I've been saying it forever the Parody hard cap and the current product are killing this league. People want to watch great players play with other great players. Everybody is pining for teams like the avs det Phil and other great teams of the 90s and the 80s with the Oilers dynasty now they break teams up every year. How fun would it have been to watch the hawks from the first cup play together for a couple more years how dominate would they have been and what other great team would a rivaled them. With an adjustable cap like the NBA where you can keep home grown talent and pay them more than other teams can you can build good teams that last. I hate pro basketball but I'll be watching the finals tonight. I'm a diehard hockey fan and this was the worst year of hockey I've ever seen. No rivalries limited hitting clean hits getting 5 min majors no fighting and when there was they usually sucked because the guys that could fight weren't there and the linesman always entered in to early. The 1st rd of the playoffs had a couple decent series but after that the rest of the playoffs were awful. Lots of diving just seeing players skate back and fourth not hitting low scoring chances isn't enjoyable for anyone especially new comers. The only people who watched were the diehard fans of the team it's why the ratings sucked.
How to fix the league
1. Adjustable cap
2. Bring enforcers back to police the game eliminate the instigator and entertainment value for us physical play fans and newcomers
- vandymeer23[no coincidence ufc is popular in the states] call the game so you need tough guys don't let the officials or your pp be your enforcer. Scoring and fighting will go up which will bring the sport to a broader audience.
3. Better officiating l. Just being consistent would be nice worst refs in sports.
4. Add a team in Seattle or Kansas City move the hurricanes or another team that doesn't draw crab to Quebec.
5.Make bettman resign

Big Time Y E S. ! For all of it Vandy! Seattle wouldbe my first pick after putting a team back in Quebec, Screw Vegas.

Great Stosh article:

http://www.dailyherald.co...ports/160618969/#autoplay

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads and Grand-Dads out there.

I still think that if they move a big cotract it'll be CC, but accoring to generalfanager, they have about $6.8M in cap room to sign 5 forwards and 1 D. If Motte, McNeil and Hartman/Baun can be forwards 11-13, and Kempny can be that D-man, they will only have about $3.7 left for Shaw +?. If Shaw wil take a one-year $2.5M bridge, they can sign a veteran for about $1.2M, but will that make them any better than last year? By the end of the year, maybe Motte can be 1/2LW?

Motte/Toews/Hoss
PAK
Panik/Krugs/Shaw
?/Desi/McNeil

Keith/Seabs
Hammer/TVR
Kempny/Gus/Sved

Crow
Darling

If they trade CC, they HAVE to upgrade the D to make up for the downgrade in net, AND they need a solid 1LW. I'm not sure they could get both by trading CC. I hope he stays.

I will echo the Father's Day wishes to all the fathers and grandfathers also. Happy Father's Day gentlemen.

Guessing Stan and co. will be busy on their phones today just because of the time of year. The loss that will really hit home is losing Shaw IMO. It's probably unlikely the Hawks can keep Shaw and Ladd. Does CC for a 1st and prospect get you the cap room to sign both? Hard to say but a big salary has to move unfortunately. Some team will give Ladd at least $5 mil.. Can Chicago get Shaw for the same price as Kruger? Seems reasonable for his resume and style of play.

I still think that if they move a big cotract it'll be CC, but accoring to generalfanager, they have about $6.8M in cap room to sign 5 forwards and 1 D. If Motte, McNeil and Hartman/Baun can be forwards 11-13, and Kempny can be that D-man, they will only have about $3.7 left for Shaw +?. If Shaw wil take a one-year $2.5M bridge, they can sign a veteran for about $1.2M, but will that make them any better than last year? By the end of the year, maybe Motte can be 1/2LW?

Motte/Toews/Hoss
PAK
Panik/Krugs/Shaw
?/Desi/McNeil

Keith/Seabs
Hammer/TVR
Kempny/Gus/Sved

Crow
Darling

If they trade CC, they HAVE to upgrade the D to make up for the downgrade in net, AND they need a solid 1LW. I'm not sure they could get both by trading CC. I hope he stays.
- tvetter

I'd like all them to stay, and add...but this team's salary cap is wrecked. Even if they trade CC, they'd still need to find another goalie...if you trade 7 then you need another top pair guy, trade Anisimov you need another center. They don't even really have a L3-C right now.

So trading these guys doesn't free up the same amount of cap space...therefore, I think the Hawks need to move at least two main guys while maybe even letting Shaw walk. And even then you just don't know how that will work out.

IF YOU did this:
-trade Shaw's rights
-trade Kruger or Anisimov
-trade Crawford

This would open up about 10 million to replace the 3 moved. You could get something "similar" to Shaw, but likely not as versatile as Shawzer. If you resign Shaw then I submit he plays Top 6.

Then you have to replace 1 center and your goalie. Unless you have real bargain bin guys in mind, you're looking at 5-7 million, leaving about 3 million which could be used for another D. That is EVEN assuming you could get a center + goalie for 3.5 million per (as that's on the low side, especially for center).

I still think the Hawks need to put their focus on cheap options with high upside...young guys that haven't blossomed yet, aging top prospects, the injury prone. Try to catch lightning in a bottle.

I am not a fan of Bowman, but I am rooting for him big time this Summer and this summer will say a lot about what he can do and has in mind.

I will echo the Father's Day wishes to all the fathers and grandfathers also. Happy Father's Day gentlemen.

Guessing Stan and co. will be busy on their phones today just because of the time of year. The loss that will really hit home is losing Shaw IMO. It's probably unlikely the Hawks can keep Shaw and Ladd. Does CC for a 1st and prospect get you the cap room to sign both? Hard to say but a big salary has to move unfortunately. Some team will give Ladd at least $5 mil.. Can Chicago get Shaw for the same price as Kruger? Seems reasonable for his resume and style of play.
- 93Joe

It may not even get you the cap room to sign Crawford's replacement and keep ONE of them.

If you trade CC, you still need to replace him. Gotta figure that's gonna be 2-3 million (or more). That leaves 3 million if the replacement goalie is on the high side, leaving 3 million to sign a guy---can't keep Ladd for that, may not be able to keep Shaw for that.

Go do the math...the salary cap structure of this team is wretched.

I'd like all them to stay, and add...but this team's salary cap is wrecked. Even if they trade CC, they'd still need to find another goalie...if you trade 7 then you need another top pair guy, trade Anisimov you need another center. They don't even really have a L3-C right now.

So trading these guys doesn't free up the same amount of cap space...therefore, I think the Hawks need to move at least two main guys while maybe even letting Shaw walk. And even then you just don't know how that will work out.

IF YOU did this:
-trade Shaw's rights
-trade Kruger or Anisimov
-trade Crawford

This would open up about 10 million to replace the 3 moved. You could get something "similar" to Shaw, but likely not as versatile as Shawzer. If you resign Shaw then I submit he plays Top 6.

Then you have to replace 1 center and your goalie. Unless you have real bargain bin guys in mind, you're looking at 5-7 million, leaving about 3 million which could be used for another D. That is EVEN assuming you could get a center + goalie for 3.5 million per (as that's on the low side, especially for center).

I still think the Hawks need to put their focus on cheap options with high upside...young guys that haven't blossomed yet, aging top prospects, the injury prone. Try to catch lightning in a bottle.

I am not a fan of Bowman, but I am rooting for him big time this Summer and this summer will say a lot about what he can do and has in mind.
- kwolf68

To see AA walk would create another big hole, unless they can get say a good young forward with upside. Maybe an AA + Shaw gets you say a Jared McCann-like return?? Just shooting out ideas. Between CC and Seabrook (I think you know my take on Seabrook as we've had this discussion before)... Seabrook is the most difficult replacement unless you know for sure you're getting a Hamonic or Brodie in return. If AA goes, then put Shaw at 2C. I know he's a bottom six guy, but it may catch fire. Then sign a McGinn or Purcell for 1LW. And use the rest for a low cost defender or goalie.

I'm pretty sure that JJ had a blog about McNeill in the past year that hit it pretty square on the head. McNeill got passed by a couple guys (TT, Saad, Shaw) and kind of caught in the wash. The implication that was made (forgive me JJ if I took your implication wrong), was that he was good at a lot of things but not great at any. Seeing him in person a number of times, I disagree with that. I think he actually has above average offensive skills, has shown willingness to go to the net , and has some grind to his game. I think he does suffer from consistency issues at times, but I'm actually pretty positive on his chances with the club this year.
- Chunk

Thanks Chunk. Perhaps I'm wrong - but I have to think that McNeil could turn into a decent bottom six player - at least I hope he's given the chance to prove himself. It would be disappointing to miss entirely on a 1st round pick. We often talk about "all terrain" type of players - seems to me that McNeil is that type of guy?

It may not even get you the cap room to sign Crawford's replacement and keep ONE of them.

If you trade CC, you still need to replace him. Gotta figure that's gonna be 2-3 million (or more). That leaves 3 million if the replacement goalie is on the high side, leaving 3 million to sign a guy---can't keep Ladd for that, may not be able to keep Shaw for that.

Go do the math...the salary cap structure of this team is wretched.
- kwolf68

I actually was just looking at the money allocated on this team and man... Wretched and debilitating are the perfect descriptions. You're right wolf. I'm pulling for Bowman big time.

Thanks Chunk. Perhaps I'm wrong - but I have to think that McNeil could turn into a decent bottom six player - at least I hope he's given the chance to prove himself. It would be disappointing to miss entirely on a 1st round pick. We often talk about "all terrain" type of players - seems to me that McNeil is that type of guy?
- Chief4Feathers

I could see a McNeill-Kruger-Shaw line being a respectable and responsible line. Gives him a chance to learn from a couple of good forecheckers and defensively responsible guys.

I could see a McNeill-Kruger-Shaw line being a respectable and responsible line. Gives him a chance to learn from a couple of good forecheckers and defensively responsible guys.
- 93Joe

Yes, and I was reading that McNeil plays the 1st PK unit in Rockford too - so perhaps he can help there as well? Hopefully he performs well at camp and makes the club for an extended look. He's only 23 - so there's time to develop.

Pure speculation here, but does anyone think 88/19 somewhat regret looking for max $$ after seeing Leddy, Sharp, Saad, Oduya and now possibly Shaw and Crow traded away? As for Stamkos, doesn't look as quick since the snapped leg bone. I wouldn't pay a penny over $8mil/yr.
- EnzoD

Not one penny.

Yes, and I was reading that McNeil plays the 1st PK unit in Rockford too - so perhaps he can help there as well? Hopefully he performs well at camp and makes the club for an extended look. He's only 23 - so there's time to develop.
- Chief4Feathers

Have they tendered him yet?

Have they tendered him yet?
- vabeachbear

Not yet

I truly believe as great as Kane and Panarin were together this year, Panarin is more of a goal scorer than Toews and should be the#1 LW, Kane AA and ? Will have more success scoring than Toews Hossa and ?, for years Kane has carried the second line because he can offensively. Toews is a great player himself he just has trouble finishing.

Not yet
- DarthKane

When do they have to do that by July 1?

@craigsmorgan

Source says the Blackhawks have signed North Dakota F Nick Schmaltz. No contract details yet.



Woo hoo!

He was in line to be called up a couple years back (based on merit), but he injured his knee and was not able to be called up. From what I have seen of him, he has enough ability to be useful/successful in the NHL, but he needs to bring Shaw-like intensity/ consistency and thus far hasn't shown that in the AHL.
- Chunk

Yes and sometimes bad luck is involved.

@craigsmorgan

Source says the Blackhawks have signed North Dakota F Nick Schmaltz. No contract details yet.



Woo hoo!
- DarthKane

Someday Schmaltz could be a more affordable 2nd/3rd line center!!

@craigsmorgan

Source says the Blackhawks have signed North Dakota F Nick Schmaltz. No contract details yet.



Woo hoo!
- DarthKane

Have to give a shout out to bearsandhawks believe you said earlier this year look for them to sign Schmaltz if TT is gone,

Very nice I hope he's as good as everyone thinks he is fingers crossed

Someday Schmaltz could be a more affordable 2nd/3rd line center!!
- Al

Al give the unbiased non Kool aid version of this kid, what is his size, do you see him playing up here this year without hurting his development and who would be a comparible?

To see AA walk would create another big hole, unless they can get say a good young forward with upside. Maybe an AA + Shaw gets you say a Jared McCann-like return?? Just shooting out ideas. Between CC and Seabrook (I think you know my take on Seabrook as we've had this discussion before)... Seabrook is the most difficult replacement unless you know for sure you're getting a Hamonic or Brodie in return. If AA goes, then put Shaw at 2C. I know he's a bottom six guy, but it may catch fire. Then sign a McGinn or Purcell for 1LW. And use the rest for a low cost defender or goalie.
- 93Joe

I would like to keep AA since I agree that trading him would create a new hole just to solve a current one. The Hawks tried for so many years to fill that 2C hole and finally did with AA, so why let him go so quickly?

If the NHL handed out points for helping to create a goal other than being the goal scorer or primary or secondary assister, AA would be a 60-70 point player because of his ability to create space for his linemates, set screens, win board battles, etc. Those things don't show up on the score sheet but coaches, scouts, GMs, and astute fans notice them and I imagine are amongst the reasons why Bowman wanted him for years.

Nielsen has been rumored as a potential off-season target. I'd love him in a Hawks sweater. Not sure what it would cost to get him, but having a crew of centers with Toews, AA, Nielsen, and Kruger would be amongst the tops (if not the top) in the league. Plus, AA and Nielsen could alternate between 2C and 3C depending on what Q needs or what line blender setting he has on. They each have skills sets that make them balanced on both sides of the puck.

I know, Nielsen or a 1LW isn't possible without salary going out (i.e. CC) and without knowing the fate of Shaw and Ladd.

Not one penny.
- KINGS67

Al give the unbiased non Kool aid version of this kid, what is his size, do you see him playing up here this year without hurting his development and who would be a comparible?
- wonthecup10

I have not watched Schmaltz enough, so I wouldn't be comfortable giving a detailed account....He appears to be the real deal, but it remains to be seen how quickly he can make an impact.

Al give the unbiased non Kool aid version of this kid, what is his size, do you see him playing up here this year without hurting his development and who would be a comparible?
- wonthecup10

He's 5'11" 180lbs and not a complete pansy like Tuevo. I have watched only a handful of North Dakota games but he was just silky smooth with the puck. He also impressed me at the World Junior Championships this past year. He has a chance of making the team out of camp with his high end puck skill/playmaking, but who knows if he can adjust to the speed/physicality right away...TWT. Someone mentioned it after the Tuevo trade, and I think that was a huge factor in him signing this year and not going back to college.