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
- SteveRain

Ladd came in to a new line and scored 12 poitns in 19 games in the RS, then sort of fell off in the playoffs (like most of the team). That was also only 7 games. 12 in 19 is not really indicative of a 3rd line depth guy. Ladd was clearly gaining chemistry with Toews and Hossa by the end of the RS. 50-60+ points is not a 3rd line depth guy. That's more points than Saad is putting up, or was putting up here. Granted there's an age difference, but Andrew Ladd is a 1LW. I'd love for the Hawks to keep him, but barring a VERY friendly deal and some movement of pieces, he's gone.

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.
- phantasmo

You know.....great point.

However, as of today, Hawks have proven to be very good at signing College and Europeans UFAs. I fully think they are at the top of the NHL in doing this, how long that lead lasts, no idea. Compare this to baseball guys buying extra picks in the latin areas to scout and draft.

In a win now mantra, does picks do much for Bowman other then being viable trade chips to fix in season holes for cup runs? I also forgot to weigh the distinct possibility that Blunk/McDonough push for "splash" move at draft in a year in the UC. Stock pile picks, etc or make some significant trade.

The Teuvo bashing is typical McDonough. The man who arguably took him to next step as marketin whiz, Sosa, when beanie babies and juiced Sammy HRs lured in 3 million folks a yar to watch crap teams, but bank money, also led to McDonough releasing infamous player lot pic of Sosa leaving early in 2004 and then being dealt.

If he can do it to Sosa, he can easily do it to Teuvo. Control the message at all times......

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.
- Hank3Henshaw

Crawford has not been "average" since the 2011-12 season. He has been a top 10 goaltender for four seasons, and is a major reason the Hawks won the Cup in 13(should have won the Conn Smythe) and he completely shut down Tampa Bay in the Stanley Cup in 15. This year all he did was carry the entire team on his back for the majority of the year.

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

You are welcome for the future Mrs. Toews photos I think you are spot on with 99% of the post, HOWEVER, you ommitted the biggest elephant in the room...Artemi Panarin's extension. I am very confident that if 72 is not extended this summer, this is his last year in Chicago. He is a near lock for 60+ points next year and that equates to over $6mil AAV. So, how does StanBo get that extension done without shedding a large salary?

If the Hawks feel like Darling is their goalie of the future, I think they should extend him now, even while they have Crawford. The extension would go into next year, so even if they can't trade Crawford this year, the cap hit wouldn't take affect until next year's cap. Get him signed at a lower rate while he is currently a back-up. Once he is locked in, trade Crawford. This can all be done this summer. The problem with trading Crawford first, is that Darling would know he is the #1 goalie, (assuming we don't trade Crawford for a goalie in return) and if you don't extend him early, he could ask for #1 goalie money next year when he become a free agent.

New Blog - http://www.hockeybuzz.com...ck-Rumor-Update/128/77668

And for what it's worth - I don't think anyone expects Toews to be a 50g-254pt scorer

I'd settle for 30g - not counting the gimmick 3 on 3 pond goals. But 30 actual in regulation. His 22g in regulation (3 of those en) was a big disappointment, IMO, and they need more out of him next season.

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
- PatShart

Helm - great speed, injury prone, can't drop a puck in the ocean from a rowboat. Might as well sign Mikael Grabner instead for minimum wage.

You know.....great point.

However, as of today, Hawks have proven to be very good at signing College and Europeans UFAs. I fully think they are at the top of the NHL in doing this, how long that lead lasts, no idea. Compare this to baseball guys buying extra picks in the latin areas to scout and draft.

In a win now mantra, does picks do much for Bowman other then being viable trade chips to fix in season holes for cup runs? I also forgot to weigh the distinct possibility that Blunk/McDonough push for "splash" move at draft in a year in the UC. Stock pile picks, etc or make some significant trade.

The Teuvo bashing is typical McDonough. The man who arguably took him to next step as marketin whiz, Sosa, when beanie babies and juiced Sammy HRs lured in 3 million folks a yar to watch crap teams, but bank money, also led to McDonough releasing infamous player lot pic of Sosa leaving early in 2004 and then being dealt.

If he can do it to Sosa, he can easily do it to Teuvo. Control the message at all times......
- SteveRain

The real question is - why not give the same juice to TT and get a little more muscle out of him?

And get ready for the Nick Schmaltz hype machine...and rid of him in 2yrs for not living up to fans expectations that are beginning to be created

Crawford has not been "average" since the 2011-12 season. He has been a top 10 goaltender for four seasons, and is a major reason the Hawks won the Cup in 13(should have won the Conn Smythe) and he completely shut down Tampa Bay in the Stanley Cup in 15. This year all he did was carry the entire team on his back for the majority of the year.
- Hawks_49

I have to disagree with you because I don't think he's been a top 10 goalie for the past four years, but he has certainly improved his game every year. He was lights out this year especially. The point I was making is that he was pretty average for awhile. He had the benefit of what was probably the strongest defense in the league for a few years. If the hawks can build that blueline again, they can have a guy in there that may not be spectacular, but can get the job done and find they can find success.

Good post, though. I especially agree about Crawford getting dealt next summer after extending Darling cheap.
- Hawks_49

So the Hawks deal Crawford when everyone knows they have to deal him to sign Panarin. How many prospects/picks will that take?

I think Calgary trading for Bishop (if it happens) is risk for the Flames. Bishop seems to be injury prone now.

I'd be down with the Hawks moving Crawford if it helps bring back some Defense or resign Shaw.

I don't want to see Ladd or Campbell back. I'm ready to move forward and not bring old Hawks. Both or either guy will cost too much.
- Hank3Henshaw

I haven't seen anyone advocate signing Campbell for anything other than cheap, and if he can be signed for cheap ($1M<), then I'd love to have Soupy back. He can still play and would be better than Gustafsson/Svedberg/Pokka.

I haven't seen anyone advocate signing Campbell for anything other than cheap, and if he can be signed for cheap ($1M<), then I'd love to have Soupy back. He can still play and would be better than Gustafsson/Svedberg/Pokka.
- EbonyRaptor

If they can truly get him for cheap. Seems like that guy always wants (or gets) big money.

We'll just have to see what happens, I guess.

If the Hawks feel like Darling is their goalie of the future, I think they should extend him now, even while they have Crawford. The extension would go into next year, so even if they can't trade Crawford this year, the cap hit wouldn't take affect until next year's cap. Get him signed at a lower rate while he is currently a back-up. Once he is locked in, trade Crawford. This can all be done this summer. The problem with trading Crawford first, is that Darling would know he is the #1 goalie, (assuming we don't trade Crawford for a goalie in return) and if you don't extend him early, he could ask for #1 goalie money next year when he become a free agent.
- spudrock512

I agree 100% (and mentioned this earlier somewhere in this blog)... I think if the plan is to move Crow then they have to resign Darling now to have more leverage in his next contract... Should be an interesting week

I would love for the Hawks to try and package a few 2nd+3rd rounders to get into the first round if there is a sliding talent still available late in round 1. I really think they need to get a future Top 4 minute munching defenseman in this draft. And I didn't know you were a contributor to DraftSite! Great stuff!
- EnzoD

I don't think any team should overpay THIS year to get into the bottom first...most other years in the last drafts there was always better potential than imo I see this year.
Here's the thing:
After pick#21, you basically get a better chance of a player you could pick anywhere in the top 50...except now you don't have to wait and see if everyone in front of you ignore him.

I don't think this a good year to pick 22-30, because everyone left has "warts."
They are missing something, size or feet or skill or production...

I think there are five guarenteed safe defenders including sleeper potential offensiveman Jake Bean the sleeper, and the all-around Dante Fabbro.

Everybody thinks the BU deeman McAvoy is who the Bruins take, but I just think he is not in te class of the others and may be a four in a couple years and he just isn't this strong DZ guy, imo.

Big Logan Stanley is that big.
So is the big Finn, Niemelanien, but you and I KNOW they get picked pretty early.

Thentehre starts a parade of guys who can pan out IF they work work work and develop develop develop...
some small press offense men, some stay at homes, some with little offensive prowess....and two climbers in the skinny boyz,
Lucas Johansen (Nashville's Ryan's l'il brother) and Dennis Cholowski who everybody keeps talking about as long term projects that might have big upside...

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.
- Hank3Henshaw

I can see an argument for this...minus Crawford who's worth every penny and the term is fine.

Seabrook's dollars are to be expected, but the length is just awful.

Things quieted down here in a hurry wow....

Things quieted down here in a hurry wow....
- SimpleJack

Siesta?

Another imaninary tale debuted:

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Jenn Menendez reports Penguins GM Jim Rutherford said there’s no truth to a rumor that emerged yesterday claiming the Chicago Blackhawks were interested in acquiring center Evgeni Malkin. “None. We’re not looking to move him. I did not get an inquiry from any team,” Rutherford said. Malkin also has a full no-movement clause, but Rutherford said he’s not a trade option regardless of his trade clause.

Siesta?
- ArlingtonRob

Looking back on this now its quite funny. By the time i realized there was a new blog it was already 15 pages long...

Im still in head scratching mode over the fact the Hawks are shopping Kruger. Thought he was a Q favorite and a huge part of the PK?? So putting the Malkin rumor aside for a moment.. Moving Kruger and possibly Shaw could mean they are trying to make room for Ladd or? I think thats a better move. Maybe the Hawks think Schmaltz can handle the #3 C? If the Hawks could land Soup for a cheap deal that would be a huge boost for the D.

Gonna be an interesting few days.

Jesus...has anyone seen how tanner is loosing it

Reported on NHL Network Radio he is looking for $4M +. Would be solid add.
- 93Joe

Helm at 4 m il?

No thank you!

How many NHL goals has he scored?

72 and 11 in the playoffs

I'll bet ya Wiz did
- vabeachbear

(know about the Penquin's farm guys...

I will be honest, only two out of three

I actually was able to see the Penquins play the TB Lightning when They lost in OT to TB here and I was happy to see the German kid Tom Kuhnhackl b/c I was really intrigued about him after I heard the hawks were Stan Bowman was over for the a viewing (and that was the year Germnay was lead by him to a 4th place finish in their pool)
I was happy to see he was healthy and quicker in his call up to the Pens that worked out, didn't it?

and the midget Conor Sheary yeah I knew he was skilled and quick, but did I think the guy was gona be ajunkyard dog and in the NHL?

But I gotta admit I knew Rust was a low end USNTDP, forgot he went to Notre dame (or that the penquins even drafted him with pick #80)

The guys plays in Wilkes Barre/Scranto three seasons and had 13 goals once - I knoew he had some injuries, but if there was EVER a recent Fernando Pisani, it was Rust...
so no I was cluless about him, and I doubt you can find a Pens fans who honestly tells you "they were working him in slowly, etc."

In all honesty, I think the Hawks made huge mistakes with Crow, Toews, Kane and Seabrooks contracts.
- Hank3Henshaw

Yeah how DARE they pay the players that help resurrect the franchise?