This summer offer Crawford straight up for Br Lemieux. Be rid of $6 million. Sign Carlson and offer Keith to exchange our #2 2019 for their #1 2018.

You have an agitator. You have two #1 2018. Carlson replaces Keith. Jokiharju and Forsling develop one more year. If Sikula signs, then later on you can trade a top young skill forward for a young gritty forward. You now have a team with hope which can strive to get into playoffs. When Seabrook is bought out in two yesrs, you have money to upgrade the goaltender position
- jhawk59

how does trading craw square with your post about him dealing with an addiction issue? he has been out since 12/23 with some serious issue and you think some team is going to trade for him? ummm No.

What ever it is...i wish him the best and complete recovery. But I am not going to participate in gossip speculation of his status.

Khudobin seems not to have it, either....

🤪

Although there were some screens in front that f him on both.
- StLBravesFan

Wait just two or three posts up you said koubi made two great saves???

If you didn't read through to the end of my post which is the first one on page 11, then you missed seeing my report that Crawford has an addiction. Whether the snowmobile thing is a cover or he also had a concussion, i don't know. But the team is covering up a sensative issue. It will likely stay under wrap for only so long. A couple of persons do not wish to attach their name to this information.
- jhawk59

You know this how???

It is interesting that there has been zero info on what the injury is with CC. Vertigo from too many concussions? Good effort today for a home win. Played better after yesterdays fiasco.

The difference between high quality goalies and others - the former make difficult saves - even on “can’t blame the goalie” shots - late in one-goal games.

Forsberg, Berube - haven’t shown that quality.
- StLBravesFan

i will disagree with you...i think they have (not at craws level), probably berube more than fors; less games for berube...

they have been overwhelmed with sog's and high qaulity chances, odd mans, breakaways and generally poor play in front of them and did handstand saves on numerous occassions; with the rate and quality they aint gonna get them all and yes craw and his .930 save% covered those problems but even he got over whelmed in several games...but he was not going to sustain that pace with this defense..

how does trading craw square with your post about him dealing with an addiction issue? he has been out since 12/23 with some serious issue and you think some team is going to trade for him? ummm No.

What ever it is...i wish him the best and complete recovery. But I am not going to participate in gossip speculation of his status.
- bogiedoc

Let Crawford deal with life in a smaller market. I bet challenging Crawford to supplant Hellbuyck is good for their goaltending situation. Rotate both can play about half the games. Strong goaltending for playoffs.

I agree teams may not want to trade for him. I was just throwing it out, trying to get something for him. Most likely you are 100% correct. I will add, i am looking for
a way to gain a new agitator.

You know this how???
- riozzo

A couple people who have connections with people in the know. I cannot tell you who people in the know are. But it will come out. You will see.

Wait just two or three posts up you said koubi made two great saves???
- riozzo

Yeah - but then he let two in, altho the first on the PP, both with good red sweatered screens in front of him.

Just making my point about big saves at big times.

i will disagree with you...i think they have (not at craws level), probably berube more than fors; less games for berube...

they have been overwhelmed with sog's and high qaulity chances, odd mans, breakaways and generally poor play in front of them and did handstand saves on numerous occassions; with the rate and quality they aint gonna get them all and yes craw and his .930 save% covered those problems but even he got over whelmed in several games...but he was not going to sustain that pace with this defense..
- bogiedoc

Wasn’t talking about save percentage or goals per game - was talking about making big saved on difficult shots at important times - one goal lead late in the third.

With goalies (my opinion) - it’s not the saves they make that are important, it’s the ones they don’t make.

If you didn't read through to the end of my post which is the first one on page 11, then you missed seeing my report that Crawford has an addiction. Whether the snowmobile thing is a cover or he also had a concussion, i don't know. But the team is covering up a sensative issue. It will likely stay under wrap for only so long. A couple of persons do not wish to attach their name to this information.
- jhawk59

You really need to stop this. Until something is public, leave this poop off the boards. If he does have an addiction, it isn't anyone's business but his and his employers.

In today's internet world any faceless person can post crap and some will take it as fact.

In depth profile on Sikura, his development in college, and his thoughts on signing with the Hawks:

https://theathletic.com/2...-present-hints-at-future/

SP: Your father mentioned the Blackhawks' support for you throughout the tough times meant a lot to you. Has that been the case?
Sikura: Yeah, it's been awesome. I remember my freshman year Mike Sullivan, who coaches the Pens, was in charge of the New England drafted forwards. It was only a couple guys. But he was here pretty much every game watching me. Even when I was scratched, he'd sit in the stands with me and kind of talk about the game and what I needed to do and whatnot. Obviously he's had success since he left. I remember texting him after his first Cup just congratulations. Wasn't expecting anything back, but he got back to me right away and he texted me and was thankful. My coach the other day was talking to him because they're friends as well. He brought up me and how he was so proud about the Beanpot. And he was talking about how I've developed over the last couple years, and he knew I was going to take time, but that's what college hockey is all about. Just stuff like that kind of carries with me. Yeah, they've been supportive since my first year here even when I was sitting in the stands. They also have guys at games watching. If you ever need anything, Barry Smith is always here, asking me if I ever need anything, gives me CDs, just try to help my game out and what it's like at the next level. I'm sure there will be someone here tonight that I will be able to talk to after the game. Their support has been awesome throughout my four years.

In depth profile on Sikura, his development in college, and his thoughts on signing with the Hawks:

https://theathletic.com/2...-present-hints-at-future/
- pdx2ord

So what are the odds he signs with Pitt cuz of Sullivan

Justin any news on signings of ncaa and euro free agents besides skiira. I liked some of the idea from the hockey writers about fixing the hawks now some were little far fetched but made sense in the fact that is what needs to happen to get rid of some of these bad contracts. So do we trust our gm to be creative enough to pull something off so the hawks can have more room under the cap to improve the team.

So what are the odds he signs with Pitt cuz of Sullivan
- 6628

100%

So what are the odds he signs with Pitt cuz of Sullivan
- 6628

Certainly Stan and others in the Chicago organization have had more contact with Sikura than Sullivan, who was apparently only around for the collegian’s freshman year.

This is a big signing for Bowman - the organization has put in a lot of time and energy in pursuing the kid - if he winds up going to free agency and signing elsewhere, it would really be a bad knock on the Blackhawks - an indication that the franchise is much less of a desireable location for free agents (young or veterans) that it used to be.

But - hasn’t happened yet.

On Sullivan texting him back: if he were to sign with Pittsburgh (or even if he doesn’t) wouldn’t that be tampering by the Pittsburgh coach (yrs, I know, the initial contact was from Boston to Pittsburgh).

Certainly Stan and others in the Chicago organization have had more contact with Sikura than Sullivan, who was apparently only around for the collegian’s freshman year.

This is a big signing for Bowman - the organization has put in a lot of time and energy in pursuing the kid - if he winds up going to free agency and signing elsewhere, it would really be a bad knock on the Blackhawks - an indication that the franchise is much less of a desireable location for free agents (young or veterans) that it used to be.

But - hasn’t happened yet.

On Sullivan texting him back: if he were to sign with Pittsburgh (or even if he doesn’t) wouldn’t that be tampering by the Pittsburgh coach (yrs, I know, the initial contact was from Boston to Pittsburgh).
- StLBravesFan

If they do sign him I hope he's better than Vescey or the Hayes clowns.

If they do sign him I hope he's better than Vescey or the Hayes clowns.
- 6628

Yeah - I wasn’t commenting on Sikura’s future success or failure - just on the organization’s ability to sign coveted prospects who don’t have to sign with it.

Certainly Stan and others in the Chicago organization have had more contact with Sikura than Sullivan, who was apparently only around for the collegian’s freshman year.

This is a big signing for Bowman - the organization has put in a lot of time and energy in pursuing the kid - if he winds up going to free agency and signing elsewhere, it would really be a bad knock on the Blackhawks - an indication that the franchise is much less of a desireable location for free agents (young or veterans) that it used to be.

But - hasn’t happened yet.

On Sullivan texting him back: if he were to sign with Pittsburgh (or even if he doesn’t) wouldn’t that be tampering by the Pittsburgh coach (yrs, I know, the initial contact was from Boston to Pittsburgh).
- StLBravesFan

Why would Sikura pick Chicago over Pittsburgh? Would you want to play for a lottery team who is poised to stay a lottery team for the foreseeable future or one of the top contenders who will be a contender for a long time and has room for you to play? This is a business move for Sikura, loyalty for the past couple years doesn’t matter. Sikura can elevate his status by playing with Crosby and Malkin while winning championships or languish in Q’s doghouse and play with the likes of Lance Bouma. Alternatively, you play well in Chicago but become the sweetener to move Seabrook and end up in Seattle or Buffalo. No way Sikura signs in Chicago.

Why would Sikura pick Chicago over Pittsburgh? Would you want to play for a lottery team who is poised to stay a lottery team for the foreseeable future or one of the top contenders who will be a contender for a long time and has room for you to play? This is a business move for Sikura, loyalty for the past couple years doesn’t matter. Sikura can elevate his status by playing with Crosby and Malkin while winning championships or languish in Q’s doghouse and play with the likes of Lance Bouma. Alternatively, you play well in Chicago but become the sweetener to move Seabrook and end up in Seattle or Buffalo. No way Sikura signs in Chicago.
- DarthKane

Jeez - that’s even more cynical than I usually am.

A lot might depend on when NE’s season ends - enough time for him to to burn off a year of his entry level might make a difference.

If he decides to go to FA in August, I fear it will not end well for the or-gan-I-za-tion.

(Had to type that four times before spell correct let me put down what I wanted.)

Why would Sikura pick Chicago over Pittsburgh? Would you want to play for a lottery team who is poised to stay a lottery team for the foreseeable future or one of the top contenders who will be a contender for a long time and has room for you to play? This is a business move for Sikura, loyalty for the past couple years doesn’t matter. Sikura can elevate his status by playing with Crosby and Malkin while winning championships or languish in Q’s doghouse and play with the likes of Lance Bouma. Alternatively, you play well in Chicago but become the sweetener to move Seabrook and end up in Seattle or Buffalo. No way Sikura signs in Chicago.
- DarthKane

Seabrook contract is bad news for one more season then it is a likely compliance buyout under a new collective bargaing agreement. Chicago is hard pressed to make the playoffs next season. They do NOT need to feel pressured to give away a prized possession.

Sikura is sounding like the best skill prospect we drafted ever who also we are worried to loose. Going to Pittsburgh is not all so great. If he does well how does Pittsburgh afford him. You think Crosby, Malkin, Letang take a paycut. Those guys are traded? Stan needs to tell the kid that the Penguins are not ideal. In fact the Penguins may need to trade him after one season. They have other young players who will need a pay increase. The salary cap comes into play

No. Sikura can be convinced to stay here. Be part of a revitalization. Whispering Toews and Keith won't be here forever. Their replacements will be with you and other new core pieces. (Believe it!). Besides, Chicago is a great city to live in. Pittsburgh nowhere close. Btw when some Blackhawks sing take me out to the ballgame, you can be one of the singers! How cool is that. Afterwards Kane and DeBrincat will take you to a great favorite restaurant.

Kane could tell you where to meet some young ladies. Sullivan can't match that.

Why would Sikura pick Chicago over Pittsburgh? Would you want to play for a lottery team who is poised to stay a lottery team for the foreseeable future or one of the top contenders who will be a contender for a long time and has room for you to play? This is a business move for Sikura, loyalty for the past couple years doesn’t matter. Sikura can elevate his status by playing with Crosby and Malkin while winning championships or languish in Q’s doghouse and play with the likes of Lance Bouma. Alternatively, you play well in Chicago but become the sweetener to move Seabrook and end up in Seattle or Buffalo. No way Sikura signs in Chicago.
- DarthKane

Well, wouldn't Bettman want him to play for his favorite team? Isn't Q the players favorite coach?
Tell me there is no collusion going on in the league?

Why would Sikura pick Chicago over Pittsburgh? Would you want to play for a lottery team who is poised to stay a lottery team for the foreseeable future or one of the top contenders who will be a contender for a long time and has room for you to play? This is a business move for Sikura, loyalty for the past couple years doesn’t matter. Sikura can elevate his status by playing with Crosby and Malkin while winning championships or languish in Q’s doghouse and play with the likes of Lance Bouma. Alternatively, you play well in Chicago but become the sweetener to move Seabrook and end up in Seattle or Buffalo. No way Sikura signs in Chicago.
- DarthKane

You know Darth there are sometimes when I know you're being cynical, but more recently that hasn't seemed to be the case. This is an honest assessment for sure and makes complete sense. And as long as the loophole exists in regard to players drafted only to walk after four years needs to be dealt with by the league. Assuming in the next CBA. It's tough when a team has invested time and money looking after someone in their system only to see them go to a rival.

No question if the Hawks lose the kid the optics won't look good at all. But let's be honest the Hawks are a mess right now. Can't blame the kid if he chooses to go elsewhere.

Seabrook contract is bad news for one more season then it is a likely compliance buyout under a new collective bargaing agreement. Chicago is hard pressed to make the playoffs next season. They do NOT need to feel pressured to give away a prized possession.

Sikura is sounding like the best skill prospect we drafted ever who also we are worried to loose. Going to Pittsburgh is not all so great. If he does well how does Pittsburgh afford him. You think Crosby, Malkin, Letang take a paycut. Those guys are traded? Stan needs to tell the kid that the Penguins are not ideal. In fact the Penguins may need to trade him after one season. They have other young players who will need a pay increase. The salary cap comes into play

No. Sikura can be convinced to stay here. Be part of a revitalization. Whispering Toews and Keith won't be here forever. Their replacements will be with you and other new core pieces. (Believe it!). Besides, Chicago is a great city to live in. Pittsburgh nowhere close. Btw when some Blackhawks sing take me out to the ballgame, you can be one of the singers! How cool is that. Afterwards Kane and DeBrincat will take you to a great favorite restaurant.

Kane could tell you where to meet some young ladies. Sullivan can't match that.
- jhawk59

There is a big assumption that a complaince buyout will be an option under the next CBA. It may happen, but it’s not guaranteed. The Hawks’ history of trading young talent has finally caught up with them. When the most attractive attribute of joining a team is burning one year of an ELC you know your club is in trouble. Prepare for the Hawks to disappont us again, Sikura won’t sign-up as Chicago enters another dark-era in hockey history.

There is a big assumption that a complaince buyout will be an option under the next CBA. It may happen, but it’s not guaranteed. The Hawks’ history of trading young talent has finally caught up with them. When the most attractive attribute of joining a team is burning one year of an ELC you know your club is in trouble. Prepare for the Hawks to disappont us again, Sikura won’t sign-up as Chicago enters another dark-era in hockey history.
- DarthKane

hmmm...the other kane disagrees

@MarkPotash
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More
Patrick Kane confident disappointing Blackhawks' season is just a blip after scoring tie-breaking goal in 3-1 victory over the Bruins. 'I don't know if we're that far away, to be honest with you.'

of course the missing part: not that far away from what??

hmmm...the other kane disagrees

@MarkPotash
Follow Follow @MarkPotash
More
Patrick Kane confident disappointing Blackhawks' season is just a blip after scoring tie-breaking goal in 3-1 victory over the Bruins. 'I don't know if we're that far away, to be honest with you.'

of course the missing part: not that far away from what??
- bogiedoc

This is the expected reaction from Kane. It’s not like he’s come out and say “yes, we are done and need to rip this team apart”.