Things you think about when you get your butt whipped in the first round of the playoffs geez:

Jonathan Toews: do you believe in climate change? Whether you're super pumped that we are putting 'Americans first' or you are absolutely outraged at the idea that we are taking yet another step backwards in dealing with a major global problem, the only way to solve this argument is to try and set your own agenda aside and see how this affects everybody. The only lie we tell ourselves is that we are more special than other life forms on the planet. Well, we're not. Even if we weren't responsible for any major climate catastrophes heading our way, shouldn't we still do our part to preserve what we have left? The same way that we shouldn't wait till our bodies break down completely to start doing the right things to stay healthy, let's not wait till it's too late to do something. I am not saying I am perfectly 'green', but the first step is to keep an open mind and try to learn what you don't already know.
- walleyeb1

Maybe its a subtle hint that he wants to be moved to one of the California teams ?

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

you have articulated the reality that has lead me to conclude since bowmans: "things will change" presser...i see no way the hawks get a net positive with any trade scenario; an option 1 type of move will most likely open up holes and vulnerability somewhere else...

1. they won 3 cups...rewarded their players
2. every player they tried to develop over the last 5 years is somewhere else: saad, shaw, TT, danault, darling
3. cap growth has been very weak
4. they sold off a ton of talent and sent picks and prospects for very little in return..

pull out the hatrick DVD cuz bowman ain't a miracle worker...

Doing a MTL GM series starting in 15 mins heres the link https://www.twitch.tv/fef1f0fum ty for the Sup.

If Andrew Copp is left unprotected by the Jets, I want him, and Raanta in the return for Kruger and TvR and some Rockford.

if I thought the hawks were actually shaking up the core, Alex Killorn at a litte over 4 million a year is left unprotected, or Boone Jenner with one year left on a less than 3 million deal, well, I want them for the wings, especially Killorn, he is better than most of our wing candidates and got some Saad in him.

Maybe you go to Tampa and tell them to protect Killorn and we float you a defender afterward?
- wiz1901

Killorn is about to he same as Anisimov. Plus, if Stan needs to shed salary then I wouldn't see having room for him.

Winnipeg has a few forward that could be exposed Andrew worth exploring. Armia is my top choice, then Lowry, then Copp.

Jarnkrok is a pretty versatile center - he's been tasked with both shutting down top guys (done really well) and placed in an offensive role (decent). He was the main guy keeping Panarin from doing anything of value, for example. He's a good 2/3C, depending on his linemates. Underrated. I would think Vegas would keep such a player unless he can pull in someone better - not necessarily something the Hawks have that they'd be willing to give up.
- L_B_R

I just don't buy all this negativism about the Hawks. It is just reactionism. It is hard to win in the NHL, real hard. It is very competitive and there is parity among the top teams. This crap about saying Chicago is no longer an attractive option to free agents. The bottom line is $. It always has been. If they are coming in on an entry level contract the difference in dollars is negligible. If you are really good you could play in the top 6 forwards or 2nd pairing on defense with some pretty good teammates. If you believe you are a difference maker you can elevate the team.

The Hawks are competitive in the West. Nashville is a really good team. They squeaked out a 1 goal win in game 1. They won game 3 in overtime. We are seeing what world beaters they are now against the Pens. Edmonton is an up and coming team, but let them win something before ordaining them the place to go. Your first contract is generally short. In that time you get to play with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Panarin, Keith, Crow, Seabs, and Hjalmarsson on a very competitive team in the greatest city in the USA under the 2nd winningest coach in hockey history. After that first contract you can reassess your situation.
- -Doh-

Killorn is about to he same as Anisimov. Plus, if Stan needs to shed salary then I wouldn't see having room for him.

Winnipeg has a few forward that could be exposed Andrew worth exploring. Armia is my top choice, then Lowry, then Copp.
- DarthKane

I wouldn't say no to any of those guys, but none really fix the top 6 issue, just add more bottom 6 guys to the mix.

I don't really get the love for Armia in general as I think he's got skating issues, but Lowry seems like a decent checking line center. Copp was used mostly in a energy 4C role, I believe, but he's the youngest so maybe the most untapped potential (idk much about him tbh).

I wouldn't say no to any of those guys, but none really fix the top 6 issue, just add more bottom 6 guys to the mix.

I don't really get the love for Armia in general as I think he's got skating issues, but Lowry seems like a decent checking line center. Copp was used mostly in a energy 4C role, I believe, but he's the youngest so maybe the most untapped potential (idk much about him tbh).
- L_B_R

I watched a bunch of Jets games last season, on many nights Armia was one of the better forwards not named Laine. Armia has some power moves that reminded me of Saad. Obviously he's not close to the same level as Saad, but those moves were similar.

It's interesting the scenarios facing the Hawks (before anyone tells me to fix my teams problems ), even more so considering the contracts given out & the recent seasons trades.

Option 2 is probably a little more realistic in my opinion for a few reasons. Trading away a large contract will be difficult & you probably won't get full value & have a hole to fill. Asking any player with a nmc to waive may cause dramas (see C Crawford & possible discontent at being asked), that may cause more damage. And lastly, the changes made this past season need a little more time to get results. Taking on next season missing 1 or 2 due to the cap is cast in stone, but moving 1 of the major contracts is not. I'd roll the dice again slightly tweaking the team & replacing Kruger or whoever they trade to be cap compliant. There's always the deadline to make a move - I think the overachieving season could have given false hope to your management, something that wont happen again.

"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....
- bogiedoc

I hate to be a hater but man it is just such a good feeling to watch this guy lose. ........This year I haven't followed the NHL as much as the last 10 but how long has it been that Josi and Ekholm have added this much scumbag to their game?

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

Simply amazing to watch the Pens win with that defense. Incredible........ Seems the plan is to get the puck out and up to the skill understanding that a lot of mistakes will happen doing so. Daley is Exhibit A of that strategy, really the only one that could work with that roster void of top end defensemen.

And it turns the fancy stat model on it's head....... As Sullivan is proving to all observers there's more than one way to skin a cat. This is what the Q 's, Trotz' and Boudreue's of the league, and their GM's, should be notating.

If the league is a copycat league as it's said to be what is the takeaway should the Pens win a back to back? Get 3 elite offensive guys, speedy role players, a WTF defense and a top 10 goalie? Again, there is more than one way to skin a cat.

Agreed a very good take, JJ..............

In your 3 options, unless I missed it, is how long is the cup window open in management's mind? That has to be the first thing agreed upon to move forward. Then the strategy is determined they can move forward with tactics.

I think they think they still have 2-3 years realistically. So I look for them to do what needs done to become cap compliant, look for improvement from Hartmann, Schmaltz, Kero, maybe Hayden, look at a Euro to fill a D spot and that's it.

I know that's not what you are hearing but it's my guess and the reason being is they think they have a cup window that will be open for a couple more years. ......But I would add that the expansion draft adds a hell of an opportunity to restructure that other years don't. More options/opportunities to work with in other words.

Wish that Bowman had made the move that LA made a few days ago.

Picking up Imama from TB would have given us toughness presence seriously lacking. Tootoo getting rag dolled by other teams' tough guys is not the answer to teams taking liberties with us. This guy Imama really impressed me during the Memorial Cup. I am surprised that TB let him go.

The 80's called - they want their enforcer back.

I think back to those two years, that Arizona and Vancouver ousted the Hawks in the first round, and lots of people wanted to trade Hammer ... bad playoff from turnovers and Crawford. After that they won two more cups with these guys. Last year, Hossa should retire .... he's too old ..... yada yada yada. He had solid year, but he is more of a third liner now, but good year none the less. The year the Sharks blew a 3-0 lead to the Kings, they were calling for Doug Wilson's head ... tear down the team ! Very subtle changes that off season, followed by a trip to the Stanley Cup finals. Maybe, Hawks should make subtle changes too ..... after all, the no movement clauses make it difficult to trade the big salaries. This should be the last hurrah with this core, because the following year, it gets even worse, cap wise. So I don't know for sure ... but maybe this might be the way to go ???? Not too many options with NMC and when you think about, they were a 50 win team, so something went right. Must be better prepared for play offs obviously. You can't just get rid of people if you don't have a replacement. Don't fill one hole by creating another hole
- chuckdahammer

I keep pointing to what the Pens are doing. They're developing their own guys as role players now after years of trying to buy Sid a 2nd Cup. They're about to win their 2nd straight with that philosophy.

Hawks should pay attention. Schmaltz, Kero, Forsling, Hinostroza et. al should be key role players, not trade pawns.

Now if we can just get our captain to start caring more about hockey than global warming, we might be onto something.

>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

Very interesting post, but the highlighted especially so. Where does the blame of a lack of urgency and compete fall?

The 80's called - they want their enforcer back.
- RollingPuck

Different game yes but still need a little sandpaper. With the exception of Tootoo, who plays once every 4 games, the Hawks are finesse from top to bottom. Desi is done and Hayden is green. No one is there to answer the bell or God forbid, initiate. Mix that in with the rest of the league either catching up and/or Q's system based on pace, slowing down. Would like to see some bite in the form of Foligno/Deslaurier on the back six and even a Borowieki as a six or seven. Give this team some backbone when things get rough.

This dude has been right a lot , a first a lot .......


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#BREAKING - Habs/Isles/Wild have contacted the Avs regarding Duchene. He will be dealt this summer.

Things you think about when you get your butt whipped in the first round of the playoffs geez:

Jonathan Toews: do you believe in climate change? Whether you're super pumped that we are putting 'Americans first' or you are absolutely outraged at the idea that we are taking yet another step backwards in dealing with a major global problem, the only way to solve this argument is to try and set your own agenda aside and see how this affects everybody. The only lie we tell ourselves is that we are more special than other life forms on the planet. Well, we're not. Even if we weren't responsible for any major climate catastrophes heading our way, shouldn't we still do our part to preserve what we have left? The same way that we shouldn't wait till our bodies break down completely to start doing the right things to stay healthy, let's not wait till it's too late to do something. I am not saying I am perfectly 'green', but the first step is to keep an open mind and try to learn what you don't already know.
- walleyeb1

He is passionate and cares. Not short sighted like that idiot that runs our great country.

John i have been reading this blog for blackhawk insider knowledge since 2011, and this by far is your most insightful, realistic vision of what may be in bh futures. Guess we can just hope for the best as it it in people's hands at a much higher pay grade than ours.

Maybe its a subtle hint that he wants to be moved to one of the California teams ?
- bhawk1s

Toews has been talking this stuff for years. If he wants to help the carbon foot bring he should move to disband hockey all together. the NHL's greenhouse gas emissions is about the equivalent of 24 coal plants. Not too good. additionally they use 15,000 gallons of fresh water every time they re-pour the rink.

then factor in all the AHL, College, High School and local rinks - staggering numbers.

We all know we are not going to `give up hockey at any level in the name of carbon foot print. The NHL is looking for ways to make the facilities more sustainable much like the new LA football field which I heard may be 100% off the electric grid.

I dont have a dog in this fight yet . . . just processing both sides of the debate

http://fortune.com/2014/07/23/professional-hockey-is-going-green-one-ice-rink-at-a-time/[url]

John Jaeckel: Down To The Crossroads
- John Jaeckel

A number of comments - 1. AA must go. Idiotic contract, slow, horrible at the dot, drags down K&P, Injury Prone. The Pens can do what they do as they come out of the weak East. Washington is a joke - implodes every year, no other teams after them. Cup Final showing so far that Nashville was one-trick pony - Rinne. Also shows impact of poor goaltending and how bad, easy goals can destroy a team. This is why Crawford should have been moved long ago. 6M for 6Y absolutely ridiculous. Kruger must be moved as his contract is also idiotic.

Q should've been fired long ago. Coaches can make a difference, making teams better, as Pens' Sullivan, Sens' Boucher do. Q has NEVER made the Hawks better than then they were. The Hawks didn't win 3 Cups because he was the Coach, they won 3 Cups in spite of him being the Coach. More First Round exits. Bowman' trade track record is actually insanely bad. It is incomprehensible to me that he still has a job. Never understood why Poppa Scotty Bowman was allowed so much power behind the scenes getting rid of Tallon, Savard and others. Scotty has a good track record. because he would only take jobs with Cup level, Cup ready teams.

Changes need to be made no doubt but they should've started with Q and Bowman, not just Kitchen. If wanted in house Dineen, who won a Gold Medal and has NHL experience should have been moved to Head Coach. Keeping Q and Bowman as if they have Popes' Tenure is ludicrous.

He is passionate and cares. Not short sighted like that idiot that runs our great country.
- onehundredlevel

Toews was not all that passionate the past 2 post seasons

Toews was not all that passionate the past 2 post seasons
- mrpaulish

Careful, Twitter just put me in a twelve hour timeout for saying "The things you think about when you get your butt whipped in the first round of playoffs. I'd be more concerned with why we sucked so bad." LOL

Toews has been talking this stuff for years. If he wants to help the carbon foot bring he should move to disband hockey all together. the NHL's greenhouse gas emissions is about the equivalent of 24 coal plants. Not too good. additionally they use 15,000 gallons of fresh water every time they re-pour the rink.

then factor in all the AHL, College, High School and local rinks - staggering numbers.

We all know we are not going to `give up hockey at any level in the name of carbon foot print. The NHL is looking for ways to make the facilities more sustainable much like the new LA football field which I heard may be 100% off the electric grid.

I dont have a dog in this fight yet . . . just processing both sides of the debate

http://fortune.com/2014/07/23/professional-hockey-is-going-green-one-ice-rink-at-a-time/
- riozzo[url]

Toews comments didnt seem over the top like some of the things you hear from green zealots, more common sense to me, nobody likes breathing dirty air or having polluted water, the long term affects man has on global warming are debatable as much of that is beyond our control. That Paris deal was just a bad deal that cost us lotsa money and accomplished little we could not accomplish without it, so IMO good move getting out. But good for the NHL in taking this initiative.

A number of comments - 1. AA must go. Idiotic contract, slow, horrible at the dot, drags down K&P, Injury Prone. The Pens can do what they do as they come out of the weak East. Washington is a joke - implodes every year, no other teams after them. Cup Final showing so far that Nashville was one-trick pony - Rinne. Also shows impact of poor goaltending and how bad, easy goals can destroy a team. This is why Crawford should have been moved long ago. 6M for 6Y absolutely ridiculous. Kruger must be moved as his contract is also idiotic.

Q should've been fired long ago. Coaches can make a difference, making teams better, as Pens' Sullivan, Sens' Boucher do. Q has NEVER made the Hawks better than then they were. The Hawks didn't win 3 Cups because he was the Coach, they won 3 Cups in spite of him being the Coach. More First Round exits. Bowman' trade track record is actually insanely bad. It is incomprehensible to me that he still has a job. Never understood why Poppa Scotty Bowman was allowed so much power behind the scenes getting rid of Tallon, Savard and others. Scotty has a good track record. because he would only take jobs with Cup level, Cup ready teams.

Changes need to be made no doubt but they should've started with Q and Bowman, not just Kitchen. If wanted in house Dineen, who won a Gold Medal and has NHL experience should have been moved to Head Coach. Keeping Q and Bowman as if they have Popes' Tenure is ludicrous.
- Z3Hawk

Point of order: Scotty never won the Stanley Cup while in St Louis.