If I'm Brouwer why would I want to come back and have to play for Quenville again after the first time around.
- 6628

Fair question. One conversation between Brouwer and Q probably changes that. Then again, I have heard nothing about ay interest in any FA LW's except . . . . Ladd.

Agreed, leaning towards this is as well. Stan has his eye one the bottom of the barrel. I'm not sure there will be any buyout candidates that make sense, maybe Vanek, if that happens?

Some UFA vets that could make sense on a 1-year "prove it" contract:

Jiri Tlusty - Czech bud for Kempny, former 1st rounder has seen a decline in numbers but is only 28.
Sam Gagner - old...old friend of Kaner, can play C or W, 15g/41pts 2 years ago.
Steve Downie - 14g/28pts 2 years ago... reclamation project like Carcillo a few years ago
Jason Chimera - solid vet, 20 g/40pts last year with a good WASH team.
Tuomo Ruutu - is he done? Probably, would be a cheap option for a 2nd tour of duty in CHI
Alex Tanguay - does he have anything left in the tank? 35 pts last year.
Michael Grabner - the Austrian speedster had a rough year last year in TOR but is only 28. Can he play LW?


These names wouldn't get too many people excited but that's what we're looking at I think unless Stan can move some serious salary.
- TyCamScore

I would add Gragnani, Schlemko, and Bartley

Zawaski :

Want some good Hawks news? Ok. Apparently Brian Campbell is telling anyone who'll listen that he wants to he a Hawk. We'll see how badly 7/1
- mrpaulish

They don't need another defenseman as much as they need another LW. If Campbell were to come for $1 million per, different story. Then for sure, because the defense with he and Kempny is deep and probably very good. Takes a lot of left-side minute pressure off of Keith. Less TOI for Gustafsson or Svedberg.

He sure doesn't need the money at this point.

Trade AA and forget making it past the first round, actually forget the playoffs.
You thought we sucked 5 on 5 before just wait if they trade AA.
Cant sign Shaw, can't sign Ladd, can't sign any free agents, might lose Panarin, might have to trade CC or AA.....nobody wants to say it but unless the cap goes up, which it wont then the elephant in the room is those two 10.5 mil contracts that will bury this team and as a result will dilute everything around them....it's a fact and it's already begun! You want to be ballsy and have a resurgence then trade Kane and CC for a guy like Eichel and 1st rounder or something of the sort, then you have almost 17 million reasons to build your team and sign a solid D to replace Oduya and get that left winger as well as signing someone of character like Brouwer....hell you'll even be able to keep Shaw as well, sure you'll lose some panache or elite plays but we'll be more balanced, younger which will offset guys like Hossa getting older.....sure it's not the PC thing to do and the front office would probably never do it, sacrilege etc...too much PR or sweater revenue losses etc. but its the only way otherwise we'll be talking about guys we can't sign, or guys we can't keep and the team will no longer contend for the cup but merely float in between...it's just the reality of bearing two albatross contracts...just my two cents
- Hawkster

I am adamently opposed to trading Kane in almost any scenario. Eichel looks to be the real deal, but his worth ethic was questioned last season and he may never be any more than a 30G/30A winger (which is good but not 40G/70A like 88 just did). Patrick Kane is the best offensive player in the world right now (sorry Crosby lovers). He has the skill and WILL to be the best American born player of all-time. Kane is irreplaceable, IMO. The ONLY trade with Buffalo that the Hawks can make and be somewhat close to equal value is Kane for Eichel + Rastolainen, or McDavid+Nurse. And even so, both of those guys will get deals at $6mil+ in 2 years and you are right back were you started. I think CC has to go, or this team, as you appropriately stated, is too top heavy to truly be a contender next year and moving forward. As currently constructured, they remind me of the guys at the gym who have never done a squat or lunge..wayyy too Top Heavy

Agreed, leaning towards this is as well. Stan has his eye one the bottom of the barrel. I'm not sure there will be any buyout candidates that make sense, maybe Vanek, if that happens?

Some UFA vets that could make sense on a 1-year "prove it" contract:

Jiri Tlusty - Czech bud for Kempny, former 1st rounder has seen a decline in numbers but is only 28.
Sam Gagner - old...old friend of Kaner, can play C or W, 15g/41pts 2 years ago.
Steve Downie - 14g/28pts 2 years ago... reclamation project like Carcillo a few years ago
Jason Chimera - solid vet, 20 g/40pts last year with a good WASH team.
Tuomo Ruutu - is he done? Probably, would be a cheap option for a 2nd tour of duty in CHI
Alex Tanguay - does he have anything left in the tank? 35 pts last year.
Michael Grabner - the Austrian speedster had a rough year last year in TOR but is only 28. Can he play LW?


These names wouldn't get too many people excited but that's what we're looking at I think unless Stan can move some serious salary.
- TyCamScore

Kris Versteeg?

But no, Wiz!

Crawford is NOT WANTED in this goalie market! There's so many talented net-minders on the market, that Crawford and his HEFTY $6.0 mil cap hit is just too much of a burden for teams!

Teams would be MUCH better off going after other goalies that have what it takes to take them far in the playoffs! Not a 31-year-old dinosaur named Corey Crawford! Not to mention, no one wants to HELP the Chicago Blackhawks ! ! !
- TommyHawk

Dinosaur! My foot. Where have you been the last three years when Crawford was the best player on the ice?

I would add Gragnani, Schlemko, and Bartley
- ikeane

Sorry was just looking at FWDs.

Kris Versteeg?
- DarthKane

Yep - meant to toss him on. He may be nervous to come back, just to get traded again. He's like a stray cat. ha.

Q has an aneurysm by December. Hawks struggle to make the playoffs.

Now, if Bowman can't get anything else done, they will go young by default/necessity and sell that bill of goods hard.

But the reality is, it is a WORSE team than last year's.

And if you wait til "next year" to address Panarin, you stand a very good chance of losing him.

I have heard, and I believe, the Hawks are hoping Shaw will take a hometown, 1-yr. Bridge deal "like Kruger" (the term that was used). Do the math and it's pretty much the only way they can keep him. Shaw at $3.5 million basically doesn't fit.
- John Jaeckel

That's why I think CC could get dealt. They can save $3-4m on goalies by replacing him with a $2-3m per guy. That gives them some wiggle room to bring back Shaw or Ladd or add one or two others to balance out the team and hopefully win more games.

Agreed, leaning towards this is as well. Stan has his eye one the bottom of the barrel. I'm not sure there will be any buyout candidates that make sense, maybe Vanek, if that happens?

Some UFA vets that could make sense on a 1-year "prove it" contract:

Jiri Tlusty - Czech bud for Kempny, former 1st rounder has seen a decline in numbers but is only 28.
Sam Gagner - old...old friend of Kaner, can play C or W, 15g/41pts 2 years ago.
Steve Downie - 14g/28pts 2 years ago... reclamation project like Carcillo a few years ago
Jason Chimera - solid vet, 20 g/40pts last year with a good WASH team.
Tuomo Ruutu - is he done? Probably, would be a cheap option for a 2nd tour of duty in CHI
Alex Tanguay - does he have anything left in the tank? 35 pts last year.
Michael Grabner - the Austrian speedster had a rough year last year in TOR but is only 28. Can he play LW?


These names wouldn't get too many people excited but that's what we're looking at I think unless Stan can move some serious salary.
- TyCamScore

Tlusty seems like an interesting player. Did decent playing with Eric Staal a while back. He's got some wheels.

Yep - meant to toss him on. He may be nervous to come back, just to get traded again. He's like a stray cat. ha.
- TyCamScore

Very true, I thought the same. But if he accepts a deal for low enough (i.e. $1 million) he'd be pretty much untradeable (in a good way).

Very true, I thought the same. But if he accepts a deal for low enough (i.e. $1 million) he'd be pretty much untradeable (in a good way).
- DarthKane

Argreed. Always liked Steeger. Met him right after he got traded to TOR and he's a good guy... really funny dude.

Tlusty seems like an interesting player. Did decent playing with Eric Staal a while back. He's got some wheels.
- 93Joe

Yep and one of the truest LWers on the list.

Argreed. Always liked Steeger. Met him right after he got traded to TOR and he's a good guy... really funny dude.
- TyCamScore

My buddies ran into him a few times at the Bars in Naperville when he was on his second stint with the Hawks. They said he was always cool with fans and definitely was not shy about partying He had a really nice bounce back year before getting injured again in LA. Health is always a big concern with him but he is a very versatile guy that can play on pretty much any line. I'd love Steegs back in town on a dirt cheap, short-term deal.

If we did trade AA,

What about Shane Doan? I know he's discussing a 1 year deal with AZ, but wouldn't he rather come to Chicago for his last year for a better shot?

He played 72 games last year and had 28 goals and 19 assists.

I have no idea what he'd be looking for in terms of $.

Blackhawks summer of salary cap hell once again.
NHL Radio-SiriusXM with Nick Alberga
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My buddies ran into him a few times at the Bars in Naperville when he was on his second stint with the Hawks. They said he was always cool with fans and definitely was not shy about partying He had a really nice bounce back year before getting injured again in LA. Health is always a big concern with him but he is a very versatile guy that can play on pretty much any line. I'd love Steegs back in town on a dirt cheap, short-term deal.
- EnzoD

I'd like to have Steeger back. I know there's a fair share of the Blackhawks fan base that does like him, but for the right amount he could fill a short term void.

If there is minimal cap movement this summer it will be guys like Versteeg that get squeezed out a bit. There will be limited money for big ticket free agents.

I think Brouwer will have choices....
- Al

Absolutely, he's earned it

I heard Sabres where the #2 option the other day—have not heard anything since.

Apparently the Leafs WERE in the market for a goalie and willing to commit to $5.5 million a year. So that tells me they likely did at least talk to the Hawks about Crawford.

All I know is, I saw Freddy Andersen EPICLY melt down in the WCF in 2015—and get totally outplayed by Crawford. But Leaf fans are probably too busy planning their parade to consider that.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, we've seen Crow have bad series and also win 2 cups.......... Andersen is really fundamentally sound, has great size and has been stuck in a time share the last couple years so it's easy to claim he's never had a real chance to get into a rythem. Plus it seems the Ducks have done everything they could to give the lob to Gibson but that kid gets hurt and Andersen hangs onto the spot, or at least earns a share of it.

Only time will tell, but I like the Swede and TOR choosing him. But no doubt in my mind Crow is better TODAY and he only costs .5 mil more.

If we did trade AA,

What about Shane Doan? I know he's discussing a 1 year deal with AZ, but wouldn't he rather come to Chicago for his last year for a better shot?

He played 72 games last year and had 28 goals and 19 assists.

I have no idea what he'd be looking for in terms of $.
- Lido_Shuffle

I think I'd go blind if I saw Doan in a Blackhawks jersey.

Sounds about perfect to me - plays 82 games a year, knows the system, can fit in the Top 4, can teach some kids like Pokka or Gustaffsson or Herman Munster.

How much does he need to make it so its worth getting out of bed in the morning?
- RickJ

Herman. Munster. Rick, you're beautiful.

JJ, we've seen Crow have bad series and also win 2 cups.......... Andersen is really fundamentally sound, has great size and has been stuck in a time share the last couple years so it's easy to claim he's never had a real chance to get into a rythem. Plus it seems the Ducks have done everything they could to give the lob to Gibson but that kid gets hurt and Andersen hangs onto the spot, or at least earns a share of it.

Only time will tell, but I like the Swede and TOR choosing him. But no doubt in my mind Crow is better TODAY and he only costs .5 mil more.
- Mr Ricochet

I just made a comment on the Leafs blog that the last time they traded for a time share/backup goalie and signed him to a long term deal it worked out so well...

I think it was a good trade, but I dont understand the high AAV+term for a guy that has really proven nothing in the NHL. Two seasons behind a very good team and he hasnt had a save % over .920....good luck in Toronto with that Defense group....

I think I'd go blind if I saw Doan in a Blackhawks jersey.


- DarthKane

Yeah, I've thrown the TV brick at him more then once.

I hated Danny Carcillo too but I learned to really like that guy. So...

I think I'd go blind if I saw Doan in a Blackhawks jersey.


- DarthKane

Just like Vermette, I dont think Shane Doan really gives a poop about winning a Cup a this point in his career. If he did, he would have left AZ a few years ago when he was still a bonafide top 6 player. I am surprised to see the numbers he put up this year, but he was playing in a bunch of glorified scrimmage games that meant nothing. I doubt Doan leaves AZ, and he is a jagbag so I wouldnt want him unless it was dirt cheap..

I heard a few weeks ago a goalie was going to be dealt from the Ducks...The math says there are tough decisions to make for them. Murray was quoted after the deal it was a trade he needed to do.

Bowman on the other hand I believe will only deal Crawford if he needs to and has no other choice. Now with Bickell gone I don't think that will happen this summer.
- Al

The Ducks are on an internal cap. Looking at the numbers they have 15 players signed and 14 mil in cap space. Not looking to get to the floor mind you but plenty of wiggle room.

By the way Perry at 8.6 and Getzlaf at 8.2 per, both 31 and signed through 20/21!!