I did read your post and respect what you had to say. I was merely proposing an alternate scenario. My post wasn't meant to be argumentative.
- AEL_Fox

Cool my response reads harsh, meant it in a humorous way

Cool my response reads harsh, meant it in a humorous way
- vabeachbear

No worries! The whole Vesey Watch has us all on edge

Per source, Vesey's list:
1) Hawks
2) Leafs
3) Bruins
4) Sabres
Darkhorse: Lightning.



Grosso
- mrpaulish

I think we're getting played. Don't get your hopes up guys.

Still the primer for the landing spot, no matter what any of us think:

“We’ve looked at depth charts with some teams and talked about them,” said, Vesey’s agent, Peter Fish, “There’s obviously a lot of thought that goes into it: The city, the coach, the GM, the salary structure, how a team treats their players in the second and third contracts down the road.”

Gulp.
- wiz1901

Yeah but everyone got paid in their deals save for Saad.

Yeah but everyone got paid in their deals save for Saad.
- Blackwater13

Ya, and Saad got more

For those interested, today I got this year's edition of the Hockey News pool guide and here are the point projections for the Hawks:

Kane, 90
Panarin, 66
Toews, 63
Keith, 47
Schmaltz, 44
Hossa, 43
Seabrook, 39
Anisimov, 38
Campbell, 31
Hjalmarsson, 23
Kruger, 21
Hartman, 18
Panik, 18
Desjardins, 17
van Riemsdyk, 17
McNeill, 16
Rasmussen, 16
Pokka, 13
Tootoo, 10
Kempny, 9
Roszival, 8
Gustafsson, 8
Crawford, 34 wins, 2.32, .924, 5 shutouts
Darling not listed

Notable former Hawks:
Ladd, 66
Saad, 58
Sharp, 56
Teravainen, 49
Frolik, 42
Leddy, 41
Shaw, 36
Nordstrom, 29
Weise, 27
Bickell, 17
Oduya, 17
Danault, 15
Dano not listed

EDIT:
Hudler, 53
Vesey, 36
Vermette, 35

For those interested, today I got this year's edition of the Hockey News pool guide and here are the point projections for the Hawks:

Kane, 90
Panarin, 66
Toews, 63
Keith, 47
Schmaltz, 44
Hossa, 43
Seabrook, 39
Anisimov, 38
Campbell, 31
Hjalmarsson, 23
Kruger, 21
Hartman, 18
Panik, 18
Desjardins, 17
van Riemsdyk, 17
McNeill, 16
Rasmussen, 16
Pokka, 13
Tootoo, 10
Kempny, 9
Roszival, 8
Gustafsson, 8
Crawford, 34 wins, 2.32, .924, 5 shutouts
Darling not listed

Notable former Hawks:
Ladd, 66
Saad, 58
Sharp, 56
Teravainen, 49
Frolik, 42
Leddy, 41
Shaw, 36
Nordstrom, 29
Weise, 27
Bickell, 17
Oduya, 17
Danault, 15
Dano not listed
- AEL_Fox

Can I take the under on Kruger and how does Pokka have more points than Kempny? Pokka will most likely be in the AHL.

Can I take the under on Kruger and how does Pokka have more points than Kempny? Pokka will most likely be in the AHL.
- BearsnHawks

Yeah, I don't think Pokka even plays this season. Kempny seems under estimated; I think he can get the same stats as Hjalmarsson (low/mid-20s).

Although not bad at 66 points, I think Panarin is good for 70+. Same with Anisimov; I think he gets 40+ again. Depending on what line he plays on, Panik could get 25-30.

Everything else sounds about right. The projections for those with less than 30 points don't have full bios in the pool guide so not sure how many games THN is projecting them to play. So Hartman and McNeill with 18-19 points is decent if playing a full season, and really good if only playing half season or less on sporadic calls-ups from Rockford.

And if the defense is much improved, I feel Crawford can sport a GAA around 2.20-2.25 (THN projects 2.32) and save percentage closer to .930 (THN projects .924). Wins sounds about right with 34 especially if Darling gets more starts to stay sharp and give Crawford more rest.

well holy poop...mid august hockey slumber...but look at those Cubs...

GO CUBS GO...have not watched a full cub game in years...they look like a team that has the magic this year...14 game lead in mid August....whoaaa..

I used to get in the Amphitheater for free and saw a lot of great players come through there...Gretzky and many others.
The place always smelled like a Circus was in town but if was a fun place to watch a game.
- Al

Ahh the old smelly International Amphitheater-- saw a number of Cougar games there--but I went to more Hawks games at the Stadium--- but what struck me, besides the circus poop smell-- was the loud sound the boards made when players were checked-- it reverberated in the rafters-- and you could see the bend of the boards and glass--

it was all so different than the Stadium-- but still fun--- I recently found a couple Cougars programs and game schedules from back then--

And later as a teen saw many concerts there-- seemingly every weekend for a couple years-- The Who--The Stones--Black Sabbath--Yes--Deep Purple-- Santana -- Humble Pie--wow-from what I can remember from that hazy time--

well holy poop...mid august hockey slumber...but look at those Cubs...

GO CUBS GO...have not watched a full cub game in years...they look like a team that has the magic this year...14 game lead in mid August....whoaaa..
- bogiedoc

This young Cubs line up reminds me of the Hawks in 2009-10-- On the brink of memorable achievement -- but too young to understand the magnitude-- just very skilled players who love to play the game--- and as a sports fan its really fun to watch--

For those interested, today I got this year's edition of the Hockey News pool guide and here are the point projections for the Hawks:

Kane, 90
Panarin, 66 ++
Toews, 63 ++
Keith, 47
Schmaltz, 44 --
Hossa, 43
Seabrook, 39
Anisimov, 38 ++
Campbell, 31 ++
Hjalmarsson, 23
Kruger, 21 --
Hartman, 18
Panik, 18
Desjardins, 17
van Riemsdyk, 17
McNeill, 16 --
Rasmussen, 16
Pokka, 13 --
Tootoo, 10 ++
Kempny, 9 ++
Roszival, 8
Gustafsson, 8
Crawford, 34 wins, 2.32, .924, 5 shutouts
Darling not listed

Notable former Hawks:
Ladd, 66 --
Saad, 58 ++
Sharp, 56 --
Teravainen, 49 --
Frolik, 42
Leddy, 41
Shaw, 36
Nordstrom, 29
Weise, 27
Bickell, 17
Oduya, 17
Danault, 15
Dano not listed

EDIT:
Hudler, 53
Vesey, 36
Vermette, 35
- AEL_Fox

Some of these projections seem off-- either high or low--- Panarin / Toews likely higher-- I made some + / - notes--

What about Big Buff? I doubt Ladd will smell 50 points-- and Saad could go over 60--

Also I think IF Motte makes it with the team-- he could surprise with his points-- he won't be breaking any records-- but solid

Some of these projections seem off-- either high or low--- Panarin / Toews likely higher-- I made some + / - notes--

What about Big Buff? I doubt Ladd will smell 50 points-- and Saad could go over 60--

Also I think IF Motte makes it with the team-- he could surprise with his points-- he won't be breaking any records-- but solid
- jb3333

Byfuglien, 54
Brouwer, 43
Hayes, 40
Garbutt, 22
Stalberg, 19

THN's Top 10 Hawks Prospects:
1. Schmaltz
2. Hartman
3. DeBrincat
4. Krys
5. Hinostroza
6. Pokka
7. McNeill
8. Knott
9. Forsling
10. Motte

They predict Schmaltz, Hartman, Pokka, and McNeill to play regularly for the Hawks, but not Motte.

Dano is predicted to neither be a Jets regular nor be one of their Top 10 prospects.

Byfuglien, 54
Brouwer, 43
Hayes, 40
Garbutt, 22
Stalberg, 19

THN's Top 10 Hawks Prospects:
1. Schmaltz
2. Hartman
3. DeBrincat
4. Krys
5. Hinostroza
6. Pokka
7. McNeill
8. Knott
9. Forsling
10. Motte

They predict Schmaltz, Hartman, Pokka, and McNeill to play regularly for the Hawks, but not Motte.

Dano is predicted to neither be a Jets regular nor be one of their Top 10 prospects.
- AEL_Fox

Thanks for that--- crazy looking at all the talent the Hawks have had to lose due to the cap-- IF there were some sort of drafted/developed player salary cap exemption that myself and other have touted here--- I would have liked to see the Hawks keep Bufyglien and Saad--- answers 2 major questions for the team--- both drafted and developed by the Hawks-- and both beasts that have yet to be replaced---

Yeah, I don't think Pokka even plays this season. Kempny seems under estimated; I think he can get the same stats as Hjalmarsson (low/mid-20s).

Although not bad at 66 points, I think Panarin is good for 70+. Same with Anisimov; I think he gets 40+ again. Depending on what line he plays on, Panik could get 25-30.

Everything else sounds about right. The projections for those with less than 30 points don't have full bios in the pool guide so not sure how many games THN is projecting them to play. So Hartman and McNeill with 18-19 points is decent if playing a full season, and really good if only playing half season or less on sporadic calls-ups from Rockford.

And if the defense is much improved, I feel Crawford can sport a GAA around 2.20-2.25 (THN projects 2.32) and save percentage closer to .930 (THN projects .924). Wins sounds about right with 34 especially if Darling gets more starts to stay sharp and give Crawford more rest.
- AEL_Fox

I think Pokka gets a small sample size. At least he should. Really hard to say with a bunch of 6-7 Dmen.


....and Vesey to Chicago... Book it.

Some of these projections seem off-- either high or low--- Panarin / Toews likely higher-- I made some + / - notes--

What about Big Buff? I doubt Ladd will smell 50 points-- and Saad could go over 60--

Also I think IF Motte makes it with the team-- he could surprise with his points-- he won't be breaking any records-- but solid
- jb3333

If Shmaltz gets half that it would be a good rookie year for him. Frankly I don't see Q being all that patient with him, Kempny or even Vessey if we even get him. In fact I bet all three of them will see time in Rockford this year...

For those interested, today I got this year's edition of the Hockey News pool guide and here are the point projections for the Hawks:

Kane, 90
Panarin, 66
Toews, 63
Keith, 47
Schmaltz, 44
Hossa, 43
Seabrook, 39
Anisimov, 38
Campbell, 31
Hjalmarsson, 23
Kruger, 21
Hartman, 18
Panik, 18
Desjardins, 17
van Riemsdyk, 17
McNeill, 16
Rasmussen, 16
Pokka, 13
Tootoo, 10
Kempny, 9
Roszival, 8
Gustafsson, 8
Crawford, 34 wins, 2.32, .924, 5 shutouts
Darling not listed

Notable former Hawks:
Ladd, 66
Saad, 58
Sharp, 56
Teravainen, 49
Frolik, 42
Leddy, 41
Shaw, 36
Nordstrom, 29
Weise, 27
Bickell, 17
Oduya, 17
Danault, 15
Dano not listed

EDIT:
Hudler, 53
Vesey, 36
Vermette, 35
- AEL_Fox

44 points from Schmaltz would be an absolute home run. Saad scores at around a 48 point pace in his first 2 seasons.

If he stays healthy I expect more out of Anisimov too, close to 50 points should be attainable if he plays with Panarin and Kane for most of the season.

I may be alone here but I think Kruger will get more than the predicted 21 points. I may be wearing my homer glasses but I think 30 points could be had if he he's a more offensive assignment from Q.

anyone know anything about the other college UFAs? Curious if the Blackhawks will sign anyone else in addition to Vesey (I'm being optimistic.)

It was actually the long lasting residual smell of the stock yards that had since been moved away to KC.

I interviewed and was hired by the Chicago Public Schools as a math teacher at Tilden HS (there was no choices after being hired, no choices...just assignment...like the draft in hockey...after you were established you a had a few options for movement, usually to the disadvantaged schools b/c many people were afraid to venture into the neighborhoods.)

Anyway I was excited and figured I wanted to go down to 4747 S Union and see the place....I get out of the car and there was a very distinct underlying smell...of the steer slaughter.
The animal pens were still intact in some places, but the majority were destroyed but all those years of meat packing doesn't go away or under the ground to make methane like in the Preacher finale....
- wiz1901

You are correct ...I parked about two blocks away and the smell hit you right away. There were still pens intact...

The place ended up being sold for back taxes after it was closed for years...I think the owner turned into an Hispanic dance club, but that was about 10-12 years ago.

There was a time the capacity was perfect for certain events-Wrestling and boxing...Some roller derby, rodeos, tractor pulls, some concerts etc.

I have no actual knowledge on the subject, no industry contacts. So just my completely unqualified, your-guess-is-as-good-as-mine opinion...

I think the countdown to Monday the 15th is counting down to the START of a process that will take a week or so. If he were to sign with Hawks (or any team other than Sabres who currently own his rights) on Monday the 15th, there would be screams of tampering. He and his team will do a little recruiting trip like they do in the NBA. Hear pitches from several teams, go back and contemplate, make a decision.
- Cmonalready

The tampering stuff is probably overstated...In essence his contract is going to be basically the same. I think it will happen sooner than later. A tampering claim would have to come from Buffalo who had a long time to get Vesey inked....Would be difficult to prove.

I'm more interested in actually watching him play...There seems to be a wide array of opinions from scouts on how ready Vesey is....At least that's what I hear.

Interview with Kane on NHL Network

https://www.nhl.com/video...ne/t-277350912/c-44494403

Mentioned he's been working out with Campbell all summer and "you wouldn't know he's 37."

You are correct ...I parked about two blocks away and the smell hit you right away. There were still pens intact...

The place ended up being sold for back taxes after it was closed for years...I think the owner turned into an Hispanic dance club, but that was about 10-12 years ago.

There was a time the capacity was perfect for certain events-Wrestling and boxing...Some roller derby, rodeos, tractor pulls, some concerts etc.
- Al

And for national political conventions, including the infamous 1968 Democratic convention.

It's gone now, torn down in 1999 - all that's left of the Union Stockyards is the famous gate.

The Ducks signed Vermette to a 2 year deal.

For those interested, today I got this year's edition of the Hockey News pool guide and here are the point projections for the Hawks:

Kane, 90
Panarin, 66
Toews, 63
Keith, 47
Schmaltz, 44
Hossa, 43
Seabrook, 39
Anisimov, 38
Campbell, 31
Hjalmarsson, 23
Kruger, 21
Hartman, 18
Panik, 18
Desjardins, 17
van Riemsdyk, 17
McNeill, 16
Rasmussen, 16
Pokka, 13
Tootoo, 10
Kempny, 9
Roszival, 8
Gustafsson, 8
Crawford, 34 wins, 2.32, .924, 5 shutouts
Darling not listed

Notable former Hawks:
Ladd, 66
Saad, 58
Sharp, 56
Teravainen, 49
Frolik, 42
Leddy, 41
Shaw, 36
Nordstrom, 29
Weise, 27
Bickell, 17
Oduya, 17
Danault, 15
Dano not listed

EDIT:
Hudler, 53
Vesey, 36
Vermette, 35
- AEL_Fox

TT seems about right. I think expectations for him are 40 points at the low end, 55 at the high end.