What about Crawford for Brandon Bollig + a pick? Then Q could roll the "Freddy-Boll-'Shint" line!



- phantasmo

The only use the Blackhawks could have for Stuart Percy is if they played him in 63 pro games and used him as Las Vegas expansion fodder.

If he was ready to play, he would have played.
- wiz1901

Hawks would be better off taking a flyer on Jared Cowan after the Leafs buy him out. At least he has played in the NHL - offer him a 2 way deal at what Rosy made last year. If he stinks, bury him in Rockford.

Percy's claim to fame is being a Brian Burke 1st rounder. Nothing much since.

What about Crawford for Brandon Bollig + a pick? Then Q could roll the "Freddy-Boll-'Shint" line!



- phantasmo

They know a sheet is coming because before July 1 they can take calls from other clubs...It's an accepted practice and the agent can tell Bowman what's up...Actually a GM will almost always try to trade for the RFA before writing a sheet that's another reason why they seldom happen.
- Al

Makes sense. Looked around to see what I could find on offer sheet deadlines and other info.... Found this helpful: http://www.silversevensen...eet-explained-rules-guide

I tend to agree with your and TTtimes' logic that if he couldnt crack the top 6D for the worst team in hockey, how could he help the Hawks? Though, Richard Panik could not either, and he was an effective Top 12 forward for the Hawks....
- EnzoD

Yea Panik came to mind for me too. So hard to get a feel for the Leafs as winning was (still is?) a hindrance last year. No way Babcock wouldn't try and win every game, you know if he misses on a guy it's rare but the front office worked that roster (tanked) to move guys they acquired just to move for picks so it's hard to get a feel who's playing and why for that club.............Got em Matthews this year.

I'll trust Wiz and Rick but as I said I saw him play a game or two at some point and remembered him. Thought he had nice feet and decent size. Wouldn't surprise me if teams thought he might be an option.

Normally I would agree fully but this isn't a Saad like bridge loan situation...He can insure himself to offset against loss. Hawks keep their promises as they still reupped Krueger and he could be considered damaged goods. Shaw doesn't make huge money marketing himself but he makes more than most players, that helps offset things a bit too.


- Al

Al is this done or workable. Ask a 25 yr old kid to risk 13-14-15 million over 4 years and sign a 1 yr 2 mil deal to be loyal? Ok don't risk it insure yourself for 15 million bucks? Never looked at those rates but it cost a goof who punches a time clock a couple grand a year to insure himself for 250-500k.......... Is this done?

And what about the Hawks? Shaw does that 1 yr thingy, blows his back out and then to keep their word they give him 15 mil anyway?

What am I missing?

You have to consider that the NHLPA plays a huge role in setting precedent with player salaries--- It has been widely reported that there was clear influence / pressure by the NHLPA for Toews and Kane to seek a salary that would 'push' the ceiling higher--

So not sure that the greed has anything to do with it really-- more being part of a union and how the leaders actions influence the results--

BUT I do think the departure of so many talented teammates is likely slightly unsettling for the guys--until its time to lace em up and compete for the next Cup--- they are used to turn over their whole life with various teammates etc--

The impact is more with us fans who support the team and its players-- and in what ffed up world does a team get penalized for success and development than in this stifling futures market driven doomed cap--- NHL is teetering on losing legitimacy when you see so ,any talented players forced to be traded-- in the name of parity-- they will lose popularity when fans see their favorite players dumped for cap space--

Why can't they set a cap number 2-3 years in advance so that teams can have some assurance on what they budget? Why should a successful team that drives HRR be pillaged by bottom feeders who are losing money and not spending to the cap--then swoop in to acquire quality assets for pennies on the dollar? Thats not how to run a professional sports league-- or build brand loyalty

Just wait until the Hawks are forced to trade any of 19-88-2--- bedlam--

Bettman is ruining the game and the heritage of the league and must be replaced--
- jb3333

>Well said
>NHL is teetering on the edge of legitimacy
>Bettman's vision is failing big-time
>No dynasties, no stars promoted, the return of the clutch and grab = no fan interest

When the club that drafts a prospects and tries him for an extended time at 2 different positions as is the case with McNeill....If you are watching closely lights should flash. McNeill hasn't set the world on fire at wing or center.
- Al

Makes sense. If a team doesn't think a guy can play they don't bring him up, nothing new there. But do you think McNeill has deserved more than 1 NHL game while the Hawks have looked at 10-12-17 guys in that time?

For Panarin? I'd guess around $5.5 per year.
- Dabearshawks

For how many years? A big question with AAV.

Al is this done or workable. Ask a 25 yr old kid to risk 13-14-15 million over 4 years and sign a 1 yr 2 mil deal to be loyal? Ok don't risk it insure yourself for 15 million bucks? Never looked at those rates but it cost a goof who punches a time clock a couple grand a year to insure himself for 250-500k.......... Is this done?

And what about the Hawks? Shaw does that 1 yr thingy, blows his back out and then to keep their word they give him 15 mil anyway?

What am I missing?
- Mr Ricochet

I still hate the Kruger contract....but I love beer..

You have to consider that the NHLPA plays a huge role in setting precedent with player salaries--- It has been widely reported that there was clear influence / pressure by the NHLPA for Toews and Kane to seek a salary that would 'push' the ceiling higher--


- jb3333

So not sure that the greed has anything to do with it really-- more being part of a union and how the leaders actions influence the results--

BUT I do think the departure of so many talented teammates is likely slightly unsettling for the guys--until its time to lace em up and compete for the next Cup--- they are used to turn over their whole life with various teammates etc--

The impact is more with us fans who support the team and its players-- and in what ffed up world does a team get penalized for success and development than in this stifling futures market driven doomed cap--- NHL is teetering on losing legitimacy when you see so ,any talented players forced to be traded-- in the name of parity-- they will lose popularity when fans see their favorite players dumped for cap space--

Why can't they set a cap number 2-3 years in advance so that teams can have some assurance on what they budget? Why should a successful team that drives HRR be pillaged by bottom feeders who are losing money and not spending to the cap--then swoop in to acquire quality assets for pennies on the dollar? Thats not how to run a professional sports league-- or build brand loyalty

Just wait until the Hawks are forced to trade any of 19-88-2--- bedlam--

Betman is ruining the game and the heritage of the league and must be replaced--

I have never been able to wrap my head around this point!If the players are guaranteed 50% of revenue why is it better for the union to escalate the top of the food chain and turn the lower players into more of a welfare state?What am I missing here cause the way I see it is the money is the money and as a union it shouldn't matter who gets what as what you get is already negotiated clearly the money held back in escrow proves this point no?

The strange thing about the rumored potential Crawford trade is how quiet it is. I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere. None of the usual trade rumor guys have it.

Motte played a bit at the end of the AHL season and the playoffs and it looked too easy for him. Look at the small numbers he posted and watch him wreck the minors
- Ehstripes

While Motte put on the stat sheet in the small sample of AHL plays shows one thing, my view from the stands showed a kid with promise who is still a bit lost out on the ice.

I'm not saying that Motte couldn't handle playing in the NHL right away. What I am saying is that he probably needs to spend some time in the A to adjust to the pro game.

MOTTE......... Don't forget what cranky ones will call the flavor of the month.............. With this cap fiasco and the Hawks devoid of forwards after Shaw is sacrificed at the alter of parity I can see Motte getting a loooong look.
- Mr Ricochet

Cap crisis or not, Motte should get a long look in camp this fall.

Baun, likely CAREER high end is as a 13th forward
Hartman, maybe could help on the 4th line this year
Forsling, 170 pounds, zero NA experience, NOT happening this year
Pokka, maybe as a 6-7 guy with lots of press box time

So, let's start to get real
- John Jaeckel

From what I've seen this season, I believe that you're bang on about Baun. However, the time that he missed to injury this season might have stunted his development just a bit.

Hartman has the game to make it. It's just that hunk of gray matter between the ears that might make that difficult sometimes.

Yeah, check back next season on Forsling.

As for Pokka, he could be a bit better than what you describe, but ultimately he's a 3rd paring guy on the high side.

2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs he anchored the Blackhawks' best line of Saad-Shaw-Kane
- EnzoD

I thought Q trotted Hanzues on Kane line, which slowed the whole line down and potentially led to WCF loss.

I have never been able to wrap my head around this point!If the players are guaranteed 50% of revenue why is it better for the union to escalate the top of the food chain and turn the lower players into more of a welfare state?What am I missing here cause the way I see it is the money is the money and as a union it shouldn't matter who gets what as what you get is already negotiated clearly the money held back in escrow proves this point no?
- eagle50

So true. One would think the rank and file union members would be opposed to increasing the maximum salaries for star players. But apparently they lack the common sense to realize that under the cap system they are the ones that are actually paying the exorbitant salaries for the elite few. They should insist on more equitable distribution of available funds. They certainly should have the votes to achieve this.

I thought Q trotted Hanzues on Kane line, which slowed the whole line down and potentially led to WCF loss.
- vshun

Maybe early in the Playoffs but against LA in the WCF it was Saad-Shaw-Kane that carried the team to game 7

So true. One would think the rank and file union members would be opposed to increasing the maximum salaries for star players. But apparently they lack the common sense to realize that under the cap system they are the ones that are actually paying the exorbitant salaries for the elite few. They should insist on more equitable distribution of available funds. They certainly should have the votes to achieve this.
- stanleyhawk

Al is this done or workable. Ask a 25 yr old kid to risk 13-14-15 million over 4 years and sign a 1 yr 2 mil deal to be loyal? Ok don't risk it insure yourself for 15 million bucks? Never looked at those rates but it cost a goof who punches a time clock a couple grand a year to insure himself for 250-500k.......... Is this done?

And what about the Hawks? Shaw does that 1 yr thingy, blows his back out and then to keep their word they give him 15 mil anyway?

What am I missing?
- Mr Ricochet

My point was it isn't like Saad when people here thought he should sign for 3 mill for a couple years and then ink a big deal. That's nonsense but look at what Shaw makes now and what he will make. Shaw may rather sign for one year with a promise he can get the term and money he wants.

- gifman

Al is this done or workable. Ask a 25 yr old kid to risk 13-14-15 million over 4 years and sign a 1 yr 2 mil deal to be loyal? Ok don't risk it insure yourself for 15 million bucks? Never looked at those rates but it cost a goof who punches a time clock a couple grand a year to insure himself for 250-500k.......... Is this done?

And what about the Hawks? Shaw does that 1 yr thingy, blows his back out and then to keep their word they give him 15 mil anyway?

What am I missing?
- Mr Ricochet

There's a risk but it isn't like some on here who wanted Saad to sign a two year $6mill deal and risk a $30 million contract.

Shaw may take $2.8 mill instead of $3.5 and wait and sign the term and deal he wants later this season. He's either going to make around $3 mill if he doesn't get an offer sheet. So it's as much a question of term with him as he isn't arbitration eligible and is only 25.

I have heard and also suspect Shaw has some kind of back issue....But the Hawks would know best and Shaw has missed very few games. Back issues can only be masked so much and for so long. Shaw doesn't miss practices nor does he miss road trips with longer flights. Until that starts happening the talk of a back issue may be overblown.

Makes sense. If a team doesn't think a guy can play they don't bring him up, nothing new there. But do you think McNeill has deserved more than 1 NHL game while the Hawks have looked at 10-12-17 guys in that time?
- Mr Ricochet

For whatever reason the FO thought no....They are careful with promoting the wrong guys, or promoting because of their draft order and not on merit. That stuff destroys moral in Rockford.

For those hoping for JVR to team up with his brother in return for CC:

Michael Grosso ‏@RumorBreak 5m5 minutes ago
#BREAKING - Multiple teams have contacted the Leafs in regards to JVR. Price is VERY steep. Want a top-15 pick in return + prospects. ANA/NJD/COL have inquired.

For those hoping for JVR to team up with his brother in return for CC:

Michael Grosso ‏@RumorBreak 5m5 minutes ago
#BREAKING - Multiple teams have contacted the Leafs in regards to JVR. Price is VERY steep. Want a top-15 pick in return + prospects. ANA/NJD/COL have inquired.
- pdx2ord

Not surprised. A top 6 LW at $4.25 million for only 2 more seasons would be somebody any contending team would want. Top 15 pick seems a bit high though.