Sand paper guys are worth their weight in gold come big boy time.....especially those who also produce.

Shaw is that perfect storm. Oh well.....I'll have to move on......
- SteveRain

I like both players a lot. I just think Shaw offers more bang for the buck

The thing is Shaw HAS grown as a player. Kruger is still pretty much the same as he has ever been.

Put Shaw with skilled players and he has a positive effect on all their metrics. Kruger? In some areas BUT not on the scoresheet.

Sand paper guys are worth their weight in gold come big boy time.....especially those who also produce.

Shaw is that perfect storm. Oh well.....I'll have to move on......
- SteveRain

Agreed, and my biggest knock on the Hawks is their lack of biteback... But the cap doesn't leave us with many options and barring a serious home-town discount I just don't see him wearing a Hawks sweater next year. I will be interested to see what he's looking for, but can we justify paying another bottom-6 guy $3-$4/year? Will the FO be gun-shy after the Bickell contract issues? Sandpaper guy with a very strong playoff performance earning a contract, and barely being able to skate by the end of it? Too early to tell on it all and mere speculation until we hear what Shaw is looking for, but what isn't speculation is that teams have a genuine interest in acquiring him and considering we will be dealing from a position of disadvantage in most trade scenarios I think cashing in on him now makes the most sense.

I did like the Kris Draper comp above... Though, the majority of his years in Detroit were spent prior to the cap issues we are seeing teams having now. Was always a big fan of his and will always be a big fan of Shaw. This offseason will certainly be interesting.

Has anyone else heard the rumors that Crawford went on a 2 day bender after getting eliminated by the Blues?
- waitforawhistle

Heavens no - a competitive athlete that likes to party?

If I were a Vezina contender coming off of my best season, watching $40MM+ of offense talent and a mad scientist of a coach crap the bed in front of me, two days would be nowhere near enough drinking time.

So let's trade him

When reason conflicts with an alternate reality, assassinate the character.

At $3-3.5MM I would guess that Shaw signs a 1 year deal with the Hawks at around $2.5MM and rolls the dice on becoming a UFA the following year.
- TheTrob

I'll say this now and get bashed again....but watch out for panarin. he's a great player but I'll shocked to see how the Hawks lock him in.....h's going to want to be paid like 6-7 aav and lets try working that in next year.........

fun times for hockey ops. fun times.

No, Danault is a useful and similar player, but Kruger is better.
- John Jaeckel

I agree with you that Kruger is better. Just making the comment that Danault looked to be a Kruger-like player.

I like both players a lot. I just think Shaw offers more bang for the buck

The thing is Shaw HAS grown as a player. Kruger is still pretty much the same as he has ever been.

Put Shaw with skilled players and he has a positive effect on all their metrics. Kruger? In some areas BUT not on the scoresheet.
- TTtime

Well said.............

Heavens no - a competitive athlete that likes to party?

If I were a Vezina contender coming off of my best season, watching $40MM+ of offense talent and a mad scientist of a coach crap the bed in front of me, two days would be nowhere near enough drinking time.

So let's trade him

When reason conflicts with an alternate reality, assassinate the character.
- Return of the Roar

I don't think anyone is saying to trade Crawford because of his play or personality. It's because of the large contract and that fact that he could probably bring back a good return.

Could be but lets not also forget that while we can sit here and praise Hossa's 200 ft game, and I will and stand by it, he's NOT finishing as a top 6 player anymore. That's a fact.

So 19's lw next year will be............Panik? Thought Panik was a good but very little sample size.....Shaw's got the versatility and before Ladd he helped jump start that line.
.
- SteveRain

Agreed on the Hossa and Panik points. Really liked what Panik brought and was questioning why he was in the press box to start the playoffs. I did think Hossa looked good on that 3rd line.

Agreed on the Hossa and Panik points. Really liked what Panik brought and was questioning why he was in the press box to start the playoffs. I did think Hossa looked good on that 3rd line.
- Antz96

\

I wish they could move Hossa.

I'll say this now and get bashed again....but watch out for panarin. he's a great player but I'll shocked to see how the Hawks lock him in.....h's going to want to be paid like 6-7 aav and lets try working that in next year.........

fun times for hockey ops. fun times.
- SteveRain

The Hawks would have to hope/know they can get Hossa's cap hit off the books because of expansion if they are going to pay Panarin that much coin.

Not saying I want Hossa gone, but something has gotta give.

Just razzin you AntMan! TT to the NJD for Severson sounds like a plan
- EnzoD

Appreciate the razzing. I would like it if TT went anywhere. Not a fan!

So lets get rid of TT and Crawford and keep Shaw at 4yrs at 3MM.
- Sn1362

or trade Kruger and keep them all.

Agreed, and my biggest knock on the Hawks is their lack of biteback... But the cap doesn't leave us with many options and barring a serious home-town discount I just don't see him wearing a Hawks sweater next year. I will be interested to see what he's looking for, but can we justify paying another bottom-6 guy $3-$4/year? Will the FO be gun-shy after the Bickell contract issues? Sandpaper guy with a very strong playoff performance earning a contract, and barely being able to skate by the end of it? Too early to tell on it all and mere speculation until we hear what Shaw is looking for, but what isn't speculation is that teams have a genuine interest in acquiring him and considering we will be dealing from a position of disadvantage in most trade scenarios I think cashing in on him now makes the most sense.

I did like the Kris Draper comp above... Though, the majority of his years in Detroit were spent prior to the cap issues we are seeing teams having now. Was always a big fan of his and will always be a big fan of Shaw. This offseason will certainly be interesting.
- Frenchy4488

Shaw is a perfect eastern conference player. a team that needs more depth scoring.....with grit.

agreed on the offseason. Hope the caps win tonight.

Unless you are going to unload the Bickell contract, trading TT makes zero sense. You cannot get another meaningful player without taking more salary.

Not only that, TT has skills but his play hasn't necessarily warranted a huge raise at this point, so unless his management team wants to play hardball I couldn't see his next deal being gigantic, I'm thinking < 2mil/yr, most likely less.

People can female dog and moan about Toews, Kane, and CC's cap hits, but they are getting paid for future performance and are still performing at superstar levels.

Seabs and Kruger's cap hits are too much for my taste and I have a feeling Seabrook's cap hit may be crippling down the road.

What was the deal with Seab's massive contract? Were they gambling on the hope that the cap would go up? I can't remember.

What was the deal with Seab's massive contract? Were they gambling on the hope that the cap would go up? I can't remember.
- Hank3Henshaw

He got a $1MM per year raise above his prior contract.

He got a $1MM per year raise above his prior contract.
- Return of the Roar

OK. Thank you. You guys are all so good with the contract stuff. I don't remember any of it. Haha.

What was the deal with Seab's massive contract? Were they gambling on the hope that the cap would go up? I can't remember.
- Hank3Henshaw

That and that he has NMC/NTC until he's like 37. Solid player and still has a few good years left. Need him for another cup run.

That and that he has NMC/NTC until he's like 37. Solid player and still has a few good years left. Need him for another cup run.
- 93Joe

Yes. Especially if they pair him back with Keith, put Hammer with TVR, and sign that Kempny kid on an ELC for the #5D.

Shaw is a perfect eastern conference player. a team that needs more depth scoring.....with grit.

agreed on the offseason. Hope the caps win tonight.
- SteveRain

Agreed... Plus if he's in the East we see him less. The guy you LOVE on your team and HATE on other teams.

Yes... Go Caps! Not certain I want them to take it all, but anyone with a chance to take out the Pens gets my nod. The only thing I like about Pitt is Kessel just because he's such an enigma

\

I wish they could move Hossa.
- Hank3Henshaw

Why? He may have lost some scoring touch, but on most nights he still remains one of the best players on the Ice.

Yes. Especially if they pair him back with Keith, put Hammer with TVR, and sign that Kempny kid on an ELC for the #5D.
- Return of the Roar

Kempny and Polak for 3rd pair.

Isn't Bolland's career over? Did he even play in 15 games last year bc of recurring back problems? If Bolland could be close to the 2013 Bolland, sure thing. I think that guy is long gone....
- EnzoD

believe this years injury issues are stemming from his ankle/achilles injury from last year, not related to his prior back issues

Why? He may have lost some scoring touch, but on most nights he still remains one of the best players on the Ice.
- TheTrob

I don't think I see the same thing you guys do with Hossa. I like him, I really do, I just think age is starting to take it's toll.

I'd be open to move him (while they still can) and give that spot to a younger guy and start grooming someone else.

Just my opinion, though.