>A few thoughts on Spezza
>If Scotty Bowman was able to get Brett Hull to play defense and actually kill some penalties later in his career, the Hawks can certainly get Spezza to become a more complete player
>While there is no doubt that there is an art and skill in playing defense by forwards, the #1 thing necessary to do it is -- the willingness to do so
>You can motivate any NHL forward to be a better defender, but you can't ramp up their skill level -- that is something teams expect players to do on their own
>Thinking the Hawks only get Kesler on their terms -- if not -- Al's call on Spezza for 1 year (and see what happens) makes a lot of sense overall
- SnapitUpstairs

Spezza is maligned for a number of reasons, some of them with justification like having injury issues and never being a real leader considering he was their highest paid player.

The other side of the coin is that he has played his entire career on a team that flirts with being good and then slides backwards, largely over money issues (Melnyk) or hiring crappy coaches like Clouston or the group just playing below their capabilities. Nobody was knocking Spezza when the Sens ran over the Habs in the playoffs 2 years ago and then forced the Rangers to 7 games.

Spezza ia a high end talent, but on the wrong side of 30 for an NHL'er. Give him some pieces like the Hawks have and slot him into a second line role and my bet is he would flourish and rack up a mess of points, especially on the PP.. And if after a year he wants too much coin on a new deal, walk away. Or he might just like the winning idea and sign on for a couple years at reasonable money.

Yeah, these guys just don't get it. Van still has some good pieces, just need to bring in some youth for a re-tool.
- golfingsince

Unless you are the Chicago Cubs. Its a yearly tradition.

Yep other than Sadd and Terv,which hawk fans have made very clear are unavailable.They dont have the cap or pieces to make a deal for kessler or spezza.Hense the sharp rumors
- top shelf 15

Saad should be unavailable, although if someone wants Saad bad enough they are gonna have to cough up a HELL of a lot more than a 7 million dollar player who they are trying to get rid of anyway.

Ottawa would have to eat salary and offer prospects or conditional picks based on Spezza returning to Chicago.

the idea that the Hawks would trade Saad + for Spezza (or even Kesler) is ridiculous. If we are going that route I'd just assume grab a cheaper, capable player who won't cost us the king's ransom. A Vermette or Neilsen could both probably be gotten for less than TT being the center piece, let alone Saad in the deal.

- Nucker101

Sorry man, just sick of hearing the trade everyone for picks scenarios.

What are you...the Canuck's towel boy?

You're comments just became unbearable...
- ArlingtonRob

One would think that Kesler at this stage in his career really wants a Cup. I have no doubt that Kesler would do well here and be a huge asset to the Hawks.

Darren Dreger ‏@DarrenDreger 4m

Action should heat up tomorrow. If the offers on the 1st pick overall don't improve, Florida intends on holding on to it. #stillearly #TSN


one more day



lol

The next person who wants the throw around the term "bandwagon fan" at someone is going to find their way to the box.

Don't troll, and don't feed the trolls.

Saad should be unavailable, although if someone wants Saad bad enough they are gonna have to cough up a HELL of a lot more than a 7 million dollar player who they are trying to get rid of anyway.

Ottawa would have to eat salary and offer prospects or conditional picks based on Spezza returning to Chicago.

the idea that the Hawks would trade Saad + for Spezza (or even Kesler) is ridiculous. If we are going that route I'd just assume grab a cheaper, capable player who won't cost us the king's ransom. A Vermette or Neilsen could both probably be gotten for less than TT being the center piece, let alone Saad in the deal.
- kwolf68

I have already noted Sadd being off the table ,which is fine .Ottawa would welcome cap{ NOT SO MUCH DOLLARS HOWEVER} very cheap owner, after we move Spezza we should need about 11mil to hit the floor .We also have a bunch of solid cheap players like smith,greening,weircoch,gryba neil etc too add on top of spezza.There is a trade to be had that helps both teams here sorry you cant see it

Darren Dreger ‏@DarrenDreger 4m

Action should heat up tomorrow. If the offers on the 1st pick overall don't improve, Florida intends on holding on to it. #stillearly #TSN


one more day



lol
- mrpaulish

Stan should know he can't get that pick just by dangling Rozsival and Bollig. Silly man.

5yrs @ $6m? Opportunity to win multiple cups? Same arguement could be made for Avs tho

Lose sharp, steeg, rosi and maybe leddy? Provides cap room but then they have D hole to fill
- dpard

Core has been identified here....The Av's don't have 2 player earning 18 mill together.
Cap will be higher but can't have everything.

The next person who wants the throw around the term "bandwagon fan" at someone is going to find their way to the box.

Don't troll, and don't feed the trolls.
- EKolb13

True, but if they have interest in Spezza, he is a $7Mm per year player. I would much rather have Stastny. Trading Sharp frees us $5.9. Say Stastny want $6.6 or so with the chance to win cups. Seems doable.
- ksilvy58

It is $7 mill.....versus $30 mill...

Keep in mind what I wrote and have been talking about has little to do with who I would want as a GM....

One would think that Kesler at this stage in his career really wants a Cup. I have no doubt that Kesler would do well here and be a huge asset to the Hawks.
- z1990z

I bet he'd bleed to get his name on the Cup.

Do you truely believe this?

It makes sense to me because I can't see Kelser and Toews playing nice together, but if you believe Kesler's not Chi's first choice then you're in denial (or being purposely misled by your insider contact).
- bloatedmosquito

You mean like Rodman and Pippen and Jordan? I mean, come on

guess not.

The next person who wants the throw around the term "bandwagon fan" at someone is going to find their way to the box.

Don't troll, and don't feed the trolls.
- EKolb13

What are the rules on 'Shenanigans'? Can we say Shenanigans, or will we get pistol whipped?

I think Ogi is a b-wagon (I didn't say it) soccer fan. Probably in his man cave watching highlights from the day's action.

Spezza is maligned for a number of reasons, some of them with justification like having injury issues and never being a real leader considering he was their highest paid player.

The other side of the coin is that he has played his entire career on a team that flirts with being good and then slides backwards, largely over money issues (Melnyk) or hiring crappy coaches like Clouston or the group just playing below their capabilities. Nobody was knocking Spezza when the Sens ran over the Habs in the playoffs 2 years ago and then forced the Rangers to 7 games.

Spezza ia a high end talent, but on the wrong side of 30 for an NHL'er. Give him some pieces like the Hawks have and slot him into a second line role and my bet is he would flourish and rack up a mess of points, especially on the PP.. And if after a year he wants too much coin on a new deal, walk away. Or he might just like the winning idea and sign on for a couple years at reasonable money.
- RickJ

I have no argument here, although I would prefer Kesler

What are the rules on 'Shenanigans'? Can we say Shenanigans, or will we get pistol whipped?

I think Ogi is a b-wagon (I didn't say it) soccer fan. Probably in his man cave watching highlights from the day's action.
- eburgio

When have I pistol-whipped anyone?

You mean like Rodman and Pippen and Jordan? I mean, come on
- John Jaeckel

Those were the days!!

When have I pistol-whipped anyone?
- EKolb13

"WHATS THAT PLACE YOU LIKE TO GO TO WITH ALL THAT GOOFEY poop ON THE WALL ?"

When have I pistol-whipped anyone?
- EKolb13

"Hey Farva, whats the name of that restaurant you like with all the goofy poop on the walls?"

Do you truely believe this?

It makes sense to me because I can't see Kelser and Toews playing nice together, but if you believe Kesler's not Chi's first choice then you're in denial (or being purposely misled by your insider contact).
- bloatedmosquito

Your an awful mind reader...Don't quit ur day job. Not misled at all and go back and check the timeline...I heard on Spezza and connected the dots 2 days before his trade request went public.

This isn't like playing monopoly with your kids .....money matters and Kesler is an entirely different cap obligation.

If money didn't matter I would pick Stastney.

Hawks have a chance on Kesler....From what I hear he wasn't sold on Anaheim.
But Leddy could go to Ottawa...and with another move the Spezza cap hit can be offset.

"WHATS THAT PLACE YOU LIKE TO GO TO WITH ALL THAT GOOFEY poop ON THE WALL ?"
- mrpaulish

Huh?

"Hey Farva, whats the name of that restaurant you like with all the goofy poop on the walls?"


- FourFeathers773

Okay, I get it now...

"Hey Farva, whats the name of that restaurant you like with all the goofy shxt on the walls?"


- FourFeathers773

hahaha