‏@CapFriendly
#CapFriendly CONFIRMED:
Lars Johansson CHI
1 year / 1 way contract
2016-17 - $575,000
- DarthKane

Very interesting that it's a 1-way Darth...though they could be planning to pay him handsomely to play in the Rock

I was more referring to style of play when they both entered the NHL.

Just looking to find some sort of a comparable.

Nordstrom was pegged as more of a responsible, aggressive checking forward when he came up. Plus I had friends that played in Sweden at the time and said he also had no offensive upside. He's trying to prove them wrong with his 10 goals/24 pts. from last year though.
- TyCamScore

Playing with J.Staal and Nestrasil was a perfect fit for him.

They all play an aggressive style and make life hell on opponents. It's fun to watch.

See, it's dumbass statements like that that get you banned. Not "not being a cronie."

You do/say stupid, you get banned. Doesn't matter who you are.

You get banned a few times and then you feel like you're not "a cronie." Forgetting all the dumb/sutpid you said and did.

People are amazing sometimes.
- John Jaeckel

THIS!

(BTW I just noticed, Drew MacIntyre, who spent some time in Rockford this year, signed a contract with Hamburg Freezers in Germany, but the club folded…)
- stonefire

Much like MacIntyre folded like a cheap card table between the pipes in his stint in Rockford...

A California ice hockey team vs. a Florida ice hockey team in the Stanley Cup Championship? Climate change confirmed.
- 4_in_7

Well played.

Sounds like he and Kruger could be a future PK1 tandem.

I mentioned on Twitter that what I had read yesterday reminded me of former Blackhawks forward Joakim Nordstrom, to which Tab Bramford made a good point:

"@tycam better player imo. haven't seen Nordstrom getting special teams duty for Sweden in international events"
- TyCamScore

I used to call Kruger and Frolik "Fruger" with their PK dominance. They were one of the same.

Yeah too early to speculate any or all of the four new Blackhawk hopefuls entrenches himself in the line-up or replaces a fat contract.

We do know the two defenders have different skill sets and check the boxes as replacements IF they fit.

You want to know what solves the hawk problem temporarily/

The GM around the league that NOW suddenly have the same Cap issues that have haunted the bowman hawks for a long while...they will go to their owners and the swauking will start discussions of increasing the cap.

You have to look at the continual signings as more insurance that they can provide Las Vegas with more than one trade chip to select a hawk player that the hawks want them to select...heck two long term prospects helps the "Gamblers" more than a hawk roster guy, right?
- wiz1901

Kempny, (LD),Lundberg (W,C) LARS (G) who is the 4th? we signed a bunch of draft picks this year. Forsling, Norell, Motte, Dahlstrom, Luke Johnson.

Kempny, (LD),Lundberg (W,C) LARS (G) who is the 4th? we signed a bunch of draft picks this year. Forsling, Norell, Motte, Dahlstrom, Luke Johnson.
- kmw4631

I know this much - Norrell and Dahlstrom shouldn't be even close to consideration of making the big club this fall. Both still looked very green during their breif showing in Rockford this spring.

Also, I'd include McNeill into the mix of possibilities - if he's still with the organization by the time training camp starts.

I have a feeling this is strictly a move to ensure the Hawks have a backup to Crawford in case Darling is picked up in the entry level draft next year as a backup goalie with potential to be a number 1 goalie.
- FourOrr

I know it's been long rumored but still haven't seen concrete as Vegas is a GO and that the expansion draft will take place in the NHL fiscal calendar of 2016-17 which then would negate the premise that they have 3 goalies because the kid the just signed is a FA.

Now, having to travel Vegas FAR too often for work that stadium is done and sittign there and you would think the fact of the Raiders going to Vegas for NFL takes some pressure off of the NHL for holding out a team relocating there, say Arizona, for whatever concerns.

So I guess in short I don't discount what you are saying but until we see an actual date for an expansion draft in 2016-17 I just have to assume there could be other possibilities for the Hawks signing this goalie out of Sweeden and based upon how heavily they scout that area, and Qs love for Darling, I woudlnt' put it past them in shopping CC......especially with a monster raise due 72 next year.

Yeah too early to speculate any or all of the four new Blackhawk hopefuls entrenches himself in the line-up or replaces a fat contract.

We do know the two defenders have different skill sets and check the boxes as replacements IF they fit.

You want to know what solves the hawk problem temporarily/

The GM around the league that NOW suddenly have the same Cap issues that have haunted the bowman hawks for a long while...they will go to their owners and the swauking will start discussions of increasing the cap.

You have to look at the continual signings as more insurance that they can provide Las Vegas with more than one trade chip to select a hawk player that the hawks want them to select...heck two long term prospects helps the "Gamblers" more than a hawk roster guy, right?
- wiz1901

When they lockout again, I'm sure that will be brought up, and depending upon how the Canadian dollar is holding up it will be fascinating to see how the Canadian owners in Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton feel about the cap going up.

One thing I am excited about is to see how Bowman navigates these next 12 months. He has to make a LOT of calls that will have long term effects on this team's ability to maximize it's potential to win in the core's realistic "prime window".

By that I mean....
-he has to make a call on Shaw.
-he has to continue to stay ahead of the curve in the European market and use his draft picks as tradeable assets for in season improvements.
-he has 3 goalies on his roster, does he dangle 50 or 33?
-how does he keep 72's AAV in a team friendly area but not having to trade another young player entering his prime?
-finding young talent who can finish to play alongside 19
-making the right calls on 57/86 if their progression , more so 86, stays stagnant
-continuing to find depth players to step in a fit "roles" that previous generation of cup winners had (Bolland, Frolik, Shaw (possibly) Buff Brouwer)
-convincing picks to sign here and not go the Hayes route for a chance to compete for a roster spot

Not an easy job. I keep saying it but I really feel this SUMMER like 2010 is probably their biggest obstacle in the Bowman/McDonough era to keep this team on the door step for a cup.

Why can't a team have 3 goalies on one way deals?
- DarthKane

No rule except needed roster space for other positions. Typically a third guy is not going play much if at all, where you need a 13th forward and seventh d-man often

Lastly thinking out loud here......

IF and that's a huge IF they were entertaining trading 50......

1. I think he has to go east as the hawks woudlnt' want him to be a road block to a conference championship.

2. Any GM looking to take him either has to have a young team right on the verge of taking that next step OR a team that has made playoff appearances but bombed out.

3. To me....I can think of 2 possible locations that CC may go to: NY Islanders OR Ottawa.

NY Isladers: Halak continues to get hurt and Greiss bombed out. For as strong as Washington is/was, or Tampa, or Pitts, you put a goalie like CC behind that team and they immediately take the next step. Plus it helps IN market take some spot light from the NYR

Ottawa as it's a Canadian team and while Montreal is probably his wet dream, baring a Price trade or retirement this would make the most sense.

No idea on how both teams sit cap wise, but just on pure premise this make sense to me AND probably 2 spots CC wouldn't have an issue waiving his NMC to go.

IF it's Darling....I think the market for him is open to anyone and with the copy cat league, if it's SJ vs Pitts, that helps Bowman's asking price even further.

Gotta think 1 will be moved.....

No way to know how good he is compared to Crawford, or Darling for that matter, until he gets some ice time in the NHL.

The move CC crowd can relax. To me this is about knowing as a pending UFA next year Darling wants to get paid and the organization has no room to do so.
- Return of the Roar

Not true.

Antti Niemi won the backup job in Chicago before he had played a single regular season NHL game in 2009. And only after a couple of exhibition starts.

It is probably a stretch to say this means they ARE dealing Crawford. Three one-way contracts though . . . unless this guy is dramatically better than Darling, why bring him in. And if he is that good, then it raises a legitimate value question re: Crawford. It's simple logic.

It is foolish however to assume the Hawks don't know pretty much how good this guy is. To the best of my knowledge, the SEL uses the same size nets and pads as the NHL. The only real difference would be the speed of the game (more or likely marginally less), the cleverness of the shooters (again, marginally tougher in the NHL, but not dramatically—remember the quality of the defense in that league is probably not as good either) and the velocity of the shots (probably negligible).

This from the other board, A few people that have followed Lundberg (just fans so take it with a grain of salt)

Martin Lundberg is a typical fouth line PK specialist. Clean hitting tough guy. One of few who has ever completed a Gordie Howe hattrick in the SHL.

Since he started playing hockey as a kid he has only ever represented my team. A HUGE fan favorite with how he sacrifices himself and stands up for his teammates. We've lost +15 players to the NHL in the last 5 years, all whom could be deemed to have more raw talent than Lundberg, but no loss will ever hurt as much as this.

Martin Lundberg is a physical monster. And he is trained in Swedens best team for the past 8 years Skellefteå AIK with the four straight regular season championships and six straight finals. And a team that plays with speed and puck possession. I don't believe anyone will be disappointed.

He's a great PKer, he works extremely hard both ways, he has excellent balance, is hard as **** and never complains.

Martin Lundberg will stop a puck with his mouth, spit out his teeth, stop the bleeding then go out on the next shift and stop another puck with his mouth. He's also ridiculously physically fit. (in the cardio way, not pumping iron muscles)




https://blackhawksbreakdo...wordpres...hawk-forwards/
- kmw4631

Love it. I'm onboard with this.

Lastly thinking out loud here......

IF and that's a huge IF they were entertaining trading 50......

1. I think he has to go east as the hawks woudlnt' want him to be a road block to a conference championship.

2. Any GM looking to take him either has to have a young team right on the verge of taking that next step OR a team that has made playoff appearances but bombed out.

3. To me....I can think of 2 possible locations that CC may go to: NY Islanders OR Ottawa.

NY Isladers: Halak continues to get hurt and Greiss bombed out. For as strong as Washington is/was, or Tampa, or Pitts, you put a goalie like CC behind that team and they immediately take the next step. Plus it helps IN market take some spot light from the NYR

Ottawa as it's a Canadian team and while Montreal is probably his wet dream, baring a Price trade or retirement this would make the most sense.

No idea on how both teams sit cap wise, but just on pure premise this make sense to me AND probably 2 spots CC wouldn't have an issue waiving his NMC to go.

IF it's Darling....I think the market for him is open to anyone and with the copy cat league, if it's SJ vs Pitts, that helps Bowman's asking price even further.

Gotta think 1 will be moved.....
- SteveRain

Problem with those scenarios (and Winnipeg and Philly) is you almost have to take a $4 million vet goalie back. Not insurmountable, especially if it's a soon-expiring contract. As far as preference, my clear first choice would be Anderson, then Halak, then Pavelec, then Mason. I would not rule out Toronto, same situation exactly. Or a three-way deal.

Wasn't Spacek #6? Interesting, he may be that type of defenseman.
- John Jaeckel

don't forget the GM of the Ducks good old #6 Bob Murray

Not true.

Antti Niemi won the backup job in Chicago before he had played a single regular season NHL game in 2009. And only after a couple of exhibition starts.

It is probably a stretch to say this means they ARE dealing Crawford. Three one-way contracts though . . . unless this guy is dramatically better than Darling, why bring him in. And if he is that good, then it raises a legitimate value question re: Crawford. It's simple logic.

It is foolish however to assume the Hawks don't know pretty much how good this guy is. To the best of my knowledge, the SEL uses the same size nets and pads as the NHL. The only real difference would be the speed of the game (more or likely marginally less), the cleverness of the shooters (again, marginally tougher in the NHL, but not dramatically—remember the quality of the defense in that league is probably not as good either) and the velocity of the shots (probably negligible).
- John Jaeckel

And Darling is a an UFA after this year so again....unless this expansion draft takes place prior to 7/1/17 the 3 goalie thing is a mute point because the Hawks wouldn't have the rights to Darling any ways.

I'm very shocked none of the beat guys have picked up on this....but then again...I am not.

Lastly thinking out loud here......

IF and that's a huge IF they were entertaining trading 50......

1. I think he has to go east as the hawks woudlnt' want him to be a road block to a conference championship.

2. Any GM looking to take him either has to have a young team right on the verge of taking that next step OR a team that has made playoff appearances but bombed out.

3. To me....I can think of 2 possible locations that CC may go to: NY Islanders OR Ottawa.

NY Isladers: Halak continues to get hurt and Greiss bombed out. For as strong as Washington is/was, or Tampa, or Pitts, you put a goalie like CC behind that team and they immediately take the next step. Plus it helps IN market take some spot light from the NYR

Ottawa as it's a Canadian team and while Montreal is probably his wet dream, baring a Price trade or retirement this would make the most sense.

No idea on how both teams sit cap wise, but just on pure premise this make sense to me AND probably 2 spots CC wouldn't have an issue waiving his NMC to go.

IF it's Darling....I think the market for him is open to anyone and with the copy cat league, if it's SJ vs Pitts, that helps Bowman's asking price even further.

Gotta think 1 will be moved.....
- SteveRain

Darling is the trade bait. Upside, cheap contract, can play now, can get the best return.

$6MM is too rich for Ottawa, and most teams for that matter. Most teams who need a goalie would take Darling in a heartbeat. His value in a trade is highest now, and being a UFA, the sooner the better. I am going to guess that they have already had talks with his agent and either Darling wants much more than the team can afford to give, and will get the biggest bang hitting the FA market.

Assuming they can even find a dance partner for CC, there are the pesky matters of the NMC, if there is a list to be provided, any moron can pick up to ten teams that wont ever do a deal, his girlfriend and her family are from Chicago, and I am still convinced he is part of the core going forward.

Problem with those scenarios (and Winnipeg and Philly) is you almost have to take a $4 million vet goalie back. Not insurmountable, especially if it's a soon-expiring contract. As far as preference, my clear first choice would be Anderson, then Halak, then Pavelec, then Mason. I would not rule out Toronto, same situation exactly. Or a three-way deal.
- John Jaeckel

I'd agree with that and I wouldn't rule out the Hawks buying out that vet goalie either.....Halak and Anderson are both signed for 2 more years. So while they save 2 million this upcoming year (Crawford less either of those 2), you then could see them buying out either goalie the following year OR putting them waivers THIS year and eating the money down below.....Halak and Anderson both don't have a NTC or NMC so it would work, but I dont' know right off the top of my head the rules on waivers for guys 35+ which Anderson is....

And the waivers thing makes sense as IN a pinch both are suitable reliant backups if either bombed....assuming the cap space was there....and assuming the expansion draft wsn't in the equation.

Not true.

Antti Niemi won the backup job in Chicago before he had played a single regular season NHL game in 2009. And only after a couple of exhibition starts.

It is probably a stretch to say this means they ARE dealing Crawford. Three one-way contracts though . . . unless this guy is dramatically better than Darling, why bring him in. And if he is that good, then it raises a legitimate value question re: Crawford. It's simple logic.

It is foolish however to assume the Hawks don't know pretty much how good this guy is. To the best of my knowledge, the SEL uses the same size nets and pads as the NHL. The only real difference would be the speed of the game (more or likely marginally less), the cleverness of the shooters (again, marginally tougher in the NHL, but not dramatically—remember the quality of the defense in that league is probably not as good either) and the velocity of the shots (probably negligible).
- John Jaeckel

Which is why the logic points to the Hawks determining they cant keep Darling. He is going to go to the highest bidder, and some smart team will get a good goalie. The Swede will be his replacement, and a draft exempt RFA.

Darling is the trade bait. Upside, cheap contract, can play now, can get the best return.

$6MM is too rich for Ottawa, and most teams for that matter. Most teams who need a goalie would take Darling in a heartbeat. His value in a trade is highest now, and being a UFA, the sooner the better. I am going to guess that they have already had talks with his agent and either Darling wants much more than the team can afford to give, and will get the biggest bang hitting the FA market.

Assuming they can even find a dance partner for CC, there are the pesky matters of the NMC, if there is a list to be provided, any moron can pick up to ten teams that wont ever do a deal, his girlfriend and her family are from Chicago, and I am still convinced he is part of the core going forward.
- Return of the Roar

Don't disagree at all......but moving Darling doesn't save much cap space in the difference between him and the Swede. Unless this swede is a helluva upgrade over Darling it's baffling......And Q loves him size in net and has raved at times about Darling.

As for the off ice variable you mentioned I have 2 counter parts.....1. The whole spraining off the ankle last year that the Hawks publically shamed Crawford into dealing with and his reputation of being a booze hound......2. Campbell ALSO had his lady from here with her family but took the deal to South beach.

Nobody knows how much of a sticking point that would be, but just something to ponder. Just a fascinating move by Bowman.

Which is why the logic points to the Hawks determining they cant keep Darling. He is going to go to the highest bidder, and some smart team will get a good goalie. The Swede will be his replacement, and a draft exempt RFA.
- Return of the Roar

Good point and I bet as Sj and Pitts are 1 win away each, Bowman is doing fist pumps knowing his market for 33 is going up.

Great point on the draft exempt RFA status. Completely forgot about that.

When they lockout again, I'm sure that will be brought up, and depending upon how the Canadian dollar is holding up it will be fascinating to see how the Canadian owners in Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton feel about the cap going up.

One thing I am excited about is to see how Bowman navigates these next 12 months. He has to make a LOT of calls that will have long term effects on this team's ability to maximize it's potential to win in the core's realistic "prime window".

By that I mean....
-1) he has to make a call on Shaw.
-2) he has to continue to stay ahead of the curve in the European market and use his draft picks as tradeable assets for in season improvements.
-3) he has 3 goalies on his roster, does he dangle 50 or 33?
-4) how does he keep 72's AAV in a team friendly area but not having to trade another young player entering his prime?
-5) finding young talent who can finish to play alongside 19
-making the right calls on 57/86 if their progression , more so 86, stays stagnant
-6) continuing to find depth players to step in a fit "roles" that previous generation of cup winners had (Bolland, Frolik, Shaw (possibly) Buff Brouwer)
-convincing picks to sign here and not go the Hayes route for a chance to compete for a roster spot

Not an easy job. I keep saying it but I really feel this SUMMER like 2010 is probably their biggest obstacle in the Bowman/McDonough era to keep this team on the door step for a cup.
- SteveRain

In order:

1) See 2 and 4. If Bill Lundbergh is close to as advertised, then Shaw becomes a wee bit more expendable. And every decision they make this summer comes back to point 4. Do NOT kid yourselves.
2) See 4 and 6. On paper, and by reputation only at this point, these three Euro FA pickups are really encouraging are far as filling roles on this team.
3) See 4
4) They want to get this done before next summer and the longer it drags on, generally speaking, the worse it goes for the incumbent club. And it will take like minimum, MINIMUM, 4.5 to over $5 million per to get it done. The dollars have to come from somewhere. Which also suggests something about point 3.
5) Limited Cup window, if it's Teemu Fricking Selanne or Jagr or George Blanda but he can still pot 25 goals and play some d over 200 feet, who cares?
6) See 2. If Bowman hits on 65% of these players, especially Kempny, it's huge and kudos to him and the organization for pulling it off.

Which is why the logic points to the Hawks determining they cant keep Darling. He is going to go to the highest bidder, and some smart team will get a good goalie. The Swede will be his replacement, and a draft exempt RFA.
- Return of the Roar

Ehhhh, could be?

This from the other board, A few people that have followed Lundberg (just fans so take it with a grain of salt)

Martin Lundberg is a typical fouth line PK specialist. Clean hitting tough guy. One of few who has ever completed a Gordie Howe hattrick in the SHL.

Since he started playing hockey as a kid he has only ever represented my team. A HUGE fan favorite with how he sacrifices himself and stands up for his teammates. We've lost +15 players to the NHL in the last 5 years, all whom could be deemed to have more raw talent than Lundberg, but no loss will ever hurt as much as this.

Martin Lundberg is a physical monster. And he is trained in Swedens best team for the past 8 years Skellefteå AIK with the four straight regular season championships and six straight finals. And a team that plays with speed and puck possession. I don't believe anyone will be disappointed.

He's a great PKer, he works extremely hard both ways, he has excellent balance, is hard as **** and never complains.

Martin Lundberg will stop a puck with his mouth, spit out his teeth, stop the bleeding then go out on the next shift and stop another puck with his mouth. He's also ridiculously physically fit. (in the cardio way, not pumping iron muscles)




https://blackhawksbreakdo...wordpres...hawk-forwards/
- kmw4631

Sounds quite a bit like Shaw, maybe Bowman and Co. think Lundberg could be his replacement if he wants too much $...