Most of the major change relates to the Cap situation. No ONE WANTS to get rid of Crawford (or whoever), but some big money is gonna have to move. I think in a perfect world most of us DO THINK this team is good enough to compete, IF we could find another center, another 4/5 type D-man, would be nice to have a scoring winger with 19, find some depth players (possibly in the system already) then we could be right back in it. But we CAN NOT get those pieces and in fact just to field a stable team next year (I figure roughly 7 million for 8 guys thats even with losing Shaw) of warm bodies isnt even going to be easy.

What those pieces are going to be as it looks right now is a combination of prospects, fliers and dustbin bargain options. Do the Hawks really want to go this path? One or two significant injuries and this team could literally challenge for a #1 pick, the depth is looking so bleak.

Nothing to be done, certain players deserved the raises they got. The hard cap is not in operation to create a great sport, but rather to equalize competition so corporate advertiser dollars don't dry up with perennial bottom feeders. It's the "Nascar" mentality where the car always running at the back needs to be helped along to get to the front so Joe Sponsor gets his name on the TV. It's all a joke. I don't think teams should spend like the Yankees, but teams should be allowed concessions when they identify and home grow talent.
- kwolf68

I'll concede that some of the calls relating to trades have been cap related. But some are taking it too far because of the early exit. What do the 2010, 2013 and 2015 seasons all have in common? Minimal roster turnover. 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2016 had significant roster turnover.

Make changes where there are absolutely and unquestionable needed (i.e. Defensive depth) but for cap issue move only enough to become cap compliant.

Honestly I'm not confused or surprised anymore. I knew this reaction was coming after experiencing the reaction from those very same fans after the 2014 WCF, and it is what it is. Our entire fan base is spoiled. Its not just this site, all Hawks fan sits right now are filled with spoiled fans whining about everything from Bowman to Q to the players. Its sad, it really is. Had a great season during a retooling year with half the roster changed up against the fact that nobody EVER repeats, and came down to a dead even 7 game series against probably the best team in the NHL and possible eventual champ. Not good enough though for our insanely spoiled fans. The GM can't build winning teams(even though he's proven he can multiple times), the coach can't coach, the players are overpaid, and our future looks gloomy. Oh well, just ignore and find something else to do. Wait for the season to start up.
- SimpleJack

Classic Jack complaining about others complaining.

Video games pay big money?

http://www.funny-games.biz/tiger-hunting.html


- Jason Millen

Can't stop laughing

Not buying it.

How can anyone disagree with that assessment? They didn't lose because of a lack of talent, that's for sure. I'd still take this roster over any of the teams still playing. The effort/intensity level was not there this year and the "core" guys like 19/88 (one goal combined - oh, the irony) did not produce enough in the playoffs to win games. The Blues' best players simply showed up and ours didn't -- the reverse of what has been the case the last few years.
- CBHawks88

Umm, because Rozsival is done and no one replaced Oduya? The Blues' defense is marginally to much deeper at this point than Chicago's.

Svedberg, Gustafsson and Rundblad had no business playing in the playoffs for a team with serious Cup aspirations. Yeah, I know the Hawks got away with that (sort of) last year. But Johnny O's 25 minutes a game was a lot more valuable than TVR's 22.

I DO think the team was tired. And like 2014, some key guys were playing though injuries: Shaw, Hossa, AA, Kane.

Rest and health will help. Adding at least quality blueliner is critical. Probably a LW too. Q and Bowman getting on the same page is about as critical.

It is kind of amazing that a small sliver of fans refuses to see that the talent level on this team took a big step back last year.

I'm still confused by some fans reaction and calling for major change. I know the cap will likely force some change, but why should Stan move any salary beyond that (Seabrook, Kane, Crawford)?

The core is still uber talented and they'll bounce back next year. The team just needs more depth and that's a lot easier to acquire than star players. Plus, just because the boys had one early exit in the last 4 playoffs that doesn't mean the window of opportunity has shut.

If the final four this year lets take a look at how 3 teams finished last year:

1. San Jose - missed playoffs
2. St Louis - 1st round exit
3. Pittsburgh - 1st round exit (barely made 2nd wild card spot)

Is it that far fetched to believe that Chicago could be right back in the mix next season?
- DarthKane

They need another defenseman (or two) and some guy named Kempny might not be it.

Honestly I'm not confused or surprised anymore. I knew this reaction was coming after experiencing the reaction from those very same fans after the 2014 WCF, and it is what it is. Our entire fan base is spoiled. Its not just this site, all Hawks fan sits right now are filled with spoiled fans whining about everything from Bowman to Q to the players. Its sad, it really is. Had a great season during a retooling year with half the roster changed up against the fact that nobody EVER repeats, and came down to a dead even 7 game series against probably the best team in the NHL and possible eventual champ. Not good enough though for our insanely spoiled fans. The GM can't build winning teams(even though he's proven he can multiple times), the coach can't coach, the players are overpaid, and our future looks gloomy. Oh well, just ignore and find something else to do. Wait for the season to start up.
- SimpleJack

So you're saying g this defense as composed is good enough to get out of the first round of the playoffs?

Answer that question, please.

Umm, because Rozsival is done and no one replaced Oduya? The Blues' defense is marginally to much deeper at this point than Chicago's.

Svedberg, Gustafsson and Rundblad had no business playing in the playoffs for a team with serious Cup aspirations. Yeah, I know the Hawks got away with that (sort of) last year. But Johnny O's 25 minutes a game was a lot more valuable than TVR's 22.

I DO think the team was tired. And like 2014, some key guys were playing though injuries: Shaw, Hossa, AA, Kane.

Rest and health will help. Adding at least quality blueliner is critical. Probably a LW too. Q and Bowman getting on the same page is about as critical.

It is kind of amazing that a small sliver of fans refuses to see that the talent level on this team took a big step back last year.
- John Jaeckel

I don't know if too many fans are refusing to acknowledge that the team took a step back last season. I think they're focusing on the positive attributes the team still has and believing that next year can be (and will be) better. The sky is not falling, massive change is not required.

I agree that upgrading the defensive should be he #1 off season priority for Stan. Kempny should help but hopefully there's more. I really don't want to see Svedberg, Gustafsson or Runblad play for the team again.

So you're saying g this defense as composed is good enough to get out of the first round of the playoffs?

Answer that question, please.
- John Jaeckel

I know this question isn't directed towards me but I'll chip in my two cents anyways.

Good enough to get out of the first round? Yes. Good enough to go all the way? Who knows.

Let's not forget, it was an extremely unfortunate bounce that cost the 'Hawks from being up 1-0 to down 1-0 in the series.

Heck, in game 7 if it wasn't for the fact that Keith and Seabrook looked like AHL players, they probably would have won the series.

But I digress. I know defensive depth is critical, and something that will need to be addressed, but I won't go as far as saying that this defense WASN'T good enough to at least win one series. I don't think that it could have survived a potential offensive onslaught from Pittsburgh or San Jose though.

I don't know if too many fans are refusing to acknowledge that the team took a step back last season. I think they're focusing on the positive attributes the team still has and believing that next year can be (and will be) better. The sky is not falling, massive change is not required.

I agree that upgrading the defensive should be he #1 off season priority for Stan. Kempny should help but hopefully there's more. I really don't want to see Svedberg, Gustafsson or Runblad play for the team again.
- DarthKane

These two need a bit more seasoning or need to be allocated elsewhere. Both need turns in and out of the lineup (again). Hopefully Stan addresses the defense so these guys can rotate in as #6 where there's not a huge responsibility and get more experience.

So you're saying g this defense as composed is good enough to get out of the first round of the playoffs?

Answer that question, please.
- John Jaeckel

And here's the problem, going back to what someone else posted in response to this.


No one is suggesting "blow up the team cuz we're not happy."

What some are just not getting is that there are 2-3 roster holes that WILL NOT be filled by Tyler Motte and Gustav Forsling (this year).

Not happening. We've seen this movie so many times. We know how it ends.

What you need to wrap your head around is that there are players who want to be paid this summer and especially next summer, one of them will command $5 million a season. Count on it.

Where does the money come from, with $21 million committed to just two players, and another $30 million committed to 7 others, and a roughly $72 million cap?

Where does the money come from to sign Panarin next summer? Where does it come from then to add a defenseman or two and a non-AHL caliber left wing THIS year (and sign Shaw)?

You're not doing the math. And if you really believe this team is good enough without adding those players, you're in denial.

You have so much faith in the coach and the GM? Then trust that any big moves they make this summer will get the team back in the Cup picture next year.

Your logic seems to be we should all trust them to do nothing and it will be awesome. Or, we should trust them to plug three 170 pound rookies from Djurgardens in the lineup, and that'll work?

I don't care what you are prepared to believe as far as rumors. I am about 99.9% certain this team has discussed the possibility of moving Crawford, Teravainen and Shaw for all the reasons listed above. Not a "hunch." I'm being told that by people w=in psition to know and who have been right before.

As I said previously, doesn't mean they will move any or all of them and not some other players. Those are the three I hear and the ones I think make the most sense based on all the factors: contract, age, market value, relative replaceability. There are no easy answers. The Hawks are going to have to take at least a couple of calculated risks.

Again, you have faith in them? Great, but why doesn't that faith extend to them making some big changes? I don't get it.

Runblad looked better after playing allot of games In EURO. I still think he is not a NHL d man especially in q's system

Gus had a awful game losing turnover and was OK other then that. he did have a month Dec (give or take) where I thought he looked pretty good. That was about the time the rumor was we would not include in a deal for Drouin. I have no idea what Tampa wanted but Gus + 1st or Gus + Dano/Danult/TT all would make us a better team this year then last. JJ did you ever here what would have gotten it done for Drouin?

Sved as has been mentioned has a great reach and has a good enough shot and passing if he just can get a little quicker and add 10 lbs of Muscle and a little nasty he would be a good player. Maybe not top 4, but NHL level.

On a side note factoring in our huge need on LW I was all in on getting drouin, When he went MIA off the AHL team that was back Jan about 5 weeks before the trade deadline. My thought is make a move for him. if over 4 weeks he does not bring life to the top line you could always still trade for Ladd. Let call it GUS and TT for Drouin and then Dano and 1st for LADD. and then keep danult.

I don't know if too many fans are refusing to acknowledge that the team took a step back last season. I think they're focusing on the positive attributes the team still has and believing that next year can be (and will be) better. The sky is not falling, massive change is not required.

I agree that upgrading the defensive should be he #1 off season priority for Stan. Kempny should help but hopefully there's more. I really don't want to see Svedberg, Gustafsson or Runblad play for the team again.
- DarthKane

Sure, it's still a very good team. To get back in to Cup contention, taking the cap and upcoming contracts OUT OF IT, in terms of adding to the roster, massive changes are not required.

They have 2-3 holes, on defense and at left wing and ZERO likely candidates internally.

Don't believe the "set the expectation bar low" spin coming out of 1901. Classic Scotty/Stan Bowman tactic.

But what you guys are NOT GETTING is that the cap and upcoming contracts will FORCE this team to subtract a bit in order to add, in a calculated manner, and it may mean someone's sacred cow (TT, Shaw, CC) has to go for cap or value reasons.

You guys are just refusing to see it. It is dollars and sense and no, while this team is still very good, it is no longer good enough, as composed, to win a Cup. They're not. And you've seen the evidence.

Sure, it's still a very good team. To get back in to Cup contention, taking the cap and upcoming contracts OUT OF IT, in terms of adding to the roster, massive changes are not required.

They have 2-3 holes, on defense and at left wing and ZERO likely candidates internally.

Don't believe the "set the expectation bar low" spin coming out of 1901. Classic Scotty/Stan Bowman tactic.

But what you guys are NOT GETTING is that the cap and upcoming contracts will FORCE this team to subtract a bit in order to add, in a calculated manner, and it may mean someone's sacred cow (TT, Shaw, CC) has to go for cap or value reasons.

You guys are just refusing to see it. It is dollars and sense and no, while this team is still very good, it is no longer good enough, as composed, to win a Cup. They're not. And you've seen the evidence.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, if you had to rank the likelihood of movement for TT, Shaw, CC, what would your ranking of those three be??

Sure, it's still a very good team. To get back in to Cup contention, taking the cap and upcoming contracts OUT OF IT, in terms of adding to the roster, massive changes are not required.

They have 2-3 holes, on defense and at left wing and ZERO likely candidates internally.

Don't believe the "set the expectation bar low" spin coming out of 1901. Classic Scotty/Stan Bowman tactic.

But what you guys are NOT GETTING is that the cap and upcoming contracts will FORCE this team to subtract a bit in order to add, in a calculated manner, and it may mean someone's sacred cow (TT, Shaw, CC) has to go for cap or value reasons.

You guys are just refusing to see it. It is dollars and sense and no, while this team is still very good, it is no longer good enough, as composed, to win a Cup. They're not. And you've seen the evidence.
- John Jaeckel

"Franking right Chicago"

Sure, it's still a very good team. To get back in to Cup contention, taking the cap and upcoming contracts OUT OF IT, in terms of adding to the roster, massive changes are not required.

They have 2-3 holes, on defense and at left wing and ZERO likely candidates internally.

Don't believe the "set the expectation bar low" spin coming out of 1901. Classic Scotty/Stan Bowman tactic.

But what you guys are NOT GETTING is that the cap and upcoming contracts will FORCE this team to subtract a bit in order to add, in a calculated manner, and it may mean someone's sacred cow (TT, Shaw, CC) has to go for cap or value reasons.

You guys are just refusing to see it. It is dollars and sense and no, while this team is still very good, it is no longer good enough, as composed, to win a Cup. They're not. And you've seen the evidence.
- John Jaeckel

Who said I refused to see that the cap will require change? I think I flat out said it would. My point is that Stan doesn't have to go overboard in trades just to create cap space. If $2 million is required then trade Shaw, not Crawford.

I think we've seen enough over the past several seasons to realize that very few guys are safe in the off season. But Stan doesn't strike me as the type of guy who would panic. Has Stan contemplated various trade scenarios both big and small, of course he has, that's his job. But considering a move and actually taking action are two different things.

Who said I refused to see that the cap will require change? I think I flat out said it would. My point is that Stan doesn't have to go overboard in trades just to create cap space. If $2 million is required then trade Shaw, not Crawford.

I think we've seen enough over the past several seasons to realize that very few guys are safe in the off season. But Stan doesn't strike me as the type of guy who would panic. Has Stan contemplated various trade scenarios both big and small, of course he has, that's his job. But considering a move and actually taking action are two different things.
- DarthKane

How do you address the defense group AND the gaping hole at 1LW without shedding more than Shaw's $2mil?

And here's the problem, going back to what someone else posted in response to this.


No one is suggesting "blow up the team cuz we're not happy."

What some are just not getting is that there are 2-3 roster holes that WILL NOT be filled by Tyler Motte and Gustav Forsling (this year).

Not happening. We've seen this movie so many times. We know how it ends.

What you need to wrap your head around is that there are players who want to be paid this summer and especially next summer, one of them will command $5 million a season. Count on it.

Where does the money come from, with $21 million committed to just two players, and another $30 million committed to 7 others, and a roughly $72 million cap?

Where does the money come from to sign Panarin next summer? Where does it come from then to add a defenseman or two and a non-AHL caliber left wing THIS year (and sign Shaw)?

You're not doing the math. And if you really believe this team is good enough without adding those players, you're in denial.

You have so much faith in the coach and the GM? Then trust that any big moves they make this summer will get the team back in the Cup picture next year.

Your logic seems to be we should all trust them to do nothing and it will be awesome. Or, we should trust them to plug three 170 pound rookies from Djurgardens in the lineup, and that'll work?

I don't care what you are prepared to believe as far as rumors. I am about 99.9% certain this team has discussed the possibility of moving Crawford, Teravainen and Shaw for all the reasons listed above. Not a "hunch." I'm being told that by people w=in psition to know and who have been right before.

As I said previously, doesn't mean they will move any or all of them and not some other players. Those are the three I hear and the ones I think make the most sense based on all the factors: contract, age, market value, relative replaceability. There are no easy answers. The Hawks are going to have to take at least a couple of calculated risks.

Again, you have faith in them? Great, but why doesn't that faith extend to them making some big changes? I don't get it.
- John Jaeckel

the post and Happy Friday JJ! Here's hoping Stan is aggressively pursuing major Salary reductions this summer to address those HUGE roster holes, and allot the cap space for Panarin's extension (I'm guessing $6mil/yr BTW). I've been watching the Czech game against franking Kazakstan and Kempny is a good skater with solid strength in board battles and nice puck skills, but he also got pinned in his own zone several times. Expecting him to come in and be the 4/5 D and solve the Hawks Defensive depth issues is a fanboy's dream, and far from guaranteed.

Sharks and Blues.

I think this is where the Blues get stopped.

Go Sharks.

Not buying it.

How can anyone disagree with that assessment? They didn't lose because of a lack of talent, that's for sure. I'd still take this roster over any of the teams still playing. The effort/intensity level was not there this year and the "core" guys like 19/88 (one goal combined - oh, the irony) did not produce enough in the playoffs to win games. The Blues' best players simply showed up and ours didn't -- the reverse of what has been the case the last few years.
- CBHawks88

I think they were exhausted and injured... The year to repeat was 2014 when they were coming off a first-round exit in 2012 and the lockout-shortened 2013 season. Less wear and tear on the bodies.

That was the year to trade someone like Leddy for a legit rental centerman and another winger. Leddy didn't play in the Kings' series, and neither did Bollig, Handzus, and Versteeg. Yet they almost won rolling 3 lines and 5D once the evil genius discovered that Saad, Shaw, and Kane could kick anyone's ass.

I think they were exhausted and injured... The year to repeat was 2014 when they were coming off a first-round exit in 2012 and the lockout-shortened 2013 season. Less wear and tear on the bodies.

That was the year to trade someone like Leddy for a legit rental centerman and another winger. Leddy didn't play in the Kings' series, and neither did Bollig, Handzus, and Versteeg. Yet they almost won rolling 3 lines and 5D once the evil genius discovered that Saad, Shaw, and Kane could kick anyone's ass.
- DMChi2010

That was a fun line

Sharks and Blues.

I think this is where the Blues get stopped.

Go Sharks.
- Hank3Henshaw

Both Conference Finals should be highly entertaining. 3 teams that have a ton of speed and skill and the Blues who have skill but are definitely the most physical of the 4. I think Elliot finally comes back to Earth and is Brian Elliot again. Sharks in 6 and Bolts in 7

want to see an great example of the way the hawks used to play...check out the sharks tonight...i swear the whole game looks like the sharks have 6 guys out there...

beating the preds in every phase
- bogiedoc

I haven't been able to watch the Sharks much, though I'm rooting for them as the most likeable team remaining. What is better about the Sharks that reminds you of the old Blackhawks style? Speed? Grit?

Whatever it is, we need it back!

Weber looks like poop
- HamiltonHawk

I think Suter >> Weber and now Josi >> Weber. But people are impressed with thinks like the 182 mph shot, so clearly he must be the best defenseman EVER.

How do you address the defense group AND the gaping hole at 1LW without shedding more than Shaw's $2mil?
- EnzoD

Find a way to move Bickell's contract with taking minimal to no salary on return.

I'm a believer that everyone can be traded in the return is right and there is a viable candidate to replace them. Moving a big contract could be one way to address the team's needs, but it's not the only way. Maybe Teravainen is moved to bring back help on defense. Maybe Panarin is moved. What we've seen from Stan in the past is that he doesn't move his core players unless he has too. Depending on where the final salary cap ceiling lands I don't think Stan has to move a core player this season.

Also, when we discuss the possibility o moving guys like Crawford or Seabrook we're assuming there's another GM out there that will give Stan a return that would make us happy and address the teams needs. If you can see that the Hawks are in a pinch and need to move salary what makes you think the other 29 GMs don't see the same thing. If that is the case the return for Seabrook and Crawford will be more in line with the return Stan got for Sharp.

Both Conference Finals should be highly entertaining. 3 teams that have a ton of speed and skill and the Blues who have skill but are definitely the most physical of the 4. I think Elliot finally comes back to Earth and is Brian Elliot again. Sharks in 6 and Bolts in 7
- EnzoD

I'm pulling for a SJ / TB final, I think they are the two most deserving teams and they are the best teams left in their conferences.