Launch Q?
- 6628

Doesn't do anything to gain cap relief--

Hard to say who ends up going to solve this summer's cap crisis. I just hope Bowman handles that trade better than the last two summer trades to solve the cap problem.
- EKB13

Hey Eli,

if we're talking major shakeup how bout moving out the GM who franked up last summer royally - ran out to resign Runny not get rid of Bicks and blew the Sharp trade. Somewhere in his heart Stan still thinks someone wants Bickell. Good God.

"My sources" also tell me that Stan is targeting Kimmo Timonen, but this time he wants to give up two firsts. After he moves Crawford - more good news Marty Turco is going to be resigned.

Apparently McD however wants Soriano instead of Turco and is willing to bid against himself to get it done.

The players on NMCs hold all of the cards folks.....

Keith and Hossa have huge recapture penalties that accrue back to the Hawks.

Seabrook is a leader in the room, and is the only guy with any size on the blue line. Losing him will never get equal return.

Hammer is too valuable for his cap hit.

18/88 going nowhere.

CC's deal is too expensive for most teams, and the return will not provide equal performance or enough cap relief.

Every single one of the above guys must consent to any trade. Winners won't play for losers, so imagining any deal sending these guys to Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver is just a pipedream.

AA, Kruger and TT are the only pure trade chips, Shaw's rights are certainly negotiable too, and there is a huge crop of guys under six feet tall and 180 lbs just dying to find a fourth line or third pairing slot for the league minimum in Rockford.

I agree with jb3333 - after investing with money and NMCs in "the core" it makes no sense to suddenly shift gears and say it's the wrong mix of players. Mostly because they can't.

I understand the talent pool is diminished later in the draft-- and I applaud the creativity that Bowman has utilized in acquiring talent from the various other sources to offset the poor draft position-- IMO Panarin is like getting a top 5 draft pick that DOES pan out-- huge win there--

IMO it seems odd that the organization suddenly is unhappy with the way the team is currently constituted as it relates to the CORE-- They have already and very recently invested heavily in that Core structure-- this year with significant contracts to Seabrook, Anisimov and Kruger-- now with Panarin due for a big raise-- To me the Hawks Core is still the best in the NHL even with a couple of aging players--

I realize that this is all conjecture coming from unidentified sources-- I'm certain the the Hawks organization would be unhappy with the early exit this year-- not only disappointing in the under achievement from the players perspective--who play to WIN-- but also from the business perspective that the huge revenue stream that was unrealized from a long run--

The wake up call should have happened last summer when they knew they had to trade a core member in Sharp and also lost Saad-- a future core member--

OR is the big shake up in the organization side which appears to be dysfunctional --
- jb3333

Q perhaps????

yep it is all the GM fault we won 3 Stanley cups . M an there is a thing called the Cap + these are not fantasy teams ,they are real humans that have different needs and situations that we know nothing about . .This fan base is spoiled and sound like a bunch of kids that have been told it time to go to bed .Be happy with what we have gotten, it is for real the best time ever and I mean ever to be a HAWKS fan. I think they will try and sign Shaw ,and I hope they do .Love that guy . And think they will move Bicks ,if not buy him out . Take another kick at the can next year with mostly what they have , then maybe blow it up next summer before the draft. But man give these guy's a little rest and see what they can do next year before throwing everyone under the bus .GO HAWKS !!!!!

The players on NMCs hold all of the cards folks.....

Keith and Hossa have huge recapture penalties that accrue back to the Hawks.

Seabrook is a leader in the room, and is the only guy with any size on the blue line. Losing him will never get equal return.

Hammer is too valuable for his cap hit.

18/88 going nowhere.

CC's deal is too expensive for most teams, and the return will not provide equal performance or enough cap relief.

Every single one of the above guys must consent to any trade. Winners won't play for losers, so imagining any deal sending these guys to Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver is just a pipedream.

AA, Kruger and TT are the only pure trade chips, Shaw's rights are certainly negotiable too, and there is a huge crop of guys under six feet tall and 180 lbs just dying to find a fourth line or third pairing slot for the league minimum in Rockford.

I agree with jb3333 - after investing with money and NMCs in "the core" it makes no sense to suddenly shift gears and say it's the wrong mix of players. Mostly because they can't.
- Return of the Roar

I dont' disagree with where the other "inside" poster is suggesting the Hawks go, but to combat the low draft positions they routinely have been getting, the Hawks have also hit big in European and Collegiate UFA markets. So it explains their quick turn in philopshy when dealing picks for "all in" in season moves. What you can be assured of is the Hawks having multiple picks at their hometown draft.

As far as your list goes...completely agreed.

Hossa is a possibility but recapture is too steep of a risk to reward.

Zero chance on Keith, Kane, or Toews.

Seabrook, people love to rag on, but trading from a lack of depth on defense doesn't make much sense.

Hammer is their best DEFENSIVE defensemen.

AA, Kruger make sense along with Crawford due to salaries, but does trading AA impact their ability to extend Panarin because of language, cultural barriers. Having him allowed them to waive Tikinov early in the season.

To me, it's Kruger or Crawford. baring a can't pass up trade for anyone listed above. This isn't a core that has struggled to win and needs to be detonated. More like a fine tune.

But the flat cap is going to hurt like hell and as much as I love SHaw, I've seen the social media pleas before with Marty and he got passed up.

Hometown discounts are nice, but Shaw also helps other tiered players set prices for the PA and other comparables in regards to salary. See how it plays out.....but so far it's not a good start for the hawks.

Q perhaps????
- z1990z

as far as I know the players seem to like him. He hasn't lost the room and really hasbn't underperformed in regards to performance.

You could easily make that case for Bowman as the Hawks are routinely up against the cap and having to trade multiple players to make it work. Price you pay for success but you also could say Bowman hasn't learned how to balance success on the ice vs money paid out. His hand out of NMCs also has limited his trading options so he hasn't or doesn't hold much leverage with other GMs.

yep it is all the GM fault we won 3 Stanley cups . M an there is a thing called the Cap + these are not fantasy teams ,they are real humans that have different needs and situations that we know nothing about . .This fan base is spoiled and sound like a bunch of kids that have been told it time to go to bed .Be happy with what we have gotten, it is for real the best time ever and I mean ever to be a HAWKS fan. I think they will try and sign Shaw ,and I hope they do .Love that guy . And think they will move Bicks ,if not buy him out . Take another kick at the can next year with mostly what they have , then maybe blow it up next summer before the draft. But man give these guy's a little rest and see what they can do next year before throwing everyone under the bus .GO HAWKS !!!!!
- oldduffman

I agree with everything you said. They buyout Bickell and have about $7MM to fill four forward spots. Panik will come in cheap as one of them, and that leaves about $6MM to sign three more guys - maybe one is Shaw for half of that, and that leaves $3MM for two more bottom sixers. Maybe this Lundberg kid fills a hole on the bottom six, meaning you only have one spot to fill.

Kempny wont be Oduya, but he is an upgrade to anything we have in Rockford, which means there is already a net upgrade to the D.

There is enough money and talent there to make another run with a summer of rest and conditioning, a preseason of coaching, and a regular season of continuity.

Hey Eli,

if we're talking major shakeup how bout moving out the GM who franked up last summer royally - ran out to resign Runny not get rid of Bicks and blew the Sharp trade. Somewhere in his heart Stan still thinks someone wants Bickell. Good God.

"My sources" also tell me that Stan is targeting Kimmo Timonen, but this time he wants to give up two firsts. After he moves Crawford - more good news Marty Turco is going to be resigned.

Apparently McD however wants Soriano instead of Turco and is willing to bid against himself to get it done.
- DK002

Hey DK...

I wasn't trying to go out and pin all the blame on Bowman. Certainly, he's a part of the problem right along with Q and McD.

yep it is all the GM fault we won 3 Stanley cups . M an there is a thing called the Cap + these are not fantasy teams ,they are real humans that have different needs and situations that we know nothing about . .This fan base is spoiled and sound like a bunch of kids that have been told it time to go to bed .Be happy with what we have gotten, it is for real the best time ever and I mean ever to be a HAWKS fan. I think they will try and sign Shaw ,and I hope they do .Love that guy . And think they will move Bicks ,if not buy him out . Take another kick at the can next year with mostly what they have , then maybe blow it up next summer before the draft. But man give these guy's a little rest and see what they can do next year before throwing everyone under the bus .GO HAWKS !!!!!
- oldduffman

They wont blow it up per se. This isn't Detroit who's age caught up to the core and needed a whole new rebuild. They may get closer to 2011 then the cup winning years, but as long as the core is healthy, they will continue to push for the now.

Biggest obstacle is how they ink Panarin starting 7/1. That should be fun to watch.

I dont' disagree with where the other "inside" poster is suggesting the Hawks go, but to combat the low draft positions they routinely have been getting, the Hawks have also hit big in European and Collegiate UFA markets. So it explains their quick turn in philopshy when dealing picks for "all in" in season moves. What you can be assured of is the Hawks having multiple picks at their hometown draft.

As far as your list goes...completely agreed.

Hossa is a possibility but recapture is too steep of a risk to reward.

Zero chance on Keith, Kane, or Toews.

Seabrook, people love to rag on, but trading from a lack of depth on defense doesn't make much sense.

Hammer is their best DEFENSIVE defensemen.

AA, Kruger make sense along with Crawford due to salaries, but does trading AA impact their ability to extend Panarin because of language, cultural barriers. Having him allowed them to waive Tikinov early in the season.

To me, it's Kruger or Crawford. baring a can't pass up trade for anyone listed above. This isn't a core that has struggled to win and needs to be detonated. More like a fine tune.

But the flat cap is going to hurt like hell and as much as I love SHaw, I've seen the social media pleas before with Marty and he got passed up.

Hometown discounts are nice, but Shaw also helps other tiered players set prices for the PA and other comparables in regards to salary. See how it plays out.....but so far it's not a good start for the hawks.
- SteveRain

I agree with the parts in bold. Beyond Keith, Kane, and Toews, it's anyone's guess as to who could be moved. As you said, it is wait and see time - see how it all plays out.

dahawks8819 please feel free to correct me if I am wrong as I am doing some lawerly reading between the lines.

Are the Hawks thinking they need a big power forward with speed to replace what they lost in Saad? You mentioned guys like Louis and Hinostroza who are smaller skilled guys and that the bigger wingers are all gone by the time the Hawks pick.

I could imagine a Seabrook and Taylor Hall centered trade. No one blast me about the idea of moving 7. I am fully aware our team needs another top 4 guy.

It would be interesting to know what Q thinks of Seabrooks defensive game at this point in his career. In Q's mind is it 2,4,7? Then you're paying your #3 D 7 mil plus a year. I love 7, losing him would hurt a lot, but just trying to look at it from a different viewpoint. When was the last season 7 was used at a top pairing shut down D?His skating on the defensive end has declined a bit. It was 4-27 the prior three years and this year it was 2-4 for the most part.

We know Q does not really care for physical big hitting D too.

I agree with the parts in bold. Beyond Keith, Kane, and Toews, it's anyone's guess as to who could be moved. As you said, it is wait and see time - see how it all plays out.
- EKB13

If I had to bet money...

1. They buyout BIckell. Nobody is taking this guy.
2. They trade CC or Kruger. Probably CC but you could make a case for either. F wise, you lack top end skill as it is, and 15=72 long term staying here and very well may be why Bowman rushed to extend him once acquired him to assure 72 he had a Russian friend. D wise, you dont' have top end players as is, so trading 2, 4, 7 makes zero sense.
3. make a run at shaw, but I dont' see it working. he's a huge chip for PA to help set next tier deals and he needs to cash in and will be a HOT commodity. he's almost like Jason Williams for a team a step away from a cup. Clutch player who performs in the spotlight.

That's just my guess.....but I would be shocked IF #1 doesn't happen at all.

I could imagine a Seabrook and Taylor Hall centered trade. No one blast me about the idea of moving 7. I am fully aware our team needs another top 4 guy.
- bhawks2241

I don't know if EDM would have an interest in trading Hall.

Beyond that, a trade of Hall for Seabrook provides a small saving off of the cap. However, trading away a bonafide d-man is something the Hawks cannot really afford at this point as the talent pipeline at the pro level is fairly barren at D currently, and without a huge cap saving in a trade, that leaves little to no room to sign a replacement.

The players on NMCs hold all of the cards folks.....

Keith and Hossa have huge recapture penalties that accrue back to the Hawks.

Seabrook is a leader in the room, and is the only guy with any size on the blue line. Losing him will never get equal return.

Hammer is too valuable for his cap hit.

18/88 going nowhere.

CC's deal is too expensive for most teams, and the return will not provide equal performance or enough cap relief.

Every single one of the above guys must consent to any trade. Winners won't play for losers, so imagining any deal sending these guys to Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver is just a pipedream.

AA, Kruger and TT are the only pure trade chips, Shaw's rights are certainly negotiable too, and there is a huge crop of guys under six feet tall and 180 lbs just dying to find a fourth line or third pairing slot for the league minimum in Rockford.

I agree with jb3333 - after investing with money and NMCs in "the core" it makes no sense to suddenly shift gears and say it's the wrong mix of players. Mostly because they can't.
- Return of the Roar

I said a few pages back that I wouldn't doubt any scenario. I just want to know what people think about trading Seabrook? It's not like we will get a TJ Brodie in return unless we overpay. Sure his contract is hefty, but him and Toews seem like the go-to leaders.


I am just looking for another perspective on the matter because maybe I'm biased or not seeing through the glass so to speak.

I said a few pages back that I wouldn't doubt any scenario. I just want to know what people think about trading Seabrook? It's not like we will get a TJ Brodie in return unless we overpay. Sure his contract is hefty, but him and Toews seem like the go-to leaders.


I am just looking for another perspective on the matter because maybe I'm biased or not seeing through the glass so to speak.
- 93Joe

He's too valuable. He's their best point show, a RH defenseman, a leader, a very above average offensive defenseman, and really like 4 had to handle a continual revolvoign door in regards to a partner.

So while the corsi guys or whatever other stat will show X, the eye test tells me Seabrook's demise this year can truly be blamed on taxing minutes as the depth wasn't there to combat losing 2 to suspension and early seasin injury AND playing with a bunch of guys who are fringe NHL players.

I don't see how trading 2, 4, 7 makes any sense.

I just want to know what people think about trading Seabrook?
- 93Joe

If Bowman hadn't gotten his pockets emptied by Jim Nill at the poker table last summer and Johns was still in the system, I'd feel more confident on trading Seabrook.

If Bowman hadn't gotten his pockets emptied by Jim Nill at the poker table last summer and Johns was still in the system, I'd feel more confident on trading Seabrook.
- EKB13

Great point.

The one thing I will add is Seabrook has a lot of miles and seems to take a TON of hits up high and wonder about his health. More so then 2 or 4. Although same could be said about 19 with taking head shots, while 88 seems to avoid them.

I don't know if EDM would have an interest in trading Hall.

Beyond that, a trade of Hall for Seabrook provides a small saving off of the cap. However, trading away a bonafide d-man is something the Hawks cannot really afford at this point as the talent pipeline at the pro level is fairly barren at D currently, and without a huge cap saving in a trade, that leaves little to no room to sign a replacement.
- EKB13

Great point--- not much cap relief-- but Hawks gain a young expensive power forward-- but destroy the defense and hurt the leadership of the team-- with the loss of Seabrook-- NO DEAL

Great point.

The one thing I will add is Seabrook has a lot of miles and seems to take a TON of hits up high and wonder about his health. More so then 2 or 4. Although same could be said about 19 with taking head shots, while 88 seems to avoid them.
- SteveRain

The 2 players I worry about health wise are Shaw and Crawford-- followed closely by Seabrook-- but he is at least in appearance more sturdy--

Seriously wonder what the significance of Crawfords concussion / vertigo symptoms will impact him going forward

If Bowman hadn't gotten his pockets emptied by Jim Nill at the poker table last summer and Johns was still in the system, I'd feel more confident on trading Seabrook.
- EKB13

No disagreement here. I'd be way more open to a trade then.

The 2 players I worry about health wise are Shaw and Crawford-- followed closely by Seabrook-- but he is at least in appearance more sturdy--

Seriously wonder what the significance of Crawfords concussion / vertigo symptoms will impact him going forward
- jb3333

he's had 2 concussions and the league is very aware of it, as we saw in the playoffs when the BLues took a run at him and he lost it. he takes a lot of shots to the head and hawks may be looking to sell high here......

I also just keep thinking to how much Q loves big goalies, and Darling fits that mold

I also just keep thinking to how much Q loves big goalies, and Darling fits that mold
- SteveRain

That seems to be the thing every team wants.

Did Bowman ever sign that 'tender out of Sweden as discussed a few weeks ago? It has been a few busy weeks for me (finals, graduation, and moving) and I haven't kept up with some of the moves, etc.

If Bowman did sign that 'tender, perhaps that may be a sign that Crawford is the odd man out?

I just don't see how the Hawks salary cap issues are solved by moving only one big salary guy.


You cannot look at this offseason in a vacuum and I don't think this organization is. You simply cannot lose Panarin especially after losing Saad. That would cripple this franchise. That caliber of player doesn't fall into a franchise lap 3 times. Hossa is not a dominant, night in night out, offensive player anymore. Losing Panarin would mean this franchise would have one bonafide top 25 scoring wing in your top 6. That's not a cup contender.

I don't think the cap will go up much next offseason either, barring some economic miracle.

Even if you buyout Bickell and move say Crawford. Some salary will come back. You have to assume that. You barely have enough to sign Panarin who will get 5 mil easily, and fill in the rest of the roster with decent depth. You still would need to address the 1LW or 2LW spot (however you look at it) and factor in signing Shaw or losing him which further depletes depth.

To me you have to move 2 big salary players between this offseason and next. This front office will have to make several calculated gambles and hope to catch a bit of lightening in the bottle. We lucked out in '15 with being able to get Vermette under the cap and have Kane come back and be himself. The days of having our roster set and knowing we are a step above the rest of the league are gone. The hard cap system made sure of this.

I am a very optomistic person usually but this is the reality the Hawks face.

Hey Eli,

if we're talking major shakeup how bout moving out the GM who franked up last summer royally - ran out to resign Runny not get rid of Bicks and blew the Sharp trade. Somewhere in his heart Stan still thinks someone wants Bickell. Good God.

"My sources" also tell me that Stan is targeting Kimmo Timonen, but this time he wants to give up two firsts. After he moves Crawford - more good news Marty Turco is going to be resigned.

Apparently McD however wants Soriano instead of Turco and is willing to bid against himself to get it done.
- DK002

DK...you are in a brutal mood today....

no signing or trades until the cap number is known...my guess stanbow has plan 1-5 depending on that number... but honestly he and the hawks roster is screwed 3 cups and the cap plus some poor roster trades and signing have sealed their doom