JR was a great player, but he was always something of a ahole and dbag. One of the funniest things ever during an intermission was when the dork on the NBCSN panel said keep it simple stupid and for a second JR looked like he was going to demolish him.
- pjm901

JR was/is an outspoken guy.

I had never heard of some of the things guys are saying in the blog today. Interesting.

My interaction with him was a positive one. I met him at a book signing. He was all-class. When he came out, there was a massive line and he introduced himself and told everyone that he'll stick around and sign anything/everything people brought (even though you were only supposed to have the book signed). True to his word, he signed people's stuff and I heard he stuck around for hours.

I also met Chelios at a book signing. He was all-class, too. Quieter than JR, but had conversed with the fans and took pictures with everyone.

Will they win the Cup? I think there's a chance, although the chances aren't as good as previous years.
- DarthKane

^This, in a nutshell. Sometimes the vibe from posters is Schleprockian - all is lost.

I like to refer to Lloyd Christmas, who says... "so you're telling me there's a chance."

yeah, you know JJ, I totally forgot how in his early Rangers and even Bluejackets career, Artem Anisimov did play on the wings...
when they had Vermette in Columbus he was flanked out as I recall.
- wiz1901

Anisimov played LW in his last season with the Blue Jackets as well.

Vesey is the same age that Panarin was when he arrived last season keep that in mind. He isn't a 18-19 year old rookie.
- Dabearshawks

Panarin was (is) a MAN, who has played with MEN.

Vesey may be a man, but since he's only played with boys, we don't know.

I wouldn't count on much his first year.

I am reminded of a tweet last Spring from my former colleague here, Travis Yost, that went something like "it's amazing how many Chicago fans fail to see that their team is not as good as it was last year."

Yost was right.

Of course they were worse last year, you lose two top 6 guys and a #4 Dman. Of course they are worse this year but far less so and maybe even at break even with the strengthening of the defense. And they will be worse next year cuz they will lose Panarin or a core guy's salary to make Panarin part of the core.

Of course they are worse, question is how much worse year to year. Hard Broken Cap era.

How much worse is DAL after losing Goligoski, Demers, Sceviour and Fiddler replaced by Hamphous and rookies?

How much worse is STL losing Brouwer and BackAss?

How much worse is ANA losing Andersen, Perron and McGinn?

How much worse is WPG losing Ladd?

You get the picture and there is no end in sight. I don't understand national writers, or any writer, who hasn't already factored in capped teams will get worse the next year or soon after.

The teams that will improve(d) are the teams that use the vulture model like CAR and AZ or teams like FLA who's core is on their first contracts after their ELC's but their cap hell will come in a few years like TB's will come next year. EDM in 3 years will be in hell. Every capped team will get a bit worse every year.

Who is able to get less worse year to year is the model, the question.

No doubt. Weber is certainly not a bad player by any means. I think you're right about the 3-4 years. Age might start showing after that window, but who knows.

Did you see that article on ProHockeyTalk yesterday about the Habs players saying they didn't have an issue with PK and that it was the front office that did.

There was one last week that discussed how the analytics guy made a big presentation on why they should keep PK and fought the trade. He was then removed from his position.

Kind of interesting.
- Hank3Henshaw

i did - i think it was all mgmt.

If the habs dont make the cup final or at the least ECF in the next year or 2 tops i think the entire mgmt team from GM down to coach will be canned.

And for good reason...i do think the radulov signing was pretty savvy though.

It would be nice to add a 1LW now. But I am perfectly ok with saving cap room and seeing how the younger guys play for a few months. I believe the Hawks are a play off team as constructed. Let's be patient and build cap room for the TDL (if needed).

Of course if a super bargain pops up or Vesey is a possibility I would consider them too.

i did - i think it was all mgmt.

If the habs dont make the cup final or at the least ECF in the next year or 2 tops i think the entire mgmt team from GM down to coach will be canned.

And for good reason...i do think the radulov signing was pretty savvy though.
- Joel_Eh

I could see that happening.

Will Price be back to start the season? Man, they really lean on him and can't get any goal support.

How is Randulov?

I know you have some massive cap hits, but the cap hits are all still producing. This doesn't seem like a rebuild at all, rebuilding teams aren't throwing a few kids into bottom 6 minutes, they are pushing major minutes on the youngsters. With that defense and with whoever plays with Toews/Hossa getting 40 pts for just breathing, CHI will be competitive once again no doubt in my mind. Hudler would be a safe, likely not expensive addition though that I would make.

I could see that happening.

Will Price be back to start the season? Man, they really lean on him and can't get any goal support.

How is Randulov?
- Hank3Henshaw

Yah he's healthy - i think playing in the World Cup.

Rad had 190 pts in 143 games or something like that in the KHL...was effective in the NHL ~60 pt player.

I think he'll end up being one of the better FA signings this year. Not putting crazy expectations on him but 50 pts would be great.

I'm still of the opinion that the Hawks are sitting alright overall. Last season, we had nearly two of the 6 D slots manned by rookies when you consider

TVR 82 games played
Gus - 41 games played
Svedberg - 27 games played

To me, that is much more worrisome than a couple rookie forwards playing some minutes. Rookie forwards don't typically hurt you on the score sheet as much as rookie D.

Also, the big thing (In my opinion) is that we retained all our top PK guys. We shouldn't see many green guys having to play the hard minutes there. Shaw and TT did help drive the PP, so maybe we'll see a rookie get chances on the 2nd unit.

Assuming 19, 88, 72, 15, 81 get the lion's share of the PP minutes at forward.

The question here is the same question as last year....who fills out the top 6 forwards at LW? It is unclear if any of the prospects have true top 6 talent (And are ready) but the Hawks have plenty of guys that have enough skill to be bottom 6 forwards.

We just have to trust that the FO/Coaching staff will put the guys who play the system and play responsibly on the roster. Stan can still make a signing or move to shore things up, he might sign a guy to play 3rd line or move one of our extra young D.

Last year, we weren't far off the pace for the Western Conference or Division lead and it took a very good STL team to knock the Hawks out in 7 games. This season, I look at the Central and most of the top rivals lost pieces.

The Blues partially back-filled the loss of Backes and Brouwer, but their goaltending tandem is weaker. Brian Elliot is in his prime and was fantastic last year, and the fact that they had two guys who were solid in goal is a strength they gave up.

The Stars don't look any better than last year. They lost 2 of their top 4 D losing 30 year old Goligoski and 28 year old Demers. The couldn't retain their trade deadline pickup Kris Russel. They added 33 year old Hamhuis who, in my opinion, has already played his best hockey.

Maybe Nashville or Minnesota finally get over the hump and become real contenders, but they didn't really improve, more looks like the same to me overall.

I don't think neither Winnipeg or Colorado have improved or have the D that can really challenge.

It just seems like the Central div overall may have taken a step back. The Hawks are going in with better D, solid goaltending and maybe a few questions up front. I expect the team to be better out of the gate.

I am much more interested if a Doug Wilson type GM is gonna offer Kucherov a RFA offer sheet to throw things off in Tampa.

I think a lot of NHL teams might have to see the tremendous upside and compete in this young vet/ kid...but maybe just maybe like his teammates he is very comfortable with the group, their playoff chances IF the remain intact.

It would add interest to a summer filled with humdrum discussions about the hawks lack of depth...

I don't really think they are ready to launch Bishop, until after giving him and the team one more run where maybe just maybe he won't turn up lame in the playoff and I think their first plan is to trade him away if they can before the draft.

BUT...if someone tries to sign Kucherov, well, that might hurry them sending him elsewhere.

The more quick guns teams have, the more trouble the opposing teams have at defending shift after shift working hard to close, stay close and force out these attackers...so to me Kucherov is a really great add or in TB case, keep over Ben bishop's open ass.
- wiz1901

Wiz, Bishop is a UFA following this season. If TB plays him in the upcoming playoffs, after the TDL, he's gone for nothing.

TB is ok THIS year salary wise as they have the space for Kucherov, who is an RFA, but it will put them at the cap. Next year is where hell visits them. Tyler Johnson, Drouin and Palat are all RFA's and they will not have the money for all 3 of them.

Anisimov played LW in his last season with the Blue Jackets as well.
- DarthKane

JJ is right, Anisimov's style would fit in nice with on the captain's line.

With a combination of Schmaltz's progression at C last year in ND, Lundberg signing, Kruger back and healthy, maybe AA holding down the 2nd line C spot isn't as vital.

Plus, I think I could play with Kane and Panarin.

If Stan strikes out with Vesey and there's nothing left in the FA pool that makes sense, maybe you see:

AA-Toews-Hossa
Panarin-Kruger-Kane
Desi-Schmaltz-Panik
Mash/Ras/Lundberg/Tootoo

With all this talk about rookies... you're only looking at Schmaltz at this point. Lundberg is 26 and Ras has gotten his feet wet. I can see Hartman and McNeill getting time too, but they've been in the AHL for 3+ years and not 18-19 year olds.

It would be nice to add a 1LW now. But I am perfectly ok with saving cap room and seeing how the younger guys play for a few months. I believe the Hawks are a play off team as constructed. Let's be patient and build cap room for the TDL (if needed).

Of course if a super bargain pops up or Vesey is a possibility I would consider them too.
- -Doh-

Well said, sir......... With 22 guys inked and 2.4 in cap space left StanBow has some room to find value whenever it presents itself whether it be now or in season.

JJ is right, Anisimov's style would fit in nice with on the captain's line.

With a combination of Schmaltz's progression at C last year in ND, Lundberg signing, Kruger back and healthy, maybe AA holding down the 2nd line C spot isn't as vital.

Plus, I think I could play with Kane and Panarin.

If Stan strikes out with Vesey and there's nothing left in the FA pool that makes sense, maybe you see:

AA-Toews-Hossa
Panarin-Kruger-Kane
Desi-Schmaltz-Panik
Mash/Ras/Lundberg/Tootoo

With all this talk about rookies... you're only looking at Schmaltz at this point. Lundberg is 26 and Ras has gotten his feet wet. I can see Hartman and McNeill getting time too, but they've been in the AHL for 3+ years and not 18-19 year olds.
- TyCamScore

AA at LW is certainly worth a try. Kruger isn't the ideal 2C but with Panarin and Kane on his wings how bad can he be?

Yah he's healthy - i think playing in the World Cup.

Rad had 190 pts in 143 games or something like that in the KHL...was effective in the NHL ~60 pt player.

I think he'll end up being one of the better FA signings this year. Not putting crazy expectations on him but 50 pts would be great.
- Joel_Eh

Oh, wow. Yea, those are some good numbers.

Hopefully he can help with scoring/playmaking for you guys.

JJ is right, Anisimov's style would fit in nice with on the captain's line.

With a combination of Schmaltz's progression at C last year in ND, Lundberg signing, Kruger back and healthy, maybe AA holding down the 2nd line C spot isn't as vital.

Plus, I think I could play with Kane and Panarin.

If Stan strikes out with Vesey and there's nothing left in the FA pool that makes sense, maybe you see:

AA-Toews-Hossa
Panarin-Kruger-Kane
Desi-Schmaltz-Panik
Mash/Ras/Lundberg/Tootoo

With all this talk about rookies... you're only looking at Schmaltz at this point. Lundberg is 26 and Ras has gotten his feet wet. I can see Hartman and McNeill getting time too, but they've been in the AHL for 3+ years and not 18-19 year olds.
- TyCamScore

Agreed the rookie question isn't as bad as presented but Rasmussen barely qualifies as not being a rookie.

AA at LW is certainly worth a try. Kruger isn't the ideal 2C but with Panarin and Kane on his wings how bad can he be?
- DarthKane

Thought the same, but if he can win draws and dig pucks out the corner for PK and AP, then they'll have no problem.

I agree with JJ's premise that a Cup is likely out of reach if we regularly see 2-3 rookies dress at the beginning of the season.

I somewhat disagree with the premise that we will see Bowman and the franchise's contention hopes based upon their next signings. With the cap constraints and the lack of proven production out there (if you count Hudler and Richards), what big-impact moves can the Hawks make?

Long story short, unless the Hawks make a massive deal during training camp or at the trade deadline, I think all moves will be some "fringe" type moves. The Hawks have to be banking on more rest=more production and some marked improvement in scoring from the Toews line.

Agreed the rookie question isn't as bad as presented but Rasmussen barely qualifies as not being a rookie.
- Mr Ricochet

I hear ya with only playing 44 games with the big club however, he is 26 years old. A little wiser than a 18-19 year old.

Well said, sir......... With 22 guys inked and 2.4 in cap space left StanBow has some room to find value whenever it presents itself whether it be now or in season.
- Mr Ricochet

Agreed... I've become increasingly less concerned about adding another vet and more comfortable with seeing what we have w/ the young guys. In-season adjustments are very doable and frankly unless Hudler or Richards come cheap I'm ok w/ having a little cap room to spare at this point, because any cap room we have at the end of the season can be put toward earned bonuses to avoid pentalites next year (I believe) so not having penalties (or having minimal overage penalties) next year when Panarin is due would be nice

Either way, I'm ready for hockey to start again haha this stretch of the sporting year becomes so boring for me... Need football and hockey to start up again...

I honestly do not share the pessimism of some posters for the upcoming season.

The blue line and goaltending for the upcoming season is likely the best group they have had since 2010. This will be a tough team to score against, and they now have some legit skate it out AND pass it out options on the transition.

The bottom six may also be a pleasant surprise. Lundberg gives you experience, a bit of sandpaper, and the Desi-like versatility to play center or wing. I think at least one of the kids will rise to the occasion to contribute in the bottom six.

As for the top six - I'm not as pessimistic here either. Let's be honest - they still have five top six forwards that range from above average to HOF level play.

I have a hard time believing that having only two young guys crack the lineup on this team is in any way fatal to being a contender. It also appears to me that the only team that got measurably better in the West was Nashville (qualified by Rinne playing up to his par), while most of the rest got worse.

With only a couple of million in space, at best a sub $1MM D guy or two and a bunch of undersized fatally flawed middling to lower level draft picks as trade chips, we aren't going to see any veteran additions at 1LW or 2LW that play like Saad and get paid like Panik for only one year get added any time soon.

Pass on Richards at 2C. He is not the grinder net front kind of guy that AA gave 72 and 88. He is an above the circles vision passer. That 72-88 pairing already has that in spades.

Two reasons why I doubt it:

(1) I don't think he hope that anyone still out there - Richards? Hudler? - will still be there in 4 weeks

(2) Vesey may be a better prospect than, say, Schmaltz or Motte or put-your-own-favorite-name in there, but he's still a prospect - a college player who has not played one minute with or against professionals; I doubt that Bowman is counting on Vesey for solving any problems at a championship level this year. (Perhaps that should be "HOPE he isn't".)
- StLBravesFan

Well said.....

I have the Hawks at 4.383 in cap space with 11 forwards (including Rasmussen) 6 D, and 2 G. I subtracted out Frankenstein, Gus, and Carrick.

I just don't see how they add any veteran UFA worth a damn and make the cap work. Maybe they got lucky and find another Rozsival looking for a cheap deal late in the summer, and is willing to take a 1 year term. We shall see.

Honestly, where does Richards slide in? Lets think about this.....IF you say 2C I can see that possibly, but lets recall Richards is a very slow skater and may have been squeezed for whatever skill he had left 2 years ago with Kane. Could his ego handle a 3C role and skating with Hossa and sliding Kruger down to 4C? I just don't see it.

Hudler....I recall suggesting him back in 2009 or so and was laughed at. Again, would he be willing to take a little over a million to have a DECENT shot, at a cup? Only Hudler and his agent know that answer.

I'm not buying the Vesey hype. Maybe the Hawks will be a bridesmaid like they were with the kid on D from Minnesota. Maybe Vesey is using the Hawks as leverage to amp up money from Boston or Buffalo. Who the hell knows.

So when all the smoke clears and you factor in Kempny for 700K and your D is set...You have 3.6 and change left and needing at least 2, possibly 3 Fs left. That leaves your likely internal solutions at Schmaltz/Motte @925K each, Hartman at 863K, Hinotinza at 717K and Lundberg at 693K.

It honestly would make sense to give some of these kids a long look because if you find that a Motte or Schmaltz or whoever else is trending towards a more depth role then say a Saad role, then you quickly have to start creeping towards whatever asking price Panarin is looking for because you don't have an internal solution, unless you have another "Panarin type" coming from Europe or college next year like the hawks did when they had to let Saad go.

Patching a hole with a very aging and slow Richards with an ego makes zero sense to me. Hudler possibly if he's willing to take the risk AND take a pay cut. How many veterans are willing to do that who haven't cashed in before? Campbell and Richards both came off MONSTER deals when they signed on the cheap here. I don't recall Hudler cashing in yet in free agency.

I honestly do not share the pessimism of some posters for the upcoming season.

The blue line and goaltending for the upcoming season is likely the best group they have had since 2010. This will be a tough team to score against, and they now have some legit skate it out AND pass it out options on the transition.

The bottom six may also be a pleasant surprise. Lundberg gives you experience, a bit of sandpaper, and the Desi-like versatility to play center or wing. I think at least one of the kids will rise to the occasion to contribute in the bottom six.

As for the top six - I'm not as pessimistic here either. Let's be honest - they still have five top six forwards that range from above average to HOF level play.

I have a hard time believing that having only two young guys crack the lineup on this team is in any way fatal to being a contender. It also appears to me that the only team that got measurably better in the West was Nashville (qualified by Rinne playing up to his par), while most of the rest got worse.

With only a couple of million in space, at best a sub $1MM D guy or two and a bunch of undersized fatally flawed middling to lower level draft picks as trade chips, we aren't going to see any veteran additions at 1LW or 2LW that play like Saad and get paid like Panik for only one year get added any time soon.

Pass on Richards at 2C. He is not the grinder net front kind of guy that AA gave 72 and 88. He is an above the circles vision passer. That 72-88 pairing already has that in spades.
- Return of the Roar

Same here, man.

I've wanted them to bring up the young guys for a while.

Would rather have that than try to sign a FA veteran and potentially get into more cap trouble.

I hear ya with only playing 44 games with the big club however, he is 26 years old. A little wiser than a 18-19 year old.
- TyCamScore

Without any additional moves I would see 3 potential vacancies:

1. 1LW or 2C (depending on where Anisimov plays)
2. 3RW or 3LW (assuming Hossa as 1RW and Panik is on the 3rd line)
3. 4C

I would think that between Rasmussen, Lundberg and McNeill there is a good chance that 2 of these guys can fill voids #2 and #3. They wouldn't need to produce high offensive number, just be solid 2 way forwards. I don't think it's a stretch to think that is realistic.

I'm not sure how void #1 gets filled.