Said that earlier in the thread. The genous of dumping Bickell at full cost is to try and resign Ladd. Shaw isnt going to get a huge raise , probably 1 year longer term than he should get because of his style of play
- mrpaulish

I have kind of felt all along that it is term Shaw wants more than AAV, and he won't give up a chance to stay and win. I think he takes one for the team to stay.

Are you thinking they want Ladd over Shaw if they could pull it off?
- z1990z

I'm not.........

Done .... And DONE!

So the next order of biz in salary reduction is to do .... What? Trade Crow for max cap savings? Can't be viewed in a vacuum. Would you trade him for a top 10, plus a prospect? Tough decision.

The sell high mantra can be huge here. How many other teams have a two-time cup winner, cultivated for years in their system and five solid NHL seasons?
- blackhawk24

I seriously doubt they can get a top 10 pick and a prospect for Crow.

@theScoreNHL

Shaw's agent intends to talk contract with Blackhawks at draft thesco.re/23dY8mL
- DarthKane

They shouldn't wait that long.

Ladd is a UFA. A shame to lose him but then - it isn't the same as losing your top 2 playoff performers.

How do you feel about Brouwer and Backes?
- tredbrta

The future is bright in St. Louis. I think they'll re-sign at least one of the two.

Funny, I asked a simple question and you immediate started throwing insults. No wonder...

My point in asking was that I think Shaw is a cheaper option than Ladd and will take less term while providing as good of a game. Ladd is on the wrong side of 30 and his scoring has consistently declined.

Good morning DK.

Certainly his work is not done. Once the Cap # comes in a) sign Shaw b) see where they're at with Panarin to try to re-sign him c) fill out the fwd roster and maybe pick up a cheap vet on D, think Rozy 2013 v2.0.

Didn't yesterday's deal essentially alleviate a ton of the pressure on Stan and dispense with the necessity of simply getting rid of players to be Cap compliant for this season?

Unless I'm missing something what is the comparable to the Leddy/Sharp deals or situations and who does Stan need to trade by the draft?
- HawkintheD

I believe that is exactly what happened yesterday. I really wish the move had been made last year around the same time. Maybe Bickell's injury tied Stan's hands? Hard to know but he needed the pressure relief far more last year.

I hope this signals a shift in direction but we need to see a few more moves to determine a new trend. What I do know is last year's procrastination on Bickell and Sharp for whatever reason caused a cascade of moves that now require serious catch up to repair.

Listening to Jimmy Rutherford right now , say's one thing he really learned was bringing up 1 young guy at a time is not the way to do it .Injuries allowed him to bring up 5 young guy's at one time ,and they really fed off each other on the ice and off . And they are trying to get away from partying and get down to business. Players are out at the us open with the cup ..

Losing Muller and Shaw - both player relations specialists for Hitch - and replacing them with Mikey "the Tantrum" Yeo? Brouwer and Backes are probably taking less of a "discount" now..

I love it when low class organizations like the Nucks and Blues blow it without actually winning anything. Makes the memories of Wirtz and Pulford less nauseating.

BTW, question for the Blues browsers... The organist playing "Chelsea Dagger" during the handshake line after game 7.... Reaves blowing kisses to the Dallas bench.... Actions of a Stanley Cup organization?

Answer: NO. Obviously.
- tredbrta

Your feelings get hurt over the dumbest things. Sorry that simple gamesmanship bothers you so.

I will say that I thought that it was stupid for Blues fans to chant "Crawford" before they ever scored a goal.

I seriously doubt they can get a top 10 pick and a prospect for Crow.
- pjm901

The goaltending market is not that hot. Teams just aren't going to give up a lot to get a goaltender these days.

Barring a jump in the cap for 2017-18, I find retaining Panarin at this juncture to be a financial impossibility. But he could bring a boatload of return in a trade next summer.

May we live in interesting times.
- Return of the Roar

Agreed. I really think a Crawford deal is tied to Panarin's contract next year...not really so much helping this year. You can still sign one of Shaw/Ladd....but not both if you want to retain Panarin after this year. Dealing Crawford now gets you one of Shaw/Leddy and maybe a one year deal for a 4th defenseman for this year. But if the cap stays flat you will need Crawford's money to go to Panarin. Panarin is much younger and I think most of us agree we would want him long term compared to Crawford. That all said, I love Crawford and would hate to see him leave. But the cap makes these decisions for us.

So with Bickell off the books, is it time to have the "Hossa is now the most overpaid Hawk" conversation?

I know he's still a great 2 way player and that can't be overstated, but is he really a top 6 offensive threat anymore? He's paid like one. He can still keep up with other top 6 talent, but at this point is he a bit miscast there? Would he have more impact anchoring the best 3rd line in the league?

The recapture penalties make him untradeable, which makes the discussion a moot point, but I just thought I'd pose the question...

Is #81 now the most overpaid player on the team?

So with Bickell off the books, is it time to have the "Hossa is now the most overpaid Hawk" conversation?

I know he's still a great 2 way player and that can't be overstated, but is he really a top 6 offensive threat anymore? He's paid like one. He can still keep up with other top 6 talent, but at this point is he a bit miscast there? Would he have more impact anchoring the best 3rd line in the league?

The recapture penalties make him untradeable, which makes the discussion a moot point, but I just thought I'd pose the question...

Is #81 now the most overpaid player on the team?
- Ogilthorpe2

Yes, but like you said there's no point in discussion the situatiuon.

Agreed. I really think a Crawford deal is tied to Panarin's contract next year...not really so much helping this year. You can still sign one of Shaw/Ladd....but not both if you want to retain Panarin after this year. Dealing Crawford now gets you one of Shaw/Leddy and maybe a one year deal for a 4th defenseman for this year. But if the cap stays flat you will need Crawford's money to go to Panarin. Panarin is much younger and I think most of us agree we would want him long term compared to Crawford. That all said, I love Crawford and would hate to see him leave. But the cap makes these decisions for us.
- onehundredlevel

Still lots of variables, and options, none of which can be or need to be acted on now.

Example - expansion draft. What if AA is left unprotected? That's $4.5MM right there.

It is not Panarin vs any one player - it is Panarin versus the cap.

One encouraging note about Shaw—same agent as Kane and Toews who is really cushy w the Hawks.

Re-upping Ladd, adding Kempny (assuming he is as advertised), retaining Shaw AND being positioned to extend Panarin (without any other subtractions), would be a master stroke. Right now, I don't see how they do it, even with Bickell's $4M back.
- John Jaeckel

Of course you don't see how they do it. Many of us can't. It's cuz the 'Hawks can't. Unless the cap jumps to $80M next year with pixie dust!

And I really do not want to part with CC, however....

So as a GM on this board, how do you move CC? And what are your follow up moves? Of course with serious consideration to 17-18 as well as 16-17......

- Who is your "slight downgrade" to replace CC? There is not one guy that I see as available out there for $4MM or less that is not a HUGE downgrade.

- How much net cap space do you really create by moving him and signing the "slight downgrade"?

- Can only protect one goalie during expansion. Who stays - Darling or "slight downgrade"? Darling will be a UFA, and if he is the only one left standing, he will demand #1 dollars and have all of the leverage. None of the Rockford goalies have any proven resume, so you are back to free agency to find another #2, resulting in....no net cap savings.

Use DAL as the template for what not to do. They bolstered their forward and D corps, AND had $10MM worth of goal tending in Lehtonen and Niemi (two guys who might be available "slight downgrade" material for not much savings), and crapped the bed in the playoffs.

Stan is almost done. Just waiting for the cap number, which will determine the number to Shaw (who will stay for what ever that number is I am confident in), and the balance goes to fill the two remaining forward spots.

One thing is for sure though - probably not going to see any big name 1LWs added. The crop out there is terrible, and the one or two who aren't are going to be too expensive.

Worry about this year this year, and next year next year. Never more true than now with the cap being stagnant.
- Return of the Roar

Maybe Reimer if he will take 4 mil or less.

Let me be crystal clear: I'm not saying that. In fact, I'd say it's 55-45 or 60-40 he's staying.

All that said, the cap situation is more serious to the Hawks right now than a lot of fans are willing to accept. And even the $1 million to $2 million at issue in where the cap settles, apparently, is going to guide some of their decision-making.

They're thinking two years out because they have to. I don't think they want to deal Crawford—at all.

I think however, as with anything, it's a cost-value trade-off. Is Corey Crawford worth $6 million a year in terms of the market for NHL goalies? Absolutely. Just as a high-end Mercedes Benz is with $80,000. The issue is, can an individual (team) afford that Mercedes, along with a high-end Lexus, a Lamborghini, a Range Rover, etc?

The other issue therefore is why is everyone dancing in the streets over devoting a greater proportion of the cap to an admittedly good player like Shaw—who is probably topped out in terms of upside and has a bad back?

Again, you can't ignore the key parts of the picture: how do you retain key players (Shaw and Panarin primarily), ADD the players you were missing last year (a top 6 LW, ASSUMING Kempny is that Oduya 2.0 the team missed last year), and maintain some control and cap continuity going forward.

Maybe the cap rises enough that ALL those things become achievable, including possibly the signing of a Jimmy Vesey.

Maybe not, then you have to look at another cost-value tradeoff, if someone gives me a 1st rounder or a serviceable, lesser paid goalie in return for Crawford, what other opportunities does that chunk of cap space create.

The other thing is, I wouldn't rush to plug Vesey, much less Tyler Motte in at 1LW. Maybe Vesey could be an answer there this year. Motte likely needs a year in the Rock.

Sorry guys, there are no easy answers here—unless the cap goes up a bit and they can entice Vesey.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, IMO your scenario is unrealistic in asking how can the Hawks keep every core player, keep Shaw and Panarin AND add what is a PROVEN 1LW? They simply can't, the math says so.

I'd ask did PITT know Rust and Sheary could skate top 6 with Crosby and Malkin BEFORE the season started? As you, and all Hawk fans should, know there will be holes that there are little to no answers for. Whether you fill them, cheaply, or not determines whether or not you win or challenge for a cup.

IMO we will not have answers to many questions at puck drop of both camp and the regular season, same as PITT didn't..............The hope is they addressed #4 D with Kempny, and if so that is a major stroke.

NHL Radio Interview-Bickell-TT and the Blackhawks model...
http://chirb.it/9pBmt2
@AlCimaglia
- Al

Nice job, Al. I wonder if they were crapping their pants at the Network when you called out the league on its BS "parity" policies ....

Well said.

That's why everyone pining for Campbell makes zero sense to me. Bowman SR flat out called BC out during the Vancouver series in game 1 by screaming at Tallon in the box. That's why Campbell. Leddy, and Daley aren't here anymore......it's not hard to read between the lines.

Out of all the trades, waivingss the past 12 months, the Sharp one still is a bit perplexing. Completely get keeping Sharp to win the cup in 2015. No qualms there, but if the persistent rumors of him being shopped/listened on starting in 2014 per Krypreos and others are factual, just odd that's what Bowman came away with....seeing that sharp takes up residency on the east coast during the offseason you would think a team out there would have pushed for him.
- SteveRain

I like Campbell. Just can't see the ROI for the salary he probably expects. I thought Schlemko was a better fit than Runsbad last off season and feel the same this year. The fact Stan was not decisive on Bickell or Sharp but - for some insane reason - was decisive on Rundblad gave him little flex for PTOs like Fleishmann or options like Schlemko. Stan should end the Runsbad project now. Move him for a pick (any pick) at the draft and sign Schlemko or a similar vet. If they can't find a team to take him send that POS back to Switzerland. Really, really surprised that - after his refusal to play in the AHL - he was brought back and played in the POs.

So with Bickell off the books, is it time to have the "Hossa is now the most overpaid Hawk" conversation?

I know he's still a great 2 way player and that can't be overstated, but is he really a top 6 offensive threat anymore? He's paid like one. He can still keep up with other top 6 talent, but at this point is he a bit miscast there? Would he have more impact anchoring the best 3rd line in the league?

The recapture penalties make him untradeable, which makes the discussion a moot point, but I just thought I'd pose the question...

Is #81 now the most overpaid player on the team?
- Ogilthorpe2

Nope, but I'm looking through rose-colored glasses, as Hoss, some years ago overtook Tony 0 as my all-time favorite Hawk. Plus, I think he is being paid under $5 million this coming year.

Your feelings get hurt over the dumbest things. Sorry that simple gamesmanship bothers you so.

I will say that I thought that it was stupid for Blues fans to chant "Crawford" before they ever scored a goal.
- eggsegan

Now that was stupid. After goal? Have fun. CC doesn't care.

On Reaves, would love to see him and Roussel go a couple times.

And since StL liked to play Chelsea Dagger, they can HAVE it. That song is so (frank)ing old here. Been sick of it since 2011. I know it was a joke, but can Scott Trade Centre PLEASE just take it?

So with Bickell off the books, is it time to have the "Hossa is now the most overpaid Hawk" conversation?

I know he's still a great 2 way player and that can't be overstated, but is he really a top 6 offensive threat anymore? He's paid like one. He can still keep up with other top 6 talent, but at this point is he a bit miscast there? Would he have more impact anchoring the best 3rd line in the league?

The recapture penalties make him untradeable, which makes the discussion a moot point, but I just thought I'd pose the question...

Is #81 now the most overpaid player on the team?
- Ogilthorpe2

No because Hossa is still better then 75% of your forwards and some of your Defense. I only rate Toews, Panarin and Kane ahead of him. Hossa brings so much to the team that it can't be overstated. His cap is 5.25 mil which really isn't as bad as it sounds because of what he does on the ice. Last season wasn't his best but that's because he wasn't playing on a complete line.

If anyone is overpaid it's Crawford. Darling is ready to take over the job and we can get maybe a high 1st this year, then we should do it. Both for the pick and the cap savings.

They shouldn't wait that long.
- tredbrta

Most likely waiting for a cap #. Be interesting to see what he wants. Hopefully 2.5-2.75 only.

I may have already been mentioned here, but I think Bowman did well to sign Panik to even less than he was already making. Shaving 100k off here and there helps.
- breadbag

They gave Panik a one year deal to prove himself. He would have remained in the minors if they hadn't made a move for him. He is probably thankful to have NHL money - even at 100k less. If he plays really well they have another RFA to make a decision on next summer. Is that really a shrewd play? They are willing to bet 2 years on Rundblad - after the run of absolute poop we saw from him in 15 - but not Panik after seeing him get MVP in game 6 of round 1? Did we ever see Rundblad stand out like that EVER?

From a cost control perspective they should have pushed for an even lower deal at 2 years. It may have something to do with RFA vs UFA status. 2 years may have put him at UFA and he is RFA next year.

As of last night, they were hoping to possibly sign one. Guy named Ladd.
- John Jaeckel

If Ladd and Shaw are both signed they are back to needing to shed cap. Did you mean Ladd or Shaw? I thought the rumors were the Bickell savings was going towards Shaw.

From a cost control perspective they should have pushed for an even lower deal at 2 years. It may have something to do with RFA vs UFA status. 2 years may have put him at UFA and he is RFA next year.
- tredbrta

That would be my guess. It was probably either a one-year, "prove it" deal or a 4-5 year gamble.