I think Gillis would do whats necessary this year and next seeing he thinks we are really close. I understand SB not wantting to sell the future if he feels that the Hawks are more than 1 or two pieces for the cup.He can't come out and say "Fans we are close but not this year" no fan base wants to hear it. It might be a bit of a strech for the Hawks this year. Right now I see the Hawks as between the 6 th to 8 th best team in the league. Maybe SB see it as the same.
- VANTEL

Given the reportedly deep draft, it sure looks like Stan wants to see if he can hit a grand slam with the 1st rounder...or any of the others for that matter. If so, a really good assessment of the current crop of prospects is in order for trade chips--at some point, there's simply no room for all of them. I do think a couple of pieces could help down the road, but even with that, I couldn't call them strong contenders for the cup. They lack balance, especially with role players.

I also think the Hawks are around the 6th spot this year--we've seen the unmitigated trouble areas all year -- those areas will very likely look all the more obvious in playoff games...and the trade market isn't looking too promising right now if the intention is to keep high draft picks. If Stan doesn't make necessary roster corrections by October, there will be little doubt in mind mind that he doesn't 'get it' & likely not suited to the job.

Hawks also did themselves no favor by packing it in the last 10 minutes versus Dallas. It probably cost them a trade partner (or more) by giving the Stars renewed hope.

Brian rolston is on waivers ....
- southernhawk

There will be a lot of players put on waivers today. Teams that are trying to dump salary know that this is the best time of year to do it. They hope there are GM's out there that may pick the player up for depth and at no cost in a trade.

There will be a lot of players put on waivers today. Teams that are trying to dump salary know that this is the best time of year to do it. They hope there are GM's out there that may pick the player up for depth and at no cost in a trade.
- hawksbuzz

Might as well throw 'Rusty' out there then...just in the highly unlikely case someone is desperate enough for that poison pill in this market

Ducks have had a remarkable run given the lousy first 3 months of the season. But they will have to pass 5 teams with 2 of those: Stars and Kings in their division. With 21 left to go they probably need 30+ of the remaining 42 points just to have a chance for 8th. Don't see it happening.
- bogiedoc

I agree and if they make it will be only the 2nd time in history a team which was at least 12 points behind in Dec. made the playoff.

That said management, from what I hear, doesn't feel a compulsion to sell...

And if they don't tthat throws a big wrench into the plans of some buyers because a few weks ago the Ducks were circled as a for sure seller.

@AlCimaglia

Might as well throw 'Rusty' out there then...just in the highly unlikely case someone is desperate enough for that poison pill in this market
- grinder10

He would have to clear re-entry waivers before you could put him back on waivers.

Brian rolston is on waivers ....
- southernhawk

After playing over half a year with the Isles, compared to Olesz's 6.

Al, do you think Stan pulls the trigger before Monday ....????

Might as well throw 'Rusty' out there then...just in the highly unlikely case someone is desperate enough for that poison pill in this market
- grinder10

He was already waived...

Al, do you think Stan pulls the trigger before Monday ....????
- southernhawk

At some point....But the sound u hear may better resemble a pop than a bang.

Hoping not...

Been running around like crazy....Is it Crawford or Emery tonight???

At some point....But the sound u hear may better resemble a pop than a bang.

Hoping not...

Been running around like crazy....Is it Crawford or Emery tonight???
- Al

If I had to guess I would say crow will be in the pipes

I agree and if they make it will be only the 2nd time in history a team which was at least 12 points behind in Dec. made the playoff.

That said management, from what I hear, doesn't feel a compulsion to sell...

And if they don't tthat throws a big wrench into the plans of some buyers because a few weks ago the Ducks were circled as a for sure seller.

@AlCimaglia
- Al

Al it seems to me there may be a new direction being taken by teams this year. Seems like more UFA's are being resigned by their clubs instead of dealing them. Maybe this has something to do with teams liking the player they have and not wanting to try and replace them with another UFA in the off season. Also there seems to be a hand full of teams out there that are going all out to win the cup. Rightfully so, these teams are legitimate contenders. The price they seem to be paying for players who could help them win it all, has been very high. I don't believe the Hawks should be one of those teams. As has been discussed on this site the Hawks have at least three large holes. 2C, 3D, and Goaltender. This was before we lost Toews, Hammer, and Monty. We don't know the long term status of these three, so we are to assume we now have even more holes than before. Is this really the year we sell off roster players, developing prospects, and draft choices?

After playing over half a year with the Isles, compared to Olesz's 6.
- ozzzie19

Isn't that horse dead yet?

Al it seems to me there may be a new direction being taken by teams this year. Seems like more UFA's are being resigned by their clubs instead of dealing them. Maybe this has something to do with teams liking the player they have and not wanting to try and replace them with another UFA in the off season. Also there seems to be a hand full of teams out there that are going all out to win the cup. Rightfully so, these teams are legitimet contenders. The price they seem to be paying for players who could help them win it all, has been very high. I don't believe the Hawks should be one of those teams. As has been discussed on this site the Hawks have at least three large holes. 2C, 3D, and Goaltender. This was before we lost Toews, Hammer, and Monty. We don't know the long term status of these three, so we are to assume we now have even more holes than before. Is this really the year we sell off roster players, developing prospects, and draft choices?
- hawksbuzz

Not in my opinion. For the exact reasons you mention. Not unless the move is made with both eyes on the future. But I'm a wolf among sheep.

Not in my opinion. But I'm a wolf among sheep.
- nathanjf

If Erixon forced himself out of Calgary, how happy is he going to be in Columbus?

With each hour that passes with no movement by the Hawks we are much closer to the Monday evening presser by StanBow talking about how tight and expensive the market was and how they were never really close to getting a deal done...blah...blah.

and so the Hawks will finish the season 2 starting dmen out or limited and their #1 player recovering from a concussion. They are now very thin and vulnerbable at the blue line as well as no fix for the PP (0-12 games) in sight!!

How do you spell first round exit again??

Not in my opinion. For the exact reasons you mention. Not unless the move is made with both eyes on the future. But I'm a wolf among sheep.
- nathanjf

This is the only reason Bowman should make a big deal. Other than that I would like to see some smaller deals that may help in the short term.

The Hawks are still trying to address needs that they knew about last summer. At this point, there really isn't anything they can do to shore up a 2C and a 4D. That Stan didn't get this stuff figured out prior to the season starting is on him.

AND, bringing in old slow guys doesn't count. He never really solved this teams obvious problems. He only band aided them.

The Hawks are still trying to address needs that they knew about last summer. At this point, there really isn't anything they can do shore up a 2C and a 4D. That Stan didn't get this stuff figured out prior to the season starting is on him.

AND, bringing in old slow guys doesn't count. He never really solved this teams obvious problems. He only band aided them.
- Lido_Shuffle

Hawks management has always known their plans, retool through the system. The fact that they were having a good season points wise was a bonus. It kept the fan base believing they were a cup contender. Recent developement have opened Hawks fans eyes and they don't like the reality. Hawks fans need to step away from the edge, and know that the organization is trying to build long term stability. We have a very young core, signed long term, the future is very bright.

The Hawks are still trying to address needs that they knew about last summer. At this point, there really isn't anything they can do to shore up a 2C and a 4D. That Stan didn't get this stuff figured out prior to the season starting is on him.

AND, bringing in old slow guys doesn't count. He never really solved this teams obvious problems. He only band aided them.
- Lido_Shuffle

I like the Titanic analogy...he relaunched the inevitable sinking ship, just swapped out the deck chairs for this season. Slightly different look, slightly different route, but the same result in the end.

With each hour that passes with no movement by the Hawks we are much closer to the Monday evening presser by StanBow talking about how tight and expensive the market was and how they were never really close to getting a deal done...blah...blah.
and so the Hawks will finish the season 2 starting dmen out or limited and their #1 player recovering from a concussion. They are now very thin and vulnerbable at the blue line as well as no fix for the PP (0-12 games) in sight!!

How do you spell first round exit again??
- bogiedoc

I spell that, "NINTH PLACE FINISH IN THE CONFERENCE". That should light a fire beneath the asses for more than one guy in the FO. One sure fire way to piss off an owner is to take a great big bite out of revenue. I can think of nothing better than seeing the customary evening news report of the arena crew melting and shovelling the ice down the drain ... this year on April 8th.

Vantel said it best. Bowman must feel the team is no better than a 6-8 seed and because they are more than one move away he is not going to mortgage the future by overpaying when he feels they don't have a chance anyway. He just can't come out and tell the fanbase that.

Vantel said it best. Bowman must feel the team is no better than a 6-8 seed and because they are more than one move away he is not going to mortgage the future by overpaying when he feels they don't have a chance anyway. He just can't come out and tell the fanbase that.
- jhawk159

And this idea may go with JJ's staement that the Hawks are not looking to add any contracts in fear of what might happen with the new CBA.

Vantel said it best. Bowman must feel the team is no better than a 6-8 seed and because they are more than one move away he is not going to mortgage the future by overpaying when he feels they don't have a chance anyway. He just can't come out and tell the fanbase that.
- jhawk159

You quote a Nucks fan? I have been on here for weeks telling you the same thing a more!!

Vantel said it best. Bowman must feel the team is no better than a 6-8 seed and because they are more than one move away he is not going to mortgage the future by overpaying when he feels they don't have a chance anyway. He just can't come out and tell the fanbase that.
- jhawk159

I disagree somewhat, this team was 1st in the WC a month ago and for much of the first few months. I think SB will overpay, just for a guy he and hockey ops are sold on. They're not going overpay for a guy that they or more importantly Q doesn't think will fit in/help the team. Seeding doesn't mean much in the NHL, once the playoffs get here the team's who get hot will advance.

However I am concerned if they don't make a move with the recent injuries. All signs point to Monty being done for the year possibly and Hammer had a setback. Last but not least we can't forget about that Toews fella.