Where are the seats? Everyone should stop being so negative. The sky isn't falling.
- Secord20

Yeah, seriously. I'd take a game or two.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
- StLBravesFan

http://www.youtube.com/wa...Pck1zhKpQ&feature=related

John Coltrane

From Bleacher Report today:

General manager Stan Bowman is under pressure in Chicago.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images The Blackhawks have all but run out of good will following their 2010 Stanley Cup run. General manager Stan Bowman knows the fans want more after two consecutive first-round playoff defeats.

The biggest thing the Blackhawks need is total dedication from potential superstar and former No. 1 draft pick Patrick Kane.

While Kane has scored 30 goals in his career, he has only done it once and the Blackhawks need more consistency from him. Kane has embarrassed the team with a drunken episode earlier this offseason and he has apologized for it.

The Blackhawks also need much improved play in goal. Corey Crawford plays with effort and may be a strong No. 2 goalie, but there are questions about his ability to be a No. 1 goalie.

And what has been done in regards to these concerns?
Kane did say he was sorry and SB did......thats's right he did nothing.

That doesn't really count....Not players he has already selected...That's what I meant.
- Al

Gotcha.

But again, that's where I think he has blinders on/the marketing takes over.

In my mind, and in the grand scheme of things, the true potential of a guy selected 43rd versus a future pick that will likely be around 43 is not much different.

Some guys selected at a certain level end up being better than others. But it takes time to find out, and over time, generally, water finds its level in terms of where guys were drafted and why.

From Bleacher Report today:

General manager Stan Bowman is under pressure in Chicago.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images The Blackhawks have all but run out of good will following their 2010 Stanley Cup run. General manager Stan Bowman knows the fans want more after two consecutive first-round playoff defeats.

The biggest thing the Blackhawks need is total dedication from potential superstar and former No. 1 draft pick Patrick Kane.

While Kane has scored 30 goals in his career, he has only done it once and the Blackhawks need more consistency from him. Kane has embarrassed the team with a drunken episode earlier this offseason and he has apologized for it.

The Blackhawks also need much improved play in goal. Corey Crawford plays with effort and may be a strong No. 2 goalie, but there are questions about his ability to be a No. 1 goalie.

And what has been done in regards to these concerns?
Kane did say he was sorry and SB did......thats's right he did nothing.
- Hawkster

Not sure which day Kane issued his denial of having a problem or the apology, but I hear he was out with the posse at Studio Paris Saturday night.

Doesn't mean he got overserved, or did anything but had dinner . . . but it's pretty much common knowledge he HAS been told before to cool it and keep things low-key, said he would, and didn't.

Time will tell.

All 17,000 post's since free agency started on this thread point to one thing : The Hawks are in hockey hell.

Playoff team probably .

Early elimination probably .

Middle draft pick probably.

Upper management fires coaches at the end of season .

One more year closer to Toews and Kane and Keith's free agent year.

McD has Rocky wrapped around his finger , bad for everyone who cares about this team.

From Bleacher Report today:

General manager Stan Bowman is under pressure in Chicago.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images The Blackhawks have all but run out of good will following their 2010 Stanley Cup run. General manager Stan Bowman knows the fans want more after two consecutive first-round playoff defeats.

The biggest thing the Blackhawks need is total dedication from potential superstar and former No. 1 draft pick Patrick Kane.

While Kane has scored 30 goals in his career, he has only done it once and the Blackhawks need more consistency from him. Kane has embarrassed the team with a drunken episode earlier this offseason and he has apologized for it.

The Blackhawks also need much improved play in goal. Corey Crawford plays with effort and may be a strong No. 2 goalie, but there are questions about his ability to be a No. 1 goalie.

And what has been done in regards to these concerns?
Kane did say he was sorry and SB did......thats's right he did nothing.
- Hawkster

General manager Stan Bowman is under pressure in Chicago.

Way overstated...You will see signs of presure when deals start taking place.

There will be people squirming if things start out poorly but for now....What pressure?

I'd rather see Kruger at 2C. Better vision to spread the puck. Bolland isn't going to bring anything in that position that Kruger can't do equally well or better. Bolland makes his money playing that shutdown center on the third line. Outside of that, his usefullness is pretty limited.
- Walky

Blatantly false statement.

Awesome set up guy from behind the net and was second on the team in PP goals being far from a regular there. Tied for 1st in shorty points. Had good success playing with Havlat and Ladd offensively. Also with his limited time with Hossa before getting the elbow to his head, the two were on a tear.

Keep in mind also that he starts 65% of the time in the defensive zone. Kinda tough to score droves of points under those circumstances.

Yes and if Stalberg isn't played as a top six for at least two months it was a mistake to not deal him this summer.

Carcillo can't play on the 3rd line...Shaw can play on any line.

So first interesting decision will be what to do with Carcillo??

Obviously Bowman wanted him back so much he was resigned to a 2 yr extension while still on crutches.
- Al

Press box with tape over his mouth

Not sure which day Kane issued his denial of having a problem or the apology, but I hear he was out with the posse at Studio Paris Saturday night.

Doesn't mean he got overserved, or did anything but had dinner . . . but it's pretty much common knowledge he HAS been told before to cool it and keep things low-key, said he would, and didn't.

Time will tell.
- John Jaeckel

He was asked on Friday by Chris Kuc about having a drinking problem...

Totally agree.

If I were Quenneville, I would much prefer the guy with similar creedentials but a year more, and a year more pro, experience.

I also think Morin's game will translate better to having more skilled guys around him.

I don't doubt Saad will be in Chicago the early part of the season, mainly due to the fact that his 20th birthday and CHL/AHL transfer rules pretty much mandate it's Chicago or Saginaw until November (unless I'm mistaken).

He could learn and grow a lot in that time or more likely end up heading down I-90 when the leaves turn brown.

As I've said before, he "replaces" either Carcillo or Stalberg. He won't hit, create space or deter like Carcillo. He probably isn't going to be much better or as good as Stalberg. Doesn't play center.

And Al, for the record, Stalberg, Morin and Carcillo were ALL Bowman acquisitions. But they aren't shiny pennies. Saad is.

Without other improvements, Saad will get some ink and Olczyk and Foley will likely fawn all over him but he will have no meaningful impact (at least positive) on this team.
- John Jaeckel

You think that is what it is with Morin? He is old news? He was the main centerpiece in the Buff trade. Buff was probably the most popular of the traded players. I would think Bowman would love for Morin to be successful. I wouildnt mind Morin being up here. Only thing is hhe has to work on shot selection. Didn't he have a habit of shhooooting from anywhere and everywhere ruining good pressure? Maybe that was Saad?y

If I were Quenneville, I would much prefer the guy with similar creedentials but a year more, and a year more pro, experience.
- John Jaeckel

If I were Q, I would prefer the best players. If Saad outplays Morin or etc., he deserves to be in the lineup. This Saad debate has really gone way overblown. The real questions starts with Kanes, Keiths and Crawfords.

BTW, is Morin left or right wing? He is listed as a right wing in Blackhawks site and hockey db says left wing..

General manager Stan Bowman is under pressure in Chicago.

Way overstated...You will see signs of presure when deals start taking place.

There will be people squirming if things start out poorly but for now....What pressure?
- Al

I dunno, Al.

Seems to me (admittedly, as we all are, on the outside looking in) that ALL of the players in this drama are making CYA statements and working CYA strategies.

I also hear Rocky has them ALL on notice.

Eklund says some teams might offer sheet Jamie Benn.

Would Bowman ever be able to sack up and offer sheet him. He can actually play 2C and at 6'2 205lb is a nice big body. Hell, I have no problem leaving him on LW too if thats where we need to slot him

Funny, all this Gagner talk.

The guy I want from Edmonton (and Bowman could probably get him—again, if he were willing to part with an overhyped prospect) would be C/LW Teemu Hartikainen.

A bottom six guy, but a guy you win with, parks himself in front of the net, strong as an ox, super competitive. Equal parts Tomas Holmstrom/Tomas Kopecky/Tuomo Ruutu.

Not a big scorer but can get hot at times and like I say, a warrior, especially down low and around the net.

Eklund says some teams might offer sheet Jamie Benn.

Would Bowman ever be able to sack up and offer sheet him. He can actually play 2C and at 6'2 205lb is a nice big body. Hell, I have no problem leaving him on LW too if thats where we need to slot him
- FourFeathers773

I could totally see bowman doing that....

Eklund says some teams might offer sheet Jamie Benn.

Would Bowman ever be able to sack up and offer sheet him. He can actually play 2C and at 6'2 205lb is a nice big body. Hell, I have no problem leaving him on LW too if thats where we need to slot him
- FourFeathers773

Benn is exactly what this team needs and would be worth every draft pick you'd have to surrender to get him and the money.

That said, my understanding is the draft pick compensation depends on the level he was qualified at by the stars, so the Hawks not having a 2nd and 3rd next year might (or might not) matter.

EDIT:

The Hawks would have to offer over $8 million per season to be able to offer sheet Benn, because they don't have 2nd or 3rd round picks next year. So they are not in this.

Blatantly false statement.

Awesome set up guy from behind the net and was second on the team in PP goals being far from a regular there. Tied for 1st in shorty points. Had good success playing with Havlat and Ladd offensively. Also with his limited time with Hossa before getting the elbow to his head, the two were on a tear.

Keep in mind also that he starts 65% of the time in the defensive zone. Kinda tough to score droves of points under those circumstances.
- fattybeef

I'm not basing it on points, I'm basing it on watching him play offense. He just looks unsure with the puck in the offensive zone and tends to lose the puck or shoot it right into the goalie if he isn't putting back a rebound. Now Kruger isn't exactly a shoot first guy, but he has vision and knows how to dish the puck.

Havlat and Ladd were on the third line with Bolland if I recall correctly. With scoring talent like that on the third line, goals should be pretty easy. Remember the 3rd line usually matches up against the top offensive unit for the other team. Usually these units will create lots of offense but be lacking in defense. This is a luxury the second line does not have.

The s,hit will hit the fan once the seasons starts and this guy can't cut at the NHL level, then they will have to send him down and Q will start all sorts of line juggling which will lead to players frustration and confusion.

Where have we seen this before....last two years.

Get your second line center....NHL proven guy....sheesh can that be so hard.

The rest we should be ok except with CC which I have my doubts.
- Hawkster

This is what TrueGrit is referring to, i believe. Columbus traded a superstar for a 2nd line center. There were, of course, other pieces. But Dubinsky has scored 20+ goals/100 pims. Initiates physical play while also standing up for teammates. Though flawed, he's a bona fide number 2 pivot. THEY do not grow on trees. A mediocre center like Gagner MIGHT flourish under our system..he MIGHT fail while costing us a useful player or two in exchange. I am allllll for improving this team at 2C and goalie. But think of the things that have to go right for that to happen. First, how many elite centers, for example, exist in the league? How many of those are available, how many of the available ones are available to you? Does your system have the pieces the team your trading with needs/wants? Can you afford this player?

Its not easy. Some of the best GMs look about the same as some of the worst this summer. Kudos to Kings GM for his aggressiveness-it paid off. Holmgren and Sather seem to be going all in to no avail-time will tell. Most assuredly, their fan bases prefer this approach. It is one that has been adopted by McD as well. That guy LOOOOOVES the big off season splash. They usually help his team in the short run, but tend to hamper his teams in the long run. If an elite goalie or bona fide 2C that fit our cap structure, was available and acquirable (without creating a major hole elsewhere in the line-up) I believe this front office would look to bring this player in. We brought in Campbell and Hossa. It worked. McD loves it. Didnt they go after Suter? I have no problem when they pony up for FA studs. But I dont mind when they hesitate on pulling the trigger for a Sam Gagne. He's not exactly that "missing ingredient" in the Brendan Shanahan mold.

I love you JJ. But I'm with TrueGrit on this. Things arent so bad. Our offense will score, our D is improved and we have the talent to fix the PP. Holes for sure. But fixing them? No easy task. The perfect piece wasn't there or wasn't available to us.

Benn is exactly what this team needs and would be worth every draft pick you'd have to surrender to get him and the money.

That said, my understanding is the draft pick compensation depends on the level he was qualified at by the stars, so the Hawks not having a 2nd and 3rd next year might (or might not) matter.
- John Jaeckel

Precisely my thought. its not really a risk of losing several future draft picks when you have done nothing but hold on to all your draft picks and prospects the past 3 years.

Also, traditionally when offer sheets are not matched, the players drafted from those picks DO NOT pan out to be near the talent of the NHLer who was offer sheeted.

I dunno, Al.

Seems to me (admittedly, as we all are, on the outside looking in) that ALL of the players in this drama are making CYA statements and working CYA strategies.

I also hear Rocky has them ALL on notice.
- John Jaeckel

All I know for sure is what I have seen and there has been nothing to show any panic.

I don't hear anything big is on the horizon...Actually I don't hear anything at all.

When the ax falls it won't be Bowman first in line.

Actions speak and for now he appears really confident in this group...Otherwise there would be additions so until then...There's no urgency and no panic.

This is what TrueGrit is referring to, i believe. Columbus traded a superstar for a 2nd line center. There were, of course, other pieces. But Dubinsky has scored 20+ goals/100 pims. Initiates physical play while also standing up for teammates. Though flawed, he's a bona fide number 2 pivot. THEY do not grow on trees. A mediocre center like Gagner MIGHT flourish under our system..he MIGHT fail while costing us a useful player or two in exchange. I am allllll for improving this team at 2C and goalie. But think of the things that have to go right for that to happen. First, how many elite centers, for example, exist in the league? How many of those are available, how many of the available ones are available to you? Does your system have the pieces the team your trading with needs/wants? Can you afford this player?

Its not easy. Some of the best GMs look about the same as some of the worst this summer. Kudos to Kings GM for his aggressiveness-it paid off. Holmgren and Sather seem to be going all in to no avail-time will tell. Most assuredly, their fan bases prefer this approach. It is one that has been adopted by McD as well. That guy LOOOOOVES the big off season splash. They usually help his team in the short run, but tend to hamper his teams in the long run. If an elite goalie or bona fide 2C that fit our cap structure, was available and acquirable (without creating a major hole elsewhere in the line-up) I believe this front office would look to bring this player in. We brought in Campbell and Hossa. It worked. McD loves it. Didnt they go after Suter? I have no problem when they pony up for FA studs. But I dont mind when they hesitate on pulling the trigger for a Sam Gagne. He's not exactly that "missing ingredient" in the Brendan Shanahan mold.

I love you JJ. But I'm with TrueGrit on this. Things arent so bad. Our offense will score, our D is improved and we have the talent to fix the PP. Holes for sure. But fixing them? No easy task. The perfect piece wasn't there or wasn't available to us.
- miked23

No disagreement! And back at ya. I am not on the Gagner bandwagon. And there have been no easy answers in net, but I do believe there were and might still be ways to upgrade C and Bowman has chosen not to—that's where the talk about Saad in the top 6, asking to play C in PC, etc., just seems silly and diversionary.

Benn is exactly what this team needs and would be worth every draft pick you'd have to surrender to get him and the money.

That said, my understanding is the draft pick compensation depends on the level he was qualified at by the stars, so the Hawks not having a 2nd and 3rd next year might (or might not) matter.

EDIT:

The Hawks would have to offer over $8 million per season to be able to offer sheet Benn, because they don't have 2nd or 3rd round picks next year. So they are not in this.
- John Jaeckel

The Oduya payment in draft picks was important...But once again draft prospects were left in the safe.

The Stars have to build around Benn....Can't see not paying up to keep him.

I love you JJ. But I'm with TrueGrit on this. Things arent so bad. Our offense will score, our D is improved and we have the talent to fix the PP. Holes for sure. But fixing them? No easy task. The perfect piece wasn't there or wasn't available to us.
- miked23

Or Stan wasn't creative enough to find and get the perfect piece - or the piece that would fit. That piece will not walk up to Bowman and say "take me" - Bowman would actually have to act like a GM and do something creative to find and get him.

The offense had trouble scoring last year when the forwards were actually required to play some defense - see Al's statistics about scoring against quality teams toward the end of the season.

They had the talent to fix the PP last year - didn't happen - why will you expect it will happen this year?

Things aren't so good.

Benn is exactly what this team needs and would be worth every draft pick you'd have to surrender to get him and the money.

That said, my understanding is the draft pick compensation depends on the level he was qualified at by the stars, so the Hawks not having a 2nd and 3rd next year might (or might not) matter.

EDIT:

The Hawks would have to offer over $8 million per season to be able to offer sheet Benn, because they don't have 2nd or 3rd round picks next year. So they are not in this.
- John Jaeckel

So - in effect (and I know this is a Rube Goldberg stretch): got Oduya for the opportunity to offer sheet Benn.

A good deal?