Yeah, you never know. My guess is such a deal might include an Eastern Conference team though.
- John Jaeckel

Yea, I mean I think we are all chucking pennies into a fountain right now. Bowman next big move will be his first big move, ever. Moving campbell seemed all but written in destiny because he had to choose between the two evils of cutting campbell or letting sharp walk soon.

For the record, whoever suggest a trade for Tavares must think other GMs in the league are brain dead. Thats like saying the rangers should trade dubinsky and del zotto for Toews. Tavares is so young and just entering beast mode. Kid might be contending for a scoring title next year

I don't disagree on Pirri. I think the problem there is he has to be a 1C or 2C in the NHL and for a number of reasons, he's not there yet for the Hawks. At least he hasn't been. Maybe he comes into camp and blows the doors off and claims the 2C job.

What a nice problem that would be to have. But if not, he goes back to Rockford and/or gets dealt. Where else do you play him?
- John Jaeckel

Pretty much agree. Pirri has to make it in the #2 hole or as a 13th forwrd playing a specialty role. Too bad the best attributes of Kruger and Pirri can't be moulded into one player.

Pirri is also a good trading chip to have - very good offensive numbers in the AHL, reasonable $870K ELC, and a natural centerman to boot. If he was 3" taller and 20 lbs heavier we would be drooling over him.

Hawks need to be careful about just dismissing him, because if Toews ever went down again and McNeill/Danault arent ready this kid could find a place to contribute.

Furthermore and assuming no major acquisition of a center, is Pirri all that bad a replacement for Kane at center if #88 is still in Chicago and the decision is made to put him back to the wing position he prefers?

Yea, I mean I think we are all chucking pennies into a fountain right now. Bowman next big move will be his first big move, ever. Moving campbell seemed all but written in destiny because he had to choose between the two evils of cutting campbell or letting sharp walk soon.

For the record, whoever suggest a trade for Tavares must think other GMs in the league are brain dead. Thats like saying the rangers should trade dubinsky and del zotto for Toews. Tavares is so young and just entering beast mode. Kid might be contending for a scoring title next year
- FourFeathers773

Yeah, and I have blogged on this before. The sources I have usually point me in a direction, ie, the Hawks are kicking the tires on this player or that. Then two weeks later, they'll complete a deal with another club for a similar kind of player. Happens all the time.

Now, in the case of a player like Nash who you KNOW is going to be dealt, sometimes you will get confirmation that a team is bidding and some idea of the players involved.

Pretty much agree. Pirri has to make it in the #2 hole or as a 13th forwrd playing a specialty role. Too bad the best attributes of Kruger and Pirri can't be moulded into one player.

Pirri is also a good trading chip to have - very good offensive numbers in the AHL, reasonable $870K ELC, and a natural centerman to boot. If he was 3" taller and 20 lbs heavier we would be drooling over him.

Hawks need to be careful about just dismissing him, because if Toews ever went down again and McNeill/Danault arent ready this kid could find a place to contribute.

Furthermore and assuming no major acquisition of a center, is Pirri all that bad a replacement for Kane at center if #88 is still in Chicago and the decision is made to put him back to the wing position he prefers?
- RickJ

I don't disagree.

If I were Pirri and his agent, I would be getting with Charles Poliquin or similar this summer and working on getting as strong and athletic as humanly possible. He'll never get taller or much bigger.

Clue #1 - After the Madison incident the organization sat silent with members of the media begging for a comment or statement. The silence and lack of defense towards Kane was deafening.....think of it this way.....A player that is in almost every marketing campaign or commercial is offered no protection from the organization. He is the face or one of the faces of your team and.......nothing.....crickets.

Clue #2 - NBC News runs a story claiming the hawks have asked Kane to seek professional help. Three weeks after the momentum of the story has died down. When has a team in any sports allowed something that should be an internal matter be reported like that.....close to never.*************************************************************
A couple of comments..

#1 There is a a school of thought concerning handling public awkward situations...
Never defend anything you don't need to...
The Hawks up until now, probably becasue no charges have been filed are viewing this as a "private" situation. Bowman commented on it as the same and only made mention of Kane becasue he signed a player to a three year contract and had to have a conference call with beat writers.

If help is sought and agreed to the Hawks will probably make an official statement.

#2 As far as I can tell NBC took the headline, on the Times story to the extreme because they represented a "team Source" as the same as if the Blackhawks made an official statement. As far as I can see they were the only one that did so yesterday, and they reached on the story imo.

Not a defense of what is going on with Kane, only a clarification.

On Twitter@ACimaglia

JJ, with Lidstrom retiring, DET might be hitting the panick button especially if someone else lures Suter. Their blue line will be AWFUL with Kronwall as their no.1 dman essentially which he cant handle because he is usually too busy trying to throw blideside back checks at the blue line instead of playing smart positional defense

Granted they have massive amounts of money now, what do you think, do we see a code red on Detroits blue line for the first time in decades?

Pretty much agree. Pirri has to make it in the #2 hole or as a 13th forwrd playing a specialty role. Too bad the best attributes of Kruger and Pirri can't be moulded into one player.

Pirri is also a good trading chip to have - very good offensive numbers in the AHL, reasonable $870K ELC, and a natural centerman to boot. If he was 3" taller and 20 lbs heavier we would be drooling over him.

Hawks need to be careful about just dismissing him, because if Toews ever went down again and McNeill/Danault arent ready this kid could find a place to contribute.

Furthermore and assuming no major acquisition of a center, is Pirri all that bad a replacement for Kane at center if #88 is still in Chicago and the decision is made to put him back to the wing position he prefers?
- RickJ

Pirri is also a good trading chip to have ...

Actually probably the best trading chip of the regular Ice Hogs of last season.

JJ
How would you rate in order these 4 players as to who you believe the Hawks should target in a trade for Kane? Consider age and cap hit.
FWIW. I would want Evander Kane(only 20 years old and scored 30 goals)and then use some of the cap savings to further help the team in other areas of need.

Nash
Ryan
Pacioretty
Evander Kane

JJ
How would you rate in order these 4 players as to who you believe the Hawks should target in a trade for Kane? Consider age and cap hit.
FWIW. I would want Evander Kane(only 20 years old and scored 30 goals)and then use some of the cap savings to further help the team in other areas of need.

Nash
Ryan
Pacioretty
Evander Kane
- jimmy33

IMO, E.Kane, Pacioretty, Ryan, Nash
in that order

JJ, with Lidstrom retiring, DET might be hitting the panick button especially if someone else lures Suter. Their blue line will be AWFUL with Kronwall as their no.1 dman essentially which he cant handle because he is usually too busy trying to throw blideside back checks at the blue line instead of playing smart positional defense

Granted they have massive amounts of money now, what do you think, do we see a code red on Detroits blue line for the first time in decades?
- FourFeathers773

Feathers...

I have heard for awhile this will be the biggest summer of signings for Detroit in a very long time... I have indicated so in previous comments but that doesn't necessarily mean they have a strnglehold on Suter...

But the wings won't be in a panic mode because they had plans in order assuming Lidstrom/Holmstrom were going to retire.

They are too good to panic and they have been waiting for this summer for quite awhile...

Clue #1 - After the Madison incident the organization sat silent with members of the media begging for a comment or statement. The silence and lack of defense towards Kane was deafening.....think of it this way.....A player that is in almost every marketing campaign or commercial is offered no protection from the organization. He is the face or one of the faces of your team and.......nothing.....crickets.

Clue #2 - NBC News runs a story claiming the hawks have asked Kane to seek professional help. Three weeks after the momentum of the story has died down. When has a team in any sports allowed something that should be an internal matter be reported like that.....close to never.*************************************************************
A couple of comments..

#1 There is a a school of thought concerning handling public awkward situations...
Never defend anything you don't need to...
A) The Hawks up until now, probably becasue no charges have been filed are viewing this as a "private" situation. Bowman commented on it as the same and only made mention of Kane becasue he signed a player to a three year contract and had to have a conference call with beat writers.

B) If help is sought and agreed to the Hawks will probably make an official statement.

#2 C) As far as I can tell NBC took the headline, on the Times story to the extreme because they represented a "team Source" as the same as if the Blackhawks made an official statement. As far as I can see they were the only one that did so yesterday, and they reached on the story imo.

Not a defense of what is going on with Kane, only a clarification.

On Twitter@ACimaglia
- Al

A) of course
B) again, they almost have to, if it gets out by any other means, they look terrible
C) to represent or even take an off the record statement by an anonymous team source as an official statement is ridiculous and not terribly smart.

That said, and as I've said previously in this thread, anonymous (but legitimate) team sources speaking off the record are often closer tot he truth than the official team statement—if there ever is an official statement.

Those who believe or want to believe that things don't get out via unofficial channels—and the only thing that can be believed is an official statement— are being pretty naive. People in hockey talk. Everyone knows eachother. The Hawks are more "locked down" than most organizations but there are those within the organization who share things—even unwittingly with friends/what have you.

A) of course
B) again, they almost have to, if it gets out by any other means, they look terrible
C) to represent or even take an off the record statement by an anonymous team source as an official statement is ridiculous and not terribly smart.

That said, and as I've said previously in this thread, anonymous (but legitimate) team sources speaking off the record are often closer tot he truth than the official team statement—if there ever is an official statement.

Those who believe or want to believe that things don't get out via unofficial channels—and the only thing that can be believed is an official statement— are being pretty naive. People in hockey talk. Everyone knows eachother. The Hawks are more "locked down" than most organizations but there are those within the organization who share things—even unwittingly with friends/what have you.
- John Jaeckel

C) I happened to be watching NBC Chgo after the game ended and when I heard their lead in...I popped off the couch thinking something new happened late last night....But no and not professional IMO....But I'm sure more viewers stayed tuned because of the way the lead was handled.

JJ, with Lidstrom retiring, DET might be hitting the panick button especially if someone else lures Suter. Their blue line will be AWFUL with Kronwall as their no.1 dman essentially which he cant handle because he is usually too busy trying to throw blideside back checks at the blue line instead of playing smart positional defense

Granted they have massive amounts of money now, what do you think, do we see a code red on Detroits blue line for the first time in decades?
- FourFeathers773

I don't know. Ken Holland gets things done. Are they a slam dunk for Suter? I don't know. I'm sure they'll be in the running. But Poile is not going to just roll over and hand him to Detroit, believe me. And Minnesota or even the hawks could stillbe in the mix, among others.

But they could get a Bryan Allen. Maybe they talk Stuart into re-upping. I thought yesterday and it was confirmed by my top source last night, the Hawks re-upping Oduya was motivated by the fact that Q likes him and that the defense market in someways narrowed and got pricier with Lidstrom's retirement. For sure, Detroit will be hard after Suter and/or Allen and/or Stuart.

Personally, I still believe Holland is fighting an uphill battle long term. Suter's a really good player. But I don't think he will ever be a Lidstrom. Nor are there any more Datsyuks on the horizon for Detroit. Players like those only come along every 30 years or so for a franchise.

Anyone else see Bettman's presser last night? Sounds like the owners are going to ask for some serious give-backs from the NHLPA. The Oilers blogger commented that some teams are already cancelling rookie/training camps.

JJ or Al--have you guys heard anything about the Hawks cancelling any of these events?

I tried to read the Oilers' bloggers board, but it devolved pretty quickly.

Anyone else see Bettman's presser last night? Sounds like the owners are going to ask for some serious give-backs from the NHLPA. The Oilers blogger commented that some teams are already cancelling rookie/training camps.

JJ or Al--have you guys heard anything about the Hawks cancelling any of these events?

I tried to read the Oilers' bloggers board, but it devolved pretty quickly.
- fourfeathers

I watched Bettman's entire presser (State Of the Union Address)....He said any comments about what each side wants to achieve or are trying to act upon is pure speculation because there has been 0 communication between the NHL and NHLPA so far.

They have contacted each other and are tying to set up talks and hopefully they will begin shortly.

As far as give backs etc....There has to be changes the revenues have soared and the TV contract has changed in the last 7 yrs....so you don't need to be Carnac like to write the owners will want changes...

As far as give backs etc....There has to be changes the revenues have soared, the TV contract has changed in the last 7 yrs....so you don't need to be Carnac like to write the owners will want changes...
- Al

Sure...and I agree. Maybe that guy on the other blog is going overboard by saying some teams are canceling events...just wondering if either of you had heard the Hawks getting hysterical like that.

Sure...and I agree. Maybe that guy on the other blog is going overboard by saying some teams are canceling events...just wondering if either of you had heard the Hawks getting hysterical like that.
- fourfeathers

No nothing, but so you know those type of events cost teams money, more promotional than another revenue stream.

Maybe for some reason the Oilers, who are still without a head coach, may feel it is better not to commit to certain days for a prospect camp...But I don't want to speak for them.

IMO, E.Kane, Pacioretty, Ryan, Nash
in that order
- FourFeathers773

I don't know much about montreal players because I barely catch any of their games but whats the word on pacioretty? I know he had that severe injury from the chara hit a year back.

23 years old
Had a career year last year with 33 goals
Good size. Does he use it ?
Is he fast? Skilled?
How's his potential upside compared to Kane?

I don't know much about montreal players because I barely catch any of their games but whats the word on pacioretty? I know he had that severe injury from the chara hit a year back.

23 years old
Had a career year last year with 33 goals
Good size. Does he use it ?
Is he fast? Skilled?
How's his potential upside compared to Kane?
- Wowo2282

What is most important....He probably is one of the last players they would want to trade.

JJ
How would you rate in order these 4 players as to who you believe the Hawks should target in a trade for Kane? Consider age and cap hit.
FWIW. I would want Evander Kane(only 20 years old and scored 30 goals)and then use some of the cap savings to further help the team in other areas of need.

Nash
Ryan
Pacioretty
Evander Kane
- jimmy33

Nash
Pacioretty
Ryan
Evander Kane

And I think I would put Getzlaf at or near the top because of the Hawks' need for a C

Sure...and I agree. Maybe that guy on the other blog is going overboard by saying some teams are canceling events...just wondering if either of you had heard the Hawks getting hysterical like that.
- fourfeathers

Have not heard that.

Did hear last night "rumors are flying" around the GM meetings, some of them very interesting (re: Chicago). No specifics yet.

I will not be surprised if this season is lost or partially lost. It is a new day in the NHLPA with Fehr in charge. He's a rat and his lasting mark on baseball is ridiculously high salaries and the reduction of the "national pastime" to 2nd or 3rd status in the hierarchy of pro sports in North America, behind the NFL and maybe the NBA.

Bettman won big time in 2005. It would be wise for him to approach Fehr as a partner at least to start. Take any acrimony out of it and work on a deal. "Greed" is not a popular concept these days.

JJ , If the Hawks deal with Colombus do you think it will be a smaller 1 for 1 Kane and Nash or do you think multiple pieces move , Kane Stalberg and #4 ??

Nash
Pacioretty
Ryan
Evander Kane

And I think I would put Getzlaf at or near the top because of the Hawks' need for a C
- John Jaeckel

JJ, I know you and I have spoke about Ryan in the past. Here's a kid that has past problems and doesn't seem mentally stable at times when addressing these issues but the best part about him is he leaves it all on the ice and it's funny, I haven't come across questionable photos of him on the internet.

That's what bothers me about Kane... he's walking around with the appearance of not caring about team or self image and truly taking advantage of his gift and acting like a spoiled brat while players like Ryan (...and so many more) have had a tough upbringing and had to overcome serious obstacles to get to the NHL.

JJ , If the Hawks deal with Colombus do you think it will be a smaller 1 for 1 Kane and Nash or do you think multiple pieces move , Kane Stalberg and #4 ??
- mrpaulish

More.

Here are some interesting tidbits on the rumor I heard recently:

Kane
Stalberg
Hammer
Pirri

for

Nash
Methot
Pick

1) The NHL cap hits match almost perfectly ($10.8 million to $10.7 million)
2) I had heard from a separate source at the TDL that Hjalmarsson and Stalberg might be part of a Nash offer by the Hawks
3) I have heard separately about Nash and Methot being packaged by the Blue Jackets in another rumor with another team

Nash for Kane straight up is a $1.5 million added cap hit for the Hawks.

JJ, I know you and I have spoke about Ryan in the past. Here's a kid that has past problems and doesn't seem mentally stable at times when addressing these issues but the best part about him is he leaves it all on the ice and it's funny, I haven't come across questionable photos of him on the internet.

That's what bothers me about Kane... he's walking around with the appearance of not caring about team or self image and truly taking advantage of his gift and acting like a spoiled brat while players like Ryan (...and so many more) have had a tough upbringing and had to overcome serious obstacles to get to the NHL.
- TyCamScore

Ty,

Actually what you told me about Ryan makes me respect him more. I don't see that as weak. Maybe there is more to the story, but . . .