That's what it looks like unless the cap really jumps after 13-14.
- tredbrta

The cap will go up twice before we need to re-sign Kane and Toews, so that will help. After the previous lockout the cap increased about 13% - 14% during the first 3 years. If we experience that same level of grown the cap will increase from $64 million to about $80 million for the 2015-16 season. Even if we experience half of that growth the cap would still increase to $72 million, giving Stan an extra $8 million to play with. This would be in addition to likely losing Bolland ($3.375 million), Frolik ($2.33 million) and Oduya ($3.383 million).

Don't how the boyz do it....gets itchy as heck.
- philco28

Itch goes away after mine gets long enough. The first week is hell, but if you fight through it's smooth sailing!

The cap will go up twice before we need to re-sign Kane and Toews, so that will help. After the previous lockout the cap increased about 13% - 14% during the first 3 years. If we experience that same level of grown the cap will increase from $64 million to about $80 million for the 2015-16 season. Even if we experience half of that growth the cap would still increase to $72 million, giving Stan an extra $8 million to play with. This would be in addition to likely losing Bolland ($3.375 million), Frolik ($2.33 million) and Oduya ($3.383 million).
- DarthKane

Not going to worry about any of that yet. Stan has managed the cap well, no reason to think he won't continue.

Itch goes away after mine gets long enough. The first week is hell, but if you fight through it's smooth sailing!
- droe411

Good assessment. Never know what those 6 games may bring. If the FO doesn't see a large increase coming then they need to move early.

I would a lot less sad about any core player if they got back a potential Stamkos, Toews or Pronger plus cap flexibility though.
- tredbrta

A top prospect like that would be exciting, and provide some cap relief. Plus, who knows, maybe dealing a $6M salary would free up room to extend Bickell, Leddy and Kruger without having to worry about running into issues a few years down the line.

I feel like it's a lot more difficult to replace a $6M defenseman in this league than a forward these days. Look at the deals guys like Gonchar and Josi just got, and guys like Bryan Allen have gotten recently. A player of Seabrook's caliber relative to others at his position would probably be difficult to replace even for equal dollars, let alone fewer. Trading Kane or Sharp would probably be more logical, although just as disappointing.

Some people mention trading Seabs to get Mackinnon. I wouldn't do that either. While you may solve the 2C dilemma you just end up creating a hole on defense. Why fill one void only to create another?

Stan won't move Kane and Toews, but if it came down to Seabrook vs Hjalmarsson then Seabs stays, again it's not even close. As much as I like Hjalmarsson you can't keep him over Seabrook.

All the talk of trading Keith (previously) and Seabrook is nonsense. These guys may not be on the same level as Lidstrom but they would be damn near impossible to replace right now (at least not for a lower cap hit). The time may come when Keith or Seabrook get dealt, but as long as this team has a legitimate shot to contend it won't happen.
- DarthKane

No offense but that is just emotion. Hammer has outplayed Seabs by a wide margin this year. He is healthier and has more upside. Seabs is a heart and sole player and a leader - that adds to his value - and he may completely turn it around but there are issues mentioned here plus his cap hit which make the better option to move.

Of course, they better be sure Hammer will take an extension and stay. That would be the nightmare scenario. Move Seabs and Hammer's agent demands more than he is worth, takes him UFA and he walks.

I only saw Wilson play and , right now , I don't like Doug Wilson....
- mrpaulish

Guy's gotta make a living lol...

Some people mention trading Seabs to get Mackinnon. I wouldn't do that either. While you may solve the 2C dilemma you just end up creating a hole on defense. Why fill one void only to create another?

Stan won't move Kane and Toews, but if it came down to Seabrook vs Hjalmarsson then Seabs stays, again it's not even close. As much as I like Hjalmarsson you can't keep him over Seabrook.

All the talk of trading Keith (previously) and Seabrook is nonsense. These guys may not be on the same level as Lidstrom but they would be damn near impossible to replace right now (at least not for a lower cap hit). The time may come when Keith or Seabrook get dealt, but as long as this team has a legitimate shot to contend it won't happen.
- DarthKane

The Keith talk has/is total nonsense. Healthy, solid, eats minutes plus a very reasonable cap hit. UNTOUCHABLE.

Hey all. I'm the new kid on the block. I've been lurking around this Blackhawk forum for about three years now, and have finally had the "courage" (or the realization that you don't need to pay to post) to create an account.
Anyhow, I promise I'm no band-wagoner that's hopping on for the ride. I generally read all JJ's blogs and try to follow along with
- TommyHawk[almost] all of the posts on this particular message board. I look forward to contributing to the discussions.
Go 'Hawks!

Welcome!

- philco28

I didn't start growing mine until the Hawks were down 3-1 to Detroit. I stopped wearing any Hawks stuff and grew a beard. It has worked so far, although I am itching to wear a sweater on game day..........

The Keith talk has/is total nonsense. Healthy, solid, eats minutes plus a very reasonable cap hit. UNTOUCHABLE.
- tredbrta

Especially the way he's ELEVATED his game back to that Norris winning level.

Hey all. I'm the new kid on the block. I've been lurking around this Blackhawk forum for about three years now, and have finally had the "courage" (or the realization that you don't need to pay to post) to create an account.
Anyhow, I promise I'm no band-wagoner that's hopping on for the ride. I generally read all JJ's blogs and try to follow along with
- TommyHawk[almost] all of the posts on this particular message board. I look forward to contributing to the discussions.
Go 'Hawks!

Welcome! It's probably past time that you got yourself an avatar

I didn't start growing mine until the Hawks were down 3-1 to Detroit. I stopped wearing any Hawks stuff and grew a beard. It has worked so far, although I am itching to wear a sweater on game day..........
- droe411

I only wore a t-shirt for all of the LA series until game 5. I got warm and took my jersey off, then they won. Similar thing happened on Wednesday. I took off the jersey when the Hawks were down 2-0, so I think I'm sticking with wearing a jersey to watch the game, but taking it off right away. It's only weird if it doesn't work, right?

The cap will go up twice before we need to re-sign Kane and Toews, so that will help. After the previous lockout the cap increased about 13% - 14% during the first 3 years. If we experience that same level of grown the cap will increase from $64 million to about $80 million for the 2015-16 season. Even if we experience half of that growth the cap would still increase to $72 million, giving Stan an extra $8 million to play with. This would be in addition to likely losing Bolland ($3.375 million), Frolik ($2.33 million) and Oduya ($3.383 million).
- DarthKane

Those are encouraging numbers. You need to factor in costs for Hammer, Bickell, Kruger, Leddy etc... Plus adding the space and flexibility thru a subtraction puts them in a position of strength in both negotiations with other rostered players as well as to deal with possible needs. That flexibility gives them the freedom to move to lock up some players even earlier. This FO would be foolish, for instance, to allow Kane to even get a year away from UFA status. They should offer him and Toews extensions no later than next summer. If Kane rejects it then you need to look to deal him because Buffalo will throw everything at him and he may want to go.

Just had to bring this to everyone's attention: http://www.winnipegfreepr...or-a-trade-210963161.html

302 pounds! Holy jumpin'!

Welcome! It's probably past time that you got yourself an avatar
- Lash8

Ice Girls avatars never go out of style.

A top prospect like that would be exciting, and provide some cap relief. Plus, who knows, maybe dealing a $6M salary would free up room to extend Bickell, Leddy and Kruger without having to worry about running into issues a few years down the line.

I feel like it's a lot more difficult to replace a $6M defenseman in this league than a forward these days. Look at the deals guys like Gonchar and Josi just got, and guys like Bryan Allen have gotten recently. A player of Seabrook's caliber relative to others at his position would probably be difficult to replace even for equal dollars, let alone fewer. Trading Kane or Sharp would probably be more logical, although just as disappointing.
- Lash8

ZACTLY and agreed.

Have a good day all. Thanks for the dialogue. Time to hit the lake.

Go Hawks!

Even at 5 we would get a great player ready to step in probably in barkov or the big Russian. But my plan would be trade TT and the #5 to either land the 1st or 2nd. I would love either jones or mackinnon. Other things would be added. TT and the #5 for the #2 and Matthias or Shore. We can throw in something else
- tomcat24

An interesting name is Nick Bjugstad. According to the Panther blogger, he could be pushed out if they end up with MacKinnon. I think Bjugstad could be a perfect fit for the Blackhawks. He's got terrific size (6'6''), though once he fills out his frame (he's currently 215 pounds), he could make for an absolutely lethal weapon. He's still a raw talent, but according to his scouting report he's got great skill as a two-way player, and he has a very good shot. He was the 10th overall pick in the draft a couple years ago, so you know he's highly regarded (he's also only 20-years-old). Depending on if Florida dangles him around, I think it would be in the best interest of the organization to at least get a feel for what it would take to acquire him.

Welcome! It's probably past time that you got yourself an avatar
- Lash8

If only I could find an image that is under 25 KB.

ZACTLY and agreed.

Have a good day all. Thanks for the dialogue. Time to hit the lake.

Go Hawks!
- tredbrta

Yeah, it's lunch time for me. Need to get out of the office and stop thinking about doom and gloom roster/cap scenarios until the season is actually over...or at least for the duration of my lunch hour.

Saw this on Pro Football Talk, since like you said we have time before puck drop, who is on your Mt. Rushmore for the Chicago Blackhawks?
For me and not in any specific order:

Bobby Hull
Stan Mikita
Glenn Hall
Pierre Pilote

Would like to say Toews but the body of work is not that complete.
- Studebakerhawk

I would put Tony O over Hall.

An interesting name is Nick Bjugstad. According to the Panther blogger, he could be pushed out if they end up with MacKinnon. I think Bjugstad could be a perfect fit for the Blackhawks. He's got terrific size (6'6''), though once he fills out his frame (he's currently 215 pounds), he could make for an absolutely lethal weapon. He's still a raw talent, but according to his scouting report he's got great skill as a two-way player, and he has a very good shot. He was the 10th overall pick in the draft a couple years ago, so you know he's highly regarded (he's also only 20-years-old). Depending on if Florida dangles him around, I think it would be in the best interest of the organization to at least get a feel for what it would take to acquire him.
- TommyHawk

A 6'6" center? That's Handzus-size without Handzus-age! The kid may be one to keep an eye on.

If only I could find an image that is under 25 KB.
- TommyHawk

I've got the photoshop skills, I just can't decide what avatar really best represents me as a hockey fan.

A 6'6" center? That's Handzus-size without Handzus-age! The kid may be one to keep an eye on.
- Lash8

I heard he's also mobile.

Based on body of work, I would put Tony O over Hall.
- faustus1500

How many rings does Tony O have? How many for Hall? Speaking as a '71 SCF survivor, Tony O can burn in hell....