It's not ridiculous at all. The only problem that we really would have is back-filling the goalie position. Like you said, we all saw what happened last year when he went down. If we have an above average tender to replace him with, then I'd do that deal all day. Otherwise, we are only slightly better than we were the last half of last season.
- Chunk

You don't think it be ridiculous to trade a top ten goalie that has 2 rings for a 2nd line RW on an expiring contract? When the Hawks already have a lot of good forwards? And nobody good behind Crawford?

Would like to have seen him moved to his hometown for a few young, cheap, good pieces before the Jets realized (they know now) they do not need him.

'Hawks are too top heavy still, and unlike Kane, who makes linemates better, Toews needs a HoF RW and fast young stud LW on his line at the same time to be good.

Time to snooker Kevin into taking the captain.

You don't think it be ridiculous to trade a top ten goalie that has 2 rings for a 2nd line RW on an expiring contract? When the Hawks already have a lot of good forwards? And nobody good behind Crawford?
- TonyBazz

Curious, what are you doing with Elliott in this scenario.

Curious, what are you doing with Elliott in this scenario.
- walleyeb1

Nothing. The Flyers are getting (Crawford), a two time cup winning goalie that's still top 10 at his position and you're getting back Wayne Simmonds who will be a UFA st the end of next year. Fair?

Nothing. The Flyers are getting (Crawford), a two time cup winning goalie that's still top 10 at his position and you're getting back Wayne Simmonds who will be a UFA st the end of next year. Fair?
- TonyBazz

No I’d pass!

You don't think it be ridiculous to trade a top ten goalie that has 2 rings for a 2nd line RW on an expiring contract? When the Hawks already have a lot of good forwards? And nobody good behind Crawford?
- TonyBazz

You don't know how good Crawford could be and if he has his issues under control. How old is Crawford, anyway? Until we know more about Crawford mysterious concussion and partying (read: propensity to get wasted -this is not a one time ovcurrnce with him), I am cautious to accept that he will overcome issues and be stellar in goal. Meanwhile, not saying that I am for OR against the trade. But physical forward with a track record aren't growing on trees and easily plucked. Is Bowman really, truly going to add enough grit and toughness throughout lineup? We cannot win in playoffs, and not good enough in regular season with too many Smurfs who do shy away from physical contact. You can only have so many of them.

Hawks fans the past 3 years: toews sucks now and i basically hate him

Hawks fans as soon as another fan base says something bad about Toews: You're stupid and don't understand how great he is.
- BlazinMike

bipolar posters....

and to think we get another 3 weeks of this...

You don't know how good Crawford could be and if he has his issues under control. How old is Crawford, anyway? Until we know more about Crawford mysterious concussion and parting, I am cautious to accept that he will overcome issues and be stellar in goal. Meanwhile, not that I am saying I that I am for OR against the trade. But physical forward with a track record aren't growing on trees and easily plucked. Is Bowman really, truly going to add enough grit and toughness throughout lineup? We cannot win in playoffs, and not good enough in regular season with too many Smurfs who do shy away from physical contact. You can only have so many of them.
- jhawk59

You guys have no choice but to wait and see if Crawford can regain his form. He was playing really good before he went down last year. He's only 33 which isn't old at all for a goalie. Did I mention Simmonds will be a UFA at the end of next year? You'd trade away your franchise goalie who still has a lot left in the tank for a 2nd line RW? Really? With no plan for who can play goal?

We will see one of two end results from his name even being mentioned by the media in "trade" discussions:

1. He gives us exactly what he did the last two seasons, sub par play in all three zones and a 10.5 saddle bag to this team.

Or, 2. He reacts with the anger and motivation that 88 did when he was in the media for the off ice issue and people said enough is enough, 88 is tarnishing the brand. Not that the situations are remotely similar, but the output following needs to be on par. The question is, what does that look like for Toews? He cant put up 100 pts, but what does a Toews bounce back season look like? We dont know because he has never really had a dynamite year to the magnitude 88 did after the assault stuff.

You guys have no choice but to wait and see if Crawford can regain his form. He was playing really good before he went down last year. He's only 33 which isn't old at all for a goalie. Did I mention Simmonds will be a UFA at the end of next year? You'd trade away your franchise goalie who still has a lot left in the tank for a 2nd line RW? Really? With no plan for who can play goal?
- TonyBazz

No, I would let Crawford try to re-establish his value. At trade deadline he might be the proven goaltender to pair on a team with questionable (get this) not talent issue but the mental fortitude to not wilt under pressure. See Nashville. Maybe Winnipeg. We may or may not rise up in 2-3 years to compete in playoffs. With Bowman around and albatross contracts like Toews and Seabrook, I would seriously consider trading Crawford.

I am all about trying to add a second first round pick one year so my wish (which may be unrealistic even if Craw bounces back) is our #2 & Crawford for a chance to draft a second difference maker or core pieces in The Entry Draft.

You may not be able to finagle another trade to a very high first round selection. You know that is where most of the star players hail.

Bowman just needs to draft smart.
Your skill players, not necessarily top line players, msy be found with late first round picks.....if that is the draft slot you wind up with after moving Crawford. Maybe even a pick who can win face offs. Let's evaluate how well Dellia progresses and the market for Crawford at trade deadline.

I would rather wait on Crawford than trade him for Simmonds. But that was not a crazy trade proposal. I know, give players a second chance. I do not think McDonough and Rocky are happy with Crawford's lack of maturity. They know that he gets wasted after concerts - or was it a celebration for birth of a son this time. Concussion came from what? Is that snowmobile accident a crock of poop?

You cannot be too pleased having Crawford aboard. Has he finally learned or have his issues under control. I am willing to trade him if he comes back strong. Not saying I do trade him, but explore the option/what the market might pay. I would like to trade him. He won't lead us anywhere, not any time soon for sure.

He played 3 games in the regular season after Jan 22, and didn't dress in the playoffs.

Simply put, he isn't fast enough to play the brand of hockey the Leafs are trying to play now.

At $2.5 million cap hit (two years left) and only $4 million in actual salary left, I'm guessing the Leafs will try to dump him for nothing this summer - maybe even try for the old Martin + 4th for a 7th kinda trade. But make no mistake: this will be a dump - Leafs won't be looking for value in return.

If they don't trade him, his low cap hit isn't the end of the world if he remains for another 2 years, but he's dead weight at this point.
- Atomic Wedgie

I'd take Martin on our 4th on a heart beat. Duclair for him and a pick

Nobody wants more pessimism

To consider O'Reilly in the same level as Toews is an error,


- wiz1901

Not today it isn't, Wiz. O'Rielly is the best faceoff man on earth, he's stout, he's as good a shut down C as there is in the game, his compete it excellent, he's gonna come in at about 60 points and is now shooting more so that number may go up and he comes in at 4ish mil less than a declining Toews.

No, I would let Crawford try to re-establish his value. At trade deadline he might be the proven goaltender to pair on a team with questionable (get this) not talent but the mental fortitude to not wilt under pressure. See Nashville. Maybe Winnipeg. We may or may not rise up in 2-3 years to compete in playoffs. With Bowman around and albatross contracts like Toews and Seabrook, I would seriously consider trading Crawford.

I am all about trying to add a second first round pick one year so my wish (which may be unrealistic even if Craw bounces back) is our #2 & Crawford for a chance to draft a second difference maker or core pieces in The Entry Draft.

You may not be able to finagle another trade to a very high first round selection. You know that is where most of the star players hail.

Bowman just needs to draft smart.
Your skill players, not necessarily top line players, msy be found with late first round picks.....if that is the draft slot you wind up with after moving Crawford. Maybe even a pick who can win face offs. Let's evaluate how well Dellia progresses and the market for Crawford at trade deadline.

I would rather wait on Crawford than trade him for Simmonds. But that was not a crazy trade proposal. I know, give players a second chance. I do not think McDonough and Rocky are happy with Crawford's lack of maturity. They know that he gets wasted after concerts - or was it a celebration for birth of a son this time. Concussion came from what? Is that snowmobile accident a crock of poop?

You cannot be too pleased having Crawford aboard. Has he finally learned or have his issues under control. I am willing to trade him if he comes back strong. Not saying I do trade him, but explore the option/what the market might pay. I would like to trade him. He won't lead us anywhere, not any time soon for sure.
- jhawk59

You'd wait on Crawford, then trade him for Simmonds? When? Next year? Because Simmonds will only be a rental wherever he goes. You guys can't trade Crawford anyways. He's all you got. They're a mess in net without him. A d you mentioned guts like Toews and Kane with heavy cap hits; Crawford's cap hit is very reasonable. And even if they were dumb enough to trade Crawford, they'd want back either draft picks, defensemen or a young forward. Not a veteran 2nd line RW that's going to be a UFA in a couple months. I feel like I'm in the twilight zone by the way, for having to explain this to you about your team. Maybe you're not that big of a fan or something.

Toews doesn't need to get back to being in the same conversation as Crosby as best player in the league - he just has to be a legitimate #1 center on this team -
- StLBravesFan

Yes. If a fan is going to compare Toews to other 9-10 mil per guys they will be disappointed EVERY time. His play simply can not justify 10+ mil per, period. But he can be a solid 60+ point, 18-20 PP, shut down, 60+% FO, possession difference making guy.

Just read on theScore here in Toronto... the top 10 projections of new homes for some.

Keep in mind it's just a fun projection and appears to be based off of the Scott Powers article the other day.

Justin Faulk - Chicago Blackhawks

Possible return: 2018 1st (27th overall, from Predators), F Marian Hossa, D Chad Krys

It'll take some creativity on the part of these two GMs, but a swap that would send Justin Faulk and Scott Darling from Carolina to the Chicago Blackhawks makes some sense for both clubs.

Chicago's blue line, once the team's strength, lacks both depth and top-end talent, and Faulk would help the Blackhawks begin to improve their defensive core. Darling is expensive, but he has a history of success in Chicago and could step into the starting job should injuries continue to trouble Corey Crawford.

As for the Hurricanes, the deal allows them to walk away from the Darling experiment - he's due nearly $12 million over the next three seasons - and clear a spot for a new goaltender, taking on Marian Hossa's cap hit in exchange. Hossa is owed just $1 million over each of the next three seasons. Carolina also lands Boston University defenseman Chad Krys, who is ready to turn pro, and the first-rounder that Chicago originally received for Ryan Hartman.

I'm not hard pressed - I've done it quite a few times and will be happy to do so again when I have a breaking point at work longer than a few minutes at a time. I'll just note that Toews underlying and micro stats are still top line and that he has had two years of late season pushes of high production that suggest that he could reach higher than his past totals.

Obviously not all that matters but here's a small snap shot of Toews micro stats:




- L_B_R

These wonderful advanced stats earned in his 3rd straight season of declining points and SPG and lowest PPG of his 11 yr career and he is now 30 yrs old on the weakest team he's played on.

Hey Blackhawks fans, I need your help please! We all saw what happened last year when Crawford went down. He's an elite, game changing, 2 time cup champ goalie. In from Philly. Wayne Simmonds only has a year left of his deal. Please just bare with me on this next question... Would you trade Crawford straight up for Simmonds? Do you think that be a fair trade? Would you do it, or do you think that's just a ridiculous question?
- TonyBazz

No its a fair trade only if hawks can backfill with a capable veteran. Goalie. Maybe a prospect or draft pick might have to be added on your end maybe a 3rd or myers or morin something along those lines i would think your thoughts

These wonderful advanced stats earned in his 3rd straight season of declining points and SPG and lowest PPG of his 11 yr career and he is now 30 yrs old on the weakest team he's played on.
- Mr Ricochet

All these stats do is show some of what the player is doing right or wrong. It's then up to the player work on the thing he's doing wrong, the GM to find the players that can benefit from things the players is doing right or help in areas of weakness, and the coach to figure out the best combos / usage for the players assembled. I provide these stats to show that there is potential for a rebound (not a guarantee) and to discuss the why or how of the low final numbers despite good underlying. Take it for how you will.

Does Brady Tkachuk fall to the Hawks at 8 with Wahlstrom, Kotkaniemi and Bouchard/Dobson trending up? I'd wager that AT WORST you have Tom Wilson-esque type player and at BEST you have......Keith Keith Tkachuk2.0
- EnzoD

He might!! This thing could go sideways fast as they are kinda bunched after the top 3. Remember when Seth Jones slid to #4, CLB took Dubios 3rd?

Just read on theScore here in Toronto... the top 10 projections of new homes for some.

Keep in mind it's just a fun projection and appears to be based off of the Scott Powers article the other day.

Justin Faulk - Chicago Blackhawks

Possible return: 2018 1st (27th overall, from Predators), F Marian Hossa, D Chad Krys

It'll take some creativity on the part of these two GMs, but a swap that would send Justin Faulk and Scott Darling from Carolina to the Chicago Blackhawks makes some sense for both clubs.

Chicago's blue line, once the team's strength, lacks both depth and top-end talent, and Faulk would help the Blackhawks begin to improve their defensive core. Darling is expensive, but he has a history of success in Chicago and could step into the starting job should injuries continue to trouble Corey Crawford.

As for the Hurricanes, the deal allows them to walk away from the Darling experiment - he's due nearly $12 million over the next three seasons - and clear a spot for a new goaltender, taking on Marian Hossa's cap hit in exchange. Hossa is owed just $1 million over each of the next three seasons. Carolina also lands Boston University defenseman Chad Krys, who is ready to turn pro, and the first-rounder that Chicago originally received for Ryan Hartman.
- Justin Lowe

If that's is all it took to land Faulk, the Hawks should do it in a heartbeat. I'd even say throw in Forsberg (who can at least be a backup with potential down the road) as well. But does Carolina really want another d-prospect when they have so many? Wouldn't they prefer a center or at least a scoring forward that makes less than Skinner (since he's always on the trade block)?

AA got blasted by foley during that Nashville series after coming back from a sprained ankle. The hatred of Russians by Foley has been aggravating. I grew up with Foley, was glad he came back, but I wish they would move on from him. I feel like I get dumb watching Hawks telecasts because Foley wants to play grab @ss and Eddie O stoops down to that level.


Where as when Eddie O is doing national games you get the ex coach Eddie O and that is the Eddie O the Hawks telecast needs. Instead it's a big love fest with cookies and shout outs. Horrible.
- SteveRain

Foley has been stealing money for yrs. Most any jr game I watch the PBP guy is more prepared, with vastly less resources, than Foley...... Many times he's embarrassing.

Just read on theScore here in Toronto... the top 10 projections of new homes for some.

Keep in mind it's just a fun projection and appears to be based off of the Scott Powers article the other day.

Justin Faulk - Chicago Blackhawks

Possible return: 2018 1st (27th overall, from Predators), F Marian Hossa, D Chad Krys

It'll take some creativity on the part of these two GMs, but a swap that would send Justin Faulk and Scott Darling from Carolina to the Chicago Blackhawks makes some sense for both clubs.

Chicago's blue line, once the team's strength, lacks both depth and top-end talent, and Faulk would help the Blackhawks begin to improve their defensive core. Darling is expensive, but he has a history of success in Chicago and could step into the starting job should injuries continue to trouble Corey Crawford.

As for the Hurricanes, the deal allows them to walk away from the Darling experiment - he's due nearly $12 million over the next three seasons - and clear a spot for a new goaltender, taking on Marian Hossa's cap hit in exchange. Hossa is owed just $1 million over each of the next three seasons. Carolina also lands Boston University defenseman Chad Krys, who is ready to turn pro, and the first-rounder that Chicago originally received for Ryan Hartman.
- Justin Lowe

Don't know if i give them krys we just rebuilt the defense depth maybe dalhstron instead or duclair. So justin this trade proposal keeps coming up so where theres smoke there's fire seems l like this will go down or am I reading too much into it. Also would they then consider moving crow provided he is 100% healthy? One last thing I said in previous posts about trading for matt martin any chance hawks look into acquiring him. Big nasty foward plus teams might think twice about taking cheap shots at are key players toews and kane for example.

So you think if the Blackhawks offered Buffalo Toews for O’Reilly straight up they’d jump on it in a heartbeat?
- walleyeb1

No, they wouldn't IMO. Stats and styles are similar, Toews declining at 30, ROR is not declining, is 3 yrs younger and makes 3 mil less.

No, they wouldn't IMO. Stats and styles are similar, Toews declining at 30, ROR is not declining, is 3 yrs younger and makes 3 mil less.
- Mr Ricochet

First off - 3 mil to an owner like Buffalo's is pocket change. Next, when Toews was ROR's age, he had already won 3 Stanley Cups, and was the captain of the highest profile team. That means something.

Justin Faulk - Chicago Blackhawks and Darling?

Possible return: 2018 1st (27th overall, from Predators), F Marian Hossa, D Chad Krys

It'll take some creativity on the part of these two GMs, but a swap that would send Justin Faulk and Scott Darling from Carolina to the Chicago Blackhawks makes some sense for both clubs.

yeah, looks like the Powers article...

Think about it Chad Krys and the 27th pick for two pro players.
(Can you sweeten the post on the Carolina side by adding RFA Elias Lindholm? )

That is where it smells.

Now if it was Faulk for 2nd and Hossa contract and Krys...it seems more balanced.

What I need explained is how your GM justifies trading Saad because not wanting to pay him due to Cap constraints and and then reacquires that FAT contract and now for a second time would go out on an island re-acquire the former back-up who lost confidence who is making 4 mil as insurance?