If the Sutter Pouliot and the 22 nd deal is in fact a real offer ,IMO that is a better offer.


Theodore and the 10 th from Ana is a better offer.
- VANTEL

I guess you have hacked Benning's scouting reports.

Sutter had some tough press in Carolina. Some other stuff in juniors and WJC. Some still think he is a head case. Neal is more of a Canucks type player. He would fit in and age well with Burrows and the gang.

in the spirit of blockbuster:

Sharp to Montreal for Eller and Tinordi
TT, Leddy, Morin, McNeill, 1st to Van for Kesler and Gaunce and 2015 3rd

Tampa send nate Thompson and ny first round pick for leddy, you guys get a c and a 1 and we get the d we need!
- tampabaydoompatrol

Drouin for leddy?

The fun part of this Kesler situation is that it could turn into a game of "chicken" between Kesler and Benning.

Kesler NTC basically gives him the decision power on where he lands...

Benning has some leverage because Kesler has two years left on his contract. With Vancouver seemingly not going to be in contention for some time, Benning can hold onto him for the right offer, and doesn't have trade him immediately - until the trade deadline in early 2016. That could influence Kesler to bend on which team he goes too.

Who flinches first?
- EKolb13

He gets less if he waits until 2016. He is a new GM. I think he makes the move. However, the Nuck land delusion that they are getting only young players/picks back is ridiculous. In the cap environment and at Kesler's hit they will be taking salary back - which means a veteran like Sharp - or eating salary (unlikely with their owners).

Loved this though...

"With Vancouver seemingly not going to be in contention for some time."

I think "seemingly" was very diplomatic of you.

As many of us thought Torts was the final nail in the coffin.

Just some musings about Sharp.

Sharp will be 33 before half of next season will be over.

His cap hit of $5.9MM continues for three more years.

Vancouver is probably at least three years away from realistically competing for a Cup.

Why would they want an very good but very expensive winger for three non-competitive years who will be 36 - and a UFA - by the time they may be ready to compete?

Substitute Ottawa (Spaezza), NYI, Miami or any othe also-ran team - unless there is a cap floor issue.

Sharp has to go to a contender (which is probably his requirement too - with his NTC) - which has either the 2C the Hawks need (and are willing to give up) or the cap space to give back the cap space that the Hawks can use for a 2C?

I see no major move this summer, old an cheap adds hoping they can stabilize the bottom-6, Shaw starting at 2C next fall, and I don't know what happens next year when (as Bogie said) they will need tons of cap space for Toews, Kane, Saad and Kruger.

in the spirit of blockbuster:

Sharp to Montreal for Eller and Tinordi
TT, Leddy, Morin, McNeill, 1st to Van for Kesler and Gaunce and 2015 3rd
- ikeane

Just from past years, my view the hawks do this (not all 3 but option 1, 2, and 3):
1) sign statsny and trade sharp/oduya or leddy for prospects/draft picks
2) we he the famous bowman quote of "i like our team"
3) Bowman is sick for the next two weeks and another hawks personal trades TT/leddy for kesler

The "LA model" is going to blow up next year when they have to figure out a way to get:

Next year:
Williams
Stoll
Clifford
Perason
Toffoli
Martinez
Muzzin

... under contract

And the 2016-17 year needing to get Kopitar under contract.

Yeah. Have fun with that "model".
- CaptainBlackhawk

This is why I hope they sign Gaborik for $6M plus. Makes it even more difficult. I think there is no question they let Stoll walk if he will not take a pay cut.

Just some musings about Sharp.

Sharp will be 33 before half of next season will be over.

His cap hit of $5.9MM continues for three more years.

Vancouver is probably at least three years away from realistically competing for a Cup.

Why would they want an very good but very expensive winger for three non-competitive years who will be 36 - and a UFA - by the time they may be ready to compete?

Substitute Ottawa (Spaezza), NYI, Miami or any othe also-ran team - unless there is a cap floor issue.

Sharp has to go to a contender (which is probably his requirement too - with his NTC) - which has either the 2C the Hawks need (and are willing to give up) or the cap space to give back the cap space that the Hawks can use for a 2C?

I see no major move this summer, old an cheap adds hoping they can stabilize the bottom-6, Shaw starting at 2C next fall, and I don't know what happens next year when (as Bogie said) they will need tons of cap space for Toews, Kane, Saad and Kruger.
- StLBravesFan

Thinking Sharp to Habs meets a lot of those criteria

Seabrook is an excellent player ,but Canucks are no where near winning a cup so they need to build with youth . I think Canucks need to get back at least a pick and a prospect more than anything else.
- VANTEL

Benning could easily see Seabrook as a more moveable piece though than Kesler.

Teams would be trampling each other for Seabs. East and West.

That is why I can't see the Hawks doing that deal.

Just some musings about Sharp.

Sharp will be 33 before half of next season will be over.

His cap hit of $5.9MM continues for three more years.

Vancouver is probably at least three years away from realistically competing for a Cup.

Why would they want an very good but very expensive winger for three non-competitive years who will be 36 - and a UFA - by the time they may be ready to compete?

Substitute Ottawa (Spaezza), NYI, Miami or any othe also-ran team - unless there is a cap floor issue.

Sharp has to go to a contender (which is probably his requirement too - with his NTC) - which has either the 2C the Hawks need (and are willing to give up) or the cap space to give back the cap space that the Hawks can use for a 2C?

I see no major move this summer, old an cheap adds hoping they can stabilize the bottom-6, Shaw starting at 2C next fall, and I don't know what happens next year when (as Bogie said) they will need tons of cap space for Toews, Kane, Saad and Kruger.
- StLBravesFan

There are some who believe you bring in good veteran players to show the kids the ropes?

Thinking Sharp to Habs meets a lot of those criteria
- ikeane

Could be - Eller for 2C? Seems he's been playing more 3rd line minutes.

There are some who believe you bring in good veteran players to show the kids the ropes?
- paulr

That's a pretty expensive teacher, tho.

But maybe.

Could be - Eller for 2C? Seems he's been playing more 3rd line minutes.
- StLBravesFan

Eller's offensive numbers are underwhelming...that'd be a tough sell for Bowman.

I like reading their stuff....And he seems like a nice guy...but I thought that comment was nuts....Claiming the Hawks D pipeline is full of players isn't a good enough reason to trade Seabrook...And he mentioned Johns...Right now, Johns is exactly what TT is....A prospect....could turn out to be a decent NHLer...could turn out to be the next Kyle Beach, Jack Skille, alexandre daigle etc....
- captainserious

Johns may be the victim of underrating here. He is 4 years older than TT and needs to fill out NOT. Saw a couple of his games at ND before heading to Rockford and he was a man among boys.

A prospect yes but could be NHL ready now. If he brings it in camp or the 1st half the Hawks will be in a good position but will have some tough choices depending on who they sign for those open D spots.

Rundblad will have to really get his condition and skating back this OS if he is going to have any chance. I would bet on Rosi being in better shape considering this is his final contract year. I really hope they avoid Prosser.

Is anybody else concerned about Kesler's ability to remain healthy ? He seems to be hurt a lot much like bolland. I'd love to see the hawks add a center like grabovski who has skill to play with Kane and won't cost assets.

Saad(.764167) - Toews(6.3) - Kane(6.3)
Bickell(4.00) - Kesler(5.0) - Hossa(5.275)
Bolling (1.25)- Shaw(2.0) - Versteeg(2.2)
Raymond(2.0) - Kreuger(1.325) - Moss(2.5)

Seabrook(5.8) - Keith(5.538)
Hjalmarsson(4.1) - Oduya(3.375)
Leddy(2.7) - Greene(2.5)


Cap Space of about 680,000 left.

Don't dispute JJ at all, and would love to send Sharp to VAN.

Most hockey players peak performance is from 28-32. Most, not all, begin to decline past 32.

Sharp most likely has only a couple years, at best, before he starts to decline. And he's ok defensively, but not a 2 way stud like Hossa, who could hang on as a defensive specialist after his high scoring days are done.

So, I would think that most rebuilding teams would not want Sharp, unless he is to become the senior statesman/captain/role model for young players.

The likely destination, I think, would be someone like MTL, who may think he could be a piece to get them over the top in the next few years.

I would think VAN would want young NHL players, AHL prospects, or picks for RK.

Could be - Eller for 2C? Seems he's been playing more 3rd line minutes.
- StLBravesFan

would love Galenchuk but that wont happen. Perhaps for Tinordi, a 2nd round pick and a prospect Vancouver wants, then TT, Leddy, and MTL prospect go to Vancouver for RK

Most hockey players peak performance is from 28-32. Most, not all, begin to decline past 32.


- scottak

For most scorers I think you can make the argument peak years are 25 and under. It's a lot like football but doesn't get the attention. I think the game physically wears on guys, that's the only explanation I can think of. There are always exceptions but I've noticed an awful lot of scorers who play at a very high level until 25 ish and start to decline.

That's a pretty expensive teacher, tho.

But maybe.
- StLBravesFan

Not sure I buy into it but I can understand the theory. Look at the Oilers young stars floundering, would an experienced vet, like, Sharp provide some direction?

Just some musings about Sharp.

Sharp will be 33 before half of next season will be over.

His cap hit of $5.9MM continues for three more years.

Vancouver is probably at least three years away from realistically competing for a Cup.

Why would they want an very good but very expensive winger for three non-competitive years who will be 36 - and a UFA - by the time they may be ready to compete?

Substitute Ottawa (Spaezza), NYI, Miami or any othe also-ran team - unless there is a cap floor issue.

Sharp has to go to a contender (which is probably his requirement too - with his NTC) - which has either the 2C the Hawks need (and are willing to give up) or the cap space to give back the cap space that the Hawks can use for a 2C?

I see no major move this summer, old an cheap adds hoping they can stabilize the bottom-6, Shaw starting at 2C next fall, and I don't know what happens next year when (as Bogie said) they will need tons of cap space for Toews, Kane, Saad and Kruger.
- StLBravesFan

I think you and I are expressing very boring bowmanesque point of view? Sharp is going to approve a move to the Nucks?....I don't see it. Bowman is going to move his 23 year old prize acq....leddy?...I don't see that either. Bowman is going to move TT and number 1 pick maybe more for Kesler?....nope.

Is anybody else concerned about Kesler's ability to remain healthy ? He seems to be hurt a lot much like bolland. I'd love to see the hawks add a center like grabovski who has skill to play with Kane and won't cost assets.
- Omahawk

Queue Ogie?

Kesler has played more games than Sharp the last 3 years.

See you at the United Center on Oct. 11!
The Blackhawks will open the home portion of their 2014-15 season on Sat., 10/11 vs. Buffalo. They will also play the Stars in Dallas on 10/9. The team's full schedule -- home and road -- will be announced tomorrow afternoon.

Just some musings about Sharp.

Sharp will be 33 before half of next season will be over.

His cap hit of $5.9MM continues for three more years.

Vancouver is probably at least three years away from realistically competing for a Cup.

Why would they want an very good but very expensive winger for three non-competitive years who will be 36 - and a UFA - by the time they may be ready to compete?

Substitute Ottawa (Spaezza), NYI, Miami or any othe also-ran team - unless there is a cap floor issue.

Sharp has to go to a contender (which is probably his requirement too - with his NTC) - which has either the 2C the Hawks need (and are willing to give up) or the cap space to give back the cap space that the Hawks can use for a 2C?

I see no major move this summer, old an cheap adds hoping they can stabilize the bottom-6, Shaw starting at 2C next fall, and I don't know what happens next year when (as Bogie said) they will need tons of cap space for Toews, Kane, Saad and Kruger.
- StLBravesFan

Your comment makes sense except a big move would be also to trade a player to open cap space even though the return wouldn't be a big splash.

There was a lot to like about Kane with Saad and Shaw but...
The other reason to get a #2 C would be to bolster the 3rd line which was MIA since January and have Shaw anchor it.

Not sure I buy into it but I can understand the theory. Look at the Oilers young stars floundering, would an experienced vet, like, Sharp provide some direction?
- paulr

And experienced vet like Roszival would do well, too - at less money.