I think you guys would have to take niemi back from dallas in a crawford deal.

The prodigal son returns home?
- Tumbleweed

Never happen. I trust Bowman is done trying to rebuild Dallas.

Never happen. I trust Bowman is done trying to rebuild Dallas.
- kwolf68

Yup. Not going to trade him to a division foe if the thought is it puts them over the top, unless they want to send back Klingberg

I am glad Forsling was signed, but anyone thinking he is going to contribute in a meaningful way next year is crazy. He is not ready for NA hockey right now...small, undersized, not particularly strong in his own zone. There IS talent to work with there, but I hope like hell they don't rush him because with the proper seasoning and patience he could be a little bit like Nick Leddy, excellent skater with outstanding offensive upside from the blueline.

No - Norristown is awful. That was the truest thing I've read on this board. Kidding. Oh - so the Blackhawks basically want nothing in return? That changes things. So it's be $ million cap hit for 4 years? I've never liked giving out long contracts to goalies, but the Flyers should have a lot of rookie deals to offset that. Okay. I changed my mind. I'd do that deal. I thought the Blackhawks would want players too.
- wolphnuts12

No, because there is no reason to deal CC OTHER than cap reduction. if you wan to deal a player, Stanley will send you TT and Bickell. Perfect!

I think you guys would have to take niemi back from dallas in a crawford deal.

The prodigal son returns home?
- Tumbleweed

Funny, when the Crawford whispers were going on last summer, I heard the Hawks were talking to Niemi's agent as a back burner kind of thing.

Is Niemi as good as Crawford over a season or a playoffs? Likely not at this point, although at one time, Niemi was maybe the slightly better goalie.

Could Niemi backstop the Hawks? I think so. Because whether you have CC or Niemi or Anderson or Darling, the Hawks need to upgrade the defense.

That Dallas game was brutal, but you can't blame it solely on goaltending (even though it was rough). They had a ton of missed chances to bury the puck. They just couldn't find the back of the net.

Only team left to root for now it San Jose.

So you agree that you don't need a GREAT goalie...just a good, maybe above-average one and a fantastic blueline? That's what I would want.

And who would I want over Crawford? Well assuming you're looking at it in a vacuum based solely on skills and not contract status or age...he wasn't a Vezina finalist, so I guess I'd start with those 3. I think Rask is better. Lundquist is probably better (though it seems like his decline in imminent), Carey Price, Schneider, Luongo (he's better now than he was those last years in VAN). I think ANA has a good goalie too. Maybe Bob when healthy? Maybe not. So that would put Crawford at around 10th in the league...which is about right. And I'm sure I'm missing a few guys. One you get out of the top 3 or 5 goalies, I think it has more to do with the surrounding pieces.
- wolphnuts12

I'll take both, because I know I have a shot at the Cup every year with that.

You do realize Crawford was pretty much guaranteed to be a Vezina finalist before he got hurt?

I take Crawford over Lu, probably over Rask, over Schneider, definitely over Bishop, maybe over Bob.

Lundqvist has regressed slightly, hard to say. Same with Quick. Same with Rinne, although he has "recaptured" his mojo this year.

The guys I would take over Crawford: Holtby (probably), Price (definitely).

That puts Crawford somewhere between 3 and 6. And I would say comfortably he is in that range around 5.

A Bomb? It was a fricken wrist shot from 60 feet out.
- TheTrob

shoulda put that in red font....

I'll take both, because I know I have a shot at the Cup every year with that.

You do realize Crawford was pretty much guaranteed to be a Vezina finalist before he got hurt?

I take Crawford over Lu, probably over Rask, over Schneider, definitely over Bishop, maybe over Bob.

Lundqvist has regressed slightly, hard to say. Same with Quick. Same with Rinne, although he has "recaptured" his mojo this year.

The guys I would take over Crawford: Holtby (probably), Price (definitely).

That puts Crawford somewhere between 3 and 6. And I would say comfortably he is in that range around 5.
- John Jaeckel

Agree with all this, but I am a huge fan of Schneider. I'd absolutely take a chance on him if NJ would hold salary in a Crow/Schneider swap. Otherwise, I think Crow is in the top 5 or 6 myself.

and round and round we go....

I don't always agree with John's opinions, but I will say his rumors are legit and factual, probably more so then Eklund when it comes to the hawks. There are guys who post on here who may, just may, know more or have legs to stand on. Always get the "proff/link" bs and sometimes sources just dont' do that.....so it's to the level of what you want to believe....

Back in mid April when everyone was pulling for the Blues to face the hawks based on their past experience I laid out reasons why I wanted Dallas, and now....everyone can see what I was getting at. This is a different STL team. Elliott is playing with a ton of confidence, they are deeper, faster, and have many weapons. I don't see them being stopped. Good for the blues fans who post here, and before some idiot who still thinks it's 1989 at the stadium, yes...you can pull for the blues. They play an exciting style.

I read a Rozner article the other day.....and literally stared off in amazement for at least 2-3 minutes. Amazing the lack of editing or sifting through the same narratives that Quinlan refuses to look into. just sad......

I think you guys would have to take niemi back from dallas in a crawford deal.

The prodigal son returns home?
- Tumbleweed

If Crawford is dealt I think it's Darling who get the shot at being #1. If a goalie is taken back in return then there has to be only one year left on their deal as Darling will be due for a raise next season. Bernier, Mason, and Pavelec would fit the situation well, but Niemi has 2 more years left on his deal.

and round and round we go....

I don't always agree with John's opinions, but I will say his rumors are legit and factual, probably more so then Eklund when it comes to the hawks. There are guys who post on here who may, just may, know more or have legs to stand on. Always get the "proff/link" bs and sometimes sources just dont' do that.....so it's to the level of what you want to believe....

Back in mid April when everyone was pulling for the Blues to face the hawks based on their past experience I laid out reasons why I wanted Dallas, and now....everyone can see what I was getting at. This is a different STL team. Elliott is playing with a ton of confidence, they are deeper, faster, and have many weapons. I don't see them being stopped. Good for the blues fans who post here, and before some idiot who still thinks it's 1989 at the stadium, yes...you can pull for the blues. They play an exciting style.

I read a Rozner article the other day.....and literally stared off in amazement for at least 2-3 minutes. Amazing the lack of editing or sifting through the same narratives that Quinlan refuses to look into. just sad......
- SteveRain

On top of the bolded, they are also staying away from devolving into the stupid. The Blues have always had the talent, they have just always at some point in every series resorted to the after the whistle and other crap that has drug them down, this season there is much less of it. In addition, Parayko has really helped their D this season and subtracting Jackman has helped immensely

If Crawford is dealt I think it's Darling who get the shot at being #1. If a goalie is taken back in return then there has to be only one year left on their deal as Darling will be due for a raise next season. Bernier, Mason, and Pavelec would fit the situation well, but Niemi has 2 more years left on his deal.
- DarthKane

When Mason got traded to Philly, I couldn't believe it. I thought he was done. How could he struggle in Columbus, a small market, and possibly think of surviving in Philly--a big market and one that's notoriously brutal to their goalies.

But, he found his game. Credit to him.

When Mason got traded to Philly, I couldn't believe it. I thought he was done. How could he struggle in Columbus, a small market, and possibly think of surviving in Philly--a big market and one that's notoriously brutal to their goalies.

But, he found his game. Credit to him.
- Hank3Henshaw

Speaking of Mason, was he a teammate of Kanes in juniors?

someone on the other board is watching USA France and mentioned, the this D man has looked very good. I think he would not be under a ELC since his Bday is in July and he would turn 27.

BIRTHYEAR 1989-07-27 BIRTHPLACEIvry-sur-Seine, FRA AGE 26 NATION France POSITION D/W SHOOTS L HEIGHT 182 cm / 6'0" WEIGHT 90 kg / 198 lbs - See more at: http://www.eliteprospects...1949#sthash.vZZvGlYK.dpuf


Strengths

Yohan Auvitu on defence is France's best player, named the Pekka Rautakallio Award winner as the best defender in the FInnish Liiga this year, and will be the on-ice leader for Les Bleus. Auvitu could find his way into the NHL in the future, and should be fun to watch.

Ilta-Sanomat According to the data HIFK's number one defender risen this spring Yohann Auvitu helsinkiläisseuran leave at the end of the season.

IS: According to Auvitu primarily seeking a contract in NHL or the KHL to. Auvitun wife is a native of Russia, so KHL transfer could hit the man's figures quite well.

Auvitu made 48 regular season match capacities 6 + 15. The playoffs Auvitun power points are the 15 match 6 + 7

On top of the bolded, they are also staying away from devolving into the stupid. The Blues have always had the talent, they have just always at some point in every series resorted to the after the whistle and other crap that has drug them down, this season there is much less of it. In addition, Parayko has really helped their D this season and subtracting Jackman has helped immensely
- TheTrob

And it's not the king anymore the hawks have to worry about. IT's STL. They aren't going away any time soon.

Milburry is an idiot but he made some great points postgame. The checking in the playoffs is so tight you need a goalie to make the routine saves and the occasional great saves. It's the weak goals that kill teams.

How this team gets harder to play against is beyond me...and everyone pointing to Ross as a Shaw replacement. Not a chance. After what went down this year, I'll be shocked if hes resigned. Hawks need PR control not bringing in another questionable character guy who got off on a state technicality.

As I understand it, teams are continuing to write front-loaded contracts (in fact, I think Kane/Toews have one). If they are still allowed, why the penalty for those written before the last CBA? Is it a matter of percentage decrease each year that that is the problem (e.g., Hossa's drop from $4MM to $1MM)?
- pdx2ord

Two big differences: Max/Min ratio of a yearly salary and max term.

Max/Min ratio previously did not have a limit, now it is 2.00, highest year(s) can not be more than 2x of lowest year(s). Hossa for example Max/Min is 7.9.

Term limit was previously not in place. Now it is 8 years for your own guys, seven years for a different teams' guy. Hossa is 12yrs, Keith 13 under the previous CBA.

Funny, when the Crawford whispers were going on last summer, I heard the Hawks were talking to Niemi's agent as a back burner kind of thing.

Is Niemi as good as Crawford over a season or a playoffs? Likely not at this point, although at one time, Niemi was maybe the slightly better goalie.

Could Niemi backstop the Hawks? I think so. Because whether you have CC or Niemi or Anderson or Darling, the Hawks need to upgrade the defense.
- John Jaeckel

Correct me if this is wrong, but I seem to remember it being said that Crawford had a better camp in 2009-10 than Niemi, but for whatever reasons applied at the time, Niemi was chosen to be the backup.

I'll take both, because I know I have a shot at the Cup every year with that.

You do realize Crawford was pretty much guaranteed to be a Vezina finalist before he got hurt?

I take Crawford over Lu, probably over Rask, over Schneider, definitely over Bishop, maybe over Bob.

Lundqvist has regressed slightly, hard to say. Same with Quick. Same with Rinne, although he has "recaptured" his mojo this year.

The guys I would take over Crawford: Holtby (probably), Price (definitely).

That puts Crawford somewhere between 3 and 6. And I would say comfortably he is in that range around 5.
- John Jaeckel

Agreed that the only goalies that are ahead of Crawford for sure are Holtby and Price, but I think Schneider is really close.

Correct me if this is wrong, but I seem to remember it being said that Crawford had a better camp in 2009-10 than Niemi, but for whatever reasons applied at the time, Niemi was chosen to be the backup.
- 333inthe3rd

Hawks would of lost Niemi on waivers (probably)

Crawford was able to be sent down without risk .

I am glad Forsling was signed, but anyone thinking he is going to contribute in a meaningful way next year is crazy. He is not ready for NA hockey right now...small, undersized, not particularly strong in his own zone. There IS talent to work with there, but I hope like hell they don't rush him because with the proper seasoning and patience he could be a little bit like Nick Leddy, excellent skater with outstanding offensive upside from the blueline.
- kwolf68

Kuc said he could make the team--call me a skeptic. A season from now would be impressive--this year...for a very young defenseman...very doubtful.

I do hope he's that good though.

Agreed that the only goalies that are ahead of Crawford for sure are Holtby and Price, but I think Schneider is really close.
- DarthKane

Schneider's puck handling hasn't been as good, but you're right; he is a solid puckstopper

I had posted several days before to the Blues fans, enjoy your day in the sun if you win the cup because after that those young guys are gonna wanna get paid, so guess what happens!
At times I get mad at Stan , but somehow I think he will pull off at least 1suprise possibly with Toronto.... Maybe... I am sure along with a D man , the CAPTIAN is leaning on them to get him another 1st line LW. Connect the dots ? Just speculating.... And hoping!
- wonthecup10

If the Blues win good for them....My chips are on the Pens or whomever comes out of the East.

and round and round we go....

I don't always agree with John's opinions, but I will say his rumors are legit and factual, probably more so then Eklund when it comes to the hawks. There are guys who post on here who may, just may, know more or have legs to stand on. Always get the "proff/link" bs and sometimes sources just dont' do that.....so it's to the level of what you want to believe....

Back in mid April when everyone was pulling for the Blues to face the hawks based on their past experience I laid out reasons why I wanted Dallas, and now....everyone can see what I was getting at. This is a different STL team. Elliott is playing with a ton of confidence, they are deeper, faster, and have many weapons. I don't see them being stopped. Good for the blues fans who post here, and before some idiot who still thinks it's 1989 at the stadium, yes...you can pull for the blues. They play an exciting style.

I read a Rozner article the other day.....and literally stared off in amazement for at least 2-3 minutes. Amazing the lack of editing or sifting through the same narratives that Quinlan refuses to look into. just sad......
- SteveRain

Sorry man. I'm that idiot. Teams I can NEVER pull for:

Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs
New England Patriots
Los Angeles Clippers
Boston Celtics
St. Louis Blues

And it's not the king anymore the hawks have to worry about. IT's STL. They aren't going away any time soon.

Milburry is an idiot but he made some great points postgame. The checking in the playoffs is so tight you need a goalie to make the routine saves and the occasional great saves. It's the weak goals that kill teams.

How this team gets harder to play against is beyond me...and everyone pointing to Ross as a Shaw replacement. Not a chance. After what went down this year, I'll be shocked if hes resigned. Hawks need PR control not bringing in another questionable character guy who got off on a state technicality.
- SteveRain

Becoming harder to play against is not a one or two player thing. If Shaw goes you lose a lot that is just not replaceable, and it has much more to do with his heart, drive and intangibles than his playing abilities.

More to your point, it is time the Hawks made some changes to their systems and style of play. The league has adjusted to them and as of yet Q has made very few changes to counteract this. The Hawks no longer possess the skill gap that they once did. They can't just step on the ice and "out-skill" teams, now they are going to need to work a little harder and change things up to be less predictable. They willed their way to the cup last season and still had just enough talent in the tank to squeak past ANA and TB. That gap is gone. It's time for Q and the coaches to step up and make a difference.