That's not really a fair comparison. Bickell and Stalberg were on their first real contracts of their career so of course they are going to be cheap.

Versteeg at $2.2 million is a steal, he can roam around the top 9 as required and provides experienced depth. If you're going to complain about Versteeg at $2.2 million then you have to complain about Shaw at $2 million next year.

After the playoffs everyone wanted Bickell re-signed and we were happy when it was done, It became the worse case scenario when Bickell tanked this season, but I put that on Bickell not Stan.
- DarthKane

Wiz can verify this...but I believe Bickell's last deal wasn't his 1st contract. I believe that was his 2nd deal. I want to say they extended him 3-4 years ago. Maybe right after the 1st cup run.

Wiz can verify this...but I believe Bickell's last deal wasn't his 1st contract. I believe that was his 2nd deal. I want to say they extended him 3-4 years ago. Maybe right after the 1st cup run.
- SteveRain

Somewhere in the world, in somebody's language, "worthless" is spelled BICKELL.

I love it when revisionist history rears it's head.
- rtang415

I told you to avoid Ek's thread Tanger.

I told you to avoid Ek's thread Tanger.
- Elbows15

I know. I know...

Well Rain…..once again it looks like you're SOL…..


https://twitter.com/Brian...status/438031965283827712
- yahoodi

(frank) Quenneville. He must also like dysentery, long walks on a beach strewn with broken glass, and sticking wet fingers in a light socket.

if I were Kane, I'd be looking for new employment opportunities.

Wiz can verify this...but I believe Bickell's last deal wasn't his 1st contract. I believe that was his 2nd deal. I want to say they extended him 3-4 years ago. Maybe right after the 1st cup run.
- SteveRain

Not sure when but it was his 2nd deal.

I am shocked that Regin is going to play with Kane. Who saw that coming?

It will be magic!!!
- DarthKane

I hear the stuff was good in your part of the world. Now I know its true.

I know. I know...
- rtang415

I found out a lot of things that I never knew it there yesterday.

I am shocked that Regin is going to play with Kane. Who saw that coming?
- Elbows15

i'm not surprised at all. As a matter of fact, that's exactly what I figured was going to happen when they got him. Quenneville is nothing if not predictable. I don't care what anybody says, he is the most overrated coach in recent memory. he is a system and nothing more. his personnel decisions suck, is constant line juggling sucks, his matchup chasing sucks, and his mentoring of young players sucks.

granted, his system is a big reason why the Hawks do as well as they do. but that's about all the credit I will give him.

Bowman had no choice but to sign Bickell. Can't blame him. What if he'd let him go and he performed well woth a conf rival? Besides, there was no obvious alternative. It's all on that lazy (frank)'s head.
- Q...argh

He traded Fro to a division rival, I really doubt that was the logic behind it. I think they got scared they wouldn't have the "PF" they lost in Buff and payed out the nose to keep it.

I am shocked that Regin is going to play with Kane. Who saw that coming?
- Elbows15

I think Kane might lead the team in SH minutes this year without getting a shift on the PK....

He traded Fro to a division rival, I really doubt that was the logic behind it. I think they got scared they wouldn't have the "PF" they lost in Buff and payed out the nose to keep it.
- rollpards19

that's clearly a big part of it as well. The main thrust, though, is that Bowman for a variety of reasons really had no choice but to re-sign him. I never could stand Bickell and figured he was only playing for a new contract, but there was no way I could disagree with re-signing him.

"The sky is falling. The sky is falling"

i'm not surprised at all. As a matter of fact, that's exactly what I figured was going to happen when they got him. Quenneville is nothing if not predictable. I don't care what anybody says, he is the most overrated coach in recent memory. he is a system and nothing more. his personnel decisions suck, is constant line juggling sucks, his matchup chasing sucks, and his mentoring of young players sucks.
- Q...argh

He's not the only one

He's not the only one
- Ogilthorpe2

I see what you did there

He's not the only one
- Ogilthorpe2

He's not the only one
- Ogilthorpe2

Are you telling me that going after a stiff like Regin and putting him on the 2nd line to center Patrick Kane is "genius" coaching? Bylesma has a cup too, but I don't see everybody jumping up and standing in line to worship him The way some people do Quenneville around here.

This team is going to go as far as the big 4 up front and the 6 guys on the back end take them, There are no moves to make unless a player on the NHL roster is sent packing. I highly doubt it happens. Regin and Handzus are your 2C. Maybe they might shuffle it around and play Shaw or Kruger there and slide Slowzus and Useless down. Who know, maybe they throw Pirri back out there but really don't see it at this point.

Nordstom and Morin might be possibilities to be brought up.

What the real question here is how much are they banking on some of their prospects being ready for another run at the Cup next season. Going into next season they have roughly 12-13 million to sign 8 players. They will need some of these prospects to take the next step or re-shuffle the deck.

IMO, of course.

I think Kane might lead the team in SH minutes this year without getting a shift on the PK....


- CBHawks88

Its been my issue with Regin since the deal was made. The guy is barely a NHL'er. He sure as hell isn't a top 6 player.

Are you telling me that going after a stiff like Regin and putting him on the 2nd line to center Patrick Kane is "genius" coaching? Bylesma has a cup too, but I don't see everybody jumping up and standing in line to worship him The way some people do Quenneville around here.
- Q...argh

3 Cups for Q .

You never give an alternative idea. You only bash the next nights game plan. The Hawks have no $ for a 2nd line center . It is what it is.

Are you telling me that going after a stiff like Regin and putting him on the 2nd line to center Patrick Kane is "genius" coaching? Bylesma has a cup too, but I don't see everybody jumping up and standing in line to worship him The way some people do Quenneville around here.
- Q...argh

How did Quenville go after Regin?

3 Cups for Q .

You never give an alternative idea. You only bash the next nights game plan. The Hawks have no $ for a 2nd line center . It is what it is.
- mrpaulish

my dog could've coached teams to the cup with the teams Quenneville was blessed with. They were his to lose. as a matter of fact, he came pretty damn close to it against Detroit last season didn't he???!!!

This team is going to go as far as the big 4 up front and the 6 guys on the back end take them, There are no moves to make unless a player on the NHL roster is sent packing. I highly doubt it happens. Regin and Handzus are your 2C. Maybe they might shuffle it around and play Shaw or Kruger there and slide Slowzus and Useless down. Who know, maybe they throw Pirri back out there but really don't see it at this point.

Nordstom and Morin might be possibilities to be brought up.

What the real question here is how much are they banking on some of their prospects being ready for another run at the Cup next season. Going into next season they have roughly 12-13 million to sign 8 players. They will need some of these prospects to take the next step or re-shuffle the deck.

IMO, of course.
- Elbows15

Agreed, I think depth is often to focused on. I don't even think Leddy and Rosival really matter that much either. Can they help or hurt the team, sure, but what it comes down to is your top 6 and top 4 outscoring the other team's top 6 and top 4 (barring crazy goalie series).

my dog could've coached teams to the cup with the teams Quenneville was blessed with. They were his to lose. as a matter of fact, he came pretty damn close to it against Detroit last season didn't he???!!!
- Q...argh

Get a high calonic.