Yeah, here's the problem with some of your hypothesis, though I agree with a lot of it too.

Bowman has a BAD habit of waiting and waiting and waiting— thinking the market is coming to him, when 29 other GMs know what every fan on this board (well, most of them) know. He has a need and a management/fan expectation, and as time goes by in the absence of a solution, the pressure mounts on him to make a deal, and his position is compromised.

It is POSSIBLE that an injury or something something opens up some cap space for him before 3/1. Or that there is a surprise emergence of some player that strengthens his position. But it is just as (or more) likely not.

So to say this is not the time to trade is just not accurate. The time to trade is when you are least backed up to the wall. Period.

If the Hawks are in 4th place in February and still depending on one line for 45% of its goals and a crap 5-on-5 team, what GM is going to bend over for Stanley?

Hello?

Especially when 28 other teams are in the market and have generally better prospects to offer, or players they can part with. Bowman has little of either because he is literally 1-2 players from a Cup.

Funny, Ken Holland, who KNOWS a thing or two about a thing or two is rumored to be in the market for a missing RHD now. Maybe he didn't get the "preferred timing" memo.
- John Jaeckel

I think we talked about this before in that the Hawks seem to feel like they need to "win" every deal unless they get super desperate like they did with Sharp and Leddy.

I don't think you can ever replace Shaw completely, he is a unique forward (on and off the ice). I think it's possible to replace some of the attributes Shaw brought to the team.
Expecting any of the prospects to replace Shaw is a long-shot. It's possible that Motte (for example) becomes the next Shaw, but it would be a big risk. I don't see any remaining UFAs that would be a decent fit either. Their are a couple decent bottom 6 forwards available but none that would replace Shaw. This leaves Stan with the trade route.

Early in the off season I made this suggestion and I'll bring it up again - Pat Maroon. Is Maroon the answer to all the teams needs? No. Can Maroon add depth at LW and help replace some of the void left by Shaw? Yes. Maroon played at a 0.88 PPG basis after being traded to Edmonton. I don't believe that level of production is sustainable but it's a glimpse of some offensive talent that may not have been utilized in Anaheim. Maroon's cap hit of $1.5 million for the next 2 seasons is also a bonus.
- DarthKane

I don't believe EDM will be moving him ,he was skating with MacDavid if I am not mistaken

Interesting suggestion. I like Maroon.

Huge body, can get in front of the net or work below the goal line.

Frankly, I'd be happy if Bowman picked up anyone at this point. Where's Scott Gomez at these days?
- teh_HAWKZ

The All-Star Game MVP is probably still available even though he scrapped with Kane. I think they would be able to make amends.

I don't think you can ever replace Shaw completely, he is a unique forward (on and off the ice). I think it's possible to replace some of the attributes Shaw brought to the team.
Expecting any of the prospects to replace Shaw is a long-shot. It's possible that Motte (for example) becomes the next Shaw, but it would be a big risk. I don't see any remaining UFAs that would be a decent fit either. Their are a couple decent bottom 6 forwards available but none that would replace Shaw. This leaves Stan with the trade route.

Early in the off season I made this suggestion and I'll bring it up again - Pat Maroon. Is Maroon the answer to all the teams needs? No. Can Maroon add depth at LW and help replace some of the void left by Shaw? Yes. Maroon played at a 0.88 PPG basis after being traded to Edmonton. I don't believe that level of production is sustainable but it's a glimpse of some offensive talent that may not have been utilized in Anaheim. Maroon's cap hit of $1.5 million for the next 2 seasons is also a bonus.
- DarthKane

I don't disagree...And Maroon like player makes sense and aren't too easy to find for less than $2 mill.

Biggest issue for me is Shaw was a vg forechecker who legit speed and hit. The only player on the team as good at setting a screen is Toews-who you don't want in that role very often.

AA is better than most at setting a screen but not sure he holds up playing 2-2:30 on every power play for an entire season.

Can't wait for the season to start. Ready for some hockey! Annnnddddd.... Hopefully they sign or trade for someone to skate 1LW.

And now no Hudler. Roster still needs help. With the loss of players the last 2 years, this team cannot stand pat. Gonna have to package up something.

Hudler is out of the question now...... whats our next ray of hope

Yeah, here's the problem with some of your hypothesis, though I agree with a lot of it too.

Bowman has a BAD habit of waiting and waiting and waiting— thinking the market is coming to him, when 29 other GMs know what every fan on this board (well, most of them) know. He has a need and a management/fan expectation, and as time goes by in the absence of a solution, the pressure mounts on him to make a deal, and his position is compromised.

It is POSSIBLE that an injury or something something opens up some cap space for him before 3/1. Or that there is a surprise emergence of some player that strengthens his position. But it is just as (or more) likely not.

So to say this is not the time to trade is just not accurate. The time to trade is when you are least backed up to the wall. Period.

If the Hawks are in 4th place in February and still depending on one line for 45% of its goals and a crap 5-on-5 team, what GM is going to bend over for Stanley?

Hello?

Especially when 28 other teams are in the market and have generally better prospects to offer, or players they can part with. Bowman has little of either because he is literally 1-2 players from a Cup.

Funny, Ken Holland, who KNOWS a thing or two about a thing or two is rumored to be in the market for a missing RHD now. Maybe he didn't get the "preferred timing" memo.
- John Jaeckel

Yes! I think StanBo has done a good job overall but it is frustrating that he doesn't act more quickly. Market windows close quickly, whether you are a buyer or a seller. You know what you need, you know what you're willing to pay or take in return. when the deal is available, you grab it! Anyone looking to rent an apartment or buy a house in the SF Bay area knows this. Sooner is better, don't wait until you're desperate or you'll over pay.

had to gamble on Vesey - the number 1 UFA prospect this summer who (by all/most accounts) had Chicago on his short list.

It's what happens when you're up against the cap with little room to improve your team, and other teams appear to be a more attractive option to quality UFAs for whatever reason.

Quality veteran free agents aren't giving the Blackhawks cap-friendly deals the past couple of years - Saad, Shaw, Hudler, others....

The lure of playing with Toews, Kane, Hossa appears not to be as strong as it was.
- StLBravesFan

Yes I agree, but I still say it was a calculated move by Dallas to add a veteran and weaken a strong opponent.
Thank goodness soupy took a hometown discount?

Plenty of teams are going to start feeling the effects of the salary cap in the near future. We just happen to be the guinea pigs because of all our success.

Yes! I think StanBo has done a good job overall but it is frustrating that he doesn't act more quickly. Market windows close quickly, whether you are a buyer or a seller. You know what you need, you know what you're willing to pay or take in return. when the deal is available, you grab it! Anyone looking to rent an apartment or buy a house in the SF Bay area knows this. Sooner is better, don't wait until you're desperate or you'll over pay.
- matt_ahrens

So, how much of this is the "decision by committee" style of this FO? From what we've read/heard, it seems Q and McD both weigh heavily into the decision-making process. As in all aspects of life, particularly critical business decisions, this can slow things WAY down.

I don't believe EDM will be moving him ,he was skating with MacDavid if I am not mistaken
- oldduffman

You are right. I doubt Edmonton would be looking to move him. They have been really happy with picking him up.

had to gamble on Vesey - the number 1 UFA prospect this summer who (by all/most accounts) had Chicago on his short list.

It's what happens when you're up against the cap with little room to improve your team, and other teams appear to be a more attractive option to quality UFAs for whatever reason.

Quality veteran free agents aren't giving the Blackhawks cap-friendly deals the past couple of years - Saad, Shaw, Hudler, others....

The lure of playing with Toews, Kane, Hossa appears not to be as strong as it was.
- StLBravesFan

This notion of the Blackhawks not being the prettiest girl on the block anymore to free agents is a bit overstated I think. Bowman pulled in Kempney, Motte and Schmaltz over the summer; Forsling is coming in essentially for a tryout; Baun, Gustafsson and Svedburg are around for another go at it - that's better than most teams have done, especially good teams who realistically only have a couple of roster spots available.

The jury is out on Vesey, we"ll see how much of a difference maker he is playing against the big boys in Washington, Pittsburgh, Florida, Tampa and Boston every night. Would have been nice to have but preferring the Rangers wasn't a negative message directed at the Hawks.

You are right. I doubt Edmonton would be looking to move him. They have been really happy with picking him up.
- breadbag

Maroon plays with an edge, too, right?

I can't imagine EDM would want to move a guy like that.

Maroon plays with an edge, too, right?

I can't imagine EDM would want to move a guy like that.
- Hank3Henshaw

The Oilers gained a lot of that lately. Kassian, Maroon, Lucic.... They are moving in the right direction in terms of being harder to play against.

Edit: Also, Nurse seems to be playing with a bit of nasty on the blueline too.

The Oilers gained a lot of that lately. Kassian, Maroon, Lucic.... They are moving in the right direction in terms of being harder to play against.

Edit: Also, Nurse seems to be playing with a bit of nasty on the blueline too.
- breadbag

They have a good head coach in place.

With Hudler gone, my bet is Stan lets camp roll through and starts the season with our current roster to see if any young guys jump out. If not, then he evaluates a trade or signing. I think we're done for the offseason.
- JRoenick97

I generally agree. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few veterans invited to camp on a try out basis. I'd like to see a trade for a 1LW but maybe it doesn't come until after the start of the season or even near the deadline when teams might be willing to keep some salary to get an asset.

It's nice to think Hudler would have solved a lot of problems. Some Wings fans I knew a few years back weren't that high on him, and thought his compete level wasn't like the rest of the club at the time. I don't think they were all that sad when he left for Calgary. I guess Jim Nill knows what he is getting, and it wouldn't surprise me if the previous connection gave Dallas an inside track.

I still believe that Toews and Hossa were not 100% last year. Bottom line is these guys are top flight professionals, capable of performing even when Carcillo is on the left side with them when both are healthy. Hossa did seem to have the yips on his shot at times, but he appeared to get over it for a period towards the end of the season.

I can't profess to know what this team will do this year. As has already been said on here, the D is much improved with the new additions. If 19/81 play at 100%, we will see a difference, regardless of who plays on the line with them. I expect an uptick from Kruger one year removed from his operation.

Maybe if they had signed him before Vesey. I'm betting Hudler himself was waiting until after to get a better deal form those who missed.
- JRoenick97

another hindsight post ripping Bowman.

The All-Star Game MVP is probably still available even though he scrapped with Kane. I think they would be able to make amends.
- stan-ley-cups

Now there's an idea.

I heard they want to make a movie out of John Scott's story. Best snatch him up now before the added publicity clouds his judgement.

They have a good head coach in place.
- Al

Absolutely. They have just made a lot of good management decision in the last year cleaning up their FO and coaching staff. The team is also moving out of their old building and into the new arena now. I also think trading Hall was a bit of a wake up call to some of their other star players too. The team is taking a new direction. They will be naming a new captain based on their training camp, so likely it will be McDavid's team going forward.

We always have a hole we can't overcome ,but seem to .2ND line Center 4th dman now 1st or 2nd line LW wing . Like they say it's always something ,off to the beach .. Cheers !!

another hindsight post ripping Bowman.
- wiz1901

Mine? I wasn't ripping Bowman... I was saying it would have been a chess move by Dallas if they signed him before the Vesey watch dropped.

Biggest issue for me is Shaw was a vg forechecker who legit speed and hit. The only player on the team as good at setting a screen is Toews-who you don't want in that role very often.
- Al

Shaw are very quick and smart on the forecheck the attack, and I think he was an under-rated over-all in terms of his value league-wide.

He isn't worth top dollar as a high end complimentary piece. In the old pre-Cap era, you would never worry about modestly rewarding a guy like this, but not the case nowadays.
And you have to think the i njuries will start catching up with Shaw.

No sour grapes, a SOUR reality check that will all have to swallow.

But Shawzie was a big part of winning on and off the ice.

He wanted a bigger paycheck, and deserved one.
He should bring some life to the Habs and their fans will love him.

Well, now they test out Hogs up there on the first line. Or make some sort of trade.

Either way, I'm curious/excited to see what they do.
- Hank3Henshaw

I'm curious, excited, and fearful - all rolled into one.

At this point, it seems like it's going to be someone hanging around on the roster or one of the kids down on the farm in RKFD earning the job.

But I wouldn't be surprised if a defenseman gets moved at camp to bring in someone to fill that 1LW roll. Perhaps Bowman is hoping that an injury happens during training camp that leaves a team desperate for help on the blueline to maximize the return for a TvR, Svedberg, ect.?

another hindsight post ripping Bowman.
- wiz1901

I don't think anyone was ripping Bowmen. Just acknowledging how some of the pieces fall into place after the Vessey deal.