So, barring a blockbuster trade (not holding my breath), Kempny is the 4D, Schmaltz and Panik are Top line LWs, and a combination of TVR, Rosival, Forsling, or Gustafson is the third pair D.....I just don't see how Bowman can afford to keep the status quo....
- EnzoD

Bottom line is we're in a helluva mess with $3,644,500 in bonus money earned, to be carried over to next season.

Do Keith, Seabrook and Hjalmerson player more effectively for more years at 20 minutes per game max?
I say yes.
Are Kempny, Forsling and Gustafson ready to provide the 20 minutes a game the above necessitates?
With Campbell and/or Rozival playing 20 a game when they sub for one of the above?
And maybe VanRiemsdyke is still here.

Silver lining: yes sir, the Blackhawks do have problems, but they are "1st world" of hockey problems.

He def came into camp very lean this year. "Vegan" diet? I had not heard that, though I suppose that's possible.

Anecdotally, and unscientifically, he had his better seasons when he had another 10 pounds on his bones, FWIW.
- John Jaeckel

19 then says after the season he was training for bulk, but now wants to get faster. Play with more speed. 19 made his money on the cycle with dominant puck control. Want to see him go back to that. Steak, taters and a whole lotta weights.

Bottom line is we're in a helluva mess with $3,644,500 in bonus money earned, to be carried over to next season.
- walleyeb1

Did you see how much Panarin celebrated his goal on the last game of the season? It was like he won the lottery!

the issue with Hossa, I think, is that his real cash salary is only $1MM per year starting next year.

How long will he be willing to go thru the rigors of an NHL season for that kind of "mere pittance" - especially if the Hawks aren't really contenders any more?
- StLBravesFan

Might as well dredge up this argument again. I don't think Hossa will "retire" over the next 4 years. I believe he will play as long as he wants, then when the time comes, go on LTIR to avoid the recapture panalty. There's a strong opinion on this board in both directions:
1. Hossa can surely slip the recapture as did Pronger.
2. Pronger completely different, no way Hossa slips it.

I'm in camp 1.

Did you see how much Panarin celebrated his goal on the last game of the season? It was like he won the lottery!
- stan-ley-cups

He did! How many lotteries you know that pay off more than $1.7m? Answer: very few.

Might as well dredge up this argument again. I don't think Hossa will "retire" over the next 4 years. I believe he will play as long as he wants, then when the time comes, go on LTIR to avoid the recapture panalty. There's a strong opinion on this board in both directions:
1. Hossa can surely slip the recapture as did Pronger.
2. Pronger completely different, no way Hossa slips it.

I'm in camp 1.
- Cmonalready

I'm in camp "Designate him as player/coach" if it comes down to it the last couple years of the contract.

Did you see how much Panarin celebrated his goal on the last game of the season? It was like he won the lottery!
- stan-ley-cups

Sure did, he knew what that goal meant!

Note to all of the top/frequent participants -

I see your pain. In the last three pages alone it seems like individuals read a comment or two then pile on. Their post would not be needed or completely different had they kept current with the conversation. I know the error of my ways when I first started commenting. Seems like beating a dead horse with a stick...

I'm in camp "Designate him as player/coach" if it comes down to it the last couple years of the contract.
- 35Tony0

I've been saying that since the NHL announced the recapture penalty clause.

The problem isn't in the Hawks top 3 Dmen. Their salaries combined are @16mil

The reason they looked slow/were on their heels was because the majority of the game was played in their zone. The Hawks FORWARDS had no sustained pressure.

In the past, guys like Shaw, Bickell (a whipping boy here), Saad had the ability to play through the holding/grabbing/physical play other teams would try and would deliver hits of their own. Desi was better on the lowers lines as well.

Now this team, the "bigger players" - Anisimov was hurt, Toews a shell of himself, Panik "meh"...Panarin stapled to the boards/isnt hard to play against, Schmaltz too weak...this team lacked the players to play through the physical play.

The forwards did nothing to sustain pressure on the other teams Defense or make life difficult for the other team.

The moves I think should be made -

Panarin - could get a lot for him based on his numbers. He'd be A-1 I'd like to see them move. Could they get a guy like Wayne Simmonds for him? Someone similar/physical/hard to play against.

Kruger - hopefully LV takes him and his salary

Anisimov - I'd be open to moving him based on Kane being able to make anyone "better" - wheter it be Schmaltz or another veteran/retread

Revisit the Duchene trade. If Hartman was the hold up, I'd consider including him.

I've been saying that since the NHL announced the recapture penalty clause.
- powerenforcer

Will this get their salary caps off the books? That would be great if the Blackhawks have this option in their back pocket and are planning on doing so with both Seabs and Hossa.

The problem isn't in the Hawks top 3 Dmen. Their salaries combined are @16mil

The reason they looked slow/were on their heels was because the majority of the game was played in their zone. The Hawks FORWARDS had no sustained pressure.

In the past, guys like Shaw, Bickell (a whipping boy here), Saad had the ability to play through the holding/grabbing/physical play other teams would try and would deliver hits of their own. Desi was better on the lowers lines as well.

Now this team, the "bigger players" - Anisimov was hurt, Toews a shell of himself, Panik "meh"...Panarin stapled to the boards/isnt hard to play against, Schmaltz too weak...this team lacked the players to play through the physical play.

The forwards did nothing to sustain pressure on the other teams Defense or make life difficult for the other team.

The moves I think should be made -

Panarin - could get a lot for him based on his numbers. He'd be A-1 I'd like to see them move. Could they get a guy like Wayne Simmonds for him? Someone similar/physical/hard to play against.

Kruger - hopefully LV takes him and his salary

Anisimov - I'd be open to moving him based on Kane being able to make anyone "better" - wheter it be Schmaltz or another veteran/retread

Revisit the Duchene trade. If Hartman was the hold up, I'd consider including him.
- PatShart

Agreed. Simmonds would be a dream addition.

So, barring a blockbuster trade (not holding my breath), Kempny is the 4D, Schmaltz and Panik are Top line LWs, and a combination of TVR, Rosival, Forsling, or Gustafson is the third pair D.....I just don't see how Bowman can afford to keep the status quo....
- EnzoD

Panarin?

The problem isn't in the Hawks top 3 Dmen. Their salaries combined are @16mil

The reason they looked slow/were on their heels was because the majority of the game was played in their zone. The Hawks FORWARDS had no sustained pressure.

In the past, guys like Shaw, Bickell (a whipping boy here), Saad had the ability to play through the holding/grabbing/physical play other teams would try and would deliver hits of their own. Desi was better on the lowers lines as well.

Now this team, the "bigger players" - Anisimov was hurt, Toews a shell of himself, Panik "meh"...Panarin stapled to the boards/isnt hard to play against, Schmaltz too weak...this team lacked the players to play through the physical play.

The forwards did nothing to sustain pressure on the other teams Defense or make life difficult for the other team.

The moves I think should be made -

Panarin - could get a lot for him based on his numbers. He'd be A-1 I'd like to see them move. Could they get a guy like Wayne Simmonds for him? Someone similar/physical/hard to play against.

Kruger - hopefully LV takes him and his salary

Anisimov - I'd be open to moving him based on Kane being able to make anyone "better" - wheter it be Schmaltz or another veteran/retread

Revisit the Duchene trade. If Hartman was the hold up, I'd consider including him.
- PatShart

Sign me up. He would be a huge asset on our PP as well being that he can play in front and Allow Toews to add a few more years to his life.

Don't.....move.....Panarin. For those who keep harping "trade Panarin" - have you actually watched and observed his skill level? Yeah, Yeah...he didn't show up in the playoffs...well, neither did most of the rest of the team. I'd rather see Toews get traded.
- StutzBlackhawk

Wasn't he invisibly during the playoffs against the Blues? Can someone pull up the stats?

Panarin is a great player, but we will be paying 6 million for him. He doesn't gel well with Toews and Kane can carry his line by himself. I'd rather have Panarin get traded for a big left wing. Duchene/Lades is what I'd liked.

Wasn't he invisibly during the playoffs against the Blues? Can someone pull up the stats?

Panarin is a great player, but we will be paying 6 million for him. He doesn't gel well with Toews and Kane can carry his line by himself. I'd rather have Panarin get traded for a big left wing. Duchene/Lades is what I'd liked.
- RedRevenge

The more I think about it, the more Im leaning towards trying to move 72. If he is traded, the team that takes him has to pay the bonus money? Or do the Hawks have to pay that?

Did you see how much Panarin celebrated his goal on the last game of the season? It was like he won the lottery!
- stan-ley-cups

it just wore him out...this is not what you want to hear from a guy about to 6 plus mildo...of course not tired enough to avoid the world championships
http://www.csnchicago.com...-he-was-fatigued-playoffs

the issue with Hossa, I think, is that his real cash salary is only $1MM per year starting next year.

How long will he be willing to go thru the rigors of an NHL season for that kind of "mere pittance" - especially if the Hawks aren't really contenders any more?
- StLBravesFan

Very good question, esp. that last part. He will def give it one more season. After that?

Very good question, esp. that last part. He will def give it one more season. After that?
- John Jaeckel

JJ if the hawks were to deal 72, what would the asking price be?

I would love a guy like Wayne Simmonds. But wouldn't Panarin get more in return than just a guy like Wayne?

The problem isn't in the Hawks top 3 Dmen. Their salaries combined are @16mil

The reason they looked slow/were on their heels was because the majority of the game was played in their zone. The Hawks FORWARDS had no sustained pressure.

In the past, guys like Shaw, Bickell (a whipping boy here), Saad had the ability to play through the holding/grabbing/physical play other teams would try and would deliver hits of their own. Desi was better on the lowers lines as well.

Now this team, the "bigger players" - Anisimov was hurt, Toews a shell of himself, Panik "meh"...Panarin stapled to the boards/isnt hard to play against, Schmaltz too weak...this team lacked the players to play through the physical play.

The forwards did nothing to sustain pressure on the other teams Defense or make life difficult for the other team.

The moves I think should be made -

Panarin - could get a lot for him based on his numbers. He'd be A-1 I'd like to see them move. Could they get a guy like Wayne Simmonds for him? Someone similar/physical/hard to play against.

Kruger - hopefully LV takes him and his salary

Anisimov - I'd be open to moving him based on Kane being able to make anyone "better" - wheter it be Schmaltz or another veteran/retread

Revisit the Duchene trade. If Hartman was the hold up, I'd consider including him.
- PatShart

Pretty good post, Pat. Totally agreed on the lack of o-zone pressure/time. Even though I'm not writing Toews off just yet. Still think he has a duple of very good years left.

But, yeah.

If I were Bowman (and based on what I've heard, I think this is maybe what they'll do) I'd let it be known throughout the league, come and make me an offer on anyone I have. Then I worry about the NMC waiver/limited NTC crap later, if I get a really good offer or too around which I can re-calibrate this team.

Yeah, naturally you're gonna get better offers on guys like Hjalmarsson because they are great values at their price, and you probably never trade him because of that, but you never know what every GM might think or what they're looking for.

I expect Hossa to start playing only 55-60gms a year

Here's the "dream" moves to make -
Trade Panarin for Simmonds
Trade Anisimov, Schmaltz & Forsling for Duchene
Sign Joe Thornton 1yr 3-4mil - cue the tears, but he still wins faceoffs, has size, played with Kane in the Swiss league
Re-sign Oduya
Hope/get LV to take Kruger
Trade Paniks rights for a pick

Duchene-Toews-Simmonds
Xxxxx-Thornton-Kane
Xxxxx-Kero-Hossa
Xxxxx-Rassmussen-Hartman

Let Hayden, Fortin, Debricant, Motte, Hinostroza, Tootoo, Jurco or any other they sign to fight for remaining spots

Hjarrl-Keith
Oduya-Seabrook
Kempny-TVR

Panarin?
- DarthKane

I meant to say Wings not LWs

I expect Hossa to start playing only 55-60gms a year

Here's the "dream" moves to make -
Trade Panarin for Simmonds
Trade Anisimov, Schmaltz & Forsling for Duchene
Sign Joe Thornton 1yr 3-4mil - cue the tears, but he still wins faceoffs, has size, played with Kane in the Swiss league
Re-sign Oduya
Hope/get LV to take Kruger
Trade Paniks rights for a pick

Duchene-Toews-Simmonds
Xxxxx-Thornton-Kane
Xxxxx-Kero-Hossa
Xxxxx-Rassmussen-Hartman

Let Hayden, Fortin, Debricant, Motte, Hinostroza, Tootoo, Jurco or any other they sign to fight for remaining spots

Hjarrl-Keith
Oduya-Seabrook
Kempny-TVR
- PatShart

Love the Shake up! I would Put Kane Duchene and Thornton Together, with Toews centering Panik and Simmonds. Sign Panik, don't trade him, for 2.5 one year deal!

The problem isn't in the Hawks top 3 Dmen. Their salaries combined are @16mil

The reason they looked slow/were on their heels was because the majority of the game was played in their zone. The Hawks FORWARDS had no sustained pressure.

In the past, guys like Shaw, Bickell (a whipping boy here), Saad had the ability to play through the holding/grabbing/physical play other teams would try and would deliver hits of their own. Desi was better on the lowers lines as well.

Now this team, the "bigger players" - Anisimov was hurt, Toews a shell of himself, Panik "meh"...Panarin stapled to the boards/isnt hard to play against, Schmaltz too weak...this team lacked the players to play through the physical play.

The forwards did nothing to sustain pressure on the other teams Defense or make life difficult for the other team.

The moves I think should be made -

Panarin - could get a lot for him based on his numbers. He'd be A-1 I'd like to see them move. Could they get a guy like Wayne Simmonds for him? Someone similar/physical/hard to play against.

Kruger - hopefully LV takes him and his salary

Anisimov - I'd be open to moving him based on Kane being able to make anyone "better" - wheter it be Schmaltz or another veteran/retread

Revisit the Duchene trade. If Hartman was the hold up, I'd consider including him.
- PatShart

It wasn't just in the O zone, the forwards were terrible in the D zone as well. Dozens and dozens of times, both during the regular season and the playoffs, where the D successfully moved the puck up to a wing or center, and the forward proceeded to:
- cough up the puck
- run into the opposing d
- make a weak ass pass to avoid getting hit
- fumble the puck
- etc.

Think about the forwards who are no longer here, compared to the rookies and misfits of this season. Big strong wings, like Saad, Buff, Ladd, Bickell, Brouwer, Shaw, etc.

Need to upgrade the fowards, especially on the bottom 2 lines.