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.
- bhawk1s

Make America a Leader Again.

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.
- tb10of11

Thanks, and thanks for posting.

Point of order: Scotty never won the Stanley Cup while in St Louis.
- 35Tony0

Just spitballing - maybe the hawks get off to a bad start, Q goes bye bye (I would not like that in general) and Stanbo asks dear old dad to fill in for the remainder of the season as after all who can be a better choice than a 13 time cup champion?

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
- walleyeb1

(frank) twitter. They love trying to spew bs all over your feed even without following a certin type of people.

Make America a Leader Again.
- StLBravesFan

Please everyone keep the political stuff off the thread—even those trying to "see both sides of it." It's just not worth getting into here.

Just spitballing - maybe the hawks get off to a bad start, Q goes bye bye (I would not like that in general) and Stanbo asks dear old dad to fill in for the remainder of the season as after all who can be a better choice than a 13 time cup champion?
- riozzo

I don't think Scotty's remotely up to it physically.

Just spitballing - maybe the hawks get off to a bad start, Q goes bye bye (I would not like that in general) and Stanbo asks dear old dad to fill in for the remainder of the season as after all who can be a better choice than a 13 time cup champion?
- riozzo

Q has to be on the hot seat. No series wins since June 2015. Thats a long time in professinal sports. Maybe Qs system is tired. Q doesnt adjust on the fly very well. Q is awful stubborn with the line up. The Blackhawks lead the EARTH in too many men on the ice penalties because of Qs precious match up necessities. If Q lasts the season he better win a playoff round or he might be gone.

Please everyone keep the political stuff off the thread—even those trying to "see both sides of it." It's just not worth getting into here.
- John Jaeckel

I don't think Scotty's remotely up to it physically.
- John Jaeckel

If he was he'd be behind the bench already. I still think the Blackhakws let Stan hire 1 more head coach . Unless things go really well and Q wins another cup here.

- mrpaulish

Seconded.

Just heard form a proven source I have not heard from in some time:

Their opinion, based on what they hear at this time:

2,4,19,72 and 88 not going anywhere.

Pretty much everyone else, to varying degrees, is possible.

My editorial comment:

Hossa, Crawford and Seabrook are each and all less likely, albeit for different reasons (recapture penalties, limited NTC and NMC, respectively). But I would not rule out any of them completely.

To me, this points to Anisimov, Kruger, Panik, Kempny, youngsters with upside (like Hartman and Schmaltz), TVR and prospects. Anisimov and Kruger provide some cap relief, the rest would be sweeteners and/or value for value chips.

Just heard form a proven source I have not heard from in some time:

Their opinion, based on what they hear at this time:

2,4,19,72 and 88 not going anywhere.

Pretty much everyone else, to varying degrees, is possible.

My editorial comment:

Hossa, Crawford and Seabrook are each and all less likely, albeit for different reasons (recapture penalties, limited NTC and NMC, respectively). But I would not rule out any of them completely.

To me, this points to Anisimov, Kruger, Panik, Kempny, youngsters with upside (like Hartman and Schmaltz), TVR and prospects. Anisimov and Kruger provide some cap relief, the rest would be sweeteners and/or value for value chips.
- John Jaeckel

4 and 72 are surprises, thought they would be in play.....

4 and 72 are surprises, thought they would be in play.....
- bhawk1s

Me too. At least more in play than 81 & 50 right now. I figured if 50 was in play, they'd have resigned 33. And 81 has the recapture, plus he is still earning that cap hit. I like 7 but something has to give. 72 & 4 are marketable - reasonable contracts and a little younger, which is probably why the Blackhawks want to keep them.

Just heard form a proven source I have not heard from in some time:

Their opinion, based on what they hear at this time:

2,4,19,72 and 88 not going anywhere.

Pretty much everyone else, to varying degrees, is possible.

My editorial comment:

Hossa, Crawford and Seabrook are each and all less likely, albeit for different reasons (recapture penalties, limited NTC and NMC, respectively). But I would not rule out any of them completely.

To me, this points to Anisimov, Kruger, Panik, Kempny, youngsters with upside (like Hartman and Schmaltz), TVR and prospects. Anisimov and Kruger provide some cap relief, the rest would be sweeteners and/or value for value chips.
- John Jaeckel

Unless I am reading this wrong and you listed the number "2" twice and forgot a comma after the number "7" I am very dissapointed their biggest trade chip, the one that currently holds the most value and would bring back the greatest return has been deemed untouchable. I know 30 goals is nothing to sneeze at but there is enough surrounding talent to at least cover more than half of what would be lost.

Most of the players listed will be used as sweetners and bring back no real value unless the "one goal" is temporary cap relief. Maybe this is only the first step of Stan's Plan.

BTW, great write up JJ! I usually don't post too often due to the "superior mindset and pack mentality" that permeates this board at times belittling those with unpopular opinions or thoughts but your write up forced me to share my .02. Additionally, I wanted to get your thoughts on the current cap situation of the league.

I can only hope that the cap's snail like growth is not what was envisioned when the new CBA was signed and put in to effect so with that in mind do you think there will come a point where additional buyouts will be allowed or perhaps a "restructure clause" would be initiated that would allow each team to restructure a current player's deal if the cap continues to stay stagnant?

Thanks JJ; keep up the good work!

Q has to be on the hot seat. No series wins since June 2015. Thats a long time in professinal sports. Maybe Qs system is tired. Q doesnt adjust on the fly very well. Q is awful stubborn with the line up. The Blackhawks lead the EARTH in too many men on the ice penalties because of Qs precious match up necessities. If Q lasts the season he better win a playoff round or he might be gone.
- mrpaulish

Totally agree here. All coaches life with a specific team eventually run out. It's time for a different voice to get the most out of a stagnant team that still has GREAT HOF players with a lot of excellent hockey in them. Whether it's his coaching philosophies on the X's and O's, the limited practice time, the blender, or the consistent poor special teams, IMO Q's window is closing more quickly than the talent that exists.

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

You should read that so-called agreement. It is egregious.

I would ask Jonny, "Do you want to go home to The PEG?" Don't want to see him leave but we are kidding ourselves if moving Kruger and Hammer fixes a systemic cap issue.

Not until the next CBA can we even see a cap system that doesn't screw big market teams.

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

True dat, boyfriend!

But it is best to stay on topic here, as many white men here helped get him votes...and think global warming is BS.

and to me, that is more nuts than any imaginary trades I read here in the last couple.

but back on track:

Could Duchene & Barrie be coming for AA, a defender and DeBrincat?

Kinda crazy scenario, but you have to root for Duchene to actually turn it around and be the player who earns that salary.
Barrie has always be suspect in his defensive end, but he jumps up in the play as well as any antelope out there...

If Colorado can get a top defenseman in a Matt Duchene deal, that could allow them to move a blueliner of their own: https://www.prohockeyrumo...ider-trading-duchene.html

Not until the next CBA can we even see a cap system that doesn't screw big market teams.
- blackhawk24

I keep posting this, all the owners want to CAP the amount of $$$ a top playert can make as a % of the Cap, like the must is 12% or less, so that the issue of re-ups stops being a GMs problem on EACH team.

You see it took the current Cap squeezes...now affecting the CRAPPY and non playoff teams for the CAP to get the more attention.

they want this in place asap, so if Mcdavid breaks the bank, everydy else does't expect a couple million less as the next play ladder...they want the top players limited....last work stoppage they made the top players agree to give backs to get the league restarted.

Of course the NHLPA will fight this, but you can see both sides are not looking at the other point of view.

It makes sense for a fan's perspective.

If the reward to Toews and Kane had been limited to a percentage, it would have helped now.

I am with JJ - the hawks expected the Canadien ecomony and the Cap to jump....a few years ago I was here justifying hawk salaries saying the Cap will be at 125 million in just a few years.
That was what so many thought, not just StanBo & me....

True dat, boyfriend!

But it is best to stay on topic here, as many white men here helped get him votes...and think global warming is BS.

and to me, that is more nuts than any imaginary trades I read here in the last couple.

but back on track:

Could Duchene & Barrie be coming for AA, a defender and DeBrincat?

Kinda crazy scenario, but you have to root for Duchene to actually turn it around and be the player who earns that salary.
Barrie has always be suspect in his defensive end, but he jumps up in the play as well as any antelope out there...
- wiz1901

Maybe for AA and Seabs, but Avs would have to retain some salary.

If the rumors hold truth and Kruger is packaged with TVR to Vegas, i'd honestly rather see them take TVR and see if we could trade Kruger to, say, Carolina for a bottom-6 Winger or, a depth defenseman who needs a change of scenery (hello Ryan Murphy).

After that the next logical move is trading Anisimov. If there is any truth to the Montreal rumors i'd love to see Beaulieu and/or Montoya as a return, even if we have to sweeten the deal with a draft pick or a prospect like Louis or Knott.

Next, and the biggest trade yet..I wouldnt mind sending Panarin and Hammer to, say, Florida for a return of something close to Trocheck, Reilly Smith, and Ian McCoshen. Trocheck solves the 2C void left by AA and upgrades it with his higher FO% and PPG. Smith can fill the 1LW void thats been lingering on this team for years and forms a solid pairing with Panik as the flanks for Toews. Last is McCoshen, who still has 2 years on his ELC and will be tough to resign for Florida if he blows up before his contract runs out. He can pair with Seabrook, or, with Beaulieu as he (Beaulieu) can be the candidate to fill the #3D slot left vacated by Hammer.

Lastly Rutta signs (800-900k) and takes the last RD spot, vacated by TVR. Moose gets resigned to 700-800k for size on the bottom 6 and the team looks like this heading into next year....

Smith-Toews-Panik
Hartman-Trocheck-Kane
Schmaltz-Kero-Hossa
Moose/Motte/DeBrincat-Hinostroza-Hayden/Tootoo (all based on matchups)

Kempny-Seabs
McCoshen-Beaulieu
Keith-Rutta

Crow
Montoya

according to CapFriendly.com that puts the team at a $73,993,128 cap hit, and if the Cap rises to 74-74.5 we'll be in good shape entering next season. Just my two cents, criticize away.

If the rumors hold truth and Kruger is packaged with TVR to Vegas, i'd honestly rather see them take TVR and see if we could trade Kruger to, say, Carolina for a bottom-6 Winger or, a depth defenseman who needs a change of scenery (hello Ryan Murphy).

After that the next logical move is trading Anisimov. If there is any truth to the Montreal rumors i'd love to see Beaulieu and/or Montoya as a return, even if we have to sweeten the deal with a draft pick or a prospect like Louis or Knott.

Next, and the biggest trade yet..I wouldnt mind sending Panarin and Hammer to, say, Florida for a return of something close to Trocheck, Reilly Smith, and Ian McCoshen. Trocheck solves the 2C void left by AA and upgrades it with his higher FO% and PPG. Smith can fill the 1LW void thats been lingering on this team for years and forms a solid pairing with Panik as the flanks for Toews. Last is McCoshen, who still has 2 years on his ELC and will be tough to resign for Florida if he blows up before his contract runs out. He can pair with Seabrook, or, with Beaulieu as he (Beaulieu) can be the candidate to fill the #3D slot left vacated by Hammer.

Lastly Rutta signs (800-900k) and takes the last RD spot, vacated by TVR. Moose gets resigned to 700-800k for size on the bottom 6 and the team looks like this heading into next year....

Smith-Toews-Panik
Hartman-Trocheck-Kane
Schmaltz-Kero-Hossa
Moose/Motte/DeBrincat-Hinostroza-Hayden/Tootoo (all based on matchups)

Kempny-Seabs
McCoshen-Beaulieu
Keith-Rutta

Crow
Montoya

according to CapFriendly.com that puts the team at a $73,993,128 cap hit, and if the Cap rises to 74-74.5 we'll be in good shape entering next season. Just my two cents, criticize away.
- chitownfan92

Hammer and Panarin for mainly Trochek and Smith? Ill cordially decline.

If you package 4 and 72, you best be getting a player like Dutch in return. Hammer and Panarin as a package would definitely be entertained by a lot of teams.

I keep posting this, all the owners want to CAP the amount of $$$ a top playert can make as a % of the Cap, like the must is 12% or less, so that the issue of re-ups stops being a GMs problem on EACH team.

You see it took the current Cap squeezes...now affecting the CRAPPY and non playoff teams for the CAP to get the more attention.

they want this in place asap, so if Mcdavid breaks the bank, everydy else does't expect a couple million less as the next play ladder...they want the top players limited....last work stoppage they made the top players agree to give backs to get the league restarted.

Of course the NHLPA will fight this, but you can see both sides are not looking at the other point of view.

It makes sense for a fan's perspective.



If the reward to Toews and Kane had been limited to a percentage, it would have helped now.

I am with JJ - the hawks expected the Canadien ecomony and the Cap to jump....a few years ago I was here justifying hawk salaries saying the Cap will be at 125 million in just a few years.
That was what so many thought, not just StanBo & me....
- wiz1901

Whether Barrie comes, Seabrook leaves or even Forsling is moved,
the team was successful when they at times played a puck control defense.......starting with our own dmen. I do not envision this defense - with the names bandied about - is capable of this style.

Here is what i know: Hjalmarsson has previosly been outstanding. With the correct dman partner and one of the top offensive lines usually out with him, i hope we see that sound challenging the opponent and all the things he does well.

Here is what i am uncertain will happen: Kempny and or Forsling grows and is supported well.

Perhaps we land Barrie and Duchesne. Perhaps Forsling and DeBrincat leave. Get tougher with more bottom line guys but we really are not going to advance if we do nit address one more top forward, better face offs, better third pair dmen. Adding Duchesne but loosing Anisiniv balances out in skill guy but we need that large physical force whom gives us a different, better chance.

So Bowman needs to address needs and not just exchange a player here and there. Maybe more of the team needs hapoen later than earlier.

Hammer and Panarin for mainly Trochek and Smith? Ill cordially decline.

If you package 4 and 72, you best be getting a player like Dutch in return. Hammer and Panarin as a package would definitely be entertained by a lot of teams.
- purepone

McCoshen is the #1 prospect in Florida..he's 6'3 220 that excels in the physical and defensive aspect of his position. he's the perfect compliment to the void left by Hammer.

Here is what i am uncertain will happen: Kempny and or Forsling grows and is supported well.
- jhawk59

Well, that has to happen, or the big three simply become older and whether it is now or next year, you cannot move forward without the replacements.