Toews and Kane were not asked anything mostly because NO ONE EVER EXPECTED the Cap to not to continue to rise and rise even more rapidly...I posted a year and a half ago. I thought by 2016-17 it would 125 million.

If it was now or last year, sure they would have been negotiations like what happened with Hammer...

It's really nice to look backward.

...when Lucic signs this 5 year deal with the Oilers you gotta wonder if it impacts them pretty quickly because the rookie of the year (sic) isn't gonna get bridge deal either.
- wiz1901

Hey Wiz.

Even so with the cap, I still think the Hawks could have gotten both Toews and Kane for 8-8.5 each. I think the front office threw the money at them and then they threw money and a long contract at Seabs even after they knew they were in money trouble.

What are their options? There is just no way for this team to improve yearly unless they unearth a Panarin every 2-3 years, NO other way. The goal is how much "less worse" will they get every year until the model of 6 core guys eating 67% of the cap and moving anything of value in Rockford for TDL changes. There is no other alternative except to bring in a Gagner, Vanek, Stepniak, Pelley, Campbell type, or two, to contribute in a top 6 role for 1 millish per.

DAL is losing Demers and Goligoski.

STL is losing Shattenkirk, BackAss and Brouwer.

ANA lost Andersen and probably Fowler.

Peg probably loses Trouba.

I could go on and on but the Hawks still have the best core of anyone. If that's not enough to offset getting a bit worse each and every year is the model wrong?
- Mr Ricochet

Perfect explanation IMO. For better or worse, this is the Hawks formula, which would've worked better if the cap didn't stagnate, which are caused by factors beyond the Hawks control. The system is set up/designed for a)keep the owners from spending too much money on player salaries and b)parity.

The window for the Hawks winning cups is starting to diminish a bit, but that's ok in my book, it's not closed, and who knows, if some of these kids come through, we might be able to buy some more time.

Hey Wiz.

Even so with the cap, I still think the Hawks could have gotten both Toews and Kane for 8-8.5 each. I think the front office threw the money at them and then they threw money and a long contract at Seabs even after they knew they were in money trouble.
- Hank3Henshaw

There was a ZERO percent chance of them getting Kane and Toews at that salary, absolutely zero. The NHLPA would've roasted them alive. Stamkos is a good player, but he's not Kane or Toews.

There was a ZERO percent chance of them getting Kane and Toews at that salary, absolutely zero. The NHLPA would've roasted them alive. Stamkos is a good player, but he's not Kane or Toews.
- hawkfan79

Not only that but Stamks is hurt allllllll the time.

In terms of low cost quality vets for the bottom 6, there is two right there. Q should take the leash off of Weise and let him do what he does. Forecheck and hammer people.
- z1990z

Training camps for both would probably help the integration process. But I can't imagine either would want to come back. Weise (who I would want more) especially.

He is legit. I don't want to move AA... I like me some Artie, but as JJ says almost daily now, these are money decisions. If AA has to go for more value, so be it. There are few choices anymore.
- RedFeather

If you look at what AA brings to this team and what he has done for 88 and 72? Then you factor in what he is making??? You dont trade that guy. Say the Hawks do and they sign say a Ladd? Who the heck is gonna man the #2 C spot? I heard Richards brought up, but Brad is more of a top of the circles C. AA goes right to blue paint, Every time. His ability to create havoc at the net opens up room for 88 and 72.

AA aint pretty. He aint flashy, but the guy brings his lunch to work every day and puts it all out there.

Hey Wiz.

Even so with the cap, I still think the Hawks could have gotten both Toews and Kane for 8-8.5 each. I think the front office threw the money at them and then they threw money and a long contract at Seabs even after they knew they were in money trouble.
- Hank3Henshaw

False.

Grosso


#BREAKING - ANA and NSH gearing up for Rick Nash.

There was a ZERO percent chance of them getting Kane and Toews at that salary, absolutely zero. The NHLPA would've roasted them alive. Stamkos is a good player, but he's not Kane or Toews.
- hawkfan79

At the time, T + K were, and to some extent are, the faces of the NHL. Stamkos is, but to a much lesser extent. Being in TB is one reason.

T + K are Olympians, multiple cup winners, hardware winners...you are exactly right.

...Hawks won 3 Cups without a true 2nd line C. Last yr scoring balance was out of whack and 5 on 5 play poor. I'd take a chance.
- Al

That's true, Al, but those cup teams also had Sharp, Saad, Oduya, a more productive Hossa and the Dcore had 100ish less wear on their tires on them. This team one won't.

I don't know who posted Kruger to 2C but that has been on my mind. Between Panarin and Kane that may have possibilities and of course you'd have AA's 4.5 in your pocket.

Not only that but Stamks is hurt allllllll the time.
- mrpaulish

Only missed 5 regular season games in the last two years. Missed just over half of another season, but played full seasons in every other year. He has a bit of a history, but nothing that TB seems worried about.

Toews: Hey Webs good luck in Montreal thanks for leaving our division! #relief

That's true, Al, but those cup teams also had Sharp, Saad, Oduya, a more productive Hossa and the Dcore had 100ish less wear on their tires on them. This team one won't.

I don't know who posted Kruger to 2C but that has been on my mind. Between Panarin and Kane that may have possibilities and of course you'd have AA's 4.5 in your pocket.
- Mr Ricochet

Thank you.. we had rediculous depth on the wing and were able to get away with the hodge podge #2 C thing. Cannot do that now. And Kruger is not a #2 C. Hes a perfect 3/4 and PK specialist.

There was a ZERO percent chance of them getting Kane and Toews at that salary, absolutely zero. The NHLPA would've roasted them alive. Stamkos is a good player, but he's not Kane or Toews.
- hawkfan79

Stamkos is a great hockey player. Dude has scored 90+ points three times. Yea, he's had a couple unfortunately injuries, but he is an elite player in this league and he's 2 million under 19 and 88. He is ALSO a very high character player.

Put it this way, Stamkos probably won't be pining to have some XYZ player on his line.

I love Toews and Kane, especially Seabrook, Kruger, Crow, the whole lot of 'em, but there is NO indication any of these guys gave a HTD, when Stamkos in my view absolutely did. poop, if Toews and Kane take 10 million (which is HUGE coin and the highest paid) that's an extra 1 million to goto getting them some help. Could surely help.

There was a ZERO percent chance of them getting Kane and Toews at that salary, absolutely zero. The NHLPA would've roasted them alive. Stamkos is a good player, but he's not Kane or Toews.
- hawkfan79

Then why isn't the NHLPA roasting Stamkos?

I bet he could have gotten more out of Tampa and he certainly could have went somewhere else and gotten more. But he didn't.

My guess is he took less to stay and help out the organization. Seems to me like Stamkos is one of the rare guys that is OK with taking less money if it means it helps the organization as a whole. Pretty cool in my opinion.

THANK YOU!

I don't get why so many people want to see AA moved. Guy is a legit Center.
- Hank3Henshaw

The mortgage hasn't been paid in 3 months, all 6 kids need shoes for school, we've eaten mac and cheese for 11 days straight, the car is out of gas and has a flat tire. We're looking at each and every option. Nothing is off the table, except supper.

Then why isn't the NHLPA roasting Stamkos?

I bet he could have gotten more out of Tampa and he certainly could have went somewhere else and gotten more. But he didn't.

My guess is he took less to stay and help out the organization. Seems to me like Stamkos is one of the rare guys that is OK with taking less money if it means it helps the organization as a whole. Pretty cool in my opinion.
- Hank3Henshaw

Because what that guy said is not true...Stammer gave a discount. He's still a rich man, playing a game he loves with a team that has a really good chance to stay good a long time. Actually I am rooting for him more now.

No income tax here in Florida.

Stamkos wants to win with those guys...but the question know becomes hoe many of those guys (Kilorn, Kucherov, etc. and in a year the at very least 8 mil Hedman) will be around for many more runs unless they send Bishop packing plenty soon....

Bishop has won nothing and makes 50 dollars less than Crawford...
- wiz1901

Don't forget Palat and Tyler Johnson.

The mortgage hasn't been paid in 3 months, all 6 kids need shoes for school, we've eaten mac and cheese for 11 days straight, the car is out of gas and has a flat tire. We're looking at each and every option. Nothing is off the table, except supper.
- Mr Ricochet

Quick - pull up the couch cushions!!

Then why isn't the NHLPA roasting Stamkos?

I bet he could have gotten more out of Tampa and he certainly could have went somewhere else and gotten more. But he didn't.

My guess is he took less to stay and help out the organization. Seems to me like Stamkos is one of the rare guys that is OK with taking less money if it means it helps the organization as a whole. Pretty cool in my opinion.
- Hank3Henshaw

Possibly because the NHLPA also understands the ramifications of the cap crisis that the NHL is currently going through. $8.5M for 8 years isn't a hill of beans. That's still a damn good salary and one that he deserved. Also, plays in TB, not CHI, NY, MON, TOR, BOS, bigger markets.

Yes, I know TOR wanted him, but the NHLPA also can't force a player to go somewhere he doesn't want to go.

The mortgage hasn't been paid in 3 months, all 6 kids need shoes for school, we've eaten mac and cheese for 11 days straight, the car is out of gas and has a flat tire. We're looking at each and every option. Nothing is off the table, except supper.
- Mr Ricochet

This is where you find out how good a HC you have. The current NHL is a tight money biz. So we have skill for two legit scoring lines. Your bottom 6 have to chip in and Stan and Q have to find the right guys and the right chemistry. Q must be very open minded and allow these new guys a break in period. If we have to go young (er) in the bottom 6 then so be it. Maybe Motte, Schmaltz and Hartman all make the big club. Ok then.. lets go to war with what we have. Big year for Q.

Q has had the luxury of having a stable full of race horses. Not so much now. Have a few young ones and prolly a couple of mules. Oh well. Hitch that team up and make something of it.

Another thing about the Kane and Toews deals is that we have no clue how the negotiations between their agent and Bowman went. Maybe Bowman was a 9 M and their agent want 12M a year. There had to have been negotiations between the two that ended in 10.5M. It not like Bowman except their first offer.

Plus, if Bowman didn't act it lead to the possibility of losing one, or both of them to free agency

We complain now about it being a high cap hit and they should have taken less, blah, blah, blah, but could you imagine what this board and the fans would have done if either of them left to go to another team via free agency without getting anything in return!!!

I'm happy we have both Kane and Toews in a Hawks uniform to the majority of their career. It might be tough for a few years until the cap starts going back up, but they are the face of the franchise and deserved every penny they received.

Because what that guy said is not true...Stammer gave a discount. He's still a rich man, playing a game he loves with a team that has a really good chance to stay good a long time. Actually I am rooting for him more now.
- kwolf68

Exactly, man.

Stamkos is cool. Taking less money because he likes the team/city and wants to win there. Not many guys out there would do the same. Good for him.

All class.

Possibly because the NHLPA also understands the ramifications of the cap crisis that the NHL is currently going through. $8.5M for 8 years isn't a hill of beans. That's still a damn good salary and one that he deserved. Also, plays in TB, not CHI, NY, MON, TOR, BOS, bigger markets.

Yes, I know TOR wanted him, but the NHLPA also can't force a player to go somewhere he doesn't want to go.
- CanOCorn

Or force a player to take at least "X" amount of dollars

Then why isn't the NHLPA roasting Stamkos?

I bet he could have gotten more out of Tampa and he certainly could have went somewhere else and gotten more. But he didn't.

My guess is he took less to stay and help out the organization. Seems to me like Stamkos is one of the rare guys that is OK with taking less money if it means it helps the organization as a whole. Pretty cool in my opinion.
- Hank3Henshaw

The NHLPA isn't roasting Stamkos because he's not the face of the NHL. I bet interally they probably aren't happy, but he's Steven Stamkos, he's not Toews or Kane, in one of the biggest markets in the NHL, they're just not comparable....close, but not quite.