Here it is:


anything with an (e) attached to it will never ever ever happen.


- mrpaulish

Re: CREAM


Saw them live at the old Chicago Coliseum, a couple years before the condemned it a knocked in down (South loop, 14th st.)

They almost carried Ginger Baker out he was so skinny and frail, but still beating those drums...


JJ: Getting players with NMC or limited NTCs to waive and doing value for value NHL trades is, on the other hand, hard. Bowman hasn't really had to do it. But it can be done.


There is tricky part to that...I believ, if I am a player, and I waive the NMC, that means for the length of the contract I can be send down to the minors at any time.

So if you ask me to waive it, well, I want something.

Saw them live at the old Chicago Coliseum, a couple years before the condemned it a knocked in down (South loop, 14th st.)

They almost carried Ginger Baker out he was so skinny and frail, but still beating those drums...


JJ: Getting players with NMC or limited NTCs to waive and doing value for value NHL trades is, on the other hand, hard. Bowman hasn't really had to do it. But it can be done.


There is tricky part to that...I believ, if I am a player, and I waive the NMC, that means for the length of the contract I can be send down to the minors at any time.

So if you ask me to waive it, well, I want something.
- wiz1901

I hear ya. It's all a negotiation. It's hard.

BTW, I met EC a couple of summers ago. Lives near me in the summer. Nicest guy in the world.

Some truisms from reading lots of commentary here over the last few weeks since eliminated and looking to 2017/18:

Stan is boxed in a corner again. We're over the cap (amount to be determined, but over in any case).
Very few chess pieces for Stan to really move to improve in my opinion.
Toews, Kane, Hoss, Keith not going anywhere any time.
Seabs stuck here due to new contract
Craw won't cooperate on moving.
AA and Hammer are NOT moves to improve. If you trade Hammer, you'll need another quality D to fill a hole immediately. You'll end up replacing Hammer w half his value at 75% of his cost. Some $3m player that can't carry his jockstrap. Doesnt help. Similar for AA. Trade him and all we'll be talking about is how weak we are up the middle. He isn't Malkin, but he is a really solid fill at 2C at a reasonable price for a 2C.
Which brings us to Panarin. Yes, that's an available move. Sure hate to lose his sniper ability. But I think that can be (mostly) replaced for half the cost.
Sure wish we could lose Craw.

My conclusion:
1. Losing Kruger is just shaving off our cap overage. Subtraction, doesnt get under cap, team is worse.
2. Gotta trade Panarin for a $3m LW, and a top prospect that can be a top 6 at $1m for a couple years.
3. Trade AA only if we can identify a high quality vet C to fit in...Vermette quality.
4. Not many other moves available.

Here it is:


anything with an (e) attached to it will never ever ever happen.


- mrpaulish

Got it, so everything he says is pure bull caca

Build your own Vegas Golden Knights team:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/ass...e-knights/draft-simulator

"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."

Toews $10.5
Kane $10.5
Seabrook $6.88
Crawford $6.0
Panarin $6.0
Keith $5.54
Hossa $5.28

I'm having a hard time believing Stan will actually move one or two of these big veteran contracts.

I know this causes pain in Hawk-nation and may give McD a migrane, but who could they get from The PEG to send Jonny home?
- blackhawk24

Yeah, I am with you…if you think Tazer’s back & head issues are a continuing issue, strike hard now.

1. Get Trouba and his arrival replaces one of your right side defenders in a year or sooner, which means if the Avs are still interested see with Landeskog in mind.
2. Securing Toews in Winnipeg instantly makes Bryan Little an expendable so the Jets will want him to go Chicago’s way.

3. BUTyou have to get, at very least, one of the following:

a) Kyle Connor, a promising real prospect,

or

b) the jets 2017 first rounder, which at slot #13 puts you just above where the draft starts to go from guys that will “probably” be nhlers to guys with warts they need to clear before the are considered solid prospects (yup, it is THAT bad…maybe the worst class since 1999)

Good time to link to my seven round mock:
https://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2017/

At the draft slot 13, the hawks get a crack at one of the three left wingers, and maybe even the last of the four defenseman that consensus say “should” play.

I also a fourth item in return for Toews.

4. As much as I would ask for Andrew Copp or Branden Tanev, I suspect they would both be “NOs.”

Ask for underachieving Joel Arima, in hopes he clicks as a scorer here.

Of course, this clears some room despite the Little contact and the fact Trouba will get solid RFA money, because he is a solid player who is simply angry because he wants to play of the right side and feels he is a better defensive zone defender than Buff,(and this is probably true), and wants PP minutes.

Bold move…and but it does clear a way to replacing a top three defender and maybe using that defender in a trade to one of the half dozen teams who really don’t have ONE top NHL defender.

Does anyone have the secret decoder ring for all this (e3) + (e4) crap in Ek's title blogs?
- riozzo

yes, but if i told you it wouldn't be a secret anymore.

People. Toews and Kane are going nowhere. Why move Kane anyway? He is still one of the 5 best players in the game. Toews' decline and his cap hit make him immovable.

Its time to move Hjalmarsson. His play is going downhill fast and another season like the last two his value will be worthless.

Seabrook is going into the 2nd year of his deal and I highly doubt he is waiving his NMC even if he is asked.

AA, Panarin, Hjalmarsson are your trade chips. Hayden probably can fill AA spot with Kane. He has had worse(Handzus).

Build your own Vegas Golden Knights team:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/ass...e-knights/draft-simulator
- AEL_Fox

Both Button and Seravalli have the Knights taking Jarnkrok from Nashville. If Stan is wheeling and dealing with McPhee he would be a good target. A 30 point signed for another 5 years at $2 million. He was 49.4% on face offs last season.

People. Toews and Kane are going nowhere. Why move Kane anyway? He is still one of the 5 best players in the game. Toews' decline and his cap hit make him immovable.

Its time to move Hjalmarsson. His play is going downhill fast and another season like the last two his value will be worthless.

Seabrook is going into the 2nd year of his deal and I highly doubt he is waiving his NMC even if he is asked.

AA, Panarin, Hjalmarsson are your trade chips. Hayden probably can fill AA spot with Kane. He has had worse(Handzus).
- TTtime

Yeah, i don't think so. Same with keith.

After that, pick your poison, I guess and i don't necessarily agree on Hjalmarsson. it will all come down to contracts, return, and how they feel about the likelihood of "replacement."

And it is possible also they don't make any major moves. Not saying that's a desirable or optimal thing, but certainly quite possible.

Yeah, I am with you…if you think Tazer’s back & head issues are a continuing issue, strike hard now.

1. Get Trouba and his arrival replaces one of your right side defenders in a year or sooner, which means if the Avs are still interested see with Landeskog in mind.
2. Securing Toews in Winnipeg instantly makes Bryan Little an expendable so the Jets will want him to go Chicago’s way.

3. BUTyou have to get, at very least, one of the following:

a) Kyle Connor, a promising real prospect,

or

b) the jets 2017 first rounder, which at slot #13 puts you just above where the draft starts to go from guys that will “probably” be nhlers to guys with warts they need to clear before the are considered solid prospects (yup, it is THAT bad…maybe the worst class since 1999)

Good time to link to my seven round mock:
https://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2017/

At the draft slot 13, the hawks get a crack at one of the three left wingers, and maybe even the last of the four defenseman that consensus say “should” play.

I also a fourth item in return for Toews.

4. As much as I would ask for Andrew Copp or Branden Tanev, I suspect they would both be “NOs.”

Ask for underachieving Joel Arima, in hopes he clicks as a scorer here.

Of course, this clears some room despite the Little contact and the fact Trouba will get solid RFA money, because he is a solid player who is simply angry because he wants to play of the right side and feels he is a better defensive zone defender than Buff,(and this is probably true), and wants PP minutes.

Bold move…and but it does clear a way to replacing a top three defender and maybe using that defender in a trade to one of the half dozen teams who really don’t have ONE top NHL defender.
- wiz1901

If the Hawks see head / back issues with Toews, I would think the Winnipeg (or any other team) would see the same, would check it out, and would certainly not provide any kind of return for a damaged $10.5MM cap hit.

Both Button and Seravalli have the Knights taking Jarnkrok from Nashville. If Stan is wheeling and dealing with McPhee he would be a good target. A 30 point signed for another 5 years at $2 million. He was 49.4% on face offs last season.
- DarthKane

Ya, I don't know why the notion of poaching a vet who fills a lower line or backup goalie need from LV in a deal would be a bad thing. At all.

Depending on the player and the need.

Unless you think the team should carry 10 guys with a year or less experience, because . . . prospects.

I realize that many teams the Hawks might be trying to deal with, most likely will be asking them for "sweeteners" to make the deal. Just remember ...... too many "sweeteners" can cost you some depth as well

"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."

Toews $10.5
Kane $10.5
Seabrook $6.88
Crawford $6.0
Panarin $6.0
Keith $5.54
Hossa $5.28

I'm having a hard time believing Stan will actually move one or two of these big veteran contracts.
- walleyeb1

You're not alone. Doesn't mean it won't or can't happen. You left out Anisimov too.

I realize that many teams the Hawks might be trying to deal with, most likely will be asking them for "sweeteners" to make the deal. Just remember ...... too many "sweeteners" can cost you some depth as well
- chuckdahammer

True, but they have a few guys they could deal who would not require sweeteners, IMO. And could bring something back too.

People. Toews and Kane are going nowhere. Why move Kane anyway? He is still one of the 5 best players in the game. Toews' decline and his cap hit make him immovable.

Its time to move Hjalmarsson. His play is going downhill fast and another season like the last two his value will be worthless.

Seabrook is going into the 2nd year of his deal and I highly doubt he is waiving his NMC even if he is asked.

AA, Panarin, Hjalmarsson are your trade chips. Hayden probably can fill AA spot with Kane. He has had worse(Handzus).
- TTtime

This I'm also not sure about. Handzus was slower than my granny on her tricycle, but he was useful and really tough to handle around the net. We don't really even know if Hayden can skate with his head up yet.

I'd put Schmaltz there if you want to gamble on a kid playing with Kane.

This I'm also not sure about. Handzus was slower than my granny on her tricycle, but he was useful and really tough to handle around the net. We don't really even know if Hayden can skate with his head up yet.

I'd put Schmaltz there if you want to gamble on a kid playing with Kane.
- John Jaeckel

Agreed. We've seen enough of Schmaltz to know that he's probably the best center prospect the team has. He's not a slam dunk 2C but you give him a shot.

We've seen some good things from Hayden too, but the sample size has been too small. I expect Hayden to make the team next season, but in the bottom 6.

This I'm also not sure about. Handzus was slower than my granny on her tricycle, but he was useful and really tough to handle around the net. We don't really even know if Hayden can skate with his head up yet.

I'd put Schmaltz there if you want to gamble on a kid playing with Kane.
- John Jaeckel

I think Hayden would be miscast as a top-6 forward and doing this fits the perspective in recent years that Hawk youngsters have been forced to play in roles that are beyond their current development trajectory or simply above what they will ever provide no matter how many years of NHL service they have.

Personally, I believe Hayden will end up being an effective bottom-6 forward, likely as a 4th liner agitator with other similar forwards.

And agree with you and Darth that Schmaltz is the likely candidate to center Kane if Anisimov gets shipped out and no other top-6 center is acquired.

Build your own Vegas Golden Knights team:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/ass...e-knights/draft-simulator
- AEL_Fox

So I went through this tool 3 times trying to build a team - what a pile of man goop I had to choose from. Bottom line, if I were Vegas I'd be at a craps table banking on free drinks...

I guess I never mentioned which guy who isn't ranked as a top ten selection (by anyone but me I believe) who i really like.

Kristian Vesalainen who I list as LhRW but plays the Lw as well.

https://www.draftsite.com...ristian-vesalainen/25846/

This is kid that a year ago, I would have thought would have been at the very top of the rankings, but as these young kids do many times, he failed to progress, and because of it, he was sent from Frölunda in Sweden back to Finland and play for HPK.When he returned to Frölunda, he was treated like a step-child.
He simply lost his scoring touch, his carries seemed one-man efforts that took he and his team out of scoring areas.

Why I like him is he is creative, and a bad ass.

Against Canada in World Juniors, after there was some roughness that his teammates were inflicted, he decided to go over and challenge the entire Canadien bench, told them, bring it on me.

Sure there is still an issue of getting his confidnece and offensiev game back on track, but someone is going to select him might get be very fortunate.

But this is my humble opinion and pure conjecture.

I guess I never mentioned which guy who isn't ranked as a top ten selection (by anyone but me I believe) who i really like.

Kristian Vesalainen who I list as LhRW but plays the Lw as well.

https://www.draftsite.com...ristian-vesalainen/25846/

This is kid that a year ago, I would hav ethought would have been at the very top of the rankings, but as these young kids do many times, he failed to progress, and because of it, he was sent from Frölunda in Sweden back to Finland and play for HPK.When he returned to Frölunda, he was treated like a step-child.
He simply lost his scoring touch, his carries seemed one-man efforts that took he and his team out of scoring areas.

Why I like him is he is creative, and a bad ass.

Against Canada in World Juniors, after there was some roughness that his teammates were inflicted, he decided to go over and challenge the entire Canadien bench, told them bring on me.

Sure there is still an issue of getting his confidnece and offensiev game back on track, but someone is going to select him might get be very fortunate.

But this is my humble opinion and pure conjecture.
- wiz1901

He may not be selected in the top 10 but I would expect him to be taken from 11 - 20. Stan would have to move up in the draft to get this kid, which is entirely possible.

Build your own Vegas Golden Knights team:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/ass...e-knights/draft-simulator
- AEL_Fox

The problem with this is it works better after you know which players are REALLY on the list and what protection deals have been struck.

I know if i was one of the bubble players, I wouldn't like seeing my name bandied about.

And since LV actually has so many options, it seems an impossible task to come CLOSE to their final selections....kinda a great Vegas bet...

So the popularity part is partly the NHL. Not enforcing the rules and slowing down the game have made it less entertaining.

The price of admission to the stadium has priced out a lot of fans. Moreover, the fans that are still going seem to be constantly irritated by the tourist fans who have no idea when they should stand up, sit down or not shout stupid things like HIT HIM and SHOOT IT all of the time. Listening to Foley and EO is a headache.

To be fair to the players, if Keith and Toews are healthy the Hawks are probably out of the first round.

We will see what happens. I'd think the coaching staff goes before some of the players but what do I know.

They're certainly not in the NHL cellar but as this year illustrated their margin for error is quite small.