No one is going to offer sheet Shaw.
- TTtime

And you know this, how?

I believe Deslauriers is playing forward now.
- poisondhearts37

Not very well either.

And you know this, how?
- blackhawk24

Logic. Its bad business. Brisson would never let him sign one. He doesn't work that way.

Replying to ikeane's post in the previous blog asking about Panarin. He does want to stay in Chicago. He's made friends here and while the departure of his good friend Tikhonov was tough for him he still has Anisimov to talk to.
- Dabearshawks

Cool. Maybe in lieu of cash money the hocks can help the Russian orthodox church build a parish closer to lil Arti's apartment. Love that lil Arti.

GO LIL ARTI! STAY.

Baun Hartman Forsling Pokka .I know don't sound good ,but who had heard of those Kids Pitt used this year . Just interesting to here a old dog like Rutherford say he learned something new this year ,It is very difficult to teach us old dogs new tricks as they say
- oldduffman

Interesting comment from Jim Rutherford on Thursday on what he learned this year

'We brought up 5 Kids at once..they gelled off the ice and hung out together helping them deal with the pressure and jump to the NHL'.
Unlike other years when we auditioned players 1 at a time.

Not that the Hawks bring up 5 at a crack but bringing up more than 1 in Rutherford"s opinion was the way to go

Interesting comment from Jim Rutherford on Thursday on what he learned this year

'We brought up 5 Kids at once..they gelled off the ice and hung out together helping them deal with the pressure and jump to the NHL'.
Unlike other years when we auditioned players 1 at a time.

Not that the Hawks bring up 5 at a crack but bringing up more than 1 in Rutherford"s opinion was the way to go
- Colbyboy

You stole Oldduffman's storyline..................

#1 Nicolas Deslauriers...is a 4th line energy checker...he's not esp great defensively and I have no idea what you are talking about with this supposed cannon of a shot. ??? His primary importance for the Sabres is he's a well liked teammate and decent pugilist who comes relatively cheap.

#2 Robin Lehner...is GM Tim Murray's goalie...atleast for this coming season. He didn't trade a #1 draft pick for him last year to turn around and trade him a year later.

#3 The Sabres management have learned (via Ryan Miller) that you don't need a big contract goalie to compete for a playoff spot. They need better defense and wingers to round out the rebuild.

Conclusion: Don't expect salary cap help coming in the form of a trade with the Sabres for Crawford.
- siket71

Sorry, I guess you forgot Deslauriers has also played D. For years. Hard to imagine with your apparently encyclopedic knowledge.

Maybe I slightly overrated his shot, but aside from what I have seen and heard, there's this:

Look under "Assets."

Dude, otherwise, tighten up. Until Robin Lehner shows anybody anything (which really hasn't happened yet in spite of the amount of hype he had coming to NA), you go ahead and pin your hopes on him.

The Flyers have zero interest in Crawford and here's why:

They have two really good goalies on the cheap for one more season. Why on earth would they pick up that contract? The Flyers aren't anywhere close to contending, CC wouldn't help anymore than Mason does already to get them there.

Crawford would get murdered playing under the Flyer's D. Mason is a better goalie anyway. I can back this up with stats if you don't believe me.

The Flyers are trying to shed cap, not spend more. Chicago has a better chance sending Crawford to Carolina, Arizona, or one of the teams that need to reach the cap floor.
- SimmerDown17

You may be right, except about the bolded parts.

They have one guy who has stepped up sort of like Brian Elliott, and shown he can be a #1 after years of being a #2.

And they have another guy (Mason, who is not in Crawford's league, what a joke) who goes through long stretches where can't stop a beach ball. So two "really good goalies?" Put the koolaid down, son.

No one is going to offer sheet Shaw.
- TTtime

Someone in the West will indeed but the question is will he sign it

Of the teams that are presented as possibilities, just don't see Crawford waiving for any of them. Even Toronto. Who wants that media circus??

He has not even been asked for a list.

Speaks volumes. He's not going anywhere.

HOCKEY minds will prevail.
- Return of the Roar

Gotta call bs finally on this mantra.

I know, you don't want them to trade CC. And maybe they won't. But . . . who do you think is exploring the possibility? Un-hockey minds? It's all being made up?

That part i don't get.

No one is going to offer sheet Shaw.
- TTtime

I kind of agree with this. I mean, you never know, but it is highly doubtful, as you say because of Brisson but also it raises stakes on a guy who is a risk at high AAV or longer term.

They could get someone to deal for his rights however.

I believe Deslauriers is playing forward now.
- poisondhearts37

He is, he is also, really, a defenseman. A 6-7 defenseman the Hawks have had interest in in the past. That's all. Same actually with Percy.

Apparently, the selective interpreters are out in force.

Nowhere did I anoint Stuart Percy or Deslauriers as great players, or top 6 or top 4 players.

They are role players, both by the way, BETTER or PROBABLY BETTER than a lot of the Misfit Toys the Hawks have at Rockford. But whatever.

In the AHL. Guy was benched during the Calder Cup playoffs.

Never understand the fascination with getting D-men from teams that are terrible defensively. The Leafs were starved for NHL level D-men last season and this kid didn't get a sniff. Huge red flag to me.
- TTtime

But 170 pounders from Sweden are ready. OK.

I recall a draft day - not too long ago - when Mark McNeil was drafted in the first round and I thought to myself "this is the answer to our chronic 2C dilemma." While time has necessitated I adjust my expectations - I'm still left wondering how this kid hasn't been able to come up and provide solid minutes as a 3rd/4th line player?

For those of you better able to follow his game at Rockford - what do you see as the issues holding him back?
- Chief4Feathers

I remember that draft day and how the analysts were claiming McNeill to have an NHL frame already and could make the jump to pros. That commentary was pretty superficial when you compare McNeill to a guy like Gaudreau who is tiny by NHL standards yet has lit up the league in his first two seasons. Gaudreau's BC teammates Hayes and Arnold are both bigger than him but Hayes had a sophomore slump (and is rumored to be expendable) while Arnold has yet to crack the Flames lineup.

With that said, though, from what others have shared before about McNeill is that one reason why he hasn't cracked the Hawks roster is because there hasn't been any spots for him. Plausible reason, but then again, current and former Icehogs like Baun, Carey, Hartman, Leblanc, etc. have had longer stints in comparison.

For 2016-17, McNeill has a shot at one of the bottom-6 spots as do Baun, Hartman, Motte, and Kero. Putting aside how the off season plays out in terms of new players coming in, I would think that of those 5 Icehog forwards, at least 2 of them will make the roster as the 12th and 13th forwards. Motte is the only one I would consider as having potential to play top-6 or bottom-6 whereas everyone else is bottom-6.

My wife lived same block as the vanRiemsdyks in Middletown,NJ so we are huge fans of the brothers for years. It would be the bomb to see JvR come to Chicago.

He is, he is also, really, a defenseman. A 6-7 defenseman the Hawks have had interest in in the past. That's all. Same actually with Percy.

Apparently, the selective interpreters are out in force.

Nowhere did I anoint Stuart Percy or Deslauriers as great players, or top 6 or top 4 players.

They are role players, both by the way, BETTER or PROBABLY BETTER than a lot of the Misfit Toys the Hawks have at Rockford. But whatever.
- John Jaeckel

And here we were thinking that Hawks' fans overvalue prospects/players. Mason + Neuvirth > Crawford???? That has got to be the most asinine thing I have read on this blog in quite some time. Steve Mason has not been a consistently good goalie since his rookie year in CBJ and that was like 2009. The guy can get hot but when he is off, he is arguably one of the worst goalies in the NHL. I strongly believe Mason cost Philly that series. They outplayed Washington for long stretches and were right there in Game 6 before yet another soft goal from basically the top of the circle and boards on a wrist shot from Backstrom that made it a 2 goal game in the 3rd period...the dagger. Good luck with Nuevirth+Mason and that d-core behind "The Ghost" Philly fans.

Crawford to Calgary for Frolik and their 2016 2nd.

And here we were thinking that Hawks' fans overvalue prospects/players. Mason + Neuvirth > Crawford???? That has got to be the most asinine thing I have read on this blog in quite some time. Steve Mason has not been a consistently good goalie since his rookie year in CBJ and that was like 2009. The guy can get hot but when he is off, he is arguably one of the worst goalies in the NHL. I strongly believe Mason cost Philly that series. They outplayed Washington for long stretches and were right there in Game 6 before yet another soft goal from basically the top of the circle and boards on a wrist shot from Backstrom that made it a 2 goal game in the 3rd period...the dagger. Good luck with Nuevirth+Mason and that d-core behind "The Ghost" Philly fans.
- EnzoD

Yeah you ain't kidding. Lot of flak from RUMORS and great writing. JJ wasn't trying to offend anyone. Neuvirth and Mason are pretty good goalies... But Crawford is a step above these guys. The Flyers Look to have some promising defensive prospects and it'll take them a year or two to get them fully acclimated.

You may be right, except about the bolded parts.

They have one guy who has stepped up sort of like Brian Elliott, and shown he can be a #1 after years of being a #2.

And they have another guy (Mason, who is not in Crawford's league, what a joke) who goes through long stretches where can't stop a beach ball. So two "really good goalies?" Put the koolaid down, son.
- John Jaeckel

If Mason isn't good then why would the BlackHawks want him? Crawford is a rebound machine and would get absolutely slaughtered if he played for the Flyers. Neuvirth had better save percentage and goals against average than Crawford this year. Mason had a down year but over the past years he is very close to Crawford. Saying he isn't in his league is complete BS. Behind that Flyers defense, it really says something to how well Mason and Neuvirth plays. The Flyers have one of the best goalie tandems in the league and anyone that pays attention would notice that. I think you're the one who needs to put the koolaid down. Crawford is overrated.

If Mason isn't good then why would the BlackHawks want him? Crawford is a rebound machine and would get absolutely slaughtered if he played for the Flyers. Neuvirth had better save percentage and goals against average than Crawford this year. Mason had a down year but over the past years he is very close to Crawford. Saying he isn't in his league is complete BS. Behind that Flyers defense, it really says something to how well Mason and Neuvirth plays. The Flyers have one of the best goalie tandems in the league and anyone that pays attention would notice that. I think you're the one who needs to put the koolaid down. Crawford is overrated.
- SimmerDown17

Do yourself a favor and re-watch the Flyers vs Capitals series and then tell me that Mason is better than Crawford. Then go watch any Blackhawks' playoff series since 2013. You are seriously delusional if you think Mason/Neuvirth are on the same level of Crawford. Did you forget that Hockey Canada just named him as one of their 3 goalies for the World Cup of Hockey? Over your boy, 5-hole from Center Ice, Steve Mason, among many other quality Canadian NHL goalies.


EDIT: The same reason they might need to trade Corey Crawford, for salary cap savings this year and moving forward. Mason's deal expires next summer and Philly would likely retain some salary in any trade involving the two goalies.

Yeah you ain't kidding. Lot of flak from RUMORS and great writing. JJ wasn't trying to offend anyone. Neuvirth and Mason are pretty good goalies... But Crawford is a step above these guys. The Flyers Look to have some promising defensive prospects and it'll take them a year or two to get them fully acclimated.
- 93Joe

I like Philly's team a lot and the Ghost is just outstanding. I was rooting for them to upset the #1 seed Caps bc I think Philly and Giroux get in Cindy Crosbaby's head and those matchups are always awesome. The Caps v Pens series was decent but there is another level of hatred between Pens + Flyers...too bad Mason let in a handful of soft goals in that series....

ok...I would have figured neavirth as much cheaper than mason if crawford was moved elsewhere..

I don't see any deal with crawford coming to the flyers. flyers imo have no interest in crawford.
- rinaldo

But, they could finally end their goaltender issues they have had the past 25 years or so.

If Mason isn't good then why would the BlackHawks want him? Crawford is a rebound machine and would get absolutely slaughtered if he played for the Flyers. Neuvirth had better save percentage and goals against average than Crawford this year. Mason had a down year but over the past years he is very close to Crawford. Saying he isn't in his league is complete BS. Behind that Flyers defense, it really says something to how well Mason and Neuvirth plays. The Flyers have one of the best goalie tandems in the league and anyone that pays attention would notice that. I think you're the one who needs to put the koolaid down. Crawford is overrated.
- SimmerDown17

Respectfully, fully for cap savings. That is absolutely it. Cap at 72.8... We are accepting that we will probably lose two integral pieces of this team. Strictly business.

If Mason isn't good then why would the BlackHawks want him? Crawford is a rebound machine and would get absolutely slaughtered if he played for the Flyers. Neuvirth had better save percentage and goals against average than Crawford this year. Mason had a down year but over the past years he is very close to Crawford. Saying he isn't in his league is complete BS. Behind that Flyers defense, it really says something to how well Mason and Neuvirth plays. The Flyers have one of the best goalie tandems in the league and anyone that pays attention would notice that. I think you're the one who needs to put the koolaid down. Crawford is overrated.
- SimmerDown17

If the 'Hawks want Mason, they obviuosly exhausted a dozen other options. Mason is mediocre --- compared to Crow --- and would only be considered as a lower cost cap acquisition.

CC has been undervalued by most of the league for four years running, including many here in the windy city, until recently. All he's done is win two titles, should have been the '13 Conn Symthe (thanks NHL for selecting the famous name) and saved the skaters asses a hundred+ times this past season when the 'Hawks had all kinds of equal-strength goal differential problems.

Almost no one here now wants CC gone, but the cap seriously speaks otherwise.

If he were to finish his career here, he would certainly be in line to win more games than the great Tony-O.

RUMORS:

Finally caught up on comments, two notes from a source this AM:

Hawks hoping to get Shaw to do a Kruger-esque 1-year bridge deal. 'help us now, we'll reward you later.'

Crawford has NOT been asked for a list of teams.

Hawks are actually trying to extend Ladd, but if they can't get to a place where it looks like a deal can eventually be reached, they may trade his pre-UFA rights (look for a 7th round pick or something).

OPINION:

On Shaw, good news is, his agent is the same guy the Hawks made a lot richer with the Kane and Toews deals; he may be just the guy you want representing Shaw in this, assuming Shaw really wants to be in Chicago.

IF I WERE SHAW, HIS FAMILY, HIS AGENT, I would not do it.

With his injury history and style of play, it's a huge risk. Further, I would love to see how Stanley is going to get the $ to reward Shaw next summer, unless they can clear $ through expansion.

On Crawford, I shared word for word what I heard but to me, knowing the source and what they've told me in the past, it felt like the word "yet" was implied.

If they are really trying to sign Ladd and somehow keep Shaw, then pretty much for sure, Crawford is a goner.
- John Jaeckel

I really love this scenario. Sets up the top 6, gets Shaw and Kruger anchoring the bottom 6.

BTW: this is my favorite time of year to check out this blog and all of the comments.