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

Brissen sure didn't look "cushy" on those $10.5m deals. Maybe he can get them to pay Shaw the difference in his discount... since they were the ones who took all the crab legs at the buffet.

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.



- gifman

A high first isn't happening for a goalie getting paid what Crawford is.

Problem here is that Darling is a UFA after this season and holds all of the cards in negotiation.


My point too and the more the big guy plays and does well, the more coin he will demand.
- Al

They need to get Q to give Darling a SERIOUS look the first half of this season. Something he should have done last year. If Darling plays lights out they sign him at a cost controlled number during the season or trade him at the TDL.

They need to get Q to give Darling a SERIOUS look the first half of this season. Something he should have done last year. If Darling plays lights out they sign him at a cost controlled number during the season or trade him at the TDL.
- tredbrta

Best shot at cost controlling him is controlling his TOI. The better he plays the higher his reup price goes.

And if they are on a run by the TDL, you don't want to lose your known quanitity for an unknown one.

They need to get Q to give Darling a SERIOUS look the first half of this season. Something he should have done last year. If Darling plays lights out they sign him at a cost controlled number during the season or trade him at the TDL.
- tredbrta

Darling isn't going to see extended time unless Crawford is traded or gets hurt.

James Mirtle @mirtle

Sounds like the NHL will release the 2016-17 salary cap figure by middle of next week. Talk is around ~$73-million. Inflator not final yet.

Kopitar Kings new Captain.


Brown bought out ?

Best shot at cost controlling him is controlling his TOI. The better he plays the higher his reup price goes.

And if they are on a run by the TDL, you don't want to lose your known quanitity for an unknown one.
- Return of the Roar

It may make sense to try to re-sign him now for 3-4 years (or more) at $2-3m/year as the "back-up." I find it hard to believe that someone in Darling's position would not consider that. As a UFA, he will have all the cards, but he doesn't have many right now.

At the very least, if Crawford stays, you'll have a good back-up locked up for a few years or a valuable trade chip down the line (if Johansson shows he can be the back-up for less money). Or he proves to be a viable starter at a low contract price for a reasonable duration.

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.
- tredbrta

Remember that video clip of Panik when the interviewer asked him if he liked playing in Chicago?

He was so happy and talked about how the team served the players breakfast and other great food. He probably had been eating stale Pop Tarts and day old Egg McMuffins until then.

Now he has a countryman in Hoss to help him and a team that will give him a chance to play. He may not be the greatest player but at under a million he's worth taking a flyer on.

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 ....
- Hank_Greenberg

I will say this for the station...

Never in 10+ years has anyone told me what not to say.

They need to get Q to give Darling a SERIOUS look the first half of this season. Something he should have done last year. If Darling plays lights out they sign him at a cost controlled number during the season or trade him at the TDL.
- tredbrta

Can't trade Darling at the deadline unless a better backup is in the picture.

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.
- Mr Ricochet

They can't—unless they offload a vet with a large contract. Correct.

Answering a two-part question from earlier in the thread. Did they help themselves cap-wise yesterday and alleviate a ton of pressure? Yes.

Does that effectively take any more salary dumping off the table? No. Not just "my opinion" or a "desire to trade Crow" either.

And unless you happen to know what Shaw's agent is asking for (and believe me, he has some sense of what the market is for his client with other teams), what the cap number is going to be, what teams might be offering in trade, there is NO WAY you can say you know they have closed shop for the summer, and know the least bit what you're saying.

What I've been told, and what common sense (and math) tell me is they are waiting to see what the cap number settles at, what kind of deal they can do with Shaw, maybe what some other free agent (Ladd) might want.

Until then, they are listening to some overtures from other teams—and—to Stanley's credit (go back 12 months to the day), PREPARING for any eventuality as the end of the month approaches.

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

Excellent work, Al. Fine work representing the Hawks.......... Not a Jay Giels aficionado but would have never guessed in a million years that intro music was the same band that did Love Stinks or Angel is a Centerfold.

The Hawks have 79% of their cap tied into NINE players? I didn't realize it was that bad/lopsided. .....And I guess one would have to ask how many are overpaid and how long the cap system as constructed will continue before the sport takes huge leaps backwards. Kill the major markets and you kill the sport.

Excellent work, Al. Fine work representing the Hawks.......... Not a Jay Giels aficionado but would have never guessed in a million years that intro music was the same band that did Love Stinks or Angel is a Centerfold.

The Hawks have 79% of their cap tied into NINE players? I didn't realize it was that bad/lopsided. .....And I guess one would have to ask how many are overpaid and how long the cap system as constructed will continue before the sport takes huge leaps backwards. Kill the major markets and you kill the sport.
- Mr Ricochet

^^^^^^^^^^^^

They can't—unless they offload a vet with a large contract. Correct.

Answering a two-part question from earlier in the thread. Did they help themselves cap-wise yesterday and alleviate a ton of pressure? Yes.

Does that effectively take any more slaty dumping off the table? No. Not just "my opinion" or a "desire to trade Crow" either.

What I've been told, and what common sense (and math) tell me is they are waiting to see what the cap number settles at, what kind of deal they can do with Shaw, maybe what some other free agent (Ladd) might want.

Until then, they are listening to some overtures from other teams—and—to Stanley's credit (go back 12 months to the day), PREPARING for any eventuality as the end of the month approaches.
- John Jaeckel

Indeed, and I'd add REALISTICALLY preparing. Something yesterday's move showed me, that StanBowPops&McD are now in the reality business of cap navigating when dealing with other clubs and their own players.

My biggest takeaway from yesterday was that cuz without an improvement over last years' handling of the offseason/cap "manipulation" nothing else really matters going forward.

Excellent work, Al. Fine work representing the Hawks.......... Not a Jay Giels aficionado but would have never guessed in a million years that intro music was the same band that did Love Stinks or Angel is a Centerfold.

The Hawks have 79% of their cap tied into NINE players? I didn't realize it was that bad/lopsided. .....And I guess one would have to ask how many are overpaid and how long the cap system as constructed will continue before the sport takes huge leaps backwards. Kill the major markets and you kill the sport.
- Mr Ricochet

$56.7 million in 5F-3D-1G

Remember that video clip of Panik when the interviewer asked him if he liked playing in Chicago?

He was so happy and talked about how the team served the players breakfast and other great food. He probably had been eating stale Pop Tarts and day old Egg McMuffins until then.

Now he has a countryman in Hoss to help him and a team that will give him a chance to play. He may not be the greatest player but at under a million he's worth taking a flyer on.
- RickJ

Not jumping on the Panik Love Train—but this is a guy, if his mind is right and the effort is consistent, who can be a nice, physical role playing forward you can spot up and down the line-up. Sort of a Euro version of Shaw, without the full-on White Trash nastiness.

And yes, having the Bobby Orr of Slovakian hockey in town to mentor him ain't a bad arrangement.

So let me be the first to proclaim: #teuvotime is over. It's now #timetopanik

Indeed, and I'd add REALISTICALLY preparing. Something yesterday's move showed me, that StanBowPops&McD are now in the reality business of cap navigating when dealing with other clubs and their own players.

My biggest takeaway from yesterday was that cuz without an improvement over last years' handling of the offseason/cap "manipulation" nothing else really matters going forward.
- Mr Ricochet

Man, how much have things changed when I'm turning in to a Stanley apologist.

My take on last summer: A+ on the Saad deal with CBJ. Did his homework, quietly went out and cultivated multiple bidders. Got the best deal. The Sharp/Johns thing, ultimately, I put on Q and his stubbornness, because of they handle Daley differently, that story perhaps ends quite differently, and better.

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

I vote for 10+mil for Toews for 58pts

People want to talk about his "Selke's" - well, he won those with arguably the best defensive winger (Hossa) at his side and good two-way LW's in Saad/Sharp. How much pressure did he take off Toews in his own zone?

Or that he must have a better LW to produce. Well I would think part of his responsibility in commanding that contract would be to make his linemates better - not relying on higher paid players to inflate his play/numbers.

The major differnece on the Shaw or Ladd debate is Shaw is an RFA and Ladd is an UFA. So if Shaw is looking for 3M a year and Ladd 4M a year...you could conceivably sign Ladd for that amount and plug him in a LW1....and then deal Shaw's rights (think Saad last year) to an Eastern Conference bottom feeder that has cap room and would love to add him to their roster. And I am just spitballing the amounts here, so be kind.

While TT is a high price to pay to dump 1 year of Bickell's dead $4mil in cap space, when comparing the trade to last year's Sharp+Oduya+Johns larceny by Jim Nill, I may have to buy a old Canes Ron Francis jersey. The scenario could not have worked out better for Francis and the Canes as he was playing with basically "free" picks acquired in the E.Staal and Versteeg trades. They have to get to the Cap Floor, and it is likely that E.Staal will be re-signed, anyway. Ron Francis has nothing to lose and potentially a Top 6 player to gain. Savvy move by Francis and a big to StanBo for getting ahead of the cap, even if only a little. I think that $1mil this year and $1.5 next year (compared to a Bickell buyout) will be very valuable for filling out the bottom of the roster.

Some here have said that Tuevo Teravainen did not live up to the expectations of the fan base. While that may be true, it is clear that those who are paid to evaluate talent and direct this team have also lost faith in TT. If Stan thought he was going to reach the high ceiling he was thought to have coming out of the draft, no way does he make this deal. Otherwise, other prospects like Hartman or Schmaltz would have been included in the Cap-Dump trade.

Anyone who has been coming to the blog the last year knows my thoughts on Tuevo. For all his hockey IQ and puck skills, this isn't no check Men's League or the wide open ice of European hockey. To be an effective player, you cannot go 1 for 10 in board battles. You cannot be scared of any physical contact on the ice and you cannot be unwilling to even attempt a battle for 50/50 pucks along the boards. For the rumors of Tuevo's work ethic to be public knowledge, I think that speaks volumes to the type of player he is and wants to become. Another year of the same type of scared play, without a defined position/role in the league, and Tuevo's trade value would have plummeted.

Does it sting a bit to lose a versatile depth player that is under $1mil in salary? It certainly does. Does it sting as much as last year's cap dump that cost the Hawks their 2LW, 4D and #1NHL Ready D-Prospect, heck no! IF somehow StanBo can retain Shaw AND add a Top 6 LW (Ladd or others), then this trade is a big win. Also, someone on twitter mentioned that trading TT might be part of Stan's sales pitch to get Schmaltz to sign and play with the big club this fall. Finally, getting back into the top 60 picks at the draft could be huge down the line, as Stan+Co have a good track record of finding quality NHL talent in Round 2 (Keith+Saad+Crawford). Should be an interesting next few months!

^^^^^^^^^^^^
- John Jaeckel

You know what JJ I think going forward each and every poster needs to start any post with that sentence, that the Hawks have 79% of their salary into 9 players, and then continue on with their thought.

That 79% number dictates whether any thought is feasible or not even if it is Debbie Downer on steroids. ........Damn!!

$56.7 million in 5F-3D-1G
- Al

Did I mishear you on the podcast? You just made this fan feel a whole lot better. Not ideal but gives a non-capologist fan hope.

Good work on that thing, Al........

Man, how much have things changed when I'm turning in to a Stanley apologist.

My take on last summer: A+ on the Saad deal with CBJ. Did his homework, quietly went out and cultivated multiple bidders. Got the best deal. The Sharp/Johns thing, ultimately, I put on Q and his stubbornness, because of they handle Daley differently, that story perhaps ends quite differently, and better.
- John Jaeckel

Bowman took advantage of favorable timing and the fact the NHL allows bad teams to puke so much they are more than $30 mill below the cap floor....That's not my idea of parity. Just like with Campbell they dumped a big contract on a weak sister but this time had to give up a 21 yr old with possibly a good deal of upside.

The Cap structure needs to change...If teams can only go over the ceiling by a certain amount for the following year, than teams should not to be allowed to drop so far below the floor.

At the end of the day there has never been a time a team like Carolina takes off for the following two seasons because they had a wide open checkbook. It still comes down to evaluating talent and drafting well....

Al said it a while ago...Q is stirring the drink...And right now, with the moves that have been made, I have to think so...not saying I'm a fan of it, but with every move it just makes more sense that Q is having a BIG say in things