That line was 40% of the team's offense last year.

The above is not a good thing...
- Al

True, but how does trading 1/3 of the most important line help? Balance is good, but the idea is to make the other lines better, not make the best line worse. Keeping Shaw in exchange for AA doesn't help, he was playing on the other lines last year. Who do they get to put on the other lines that doesn't make the overall offense worse?

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..
- EnzoD

I don't see Doan leaving Arizona. He'll retire there then get a job in their front office.

72.8, 73.8, doesn't matter, but 72.8 says Shaw is most likely gone.
- John Jaeckel

Ha, JJ. Difference between the numbers "doesn't matter", but in the same single sentence you say the difference may be Shaw. Most folks here would define that difference as "matters".

No way. I'd think that there is an intense hatred between the Blackhawk's core players and David BackAss (well done Mr. R )
- EnzoD

I ended up rooting for Dennis Rodman when that freak became a Bull.

Nobody will ever say that BackAss doesn't come to play every shift, like him or hate him......... Hawks need some speed and BackAss has a lot of miles on him and is now heavy footed.

I ended up rooting for Dennis Rodman when that freak became a Bull.

Nobody will ever say that BackAss doesn't come to play every shift, like him or hate him......... Hawks need some speed and BackAss has a lot of miles on him and is now heavy footed.
- Mr Ricochet

Backes at a low AAV would be a welcome addition to the team on the ice. But, I just dont think the boys in the room could play nice after the years of hatred and intense physical battles. After the "Wakey, Wakey" incident, I don't think David Backes would ever be able to play nice with Keith or Seabs. Just my $0.02

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

Nice work here......... Mark me as a Chimera fan. At his age and as big as he is the guy can fly. Accepts his role and adds secondary scoring.

Gagner is a thought.

Vrabata although he's a RW?

Looks like Linden Vey won't receive a qualifying offer from the Canucks. Could Vey be worth a one year "show me" low-ball contract?

Vey went through some tough personal problems last year that no doubt effecting his play - his father was just convicted of conspiring to kill his mother. Now that the issues have been resolved (as much as they can be) would he be worth a chance?

True, but how does trading 1/3 of the most important line help? Balance is good, but the idea is to make the other lines better, not make the best line worse. Keeping Shaw in exchange for AA doesn't help, he was playing on the other lines last year. Who do they get to put on the other lines that doesn't make the overall offense worse?
- matt_ahrens

I think the logic would be that the Hawks won all 3 Cups without an established 2C. Kane basically carried his line with less than Top 6 quality players in both 2013+2015, so, with Panarin on his other wing you might gamble that the line can still be very effective with a league minimum vet/ELC center between them. Or maybe even the new $3.1 million dollar man?

Panik-Toews-Kane
Panarin-Kruger-Hossa

maybe? Idk, just spitballing here. I dont want to trade AA or CC, but I dont want to enter the season with the biggest addition being Kempny...that does not bode well for a long run next Spring, IMO.

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!!
- Mr Ricochet

Correct they paid the 2 big boys but they don't throw money around...Same difference from the standpoint Murray had marching orders on the Anderson deal.

The reason they want to move Fowler from what I hear is they think he will hit the market as a UFA...May as well deal now for some value and they need another goal scorer.

True, but how does trading 1/3 of the most important line help? Balance is good, but the idea is to make the other lines better, not make the best line worse. Keeping Shaw in exchange for AA doesn't help, he was playing on the other lines last year. Who do they get to put on the other lines that doesn't make the overall offense worse?
- matt_ahrens

I wouldn't be surprised if the top two lines next season are both changed.
A recipe to bow out of the playoffs early is to have only one scoring line. Kane will adjust as he always has....I would be more concerned with the 1st line.

But if you're going with that rookie-loaded roster, why would a vet take a discount to come here to be on a very possible bubble team?
- StLBravesFan

You think so, Sage? The D has improved with a probable #4 in Kempny, knocking TVR to #5 and so on. The core will benefit from the rest. Crow is elite.. ANA will probably lose Fowler, STL will lose BackAss and Brouwer, maybe Shattenkirk too, has MN improved? Rado is toast as long as Roy is there, has NSH done anything? Who knows with PEG as loaded and dysfunctional as they seem and might lose Trouba but will add Laine.

Hawks got worse but less worse than ANA, STL, LA? Good God Columbus is in cap trouble!! Up is down down is up.

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

Does he expect to be over paid by 4 mil a year like he has throughout his career? If not welcome puck moving, oh yea Q hates those kind, Dman.

Nice find, thanks for sharing MrP.

I wouldn't be surprised if the top two lines next season are both changed.
A recipe to bow out of the playoffs early is to have only one scoring line. Kane will adjust as he always has....I would be more concerned with the 1st line.
- Al

I liked what Q did later in the Blues series with 88 skating with 19, TT with 72 and 15, and Kruger with Hossa and Ladd. He just waited too long in my opinion.

But this is my point, someone or two someones have to be moved.

I read everyday that they can't move this guy or that guy and my point is someone's moving.

At the end of the day, part of the board won't move CC, part of the board won't move AA. Part of the board will not hear of not resigning Shaw or Panarin.

So in the end, big chuncks of the board are going to be upset
- vabeachbear

You make great points bear, somethings gotta give!! Panarin to Canucks for the 5th and take this beast. (read the scouting reports) http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=252480

http://www.draftsite.com/.../pierre-luc-dubois/23450/

I wouldn't be surprised if the top two lines next season are both changed.
A recipe to bow out of the playoffs early is to have only one scoring line. Kane will adjust as he always has....I would be more concerned with the 1st line.
- Al

Speaking of the 1st line, several on here said they hoped Toews took the opportunity this summer to work on his fundamentals. He posted this today, indicating he's at what looks to be an intense cross-fit training gym (even if he does make it sound like a cult

https://twitter.com/Jonat...status/745034531632144388

https://www.instagram.com/p/BG5QV9nx7k3/

You think so, Sage? The D has improved with a probable #4 in Kempny, knocking TVR to #5 and so on. The core will benefit from the rest. Crow is elite.. ANA will probably lose Fowler, STL will lose BackAss and Brouwer, maybe Shattenkirk too, has MN improved? Rado is toast as long as Roy is there, has NSH done anything? Who knows with PEG as loaded and dysfunctional as they seem and might lose Trouba but will add Laine.

Hawks got worse but less worse than ANA, STL, LA? Good God Columbus is in cap trouble!! Up is down down is up.
- Mr Ricochet

Too many question marks for me right now - including Kempny and others from Rockford and various colleges - and I don't see enough cash available to provide answers.

Relying on other teams to deteriorate more than the Hawks does not seem to me a reliable strategy for an improved 2016-17.

Unless Stan can surprise me with something - or somethings - I'm not very optimistic about moving forward with what looks like the on-ice product this fall.

Now, if they were to say "we're using next season as an experience builder, looking to be contending after that", I'd feel much better about it all (and believe me - at my age, I'm not looking for any 5-year plans) - give the youngsters consistent and sufficient minutes - here or in Rockford - and let's see what we have.

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


- EnzoD

He's a pure centerman, Zo.......... I'm a fan and you mention Ristolainen, watching that kid play in his zone was painful last year but his offensive upside is through the roof.

Never heard his work ethic questioned, Eichel I mean. That's true? Kid is real fun to watch. Power skater, good size with a reach like Svedberg.

I wouldn't be surprised if the top two lines next season are both changed.
A recipe to bow out of the playoffs early is to have only one scoring line. Kane will adjust as he always has....I would be more concerned with the 1st line.
- Al

Completely agree. I would like to see something like:

Panik/Toews/Kane
Panarin/Anisimov/Schmaltz
Shaw/Kruger/Hossa
Motte/Rasmussen/Desjardins

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....
- EnzoD

Besides that I like him I like Toronto's management groups evaluating skills more, and if they like him I'm on board.

Can't wait for puck drop. Yandle in FLA, STL without Brouwer and BackAss, CAL with a new #1, new coaches all over, Nill insisting DAL will be ok with those two goalies, Carlyle and his horrid fancy stat numbers back in ANA. And that's just scratching the surface.

He's a pure centerman, Zo.......... I'm a fan and you mention Ristolainen, watching that kid play in his zone was painful last year but his offensive upside is through the roof.

Never heard his work ethic questioned, Eichel I mean. That's true? Kid is real fun to watch. Power skater, good size with a reach like Svedberg.
- Mr Ricochet

The Buffalo blogger mentioned his floating habits from time to time. He also played a decent amount on the wing last year too, IIRC.

Correct they paid the 2 big boys but they don't throw money around...Same difference from the standpoint Murray had marching orders on the Anderson deal.

The reason they want to move Fowler from what I hear is they think he will hit the market as a UFA...May as well deal now for some value and they need another goal scorer.
- Al

Yes, they don't want to lose him for nothing next year. Maybe move him at the TDL if they don't this offseason? Man EDM is oozing with forwards and Fowler is the real deal, very underrated IMO.

I liked what Q did later in the Blues series with 88 skating with 19, TT with 72 and 15, and Kruger with Hossa and Ladd. He just waited too long in my opinion.
- matt_ahrens

I loved it, and IIRC it worked so Q scrapped it.

Too many question marks for me right now - including Kempny and others from Rockford and various colleges - and I don't see enough cash available to provide answers.

Relying on other teams to deteriorate more than the Hawks does not seem to me a reliable strategy for an improved 2016-17.

Unless Stan can surprise me with something - or somethings - I'm not very optimistic about moving forward with what looks like the on-ice product this fall.

Now, if they were to say "we're using next season as an experience builder, looking to be contending after that", I'd feel much better about it all (and believe me - at my age, I'm not looking for any 5-year plans) - give the youngsters consistent and sufficient minutes - here or in Rockford - and let's see what we have.
- StLBravesFan

But if I said to you that is the new reality, for more and more teams as the cap strangles, in Betmann's league of parity would you disagree? Who, of the elite teams, gets less worse?

Yes, they don't want to lose him for nothing next year. Maybe move him at the TDL if they don't this offseason? Man EDM is oozing with forwards and Fowler is the real deal, very underrated IMO.
- Mr Ricochet

Reports that Hamonic for Hall is close....

Yes, they don't want to lose him for nothing next year. Maybe move him at the TDL if they don't this offseason? Man EDM is oozing with forwards and Fowler is the real deal, very underrated IMO.
- Mr Ricochet

Eberle for Fowler, perhaps? Makes sense, but unlikely because of being division rivals.