- PatShart

If you get banned for saying that—and only that—you let me know. I'll have it overturned immediately.

Otherwise, try to argue against what people actually say. Not what fits the "retort" you want to blast them with.

Where in my post did I say anything was "proven as fact" except that logically it follows that Bowman lost leverage as the summer wore on and everyone and their brother knew he had to cut salary (as it did the previous summer)? That's just common sense, dude.

No problem or issue with critique of any of FO, coaching staff or players - when there's support of the argument and it hasn't already been beaten to death many times over. I don't mind a spirited discussion. What I get tired of is statements like - "the Hawks are done being an elite team" or "the Hawks will never make it into the playoffs next year" without any qualification or other supporting statement. Tell me why you think that so we can continue to discuss it. I think that we don't know what team we have for next year so the tales of the Hawks demise are a tad premature. I agree with you that there is however a great deal of work to be done in the offseason and I appreciate hi laying it out for discussion like you just did.
- Marlowe

Thx Cheers

Kruger has to pick it up big time, 3 million in the cap world for 0 goals in 50 games is a disaster. I know he brings a lot to the table but at this point he dosn't look like he could score if the other team was using soccer nets. The Hawks will need him to score 15 goals n about 40 points and average a lot more then 13 minutes a game to justify his contact. I think he could do it but he is 25 or 26 next year time to pick it up a level
- HamiltonHawk

I will be shot for this
but I would never sign Kruger for $3 million given the Hawks cap situation

A barrel of his own making. For a financial guy, I'm not very impressed with some of the new deals, or the foresight when building this team going forward.
- howiehandles

Wonder who's actually making those deals.

Michal Kempny has an assist for the Czechs against Russia and he's been on the ice for some key defensive face offs in the third. He's also an alternative captain.

Hopefully this rumors of Kempny signing in Chicago are true. *crosses fingers, toes, arms, and eyes*

Michal Kempny has an assist for the Czechs against Russia and he's been on the ice for some key defensive face offs in the third. He's also an alternative captain.

Hopefully this rumors of Kempny signing in Chicago are true. *crosses fingers, toes, arms, and eyes*
- DarthKane

Crawford+ prospect/picks for Freddy Anderson + Sami Vatanen/Cam Fowler

Crawford+ prospect/picks for Freddy Anderson + Sami Vatanen/Cam Fowler
- EnzoD

No thanks to Fowler..he would be Daley 2.0 under Q.

What I don't get is why some people get so butthurt over the suggestion that there are moves out there that could improve the team: trades, internal resolutions, what have you.

If they do nothing to improve, you can pretty much count on the same result. PLEASE no one tell me they sucked 5-on-5 all year because they were "tired." Really, so did they take Ritalin before every power play or 3-on-3?


- John Jaeckel

b) If Q forgot to replensih the Ritalin supply before the playoffs and it cost us several goals, then I think Q should be sacked!!!

a) Is this better, worse, or about the same as a kick in the groin?

No thanks to Fowler..he would be Daley 2.0 under Q.
- MjulQvist

Ducks have a surplus of young dmen and I think Gibson is over-hyped. I've seen him cost the Ducks several games (including in Round 1). They are going to go for the Cup again with their aging Stars in Getzlaf, Kesler, Perry and could use a guy like Tuevo next to Perry+Getzlaf. Just spitballing here.....I also like Hampus Lindholm as he's only 21.

Ducks have a surplus of young dmen and I think Gibson is over-hyped. I've seen him cost the Ducks several games (including in Round 1). They are going to go for the Cup again with their aging Stars in Getzlaf, Kesler, Perry and could use a guy like Tuevo next to Perry+Getzlaf. Just spitballing here.....I also like Hampus Lindholm as he's only 21.
- EnzoD

They could be an interesting trade partner.

And now, for something completely different;



This just in..................Cubs are really good

They could be an interesting trade partner.
- stan-ley-cups

Teams with a "Questionable" Goaltender Situation:
-Anaheim
-Arizona
-Dallas
-Calgary
-Vancouver
-Winnipeg
-Leafs
-Islanders
-Flyers

Teams with a "Questionable" Goaltender Situation:
-Anaheim
-Arizona
-Dallas
-Calgary
-Vancouver
-Winnipeg
-Leafs
-Islanders
-Flyers
- EnzoD

Where all Hawks go........................................