Good write up JJ

"1) Making a hard, unexpected and possibly unpopular decision to move a big veteran contract or two this summer—to not just reduce the cap crunch but to add (in return or through bargain free agent moves) NHL-experienced lower half players with size and speed. An on the fly retooling of the roster that requires butchering a sacred cow, or two. And making some smart (and big) value for value NHL trades—something Bowman has largely avoided in past summers."


"I believe, based on what I've heard recently and my belief that the Hawks are smart business people first, that they will attempt (are attempting as we speak) course #1, and failing that, they will revert to #2."

Since we really only have six or seven "big veteran contracts", option one may very well feel like option 3 to some fans. I really wouldn't expect those type of moves to be done until after the Finals are done.

Expansion draft is June 21, with all sorts of no-transaction days starting on June 17.

The entry draft is June 23.

With all of the moves and protections and black-outs and....I would think that nothing much happens until they all gather in Chicago.

Just My Thoughts, but:

Kane and Toews won't be moved because they are the faces of the franchise, the only ones who really resonate with the casual fans - the only ones with even local big name commercials other than local car dealers.

Hossa - has a full NMC - won't be moved because of the potential recapture issues - some think he will continue to play for four more years for $1MM per - I have my doubts, unless he would agree to a move to a team with a better Cup-challenging-prospect than Chicago's.

Keith - with a full NMC probably won't be moved, if they still want to contend - he is still their top defenseman, looking for a comeback year next year in energy and consistency. Although - at only a $5.5 cap hit, he would be attractive, I would think.

Seabrook - with a full NMC, hard to move him at his cap hit - and I would think the Hawks wouldn't be willing to eat, say, $2MM per year for the next 7 years to make his cap hit more palatable. And - he still does have value here.

Crawford - a 10-team list, but don't know if it's positive or negative; after moving Darling, unlikely they would move Crawford.

That leaves the following with cap hits over $2MM, in some combination to bring back BOTH cap relief and value (ignoring any value to future draft picks or the likes of Debrincat, Fortin, Forsling, Schmaltz, etc.):

Hammer (a 10-team list, but Cap Friendly doesn't note whether its positive or negatice)
Panarin
Anisimov
Kruger (a 10-team no-trade list)
Panik

I hear what the FO is quietly saying, and what the sources are saying, about "expect a big move or two), and I'm certainly hopeful for JJ's scenario #1, but I'm thinking it's going to be closer to scenario #2.
- StLBravesFan

I tend to think you're right, but I think they're going to try to sell the lower bolded type moves as #1. I don't see any of the real "veteran contracts" bolded above being moved.

JJ - Very well written and the reason I come back day after day. Sorry Darth, your sarcasm is wonderful but a distant second to JJ

There will be changes. That I was told. I don't think they know who or how yet.

Pressure is SERIOUSLY on Bowman to make a move or two of an unusually big nature. McD needs the press covfefe/spotlight back AND the team needs to get bigger, faster, better 5 on 5.
- John Jaeckel

5 X 5 is the quintessential point here, it translate to playoff success. Having the best novelty 3 x 3 team gets you bupkiss.

>>>Secondarily, fans keep going to kick this football and fate keeps pulling it away. Those picks and prospects have been (or turned into): Kent Simpson, Justin Holl, Ludvig Rensfedlt, Ivan Vishnevskiy, Chris DiDomenico, Jeff Taffe, Rostislav Olesz, Anders Nilsson, Ville Pokka, Trevor Daley (who turned into Rob Scuderi and an empty cap hit), etc.<<<

did we have to be reminded of this....

There will be changes. That I was told. I don't think they know who or how yet.

Pressure is SERIOUSLY on Bowman to make a move or two of an unusually big nature. McD needs the press covfefe/spotlight back AND the team needs to get bigger, faster, better 5 on 5.
- John Jaeckel

"I feel even more confident now that I've had a night of rest," Predators defenseman P.K. Subban said. "There's no question. We're going to win the next game, and then we'll move forward."

ok..you have outplayed the pens except in goal...coming home for 1st ever cup game..

so why not open your big mouth...

why not...cuz its blantantly stupid and loaded with hubris...and if you lose ya look like a great big idiot and fool

i hope smashville ends up being sweepville....

JJ - Very well written and the reason I come back day after day. Sorry Darth, your sarcasm is wonderful but a distant second to JJ
- riozzo

There will be changes. That I was told. I don't think they know who or how yet.

Pressure is SERIOUSLY on Bowman to make a move or two of an unusually big nature. McD needs the press covfefe/spotlight back AND the team needs to get bigger, faster, better 5 on 5.
- John Jaeckel

Pressure, what pressure? Its not only on Stanbo. The more I watch Coach Sullivan guide his injury riddled Penguins this post season, the more you realize he is absolutely turning the screws on Q, Trotz, Boudreau and a few others behind the bench of 'contenders'. Somebody has to be thinking or saying 'Hey Coach, why aren't you getting as much out of your team?

Sure helps to have great goaltending and #'s 87 and 71 and a deep farm of young guys that perform under pressure.

- DarthKane

Nice!

This summer feels a lot like last summer only last summer #1 on JJ's options - move a big veteran contract or two and reload the roster with cheaper NHL level talent - didn't happen then. Hopefully that means there is more pressure to do it this summer and it actually happens.

If this summer turns into a repeat of last summer and next season turns into a repeat of last season, including the early exit from the playoffs, there will be more pressure next summer for option #3 - blow it up and rebuild.

I also wonder what that Blackhawks executive meant when he told the beat writer "you have no idea what is coming." I don't follow the beats that closely but when I do read them their speculation seems much more constrained the the speculation on this board.

This is my sense of the most likely to stay versus most likely to be moved - higher the number, more likely someone in that group gets moved; all things considered. Right now, I doubt anyone in group 1, 2, 3, or 4 will get moved or everyone in groups 5 or 6 or 7. Just my take, comments welcome.

1) Kane, Toews, Crawford
2) Hossa, Keith
3) Seabrook, Hammer
4) Panik, Hartman (edited)
5) AA, Panarin, Schmaltz, Forsling, Kempny
6) Kruger, TVR
7) the rest

Pressure, what pressure? Its not only on Stanbo. The more I watch Coach Sullivan guide his injury riddled Penguins this post season, the more you realize he is absolutely turning the screws on Q, Trotz, Boudreau and a few others behind the bench of 'contenders'. Somebody has to be thinking or saying 'Hey Coach, why aren't you getting as much out of your team?

Sure helps to have great goaltending and #'s 87 and 71 and a deep farm of young guys that perform under pressure.
- RickJ

>All true, Rick
>You have to wonder what % of the "total organizational failure" went to Bowman and what % went to Q, what % went to the players in the "organization's mind"
>Panarin to Vegas for the #6 pick (and maybe a Vegas roster poach the Hawks want), would give Vegas the opportunity to show a full preseason of KHL highlights of Panarin and Ship together and generate some fan excitement
>Take the #6 pick and package it with the Hawks later first round pick for Dallas' #3 pick overall
>Take the #3 pick and package it with AA to get some steamrollers with speed that can finish

This summer feels a lot like last summer only last summer #1 on JJ's options - move a big veteran contract or two and reload the roster with cheaper NHL level talent - didn't happen then. Hopefully that means there is more pressure to do it this summer and it actually happens.

If this summer turns into a repeat of last summer and next season turns into a repeat of last season, including the early exit from the playoffs, there will be more pressure next summer for option #3 - blow it up and rebuild.

I also wonder what that Blackhawks executive meant when he told the beat writer "you have no idea what is coming." I don't follow the beats that closely but when I do read them their speculation seems much more constrained the the speculation on this board.

This is my sense of the most likely to stay versus most likely to be moved - higher the number, more likely someone in that group gets moved; all things considered. Right now, I doubt anyone in group 1, 2, or 3 will get moved or everyone in groups 4 or 5 or 6. Just my take, comments welcome.

1) Kane, Toews, Crawford
2) Hossa, Keith
3) Seabrook, Hammer, Panik, Hartman
4) AA, Panarin, Schmaltz, Forsling, Kempny
5) Kruger, TVR
6) the rest
- matt_ahrens

Seebs and Hammer should have their own number. Seebs would be moved if not for his deal, Hammer may be moved because of 1,2,,Seebs

Seebs and Hammer should have their own number. Seebs would be moved if not for his deal, Hammer may be moved because of 1,2,,Seebs
- riozzo

ha, I just edited it to do just that. Agree.

As much as I hate to say it and would hate even more for it to be done I don't see any way Stan rights what has become an overloaded ship by moving only a few "bit" players. Sure there are moves that can be made to become cap compliant whatever that will be but the goal is to also contend for another Stanley Cup while certain members of the team still have the capabilities to do so. However, without at bare minimum trading away1 "core" member or ideally 2 I believe the Hawks will be doing nothing more than running in place.

Moving AA frees up cap space and Schmaltz can probably fill the 2nd pivot well enough to prevent a large drop in production but all that really does is get the team compliant for the moment.

Moving Kruger frees up cap space but may cost an additional pick or prospect to move which hurts the organisational depth to say nothing of having 1 of the teams only players who are good at the dot which means a FA or trade would have to be executed for a Center who can win draws when Toews is not on the ice which will cost at least half of what was saved by trading Kruger leaving a minimal net gain.

TVR should be able to be replaced from within so there is 900k saved.

Trading Hammer would be pointless as the team would have to bring in a D Man from outside and any D Man capable of replacing what Hammer brings to the table would almost certainly cost as much if not more making it a zero sum gain if not a loss as you never know how outside players will perform in Q's system or if they somehow land in Q's doghouse.

Crow has already pretty much stated he will not make a trade easy so that's a no go.

Which brings us to the "meat & potatoes".

Seabrook could be moved but there would definitely have to be some sweetners added to make that deal palatable for most teams. IMO, dealing him after 15' would have been an unpopular but good move as he would have brought a good return and possibly allowed for the resigning of Saad. However, that ship has sailed and the team is now stuck with another massive deal and NM/NTC to work around.

Kane, Toews, Keith, & Hossa are all untouchable which leaves Panarin.

Panarin will probably never have higher value than now. Sure his 30 goals would be missed but surely can be partially replaced by Panik, Schmaltz, Hartman, etc....

I see no other way to solve the cap crunch, bring in some fresh hungry players as well as add some picks and prospects outside of trading several players and at least one core member.

Panarin, Seabrook, AA, Kruger, & TVR trades would free cap space for free agents/players in trade return and bring in picks and or prospects while only moving 1 core player. Yes they are all good players with some better than others but I don't think I would characterize any of them as irreplaceable.

Of course only 1 or 2 of those will be moved as every GM knows the Hawks are over a barrel but it could solve many of the current issues while keeping a majority of the core intact.

Pressure, what pressure? Its not only on Stanbo. The more I watch Coach Sullivan guide his injury riddled Penguins this post season, the more you realize he is absolutely turning the screws on Q, Trotz, Boudreau and a few others behind the bench of 'contenders'. Somebody has to be thinking or saying 'Hey Coach, why aren't you getting as much out of your team?

Sure helps to have great goaltending and #'s 87 and 71 and a deep farm of young guys that perform under pressure.
- RickJ

I agree.

I think its arrogance. With Bowman and Quenneville.

Bowman in the sense he's rewarded his core for loyalty, still thinks he has the best core in the game, and believes they will reach their level again next year (most notably 19 and 2)

With Q I think he firmly believes his system IS the best (3 cups) and he won't budge off it. yet, the PP, and PK are horrendous and if you look at this roster vs the rosters across the league their is NO reason why they dont' have top PK and PP year in and year out. that should be a GIVEN

If the big move is making all 467 people who show up at the draft as fans happy by getting the 3rd pick in a weak draft, count me out. I fear that the most......but would the Hawks and Caps explore a mini shake up.......

5 X 5 is the quintessential point here, it translate to playoff success. Having the best novelty 3 x 3 team gets you bupkiss.
- riozzo

The HAWKS were tied with Pitt for 4th in the league on even strength goals . I still believe as constructed the HAWKS are a good team .With a solid core and good young players . They hit the perfect storm in the Preds . Our special teams were garbage for most of the year ,and to me that falls on coaching .

If big moves are to be made it starts with the coaching

>All true, Rick
>You have to wonder what % of the "total organizational failure" went to Bowman and what % went to Q, what % went to the players in the "organization's mind"
>Panarin to Vegas for the #6 pick (and maybe a Vegas roster poach the Hawks want), would give Vegas the opportunity to show a full preseason of KHL highlights of Panarin and Ship together and generate some fan excitement
>Take the #6 pick and package it with the Hawks later first round pick for Dallas' #3 pick overall
>Take the #3 pick and package it with AA to get some steamrollers with speed that can finish
- SnapitUpstairs

Does Anisimov and the #3 get you a couple of top-6 skaters - because that's what you're giving up in Panarin and Anisimov.

I agree.

I think its arrogance. With Bowman and Quenneville.

Bowman in the sense he's rewarded his core for loyalty, still thinks he has the best core in the game, and believes they will reach their level again next year (most notably 19 and 2)

With Q I think he firmly believes his system IS the best (3 cups) and he won't budge off it. yet, the PP, and PK are horrendous and if you look at this roster vs the rosters across the league their is NO reason why they dont' have top PK and PP year in and year out. that should be a GIVEN

If the big move is making all 467 people who show up at the draft as fans happy by getting the 3rd pick in a weak draft, count me out. I fear that the most......but would the Hawks and Caps explore a mini shake up.......
- SteveRain

>Agree
>I'm OK with them getting the #3 pick -- as long as they turn it into a player(s) that can deliver right away
>Also agree on the need for top brass to make a splash
>Living in the city of Chicago, I can tell you that NO ONE is wearing any Hawks gear
>That first round sweep, swept the Hawks out of many fans' minds

>All true, Rick
>You have to wonder what % of the "total organizational failure" went to Bowman and what % went to Q, what % went to the players in the "organization's mind"
>Panarin to Vegas for the #6 pick (and maybe a Vegas roster poach the Hawks want), would give Vegas the opportunity to show a full preseason of KHL highlights of Panarin and Ship together and generate some fan excitement
>Take the #6 pick and package it with the Hawks later first round pick for Dallas' #3 pick overall
>Take the #3 pick and package it with AA to get some steamrollers with speed that can finish
- SnapitUpstairs

Id go sniffing around #8 in Washington.

Send Seabrook, Panik, DebBrincat, pick to Washington for Ovechkin

Kruger gets dealt....TVR goes to Vegas

Build around a top 6 of X-19-88, 72-15-8 and 2/4 on back end. No picks for Wash until round 4 this year.....

NO idea if that works with cap, but shakes up locker room

I'm gratified most (anyway) of you guys (and girls) agree, and find this fair. Even though I qualified it as "not a fanboy blog" on Twitter, apparently it's upset some people.

>Agree
>I'm OK with them getting the #3 pick -- as long as they turn it into a player(s) that can deliver right away
>Also agree on the need for top brass to make a splash
>Living in the city of Chicago, I can tell you that NO ONE is wearing any Hawks gear
>That first round sweep, swept the Hawks out of many fans' minds
- SnapitUpstairs

I'm out in the burbs and I also see more Cubs championship gear.

Hawks are slowly drifting away from casual fan's interest. Something I'm sure McDonough is very aware about and concerned with.

To John's point.....advertising dollars wont' come calling if interest and ratings aren't there. All these things will factor in to decision making on the ice. has to....in the end, it's still a business.

Does Anisimov and the #3 get you a couple of top-6 skaters - because that's what you're giving up in Panarin and Anisimov.
- StLBravesFan

>That would be the plan
>Regarding AA: it was posted here by someone the other day -- he has "trouble" staying healthy and I believe he was playing hurt in last year's playoffs, too
>AA does have needed size
>But the face-offs are terrible

And whatever happened to the assistant coach search????? Ulf Samuelsson was supposed to be the leading candidate (has anyone heard who the other candidates were/are) then nothing. Maybe Ulf decided this is a sinking ship with three Captains trying to steer the ship in different directions and decided not to come aboard!

I'm gratified most (anyway) of you guys (and girls) agree, and find this fair. Even though I qualified it as "not a fanboy blog" on Twitter, apparently it's upset some people.
- John Jaeckel

Ha......maybe you should post a blog about worshipping Teuvo AND reacquiring him?

and how fat Seabrook is............