If anyone is getting sheltered minutes its the Gentle Giant, Gustaffson and Rosi.
- EnzoD

bingo!

Rick DiPietro?
- 93Joe

His son is a top goalie IN 2017 DRAFT

Here's something for you. How about this recapture penalty? I know this is unrelated to hockey but WTF? Bobby Bonilla.

After his subpar 1999 season, the Mets released Bonilla, but still owed him $5.9 million. Bonilla and his agent offered the Mets a deal: Bonilla would defer payment for a decade, and the Mets would pay him an annual paycheck of $1.19 million starting in 2011 and ending in 2035, adding up to a total payout of $29.8 million.

Mashinter for Yakupov straight up, who says no??

Mashinter for Yakupov straight up, who says no??
- SimpleJack

Edmonton. just a guess though

Look at LA roster. 26 players under contract and over the cap. Scuderi retires?
- -Doh-

Give Lombardi some time. He is thinking of a plan.

Smith had so many awful 1st round picks...Many were Russians, it's easy to forget the good ones. But he did nail two very important pieces of the foundation.
- Al

Even Tallon had Kyle Beach.

Smith had so many awful 1st round picks...Many were Russians, it's easy to forget the good ones. But he did nail two very important pieces of the foundation.
- Al

I checked out the Blackhawks draft picks during Smith's tenure as GM and here were his good picks (good is an understatement when you see the Cup winners on the list):

2001: Ruutu, Anderson
2002: Keith, Wisniewski, Burish
2003: Seabrook, Crawford, Byfuglien

Ellison was drafted in 2002, and we all know who we got in return with a "minor" trade with the Flyers. I remember when that trade happened. I considered it a swap of grinders but did we ever get lucky landing Sharp.

And of course, Ruutu turned into Ladd. Before he even played a game for the Hawks, Ruutu was considered "the best player outside the NHL" for 1-2 years. When he finally started his rookie year, he was part of the youth movement along with the ABC Line (Arnason, Bell, Calder). ABCD if you add Daze to that group.

I am back from a long ban from this site. Had a lot of time to brew:
1) Someone in the media needs to ask Bettman why the contracts that he has deemed "illegal" has basically saved the Phoenix/Arizona/Winnipeg franchise, 2 seasons in a row?
2) The recapture clause is an empty promise - we as parents know this all too well. (I will stop this car if you keep saying that, etc). It is basically a clause so no new contracts are written that way.
3) Some other posters pointed out that there will be some new "rules" inserted into the CBA to help Edmonton when McGod's ELC contract is over. Bet (tman) on it.
4) Phoenix IS STILL a joke of a franchise. Why would anyone want to support that team? Why would Doan want to play there, it is obvious he has no desire to win.
5) If the Las Vegas team is named Black anything, it will be another dig to the Blackhawks franchise.
6) Don't post anything in Paul Stewart blogs.
- powerenforcer

For those wondering on Evander Kane, let it go. Locker room cancer, total premadona. Cocky, sense of entitlement, me first. There's a good reason why he was ousted from both Winnipeg and Buffalo. One of those spoiled kids who never caught one on the chin growing up. Serious pass.

I don't see an overall change in style of play...They should be able to have a stronger transition game with Campbell in the mix. That's where things broke down last year...Could turn the play from defense to offense as quickly as in the past. Passing wasn't nearly as good from the dmen out.

I do think the top 2 lines could be shuffled...Hossa could end up on the 3rd line.
- Al

If 81 slides down to the 3rd line, who is joining Kane as the other RW in the top 6?

Didn't Byfuglien throw E. Kane's clothes in the shower because he showed up in a track suit as opposed to business attire?
I think Seabrook, Hossa, Hjalmarsson, Toews and Q would not stand for his attitude and mishaps either. But I guess you never know. That decision would have to come from McDonough himself.
- 93Joe

I have a feeling McDonough has had his fill of Kane's in hot water. I think he passes on Evander.

I have a feeling McDonough has had his fill of Kane's in hot water. I think he passes on Evander.
- matt_ahrens

There's no chance E Kane come here, not even if Buffalo retained half his salary. After the publicity nightmares of P Kane and Garret Ross the Blackhawks won't put themselves into a position with another risky player.

On this note, I was wondering if Mike Richards would be an option for a cheap 1 year deal for the 4th line. But I doubt he'll be worth the risk.

If 81 slides down to the 3rd line, who is joining Kane as the other RW in the top 6?
- matt_ahrens

Unless Panik really steps up his game I don't see anyone on the roster replacing Hossa as the 1RW.

Al, I think Q should humble himself and give McNeill and Hartman legit shots at sticking with this team come camp. There are players like Steve Downie, Hudler, and a few others out there, no more fricken Versteeg or Vrbata either. If there is any legs to it and they are destined to lose TVR next year, that Yakupov story seems intriguing. A kid like that may thrive playing next to Daddy Hossa and it could be a find for the Hawks.
SB should have stood pat last spring, we'd be looking at Dano, Danault and a freshly picked 1st rounder going into camp. His run is about over, trade record is terrible ,he was handed this team, Dale did most of the work. Now he has to actually get on a plane like most GM ' s do and go scout kids like Dale has done. Very disappointing, especially having to write a check for 10 k in 3weeks, with a total of 9 fricken forwards on the roster per the Hawks web site. 19 has to be seething under his collar.
And for those ducks farting in shallow water thinking Motte, Schmaultz or 5"2 Debrincat will make the team without 1second of pro hockey ....NADDA! I realize other teams are facing similar situations, ??????????????
- wonthecup10

I'm glad StanBo went for it. I only wish he could have traded TT for Hamhuis so the D could have been stronger because you never know what could have happened if they get to the second round. I hope if he has the same opportunity this coming season he goes for it again. In the long run we're all dead. Take the chance when you can. It paid off in 2015.

Unless Panik really steps up his game I don't see anyone on the roster replacing Hossa as the 1RW.
- DarthKane

I really believe if put together again Toews and Hossa will both have huge bounce back seasons offensively. I think Toews goes for 65-70 pts and Hossa with 50-55 or so.

Kane can command another line all by himself. Put Panik on his opposite wing and i bet they make any average joe at Center look halfway decent.

That leaves the Russian duo of Panarin and Anismov for a 3rd scoring line. Maybe try Schmaltz out as the other winger on this line, if not try him with 19 and 81.

This also leaves Kruger and Desjardins available to anchor a 4th line instead of being pieces on what would be a relatively weak 3rd line(in a situation where we load up the top 6 with 19, 88, 81, 15, and 72).

I checked out the Blackhawks draft picks during Smith's tenure as GM and here were his good picks (good is an understatement when you see the Cup winners on the list):

2001: Ruutu, Anderson
2002: Keith, Wisniewski, Burish
2003: Seabrook, Crawford, Byfuglien

Ellison was drafted in 2002, and we all know who we got in return with a "minor" trade with the Flyers. I remember when that trade happened. I considered it a swap of grinders but did we ever get lucky landing Sharp.

And of course, Ruutu turned into Ladd. Before he even played a game for the Hawks, Ruutu was considered "the best player outside the NHL" for 1-2 years. When he finally started his rookie year, he was part of the youth movement along with the ABC Line (Arnason, Bell, Calder). ABCD if you add Daze to that group.
- AEL_Fox

For all the Dale Tallon love, if you look his draft record is not great. Kane and Toews were home runs, and also high picks. from the '05 draft huge bust in Skille, offset by gett Hjarlmarsson in the 4th round. Nothing out of the '06, '07 and '08 drafts other than Kane & Toews and '09 produced only Kruger in the 5th as a solid player. Yes, he made some decent trades, but also some poor ones, and also handed out some questionable contracts (and continued to do so in FLA).

Stan no doubt has his flaws, but he is far from the worst GM. The club has goals, like Al stated earlier, and goes all in to win each year. Sometimes it pays off, other times it doesn't.

I really believe if put together again Toews and Hossa will both have huge bounce back seasons offensively. I think Toews goes for 65-70 pts and Hossa with 50-55 or so.

Kane can command another line all by himself. Put Panik on his opposite wing and i bet they make any average joe at Center look halfway decent.

That leaves the Russian duo of Panarin and Anismov for a 3rd scoring line. Maybe try Schmaltz out as the other winger on this line, if not try him with 19 and 81.

This also leaves Kruger and Desjardins available to anchor a 4th line instead of being pieces on what would be a relatively weak 3rd line(in a situation where we load up the top 6 with 19, 88, 81, 15, and 72).
- SimpleJack

I agree with you on Toews and Hossa having big bounce back seasons. They have played a lot of hockey over the last three years and while it sucked to get knocked out in the first round they did get a long off season and should be fresh and well rested.

I'm not saying this team is done. The Hawks have until Toews/Kane are well into their 30s before a full rebuild is needed. I just think that more action is required to be confident that the Hawks can win it all this year (without Pittsburgh type of "miracle"). I mean, who the frank thought that Pitt had any shot at the Cup in January 2016?? All you need to do is get to the big dance and with 19, 2, 88 anything can happen. But, let's not kid ourselves, Marian Hossa put this team over the top. He has been a 200ft BEAST with and without the puck since 2010. Without Hossa at a top 6 level, this team will have trouble raising the Cup (as currently constructed).

EDIT: Hossa was an absolute beast in Game 7 vs STL and if he can remember how to lift the puck, he will easily pot 20+ goals this year
- EnzoD

I was thinking about this end of last year. Isn't that something that you can practice? I would like to see a lift the puck from 10 ft and in drill put into his daily workout and pickle juice drinking session. We know he's a workout warrior, put some of that effort into the lifting the puck drill

I am 100% on board for this move IF he is innocent and all charges are dropped. This guy is a freakin player with high-end speed, an elite release, and he plays with an edge. The guy can finish checks and would be able to play the cycle game with 19-88. He needs to be bought out first bc they can't afford him at his current AAV, AND he has to be free of legal issues. But, that would be a gift and really put this team over the top to LEGIT CONTENDER status. I've always been a big fan of Evander Kane the player, not the person. If Toews, Seabs, Hossa can't get that kid in line, nobody can.
- EnzoD

Plus now they have a track record of reforming Kane's

Ladd is not is not a 7 year 35M player. Best of luck to him

Kluzak had very bad knee injuries that was his problem, not talent.

Just for laughs:

In the 1964 Amateur draft (6 NHL teams at the time) there were 4 Rounds. 5 of the 6 players drafted in the first round never played an NHL game, the other guy played 3 NHL games total.

The Blackhawks first 3 selections that year never played an NHL game, but they squeezed 5 big league games out of their 4th rounder - somebody named Moe L'Abbe.
- RickJ

Wiz drank Tequila shots with that guy one crazy night on the West Side

Stanbo blew it today, he could have signed Steve Ott as his #1LW and Kenny Holland beat him to it.

But the Leafs will give him Joffrey Lupul for nothing.
- RickJ

I'd take him if they bought him out and could be signed on the cheap.

I am back from a long ban from this site. Had a lot of time to brew:
1) Someone in the media needs to ask Bettman why the contracts that he has deemed "illegal" has basically saved the Phoenix/Arizona/Winnipeg franchise, 2 seasons in a row?
2) The recapture clause is an empty promise - we as parents know this all too well. (I will stop this car if you keep saying that, etc). It is basically a clause so no new contracts are written that way.
3) Some other posters pointed out that there will be some new "rules" inserted into the CBA to help Edmonton when McGod's ELC contract is over. Bet (tman) on it.
4) Phoenix IS STILL a joke of a franchise. Why would anyone want to support that team? Why would Doan want to play there, it is obvious he has no desire to win.
5) If the Las Vegas team is named Black anything, it will be another dig to the Blackhawks franchise.
6) Don't post anything in Paul Stewart blogs.
- powerenforcer

Was going to ask what you did to get a long ban, I guess that answers the questions

I'm glad StanBo went for it. I only wish he could have traded TT for Hamhuis so the D could have been stronger because you never know what could have happened if they get to the second round. I hope if he has the same opportunity this coming season he goes for it again. In the long run we're all dead. Take the chance when you can. It paid off in 2015.
- matt_ahrens

For drouin, wouldn't have the 1LW problem today