That's correct, as I understand it. Congratulations, you've responded to a point I did not make.

What you responded to was my post that it is unusual for a team to carry three goaltenders—not because there is a rule against it (I am not aware of one) but because the third goalie would basically just be a wasted roster spot in most cases, better occupied by a skater who will likely play more.

If your implication is that three one-way contracts does not necessarily mean someone is getting traded, I looked into it last night and I think that's correct. And I like some others may have been living in a pre-2013 CBA mindset yesterday. Mea culpa there.

If you think that "pokes a hole" in the theory/whispers that Crawford might be dealt for cap reasons, that's incorrect. Those rumors have been out there from valid sources for over a year. The cap issues are what they are. The Panarin deal is a major concern for the team.
- John Jaeckel

Agreed...100% and lets look at this realistically.

There is a crowd of people who hate Kane because.....whatever reason. Without getting into legal jargon, and I know there are some guys/gals on here who may/are in that profession, I would contend something in the "grey area" happened last summer. Whatever it was wasn't strong enough to hold up in a major public trial for a DA trying to move up the ladder.

Is Kane a nice guy? I dont' know and honestly I don't care. I don't have to like Kane the person. (I met Chris Chelios and he was an JERK to me when I was younger so he can get bent.) Nor does anyone else, but to dump him because of this or that, no.....not when he's a generational talent. And yes, it's bs that that mind set doesnt' follow suit because if that incident happens to a lesser tiered player, that guy is probably gone by now.

McDonough's one concern is making money. Lets not kid ourselves. Sure he would love to win but if they win and dont' make money, it does them no good. So Kane brings in advertisers, merchandise sales, brand awareness, brand loyalty, exposure, and so on...he's arguably the best American born player...ever. Kane is a cash cow, like Toews, that McDonough and Wirtz will squeeze dry.

Going back to the legal thing...when this whole thing went down last summer, I was the guy begging for justice, for her if she's right, for him if it didn't happen. I also have NOT seen a civil case FILED OR a settlement reached, compared to Big Ben and his infamous bathroom party in a bar where he DID settle. So again, the more you look at it, the more you see Kane may very well be innocent. And like many who quickly defended him, the legal process has played out and he was never charged.

However, to your point this wasn't an isolated thing for Kane. Madison, the limo, and many other issues that never came to light. So while crusaders like idiot Bernstein can rile up "hockey fanboys" as he calls them, Kane will not be moved.

I also bet $$$ he gets married within 12 months. That helps patches his image, and rebuild his image as well.

Gretzky got traded but I dont' see a package where you ACTUALLY save that much cap space that makes this remotely possible. Kane is also a PROVEN playoff player with enormous clutch and big game moments so many NHL stars dont' have that and that's why the Hawks core is so damn good...none of these back down or choke when the lights shine brightest.

i would like Gudas or Jordan for the third pairing. Pass on the rest including Rozy
- ikeane

Media in Chicago would have fun with the Michal Jordan signing

It would be pretty much a wash this year and we would have the cap space next year>
- Sn1362

That leaves even less to sign Shaw with this year. You're taking back 8.4 mil and sending them 7.6 mil ishh. I don't see Toronto doing that deal unless you throw them picks or other high-end prospects which the Hawks don't have. In theory it looks decent but doubt it would ever work.

The Hawks still "lost" the Saad trade. Dano looks like a 3rd liner and Anisimov can't hold Saad's jockstrap. Given how good Panarin+ Kane are, nearly any competent Center would have been fine on that line. Any time you are getting lesser players back via trade, that's not a "home run" trade.

Saad on Toews line with Brad Richards between 88+72 would have given the Hawks 2 scoring lines instead of one.
- EnzoD

Im with you.....obviously he hates Kane and his agenda is to deal him because I'm sure Bernstein has warped his mind.

the Hawks didn't win the Saad trade. Aminsinov is a nice piece but Saad is a player that is only getting better and was destined to be Toews 1LW for a decade, but he wanted money and I can't blame him for that.

Just like if Panarin wants money and Bowman can't fit it in the budget.

And Marko Dano still hasn't proven himself to be anything but a marginal NHL player......

And every time I see Drouin pop goals like last night and step in the playoffs, my head explodes reading posts here in February about how TT was better. My god. What world do these people live in?

I hate that we are still talking about Kane's alleged off ice issues from last summer. The guy just had one of the best years of any player in the last decade. Given the era probably one of the most dominant seasons any American born player has had. I'd rather talk about that and about the fact you know he will bust his ass all summer to get even better. I don't think we have seen the best Patrick Kane has to offer yet. I'd much rather think about that!

I know talking about it stirs up conversation and there is less to talk about since its the offseason but

It's highly, highly doubtful we would be a lottery team. Besides and I go by this moto everywhere, 1 person does not make a team, and if your team depends solely on 1 person to carry you, then your doing it wrong.

I can see Buffalo trading us Reinhart, Ristolainen, Ennis (salary coming back) and their 1st this year?. Would you poop on this deal? With this kind of trade we can lock up Panarin long term, have an extremely talented Defense, and fill out some holes on the forward side.

Bigger question, do you risk a 4th strike for Kane? If another incident happens you would be lucky to get 1 decent player back for him. I would love to hear what competing GM's were offering Stan last season when the Kane incident happened. I'm sure they were trying to fleece us, as you or I would if we were in their shoes.

Remember this is a business, I hate saying that. However, the issue is not the business portion but the adolescent behavior of a star player. Kane appears to have bad associations outside of hockey, and like other star athletes, those associations are going to destroy his career. If he were to really want to change and stay with the organization, he would flat out tell his "associates" to puck off, and make it publicly known.

Would I do it, yes I would if I were in his shoes. Besides if they were my friends, wouldn't you expect them to protect my interests instead of bring me down to their level?




- gifman

Eichel and their 1st round pick and you get my attention.....Kane is the best player in hockey right now. Period.

It's silly because he isn't getting traded but you start there....and Buffalo wouldn't do it.

Peter Pocklington needed money and sold Gretzky. Lets be clear. Rocky Wirtz doesn't need money and baring a CONVICTION or kane ASKING to be dealt it isn't happening....

Move along.......

I hate that we are still talking about Kane's alleged off ice issues from last summer. The guy just had one of the best years of any player in the last decade. Given the era probably one of the most dominant seasons any American born player has had. I'd rather talk about that and about the fact you know he will bust his ass all summer to get even better. I don't think we have seen the best Patrick Kane has to offer yet. I'd much rather think about that!

I know talking about it stirs up conversation and there is less to talk about since its the offseason but
- bhawks2241

I agree........

There are 2 guys who are probably still royally ticked off they got bounced and that is Kane and Toews. I would bet money on both.

Both will continue to get better, and Kane's progression is still sky rocketing. Scary to think how good he can still get. His desire to be THE greatest is Jordanesq. many guys would have been satisfied as is, and that's something that can't be taught or wished. That's why you keep those guys and build around them....

I agree on the legal stuff, just briefly touched on it. And lets be clear if the technology in the world that existed today, twitter, smart phones, etc existed 20 years ago......Michael Jordan would have made Patrick Kane look like a saint.

That leaves even less to sign Shaw with this year. You're taking back 8.4 mil and sending them 7.6 mil ishh. I don't see Toronto doing that deal unless you throw them picks or other high-end prospects which the Hawks don't have. In theory it looks decent but doubt it would ever work.
- bhawks2241

Then you throw in Shaw, Babcock loves him and you try go with an Ahl player.

Media in Chicago would have fun with the Michal Jordan signing
- Sundevil

You can even sell him on the fact that there is already a Micheal Jordan Statue at the UC.

Knock Backus all you want, me, I'd love to see him on the Hawks
- Maggie

Agreed Maggie.

Would love to see him on the Hawks and get all the love for seeing the Blues lose, but that is a fun to watch. They aren't going away and learning from those series wins will only make it that much more difficult to beat them in the playoffs moving forward. And before I get blasted, go read Strickland's Sharp story about how Sharp stated without the 2009 wcf trip vs Detroit they dont' learn how to win and probably dont' win cups.

So that's why you play for NOW and if you get in the playoffs it's imperative the players you have gain that experience so they know what it takes, and how the battle is won.

Playoff experience is inmeasurable.

What does this day about you then? Talking like this?



- carcus

Amazing how people forget how dirty Keith and Shaw can be......but since they are wearing red it's all good.

I love Shaw, but understand he's a guy who goes over the edge a lot.

Hoping this week we hear from Bettman about the cap projection as that will settle some things for the Hawks.

I agree........

There are 2 guys who are probably still royally ticked off they got bounced and that is Kane and Toews. I would bet money on both.

Both will continue to get better, and Kane's progression is still sky rocketing. Scary to think how good he can still get. His desire to be THE greatest is Jordanesq. many guys would have been satisfied as is, and that's something that can't be taught or wished. That's why you keep those guys and build around them....

I agree on the legal stuff, just briefly touched on it. And lets be clear if the technology in the world that existed today, twitter, smart phones, etc existed 20 years ago......Michael Jordan would have made Patrick Kane look like a saint.
- SteveRain

Haha, agree on Jordan. I imagine Tiger Woods but 10 times worse. Anyone else take a peak at Team Sweden's D for the World Cup? It makes me drool at my desk. MMMMM Swedish D men.

Not a international competition hockey historian but has any international team ever had that much blueline talent? Besides Canada obviously. Its insane how many top pairing D men Sweden pumps out.

So for giggles...

JVR 19 88
72 15 81

Not too shabby for the top two lines. I still think 88 and 72 should be split up. Flop Kane with Hossa. That really balances out those lines.
- z1990z

Love this, and agree wholeheartedly with the swap. Will also give you a good picture of how versatile Panarin is (something I think he wants to prove and that you'd want to see before handing him $millions). Wondering if Q would see this as "balanced" in his mind?

Kruger, Hammer, Anisimov, Panarin, Kempny, Pokka, Tuevo all make their World Cup Rosters. The Blackhawks will be very well represented in Toronto....idk if that's a good thing...but it's a thing.

And RainMan has been on fire this morning. Thanks for being a voice of reason through YET ANOTHER "Trade Kane" nonsense.

Love this, and agree wholeheartedly with the swap. Will also give you a good picture of how versatile Panarin is (something I think he wants to prove and that you'd want to see before handing him $millions). Wondering if Q would see this as "balanced" in his mind?
- pdx2ord

I still think we see CC on the move here. Not that I want to see him go, but salary cap wise its a move they have to look at considering they have an up/comer with Darling and now this guy from the other side of the pond.

Kruger, Hammer, Anisimov, Panarin, Kempny, Pokka, Tuevo all make their World Cup Rosters. The Blackhawks will be very well represented in Toronto....idk if that's a good thing...but it's a thing.

And RainMan has been on fire this morning. Thanks for being a voice of reason through YET ANOTHER "Trade Kane" nonsense.
- EnzoD

Sure wish Team USA was able to use Gaudreau, Larkin, Matthews, Saad, and Gostisbehere on its main roster. Nice marketing gimmick to have the U-24 team go up against the "big boys," but that is a lot of talent to leave on the table. Think it puts the US at more of a disadvantage than Canada.

Hoping this week we hear from Bettman about the cap projection as that will settle some things for the Hawks.
- SteveRain

Don't count on it. Last year he waited until the 3rd week of June to announce.

Crazy... Ville Pokka named to Team Finland.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...-world-cup-hockey-roster/

His performance at the World Championships must have helped him out there. Will be a great experience and might help him take the next step to the NHL.
- TyCamScore

Pokka had rough start in Worlds but was better after few games and played his best game in final against Canada. Was solid in his own end, blocked shots and gave good first passes. Nothing flashy about his game but was way better than his d partner Esa Lindell.

Al,

The take I got from the person I spoke to about the case was that after she filed the charge - and was very quick to do it, she became less and less cooperative with the D.A. As the investigation continued, the D.A. and the detectives handling it felt like they were spinning their wheels with her. She would tell them certain facts one day, then they would change the next. They would contact her to go over events, and she would tell them it was a bad time and she would call them back, then not call back. They had to call several times, and were told she was unavailable. If you were handling this case, what would you think??

And that's not even taking into account the public evidence fiasco with the bag the police left for the jacket she wore that night. She and her family KNEW that bag was not part of any DNA kit - and mislead their hired attorney about how it came into their possession - making him look bad in doing so.

The D.A. really wanted to present the case to the Grand Jury, but both the accuser and her friend that was with her were uncooperative.

Another interesting point in this case was the friend hiring her own attorney to accompany her to the questioning. The police were surprised by this - and the fact that she asked a few times about the charges that could be filed against her if it was found her testimony was not truthful. That put up a HUGE red flag in the minds of the people interviewing her.

I don't think any D.A. in this country would have felt comfortable wasting a judge and convened Grand Jury's time with what they found out.

Look, something did happen there, but as I said before, the only two people that will ever know for sure is the accuser and Kane. I don't think he is completely innocent here, and neither is she.
- dahawks8819

I don't think any D.A. in this country would have felt comfortable wasting a judge and convened Grand Jury's time with what they found out.



The discussion could stop there...If they don't send it to a Grand Jury especially in high a profile case then there isn't any evidence to support the allegations-Period

It's not only her and the friends willingness but once the case is opened they explored every opportunity in every direction to move forward with the Grand Jury...
There was not any DNA evidence to support claims and as far as I know you don't give permission to be brought in front of a Grand Jury you are compelled to go-That's why people invoke the 5th.

I'm not discrediting what you heard but there was a lot of stuff publicized that was simply untrue from her own attorney on down. From the beginning it was reported she went immediately from Kane's house to the hospital...Only later it came out that she went home changed her top and went to the hospital about 5 hours later.

So from where I sit it's tough for me to conclude a rape was committed, unless as I said earlier the entire process can be proven to be wrong....And I don't think that is true in this case. There was too much at stake for the DA and no need for him to take such a committed stand that the allegations were not worthy of a Grand Jury investigation.

Sure wish Team USA was able to use Gaudreau, Larkin, Matthews, Saad, and Gostisbehere on its main roster. Nice marketing gimmick to have the U-24 team go up against the "big boys," but that is a lot of talent to leave on the table. Think it puts the US at more of a disadvantage than Canada.
- pdx2ord

Add Eichel and Hanafin to that group for team USA. 2018 Olympics could be GOLDEN for USA....

I agree........

There are 2 guys who are probably still royally ticked off they got bounced and that is Kane and Toews. I would bet money on both.

Both will continue to get better, and Kane's progression is still sky rocketing. Scary to think how good he can still get. His desire to be THE greatest is Jordanesq. many guys would have been satisfied as is, and that's something that can't be taught or wished. That's why you keep those guys and build around them....

I agree on the legal stuff, just briefly touched on it. And lets be clear if the technology in the world that existed today, twitter, smart phones, etc existed 20 years ago......Michael Jordan would have made Patrick Kane look like a saint.
- SteveRain

Kane's next step to being much better didn't start this past season....His game made a significant jump in the lockout year and has progressed since.

You, me, lots of fans and numerous GMs will be seeing this. The only problem here is the "high-priced #1 goalie" market could be very crowded as far as sellers this summer. Seems like at least 1-2 teams have decided to go younger/cheaper in net.

I WILL say this. IF there is a team/GM that really loves Crawford as the guy who gets them to the next level in the playoffs, it could be interesting. Because there is clearly a financial argument for losing the contract with this team's cap and contract situation . . .
- John Jaeckel

To start Fleury will likely be in the pool of available high priced goalies...

Agreed...100% and lets look at this realistically.

There is a crowd of people who hate Kane because.....whatever reason. Without getting into legal jargon, and I know there are some guys/gals on here who may/are in that profession, I would contend something in the "grey area" happened last summer. Whatever it was wasn't strong enough to hold up in a major public trial for a DA trying to move up the ladder.

Is Kane a nice guy? I dont' know and honestly I don't care. I don't have to like Kane the person. (I met Chris Chelios and he was an JERK to me when I was younger so he can get bent.) Nor does anyone else, but to dump him because of this or that, no.....not when he's a generational talent. And yes, it's bs that that mind set doesnt' follow suit because if that incident happens to a lesser tiered player, that guy is probably gone by now.

McDonough's one concern is making money. Lets not kid ourselves. Sure he would love to win but if they win and dont' make money, it does them no good. So Kane brings in advertisers, merchandise sales, brand awareness, brand loyalty, exposure, and so on...he's arguably the best American born player...ever. Kane is a cash cow, like Toews, that McDonough and Wirtz will squeeze dry.

Going back to the legal thing...when this whole thing went down last summer, I was the guy begging for justice, for her if she's right, for him if it didn't happen. I also have NOT seen a civil case FILED OR a settlement reached, compared to Big Ben and his infamous bathroom party in a bar where he DID settle. So again, the more you look at it, the more you see Kane may very well be innocent. And like many who quickly defended him, the legal process has played out and he was never charged.

However, to your point this wasn't an isolated thing for Kane. Madison, the limo, and many other issues that never came to light. So while crusaders like idiot Bernstein can rile up "hockey fanboys" as he calls them, Kane will not be moved.

I also bet $$$ he gets married within 12 months. That helps patches his image, and rebuild his image as well.

Gretzky got traded but I dont' see a package where you ACTUALLY save that much cap space that makes this remotely possible. Kane is also a PROVEN playoff player with enormous clutch and big game moments so many NHL stars dont' have that and that's why the Hawks core is so damn good...none of these back down or choke when the lights shine brightest.
- SteveRain

For those who always bring up that any player can be traded because Gretzky got traded-Gretzky was traded becasue he wanted to be traded.

To start Fleury will likely be in the pool of available high priced goalies...
- Al

What #1s will be available that are actually better than Crawford though? I haven't really been following what goalies are on the market. My inclination is that Crawford is probably head and shoulders above all of them. Certainly he would have the best resume.