A reward for their hard work in Rockford - a higher pay cheque.

The team needs a 13th forward, Jurco is a cheaper option than Hayden. However, I'm not sure they can bank cap space. I don't think you can bank cap space as a result of LTIR (Hossa).
- DarthKane

I'm also not sure if space banks while you are in LTIR land.

@jaeckel

Heard this AM the Hawks have inquired recently about Vancouver D Michael del Zotto. $3 mil AAV thru next season. Not sure what the Hawks would offer.

Who said it?
And when?
Have you heard this before?

"Yeah, I mean again we only have ourselves to blame there. That effort was unlike the efforts we have seen the last five or six games."

"It was not consistent the way we have been lately. So, we have to get back to the things we were doing well before. I think we kind of let pucks go through us, we were not, I mean I think we were plenty physical."

"But, on loose pucks we have to get our bodies in there first and win those stick battles, and come up with pucks, and give each other the right support. Otherwise you end up chasing the majority of the night the way we did tonight.”

“Well, they are a fast team, and they want the puck and they hold on to it. I think for us it is wanting to do the same. I think we just get a little quick and a little impatient with it."

"We feel like there is pressure and we chip it to no one and when we have more space and time, then we realize it. Again, sometimes just shielding the puck with our body, keeping it alive until we see where our support is. Like I said, just being stronger on our stick and coming up with pucks when they are loose.”

Who said it?
And when?
Have you heard this before?

"Yeah, I mean again we only have ourselves to blame there. That effort was unlike the efforts we have seen the last five or six games."

"It was not consistent the way we have been lately. So, we have to get back to the things we were doing well before. I think we kind of let pucks go through us, we were not, I mean I think we were plenty physical."

"But, on loose pucks we have to get our bodies in there first and win those stick battles, and come up with pucks, and give each other the right support. Otherwise you end up chasing the majority of the night the way we did tonight.”

“Well, they are a fast team, and they want the puck and they hold on to it. I think for us it is wanting to do the same. I think we just get a little quick and a little impatient with it."

"We feel like there is pressure and we chip it to no one and when we have more space and time, then we realize it. Again, sometimes just shielding the puck with our body, keeping it alive until we see where our support is. Like I said, just being stronger on our stick and coming up with pucks when they are loose.”
- savvyone-1

They know what to do, they just aren't doing it.

@jaeckel

Heard this AM the Hawks have inquired recently about Vancouver D Michael del Zotto. $3 mil AAV thru next season. Not sure what the Hawks would offer.
- JRoenick97

Oh god....hopefully this is not true, Del Zotto is terrible.

@jaeckel

Heard this AM the Hawks have inquired recently about Vancouver D Michael del Zotto. $3 mil AAV thru next season. Not sure what the Hawks would offer.
- JRoenick97

I bet a young forward that is NHL ready (Hartman, for example) or two good prospects would be going that way.

I could most definitely envision Seabs as a player/coach of sorts the latter years of his contract.
I would have also loved to see Hossa doing the same with his injury status this year.
You cannot teach heart, which both of these guys have in abundance, but you can repeatedly demonstrate it. And the young 'Hawks would benefit greatly from it.
- 35Tony0

An interesting perspective...

All this talk about Crow having a drinking issue, don't you think it is questionable that Q is the pitchman for Binny's, with Q's background? For a team that is so keen on optics, whenever I see Q in a Binny's ad I just shake my head. Bad optics.
- powerenforcer

Well, considering the team's owners made their millions distributing alcohol, I'm guessing you won't find Rocky interfering with this relationship.

I bet a young forward that is NHL ready (Hartman, for example) or two good prospects would be going that way.
- kwolf68

If Stan trades Hartman for Del Zotto:

Me:

"Scott1977
Today @ 5:42 AM ET
Justin so Bowman would get a pass if the hawks don't make the playoffs? To me he more to blame for this mess than coach Q. Bad trades bad contacts bad drafting and he gets a pass why because MCdough has love affair with the bowman's. He is the one that put this flawed team together missing a top rw/lw top 4 d man traded one away for we don't know yet(murphy) who to me might be a top 4 missing 2 centerman playing wiggles out of position and Hartman to until kamp came up and still not enough size. Yes coach Q is at fault also obviously he responsible for getting the team ready and getting the most out of the players and he has not done that. Time to clean house!! Like to hear your thoughts and what you would do if you were in Wirtz and MCdough shoes."

I heard it's Quenneville that will be the fall-guy.

Honestly, as long as the Hawks have Scotty Bowman sitting in Tampa Bay, available at any time to offer advice, not just to Stan, but to the Hawks management team... the Bowman's will reign.

If Stan trades Hartman for Del Zotto:

Me:


- DarthKane

Get ready, because that's gonna be the cost. Or more. To them Del Zotto is a 27 year old blueliner who scores 40 points a year on average. Hawks don't have picks to offer really so they either trade from a position of depth (wingers) or have to offer prospects. Think Fortin and say Gustaffson.

I am NOT advocating these moves, but that's the type of return Van will be looking for as they continue to rebuild over there.

Del Zotto has a lot to like offensively, but his own zone play is ? .... moreover, how much of an upgrade is he really? If you can get him for cheaper than what I mentioned I'd think about it.

even the great scotty bowman coached 5 teams...i think only got fired 1x, he quit and moved on from other coaching assignments...

9 -4 in cup finals but 3 of those with expansion blues in the late 60's...

interesting his best regular season team 95-96 wings won 62 games and lost the conf finals...next year a 38 win wings team won the cup; had a 9 year run with that team with 3 cups....hmmm sound familiar

hockey is a strange game in the big and small picture

if Q is fired he will find another HC job immediately; he has 2 years left after this year at about 6 mildo...he ain't resigning
- bogiedoc

Yep. Would be cool to see him get his hands on younger team to sink his teeth into to.

The opportunity would have to be right for him and if it happens, let's hope that opportunity is in the East.

"Scott1977
Today @ 5:42 AM ET
Justin so Bowman would get a pass if the hawks don't make the playoffs? To me he more to blame for this mess than coach Q. Bad trades bad contacts bad drafting and he gets a pass why because MCdough has love affair with the bowman's. He is the one that put this flawed team together missing a top rw/lw top 4 d man traded one away for we don't know yet(murphy) who to me might be a top 4 missing 2 centerman playing wiggles out of position and Hartman to until kamp came up and still not enough size. Yes coach Q is at fault also obviously he responsible for getting the team ready and getting the most out of the players and he has not done that. Time to clean house!! Like to hear your thoughts and what you would do if you were in Wirtz and MCdough shoes."

I heard it's Quenneville that will be the fall-guy.

Honestly, as long as the Hawks have Scotty Bowman sitting in Tampa Bay, available at any time to offer advice, not just to Stan, but to the Hawks management team... the Bowman's will reign.
- Justin Lowe

Trust me, it’s safer to say that nobody is safe. It’s a simple equation, if we start losing revenue you should start looking for a new gig. The last 2 years have cost us plenty. Miss the playoffs this year and having a famous daddy may not be enough to salvage your position.

Get ready, because that's gonna be the cost. Or more. To them Del Zotto is a 27 year old blueliner who scores 40 points a year on average. Hawks don't have picks to offer really so they either trade from a position of depth (wingers) or have to offer prospects. Think Fortin and say Gustaffson.

I am NOT advocating these moves, but that's the type of return Van will be looking for as they continue to rebuild over there.

Del Zotto has a lot to like offensively, but his own zone play is ? .... moreover, how much of an upgrade is he really? If you can get him for cheaper than what I mentioned I'd think about it.
- kwolf68

Was it Torts who said of Del Zotto, "everyone says he's good, I'm still waiting to see it".

Or something along those lines haha.

23-10-4 went 24-4-2 in feb and march....they dominated in feb scoring 4 plus goals in every win...

can it happen again??? it would call for one helluva turn around physically and mentally...without a healthy crawford = no chance
- bogiedoc

I looked at that. They went on a nice run last year.

I had a lot of questions about last year's team, but they just kept winning those tight games, even when they were getting outplayed. Q alluded to that a couple weeks ago that their record last year was deceiving.

I agree. If they were going to come close to replicating that, they need Crawford. Even then, I would have reservations.

Was it Torts who said of Del Zotto, "everyone says he's good, I'm still waiting to see it".

Or something along those lines haha.
- BlazinMike

Torts is a clown. Del Zotto is a talented kid, great skater, passer, known to be a good teammate. He's not a superstar, but he's also not a bum.

Get ready, because that's gonna be the cost. Or more. To them Del Zotto is a 27 year old blueliner who scores 40 points a year on average. Hawks don't have picks to offer really so they either trade from a position of depth (wingers) or have to offer prospects. Think Fortin and say Gustaffson.

I am NOT advocating these moves, but that's the type of return Van will be looking for as they continue to rebuild over there.

Del Zotto has a lot to like offensively, but his own zone play is ? .... moreover, how much of an upgrade is he really? If you can get him for cheaper than what I mentioned I'd think about it.
- kwolf68

I know you're not advocating the move, but...

Del Zotto scored 40+ points once in his career, in 11-12. Not including this season he's averaged 21 points over the past 3 years. He's on pace for 26 this season. MDZ also has a history of injuries.

I don't blame Vancouver if they're asking for a Hartman type player and I wouldn't be upset if Stan dealt #38 for a defenseman. Just not MDZ, Hartman is more valuable to the club.

Trust me, it’s safer to say that nobody is safe. It’s a simple equation, if we start losing revenue you should start looking for a new gig. The last 2 years have cost us plenty. Miss the playoffs this year and having a famous daddy may not be enough to salvage your position.
- John McDonough

I don't think Bowman is to blame at all. He has given the team the players to succeed...when they are playing their best, they look like world beaters, but it is the inconsistency that is killing them this year, and that is solely on the coaching.

Great info--one of the best in a long time...
- RaleighHawk

Thanks pal! Been struggling over here with the new baby. I have some really solid stuff coming up that you guys are going to love.

I know you're not advocating the move, but...

Del Zotto scored 40+ points once in his career, in 11-12. Not including this season he's averaged 21 points over the past 3 years. He's on pace for 26 this season. MDZ also has a history of injuries.

I don't blame Vancouver if they're asking for a Hartman type player and I wouldn't be upset if Stan dealt #38 for a defenseman. Just not MDZ, Hartman is more valuable to the club.
- DarthKane

Sure Sure. Del Zotto scored

32 in 64 games 2015 (injury)
21 in 46 games in 2013 (shortened season)

So you can see he has 40 pt potential. As you state injuries have hit him now and then. He has also either played on subpar teams like Vancity or Philly or on the offensively challenged Rangers teams from 5, 6 years ago.

I am not saying Hartman, but player like him. A young, cost controlled forward with potential. Vinnie would probably work for them, Hayden maybe as well...and I don't want to move EITHER of those guys. Just saying what I think they will go for and ultimately get, from someone.

I'd love if they'd take Jurco and Pokka.

Any thought process like this is pure speculation at this point. Any information that has been conveyed so far has been someone's sister-in-laws cousin who knows the driver who filled in for the regular driver on the Gonnella Bread route to the UC.
- Rota's Rooter

I think you just uncovered Ekland's source.

Trust me, it’s safer to say that nobody is safe. It’s a simple equation, if we start losing revenue you should start looking for a new gig. The last 2 years have cost us plenty. Miss the playoffs this year and having a famous daddy may not be enough to salvage your position.
- John McDonough

Any chance trickle down works and I'm having a look at you?

Yep it's a 3 headed monster, with McD, SB and Q all having issues.

Rocky Wirtz

Well, considering the team's owners made their millions distributing alcohol, I'm guessing you won't find Rocky interfering with this relationship.
- pdx2ord

Yea, right after I wrote the first post that thought ran into my head.

Can I go hide now?

Mitchell is small, correct. You won't know truly about him until he turns pro and scuffles with big men whom are strong and some do tower over him. But Mitchell could be a version of Keith....A smaller size guy who can lay you out with a devastating hit every once in a while. Who knows how Mi Schell might develop.
- jhawk59

This is what they are hoping for (obviously) but they see a lot of traits in Mitchell that they saw in Keith at a younger age.

The Hawks really liked that he was going to they University of Denver program as well when they drafted him. Jim Montgomery is a fantastic coach and teacher for these young kids.

I have my eye on him as an impact player in the future.

The Canadian dollar is trading near it's 52 week high. The expectation is that the Bank of Canada (Canadian central bank) will raise interest rates tomorrow, this will only help drive up the value of the loonie. This is good news from a salary cap perspective, hopefully Stan will have a little more flexibility this off season.
- DarthKane

More importantly Darth.... this is great news for us! Wanna head down to the states? ha.