Why did they give Anisimov so much money just like a day efter he was signed. Really werd when you have all this problem with the cap space.

Great write up as always, JJ. What are the chances of Crawford being moved? Any rumours on that front?
Thanks again from Sault Ontario!

Staal might not have much left in the tank, but might be ok playing LW on a line with Toews. It's all gonna come down to $$$. Maybe Staal agrees to play with the Hawks and 19 for a little less for a chance at a Cup.
- z1990z

I would also do a Brad Richards 2.0 and sign him to a 1 year deal and maybe consider trading Anisimov to free up money for a 1LW and put Staal between Kane and Breadman.

Wiz,, this is the 3rd time you've said June 1st.

Retirement and living on Island Time must be great ! !

Enjoy Florida pal .

Tomorrow should be "fun"
- mrpaulish

You are absolutely correct in that I rarely know the real date, that might be why was goinbg to JJ old blogs.

i have no problem with days of the week, and I know my travel plans over the next 5 6 weeks to a tee, but I juat don't care enough for the particulars of date and even age...my wife was correcting me...b/c I don't care enough to know I was actually a year older.
I rarely look in a mirror, and was surprised at the balding greybearded wribnkly faced guy I looked at the other day.

Ask me about my sleepr Kole Lind in the Western leagu in next years draft and I have taken the time to know that...somethings like July 1st June 1st seem the same...but thanks Mattie.
(But you own me a Fontano's sub near circle now...)

and thnaks Marlowe for letting me the new blog was up so I didn't alnquish there through free agency

With Mashinter re-signed and Lundberg signed earlier this summer, I don't see the Hawks going after 4th liners like Boll or Latta. Seems redundant. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have Boll or Latta over Mashinter, but that's not happening as evidenced by the re-signing. Desjardins and Rasmussen are almost a lock to be 2 of your 3 on the 4th line, so I see the 3rd spot being filled by the likes of Mashinter, Hartman, McNeill, and Motte. Maybe Baun.

I would also do a Brad Richards 2.0 and sign him to a 1 year deal and maybe consider trading Anisimov to free up money for a 1LW and put Staal between Kane and Breadman.
- golfbard

Richards can still play - I Agree

I think signing Staal would be a lot like Brad Richards. Hopefully with a little more left in the tank.

Some recent news on Colbourne--- looks like he was unqualified by Calgary to avoid arbitration -- because they couldn't pay him-- 25 yo - 6'5 225 19 goals 44pts-- But he is a hometown kid for Calgary--

IMO this is the kind of player the Hawks should target--

http://www.calgarysun.com...borne-commit-to-negotiate

Anyone know the market rate for David Perron?

I think he could make some sense as a complement to Toews on the first line. He has some scoring ability and brings a little bit of nasty as well.

Looking at his HERO chart and comparing it with Ladd's they have almost identical numbers, with Perron's looking slightly better - especially shot suppression.

Plus, would be nice to stick it to the Blues if he can really pan out.

You are absolutely correct in that I rarely know the real date, that might be why was goinbg to JJ old blogs.

i have no problem with days of the week, and I know my travel plans over the next 5 6 weeks to a tee, but I juat don't care enough for the particulars of date and even age...my wife was correcting me...b/c I don't care enough to know I was actually a year older.
I rarely look in a mirror, and was surprised at the balding greybearded wribnkly faced guy I looked at the other day.

Ask me about my sleepr Kole Lind in the Western leagu in next years draft and I have taken the time to know that...somethings like July 1st June 1st seem the same...but thanks Mattie.
(But you own me a Fontano's sub near circle now...)

and thnaks Marlowe for letting me the new blog was up so I didn't alnquish there through free agency
- wiz1901

Didn't want to risk missing out on your input (and having to catch up when you find the current blog)!

Brandon Mashinter is not an NHL player, cannot hit anyone, cannot win a fight, and Toews was in 2 fights when he was "deterring" last year. I have ZERO problem with Rosi as a 6/7D and mentor/interpreter for Kempny. Brandon Mashinter is an absolute joke. He is NOT EVEN A 4th liner in all advanced statistics, and the eye test results are even worse from an objective observer. Absolutely terrible, and like I said at the end of the last blog, INK in #53 at 4LW and watch Q run 3 lines.

Mashinter's HERO Chart

http://public.tableau.com...WHWWHJ?:display_count=yes

Some news on Colbourne--- looks like he was unqualified by Calgary to avoid arbitration -- because they couldn't pay him-- 25 yo - 6'5 225 19 goals 44pts-- But he is a hometown kid for Calgary--

IMO this is the kind of player the Hawks should target--

http://www.calgarysun.com...borne-commit-to-negotiate
- jb3333

Big guy who finally got a legit chance in CAL and did really well last year.

Met him before and he's also a great guy. He probably wants to stay out west but if not would be an interesting option.

With Mashinter re-signed and Lundberg signed earlier this summer, I don't see the Hawks going after 4th liners like Boll or Latta. Seems redundant. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have Boll or Latta over Mashinter, but that's not happening as evidenced by the re-signing. Desjardins and Rasmussen are almost a lock to be 2 of your 3 on the 4th line, so I see the 3rd spot being filled by the likes of Mashinter, Hartman, McNeill, and Motte. Maybe Baun.
- AEL_Fox

I am hoping Baun is finally healed, rehabbed and working out like a fiend -- and that he kicks Mashinter's ass in camp, thereby putting to rest the "Mashinter is an enforcer" lie.

At least Baun can skate for a big man and keep up with the play. Not afraid to go to the net. If he can keep from taking stupid penalties (his undoing last year when he took some very ill-advised ones and found himself in the Rock after 2 games to start the year), he is my "sleeper" out of camp this year.

And has some NHL DNA in his blood.

And the Blue Jackets just bought out Jared Boll. He is a real goon that can actually catch NHL players to inflict a solid body check. Also, he actually wins fights. If Q and Toews want a goon in the lineup, FINE, go get a NHL quality Goon. Mashinter is an AHL goon.

Brandon Mashinter is not an NHL player, cannot hit anyone, cannot win a fight, and Toews was in 2 fights when he was "deterring" last year. I have ZERO problem with Rosi as a 6/7D and mentor/interpreter for Kempny. Brandon Mashinter is an absolute joke. He is NOT EVEN A 4th liner in all advanced statistics, and the eye test results are even worse from an objective observer. Absolutely terrible, and like I said at the end of the last blog, INK in #53 at 4LW and watch Q run 3 lines.

Mashinter's HERO Chart

http://public.tableau.com...WHWWHJ?:display_count=yes
- EnzoD

It really does seem as though any lineup that has had Mashinter in it is certain be a 3 line team. Just the way its been in the past, i doubt he's changed or gotten any better.

My formula for avoiding becoming a 3 line team is to build around a Toews/Hossa line, a Kane line(we know he's good enough to make just about anyone look good with him), a Panarin/Anisimov "3rd" line, and a Desi/Kruger 4th line. Follow that formula and there's still hope. Even with Mashinter on the roster.

Staal being tied to the Wild.

http://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1052433

Staal being tied to the Wild.

http://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1052433
- TyCamScore

I don't see him coming to Chicago....Stan will be looking for more of a bargain type player.

And the Blue Jackets just bought out Jared Boll. He is a real goon that can actually catch NHL players to inflict a solid body check. Also, he actually wins fights. If Q and Toews want a goon in the lineup, FINE, go get a NHL quality Goon. Mashinter is an AHL goon.
- EnzoD

Totally perplexing move.

Big guy who finally got a legit chance in CAL and did really well last year.

Met him before and he's also a great guy. He probably wants to stay out west but if not would be an interesting option.
- TyCamScore

Awesome great news! Would be a good 3rd line guy.

Why did they give Anisimov so much money just like a day efter he was signed. Really weird when you have all this problem with the cap space.
- PetterKane

That is so true!! Really WTF!

"If" the Hawks moved AA, I wonder if the FO considers Schmaltz a viable option to play 2C out of the gate. The second line gets very little defensive assignment, so I would think a rookie has a better chance of breaking in without as much worry in that dept. Plus Kane/Breadman handle the puck carrying for the most part. I know it has been suggested that Kruger could play 2C, but I don't see it for these same reasons. Q wants Kruger to take D zone draws, but will want Kane/Panarin on the ice for offensive zone draws and it just seems counter intuitive to me.

Of course, this all comes down to how ready they feel Schmaltz is, but I think it isn't outside the realm of possibility, at least at the start of the season, if camp goes well.

And the Blue Jackets just bought out Jared Boll. He is a real goon that can actually catch NHL players to inflict a solid body check. Also, he actually wins fights. If Q and Toews want a goon in the lineup, FINE, go get a NHL quality Goon. Mashinter is an AHL goon.
- EnzoD

But Boll will get more money that 575K-- I think---

I am hoping Baun is finally healed, rehabbed and working out like a fiend -- and that he kicks Mashinter's ass in camp, thereby putting to rest the "Mashinter is an enforcer" lie.

At least Baun can skate for a big man and keep up with the play. Not afraid to go to the net. If he can keep from taking stupid penalties (his undoing last year when he took some very ill-advised ones and found himself in the Rock after 2 games to start the year), he is my "sleeper" out of camp this year.

And has some NHL DNA in his blood.
- savvyone-1

I'd like to see Baun thrive as well and make the team within the next few years as a regular. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the penalties that spelled his demise last year were of the "rookie mistake" variety that goes away with coaching and experience rather than him being chronically undisciplined. He doesn't come off as a loose cannon. Hartman on the other hand could be described that way.

Heard just now Hawks still quietly exploring moving CC. Buffalo is the persistent team mentioned.

Heard just now Hawks still quietly exploring moving CC. Buffalo is the persistent team mentioned.
- John Jaeckel

Much as I love the Crow, this would be a very logical move to make.