Hey all....

I come as a refugee from the team's official site. As a long time poster there I quite frankly got fed up with the overwhelming negativity there. A lot of it tied to how folks feel about the current GM Stan Bowman.

I was labeled as a Bowman apologist there, and I'm sure there are many here who will read my opinions and agree, that's fine. The reality is, my take was that SB was in a tough situation, given where the team was at after winning the Cup. For all the Tallon love expressed, it's too easy to forget what the verdict would have been if Kane had not scored that glorious OT Cup winner. Not so much " all hail Dale" if the team is skating through the final handshake with heads hanging. And a cap nightmare for a booby prize.

But to digress no further ....here's the funny thing.....Many hear are ready to "forgive" Stan if he lands one or (gasp) both of the twin baubles. To me, it's ironic, because if the Hawks can put them in the Indian Head, Stan Bowman really didn't have a whole lot to do with it. The kudos should rightfully belong to arm that can reach into a deep pocket. The arm of Rock Wirtz.

If it happens.....joy upon joy, and rightfully so. Now Stan has to find a way to clear space and make decisions that make sense andwill mare it all work.

Interesting past few days. Looking forward to discussing it with this group. Have a safe and happy Independence Day.


BTW, big fan of JJ, And flahawk, I missed ya!
- Caddied

I'd say I'm neutral on SB. First summer, aside from his false bravado over Hammer, he did ok--largely did what he had to do. Last year's signings didn't work out--dunno, perhaps that could be chalked up a GM learning curve. However, the grace period expires by this October. Another off-season of misses and I'm soundly among the 'fire Stan' club.

Oh, and welcome.

Moy, what are the latest rumors about the flyers and Nash? What's the latest about what players it would take to get him?
- tomcat24

No idea with Nash - quiet on that front with the exception of another push from San Jose. In the last few hours it sounds like the flyers backed off Suter and finally sent Carle an offer (Carle is waiting for Suter to sign though). Rumors are they also just started to ramp up on Bobby Ryan talks which leads me to believe the flyers are a very long shot for Parise and they know it. More and more it sounds like homer is just driving up the price tag for whoever lands these guys. I think Nash is on the flyers radar but my guess the rangers get him. I seriously think, speculate more like it, the rangers get Nash, pens get Parise, flyers get Ryan. The Atlantic will be a female dog to play in.

Flyers are in danger of striking out on Parise and Suter..... and losing Carle. Not good. Doan may be their back up plan.

In reality how much better is Suter than Soupy? and if i remember correctly we all couldnt wait to trade Soupy and get him off of our cap in a couple years will we regret the Suter signing if we get him?

I wonder what the rangers offer for Nash is? You figure the same names as always; Anisimov, dubinsky. I wonder if they would deal Kreider? I still feel Parise goes to the Pens, but if we get him then we could deal Kane to one of the teams that lose out on both Nash and Ryan

In reality how much better is Suter than Soupy? and if i remember correctly we all couldnt wait to trade Soupy and get him off of our cap in a couple years will we regret the Suter signing if we get him?
- hawkshossa81

Good question. I still think suter is an all-around better play than Campbell. And at only 27 he still has probably 7 or 8 solid years left. I don't really like the idea of having almost half the roster at over 5 million each. A few core guys will have to move over the nnext few years, starting this year

In reality how much better is Suter than Soupy? and if i remember correctly we all couldnt wait to trade Soupy and get him off of our cap in a couple years will we regret the Suter signing if we get him?
- hawkshossa81

I think Suter is a better overall defenseman and 5-6 years younger than Soupy.

In reality how much better is Suter than Soupy? and if i remember correctly we all couldnt wait to trade Soupy and get him off of our cap in a couple years will we regret the Suter signing if we get him?
- hawkshossa81

Quite frankly, I'm more enthused about the potential Parise signing. The hawks could then sign a dude like Hannan (who can handle some minutes) on D and move a current D man for a center or young stud goalie (like one of Ottawa's).

Parise is a game-changer.

I wonder what the rangers offer for Nash is? You figure the same names as always; Anisimov, dubinsky. I wonder if they would deal Kreider? I still feel Parise goes to the Pens, but if we get him then we could deal Kane to one of the teams that lose out on both Nash and Ryan
- tomcat24

At some point today Dreger and Portzline were negotiating a Nash trade between the NYR and CBJ. it was pretty funny and based on the premise that Shero and Carolina hammered out the staal trade in one day.... but Howson can't. I do know NYR will not trade kreider in a deal for Nash. NYR have made that clear..... Just like flyers won't deal Schenn or Couturier for Nash (or Ryan)

Maybe NY for Kane? I don't think the flyers need another playmaker other than Giroux..... they want a sniper to pair with Hartsy and G.

Maybe they're waiting for wings fans and pens fans to reach peak arrogance levels and then come sign in Chicago and burst their bubbles
- prd797

Agreed, as long as both avoid the Pens and Wings I'll be happy...VERY happy if one or both come to the Hawks.

Also the more the Suter/Parise decisions linger on, I think the better for the Hawks. IMO if they were truly out of either I think they'd have moved on by now. Don't know if they land either but Im convinced they're in the running for both.

yo, he CAN'T re-negotiate. No such thing in this current CBA. If that changes, then ok. But Toews is stuck at 6.3M a year for 3 more. THat's it.
- eburgio

Good to know...you sure he can't hold out ?

Also the more the Suter/Parise decisions linger on, I think the better for the Hawks. IMO if they were truly out of either I think they'd have moved on by now. Don't know if they land either but Im convinced they're in the running for both.
- dan9189

I hope you are right. I do think they might get one. I do hope its parise because that will let us do some major trades. With Suter, I couldn't see us moving any core up front because we won't have anyone to take their place

In reality how much better is Suter than Soupy? and if i remember correctly we all couldnt wait to trade Soupy and get him off of our cap in a couple years will we regret the Suter signing if we get him?
- hawkshossa81

Others mentioned age and Suter maybe being better. Don't overlook the fact that Campbell's $7M hit was on a $52M cap I think (the cup year) whereas Suter's would be on a $70M cap.

Others mentioned age and Suter maybe being better. Don't overlook the fact that Campbell's $7M hit was on a $52M cap I think (the cup year) whereas Suter's would be on a $70M cap.
- NewToHockey

Very good point.

Good to know...you sure he can't hold out ?
- philco28

Only something drastic (retirement/buyout) can void NHL contracts. Both sides are locked in and as far as I know no changes can be made. This is another reason that Parise and Suter might take a while to decide. They are talking about contracts that might make them grossly underpaid half way through and there would be nothing they could do about it.

Edit: Look at Keith. He's two years into a 12 year contract and already looking like a serious bargain and he's stuck with it for another decade.

Quite frankly, I'm more enthused about the potential Parise signing. The hawks could then sign a dude like Hannan (who can handle some minutes) on D and move a current D man for a center or young stud goalie (like one of Ottawa's).

Parise is a game-changer.
- grinder10

Exactly my point Parise is a game changer who will play on the top line and brings another Captains attitude to the locker room and Suter would be a tremendous signing if we didnt have Keith and Seabrook but can we really afford a 7million a yr dman????

At some point today Dreger and Portzline were negotiating a Nash trade between the NYR and CBJ. it was pretty funny and based on the premise that Shero and Carolina hammered out the staal trade in one day.... but Howson can't. I do know NYR will not trade kreider in a deal for Nash. NYR have made that clear..... Just like flyers won't deal Schenn or Couturier for Nash (or Ryan)

Maybe NY for Kane? I don't think the flyers need another playmaker other than Giroux..... they want a sniper to pair with Hartsy and G.
- moylander

I wonder how Kane would do under coach Torts, though? Lol. But I still would look at teams like the rangers, Sens, or boston for kane and hammer. The flyers could be in a lot oof trouble without pronger and carle

I hope you are right. I do think they might get one. I do hope its parise because that will let us do some major trades. With Suter, I couldn't see us moving any core up front because we won't have anyone to take their place
- tomcat24

Parise and Toews would be really exciting to watch on the same line. Parise's leadership would compliment Toews leadership nicely imo. The hawks could use more guys that lead by example.

Only something drastic (retirement/buyout) can void NHL contracts. Both sides are locked in and as far as I know no changes can be made. This is another reason that Parise and Suter might take a while to decide. They are talking about contracts that might make them grossly underpaid half way through and there would be nothing they could do about it.
- NewToHockey

If that's the case and the CBA says you can't renege/break your word/renegotiate....I LOVE IT....

BTW..Kuc reports the Tomahawk are a FINALIST for Parise.

http://www.chicagotribune...--20120704,0,356188.story

Ron Washington hanging Roy Oswalt out to dry....9-0 Sox in the 5th and NO HOOK....WTF ?

Stray thought: Would a team looking to get to the cap floor trade for Tim Thomas? He's on an over 35 contract. Assuming he retires as advertised, wouldn't the team eat up $5M in cap space for no cost?

Rob Rossi‏@RobRossi_Trib

If #pens don't win #parisewatch - as of 9pm their confidence had not lessened - detail will show their approach intense, offer stout

Rob Rossi‏@RobRossi_Trib

In other words there is no more they can do. That he has them in mix still despite difference in $ points to push #pens made

Rob Rossi‏@RobRossi_Trib

Still trying to 3rd source details but #pens Parise offer appears far more in years, slightly more AAV, bigger upfront than early estimates

If that's the case and the CBA says you can't renege/break your word/renegotiate....I LOVE IT....

BTW..Kuc reports the Tomahawk are a FINALIST for Parise.

http://www.chicagotribune...--20120704,0,356188.story
- philco28

So, the money only "plays a very small factor in it" huh?

So, the money only "plays a very small factor in it" huh?
- NewToHockey

It it funny to hear Parise quoted saying that....however...he may be waiting to see how Suter's situation plays out....perhaps they're hoping to land on the same team together...who knows. There could be much to this...than $$$ as Zach has stated.

If that's the case and the CBA says you can't renege/break your word/renegotiate....I LOVE IT....

BTW..Kuc reports the Tomahawk are a FINALIST for Parise.

http://www.chicagotribune...--20120704,0,356188.story
- philco28

I figured it would come down to us and the pens. I really fear the pens. I do see them getting him. Hope not, though