John Jaeckel: A Lost Season In Chicago?

First!Great read as always JJ!

Kane for Roy, Leopold, 1st and 2nd.....or for Miller and a pick, that one sounds a bit more realistic

Right now is Hammer the more obvious to trade,between him and Bolland,considering the Hawks have too few centers on the team?When do you expect us to hear whether Lidstrom is coming back or retiring?

Great article. My only question is would you rather keep Kane at center and try and add a LW power forward instead of 2C? Both top six power forward and 2C are valuable commodities which are probably equivalent value in a trade. I just personally think lack of size in the top six is a bigger issue than lack of 2C. Someone like Ott would be ideal in that he could take faceoffs for Kane, but still play LW.

John Jaeckel: A Lost Season In Chicago?
- John Jaeckel

Thanks for the update.

This whole not knowing about Hossa and Montador sucks. It's bad enough that we have a GM who hasn't shown much in the way of savy moves, now he has to figure out a moving target. If Hoss isn't a solid green light by July 1, this team could have a lot of holes in it and they probably wouldn't know it until October.

If Q really does have the reigns for this season and given he's a huge fan of Bolland, don't you think we may see Kruger and Hammer traded while keeping Bolland and waiting for the young centers you talked about to come up? Trading those two would free up $4.4 mil for next season and then Kruger would be an RFA after 2013.

I'm also wondering what line Q is going to play Carbomb on mostly?

When Carcillo was in the line up the Hawks were 24-10 right ?? Im just saying

Kind of depressiong read. This front office struggles putting together a balanced roster under normal circumstances. Throw in the uncertainties of the CBA and Hossa and I don't have too much faith we're going to hit October with much to be excited about.

Great article. My only question is would you rather keep Kane at center and try and add a LW power forward instead of 2C? Both top six power forward and 2C are valuable commodities which are probably equivalent value in a trade. I just personally think lack of size in the top six is a bigger issue than lack of 2C. Someone like Ott would be ideal in that he could take faceoffs for Kane, but still play LW.
- coldsteelonice

This is a much more likely scenario. Kane isn't going anywhere. With the stockpile of Centers in our system.. I would focus on two power wingers. You can play Kane or Sharp at the 2 Center. And you still have Kruger, Bolland, and even Frolik and Shaw who can play there.

I think the 2 Center position need is way overstated. Size is what is needed. And I am talking Ott type size... Not Stalberg type size. Guys who are big and play big. Again... why Stalberg is expendable. I like him. But he doesn't fit.

A cheaper option ($$-wise) than Suter might be Markov. Let Oduya walk and spend an extra $2.25 million in cap hit. Markov should be the missing piece for the PP, would excel as a second pairing defenceman and could be locked up before the draft without the open market bidding and uncertainty in pursuing Suter.

Bowman obviously has a relationship with Bergevin and Bergevin knows both the value of Hawks players/prospects and how Bowman values them; a fair deal should be possible.

Something like the #18 overall pick, Bickell and a prospect (e.g., goaltender Salak) might be a basis.

A cheaper option ($$-wise) than Suter might be Markov. Let Oduya walk and spend an extra $2.25 million in cap hit. Markov should be the missing piece for the PP, would excel as a second pairing defenceman and could be locked up before the draft without the open market bidding and uncertainty in pursuing Suter.

Bowman obviously has a relationship with Bergevin and Bergevin knows both the value of Hawks players/prospects and how Bowman values them; a fair deal should be possible.

Something like the #18 overall pick, Bickell and a prospect (e.g., goaltender Salak) might be a basis.
- ght120

That dude is a walking IR event waiting to happen.

If Q really does have the reigns for this season and given he's a huge fan of Bolland, don't you think we may see Kruger and Hammer traded while keeping Bolland and waiting for the young centers you talked about to come up? Trading those two would free up $4.4 mil for next season and then Kruger would be an RFA after 2013.

I'm also wondering what line Q is going to play Carbomb on mostly?
- Assman22

The organization is very high on Kruger, now and his potential. I have heard about other teams asking for him, but never the Hawks' offering him. And I know of one case where the conversation ended when the other team asked for Kruger.

I see Carcillo mainly on the fourth line. But he could play on any line on any given night. He, like Kruger, is a player held in much higher regard by the team than they are by fans.

That dude is a walking IR event waiting to happen.
- Blackwater13

+1

I hate to say this, but I really think the best move is to have Hossa call his retirement now. Look, I like the man, and respect his play on the ice, but I have watched him get beat up for a few years now, and even though he is one of the strongest guy on skates, it's a matter of time when the league is going to allow another Torres cheap shot him. He needs to focus on his family, while he still has the ability to understand that. In terms of lost salary, I'm sure Rocky can provide something under the table. The thing to remember, if in a few years he feels like making a return, he can always sign a 1 year deal. He also has won the Cup, something many past and present players cannot say.

I hate to say this, but I really think the best move is to have Hossa call his retirement now. Look, I like the man, and respect his play on the ice, but I have watched him get beat up for a few years now, and even though he is one of the strongest guy on skates, it's a matter of time when the league is going to allow another Torres cheap shot him. He needs to focus on his family, while he still has the ability to understand that. In terms of lost salary, I'm sure Rocky can provide something under the table. The thing to remember, if in a few years he feels like making a return, he can always sign a 1 year deal. He also has won the Cup, something many past and present players cannot say.
- powerenforcer

Why would Rocky provide something under the table?

That dude is a walking IR event waiting to happen.
- Blackwater13

Three major injuries, although one was a fluke skate cut.

Last season he caused a relapse by trying to get back too soon, may have done the same the year before when he re-injured the same knee that blew in the previous years' playoff.

He got in 13 games at the end of the season, has the summer to continue re-hab. Any deal would of course be contingent on a battery of doctors' reports.

I hate to say this, but I really think the best move is to have Hossa call his retirement now. Look, I like the man, and respect his play on the ice, but I have watched him get beat up for a few years now, and even though he is one of the strongest guy on skates, it's a matter of time when the league is going to allow another Torres cheap shot him. He needs to focus on his family, while he still has the ability to understand that. In terms of lost salary, I'm sure Rocky can provide something under the table. The thing to remember, if in a few years he feels like making a return, he can always sign a 1 year deal. He also has won the Cup, something many past and present players cannot say.
- powerenforcer

I think it's pretty easy for us to say what he should, or shouldn't do, but in reality he's the only person who knows his body and what he is capable.

Three major injuries, although one was a fluke skate cut.

Last season he caused a relapse by trying to get back too soon, may have done the same the year before when he re-injured the same knee that blew in the previous years' playoff.

He got in 13 games at the end of the season, has the summer to continue re-hab. Any deal would of course be contingent on a battery of doctors' reports.
- ght120

Makarov is a quality player but too big a gamble for here...

I hate to say this, but I really think the best move is to (1) have Hossa call his retirement now. Look, I like the man, and respect his play on the ice, but I have watched him get beat up for a few years now, and even though he is one of the strongest guy on skates, it's a matter of time when the league is going to allow another Torres cheap shot him. He needs to focus on his family, while he still has the ability to understand that. In terms of lost salary, (2) I'm sure Rocky can provide something under the table. The thing to remember, (3) if in a few years he feels like making a return, he can always sign a 1 year deal. He also has won the Cup, something many past and present players cannot say.
- powerenforcer

(1) & (3): His contract runs until 2021. Retiring takes him off the cap but if he were to return I am certain the contract would still apply and who knows what impact his return would have on the cap for the years he didn't play. NHL might consider it some form of circumvention.

(2) That would absolutely cause cap problems; it reeks of circumvention.

Great article. My only question is would you rather keep Kane at center and try and add a LW power forward instead of 2C? Both top six power forward and 2C are valuable commodities which are probably equivalent value in a trade. I just personally think lack of size in the top six is a bigger issue than lack of 2C. Someone like Ott would be ideal in that he could take faceoffs for Kane, but still play LW.
- coldsteelonice

+100000000000000000000000000x100000000000000

Think the whole 2nd line center is way overblown, the hawks won a cup without a legit second line center.

Whats missing from that cup team? Size in the top 6. Gritty bottom 6 that can chip in goals, and a steady puck moving defenseman. Size would be nice on the blue line but i think its more important to get defenseman that can make tape to tape passes and get the transition going as opposed to a big slow pylon hammering a guy right by the crease. Im going to compare the cup team again, who on that defense was the big physical presence that the hawks dont currently have? Seabrook is still here right? Well the only 2 people missing are boynton and sopel. Yes, boynton and sopel and not chara and weber. Finding a replacement in production from what campbell brought should be a necessity. Hopefully leddy continues to develop and can help in that department.

Kane for Roy, Leopold, 1st and 2nd.....or for Miller and a pick, that one sounds a bit more realistic
- sabresfan365

I love it how Sabres fans come in here an always try to dump a smurf C on the Hawks in Roy, and now Leopold who isn't very good in the first place! If Kane is dealt, the return will be a lot more than other teams cast offs! At least it better be!!!

+100000000000000000000000000x100000000000000

Think the whole 2nd line center is way overblown, the hawks won a cup without a legit second line center.

Whats missing from that cup team? Size in the top 6. Gritty bottom 6 that can chip in goals, and a steady puck moving defenseman. Size would be nice on the blue line but i think its more important to get defenseman that can make tape to tape passes and get the transition going as opposed to a big slow pylon hammering a guy right by the crease. Im going to compare the cup team again, who on that defense was the big physical presence that the hawks dont currently have? Seabrook is still here right? Well the only 2 people missing are boynton and sopel. Yes, boynton and sopel and not chara and weber. Finding a replacement in production from what campbell brought should be a necessity. Hopefully leddy continues to develop and can help in that department.
- Wowo2282

1) Addressing size and center are not mutually exclusive.
2) The Hawks have only THREE legitimate centers on their NHL roster, two of whom weight 175-180 pounds.
3) Kane has a couple of huge shortcomings as a center, and he only goes about a buck seventy.

They need size up an down the roster, without question.

If they don't re-sign Mayers, they have only ONE guy on the roster who can be counted on to win over 50% of his draws. Want to improve the power play and the penalty kill? That would be a good place to start.

I think this whole conversation also makes the offseason physical growth and conditioning of Marcus Kruger really, really important. Dead lifts, uphill sprints and meatballs, baby.

1) Addressing size and center are not mutually exclusive.
2) The Hawks have only THREE legitimate centers on their NHL roster, two of whom weight 175-180 pounds.
3) Kane has a couple of huge shortcomings as a center, and he only goes about a buck seventy.

They need size up an down the roster, without question.

If they don't re-sign Mayers, they have only ONE guy on the roster who can be counted on to win over 50% of his draws. Want to improve the power play and the penalty kill? That would be a good place to start.

I think this whole conversation also makes the offseason physical growth and conditioning of Marcus Kruger really, really important. Dead lifts, uphill sprints and meatballs, baby.
- John Jaeckel

Losing Mayers shouldn't be a concern as long as they understand the need to replace or IMO upgrade that position. It shouldn't be very hard to find a 4th line center who is physical, can play the PK, and win faceoffs. Konopka sounds about right. But there are many many others. Finding a 2C OR a top six forward with size is much harder to do. Finding a 2C WITH size is a pipe dream. So for me, I think someone like Ott (size and skill) would make more of an impact than someone like Stastny (center and skill).

1) Addressing size and center are not mutually exclusive.
2) The Hawks have only THREE legitimate centers on their NHL roster, two of whom weight 175-180 pounds.
3) Kane has a couple of huge shortcomings as a center, and he only goes about a buck seventy.

They need size up an down the roster, without question.

If they don't re-sign Mayers, they have only ONE guy on the roster who can be counted on to win over 50% of his draws. Want to improve the power play and the penalty kill? That would be a good place to start.

I think this whole conversation also makes the offseason physical growth and conditioning of Marcus Kruger really, really important. Dead lifts, uphill sprints and meatballs, baby.
- John Jaeckel

While I couldn't agree more, I don't think this necessarily gets him to where he needs to be this next season. This should be an ongoing approach, but one in which significant results should not be expected for 2012-13 campaign.