I know that Brent had/has a back issue from the end of the Blues series two years ago, and that he is doing everything the Hawks trainers and medical staff are asking of him.

He wants to play as long as he can - Hossa has been a role model to him since he arrived in 2009.

It just rubs me the wrong way to hear people here bash Seabrook about his diet or training. He is one of the most dedicated players here - both on and off the ice - a true warrior!!!!!
- dahawks8819

I think we are all of us guilty of leaning on our assumption and perception at times when it comes to these athletes. Regarding Seabrook, I hope that back is healed. I don't know if it was confirmed what was the cause of him being banged up in December 2016 when he missed a couple games due to Upper Body Injury, but I thought he looked less mobile and struggled a bit following that injury. I guess I just hope he doesn't have a chronic back issue, considering he also has a bit of a concussion history. As Hawks fans we all hope he has a lot of years left.

In theory, anyway.

Guys like Q (who do kinda know what they're doing) will tend to go with experience over raw promise on D (especially). Hence why Rozy is still around.

60+ games of an unready Forsling or Rutta might "re-characterize" them from second coming of Bobby Orr to "not good" in the minds of a lot of fans—and ruin him mentally.

For a guy like Franson or say at forward, a guy like say Jack Skille, what it all comes down to is do they know and fully embrace their role. If they do, then they can be a nice depth add. Not the top 6/top 4 players they were once imagined to be and never really were.

Question is, what does Franson potentially cost them, and let's say his $$ are equal to Rozy's–does he give you more at this point? I'd THINK so. But that is what the scouts are paid for.

But to write off Stuart or Franson—in favor of Rozy—seems kind of silly, because Rozy is neither fast nor has he been healthy for a full season in 2 years.

Franson—depending on the role he plays and embraces—could—upside—be this year's Brent Sopel. Who was "slow and pretty much done" and essentially a PTO guy when the Hawks signed him—and is now a #blackhawklegend (of sorts).
- John Jaeckel

With a mandate to just win, baby but mindful the players and especially the coaches are under the watchful eye of McDonough ..........well this is what we deduce as the fall out after Dinesen had that great conversation with McDonough. So with this in mind, I doubt a prospect on defense whom struggles - or isn't progressing enough even with Samuelson helping out - will stay up for anywhere close to 60 gp.

We all expect a veteran sign and that does add meaningful depth. Because then a prospect steps into a void and perhaps performs better. Actually there is a pro con side/goes like this: whomever sits in Chicago fairly regularly learns real well what Samuelson preaches and is anxious to show he is an improved player vs the player who gets a regular turn for the Icehogs. You can construct either situation as the pro or con side.

Might be a nice way to have depth. May Rozy never lace them up for game action.

Just thinking it will not be a low ball offer Franson accepts here. Someone else, later on?

I think we are all of us guilty of leaning on our assumption and perception at times when it comes to these athletes. Regarding Seabrook, I hope that back is healed. I don't know if it was confirmed what was the cause of him being banged up in December 2016 when he missed a couple games due to Upper Body Injury, but I thought he looked less mobile and struggled a bit following that injury. I guess I just hope he doesn't have a chronic back issue, considering he also has a bit of a concussion history. As Hawks fans we all hope he has a lot of years left.
- breadbag

As well frame those words as far as it pertains to our captain.

Hopefully Toews can be like Johnny Quest.

But whom parlays the role of clutch cargo

a couple things is Franson would mean ROZ more then likely is off the team Plus he is righty that can play on both special teams.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...tics-identify-value-adds/

Cody Franson
He is famous for what he does not do. He is not known as a fluid skater, or as an aggressive hitter. Those two deficiencies lead to highly visible errors, and for a defenceman “highly visible errors” can be a death sentence.

Looking past those awkward moments, though, we find a player who consistently helps his team do good things.

Consider the past two seasons in Buffalo. In an average hour of 5-on-5 play over that span without Franson, the Sabres allowed six more shot attempts than they managed themselves. With Franson on the ice, Buffalo had one more shot than the opposition, a seven-shot swing in all per hour.

seven-shot swing in all per hour.

Goal differential followed a similar pattern, with the Sabres’ negative goal differential without Franson being sliced in half when the defenceman was on the ice.

This is not an aberration. Even in tough minutes, Franson’s teams tend to be better when he’s on the ice than they are when he’s on the bench. Add in his ability to play on either special team, and he can be a very useful second-pair right shot defenceman, something that is in short supply in free agency.
- kmw4631

An interview with Hossa and Rozi's agent on TheAtheltic revealed Rozi is still dealing with symptoms from being sucker punched last year.

Speaking of Rozsival, is he excited to be back with the Blackhawks again?

Yeah, he’s pretty excited. He’s not 100 percent healthy, which is a challenge because he’s got symptoms he’s managing as result of the knockout punch that was delivered to him unexpectedly.

I think we are all of us guilty of leaning on our assumption and perception at times when it comes to these athletes. Regarding Seabrook, I hope that back is healed. I don't know if it was confirmed what was the cause of him being banged up in December 2016 when he missed a couple games due to Upper Body Injury, but I thought he looked less mobile and struggled a bit following that injury. I guess I just hope he doesn't have a chronic back issue, considering he also has a bit of a concussion history. As Hawks fans we all hope he has a lot of years left.
- breadbag

I have to admit that I am a bit torn about Seabrook, but overall I lean towards being happy that he is on the team.

The only real negative for Seabrook is is contract. I honestly don't mind the cap hit ($6.8 million), it's just the contract length I have issue with. However, if we see decent cap growth and Seabrook is one of those d-men who can be effective to age 40 (which is possible) that may be a non-issue.

Worth noting that Scott Powers just tweeted that Rozsival's agent says Rosy IS NOT 100 %

I truly believe he's done and will hang around the team merely as a translator. So guys should stop penciling him in as the number 7 defenseman.

No confirmation from WIN, but hearing extensions are indeed coming for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Paul Maurice in next few days.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 6, 2017

Worth noting that Scott Powers just tweeted that Rozsival's agent says Rosy IS NOT 100 %

I truly believe he's done and will hang around the team merely as a translator. So guys should stop penciling him in as the number 7 defenseman.
- Omahawk

Sounds like LTIR to me which will give the Hawks about $6M total to work with and a paycheque for Rosy.

Sounds like LTIR to me which will give the Hawks about $6M total to work with and a paycheque for Rosy.
- RickJ

not really because he makes league Min so he really adds no space. Figuring the replacement is going to make more then him he would have a neagative hit on cap space. IE franson at 1 mil instead of Roz at $700K means for a 22 man roster we have $300K less.

I'm sure they are putting this out there now so when they put him on LTIR for the season for concussions that the League does not fight it. THANK YOU!!!

From what I know of Seabrook's offseason training, he should be ready to go, FWIW. No worries there. Would like to see him come in 5 pounds lighter, not because he's fat (at all, but to lighten the load on his knees and give him a bit more jump, but that's just me.
- John Jaeckel

I have heard in another blog / Hawks group, that Seabrook does like his nachos ... dont know his training routine but 5 lBS lighter Seabs, would be good. Hoping for ten lbs but better than nothing. When older athletes drop some weight, it can only help them. Im looking for good rebound year from him, and though his salary is high, you can't tell me that he's worse than guys his age or close to it. Phanuef and Methode to name two.

Whether Franson or other veteran blueliners looking for a team, cast the PTO net wide and see what the sea brings in (I know, other teams are vying for the same veterans so they may ultimately choose to accept PTOs elsewhere). Training camp will root out the contenders for the available spots on defense.

A few seasons ago the Hawks gave PTOs to veterans Visnovsky and Hejda but decided on neither, but maybe they should have as that was the season where Daley was misused and underappreciated by Q before getting traded mid-year plus there was the revolving door of Roszival, Rundblad, Ehrhoff, Scuderi, Svedberg, and Gustafsson.
- AEL_Fox

Eh, considering neither Visnovsky nor Hejda could secure any NHL jobs after the Hawks passed suggests they just were good and would have no more help than the guys you listed (though Gus was fine for the most part imo).

not really because he makes league Min so he really adds no space. Figuring the replacement is going to make more then him he would have a neagative hit on cap space. IE franson at 1 mil instead of Roz at $700K means for a 22 man roster we have $300K less.

I'm sure they are putting this out there now so when they put him on LTIR for the season for concussions that the League does not fight it. THANK YOU!!!
- kmw4631

Considering he is not going to be an everyday player again like ever, his minimum was pretty much just dead space, so putting him on LTIR does help. Less dead weight.

Worth noting that Scott Powers just tweeted that Rozsival's agent says Rosy IS NOT 100 %

I truly believe he's done and will hang around the team merely as a translator. So guys should stop penciling him in as the number 7 defenseman.
- Omahawk

AGREED !!! He's done in my opinion , I can not see how he keep up any more

AGREED !!! He's done in my opinion , I can not see how he keep up any more
- CTblackhawkfan

I don't see a 39 year old with concussion issues recovering any time soon.

From what I know of Seabrook's offseason training, he should be ready to go, FWIW. No worries there. Would like to see him come in 5 pounds lighter, not because he's fat (at all, but to lighten the load on his knees and give him a bit more jump, but that's just me.
- John Jaeckel

This reminds me of Alan Page. He got smaller and extended his NFL career playing leaner, meaner and with a whole lot of guile.
5 lbs less can only help Seabs with less strain on his ankles, knees, hips and back.

This reminds me of Alan Page. He got smaller and extended his NFL career playing leaner, meaner and with a whole lot of guile.
5 lbs less can only help Seabs with less strain on his ankles, knees, hips and back.
- 35Tony0

Unfortunately Seabs has very little social media presence so I can't spy on him like Toews.

This reminds me of Alan Page. He got smaller and extended his NFL career playing leaner, meaner and with a whole lot of guile.
5 lbs less can only help Seabs with less strain on his ankles, knees, hips and back.
- 35Tony0

Plus, Page was one of the few guys who could legitimately rock the bow tie.Not sure our #7 could do that ....

Forward PA Parenteau has accepted a PTO from the Detroit Red Wings. He's averaged 17 goals per season over the last 2 years.

— Allan Walsh (@walsha) September 6, 2017

Report: Failed offside challenges will result in 2-minute penalty https://t.co/0d8bWu2dKa pic.twitter.com/bWizri9o41

— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) September 6, 2017

No confirmation from WIN, but hearing extensions are indeed coming for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Paul Maurice in next few days.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 6, 2017

- DarthKane

Well if there is anyone who have earned an extension it's those two

@A_Kalnins

Yugra frustrated with Jeremy Morin, appears as team is considering terminating his deal.

@A_Kalnins

Yugra frustrated with Jeremy Morin, appears as team is considering terminating his deal.
- DarthKane

Maybe the Hawks canget him to trade him for the next Panik.

In theory, anyway.

Guys like Q (who do kinda know what they're doing) will tend to go with experience over raw promise on D (especially). Hence why Rozy is still around.

60+ games of an unready Forsling or Rutta might "re-characterize" them from second coming of Bobby Orr to "not good" in the minds of a lot of fans—and ruin him mentally.

For a guy like Franson or say at forward, a guy like say Jack Skille, what it all comes down to is do they know and fully embrace their role. If they do, then they can be a nice depth add. Not the top 6/top 4 players they were once imagined to be and never really were.

Question is, what does Franson potentially cost them, and let's say his $$ are equal to Rozy's–does he give you more at this point? I'd THINK so. But that is what the scouts are paid for.

But to write off Stuart or Franson—in favor of Rozy—seems kind of silly, because Rozy is neither fast nor has he been healthy for a full season in 2 years.

Franson—depending on the role he plays and embraces—could—upside—be this year's Brent Sopel. Who was "slow and pretty much done" and essentially a PTO guy when the Hawks signed him—and is now a #blackhawklegend (of sorts).
- John Jaeckel

No one wants Rozy to play at this point. The ONLY reason Rozy was signed is because it was the easiest and cheapest way to meet the expansion requirements.

a couple things is Franson would mean ROZ more then likely is off the team Plus he is righty that can play on both special teams.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...tics-identify-value-adds/

Cody Franson
He is famous for what he does not do. He is not known as a fluid skater, or as an aggressive hitter. Those two deficiencies lead to highly visible errors, and for a defenceman “highly visible errors” can be a death sentence.

Looking past those awkward moments, though, we find a player who consistently helps his team do good things.

Consider the past two seasons in Buffalo. In an average hour of 5-on-5 play over that span without Franson, the Sabres allowed six more shot attempts than they managed themselves. With Franson on the ice, Buffalo had one more shot than the opposition, a seven-shot swing in all per hour.

seven-shot swing in all per hour.

Goal differential followed a similar pattern, with the Sabres’ negative goal differential without Franson being sliced in half when the defenceman was on the ice.

This is not an aberration. Even in tough minutes, Franson’s teams tend to be better when he’s on the ice than they are when he’s on the bench. Add in his ability to play on either special team, and he can be a very useful second-pair right shot defenceman, something that is in short supply in free agency.
- kmw4631

All well and good. If he such a valuable commodity, how come he has been hanging around every offseason until the very end? He does a decent job on the PP. Other than that he is a nightmare in his own zone. He gets beat in the corners consistently. His metrics are inflated because he has played on terrible D corps except for NASH. Which, interestingly, benched his ass a couple of seasons ago after trading for him. He is slower than even Rozy at this point.

Roz was the slowest NHL skater that I have ever witnessed in the last 6 years years, granted I might not notice other teams players but he was the slowest hawks I have seen since 2009, He makes mashinter look like mash lightening. If he signs I will hold judgement till he skates a few games on his speed. I'm not saying he is great but he is better then roz at this point and right now he would be competing with Rutta, Forsling, pokka, Jordan O for spots 5,6.7, I would not say 3 of that 4 would be a strong 5-7. I think Pokka is a AHL player, Forsling is OK but could really get stronger and Faster, Ruuta I'm the highest on of the group but needs to adjust to NHL and Smaller rink, and Jordan O is a borderline NHL player on a bad D team.