How committed is TB to Vasilevsky at this point? Not a loaded question. An honest one. Bishop's cap hit is about equal to CC's. That said, they might be freeing up $ for Stamkos.
- John Jaeckel

I got laughed off for suggesting this a few blogs back.

No sources, but my gut tells me they let the Stammer go or trade his rights for some other piece/picks to recalibrate for a 16/17 Cup run.

Well, I will submit to you that is a deal that might make some sense and WPEG (Chevy) was interested in Crawford when the rumors heated up last summer (pretty much confirmed)
- John Jaeckel

Not bad for an attempted smart@$$ comment. Would want Lemieux back if possible

I really think Stan should pounce on this reported offer by Calgary and give them a discounted deal for Crawford. At this point, who really cares what the Hawks get back via trade? They just need that $6mil off the books for Panarin.
- EnzoD

Also a real chance they lose Bishop in a year anyway

At least crawford would give them some long term stability

A guy I wouldn't mind on the Hawks would be Darren Helm

Kills penalties...lots of speed...

A guy I wouldn't mind on the Hawks would be Darren Helm

Kills penalties...lots of speed...
- PatShart

Gonna get overpaid somewhere else.

A guy I wouldn't mind on the Hawks would be Darren Helm

Kills penalties...lots of speed...
- PatShart

i assume the hawks would only be able to sign him if crawford was moved so that should happen first

A guy I wouldn't mind on the Hawks would be Darren Helm

Kills penalties...lots of speed...
- PatShart

Reported on NHL Network Radio he is looking for $4M +. Would be solid add.

A guy I wouldn't mind on the Hawks would be Darren Helm

Kills penalties...lots of speed...
- PatShart

Could you imagine the gnashing if Q sat Helm for Mash?

A guy I wouldn't mind on the Hawks would be Darren Helm

Kills penalties...lots of speed...
- PatShart

Will outprice himself..... If the Hawks clear cap, would love him in the indianhead

I really think Stan should pounce on this reported offer by Calgary and give them a discounted deal for Crawford. At this point, who really cares what the Hawks get back via trade? They just need that $6mil off the books for Panarin.
- EnzoD

Just curious, what type of discount? Doesn't Calgary want rid a smaller salary to make room to sign Johnny Hockey?

Would like to see the Hawks get back to the model of winning by having a strong blueline and goalie that can just get the job done. Darling is the future in the Hawks mind. Move Crow now while his value is probably the best it's been.

Would like to see the Hawks get back to the model of winning by having a strong blueline and goalie that can just get the job done. Darling is the future in the Hawks mind. Move Crow now while his value is probably the best it's been.
- Hank3Henshaw

Genuine question and not trying to be rude but why does everyone think darling is gonna be the next big thing? Guy proved that last season he is average at best in his stint when he got all those starts. He's too soft on his rebounds and gets schooled when anybody is up close on him. Perfect example is the game he got against Boston when crow got injured and he almost let up that massive lead

Would rather see a power move on the ice again...instead of falling down every shift because he isn't happy with his LW
- PatShart

He's probably tired from the extra cardio. Only type of cardio I like.

Would like to see the Hawks get back to the model of winning by having a strong blueline and goalie that can just get the job done. Darling is the future in the Hawks mind. Move Crow now while his value is probably the best it's been.
- Hank3Henshaw

Moving Crow now would likely mean handing the starting job to Darling during a contract year. Meaning if Darling plays at a really high level the Hawks have to pay him a big contract and then the team is in the same position it is right now.

Or, Darling backs up a guy received in the trade and the Hawks have to pay up for someone to be their starter the year after anyways. It just doesn't make sense to trade Crawford. The goaltender position is not where money needs to be saved.

this may surprise most, but I am trusting that Bowman is lining up the cards the correct way.

And thanks to whomever has posted Toews special lady friend pics. My goodness.......

No...the Hawks arent' trading Toews or Kane. So lets just move on. Please. The posts about doing this are pointless. Baring 1 asking for a trade (doubtful) or 2 Wirtz being in financial hell (even more doubtful) or 3, either of them committing a huge off ice NO-NO (see Dany Heatley)...it isn't happening. So. Please. Stop. We get it. You hate Kane because of last summer and Dan Bernstein is your hero. Congrats. We get it. You think Toews is overpaid because he didn't score 50+ goals, get 254 points, and was 99% at the dot. We get it.

Now can we go back to reality?

1. Crawford...I still fully believe the Hawks will hold on to him through this year, extend Darling for 2-3 years on the cheap (less then 2.5) and then deal Crawford next summer for cap space. The Sharp plan but with NO money coming back.

2. Campbell...makes sense Campbell wants to come back here, wife from here, but how does his game compare to 5 years ago in regards to mistakes that drove Bowman SR crazy? He averages 45 points a year, and could be mentor for young D men. A 2 year, 3 million dollar deal would be ideal. Help ease in Kempy, and can BC still play top 4 with Hammer? and allow Keith and Seabrook to ease in Kempy and TVR? You then burry Frankenstein or Gus down below and move along..

3. Panarin....Still think 5.5 is way low for him....again, no loyalties here and while he LOVES Chicago, supposedly, other teams see what he is, and see Hawks pending cap hell next summer and have to be licking chops at monster offer sheet that Hawks can't match without blowing things up. Again schedule A bonus likely to hit next year, and gotta think 6+AAV is starting point.

4. Shaw...Agree with John. Bridge deal for him makes no sense. Unlike Kruger, he can cash in NOW. So why give Hawks a break? Dont' see it.

5, Ladd...again, don't see it. No money available here, and while he does some thigns, nicely agree with Al, on cup winner he's a depth role player not a guy to "count on" in top 6.

6. Schmaltz....spell? Here we go again.....falling in love with prospects before they even play a second in the NHL. Why? Because some publication hyped in as a top 6 or the Hawks are beating that drum? Have we NOT learned anything after TeuvoTime? Let the kid GRADUALLY ease into the NHL and lets presume anything. He'sa prospect. Nothing more, nothing less........

I just don't see Hawks doing a lot. Management has proven since 2010, to really be focusing on the next year in regards to cap management. Some guys get locked up but the cap issues haven't and wont' be going away....there is no quick fox for this team and I truly believe they will ice a similar team with a tweak on D hoping for internal improvements from 19/81/16 offensively, Shaw or his veteran replacement to help 19 on 1 lw, Panik to be a Frolik type steal, and the young kids to be hockey competent and earn coaching staff's trust. Also curiosu to see if Dineen gets job as rumored late add in the coaching interviews.

Bottom line on paper I see this team beign worse then one that finished in STL, but if BC does shore up back end, they should be a moderate factor to coming out of the west, and if the improvements occur internally, not all are likely, then they should be right there, and management will give them 1 more shot at cup before expansion draft and casting off core player to sign 72......

Mercy that was a long post....sorry.

at least it wasn't in block paragraph format.......

I agree someone will give Helm @4mil for multi year (TOR)....which will be the overpay/out of Hawks reach. He was just a guy I think would look good in the IndianHead on the 3rd line


They could always bring Stalberg ....nevermind lol

Mercy that was a long post....sorry.

at least it wasn't in block paragraph format.......
- SteveRain

Jesus Christ Mex...I mean Steve

Mercy that was a long post....sorry.

at least it wasn't in block paragraph format.......
- SteveRain

Good post, though. I especially agree about Crawford getting dealt next summer after extending Darling cheap.

this may surprise most, but I am trusting that Bowman is lining up the cards the correct way.


I just don't see Hawks doing a lot. Management has proven since 2010, to really be focusing on the next year in regards to cap management. Some guys get locked up but the cap issues haven't and wont' be going away....there is no quick fox for this team and I.
- SteveRain

I am hoping that we will not see the Matryoshka Doll signings a la Sharp>Daley>Scuderi (and to a lesser extent Garbutt>Sekac>nobody) where we trade value and $$ for less value and $$ continually until you have a sad sack in the press box or a vacant roster spot.

Jesus Christ Mex...I mean Steve
- PatShart

I know.....didn't feel like posting 6 times in a row.....

Genuine question and not trying to be rude but why does everyone think darling is gonna be the next big thing? Guy proved that last season he is average at best in his stint when he got all those starts. He's too soft on his rebounds and gets schooled when anybody is up close on him. Perfect example is the game he got against Boston when crow got injured and he almost let up that massive lead
- Ehstripes

I don't think/know if he'll be the "next big thing" but he can be a guy that can get the job done. he doesn't have to be spectacular, but behind a stronger defense, the Hawks can win. They proved that a few times. Crow was never the goalie he was this year. He was always pretty average, but had stellar D corps in front of him.

Friedman :

Hello from Vegas. Should get cap clarity today. With full 5% escalator from players, ceiling could be $73M flat. That's up $1.6M.

Jesus Christ Mex...I mean Steve
- PatShart

Moving Crow now would likely mean handing the starting job to Darling during a contract year. Meaning if Darling plays at a really high level the Hawks have to pay him a big contract and then the team is in the same position it is right now.

Or, Darling backs up a guy received in the trade and the Hawks have to pay up for someone to be their starter the year after anyways. It just doesn't make sense to trade Crawford. The goaltender position is not where money needs to be saved.
- Hawks_49

In all honesty, I think the Hawks made huge mistakes with Crow, Toews, Kane and Seabrooks contracts. Just my opinion. I always thought it was weird when the Hawks were in obvious money problems and they decided to sign Seabrook to that massive contract. Makes no sense.