per my previous post

Objections / Implications in terminating the Toews/Kane contracts.

They probably would be retroactively penalized in some fashion because they were each paid $13.8 mil last year. It would be seen as circumventing the cap.

Another option - Could they revise the contract now adding a year at $1 mil for that year. That would bring the cap hit down to $9.444 mil (from $10.5 mil)
- -Doh-

beyond what people mentioned a la AA contract at ~3M, the salary in a contract cant reduce YOY by more than like 30%. See Boedker with SJS having to resign after the NHL denied the contract

beyond what people mentioned a la AA contract at ~3M, the salary in a contract cant reduce YOY by more than like 30%. See Boedker with SJS having to resign after the NHL denied the contract
- tcmoritz

so I was off by 5%. "35% variability rule"

link: http://www.fearthefin.com...ised-deal-with-the-sharks

The A bonus are pretty easy to get but that is only $850K the B bonus are much harder, Panarin in his last 5 games he had 5 goals and 8 Assists, before that he was not going to get any B bonus. He went from 13 in the league in scoring to 9th. I do not think Vesey is going to be as good as Panarin. But if he scores 50pts he would probably get all or most of the $850K.

1: Individual "A" Bonuses - These are broken into categories like ice time, goals, and plus/minus. Each category has a minimum requirement a team can bonus for (10 goals, for example) and each category may not create more than $215,00 worth of bonuses (you can bonus $100K at 10 goals and then $115K at 15 goals if you want). Total "A" Bonuses can't exceed $850,000.
2: Individual "B" Bonuses - This is kind of a two-part bonus system based on performance comparative to the rest of the league. First off, the league itself will pay the player a bonus outside of his Club-paid salary if he does things like earns a place in the top five for postseason awards like the Hart, Selke, or Vezina; or if he places top ten in the league in offensive/goaltending categories. On top of the league bonuses, the club can pay bonuses of up to $2M to the player for making these awards.

per my previous post

Objections / Implications in terminating the Toews/Kane contracts.

They probably would be retroactively penalized in some fashion because they were each paid $13.8 mil last year. It would be seen as circumventing the cap.

Another option - Could they revise the contract now adding a year at $1 mil for that year. That would bring the cap hit down to $9.444 mil (from $10.5 mil)
- -Doh-

Contracts cannot be revised or altered in any way once approved by the league - they're locked completely until bought out, terminated, or a player retires. Boedker example was that his new contract was rejected by the league so it had to be revised before it would be accepted - Kane/Toews' contracts are obviously approved already so they cannot be altered. Your original proposal isn't an option either because players can't re-sign with the same team that a contract has been terminated with for a set number of time.

so I was off by 5%. "35% variability rule"

link: http://www.fearthefin.com...ised-deal-with-the-sharks
- tcmoritz

$13.8 mil each year 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18for Toews and Kane
35% of $13.8mil = $4.83 mil
$13.8 mil - $4.83 mil = $8.97mil

I listen to 670 the Score at work through Radio.com. 85% of the commercials are progressive insurance commercials with that annoying woman. It makes me want to slam me face into my desk.

August 15th Vessey Day please get here quickly so we can see what move the Hawks are going to make.

Skeptical about McNeill after hearing reports that some in the Blackhawks org do not think he's ready.

"@TheChiChronicle Jul 24

The #Blackhawks for the most part don't believe Mark McNeill is ready for the NHL. Rumored the #Oilers are interested. (Per @ByScottPowers)."


Find it weird to think that considering they've only given him a shot with 1 NHL game.

Wouldn't be shocked if he's moved though.

There's a Hartman puff piece on the Hawks site that looks like they're preparing people to embrace him as a potential Shaw replacement.
- TyCamScore

I continue to not understand how one of the highest scoring members of the Hogs could "STILL not be ready for the NHL" after 4 years on their team. Why the heck did the Hawks resign him then, just to put up 40+ points in their farm team year after year? I would ask to be traded if I were him at this point (seems like they're jerking him around). Hope this kid makes it somewhere, even if it's not with the Hawks.

Yeah when I wrote this I thought the same thing, good question
- BetweenTheDots

ELC's have to go in as a schedule or a schedule B bonus. They have limitations on what they can be. Schedule A have easier obtainable goals but is only about 200-300k in cap hit. Schedule B is what Panarin hit and those have to be Winning an NHL award/ top 10 in league in points, etc.


35+ year old contracts can have basic, easy to obtain, bonuses. I think if Campbell plays in 10 games he gets an extra $500k bonus.

I continue to not understand how one of the highest scoring members of the Hogs could "STILL not be ready for the NHL" after 4 years on their team. Why the heck did the Hawks resign him then, just to put up 40+ points in their farm team year after year? I would ask to be traded if I were him at this point (seems like they're jerking him around). Hope this kid makes it somewhere, even if it's not with the Hawks.
- Murph76

It's similar to how Pirri and Morin weren't ready for the NHL and/or the Hawks after being high scorers in the AHL. Sometimes players either need more time in the AHL or they just don't pan out the way a team hopes. They resigned him because good asset management dictates they keep players of some value in case they want to flip them for other assets.

Also, it's really not that uncommon for prospects to stay in the AHL for 3 years or more. Isn't that the Detroit model that everyone opines is so great?

It's similar to how Pirri and Morin weren't ready for the NHL and/or the Hawks after being high scorers in the AHL. Sometimes players either need more time in the AHL or they just don't pan out the way a team hopes. They resigned him because good asset management dictates they keep players of some value in case they want to flip them for other assets.

Also, it's really not that uncommon for prospects to stay in the AHL for 3 years or more. Isn't that the Detroit model that everyone opines is so great?
- L_B_R

Just seems to me like he's at least earned a potential spot on the 4th line, he's GOT to be better than Mashinter for God's sake (perhaps even at fighting based on the few vids I've seen)!!!

Just seems to me like he's at least earned a potential spot on the 4th line, he's GOT to be better than Mashinter for God's sake (perhaps even at fighting based on the few vids I've seen)!!!
- Murph76

Plus unlike Pirri and Morin, McNeill doesn't seem to have any glaring holes in his game (speed maybe?) particularlyon defense. He seems like a capable defender at least and has some scoring talent. Like you say, he should at least be able to be a fourth liner and he's also cheap. Maybe they just don't feel he'd be a better fourth liner than their other options (Mashinter doesn't count)? Count me as one of those confused he hasn't even had a cup of coffee yet.

ELC's have to go in as a schedule or a schedule B bonus. They have limitations on what they can be. Schedule A have easier obtainable goals but is only about 200-300k in cap hit. Schedule B is what Panarin hit and those have to be Winning an NHL award/ top 10 in league in points, etc.


35+ year old contracts can have basic, easy to obtain, bonuses. I think if Campbell plays in 10 games he gets an extra $500k bonus.
- BearsnHawks

Interesting, so if he's going after the money I imagine the Leafs are out of the picture


Thanks for sharing

It's similar to how Pirri and Morin weren't ready for the NHL and/or the Hawks after being high scorers in the AHL. Sometimes players either need more time in the AHL or they just don't pan out the way a team hopes. They resigned him because good asset management dictates they keep players of some value in case they want to flip them for other assets.

Also, it's really not that uncommon for prospects to stay in the AHL for 3 years or more. Isn't that the Detroit model that everyone opines is so great?
- L_B_R

The AHL is slower, smaller, less skilled.

So some guys—like a Morin for example—can light it up in the AHL because he is not at a speed disadvantage there. His deficiencies aren't as glaring. But it all comes out in the big show.

Plus unlike Pirri and Morin, McNeill doesn't seem to have any glaring holes in his game (speed maybe?) particularlyon defense. He seems like a capable defender at least and has some scoring talent. Like you say, he should at least be able to be a fourth liner and he's also cheap. Maybe they just don't feel he'd be a better fourth liner than their other options (Mashinter doesn't count)? Count me as one of those confused he hasn't even had a cup of coffee yet.
- Walky

Problem with McNeill is he wants to play a more point-productive, sniper style game in the AHL—which he can get away with there. In the NHL, he lacks the skill to the that player and needs to be a much more physical, all-terrain, and hard-working forward. And he has not shown that he can be that kind of player.

Problem with McNeill is he wants to play a more point-productive, sniper style game in the AHL—which he can get away with there. In the NHL, he lacks the skill to the that player and needs to be a much more physical, all-terrain, and hard-working forward. And he has not shown that he can be that kind of player.
- John Jaeckel

Well crap So he's basically trade bait. So JJ, what does your gut say our 4th line looks like as it stands now? Tootoo + ? + ? I REALLY hope it's not Tootoo, Mashinter, and Rasmussen.

Problem with McNeill is he wants to play a more point-productive, sniper style game in the AHL—which he can get away with there. In the NHL, he lacks the skill to the that player and needs to be a much more physical, all-terrain, and hard-working forward. And he has not shown that he can be that kind of player.
- John Jaeckel

I still have an issue with them not giving him a prolonged look. If McNeil thinks he can be a scorer at the NHL level and the Hawks think he has to become more all terrain bottom 6 guy why not give him a look at the NHL for 10-15 games and then send him back down with instructions on what to work on. Look at some of the guys the Hawks utilized in the first half of last year. I don't think McNeil would have been worse.

I have to think if a guy knows he can play a point productive style successfully in the AHL he will do so and continue to think he can do so at the NHL level as well until he learns otherwise. So maybe there is a bit of mentality disconnect with him and the Hawks coaching staff/front office.

We have seen several Hawks prospects get a taste then get sent back down to work on their games. I am shocked McNeil hasn't to date.

Something tells me maybe Q does not like him for some reason.

Don't forget Lunberg is listed as a center as well but the game I watched on You Tube he played RW.
- Mr Ricochet

I am pretty sure after they watched him (when they rrally weren't looking for a fill at RW) that he plays both sides and fills in at the pivot...

Problem with McNeill is he wants to play a more point-productive, sniper style game in the AHL—which he can get away with there. In the NHL, he lacks the skill to the that player and needs to be a much more physical, all-terrain, and hard-working forward. And he has not shown that he can be that kind of player.
- John Jaeckel

So he is Bickell 2.0?

Well crap So he's basically trade bait. So JJ, what does your gut say our 4th line looks like as it stands now? Tootoo + ? + ? I REALLY hope it's not TooToo, Mashinter, and Rasmussen.
- Murph76

Unless he listens to the coaches and plays more of a bottom 6 / physical role.

Unless he listens to the coaches and plays more of a bottom 6 / physical role.
- DarthKane

Here's hoping Darth

I still have an issue with them not giving him a prolonged look. If McNeil thinks he can be a scorer at the NHL level and the Hawks think he has to become more all terrain bottom 6 guy why not give him a look at the NHL for 10-15 games and then send him back down with instructions on what to work on. Look at some of the guys the Hawks utilized in the first half of last year. I don't think McNeil would have been worse.
- bhawks2241

From the day he was drafted, he was seen as a meat & potatoes player who scored goals by being an anchor in the front area. The long-term hope was he became a Getzlaf type player. Getzlaf averaged about 38 goals in Westrern junior and Mark McNeil played for a less succesful team in Prince Albert.
Getzlaf displayed "qualities" but there really wasn't anything but expectation he could continue to improve his all around game, and it happened:
Getzlaf became a solid force but except for ONE season has he scored over 25 goals (31)...
McNeill was drafted with the hopes he would also bloom as a dominant player but, maybe never a big time scorer either.
Even in junior (when playing for the Canadien Junior) he was moved to wing to utilize his physicality and smarts.
The big difference in the developemental part is the Hawks seemed to have decided early that McNeill was best served on the off-wing, as opposed to a centre.
I always thought that eventually McNeill would get a bit quicker and get some looks at centre.
I hear all this talk with opinions about McNeill and his abilities, but I like to think about things with a baseline, so let's use Bollig as the one here.

Just think about how Q loved him, played him, and he was what he was...a guy who had to continue working to improve his foot speed, and skills...and the team only saw limited improvement and he got moved before there was any issues at paying more for what the player is...

...so that might be where things are after they actually give him a justified chance.

the jury will not be out long...

Looking for some advice from anyone able to share:

I'm thinking about canceling my Comcast cable due to increasing monthly costs. I have the Roku and will keep that. What do any of you recommend for ways to catch NHL regular season games as well as playoff games?

I used to have NHL Center Ice for a few years, then got NHL Game Center Live before not doing either this past season since so many Hawks games were on national TV. Don't know much about NHL.tv or other methods to watch games so any advice you all have would be super!

Thanks in advance!

Looking for some advice from anyone able to share:

I'm thinking about canceling my Comcast cable due to increasing monthly costs. I have the Roku and will keep that. What do any of you recommend for ways to catch NHL regular season games as well as playoff games?

I used to have NHL Center Ice for a few years, then got NHL Game Center Live before not doing either this past season since so many Hawks games were on national TV. Don't know much about NHL.tv or other methods to watch games so any advice you all have would be super!

Thanks in advance!
- AEL_Fox

Hey AFL, PlayStation vue does offer nbcsn in the lowest tired for 29.99 a month. This helps for national games and playoffs, but you do need a PlayStation account as well that run 49.99 a year. If you live where csn Chicago is local it only 10.00 per month more or 39.99 month and you will get most of the games.

Looking for some advice from anyone able to share:
I'm thinking about canceling my Comcast cable due to increasing monthly costs. I have the Roku and will keep that. What do any of you recommend for ways to catch NHL regular season games as well as playoff games?
I used to have NHL Center Ice for a few years, then got NHL Game Center Live before not doing either this past season since so many Hawks games were on national TV. Don't know much about NHL.tv or other methods to watch games so any advice you all have would be super!
Thanks in advance!
- AEL_Fox

Yeah when I am on the road it bothers the for a few days" message.
If I pay for NBCSN and I am not at home they don't let me pull it up live as they do many OTHER channels. That should be payment enough, and I shouldn't get locked out.

Just seems like there should be a solution...

I continue to not understand how one of the highest scoring members of the Hogs could "STILL not be ready for the NHL" after 4 years on their team. Why the heck did the Hawks resign him then, just to put up 40+ points in their farm team year after year? I would ask to be traded if I were him at this point (seems like they're jerking him around). Hope this kid makes it somewhere, even if it's not with the Hawks.
- Murph76

Wasn't he an UFA this summer? He had his chance to go elsewhere but chose to re-up with the Blackhawks. He must think he's getting a good enough chance.