I read on csn bowman was going to try to resign Oduya .....what the hell am I missing something

Depends on what the Cap is. Each time the cap bumps upward, Bolland's salary becomes less and less of an issue.
- Ogilthorpe2

Very true. Which makes our speculating that much harder this off season. All the uncertainty over the CBA blows.

I read on csn bowman was going to try to resign Oduya .....what the hell am I missing something
- southernhawk

I wasn't at all impressed with Oduya's game in the playoffs. He was a pizza deliveryman when under pressure -- pressure which is frequent in the playoffs. I'd like to see the Hawks do better, rather than fall back on a losing formula.

I read on csn bowman was going to try to resign Oduya .....what the hell am I missing something
- southernhawk

If this is true then Stan must mave missed his morning meds.

I read on csn bowman was going to try to resign Oduya .....what the hell am I missing something
- southernhawk

I don't see how they resign Oduya and stay in the Ryan Suter sweepstakes unless Oduya comes down in his asking price and/or they are trading Hjalmarsson.

I read on csn bowman was going to try to resign Oduya .....what the hell am I missing something
- southernhawk

I'm sure it's just a due process thing. Plan G... or H lol

Nice job of both of you bringing this back into perspective. The truth is the hawks are a top heavy team. Removing Hammer and Bolland for another big piece up top only adds to a problem. They won the cup with a balanced team and these two are a big part of that balance. If the hawks want to win NOW they need to part with prospects and picks..... as well as stay smart and aggressive in FA. They don't need big names...... They need skilled grinders that want to come to Chicago and play hard every shift. It's not like they don't have the cap space.
- moylander

Lots of people all hot and heavy for a "true" 2nd line center. Would it be nice to have? Of course, but I rank it about 4 or 5 on the priority list of what this team needs most. If they use guys like Hammer and Bolland to acquire a top notch 2nd line center, that likely makes the team even more top heavy. The only way I see getting one is by trading away a big piece. That means one of Keith, Kane, or Sharp...not likely. The Hawks have Sharp, Kane, Kruger, and Bolland all capable to varying degrees of playing 2nd line C. If they upgrade the 3-4 things that I identify as more important than 2nd line C, I think they will be fine. Hell, they won the cup with Sharp at C, even I can admit he did a nice job in that role.

For the record, those 3-4 things are (in no particular order)

1.) physical winger capable of top 6 minutes (not a scorer necessarily, just a big body who can keep up, and hold his own).
2.) 2 solid D-men, a least one of which plays a more physical game.
3.) 4th line PK/face off specialist
4.) Goaltender, maybe not even a current stud, but someone that could at least push for the backup spot in camp would be nice.

If this is true then Stan must mave missed his morning meds.
- DarthKane

His meds of Kentucky whiskey and darvesets

Lots of people all hot and heavy for a "true" 2nd line center. Would it be nice to have? Of course, but I rank it about 4 or 5 on the priority list of what this team needs most. If they use guys like Hammer and Bolland to acquire a top notch 2nd line center, that likely makes the team even more top heavy. The only way I see getting one is by trading away a big piece. That means one of Keith, Kane, or Sharp...not likely. The Hawks have Sharp, Kane, Kruger, and Bolland all capable to varying degrees of playing 2nd line C. If they upgrade the 3-4 things that I identify as more important than 2nd line C, I think they will be fine. Hell, they won the cup with Sharp at C, even I can admit he did a nice job in that role.

For the record, those 3-4 things are (in no particular order)

1.) physical winger capable of top 6 minutes (not a scorer necessarily, just a big body who can keep up, and hold his own).
2.) 2 solid D-men, a least one of which plays a more physical game.
3.) 4th line PK/face off specialist
4.) Goaltender, maybe not even a current stud, but someone that could at least push for the backup spot in camp would be nice.
- Ogilthorpe2

agree with you for the most part...and a lot can be done via FA to address your 4 points. but they will need to shed players to stay within thae cap - hell, they can even fire sale a few guys for just picks IF they get the right additions.

on goaltending - my opinion is they need a top notch goalie which makes CC tradeable.
2C - I think its more imprtant than you from the standpoint of needing to seriously upgrade at the dot. A 2C that can contribute on the PP & PK at the circle will help this team a ton.
Sharp @ 2C - no disrespect, but if he performs well in that role but his numbers dip any because of a different role than sniper, you will be the first to be pointing it out and get on your sharp bandwagon.

who would be comparable to what you're thinking for top W? not who they should get necessarily

Lots of people all hot and heavy for a "true" 2nd line center. Would it be nice to have? Of course, but I rank it about 4 or 5 on the priority list of what this team needs most. If they use guys like Hammer and Bolland to acquire a top notch 2nd line center, that likely makes the team even more top heavy. The only way I see getting one is by trading away a big piece. That means one of Keith, Kane, or Sharp...not likely. The Hawks have Sharp, Kane, Kruger, and Bolland all capable to varying degrees of playing 2nd line C. If they upgrade the 3-4 things that I identify as more important than 2nd line C, I think they will be fine. Hell, they won the cup with Sharp at C, even I can admit he did a nice job in that role.

For the record, those 3-4 things are (in no particular order)

1.) physical winger capable of top 6 minutes (not a scorer necessarily, just a big body who can keep up, and hold his own).
2.) 2 solid D-men, a least one of which plays a more physical game.
3.) 4th line PK/face off specialist
4.) Goaltender, maybe not even a current stud, but someone that could at least push for the backup spot in camp would be nice.
- Ogilthorpe2

In agreement with you on #2 C aspect.

If you look at the successful playoff teams every year, you will find plenty of teams with bargain priced centers playing important roles on their teams. This year it is guys like:

Adam Henrique
Ryan Carter
Martin Hanzal
Derek Stepan
Brian Boyle
Max Talbot
Sean Couturier
Boyd Gordon
Craig Smith

None of these guys make even $2M and they have played big roles.

Of course I want to see the Hawks with a big time #2 center like Mike RIchards, David Krejci, Brooks Laich, Paul Stasny. NHL economics don't allow it unless you have a bunch of $1M per year or less guys who can really play. But if you really want that big time #2 guy, get ready to move #88.

The answer for the Hawks lies in what can be found internally to do the job - is Rob Flick or Philp Paradis ready to fill a lower level role, when will McNeill be an NHL'er?

I read on csn bowman was going to try to resign Oduya .....what the hell am I missing something
- southernhawk

Price must be right!

I read on csn bowman was going to try to resign Oduya .....what the hell am I missing something
- southernhawk

Oduya may have liked his time in Chicago and could be willing to sign for a value price. If this is not the case, then I really don't know. He's a 3rd pairing d-man at best, unless Hammer is moved and even then he still might be.

Proposed this on the nucks blog a bit ago , got mixed reaction , what do yall think ?

http://www.capgeek.com/tr...=273&CompleteTradeButton=

To Vancouver : Keith , Sharp and Crawford


To Chicago : Luongo and Kesler

Acording to Capgeek the Hawks would still have 10m in cap space.

Hawks upgrade down the middle and in net .

Sharp and Keith past their prime ?

Hawks still have $ to get another top pairing Dman.

Proposed this on the nucks blog a bit ago , got mixed reaction , what do yall think ?

http://www.capgeek.com/tr...=273&CompleteTradeButton=

To Vancouver : Keith , Sharp and Crawford


To Chicago : Luongo and Kesler

Acording to Capgeek the Hawks would still have 10m in cap space.

Hawks upgrade down the middle and in net .

Sharp and Keith past their prime ?

Hawks still have $ to get another top pairing Dman.
- mrpaulish

Give up two of the core and a young goalie for two d-bags, one of which can't do his job anymore and is absolutely awful in the postseason?

Plus, I'm sure the twin sisters would love to have Keith on their team.

Give up two of the core and a young goalie for two d-bags, one of which can't do his job anymore and is absolutely awful in the postseason?

Plus, I'm sure the twin sisters would love to have Keith on their team.
- Assman22

Im just saying both teams would improve. Luongo has a lot of playoff wins and Kesler next to Kane could be glorious.

Vancouver and Keith would be fine if this did happen, they're professionals and every one knows Daniel asked for it by trying to take Keith out first.

In agreement with you on #2 C aspect.

If you look at the successful playoff teams every year, you will find plenty of teams with bargain priced centers playing important roles on their teams. This year it is guys like:

Adam Henrique
Ryan Carter
Martin Hanzal
Derek Stepan
Brian Boyle
Max Talbot
Sean Couturier
Boyd Gordon
Craig Smith

None of these guys make even $2M and they have played big roles.

Of course I want to see the Hawks with a big time #2 center like Mike RIchards, David Krejci, Brooks Laich, Paul Stasny. NHL economics don't allow it unless you have a bunch of $1M per year or less guys who can really play. But if you really want that big time #2 guy, get ready to move #88.

The answer for the Hawks lies in what can be found internally to do the job - is Rob Flick or Philp Paradis ready to fill a lower level role, when will McNeill be an NHL'er?
- RickJ

not sure your examples support the 2C position - how many of them are playing 2C? Who are the top 2 centers on each of their teams? I do agree to go deep into playoffs you need 4 centers contributing tho

I don't think the Hawks need a $6m+ 2C...they need to find a $3.5-4.5m guy who can win faceoffs and forecheck and setup other players - more complimentary than stud

My opposition to trading Bolland is that you give up the year or 2 until Kruger Mcneil or Danault are ready. Kruger can be serviceable during the regular season, but when the games get tight and more physical and more desperate how will he be? How much strength will he be able to add this offseason? How will his hockey skills develop? As people have said...this team is built to win NOW. Trading Bolland is very risky. Maybe Kruger or one of the youngsters can step in and not miss a beat, but that is a lot to ask a young player. Plus could a package of Kruger, Stalberg, Pick...or Kruger Stalberg Pirri...or Kruger Stalberg Saad...or Hammer Stalberg Pick net a similar return as Bolland without weakening one of our team weaknesses already? To me trading a core guy is really only necessary if you want to "send a message". Plus as Fatty has pointed out on numerous occasions...Bolland is one of Q's guys.

Again...not saying that it is not possible, or that it hasn't been talked about, but I just see much more reasonable alternatives that don't make the team weaker short-term.
- anawrocki

IF Kruger can add 10-15 lbs of muscle, he will be ready to take over for Bolland NEXT YEAR. It will be his 3rd year (2nd full season) in the league, and he will be even better this upcoming season (following a successful World Championships). The only thing holding him back right now is his size, and like I said, adding some muscle will make him even better. He is not the agitator Bolland is, but with Shaw, Carcillo, and Bollig, the Hawks don't need him in that role. The Hawks need to deal from a strength (3rd line centers) to fill BIGGER holes on the team (2C/3-4D). That said, the ONLY way I trade Bolland is for one of those type of players.

not sure your examples support the 2C position - how many of them are playing 2C? Who are the top 2 centers on each of their teams? I do agree to go deep into playoffs you need 4 centers contributing tho

I don't think the Hawks need a $6m+ 2C...they need to find a $3.5-4.5m guy who can win faceoffs and forecheck and setup other players - more complimentary than stud
- dpard

I wasn't trying to supprt 2C position - far from it.

You need depth down the middle, 4 deep and a couple of them on reasonably priced contracts.

Of course the Hawks don't need a $6M #2C because they already have one. His name is Patrick Kane. So either live or die with him in that role or trade him for somebody who is better at the position or can strengthen the team elsewhere.

Only issue I see is that if we want a legit #2 center, I don't think it can be afforded, cap wise, with Bolland on the roster. It's going to be too expensive unless Bowman pulls off a deal for a cheap #2 center.. I don't know who that is.

Sure, trade Hammer in a package to get that a #2 center but then you have to upgrade the D even more.
- pri$ey

+1

This is precisely why you move Bolland. 2C is MUCH more important to this team than a high priced 3rd center. If Bolland could be the 2C, everything would be fine, but for whatever reason, Q doesn't want him there. (Although, I don't understand why a 2nd line with Bolland, Hossa, and Shaw can't be your shut down line....similar to Bolland, Havlat, and Ladd).

Any other leads for assistant or additions to the coaching staff JJ? ... Mellanby was scooped up by Bergevin: Scott Mellanby joins new GM Bergevin in Montreal, named Habs Director of Player Personnel.

This blog's namesake has landed in Montreal, according to Kuc - Director of Player Personnel.

Eklund says Bob Hartley to be Canadiennes new coach - with Mr. Carlin as assistant, I'm sure.

Lots of people all hot and heavy for a "true" 2nd line center. Would it be nice to have? Of course, but I rank it about 4 or 5 on the priority list of what this team needs most. If they use guys like Hammer and Bolland to acquire a top notch 2nd line center, that likely makes the team even more top heavy. The only way I see getting one is by trading away a big piece. That means one of Keith, Kane, or Sharp...not likely. The Hawks have Sharp, Kane, Kruger, and Bolland all capable to varying degrees of playing 2nd line C. If they upgrade the 3-4 things that I identify as more important than 2nd line C, I think they will be fine. Hell, they won the cup with Sharp at C, even I can admit he did a nice job in that role.
- Ogilthorpe2

I don't understand why they didn't play Sharp there last year. If it is an unwillingness by Sharp to play there, I trade him yesterday. If it's Q, I FIRE him yesterday (for this and for the whole John Scott fiasco).

For the record, those 3-4 things are (in no particular order)

1.) physical winger capable of top 6 minutes (not a scorer necessarily, just a big body who can keep up, and hold his own). Dustin Penner (if at $3M or less)
2.) 2 solid D-men, a least one of which plays a more physical game. Barret Jackman, Scott Hannan, and possibly Johnny Oduya
3.) 4th line PK/face off specialist Gregory Campbell, Jim Slater, or Adam Burish
4.) Goaltender, maybe not even a current stud, but someone that could at least push for the backup spot in camp would be nice. Josh Harding

Proposed this on the nucks blog a bit ago , got mixed reaction , what do yall think ?

http://www.capgeek.com/tr...=273&CompleteTradeButton=

To Vancouver : Keith , Sharp and Crawford


To Chicago : Luongo and Kesler

Acording to Capgeek the Hawks would still have 10m in cap space.

Hawks upgrade down the middle and in net .

Sharp and Keith past their prime ?

Hawks still have $ to get another top pairing Dman.
- mrpaulish

HUGE overpay from the Hawks.

I think Moen would be a better cap hit than Penner.

Im just saying both teams would improve. Luongo has a lot of playoff wins and Kesler next to Kane could be glorious.

Vancouver and Keith would be fine if this did happen, they're professionals and every one knows Daniel asked for it by trying to take Keith out first.
- mrpaulish

Probably best to stick to your current area of employment.

Kesler winds up on an Operating Room table at the end of every season and Luongo is now the #2 Goalie in Van with an anchor of a contract.

And who do you propose to replace Keith with?