No I will stand corrected on your clarification. No spin here needed.

There are 29 teams with flaws after every season, actually 30, but nobody looks at those flaws when you hold a cup.

The big assumption many make is that everything has to be just perfect to win and that it always comes from the outside.

You want to win a series or two this year, teach your core how to score 3 power play goals a series. That is their flaw.
- TrueGrit

So forget Iginla....

Do you think right now, this team, can win a Stanley cup constructed as is?

Not this summer, but get another year out of them and then reassess. There will be one more opportunity the following summer.
- 67hawks

There won't be another opportunity to buy them out the following summer without cap ramifications.

Each team will have the ability to buy out 2 players this offseason and not have it count against the cap. In the future, it will count against the cap.

Even though I really like the kind of player Bolland is… If trading him could get you O’Reilly it would be a no-brainer. People can’t forget there is still McNeill, Danault, Hayes or Nordstrom.

So forget Iginla....

Do you think right now, this team, can win a Stanley cup constructed as is?
- SteveRain

It has as good a chance as any team, and a much better chance than most. That is just a fact. I get that fact from looking at their actual record.

It does not mean that I am against trades, even a trade for Iginla. What I am saying is lay out some real details. And lets look at what Iginla really is right now and what will become of it, in case your cup guarantee falls through this spring after trading some valuable assets for him.

Did you see what Doan was fetching in the open market last year when he turned 35? What do you think Iginla will cost you...in guaranteed over 35 money?

There won't be another opportunity to buy them out the following summer without cap ramifications.

Each team will have the ability to buy out 2 players this offseason and not have it count against the cap. In the future, it will count against the cap.
- HawkFan27

The 2 buyouts as a result of the CBA could be used either this upcoming offseason or the one after the 2013/14 season if I'm not mistaken

The 2 buyouts as a result of the CBA could be used either this upcoming offseason or the one after the 2013/14 season if I'm not mistaken
- prd797

You are correct. My bad on that one. Went to CapGeek and it confirmed.

I still doubt Hossa/Sharp get bought out.

Even though I really like the kind of player Bolland is… If trading him could get you O’Reilly it would be a no-brainer. People can’t forget there is still McNeill, Danault, Hayes or Nordstrom.
- fathermerrin

100 % agree. And he has had a history of back problems. If you can trade him, Mcneill or any other highly skilled prospect except Teravainen for a younger center like O"Reilly, You have to pull the trigger on his potential not just that he has had only one good year.

Re: Frolik. I think there are lots of guys in tbe nhl that hustle like frolik but at some point you have to produce results and he's not... For instance in over 100 games as a hawk and has produced only 22 points, 2 this year in 13 games. That roster spot he is holding (and cap space he's using up) is taking away from either a guy from Rockford getting nhl experience or a FA that will hustle AND produce. Is frolik on the roster worth the opportunity cost? I think no. Jmo.
- moylander

I agree. I really dislike his complete lack of offensive ability (no shot, no vision, no hands) and would deal him to anyone that was interested. His contract was a mistake made with the blinders of a clutch playoff goal on.

The ONLY thing that gives me pause... he sorta has the feeling of one of those depth guys that is part of a cup team. We all (rightfully) expected a whole lot more from him when he signed his deal and we were all burned. BUT, he has shown to be a valuable bottom 6 defensive player and he has upped his game in the playoffs.

Again, I don't like him and would certainly trade him... but he really appears to be that kind of bottom line tallent that can help win a cup.

Makes sense if the Hawks move Bolland and his deal. And I will just say . . . this has been discussed.
- John Jaeckel

The problem with the StanBo regime, at least in my eyes, is there's too much discussing, and not enough acting.

I understand they're just rumors, but the holes on the team this year are smaller than they have the past two years, but they're still there.

Even though I really like the kind of player Bolland is… If trading him could get you O’Reilly it would be a no-brainer. People can’t forget there is still McNeill, Danault, Hayes or Nordstrom.
- fathermerrin

Of these 4 I think only Danualt has the potential to replace Bolland. I'll admit that Bolland's status could be in flux. Personally I would re-sign him, but Kruger and Shaw have both shown that they could be viable replacements. I don't get the impression that Bolland will look to break the bank, I expect he'd re-sign for a reasonable deal.

I know we're all going gaga over O'Reilly, but he's only had 1 year with 55 points and the 2 previous years he had 26. If the right deal comes around for ROR then I'd be willing to acquire him, but I wouldn't do it at the expense of losing Bolland.

Of these 4 I think only Danualt has the potential to replace Bolland. I'll admit that Bolland's status could be in flux. Personally I would re-sign him, but Kruger and Shaw have both shown that they could be viable replacements. I don't get the impression that Bolland will look to break the bank, I expect he'd re-sign for a reasonable deal.

I know we're all going gaga over O'Reilly, but he's only had 1 year with 55 points and the 2 previous years he had 26. If the right deal comes around for ROR then I'd be willing to acquire him, but I wouldn't do it at the expense of losing Bolland.
- DarthKane

I'm only throwing this out there for fun...

You mention O'Reilly's 55 points.

Bolland has never even cracked 50.

Win Cup

Trade or amnesty Sharp or Hossa instead. Hammer could be moved. Bolland could be moved. Would not be difficult for them to shed salary.

Replace with not quite ready prospects like they did 2 years ago and hope for the best. Super small window, Sharp is visibly slower, Toews has concussion history, gotta strike while the iron is hot.
- fattybeef

Come on....


So the plan is - move Hossa or Sharp to acquire Chris Neil and Ryan O'Reilly to capitalize on the Toews's small window. Those two players give the 'Hawks a better chance to capitalize on that small window than Hossa and Sharp? Really?

Moving Bolland is the only part of that proposed plan that makes any sense, if O'Rielly can be had.

You keep using the phrase "it would not be difficult." Running head first into walls isn't too difficult either - doesn't make it smart or productive.

I'm only throwing this out there for fun...

You mention O'Reilly's 55 points.

Bolland has never even cracked 50.
- AceRatbang

Getting O'reilly is a real long shot especially being in the same Conference, but it would definitely be an upgrade over Bolland offensively. Defensively probably not.
Who would you rather have as your second line center JJ? O'Reilly or Bolland?

It has as good a chance as any team, and a much better chance than most. That is just a fact. I get that fact from looking at their actual record.

It does not mean that I am against trades, even a trade for Iginla. What I am saying is lay out some real details. And lets look at what Iginla really is right now and what will become of it, in case your cup guarantee falls through this spring after trading some valuable assets for him.

Did you see what Doan was fetching in the open market last year when he turned 35? What do you think Iginla will cost you...in guaranteed over 35 money?
- TrueGrit

If regular season success equated to championships, San Jose would be a dynasty. Fact is, regular season is all well and fine for seeding purposes, but the whistles disappear in the spring, the pace picks up, and EVERYONE is throwing bodies around and expending every ounce of energy to win. Guys don't do that on a Tuesday night in February in Minneapolis.

Nothing is 100% certain and we all know that. Fact is, iginla improves those chances to win. He's a power forward. Another weapon to compliment your core. A leader. A guy who has captained a conference championship team, and knows what it takes to win, and plays an all around game. The guy is having a down year...no question. Is it age? Maybe. I also can logically argue with you he has NOTHNG around him and 99% of the "stars" in this league would suffer, regardless of age, with that same supporting cast.

I never said you resign him. That's all dependent upon what he wants, for how long, and how he performs. however, if the price is, and realistically speaking, a Brandon Saad, you make that call and go ALL IN.

There are no certainties that Saad will be any better moving forward. HE may be, but he also could plateau. Nobody knows...He could be the next Bryan Bickell. or Tommo Ruutu. How long did it take Ladd to live up to his draft status? A LONG time. Including 2 changes of scenery.

Your core is becoming more and more expensive to maintain, and getting older. 3 have injury issues in Hossa, Toews, and Bolland. Your supposed top notch D man has declined tremondously since his norris win. Right now, all things are clicking, and you can't bank that will be the case next year, the year after, or the year after that.

Pittsburgh made a move similar in giving up what was considered a ton for Hossa. He got them to the cup finals. Granted he was younger, but he was a rental. Carter was moved and LA paid a steep price and won a cup.

Point is, you can't have enough PROVEN weapons. History shows iginla is a top notch NHL power forward. Saad can only wish he gets to that level somebody, but as of today...he's a flash, an unknown.

The object is to win, and win consistently, and nobody here can say that since the parade in June of 2010 they are happy with the results of this team. Cap Hell in 2011, fine. What was the excuse last year? This team should be hanging a minimum of a banner (division) each year in the UC with the talent they possess, but so far that's only happened...one time.

Inexcusable. This fan base needs to hold this team to the accountability level that this team portrays itself to be at.....championship calliber. 1st round blow outs aren't acceptable, and holding on to a could be/might be and playnig the woulda/shoulda/coulda game....will lead to their continue spiral downwards.

What did Mr. Wolf say in Pulp Fiction? "lets not start sucking...." That's exactly how I feel about a 10-0-3 start.

Getting O'reilly is a real long shot especially being in the same Conference, but it would definitely be an upgrade over Bolland offensively. Defensively probably not.
Who would you rather have as your second line center JJ? O'Reilly or Bolland?
- Greek7

If you look at their overall game I'd rather have Bolland over O'Reilly, for me there's no question about it. Bolland brings experience and results, O'Reilly is good but at this point he's all potential. Danault could easily develop into what O'Reilly is (or more) so I'd rather give him a chance next season. I like O'Reilly, I was really hoping the Hawks drafted him in 2009, he would have been a better choice than Olsen. But he's not the type of player you break the bank for.

Unless they move a significant piece (like Bolland for instance), AND a lot of other variables fall into place (namely someone agreeing to take all of Frolik's deal)- there's no way the 'Hawks can fit O'Reilly into the fold.

My underlying point, Wish for O'Reilly in one hand, crap in the other...
- FredoXV

I disagree.

If the Hawks get O'Reilly, moving Bolland is a logical move. We could probably find a taker for Frolik if we kept about $0.5M, but at that point it might be worth it just to keep him.

I didn't try to replicate your math, but based on CapGeek this roster leaves a little over $3M in space*, which should be enough:

Saad/Toews/Hossa
Sharp/O'Reilly/Kane
Shaw/Kruger/Frolik
Carcillo/____/____
Bollig

Keith/Seabrook
Oduya/Hammer
Leddy/Olsen
Brookbank

Crawford
Karlsson

*Salary assumptions: O'Reilly=$4.5, Leddy=$2.5, Kruger=$1.5

I think if the hawks want to acquire neil, basically think of what it took to acquire Ott, and maybe take a little off.

Neil brings everything that Ott does, on a better contract, and it cost the sabres a top six forward to get him.

not saying that you need to move sharp to get the guy, but neil won't be had for a 3rd line UFA or a B level prospect.
- sensarmy_11

Winner of most ridiculous post on hockeybuzz...and that is saying something!

If regular season success equated to championships, San Jose would be a dynasty. Fact is, regular season is all well and fine for seeding purposes, but the whistles disappear in the spring, the pace picks up, and EVERYONE is throwing bodies around and expending every ounce of energy to win. Guys don't do that on a Tuesday night in February in Minneapolis.

Nothing is 100% certain and we all know that. Fact is, iginla improves those chances to win. He's a power forward. Another weapon to compliment your core. A leader. A guy who has captained a conference championship team, and knows what it takes to win, and plays an all around game. The guy is having a down year...no question. Is it age? Maybe. I also can logically argue with you he has NOTHNG around him and 99% of the "stars" in this league would suffer, regardless of age, with that same supporting cast.

I never said you resign him. That's all dependent upon what he wants, for how long, and how he performs. however, if the price is, and realistically speaking, a Brandon Saad, you make that call and go ALL IN.

There are no certainties that Saad will be any better moving forward. HE may be, but he also could plateau. Nobody knows...He could be the next Bryan Bickell. or Tommo Ruutu. How long did it take Ladd to live up to his draft status? A LONG time. Including 2 changes of scenery.

Your core is becoming more and more expensive to maintain, and getting older. 3 have injury issues in Hossa, Toews, and Bolland. Your supposed top notch D man has declined tremondously since his norris win. Right now, all things are clicking, and you can't bank that will be the case next year, the year after, or the year after that.

Pittsburgh made a move similar in giving up what was considered a ton for Hossa. He got them to the cup finals. Granted he was younger, but he was a rental. Carter was moved and LA paid a steep price and won a cup.

Point is, you can't have enough PROVEN weapons. History shows iginla is a top notch NHL power forward. Saad can only wish he gets to that level somebody, but as of today...he's a flash, an unknown.

The object is to win, and win consistently, and nobody here can say that since the parade in June of 2010 they are happy with the results of this team. Cap Hell in 2011, fine. What was the excuse last year? This team should be hanging a minimum of a banner (division) each year in the UC with the talent they possess, but so far that's only happened...one time.

Inexcusable. This fan base needs to hold this team to the accountability level that this team portrays itself to be at.....championship calliber. 1st round blow outs aren't acceptable, and holding on to a could be/might be and playnig the woulda/shoulda/coulda game....will lead to their continue spiral downwards.

What did Mr. Wolf say in Pulp Fiction? "lets not start sucking...." That's exactly how I feel about a 10-0-3 start.
- SteveRain

Lotta good points, but this (bolded text) couldn't be father off. Two first round losses to be sure, but easy on the hyperbole. The last two seasons ended earlier than any of us wished, but the first was lost in OT in Game 7 and last year went 6 games with them setting a record for OT games played. A bounce in either of those series gives us a different result.

Blowouts...hardly.

Saad is on the Score now. Get out thise tin-foil hats and air compressors.

If regular season success equated to championships, San Jose would be a dynasty. Fact is, regular season is all well and fine for seeding purposes, but the whistles disappear in the spring, the pace picks up, and EVERYONE is throwing bodies around and expending every ounce of energy to win. Guys don't do that on a Tuesday night in February in Minneapolis.

Nothing is 100% certain and we all know that. Fact is, iginla improves those chances to win. He's a power forward. Another weapon to compliment your core. A leader. A guy who has captained a conference championship team, and knows what it takes to win, and plays an all around game. The guy is having a down year...no question. Is it age? Maybe. I also can logically argue with you he has NOTHNG around him and 99% of the "stars" in this league would suffer, regardless of age, with that same supporting cast.

I never said you resign him. That's all dependent upon what he wants, for how long, and how he performs. however, if the price is, and realistically speaking, a Brandon Saad, you make that call and go ALL IN.

There are no certainties that Saad will be any better moving forward. HE may be, but he also could plateau. Nobody knows...He could be the next Bryan Bickell. or Tommo Ruutu. How long did it take Ladd to live up to his draft status? A LONG time. Including 2 changes of scenery.

Your core is becoming more and more expensive to maintain, and getting older. 3 have injury issues in Hossa, Toews, and Bolland. Your supposed top notch D man has declined tremondously since his norris win. Right now, all things are clicking, and you can't bank that will be the case next year, the year after, or the year after that.

Pittsburgh made a move similar in giving up what was considered a ton for Hossa. He got them to the cup finals. Granted he was younger, but he was a rental. Carter was moved and LA paid a steep price and won a cup.

Point is, you can't have enough PROVEN weapons. History shows iginla is a top notch NHL power forward. Saad can only wish he gets to that level somebody, but as of today...he's a flash, an unknown.

The object is to win, and win consistently, and nobody here can say that since the parade in June of 2010 they are happy with the results of this team. Cap Hell in 2011, fine. What was the excuse last year? This team should be hanging a minimum of a banner (division) each year in the UC with the talent they possess, but so far that's only happened...one time.

Inexcusable. This fan base needs to hold this team to the accountability level that this team portrays itself to be at.....championship calliber. 1st round blow outs aren't acceptable, and holding on to a could be/might be and playnig the woulda/shoulda/coulda game....will lead to their continue spiral downwards.

What did Mr. Wolf say in Pulp Fiction? "lets not start sucking...." That's exactly how I feel about a 10-0-3 start.
- SteveRain

While I agree with 95% of what you write, the one thing I wonder is whether a PF like Iggy is what the team really needs. I think he would fulfill one of the holes, but I still think we'd need another hitter, like a Neil. If you look to land Iginla and a player like Neil, that would be ideal in my book, but I'm not sure that Iginla, by himself, is the complete anecdote to all Hawk problems.

I disagree.

If the Hawks get O'Reilly, moving Bolland is a logical move. We could probably find a taker for Frolik if we kept about $0.5M, but at that point it might be worth it just to keep him.

I didn't try to replicate your math, but based on CapGeek this roster leaves a little over $3M in space*, which should be enough:

Saad/Toews/Hossa
Sharp/O'Reilly/Kane
Shaw/Kruger/Frolik
Carcillo/____/____
Bollig

Keith/Seabrook
Oduya/Hammer
Leddy/Olsen
Brookbank

Crawford
Karlsson

*Salary assumptions: O'Reilly=$4.5, Leddy=$2.5, Kruger=$1.5
- ozzzie19

From some of the stuff I've read O'Reilly wants move than that ($5.5).

I disagree.

If the Hawks get O'Reilly, moving Bolland is a logical move. We could probably find a taker for Frolik if we kept about $0.5M, but at that point it might be worth it just to keep him.

I didn't try to replicate your math, but based on CapGeek this roster leaves a little over $3M in space*, which should be enough:

Saad/Toews/Hossa
Sharp/O'Reilly/Kane
Shaw/Kruger/Frolik
Carcillo/____/____
Bollig

Keith/Seabrook
Oduya/Hammer
Leddy/Olsen
Brookbank

Crawford
Karlsson

*Salary assumptions: O'Reilly=$4.5, Leddy=$2.5, Kruger=$1.5
- ozzzie19

Would you put your money on Kruger to check Thornton, Getzlaf, or Sedin for seven games? IDK if I would, JUST YET. Possibly in a couple years.

Chris Kuc ‏@ChrisKuc
Ray Emery will start in goal for #Blackhawks tomorrow vs. Sharks.

Emery tomorrow night.

No I will stand corrected on your clarification. No spin here needed.

There are 29 teams with flaws after every season, actually 30, but nobody looks at those flaws when you hold a cup.

The big assumption many make is that everything has to be just perfect to win and that it always comes from the outside.

You want to win a series or two this year, teach your core how to score 3 power play goals a series. That is their flaw.
- TrueGrit

Like Boston's flaw in 2011?

What did Mr. Wolf say in Pulp Fiction? "lets not start sucking...." That's exactly how I feel about a 10-0-3 start.
- SteveRain

I really wanted to insert some quotes from this scene, but i risked being edited, told i was not politically correct and likely banned.