http://www.generalfanager.com/players/480

Modified NTC.

What I am not sure about is whether his list of eight teams are his blocks or his accepts. I was told they approached him last summer and told him they wanted him to think about it—as they might be asking him. it did not come to pass then obviously.
- John Jaeckel

From what has happened in the past...Once they ask it usually gets out and they don't normally ask a younger player unless they are serious to move him. That can mess with the psyche of a player, especially a goalie.

Now taking calls and talking to other GM's on the down low is different.

Was listening to the hockey buzz cast with EK and he mentioned that there is a serious rumor of Soupy coming back to Chicago on a cap friendly deal due to wanting to win one more cup and his wife being from Chicago. Do you guys think there is a serious chance that this happens?

Was listening to the hockey buzz cast with EK and he mentioned that there is a serious rumor of Soupy coming back to Chicago on a cap friendly deal due to wanting to win one more cup and his wife being from Chicago. Do you guys think there is a serious chance that this happens?
- TheMainElement

If he wants to play for $2 mill...Maybe.

My opinions:

(OPINIONS)

If, IF, they dealt Crawford, I would look at Buffalo, Toronto, the Islanders.

Shaw may come down to this: the Hawks can only offer so much AAV and if the rumors of a back issue are true, they will not go long on term.

Conversely, if the rumors of a back or other health issues are true, if you're Shaw, his agent, or his family, you want the most AAV and term you can get ON THIS DEAL—not a sweetheart or bridge deal that helps the Hawks.

If I were Shaw, that's what I'd want.

So my hunch is they may end up dealing Shaw before UFA. Probably for picks, free up another $2 million in cap room.

I then wonder if Q could swallow his pride a bit and admit that Troy Brouwer has become a pretty damn versatile and tough to play against SOB who brings most everything Shaw does, and more in a lot of ways, without the complete stupidity at times. Who could be had for $4 million a year and would line up pretty well at LW with 19 and 81.

With umberger being bought out I think he might be a cheap addition to the 3rd line. Thoughts?

Was listening to the hockey buzz cast with EK and he mentioned that there is a serious rumor of Soupy coming back to Chicago on a cap friendly deal due to wanting to win one more cup and his wife being from Chicago. Do you guys think there is a serious chance that this happens?
- TheMainElement

I have heard, no. Plus, where does he play? Third pair?

http://www.generalfanager.com/players/480

Modified NTC.

What I am not sure about is whether his list of eight teams are his blocks or his accepts. I was told they approached him last summer and told him they wanted him to think about it—as they might be asking him. it did not come to pass then obviously.
- John Jaeckel

didn't click on his name.....

Have to think he's probably got the upper hand with the list.

From what has happened in the past...Once they ask it usually gets out and they don't normally ask a younger player unless they are serious to move him. That can mess with the psyche of a player, especially a goalie.

Now taking calls and talking to other GM's on the down low is different.
- Al

The info. was sketchy, but it sounded like they told him to think about it as they might have to do it then for purely money reasons. Never went further than that. Bottom line, similar situation last summer, they explored everything just in case—including that.

I'm not guessing or making it up. Telling you what I heard.

How they choose to broach those issues with a given player is anyone's guess.

Source was in position to know.

Well done but was the Canadian that high back in 2009 when Hossa and Keith both inked deals?

Otherwise, fantastic post as usual.
- SteveRain

On July 1, 2009, it was US$ .871894.

The Cdn$ is now about US$ .78 - coming back (along with the price of oil), but still about 17% below its value on July 1, 2014 and about 10% below its value in 2009.

didn't click on his name.....

Have to think he's probably got the upper hand with the list.
- SteveRain

Probably.

But also, if they ask him for the list, FROM THAT POINT, any team that makes them an offer, even if it's not on the list, will likely be taken to him to see if he will waive. Sometimes, players will.

Again, a lot of that never gets out.

My opinions:

(OPINIONS)

If, IF, they dealt Crawford, I would look at Buffalo, Toronto, the Islanders.

Shaw may come down to this: the Hawks can only offer so much AAV and if the rumors of a back issue are true, they will not go long on term.

Conversely, if the rumors of a back or other health issues are true, if you're Shaw, his agent, or his family, you want the most AAV and term you can get ON THIS DEAL—not a sweetheart or bridge deal that helps the Hawks.

If I were Shaw, that's what I'd want.

So my hunch is they may end up dealing Shaw before UFA. Probably for picks, free up another $2 million in cap room.

I then wonder if Q could swallow his pride a bit and admit that Troy Brouwer has become a pretty damn versatile and tough to play against SOB who brings most everything Shaw does, and more in a lot of ways, without the complete stupidity at times. Who could be had for $4 million a year and would line up pretty well at LW with 19 and 81.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks for the insight JJ. With all this talk about forwards, who do you see them chasing on the blueline? Any rumblings about Schlemko? Do they go after Liles or Russell?

Another fast depth player may be Sceviour. Kid has wheels and gets 20-25 points on the 4th line. If Shaw were to leave. Seems to be somewhat agitating

You can't cherry pick post hits or any other play and say gee only if...every team in the playoff can do that....

but i will recant..by their pedigree and record they were a cup contender....however they got beat and often beat badly vs WC playoff teams the last 3 months of the season...0-12 from early feb to the end of the season and did not beat WC playoff between wins vs blues 1/23 and 4/19. maybe give me a definition of contender
- bogiedoc

This, in a parity league - which (IMO, and for better or worse) the league is.

Probably.

But also, if they ask him for the list, FROM THAT POINT, any team that makes them an offer, even if it's not on the list, will likely be taken to him to see if he will waive. Sometimes, players will.

Again, a lot of that never gets out.
- John Jaeckel

Oh I agree, and that's how Talon convinced Campbell to waive to go to Florida. Just that same process.

If he wants to play for $2 mill...Maybe.
- Al

or less....these guys just make stuff up...he will have other options with cup contenders for more money...

I'm an Andersen fan, close to being a big one. Great size, 26 yrs old and smooth as a babies rear end. He's an RFA and my guess is maybe get him on a bridge deal, maybe, at 4.5ish for 2 years if he thinks he can cash in as a 28 yr old for big money. ......

Thing is with expansion it will work the other way around. Young goalies will be protected or left in the minors while the vet big money guys are moved. Any vultureing will be for a Bishop or Fluery type where their club will retain some salary so they can protect Vasilevisky and Murray.

All depends on the timeline but a good option is to go with Bernier, draft in the top 5 again and look at next year for a goalie when jockying will begin in earnest with the expansion draft upon us. Should be opportunities then.
- Mr Ricochet

I guess with Andersen I meant the cost to acquire him. I suspect the ducks will command a fair price.

A lot needs to shake out with the goalie situation across the league. I think there may be some opportunities for younger (or youngish) goalies as well:

Boston - Rask’s NMC means Subban exposed
Colorado -Varlamov or Pickard
Washington - Grubauer
New Jersey - Wedgewood
Winnipeg - Hutchinson

to name a few

I have heard, no. Plus, where does he play? Third pair?
- John Jaeckel

Reunited with Hammer?

On July 1, 2009, it was US$ .871894.

The Cdn$ is now about US$ .78 - coming back (along with the price of oil), but still about 17% below its value on July 1, 2014 and about 10% below its value in 2009.
- StLBravesFan

Thanks and again, organization has to be held accountable but the hawks in a way have been let down by the league's BS projections on Cap number and the world's economy declining faster then anticpated in regards to oil and Canadian dollar.

The other underlying factor here is even if ABC/Disney bids on the TV deal, I cant' see them throwing crazy money at it as the ratings and revenue arent' there. To show that, they would stick it on ESPN2 and an occasional abc weekend game. This World Cup may be a tease for them to see what numbers they draw.

Bottom line I dont' see a white knight coming to save the cap any time soon and that is going to hurt the league and major market teams and players all alike. The only winner here, and continues to be, is the small market owner.

I simply don't understand how/why, even if Crawford is moved, the Hawks would sign Ladd who will want 5mil+. All the talk about needing to sign Panarin for 6mil+. Add that to Toews, Kane, Hossa, Keith, Seabs, etc and why on earth would they add another big contract in? I just don't see it happening(keeping Ladd), regardless of what happens.

I think Shaw will be getting around 4mil(maybe a bit more), and now having moved Bickell and made the available space to retain him I'd be amazed if he's not a Hawk moving forward.

So, in a situation where Crawford is moved, i would use the extra space to bring in multiple role players for 2mil or so a piece to fill in holes(another 3rd line forward and a depth defenseman). Not add another large 5+mil contract to the mix. Not with Panarin's raise looming.

My opinions:

(OPINIONS)

If, IF, they dealt Crawford, I would look at Buffalo, Toronto, the Islanders.

Shaw may come down to this: the Hawks can only offer so much AAV and if the rumors of a back issue are true, they will not go long on term.

Conversely, if the rumors of a back or other health issues are true, if you're Shaw, his agent, or his family, you want the most AAV and term you can get ON THIS DEAL—not a sweetheart or bridge deal that helps the Hawks.

If I were Shaw, that's what I'd want.

So my hunch is they may end up dealing Shaw before UFA. Probably for picks, free up another $2 million in cap room.

I then wonder if Q could swallow his pride a bit and admit that Troy Brouwer has become a pretty damn versatile and tough to play against SOB who brings most everything Shaw does, and more in a lot of ways, without the complete stupidity at times. Who could be had for $4 million a year and would line up pretty well at LW with 19 and 81.
- John Jaeckel

Now there is an interesting thought... Plays a similar game to Ladd. Hmmmmm

Ward and Crawford would have to agree...Could be in the mix if you believe Ward is a true #1 now, and also does saving $2.7 mill make it worth the risk??
- Al

Assuming you could get them to agree (and couldn't find details on if Ward has a NM/NTC in the extension)...

Then the question is do you trade 50 for a pick and the full cap space, hoping you can land a serviceable goalie for less than the $3.3 you'd be paying Ward? Is the gap between Ward's $3.3 and whatever you pay another goalie worth Ward's value over a possible replacement?

I'm as nervous as anyone about losing 50 and possibly giving the net to Darling full time. Not sure you'd find another goalie as qualified as Ward for much less than the $3.3 on a team that can take 50's cap hit. $2.7 is all the Hawks may be able to clear up at the G position.

gee ya think...he has been a top 3 goalie if not the best big time goalie the last 4 years....

3 strt WC finals, 2 cups, and he carried this team last year to G7 first round lost, his 5on 5 and pk stats are outstanding plus he is in the top 3 of quality chances faced the last 2 years
- bogiedoc

Dude, I’m not bashing him. I’m saying he would be a good pickup.

Unlike howard.

Agreed. But the Hawks may want to move him for a 1st and that's it for the cap savings. That's what I heard IF they choose to move him.
- John Jaeckel

Being silly here but.

What if they traded CC and Kane to EDM for Eberle and the first rouind pick or Eichel and a 1st round?

Saving 10.5 and money to resign Ladd and a stud D and be in good shape money wise moving forward......and i think the team would be more balanced.

Would you do it? Would they have the balls?

Being silly here but.

What if they traded CC and Kane to EDM for Eberle and the first rouind pick or Eichel and a 1st round?

Saving 10.5 and money to resign Ladd and a stud D and be in good shape money wise moving forward......and i think the team would be more balanced.

Would you do it? Would they have the balls?
- Hawkster

Eberle is a puny, 1-dimensional 50 point player. McDavid/Eichel or Hawks are getting shafted in a Kane trade.

Thanks and again, organization has to be held accountable but the hawks in a way have been let down by the league's BS projections on Cap number and the world's economy declining faster then anticpated in regards to oil and Canadian dollar.

The other underlying factor here is even if ABC/Disney bids on the TV deal, I cant' see them throwing crazy money at it as the ratings and revenue arent' there. To show that, they would stick it on ESPN2 and an occasional abc weekend game. This World Cup may be a tease for them to see what numbers they draw.

Bottom line I dont' see a white knight coming to save the cap any time soon and that is going to hurt the league and major market teams and players all alike. The only winner here, and continues to be, is the small market owner.
- SteveRain

If you're talking on ice product - somewhat.

If you're talking business and profits - include the big market teams - like Chicago in 2014-15:

Revenues - $182MM
EBITDA (a measurement approaching cash flow from operations) - $44.8MM
Player expenses - $78MM - held down by the cap

Cost certainty for your biggest expense really helps the old bottom line.

And - a stagnant cap (meaning stagnant player expenses) because small-market teams don't contribute to league revenue growth benefits large-market teams with growing revenue streams (cap is 50% of league HRR - but Chicago player expenses are only 43% of Chicago revenues).