HUGE overpay from the Hawks.
- hawks2010

I dunnno , Kesler could be the sniper that Kane needs on his line , Lu is a lot better than Crawford, Crawford has never won a playoff series and besides the power play Crawford lost the series against PHX this year.

You gotta give to get and Im sick of Keith , besides with the remaining cap space after this deal you could sign Suter. So you'd in theory get A goalie , A #2(#1b) Center , and a #1 Dman for a back up goalie , a #1 D man and , a good forward

I don't know well I would like to see the sisters with sharp on there wing

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

I like your creativity but I will have to pass on this suggestion, mostly because I think it's a huge overpayment. If Stan can upgrade the defense through free agency then I expect Crawford to have a better season. Also, while I like Luongo his contract is a killer that I wouldn't want. You could kiss any hopes of signing a top not d-man good bye if you had Luongo's contract.

There's not a lot out there in the FA market for quality 2nd line centres. What about signing Kyle Wellwood to a 1 year deal? I know he's not the ideal signing, but he had a decent year in Winnipeg and he could be signed for cheap if Stan spent a lot of cap space upgrade the defense and/or signing a big winger.

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

While I do think that Luongo is better than Crawford right now, the issue would be the long term. Additionally, I don't think the Hawks would need to overpay for a guy who wants out (and his team wants him gone). Third, Kesler had hip labrum surgery after 2011 playoffs, and shoulder labrum surgery after this playoffs and is out a minimum of 6 months. Shoulders are like backs, once they go bad, they can be wonky forever. That's not even addressing the chemistry issues this would likely present on both sides.

You're right...financially would work, but I would take a pass on this.

I like your creativity but I will have to pass on this suggestion, mostly because I think it's a huge overpayment. If Stan can upgrade the defense through free agency then I expect Crawford to have a better season. Also, while I like Luongo his contract is a killer that I wouldn't want. You could kiss any hopes of signing a top not d-man good bye if you had Luongo's contract.

There's not a lot out there in the FA market for quality 2nd line centres. What about signing Kyle Wellwood to a 1 year deal? I know he's not the ideal signing, but he had a decent year in Winnipeg and he could be signed for cheap if Stan spent a lot of cap space upgrade the defense and/or signing a big winger.
- DarthKane

We talk about #2C a lot on here, but I wonder if that is really the issue or is it a matter of winning face-offs? If you could put someone on Kruger's line and have that winger take the draws, but Kruger comes up/down the ice as the center, I wouldn't have a huge issue with that. He's smart and has shown the ability to make some really nice plays in his 1+ season. So to your point about Wellwood...perhaps. Just not sure if that addresses an area of size, that is such a concern (not that Kruger does...just sayin')

Wiki says he had mono in the minors. i didn't know that.

Flyers need to keep up their trend of drafting guys with mono..... Giroux, Couturier.... It seems to be working
- moylander

The mono thing added to it but also Giroux was from a very small town and was passed over a few times in the Jr's Draft.

Philly did the best home work and was in position to take a difference maker.

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.
- TyCamScore

I thought Melanby had a chance to join the Hawks and replace MacIver but didn't see him making a lateral move as an assitant.

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?
- RickJ

Suter....Oh wait...

Lotsa of proposed deals create bigger holes than they fill.

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

I'd take Moen too. To bad the Hawks didn't keep him when they had him a few years ago. Everyone is looking for more grit on the team and the Hawks had both Moen and Shawn Thornton at the same time.

Suter....Oh wait...

Lotsa of proposed deals create bigger holes than they fill.
- Al

Actually , yes. Suter.

The Hawks needs some sort of shake up, two first round exits in a row ? Crawford lost the Phoenix series for thee Hawks. Those two OT goals in games 3 and 4 were worse than terrible.

Actually , yes. Suter.

The Hawks needs some sort of shake up, two first round exits in a row ? Crawford lost the Phoenix series for thee Hawks. Those two OT goals in games 3 and 4 were worse than terrible.
- mrpaulish

Crawford contributed to losing the series but he wasn't the only reason we lost. The defense played poor (how many pizza's did Oduya serve up) and special teams were a nightmare. Losing Hossa hurt too, we should have been deep enough to win without Hossa but the injury combined with the poor play of the remaining players was a recipe for disaster.

I'm not opposed to a shake up, but it has to be an upgrade. Don't trade Crawford for the sake of trading him. Trade Crawford if the deal improves our team overall. I think we need better depth on defense and a big body up front, but that's just my opinion. I'm sure Stan will argue that we need more cap space (sorry for the sarcasm, I just couldn't resist).

Actually , yes. Suter.

The Hawks needs some sort of shake up, two first round exits in a row ? Crawford lost the Phoenix series for thee Hawks. Those two OT goals in games 3 and 4 were worse than terrible.
- mrpaulish

Add Suter fine but...

Don't trade Keith and then add Suter for a much larger cap hit.

Hawks couldn't score...Pulling the goalie is desperation is good theater but...That shows a glaring weakness.

I understand many wanting to place it all on Crawford, those were bad goals ...But was there any reason to believe the Hawks would have won both of those games anyway??

Agree, I think Campbell is a more useful player.
- Al

As is Chris Kelly on Boston....a ufa.

Crawford contributed to losing the series but he wasn't the only reason we lost. The defense played poor (how many pizza's did Oduya serve up) and special teams were a nightmare. Losing Hossa hurt too, we should have been deep enough to win without Hossa but the injury combined with the poor play of the remaining players was a recipe for disaster.

I'm not opposed to a shake up, but it has to be an upgrade. Don't trade Crawford for the sake of trading him. Trade Crawford if the deal improves our team overall. I think we need better depth on defense and a big body up front, but that's just my opinion. I'm sure Stan will argue that we need more cap space (sorry for the sarcasm, I just couldn't resist).
- DarthKane

Guess I disagree that the defense played poorly: ALL defenses give up pizzas - it's up to the rest of the defense - AND the goalie - to minimize their effects. Hawks had many more SOG during the 6 games - and, it seems (I don't know the numbers) many more good scoring chances than Phoenix.

PP and PK and not being able to convert chances into goals on Smith (especially by the "core"), more than the general defense, is what done them in.

As is Chris Kelly on Boston....a ufa.
- wiz1901

Guys are out there who know their roles...Kelly is another.

Need a much higher batting avg. for Bowman this summer.

Guys are out there who know their roles...Kelly is another.

Need a much higher batting avg. for Bowman this summer.
- Al

Hi Al New article any time soon,love your insight

As is Chris Kelly on Boston....a ufa.
- wiz1901

Of all the bottom 6 / PK forwards our there I think that Jim Slater is at the top of the list. He'd be the perfect 4C and could really focus on the PK.

Guess I disagree that the defense played poorly: ALL defenses give up pizzas - it's up to the rest of the defense - AND the goalie - to minimize their effects. Hawks had many more SOG during the 6 games - and, it seems (I don't know the numbers) many more good scoring chances than Phoenix.

PP and PK and not being able to convert chances into goals on Smith (especially by the "core"), more than the general defense, is what done them in.
- StLBravesFan

You're right, all defenses will have giveaways but not to the extent that ours did. I like Oduya and had high expectations, but he really collapsed in the playoffs. Every time Leddy was on the ice I was scared, I know he'll be great one day but he really needs to work on his defensive zone coverage (and gain some muscle). O'Donnell and Lepisto were not good, Keith was ok and Seabrook was a stud. Hjalmarsson was not good enough either. Olsen wasn't good, but I'll give him a pass as he played only 1 game.

Guess I disagree that the defense played poorly: ALL defenses give up pizzas - it's up to the rest of the defense - AND the goalie - to minimize their effects. Hawks had many more SOG during the 6 games - and, it seems (I don't know the numbers) many more good scoring chances than Phoenix.

PP and PK and not being able to convert chances into goals on Smith (especially by the "core"), more than the general defense, is what done them in.
- StLBravesFan

How about these for a few more reasons whhy they got done in:

1) They had more than 100 more shots on goal over 6 games than Phoenix but Smith played substantially better than a very average Crawford. The Hawks couldn't score enough and average goaltending doesn't get it done in the playoffs.

2) They lost all 3 games on home ice.

3) Their power play stunk - like a bad high school team's PP.

4) The team is too small.

5) The roster is poorly constructed.

6) Stan Bowman isn't a qualified NHL GM.

I just read a book by Gare Joyce and I'm almost certain there were issues with Giroux surrounding how long he was out with mono.

I will try to find out for sure...but I think I'm correct.
- Al

Are you talking about the book where Joyce was privvy to the Bluejackets draft strategy? BTW, I sent the book to Steve Kohn to read...

The book where teams where teams were afraid of drafting Toews because of the three past concussions, and Kessell interviewed poorly even when the were joking with him?

I don't recall the book having any such mono reference...and my own recollection was that EVERYONE had Giroux as a LATE second rounder by March, and only a late first rounder as the draft commenced based on three things:
1) He played for Gatineau in the QMJHL, at that juncture more of a scorer's league which had folks devaluing the goal scorers a bit,
2) He weighed a generous 165 lbs. and stood a generous 5'11."
3) Teams respected the fact he played with moxie, was creative, smart, but ignored the fact that he never took a shift off, played fearless in all the high traffic areas, and and had really good speed and feel.
They just got lost on the fact he might not "wear well."
I don't recall any long on ice absence because Giroux had mono....
I am not trying to make the comparison, but that was essentially the same reason so many scouts had Danault going in the 50's except Danault NEVER shot the puck like Giroux....

Of all the bottom 6 / PK forwards our there I think that Jim Slater is at the top of the list. He'd be the perfect 4C and could really focus on the PK.
- DarthKane

I would be very surprised if WPG lets Slater walk. The line of Glass-Slater-Thorburn were the only consistent line all season for the Jets and they seemed very happy with their seasons.

Jim was a fan favourite in Winnipeg and also quite involved with the community - http://jets.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=75587 - Take a Jet to Work day.

Hey - I hope they don't resign him because he would be a great fit but I think they retain him or he leaves for bigger dollars.

The Hawks won't pay a lot for a 4th line centre I don't imagine. Guys like Slater and Greg Campbell will be looking for 1M + for next year I'm betting.

Hi Al New article any time soon,love your insight
- captainserious

Either tomorrow or Wed.

I would be very surprised if WPG lets Slater walk. The line of Glass-Slater-Thorburn were the only consistent line all season for the Jets and they seemed very happy with their seasons.

Jim was a fan favourite in Winnipeg and also quite involved with the community - http://jets.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=75587 - Take a Jet to Work day.

Hey - I hope they don't resign him because he would be a great fit but I think they retain him or he leaves for bigger dollars.

The Hawks won't pay a lot for a 4th line centre I don't imagine. Guys like Slater and Greg Campbell will be looking for 1M + for next year I'm betting.
- TyCamScore

I would like to see him in thr indian head as well..but they extended CarBomb and Mayers now,and I'm expecting Bollig to stay,so I figure the fourth line is set...hopefully Stan is doin his homework and is gonna make a move or two at the draft or a little before

Either tomorrow or Wed.
- Al

Great! Any news/rumors to report?

How about these for a few more reasons whhy they got done in:

1) They had more than 100 more shots on goal over 6 games than Phoenix but Smith played substantially better than a very average Crawford. The Hawks couldn't score enough and average goaltending doesn't get it done in the playoffs.

2) They lost all 3 games on home ice.

3) Their power play stunk - like a bad high school team's PP.

4) The team is too small.

5) The roster is poorly constructed.

6) Stan Bowman isn't a qualified NHL GM.
- RickJ

There's a league-wide conspiracy to keep the Blackhawks down now they we've won the Cup. Everyone's in on it, including the refs and the hockey gods. From what I'm told the same conspiracy is keeping the Canucks and Coyotes down too.