I think you need to free up some cash by buying out some of the Ridiculous contracts. 6 more seasons of Brent Seabrook at almost 7 million a season is crazy, especially when you think he will almost be 40 by the time its done. Paying Hossa 4 more years until he is almost 42 at 5.275 million is also crazy. Cut the cord, free up some cash, get a better bottom 6 and maybe see the second round again.

But firing Mike Kitchen might work just as well
- VopatsRash

Persistent Rash is back.

I think you need to free up some cash by buying out some of the Ridiculous contracts. 6 more seasons of Brent Seabrook at almost 7 million a season is crazy, especially when you think he will almost be 40 by the time its done. Paying Hossa 4 more years until he is almost 42 at 5.275 million is also crazy. Cut the cord, free up some cash, get a better bottom 6 and maybe see the second round again.

But firing Mike Kitchen might work just as well
- VopatsRash

Please go away. Hawks have 3 Cups in 7 seasons while you poor excuse for an organization has never been out of the 2nd Round. Give it a rest you Country Bumpkin troll.

Career rushing yards is but one objective measure. There are others like yards per carry and all purpose yards. Some might even suggest yards gained before first contact, which would likely work against Smith.
- 333inthe3rd

Yards per carry Payton 51st (tie with about 10 players.
All Purpose yards 3rd behind Jerry Rice and Brian Mitchell

Payton is a Goat in my eyes, the point being this is all subjective - like goalie interference...

Please go away. Hawks have 3 Cups in 7 seasons while you poor excuse for an organization has never been out of the 2nd Round. Give it a rest you Country Bumpkin troll.


- EnzoD

aahhh those were days....luv that hatrick

Yards per carry Payton 51st (tie with about 10 players.
All Purpose yards 3rd behind Jerry Rice and Brian Mitchell

Payton is a Goat in my eyes, the point being this is all subjective - like goalie interference...
- riozzo

Fair enough.

Of course...

I harbor no ill will towards anyone, this used to be a fun passtime for me....just no spare time anymore....
- TrueGrit

hello TG...surprise you cam back here for additional unmerited abuse..

Per Scott Powers - Anisimov will not play for Russia at the Worlds.
- DarthKane

smart man...if he did...you have to wonder about the "still being hurt BS"

I think you need to free up some cash by buying out some of the Ridiculous contracts. 6 more seasons of Brent Seabrook at almost 7 million a season is crazy, especially when you think he will almost be 40 by the time its done. Paying Hossa 4 more years until he is almost 42 at 5.275 million is also crazy. Cut the cord, free up some cash, get a better bottom 6 and maybe see the second round again.

But firing Mike Kitchen might work just as well
- VopatsRash

Please feel free to get back to us when you have something less nonsensical to add to the conversation.

Hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend. I took a Hawks implosion scenario vacation.....although I did find the presser interesting at locker room cleanout day.

--While Bowman talks a good game, lets not forget that McDonough may be the best in all of sports of gauging his fan base's pulse, so while I appreciated the zero acceptance of a "failure" of a season, and the stern look on Bowman's face......call me jaded, but for me actions speak louder then words. It's a good start, nothing more, nothing less.

--Toews/Keith not giving everyone in Canada in a hard on and skipping the worlds, tells me they are banged up. Apparently not severe per Joel, but enough to skip it. Lets hope BOTH put in the wrong not only to get their bodies/games right, but their minds as well.

--Kane is becoming more and more polished off the ice as he is on it. Great quote, no BS guy, and reminds me a bit of JR. Love it. I know this kid will come back guns blazing and with more in his arsenal for the 2017-18 season.

--I agree with 6628 re Darling. He looked like he knew he was gone, so that tells me Crawford isn't moving, which I find surprising. Usually you deal from a strength and the Hawks have one in net, but maybe Darling wants money and the actual savings in trading CC vs signing Darling isn't enticing enough.

--I'd also keep an eye on Panik. that sounded like a guy who wants some money and maybe not a shoe in to be back.

--I found it interesting Bowman went out of his way to say Joel was his coach, and that they needed to work together moving forward to fix it. I would have hoped somebody in press would have pressed this by asking "haven't you always worked together previously" but of course.....just note takers, zero stones there.

--Q again posturing for a top LW much like he did last year for Shaw to stay here, so I am guessing this isn't happening.

--I have no idea who is staying or going but I think you could really make the case for everyone outside 88/19/4/2. I think 4 is included because he is your PURE defensive defensemen and the rest are self explanatory.

--I still find it hilarious Foley was ALL OVER AA during game 4, when the guy came back from a decent foot injury and was all off 3 games in......yet failed to rip anyone else. I am done with Foley. He is a clown and a cheerleader and nobody is more a puppet then him. I will enjoy NON Hawk telecast Eddie O who is very subjective, fair, and not worried giving shout outs or talking about his wife's baking abilities. Somewhere, Foley is still kissing Eddie's O @ss thinking he's on air.

Big summer ahead.....hawks used the word changes, and said there will be some. When you put yourself out there, you better deliver. I get a feeling the wheels are in high gear to line up potential moves, so Hawks can own the buzz at the host for the draft....IMO you need a young, big, quick top 6 player, and a quick Leddy-esq D man......as a start.

Dangle Hartman, dangle TVR, dangle Kruger...but you need to get younger, bigger, and faster quickly.
- SteveRain

How do trading those three get you much younger?

whooo hoo...the great surprise and "big change" is firing kitchen...that will change everything now...



yes dineen stays...he will replace Q when Q is thrown under the bus next season..

I think you need to free up some cash by buying out some of the Ridiculous contracts. 6 more seasons of Brent Seabrook at almost 7 million a season is crazy, especially when you think he will almost be 40 by the time its done. Paying Hossa 4 more years until he is almost 42 at 5.275 million is also crazy. Cut the cord, free up some cash, get a better bottom 6 and maybe see the second round again.

But firing Mike Kitchen might work just as well
- VopatsRash

You must have been a delight on the Detroit board the year the Preds beat them in the first round, too.

Firing Kitchen is likely their way of telling Q that he's next to go.

Firing Kitchen is likely their way of telling Q that he's next to go.
- 333inthe3rd

still don't understand the fire Q narrative.

Firing Kitchen is likely their way of telling Q that he's next to go.
- 333inthe3rd

Firing Q makes no sense to me. I don't know why so many people want to see him go.

I think that'd be one of the stupidest thing they could do.

still don't understand the fire Q narrative.
- frafra

Really?
Whole (frank)ing team appears to have quit on him (and on each other) during the most important time of the year.

It's not just another 1st round out.
It's a 1st round out in DRAMATIC (read: without a whimper) fashion.

Did you see ANY pushback?
Any heart?
Any desire?

We're talking about a club with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Panarin, Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, Crawford. Those 8 guys alone I would expect to put up a fight and at least make it a series.

Now if you want to talk about putting up a fight in a 4 game sweep, go back to the WCF with the Sharks when we beat them 4 straight. When that was over, as a fan it felt as if we were in a dogfight. And even down to the close-out game, it seemed the Sharks could come back and win at least a few games.

Huge chasm between losing in 4 and being in it. And losing in 4 like whipped dogs from the beginning. And have our coach do the same things over-and-over-and-over without success. Lavy took Q to the woodshed. The rest of the team followed suit.

Really?
Whole (frank)ing team appears to have quit on him (and on each other) during the most important time of the year.

It's not just another 1st round out.
It's a 1st round out in DRAMATIC (read: without a whimper) fashion.

Did you see ANY pushback?
Any heart?
Any desire?

We're talking about a club with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Panarin, Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, Crawford. Those 8 guys alone I would expect to put up a fight and at least make it a series.

Now if you want to talk about putting up a fight in a 4 game sweep, go back to the WCF with the Sharks when we beat them 4 straight. When that was over, as a fan it felt as if we were in a dogfight. And even down to the close-out game, it seemed the Sharks could come back and win at least a few games.

Huge chasm between losing in 4 and being in it. And losing in 4 like whipped dogs from the beginning. And have our coach do the same things over-and-over-and-over without success. Lavy took Q to the woodshed. The rest of the team followed suit.
- savvyone-1

Are you suggesting that they didn't play well and ended up losing because there is a division between players and Q?

Really?
Whole (frank)ing team appears to have quit on him (and on each other) during the most important time of the year.

It's not just another 1st round out.
It's a 1st round out in DRAMATIC (read: without a whimper) fashion.

Did you see ANY pushback?
Any heart?
Any desire?

We're talking about a club with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Panarin, Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, Crawford. Those 8 guys alone I would expect to put up a fight and at least make it a series.

Now if you want to talk about putting up a fight in a 4 game sweep, go back to the WCF with the Sharks when we beat them 4 straight. When that was over, as a fan it felt as if we were in a dogfight. And even down to the close-out game, it seemed the Sharks could come back and win at least a few games.

Huge chasm between losing in 4 and being in it. And losing in 4 like whipped dogs from the beginning. And have our coach do the same things over-and-over-and-over without success. Lavy took Q to the woodshed. The rest of the team followed suit.
- savvyone-1

get your point. at some point though I feel you have to tip your cap to the preds because they came out flying and just wanted it more. the first time in nine years the hawks have been swept. it sucks, but I feel it was a group who outmatched the hawks everywhere on ice. the hawks could not generate anything really- and that was because of the system nashville put in place to clog the ice and prevent the hawks from doing what the hawks love to do. the hawks didn't and don't have the personnel to beat that type of system. getting swept could be a blessing in disguise moving forward for this organization.

still don't understand the fire Q narrative.
- frafra

Depends on whether you believe:

1) the below acceptable success rates of the PP and PK are on him or his assistants?
2) he doesn't adapt his system to best utilize the strengths of those he HAS (=/= want) on his roster
3) he isn't able anymore to adapt his system to changes in opponents' styles or general direction NHL is going
4) the lack of effort/heart of the team is, at least in part, due to locker room issues between the players and their coach
5) that Q is more, or at least equally, responsible for the effort we saw than the players
6) he and the GM are on the same page, or ever will be, about the right assets to compliment the core
7) his message sending (to whomever) isn't helping more than hurting, i.e., he gives preference/empathy to players who are not necessarily the best players to use at the time and/or doles out punishment to players unequally (which can cause morale problems)

At least in my mind, those are some questions to be asked about his ability to continue in the role. Doesn't detract from what he has done, but speaks to his ability to continue succeeding with THIS team.

ETA: I don't necessarily believe all of this or that Q leaving is the best option right now (although I think he should be on a VERY short leash, depending on how the season plays out). These are just things I could see factoring into people's opinions on the subject.

Firing Kitch? Hmmmm. That will show him Stan. Geezus. Is this Stan showing Q who runs the show? How bout telling Q that Barry Smith will be the new AC and he will run your power play. Lets see open Q is to new ideas. The AC thing is BS. Everything starts and stops with Q.

If I'm Hawks ownership, I talk with Hossa and Toews very quietly and get the vibe for the team/HC relationship. Hossa especially.

I have no doubt that many guys were fighting through injuries. That is playoff hockey. But the Hawks looked totally unplugged. There was no fire in them at all. That goes beyond injuries. That was a team simply going through the motions. Q is a HOF HC. Yes I get that. Watching NHL Network last night they talked about Sutter being moved out in LA. Saying it was time for a change. Think we need that here.

hello TG...surprise you cam back here for additional unmerited abuse..
- bogiedoc

I come back during ratings week...lol...just kidding everyone....

Firing Kitch? Hmmmm. That will show him Stan. Geezus. Is this Stan showing Q who runs the show? How bout telling Q that Barry Smith will be the new AC and he will run your power play. Lets see open Q is to new ideas. The AC thing is BS. Everything starts and stops with Q.

If I'm Hawks ownership, I talk with Hossa and Toews very quietly and get the vibe for the team/HC relationship. Hossa especially.
- z1990z

Yeah, Hossa, Hammer, Kane, and Toews seem to be most direct in their opinions and/or most influential with the different cliques in the team.

I think it's the first salvo. I think Dineen stays, laying in wait as a possible replacement if next season gets of to a poor start.

I can believe that the FO and Ownership is pissed at the way the season ended and that there will be some changes. But you have to look at anything and everything that may be done with a logical eye, and curb the fanboy love and crazy scenarios.

While it is true that anyone can be moved, reality and common sense tell a different story.

1) Toews and Kane are going nowhere, regardless of their contracts. Kane produces to the value of his contract and Toews IS the face of the franchise. Unless he personally asks to be moved, my guess is that Toews retires a Hawk.

2) Hossa and Keith most likely stay due to re-capture penalties, and the fact that they still play to the value of their contracts. Keith may not be what he was a couple of years back, but he is still a top pairing D-man with a cap hit at $5.5 that is way below market value.

3) Hjarlmarsson has value way above his contract, is your best pure defender, a solid citizen and teammate. If the Hawks want to keep the window open he goes nowhere. If they decide to overhaul the roster, #4 potentially brings the most in return in terms of picks/prospects.

4)Seabrook is arguably no longer a top pairing defender, but is still a top 4. His leadership skills are high, so his contract may not be as impossible to move as some think.

5) Goaltending will shake itself out early. Hawks cant lose both Darling and Crawford, unless a deal involving Crow brings back a #1 goalie. Lots of different scenarios can happen on the Goalie front.

6) Bowman mentioning the lack of scoring may be a clue that Panarin is going nowhere.

7) rest of the roster is up for grabs, but Hartman and Schmaltz probably stay, as do Kempney and Forsling. Kempney probably gets a bridge deal of a couple of years at a slight raise.
- TheTrob

I agree for the most part but the truth is you have to cut salary and take little on thanks to overages and Panarin's jump in AAV in 2017-18. That's all before you even to get to RFAs.

For those same reasons you pointed out on Toews, Kane, Hossa, Keith, Hammer, Seabrook, Panarin, is why I keep looking at Crawford, Kruger, TVR, Hartman guys who have legit value who could fetch something in return.

To somebody else's point of how does trading Hartman or TVR get you younger, well it truly doesn't but assuming they do get something back of value, those are ideally the pieces that HAVE value in the present.

I know some guys are high on Kempny I am not sold on him yet....he has a nice shot but at times he was a dumpster fire in his own end

It'll be fascinating to see how this all plays out.

Depends on whether you believe:

1) the below acceptable success rates of the PP and PK are on him or his assistants?
2) he doesn't adapt his system to best utilize the strengths of those he HAS (=/= want) on his roster
3) he isn't able anymore to adapt his system to changes in opponents' styles or general direction NHL is going
4) the lack of effort/heart of the team is, at least in part, due to locker room issues between the players and their coach
5) that Q is more, or at least equally, responsible for the effort we saw than the players
6) he and the GM are on the same page, or ever will be, about the right assets to compliment the core
7) his message sending (to whomever) isn't helping more than hurting, i.e., he gives preference/empathy to players who are not necessarily the best players to use at the time and/or doles out punishment to players unequally (which can cause morale problems)

At least in my mind, those are some questions to be asked about his ability to continue in the role. Doesn't detract from what he has done, but speaks to his ability to continue succeeding with THIS team.
- pdx2ord

i just think firing their head coach who has won them 3 cups and helped transcend the organization would be a knee jerk reaction type of decision. the hawks losing, let alone getting swept, is not ideal. but he can also only coach the players that he is being given. did the hawks roster underachieve with their performance this postseason? ABSOLUTELY. but blowing up the entire roster, or firing the entire coaching staff I feel would be a little much.

i would say if this happens again next year, then let go of Q and bring in somebody different. but this is the first time the Hawks have looked this bad in a LONG time.

I think you need to free up some cash by buying out some of the Ridiculous contracts. 6 more seasons of Brent Seabrook at almost 7 million a season is crazy, especially when you think he will almost be 40 by the time its done. Paying Hossa 4 more years until he is almost 42 at 5.275 million is also crazy. Cut the cord, free up some cash, get a better bottom 6 and maybe see the second round again.

But firing Mike Kitchen might work just as well
- VopatsRash

Very curious as to why you are religiously hanging out here?

And salary paid vs AAV are 2 different animals, chief. Think Rocky Wirtz wants to get rid of that nice 1 million pay day on Hossa's 5.275 AAV deal in the next few years IF Hossa is still a formidable 3rd line player? NO chance.

Good luck vs STL.....you are giving Dshiddy a run for his money.

I agree for the most part but the truth is you have to cut salary and take little on thanks to overages and Panarin's jump in AAV in 2017-18. That's all before you even to get to RFAs.

For those same reasons you pointed out on Toews, Kane, Hossa, Keith, Hammer, Seabrook, Panarin, is why I keep looking at Crawford, Kruger, TVR, Hartman guys who have legit value who could fetch something in return.

To somebody else's point of how does trading Hartman or TVR get you younger, well it truly doesn't but assuming they do get something back of value, those are ideally the pieces that HAVE value in the present.

I know some guys are high on Kempny I am not sold on him yet....he has a nice shot but at times he was a dumpster fire in his own end

It'll be fascinating to see how this all plays out.
- SteveRain

what about moving panarin???