So he goes from a guy that isn't good enough to be a full time goalie on the Hawks - to 6mil a year?
- PatShart

I did not say that. What I said was if he even gets 3, that when you pay him and 72s bonus you are right back to the same place we are now with no room to sign 72 to a long term deal without losing another contract of equal value.

Thanks JJ -- Very coherent and consciously articulated blog today--- Appreciate your distinction between rumor and opinion-- and for sharing your sources info here-- You really are a step above any other blogs here and any other Hawks outlet-- Thank you--

IMO Crawford is the likely the first core player to go--- when that bleach bottle is just not enough to bail out the cap water--

But I also think it will be the last option if they can't reach terms on Shaw-- and with Pat Brisson as his agent-- I really hope that Shaw is active in the discussions--

Still concerned about the injury history of Crawford (Concussions-vertigo symptoms) and Shaw with his back issues-- Surely this will come into consideration moving ahead--

As far as Panarin-- sure would love to sign him to an extension-- but not at the expense of any other core members after Crawford--

So what you are saying no matter what they will have to get rid of Panarin? The only other option I see is Hossas Back gets really bad next year!
- Sn1362

Apparently so...that's how I'm reading it to.

So I'll ask again JJ, you're GM, how do you proceed with CC and what susequent moves would you make? I want CC here too, money likely says otherwise.

I did not say that. What I said was if he even gets 3, that when you pay him and 72s bonus you are right back to the same place we are now with no room to sign 72 to a long term deal without losing another contract of equal value.
- Return of the Roar

Just wondering if they sign Panarin to an extension can they pro rate the bonus into the new deal?

I take it you guys heard a certain someone rumored Malkin to Hawks...lol.

Just wondering if they sign Panarin to an extension can they pro rate the bonus into the new deal?
- Sn1362

No. Xtensions take effect after the old contract expires.

Look, if it were me I would plan on Panarin being my ticket to refreshing the draft pick bin after the end of next year. There is just no way to keep him, and he will be without question a far more valuable chip than anyone else on the roster.

I take it you guys heard a certain someone rumor rumored Malkin to Hawks...lol.
- joescullz

Yes. And if it ever came true, I will fight anyone to the death that ever spoke badly of Eklund. Seriously. I would hunt people down for ever doubting his sources.

The rumor has grown to Crosby and Ovi coming here too. Get it done Stan! (Red Font).

I take it you guys heard a certain someone rumored Malkin to Hawks...lol.
- joescullz

Impossible , even on Xbox !!!

Yes. And if it ever came true, I will fight anyone to the death that ever spoke badly of Eklund. Seriously. I would hunt people down for ever doubting his sources.
- PatShart

Bernier was done over a year ago. Montreal scenario for us but worse.
- Return of the Roar

Minus any trade proposals I'm with you on Bernier, for the most part. He's regressed each of the last 3 years but that was all with a bad TOR club.

A former 1st rounder at 28 yrs old he'll still get looks but if I'm gonna miss on a goalie I prefer others.

Terrific article JJ.

As much as I love Shaw the overachiever, the cost to retain him may grease the skids for his departure. Can't overpay in $ and term for a player like #65.

And I have never doubted the rumour about moving Cro out of financial necessity. The hard part to swallow is that he likely has been the unacknowledged team MVP over the past 3-4 regular seasons and playoffs. Just so very hard to replace.

Right now Stanbo is probably drinking Canadian Club straight out of his empty bleach bottle. But he probably also realizes the time may be now to make this team younger and bigger.
- RickJ

Can't believe you think Stan is swilling CC unless you were going for a Crawford tie in.

All I want is for Ladd to somehow be re upped and Matt Martin to be on the roster at the same time.

No. Xtensions take effect after the old contract expires.

Look, if it were me I would plan on Panarin being my ticket to refreshing the draft pick bin after the end of next year. There is just no way to keep him, and he will be without question a far more valuable chip than anyone else on the roster.
- Return of the Roar

NO I agree with you if it cannot get done he will give us a lot back for a low cost and maybe one Cup. Thanks for the input and discussion.

Minus any trade proposals I'm with you on Bernier, for the most part. He's regressed each of the last 3 years but that was all with a bad TOR club.

A former 1st rounder at 28 yrs old he'll still get looks but if I'm gonna miss on a goalie I prefer others.
- Mr Ricochet

The idea of acquiring a goaile in a Crawford deal (whether it be a Bernier, Pavelec) would be those guys have NHL experience (as a starter or backup) and on the last year of their deal. So the following year when a Panarin extension kicks in, the rest of their money will fall off. I don't think anyone ever said Bernier is/would be a CC "replacement" but is a guy that could play 30-35gms, and with a better team/D in front of him...can be respectable.

All I want is for Ladd to somehow be re upped and Matt Martin to be on the roster at the same time.




- mrpaulish

I'd take Matt Martin.

Considering that cap wise, the Hawks are only slightly better off than they were (netting the Bickell gain and the overage loss) and a small cap increase - and cap increases for Kruger, Anisimov, Seabrook - and Shaw not signed, TT gone, and last year's holes still unfilled:

Is there any internal discussion about perhaps looking at a partial rebuild, recognizing that next season at least (and maybe more) will not produce a true contender?

Maybe identify a long-term core that would be viable going out several years, moving other currently perceived core out (CC, Seabrook....) who wouldn't likely be part of a 2018-19 and later push, returning quality picks and prospects, and sacrificing a year or two to rebuild around Toews, Kane, Panerin, Schmaltz, Motte, Darling, etc.?

I know Wirtz loves the $2MM+ per game haul from the tournament, but it seems that this team could easily become the Milwaukee Bucks, who specially with no major cap increases in sight.
- StLBravesFan

That's a solid point/option, Sage. It will come the question is when is the best time to do that? And to add to that you'd have to thing Panarin would be a part of that strategy at 24 yrs old.

But looking at it there are, at this time, no Seabs'/Kieth's/Crow's/ in the system that we realistically know of today.

Excellent blog JJ.

I really don't understand the why some are extremely fearful that moving Crawford will mean this team plummets. Pretty sure a no name goalie in '10 led us to a cup. What has he done since? Dittly squat. If moving Crow means you get another solid D and maybe a bottom 6 guy or a fringe top 6 LW with speed to play with Toews and vet 5/6 D man I don't really see the issue. The '10 D core was not anything to write home about and Niemi led us. I'd say that was an awfully big goalie gamble that year.

It is about the money. You have to decide where to allocate your limited funds. Somewhere on the roster you will have to take some gambles. The salary cap forces you to do that.

Currently the positions being gambled on are your #4 D and Toews' LW and probably 2 spots in your bottom 6. That is a lot of holes. Hossa is also another year older too (father time always wins).

Standing pat with this roster means a 1st or 2nd round exit again. Crawford's play, despite being a top 5-10 goalie, can't cure all of those holes. I think if this team wants to make another deep run in the next year or two, they have to strongly consider moving Crawford. Stan is not going to pull a #4D and another top 6 LW from the KHL or Europe for cheap. If he does he and the scouting department should get front office of the century.

CC, Shaw, and Pollka to Toronto for Bernier, JVR, and Torontos 1st round pick next year. The draft is in Chicago. Also thanks again JJ for all you do for us fans!
- Sn1362

No thanks.

The idea of acquiring a goaile in a Crawford deal (whether it be a Bernier, Pavelec) would be those guys have NHL experience (as a starter or backup) and on the last year of their deal. So the following year when a Panarin extension kicks in, the rest of their money will fall off. I don't think anyone ever said Bernier is/would be a CC "replacement" but is a guy that could play 30-35gms, and with a better team/D in front of him...can be respectable.
- PatShart

No. Stay far away from Bernier. James Reimer played just fine with the same D in front of him(2.49, .918 in 32 games). Bernier was pathetic, got sent to the minors to "regain his confidence" and then had a couple of nice games. Nothing about Bernier tells me he would be any good on any other team.

>The numbers are beyond stiffling
>Doubtful Shaw will be giving any kind of discount
>Could see a CC/Shaw's rights package trade
>Would not want a crappy goalie coming back with any kind of cap hit
>Cap space will be gold for some time
>CC has been wonderful, but think he would even admit he got outplayed by Elliot in this year's playoff series
>To win without CC, the Hawks must regain their possession dominance game
>And Darling must be aggressive and confident -- thought Darling was pretty average this year -- tentative, deep in his net, and seldom poke-checked
>And if Darling wants too much $ next year -- find another goalie

Perfect example - the Montreal Canadiens.

Everybody knew the team generally stunk but Carey Price masked the problem and made them 'less worse'. Without him - sunk like a stone and they finished about where their talent said they should.
- RickJ

Except the Habs core is much less substantial than Hawks--

I wonder if he would go to a team like Colorado IF they trade Duchene or Barrie. Malkin and MacKinnon as 1 and 2. There he could be "The Guy."
- 93Joe

Don't "buy in" to those rumors. Every once in a while the subject get's brought up by the local reporters in Pittsburgh and it's always the same conclusion. Geno has no desire to be "the guy". It's quite the opposite actually.

There's a couple of high quality hockey reporters in Pittsburgh that really have the pulse of the organization, and they insist ownership has no interest in moving Malkin.

Fleury it seems is on his way out however.

All I want is for Ladd to somehow be re upped and Matt Martin to be on the roster at the same time.




- mrpaulish

Last blog I mentioned a what if--

Trading Crawford - Shaw allowed the Hawks to resign Ladd and Matt Martin-- and run with Darling in net --- and start banking some money for Panarin extension--