i don't pretend to be an expert...i just went to the hawks page, looked at the depth chart, and those 2 guys were in your bottom six.

i wasn't saying that neil is worth saad, i think that would be a big overpayment by chicago, i was just saying that he was a valuable player that i thought was in your bottom six (it was in reply to you saying i didn't think there was any value in your bottom six).

who would be your bottom six then? bollig, kruger, shaw, frolik..... the only one i think ottawa would be interested in would be shaw, but not sure the hawks would move him for neil, given his age and potential
- sensarmy_11

What 'page'?

Saad has skated a total of like three shifts below the top 6 over parts of two seasons. Bolland is centering Sharp and Kane. Let's get back to reality, OK?

Look, I'm not divulging the name I heard right now (for my own reasons).

You look at actual NHL production, skills, age and upside and some other factors, andthere is a guy who makes some sense as return for Neil.

Do I think the Sens will do it? No, probably not.

But Chris Neil is not getting the Sens Brandon Saad in this or any other universe.

I still can't believe that the Red Wings didn't scoop up Campoli.

Look at their blue line and tell me Chris Campoli at league minimum wouldn't be an upgrade.

Weird.

What 'page'?

Saad has skated a total of like three shifts below the top 6 over parts of two seasons. Bolland is centering Sharp and Kane. Let's get back to reality, OK?
- John Jaeckel

cbs. but now that i look closely, they also have sharp in the bottom six, so probably shouldn't trust that depth chart.

my bad

cbs. but now that i look closely, they also have sharp in the bottom six, so probably shouldn't trust that depth chart.

my bad
- sensarmy_11

No worries

I think it is safe to say that the man who would be going the other way would be Stalberg. I can't imagine the Hawks giving up Kruger, just too much potential there.

Stalberg has played well for the Hawks, but he is just a speed guy, not a great stick handler and does not throw his body around enough for his size. I think the Hawks could easily survive without him, especially if it brought back Neil.

Not saying Stalberg for Neil straight up would get it done, just saying that it has to be him as the "Mystery player"

I hope Karlsson is okay, hate to see anyone get injured like that.

I still can't believe that the Red Wings didn't scoop up Campoli.

Look at their blue line and tell me Chris Campoli at league minimum wouldn't be an upgrade.

Weird.
- AceRatbang

Campoli's name is mud because of his militant stance during CBA discussions, Melnyk wasn't one of the 'hawk' (not Blackhawk) owners and he seems to be more concerned with winning than playing politics or holding grudges.

You take a look at the lower line forwards for the Hawks, tell me none of them could not be return for Chris Neil. I can think of one or two or three, including the guy whose name I heard.

Then connect the dots. It would be a value for value deal. Different skills, but arguably equal value.
- John Jaeckel

I hope its not Kruger. Really like him.

I think it is safe to say that the man who would be going the other way would be Stalberg. I can't imagine the Hawks giving up Kruger, just too much potential there.

Stalberg has played well for the Hawks, but he is just a speed guy, not a great stick handler and does not throw his body around enough for his size. I think the Hawks could easily survive without him, especially if it brought back Neil.

Not saying Stalberg for Neil straight up would get it done, just saying that it has to be him as the "Mystery player"
- Hawks2013

not doubting stalberg's ability, he's been very good for you guys, but the sens have absolutely no need for a player like him. we have lots of guys who have 15-20 goal, 40 pt ability, who don't bring any physicality.....who are all younger and are not UFAs at the end of the year. basically we'd be giving up neil for a player we didn't need and who in all likliehood woulnt' be back next year.

Campoli's name is mud because of his militant stance during CBA discussions, Melnyk wasn't one of the 'hawk' (not Blackhawk) owners and he seems to be more concerned with winning than playing politics or holding grudges.
- paulr

it probably helps that 2 of his best 3 d-men are out for the year too.

Well, Kruger is one of the 2-3 guys I mentioned who have upside, not going to say right now who I heard in connection with this. But I will also say Kruger is highly thought of throughout the NHL.
- John Jaeckel

I would hate to give up Kruger for him. Stalberg would also be a disappointment, but if they don't believe they can resign him, then it is what it is. I'd be shocked if they dealt Kruger, given his improvement this year, as well as his being one of Bowman's prized picks. I'd be ok with Shaw going.

Campoli's name is mud because of his militant stance during CBA discussions, Melnyk wasn't one of the 'hawk' (not Blackhawk) owners and he seems to be more concerned with winning than playing politics or holding grudges.
- paulr

Yeah this was discussed on Sportsnet a while ago and their general consensus was that its very unlikely that this is what's keeping Campoli from getting a contract.

I think there absolutely could be an owner or two who would hold a grudge like this, but I doubt the majority of them would.

I really don't see a team like Detroit being that short sighted. Ilitch and Holland want to win. Maybe they juat really do like Kent Huskins :D

I like Neil. He's a stand up guy. Physical player but not the idiotic kind that ends peoples careers. He creamed Boyle last year but elbow down and a legitimate hockey play.

Don't think that Cooke play was super deliberate but that was such a silly thing to do with his leg there. That bozo is still throwing elbows at craniums. Accident or not it is kind of crazy how a career has ended and players have missed significant time as a result of this piece of garbage. Calamity seems to follow him no matter how reformed he is or isn't. Really suspect when you look at plays he is involved in and the number of players who get injured.

What 'page'?

Saad has skated a total of like three shifts below the top 6 over parts of two seasons. Bolland is centering Sharp and Kane. Let's get back to reality, OK?

Look, I'm not divulging the name I heard right now (for my own reasons).

You look at actual NHL production, skills, age and upside and some other factors, andthere is a guy who makes some sense as return for Neil.

Do I think the Sens will do it? No, probably not.

But Chris Neil is not getting the Sens Brandon Saad in this or any other universe.
- John Jaeckel

to me, this should really only be Frolik. he is nice defensively, but overpaid to do just that. with neil we could actually save money and add a physical/grit dynamic more. to me, if its a bottom 6 guy of shaw or bickell, its not worth it because its kind of a wash, as they basically are the physicality and grit of the bottom 6 as is

if its kruger and stalberg, NO WAY.

while frolik has been very valuable on the PK, those type of guys are much more replaceable

a bottom 6 of

Shaw Stalberg Bickell
Kruger Carcillo Neil

would very much frustrate a lot of lines in the NHL

to me, this should really only be Frolik. he is nice defensively, but overpaid to do just that. with neil we could actually save money and add a physical/grit dynamic more. to me, if its a bottom 6 guy of shaw or bickell, its not worth it because its kind of a wash, as they basically are the physicality and grit of the bottom 6 as is

if its kruger and stalberg, NO WAY.

while frolik has been very valuable on the PK, those type of guys are much more replaceable
- FourFeathers773

Agreed

I don't see the Sens trading Neil. He just signed a new extension last summer and the guy bleeds red and gold... He is a true leader on the Sens on and off the ice and I believe he will finish his carear as a Sen...

If he does get traded to the Hawks, I will cheer for the Hawks to win the cup. He is truly a great guy and you would love him. I just don't see it happening though. What I do see is potentially Alfie being traded to the Hawks at the deadline for a 1st and a prospect (not Saad). I think now that the Sens are desimated with injuries they ask Alfie what he wants to do and if he says I want a chance at a cup they do everything they can to put him on the team with the best possible chance to do it. I'd be ordering my Alfie Hawks jersey the day he laces em up for the Hawks.

I don't see the Sens trading Neil. He just signed a new extension last summer and the guy bleeds red and gold... He is a true leader on the Sens on and off the ice and I believe he will finish his carear as a Sen...

If he does get traded to the Hawks, I will cheer for the Hawks to win the cup. He is truly a great guy and you would love him. I just don't see it happening though. What I do see is potentially Alfie being traded to the Hawks at the deadline for a 1st and a prospect (not Saad). I think now that the Sens are desimated with injuries they ask Alfie what he wants to do and if he says I want a chance at a cup they do everything they can to put him on the team with the best possible chance to do it. I'd be ordering my Alfie Hawks jersey the day he laces em up for the Hawks.
- riceroni

the hawks have a ton of highly regarded prospects in the system that the hawks can afford to part with.

I think we could easily offer you kyle beach, shawn lalonde, and a 1st for alfie

I would think Frolik or Stalberg would be the piece that can get Neil
- mrpaulish

That would be fine because if I had to pick one of those three that I'd keep first, it would be Kruger.

the hawks have a ton of highly regarded prospects in the system that the hawks can afford to part with.

I think we could easily offer you kyle beach, shawn lalonde, and a 1st for alfie
- FourFeathers773

If Bowman gives up a prospect and a first for Alfredsson that would be the last time he would be allowed to use the phone as an NHL GM for the rest of his life.

I would hate to give up Kruger for him. Stalberg would also be a disappointment, but if they don't believe they can resign him, then it is what it is. I'd be shocked if they dealt Kruger, given his improvement this year, as well as his being one of Bowman's prized picks. I'd be ok with Shaw going.
- howiehandles

Don't fret too much worrying about overpaying for a player like Neil who really is a glorified Mike Brown. He's nearly 34 and has 3 more years left at $1.9M/yr. Do you really think Bowman would take that salary on because he thinks he may have trouble re-signing Stalberg?

Chris Neil is worth a minor leaguer like a Shawn Lalonde and a draft pick. That's it. Otherwise, Eugene Melnyk can keep paying Neil out the $6M he owes him for the duration of his contract. And there ain't going to be much revenue playoff games with Erik Karlsson gone, which is very sad in its own right.

I would imagine Ottawa will now make some large deals with both Spezza and Karlsson gone for the season. I do not see Neil being offered up in a trade.

I think the players highest on the list to be dealt are:

Anderson

Gonchar

Michalek

I can't imagine Murray being interested in any players other than for picks and or prospects.

Don't fret too much worrying about overpaying for a player like Neil who really is a glorified Mike Brown. He's nearly 34 and has 3 more years left at $1.9M/yr. Do you really think Bowman would take that salary on because he thinks he may have trouble re-signing Stalberg?

Chris Neil is worth a minor leaguer like a Shawn Lalonde and a draft pick. That's it. Otherwise, Eugene Melnyk can keep paying Neil out the $6M he owes him for the duration of his contract. And there ain't going to be much revenue playoff games with Erik Karlsson gone, which is very sad in its own right.
- RickJ

Rick,

Not sure I completely agree with the first part of your post. I see the logic, but not sure the hawks would be (or are) as down on Neil as you say. They inquired about him last year as well.

I will say although I like the Sens coach and goalie quite a bit, I do agree that Sens fans might need to adjust to a wait til next year approach with Karlsson now out long term.

I would imagine Ottawa will now make some large deals with both Spezza and Karlsson gone for the season. I do not see Neil being offered up in a trade.

I think the players highest on the list to be dealt are:

Anderson

Gonchar

Michalek

I can't imagine Murray being interested in any players other than for picks and or prospects.
- spatso

Well, I heard a rumor about Lehner going to COL for O'Reilly this AM as well. So, if true, there goes some of your logic.

BUT . . . in a broad sense, you could be right. Murray has to decide whether to reload on the fly for next year or try to patch for this year. Losing Karlsson has to push him more toward the former because there is no "patch" that will be acquired and an already thin defense.

Neil turns 34 in June. I think at most we give up Frolik, maybe Bickell.

I would be pissed if it was Shaw.