With respect to Bickell, were there signs that the quality of his play would fall-off so dramatically? Did his extension look bad at the time, or it looks bad only in retrospect?
- etchtech

He just never showed it in the regular season. And the Hawks had no other power forwards like him in the system. But even more so...yes, he was overpaid at $4M AAV, and yes, it hurts on the Blackhawks because of their success and world class players, but there are plenty of other, even more grossly overpaid players out there. Phaneuf comes to mind. Clarkson is another. Plenty more out there. So, on THIS TEAM, Bickell is hamstringing the cap, but in the grand scheme, he's not THAT overpaid.

With respect to Bickell, were there signs that the quality of his play would fall-off so dramatically? Did his extension look bad at the time, or it looks bad only in retrospect?
- etchtech

His extension was a terrible tactical decision, because of the cap constraints even at that time and the knowledge that 19 and 88 and 7 would be looking at new deals. The biggest factor was Bickell himself, a notorious loafer, floater and all around inconsistent player going back to Juniors. Yes he had a nice playoff run in his "contract year", but if there was ever a time to protect the integrity of the cap it was cutting bait on that particular player and using a fraction of his salary to go add a banger (or better yet a decent damn center, which probably cost the Hawks the 2014 Cup) for the 2014 season.

Hindsight is 20/20 and there are moves that demand one consider it a "hindsight move", but the signs were all there on Bickell and the front office decided to step into the trap anyway. Still trying to figure out what makes Stan Bowman a "cap genius".

His extension was a terrible tactical decision, because of the cap constraints even at that time and the knowledge that 19 and 88 and 7 would be looking at new deals. The biggest factor was Bickell himself, a notorious loafer, floater and all around inconsistent player going back to Juniors. Yes he had a nice playoff run in his "contract year", but if there was ever a time to protect the integrity of the cap it was cutting bait on that particular player and using a fraction of his salary to go add a banger (or better yet a decent damn center, which probably cost the Hawks the 2014 Cup) for the 2014 season.

Hindsight is 20/20 and there are moves that demand one consider it a "hindsight move", but the signs were all there on Bickell and the front office decided to step into the trap anyway.
- kwolf68

I agree the best move at that time was probably to let him walk and use the $'s saved to find someone else, but as you say hindsight is 20/20. The Hawks had no one else in the system to play that role, and there were not a whole bunch of effective power forwards out there who could be had for similar $'s to what they gave him. This board probably would have lit up if the Hawks had let him walk. It was in some ways a no win situation. Mgmt hoped that the spark and dominance he showed in the playoffs would continue, that maybe it was his AHA moment, and he would be the player they thought he would be moving forward. Injuries and drive, or lack thereof made that an issue.

He just never showed it in the regular season. And the Hawks had no other power forwards like him in the system. But even more so...yes, he was overpaid at $4M AAV, and yes, it hurts on the Blackhawks because of their success and world class players, but there are plenty of other, even more grossly overpaid players out there. Phaneuf comes to mind. Clarkson is another. Plenty more out there. So, on THIS TEAM, Bickell is hamstringing the cap, but in the grand scheme, he's not THAT overpaid.
- CanOCorn

Dustin Brown is worse. More AAV, longer term, and the guy was your captain and now has some off-ice issues? No gooda

Don't forget, the Hawks just signed Lundberg. I believe they are the same age. And also a 4th liner. So, it's a swap. Maybe they didn't like Ras' game or he wanted more money?
- CanOCorn

Lundberg's cap hit is $692,500, if Rasmussen wanted much more I can see that being a factor. But Rasmussen made around the league minimum last year so I don't see him being greedy at this point (but you never know).

First reported where? LOL, maybe I should be called Rodney.
- John Jaeckel

Hey Rodney I mean John, you're still the best. Not a fan of Zawaski by any means...Was catching up on the blog and just happened to have the radio on...hope the new bride and you are getting on well.

And Marlowe thanks for the link for the article out of new York - no question Bettman is killing this game.

As far as TT - I still would have loved to see him moved for Drouin...

but if it allows you to hang onto Shaw and get soupy back...well you feel a lot better about your defense having added both Kempny and Soupy.

Hated the Bickell deal then and hate it now...any chance they take Runny if we throw in an extra prospect?

Stan is going to have to find a couple more diamonds in the rough to fill out the offense. Speed is a need. Take a look at the Pens.

Moose wasn't bad, but not really any kind of a difference maker. Really just a 4th liner, maybe 3rd in a pinch. Hawks have enough other options with Motte, Schmaltz, Kero, McNeil, etc. who they need to give a shot. Moose a big body who didn't necessarily play big, nor light the world on fire. Neither one of them lent much in the way of offense to the equation, 10 points in 45-50 games.

With 3rd and 4th liners on a cost controlled team you are looking for someone to step in and show something. Some kind of flash. Shaw did it when he first came up, kids like Sheary and Rust are doing it for the Pens. At some point, especially in the playoffs, you need those 3rd and 4th liners to do a little more than just play responsibly in the defensive end.
- TheTrob

Freddy Kruger makes Rasmussen look like Gretzky. Rasmussen as a pure rookie skated 9 minutes a game in 44 games last year and put up 4 goals 9 assists and was a PLUS 9. Kruger last year skated 41 games, 13:30 TOI, 0 goals, 4 assists and a MINUS 5. Year before Kruger skated in 81 games 7 goals, 10 assists and was a MINUS 5.

I know Kruger does all the little things plus the team laundry and sweeps up the popcorn after games but if we're talking points or plus minus Rasmussen is a core player compared to Kruger and his 3 mil per.

Hawks should trade Shaw's rights: http://thehockeywriters.c...rade-andrew-shaws-rights/

With respect to Bickell, were there signs that the quality of his play would fall-off so dramatically? Did his extension look bad at the time, or it looks bad only in retrospect?
- etchtech

well all the infallible gm wannabees will tell you they "KNEW" 29 was a bust out signing...

1. I might be wrong but I suspect they traded brouwer in 2012 with the expectation that bicks was their power forward going forward.

2. 29's two previous deals were all below $750k per

3. He had a decent 2010-11 year

4. 2012-13 in 48 games he had 24 points and then the big playoff run.

5. During the year they talked of extending him and may have been able to sign for 2.5 - 3 mil.

6. But they didn't..bicks won his gamble and the hawks paid up. The hawks made the conclusion he had arrived and had broken out to the next level.

Remember he ripped his knee up pretty well during that 2013 cup run and I don't think he ever recovered from that. He never was a great skater. His knee troubles and other assorted injuries too its toll.

2012-13 was not a break out year but the top and everything went south after that.

Lundberg's cap hit is $692,500, if Rasmussen wanted much more I can see that being a factor. But Rasmussen made around the league minimum last year so I don't see him being greedy at this point (but you never know).
- DarthKane

When I followed the UHL (unaffiliated AA pro) I checked with Elite Prospects transfer page a few times a day in the offseason. I found them reliable even the rumor transfers... Thanks for posting.

I liked Rasmussen the first time I saw him in a preseason game. You gotta like centerman, players with some size that skate well, show IQ, unafraid of greasy areas and he fit the bill plus I think I read he can play wing too.

No it's not like losing a top 6 guy but this kid checked a lot of boxes for this arm chair GM on a team hemmoraging players. They need 7 guys fighting for each position and to hit on 1 or two. Rasmussen would have been a favorite of one of those 7 fighting for a spot.

well all the infallible gm wannabees will tell you they "KNEW" 29 was a bust out signing...

1. I might be wrong but I suspect they traded brouwer in 2012 with the expectation that bicks was their power forward going forward.

2. 29's two previous deals were all below $750k per

3. He had a decent 2010-11 year

4. 2012-13 in 48 games he had 24 points and then the big playoff run.

5. During the year they talked of extending him and may have been able to sign for 2.5 - 3 mil.

6. But they didn't..bicks won his gamble and the hawks paid up. The hawks made the conclusion he had arrived and had broken out to the next level.

Remember he ripped his knee up pretty well during that 2013 cup run and I don't think he ever recovered from that. He never was a great skater. His knee troubles and other assorted injuries too its toll.

2012-13 was not a break out year but the top and everything went south after that.
- bogiedoc

GM's have and will miss on power forwards like Bickell as long as the sport is played. Guys that big, skate that well, hit like a train, a world class release of a heavy, heavy shot with buttery hands are what every GM covets.

He looked the part and fizzled but would agree the concern with this guy has always been consistency.

His extension was a terrible tactical decision, because of the cap constraints even at that time and the knowledge that 19 and 88 and 7 would be looking at new deals. The biggest factor was Bickell himself, a notorious loafer, floater and all around inconsistent player going back to Juniors. Yes he had a nice playoff run in his "contract year", but if there was ever a time to protect the integrity of the cap it was cutting bait on that particular player and using a fraction of his salary to go add a banger (or better yet a decent damn center, which probably cost the Hawks the 2014 Cup) for the 2014 season.

Hindsight is 20/20 and there are moves that demand one consider it a "hindsight move", but the signs were all there on Bickell and the front office decided to step into the trap anyway.
- kwolf68

Still trying to figure out what makes Stan Bowman a "cap genius"

.

Me too.

This would be better...

@MurphysLaw74

Spoke to two NHL executives today that believe the Carolina Hurricanes could be relocated to Las Vegas & expansion put on hold for now.

This would be better...

@MurphysLaw74

Spoke to two NHL executives today that believe the Carolina Hurricanes could be relocated to Las Vegas & expansion put on hold for now.
- DarthKane

Seems like a much better business decision. Then, move AZ to Montreal.

Seems like a much better business decision. Then, move AZ to Montreal.
- pdx2ord

This move would also even out the conference with 15 teams a piece.

I agree with almost everything you say except I think the Pens high-end skilled guys have adapted and their Coach/GM realized the need for speed and went out and got it. I think this Finals has actually been pretty exciting in terms of game play. The Pens are still playing a very high paced game despite what Bettman has allowed to occur (or wanted to occur) regarding gameplay and officiating. The players that get marginalized are the smaller skilled guys who don't have top end speed. That is why I think the Hawks need to get bigger and faster in their top 9.

That being said. Bettman is an idiot. The definition of insanity is Bettman picture. Make the product better, post-lockout, and then slowly let it decline to the point it marginalizes skilled players. Expand when you should contract and implement a policy where the number one goal is not putting the best product on the ice but rather parity at all costs.
- bhawks2241

I don't understand how he doesn't realize that putting the best product on the ice is what brings in big money. Someone earlier mentioned dynasties and rivalries, and how the Finals (and the lack of viewers) right now show what happens when those things don't exist. And lots of posters have pointed out that allowing all the interference/clutching/grabbing has neutralized a lot of the skill players and thus taken a lot of skill out of the game. Also, I would guess that fewer skilled players = less jersey/sweater sales.

So now you have a league that is headed to having no dynasties and rivalries, skilled players unable to showcase their talent, and an on-ice product that is targeted at the lowest common denominator in the hopes of "growing the game." Except it is resulting in all but the die-hard fans starting to lose interest (in their team and/or the way the game is being played), and it doesn't appear that they are attracting a ton of new fans to offset those losses.

Using the Kings as an example because I know quite a few season ticket holders, and most of them aren't planning to buy them this year for the first time in a long time, and they are doing so because the Kings haven't been very good and they don't think that's going to change without changes to the salary cup structure. So, parity has brought the Kings back down to the pack, and as a result they (and the league) are losing fans/money. Has the Coyotes fan base grown enough and started spending enough money to make up for that loss? When Hawks bandwagoners stop spending money because the team is no longer number 1, are the small market teams going to bring in enough revenue to even that out?

Perhaps I'm wrong and a parity-driven league where all 30 teams are roughly equal (due to the cap AND officiating) will be the thing to finally land the league a better TV deal or whatever, and will be a big financial win in the end. But right now I'm not seeing how the cap-destruction of big market teams is gonna bring in more revenue.

TL;DR: parity for the sake of parity alone is/will be losing this league a poop ton of money and I don't understand how Bettman et al don't realize that

Well, in keeping with the theme of Scotty Bowman's influence, Kruger was strongly suggested to the Hawks at the 2009 draft by Scotty Bowman—who'd seen the grades Detroit had on him, when Detroit's scouting in Sweden was head and shoulders above everyone.

Kruger's first full season, they played him at 2C a lot with Hossa on his right flank.

My belief always has been (and remains) that Kruger has some underrated setup skill. I believe the Hawks feel the same. But make no mistake. His primary role is always going to be that of a defensive, shutdown center and PK guy.
- John Jaeckel

His assist on Kane's goal in the CBJ game at the end of the season was quite pretty. And made me remember he used to do that more.

I don't understand how he doesn't realize that putting the best product on the ice is what brings in big money. Someone earlier mentioned dynasties and rivalries, and how the Finals (and the lack of viewers) right now show what happens when those things don't exist. And lots of posters have pointed out that allowing all the interference/clutching/grabbing has neutralized a lot of the skill players and thus taken a lot of skill out of the game. Also, I would guess that fewer skilled players = less jersey/sweater sales.

So now you have a league that is headed to having no dynasties and rivalries, skilled players unable to showcase their talent, and an on-ice product that is targeted at the lowest common denominator in the hopes of "growing the game." Except it is resulting in all but the die-hard fans starting to lose interest (in their team and/or the way the game is being played), and it doesn't appear that they are attracting a ton of new fans to offset those losses.

Using the Kings as an example because I know quite a few season ticket holders, and most of them aren't planning to buy them this year for the first time in a long time, and they are doing so because the Kings haven't been very good and they don't think that's going to change without changes to the salary cup structure. So, parity has brought the Kings back down to the pack, and as a result they (and the league) are losing fans/money. Has the Coyotes fan base grown enough and started spending enough money to make up for that loss? When Hawks bandwagoners stop spending money because the team is no longer number 1, are the small market teams going to bring in enough revenue to even that out?

Perhaps I'm wrong and a parity-driven league where all 30 teams are roughly equal (due to the cap AND officiating) will be the thing to finally land the league a better TV deal or whatever, and will be a big financial win in the end. But right now I'm not seeing how the cap-destruction of big market teams is gonna bring in more revenue.

TL;DR: parity for the sake of parity alone is/will be losing this league a poop ton of money and I don't understand how Bettman et al don't realize that
- maria_wyeth

Wow.....took me all afternoon to catch up on my reading since the Hawks first round exit. Self-imposed exile so to speak.

Anyway, nice summation Marie on the goof balls running North America's 4th major sport. Bettman and even folks like McD just think if you build a rink, they will come by the droves to play the game as youngsters and poof.....you've got fans!!!! And don't worry about the fact it costs more than even golf for those kids to "play" the game.

Haven't checked the ratings for this year's final but I'm assuming they aren't as high as last year's or even the King's Cup winning years. Oh well, time to cut the grass here in the water-logged burbs of Chicago.

Wow.....took me all afternoon to catch up on my reading since the Hawks first round exit. Self-imposed exile so to speak.

Anyway, nice summation Marie on the goof balls running North America's 4th major sport. Bettman and even folks like McD just think if you build a rink, they will come by the droves to play the game as youngsters and poof.....you've got fans!!!! And don't worry about the fact it costs more than even golf for those kids to "play" the game.

Haven't checked the ratings for this year's final but I'm assuming they aren't as high as last year's or even the King's Cup winning years. Oh well, time to cut the grass here in the water-logged burbs of Chicago.
- ILGolfer

I believe that last years Final was the second most-watched final on record.

these are the average number of viewers for the Final series:
2016: 3.3M
2015: 5.6M
2014: 4.7M
2013: 5.8M
2012: 3M (only Devils/LAK with worse ratings than this year )
2011: 4.6M
2010: 5.2M

some nice points in here:
http://www.forbes.com/sit...y-cup-final/#36b58e5dcf4f

"The problem has been compounded by the fact that both Pittsburgh and San Jose are small market teams. Much like with the MLB playoffs, ratings for the NHL Final tend to live and die depending on the market. The last five previous Final round have featured at least one team (if not both) from the large market cities of Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, or New York, and last year’s Final matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning was a record-breaker, averaging a record viewership of 5.6 million per game throughout."

Depends who is linemates are as to whether Kruger skates 3 or 4C?
- Mr Ricochet

Well, in a way, yeah. But I meant more specifically his "role." He can be fine centering either line, IMO. Flank him with a couple of wingers who can score and defend, it's more of a "third" line . . .

This would be better...

@MurphysLaw74

Spoke to two NHL executives today that believe the Carolina Hurricanes could be relocated to Las Vegas & expansion put on hold for now.
- DarthKane

Wonder if that has anything to do with Karamanos being sued by his sons for a hundred million something.

Would be interesting, and part of me wonders if Toronto would be a possible destination? They have a few too many young defenseman right now and likely need to deal one or two or risk losing on waivers eventually... Probably not ideal value but if we could add another cost-controlled young defenseman (or forward) I would not be opposed to dealing TT + Bickell. The next few weeks leading up to the draft could be very interesting...
- Frenchy4488

I could see that, maybe a Bickell + TT for Percy + prospect/pick.

Carolina is one that would make sense as well. They were rumoured to be interested in Dano earlier as a higher end forward to insert into their lineup. TT could definitely fit in there as well; Bickell + TT for Michal Jordan (to be Kempny's language buddy) and Brock McGinn (Jamie's little brother who's been passed on the depth charts in CAR).

I could see that, maybe a Bickell + TT for Percy + prospect/pick.

Carolina is one that would make sense as well. They were rumoured to be interested in Dano earlier as a higher end forward to insert into their lineup. TT could definitely fit in there as well; Bickell + TT for Michal Jordan (to be Kempny's language buddy) and Brock McGinn (Jamie's little brother who's been passed on the depth charts in CAR).
- TyCamScore

I don't really like that Carolina trade but I have a feeling I won't like any trade involving Bickell.

I'm hoping Stan can take advantage of the situation in Toronto and grab a defenseman like Percy or Loov.

I could see that, maybe a Bickell + TT for Percy + prospect/pick.

Carolina is one that would make sense as well. They were rumoured to be interested in Dano earlier as a higher end forward to insert into their lineup. TT could definitely fit in there as well; Bickell + TT for Michal Jordan (to be Kempny's language buddy) and Brock McGinn (Jamie's little brother who's been passed on the depth charts in CAR).
- TyCamScore

Value aside, I don’t know how that deal gets done.

The leafs may not want to add dead salary until they through adding free agents, at which time the buyout window will be closed; eliminating options for bickell.

Really, with their ownership mess, I don’t see Carolina as a good landing spot either.

With the state of the cap, a buyout by Chicago is looking more likely imo.

I don't really like that Carolina trade but I have a feeling I won't like any trade involving Bickell.

I'm hoping Stan can take advantage of the situation in Toronto and grab a defenseman like Percy or Loov.
- DarthKane

i think the hawks in are in tighter bind than the leafs.

Percy + cowen (for his buyout) for shaw.

No one wants a hotdog from Burger King. NO ONE!

GO HOCKS!