Yo ZZ, (is the ZZ for that lil ole band from Texas?) you bring up another thing I've wondered about for 4-5 years now. What is the best way to build a club to win long term? In this cap world can you have a system built on skill and speed as it would seem skill speed players are expensive. Or do you build it with bigger/grinder/physical/possession types in a trap system with a top 5 goalie? That type would seem cheaper to me.

At first look I would say the big player trap system (LA Kings/Bruins?) But the speed/skill system has won more cups (Hawks-Pens).

I have no answers only questions. I guess a numbers freak could run NASA type data and come up with a plausible answer based on that data but it would seem to the eye the trap system/less skilled system would be cheaper but the simpleton data shows the Hawks/Pens system has won more cups.
- Mr Ricochet

First.. the double z has nothing to do with ZZ Top.

And I dont know what they do with this team. We have lost vital pieces that made the Hawks a terror in the possesion style game. So at this point, do you try to balance your lines and fill the holes with some bigger/more physical guys? We saw that teams lined up at the blue line and did all they could to stop the Hawks up tempo transition game. And then we all saw that for the most part, we were not winning the dump/chase game and were chasing the puck, alot!

Thats were Panik comes into play. He has the size/speed to get in on the forecheck and help counter the stacked blue line defense. We still have world class players with 19, 88, 81, 72... Maybe we alter our style to be the counter puncher in the fight. Play the game in the middle, work the turnovers and attack from the red line in. Dont know. We can see we dont have the speed we used to have. Gotta adapt especially in this cap era.

I can see the comparison with Schneider and Crawford in a way, but Vancouver had to deal either Schneider or Luongo....they HAD to. They gave Schneider a big raise, but his contract was much less than Luongo's, The Canucks FO figured they would be able to trade Bobby Lu. When they couldn't deal him they dealt Schneider who was making only $4mill per at the time.

That's a situation more similar to Leddy being dumped because the Hawks had no other choice and Garth Snow being their to benefit while others didn't have the cap space.

So if you believe the Hawks have no choice but to deal Crawford NOW, then I can see the comparison, if not it isn't the same. Also, the Hawks need to find a club to absorb all or most of a Crawford's $6 million cap hit. In my view that will be much more difficult than trading a younger more affordable Schneider at the time.

I think it could be possible Crawford goes at some point, John's math is not much different than mine.....if not another player with around a $4 million cap hit will need to go....But I don't think Crawford goes now.

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--
- jb3333

Id be down for that .

Where was this robust scouting apparatus when they traded for Timonen, Sekac, Daley, garbutt, Fleishman, and Weise....ALL players who gave little to nothing...brought in for three 2nd round picks, and two good (one potentially very good) prospects.

I hope THAT isn't what is meant by Bowman "doing his homework".

The scouting that landed Shaw, Saad, Leddy, Oduya seems prehistoric compared to what has been going on the last couple years.

Also, IF the Hawks do NOT trade Crawford, then Scott Darling could end up taken in the expansion draft. There may be more proven goalies out there taken, but you never know.

If you guys trade Crawford, who would replace him? Darling? Crawford (to me) seems like a terrific goalie. He was instrumental in a couple of your cups. Trading him for cap space would make me nervous.

And if Darling wants 6mil, you let him go and don't make the mistake of overpaying for a goalie.
- PatShart

If after the '17 season, Darling is in a position, I'll be a happy camper.

Think that makes it 4 cups in 8 years

I can see the comparison with Schneider and Crawford in a way, but Vancouver had to deal either Schneider or Luongo....they HAD to. They gave Schneider a big raise, but his contract was much less than Luongo's, The Canucks FO figured they would be able to trade Bobby Lu. When they couldn't deal they dealt Schneider who was making only $4mill per at the time.

That's a situation more similar to Leddy being dumped because the Hawks had no other choice and Garth Snow being their to benefit while others didn't have the cap space.

So if you believe the Hawks have no choice but to deal Crawford NOW, then I can see the comparison, if not it isn't the same. Also, the Hawks need to find a club to absorb all or most of a Crawford's $6 million cap hit. In my view that will be much more difficult than trading a younger more affordable Schneider at the time.

I think it could be possible Crawford goes at some point, John's math is not much different than mine.....if not another player with around a $4 million cap hit will need to go....But I don't think Crawford goes now.
- Al

>Shaw's rights could very well be the "sweetener" to take all of CC's contract
>And is a big distinction from other teams trying to deal a high-priced goalie
>For the Hawks to do this, they need to again get ahead of the market

And if he is the guy, Darlings next deal plus Panarin's bonuses put us right back to now with a static cap and still no room to sign Panarin.
- Return of the Roar

Darling's next deal will not be for more than 3.5 regardless of how well he does this year. Is it NOT getting CC type of money even if he were to win the Vezina.

If you guys trade Crawford, who would replace him? Darling? Crawford (to me) seems like a terrific goalie. He was instrumental in a couple of your cups. Trading him for cap space would make me nervous.
- madmike71

You would have to be dead not to be nervous....But the point of the speculation is someone will need to go, at some point, and Crawford has a "replacement" on the roster.

If you guys trade Crawford, who would replace him? Darling? Crawford (to me) seems like a terrific goalie. He was instrumental in a couple of your cups. Trading him for cap space would make me nervous.
- madmike71

The Hawks have traded a top 6 sniper, an elite Defensive prospect, a top pairing puck moving D-man, and a high potential 21 year old winger "for cap space". NO ONE is immune, including Crawford. The Hawks have no chance at any sort of deep run with a team with such questionable depth. 2015 was an anomaly and the Hawks double down on over-driving the race car, but the main core guys simply ran out of gas.

TGIF! A question for the masses:

What valued piece that JJ has shared whispers of movement (Crawford, Shaw, player X) is the most easily replaceable?

IMO, Shaw does a lot of things well (forecheck, hitting, antagonizing, possession game in ozone, net front presence). However, I think if, as JJ alluded to, Stan is doing his homework, I think a lot of those things could be replaced in the open market. There is just no one in the Hawks' system, other than maybe Hartman, who is a cheaper replacement.

I go back to JJ's assertion a few blogs ago: we the Hawks overvalue some of our "sacred cows" but don't think clearly about how other players in the league provide value. Different position and role, but look at Matt Cullen. That was a 1yr wonder for Pittsburgh. Vet who wanted to be on a team with high top-end talent and fill a role. I think there could be a guy floating (don't ask me for a name) that would love to play a small but important role on the '16-'17 Hawks at a cost that is $2M or more less than Shaw will command in the open market.
- phantasmo

Along these lines, I was wondering about the buyouts that are starting and will continue. Will a Vet with a buyout (money pocketed for this year) take a very cheap one year deal to try and get a cup?

Along these lines, I was wondering about the buyouts that are starting and will continue. Will a Vet with a buyout (money pocketed for this year) take a very cheap one year deal to try and get a cup?
- vabeachbear

Was thinking this for Dustin Brown for the bottom 6

Darling's next deal will not be for more than 3.5 regardless of how well he does this year. Is it NOT getting CC type of money even if he were to win the Vezina.
- tyweb69

Darlings deal doesnt have to be CC money. Darling at even 2.5 plus Panarin hitting his 2.5 bonus is still a poison pill to sign Panarin

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




- mrpaulish

That 3rd line of Ladd - Kruger - Martin line would punish people.


Also not happening unless cap goes up to 80 mil

If you guys trade Crawford, who would replace him? Darling? Crawford (to me) seems like a terrific goalie. He was instrumental in a couple of your cups. Trading him for cap space would make me nervous.
- madmike71

It makes us all nervous...but it might come down to keeping him or Panarin and Panarin is younger. So the lesser of two evils. I have no clue who would then be our starter.

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.
- madmike71

Thanks Mike. I didn't really buy any of the rumors, but I guess the skepticism is interesting discussion. I think the Pens are way better with Malkin. Solid player with crazy skill. A Crosby-Malkin-Bonino lineup up the middle is arguably the best, if not one of the best. Thought Geno played well in the playoffs even though the points weren't as lucid. Congrats on the cup win.

I offer you good old trade proposal in HFB´s fashion.

To Chi: Cam Talbot, Nail Yakupov, Anton Lander and 32nd pick oa in this years draft

To Edm: Corey Crawford, Andrew Shaw and Mark McNeill


Panik-Toews-Kane
Panarin-Anisimov-Yakupov
Motte-Kruger-Hossa
Desjardins-Lander-Hartman
Lundberg

Keith-Hjalmarsson
TvR-Seabrook
Gustafsson-Kempny
Svedberg

Talbot/Darling

Edit: in projected 73 million capworld this lineup would leave around 3 million capspace to go with
- MjulQvist

Been thinking about this. I've always liked Talbot and think on a top 5 team he could be a top 10 goalie and you could win a cup with this type. At 4.1 through 2018/19 you have a cost controlled guy at a good number for 3 years.

We all know Yak, former FIRST overall pick, and his problems. At 2.5 mil and an RFA problem in 2017/18 I think this guy would get first crack playing with Go Johnny Go. But his positional awareness problems might have him in Q's dog house after the 1st scrimmage. ........If the guy has a turnaround you might get a return on him as an RFA next offseason.

And I've seen and noticed Lander and like him in the 2-3 times I could make it through an Oiler game. Bottom 6, 4th line, 2 way center. 25 yr old on an ELC.......

Add that 2nd rounder and if I'm trading Crow this is palatable.

Was thinking this for Dustin Brown for the bottom 6
- mrpaulish

Hmmm... if Brown gets bought out I wonder what he would be looking for money wise? At 5.8 he is wayyyy over paid. Cant see him signing anywhere for less then 3 million/season. Who knows with this cap crunched league. Maybe he takes a deal in the 2's to play somwhere. Not a bad guy to have in the bottom 6 as long as he can keep his emotions in check. He is prone to taking bad penalties.

>Shaw's rights could very well be the "sweetener" to take all of CC's contract
>And is a big distinction from other teams trying to deal a high-priced goalie
>For the Hawks to do this, they need to again get ahead of the market
- SnapitUpstairs

Your suggestion makes even less sense.

That means the acquiring team would need close to $10 mill in cap space available. Look at the list of teams with that type of coin available and then factor in Crawford has to agree to the trade.

As I said it will be difficult.

As far as Shaw....Unless the Hawks know a team is going to write a sheet for over $3.6 mill they have control of the negotiations. Shaw isn't arbitration eligible and his only leverage is an offer sheet. I think the Hawks pay Shaw Kruger money or close to it...But maybe they give him a one year deal with a raise and a wink, and then sign him later on this season to a bigger contract.

Otherwise if someone writes a huge offer sheet for Shaw, better off to take the 1st and 3rd rounder and then use the cap space to sign a UFA.

That 3rd line of Ladd - Kruger - Martin line would punish people.


Also not happening unless cap goes up to 80 mil
- vabeachbear

I'm actually curious to see how Lundberg fits in. Could see him bein a Q guy. Scouting says he likes to hit and is a good PK guy. If they are true and they can somehow nab Martin, then you got some decent size and forecheck.

Hmmm... if Brown gets bought out I wonder what he would be looking for money wise? At 5.8 he is wayyyy over paid. Cant see him signing anywhere for less then 3 million/season. Who knows with this cap crunched league. Maybe he takes a deal in the 2's to play somwhere. Not a bad guy to have in the bottom 6 as long as he can keep his emotions in check. He is prone to taking bad penalties.
- z1990z

And we thought the Bickell contract was atrocious. Which it was... But that Brown contract...

Mrazek is a RFA.....hmmm....

JJ,

Your write-ups are always excellent, but this morning's post is just outstanding. I think you should keep the format with a "Rumors" and then "Opinion" section Great stuff!

As far as the Blackhawk's and this summer, I believe we are on the exact same page in assessing this team's ability to win a Stanley Cup in 2016/17.

Roster Holes:
2LW
4D
6D
Basically the entire bottom 4 forwards (Only Kruger+Desi are NHL quality bottom 6 players at this point)

That is A LOT to overcome, with a little less than $1mil in cap space to be allocated to those vacant roster spots. I have been saying it since the day after Seabrook's double post and out in Game 7 in STL, the only way to make this team a real contender for next season is to trade away a big salary with an in-house replacement. While Darling is not Corey Crawford (yet), who was Corey Crawford before 2013? He was a career AHLer that single-handedly choked away the 2012 Phoenix series with two of the softest OT goals I can ever remember. 50 is a much better goalie now, but that is not the point. Darling saved Crow's behind in the Nashville series, and the Hawks didn't sign this Swedish guy to a 1-way contract to play in the AHL, IMO. Tough decisions have to be made, and not only is Crow the Hawks most expendable big cap hit, he is also the most valuable besides the 19,2,88,72.

The Hawks have to decide whether going into next season with essentially the same team that lost in Round 1...BUT without Ladd, without Shaw, without Weise, without TT and without Fleischmann. Anyone who thinks that roster has a legitimate shot at winning the Cup is just kidding themselves, IMO.

The only other alternative to trading Crow is to trade Anisimov for a young, ELC Top 4 Dman. The Hawks won 2 Cups (and arguably all 3 bc I wouldn't consider 2010 Sharp a true top 6 C) without a Top 6 quality center. Kane carried his line for 5 years, and with Panarin on his other wing, you could stick 2016 Handzus on the line and they would still be a threat on every shift. So, IMO, its either Crow or Anisimov....and maybe Kruger to save $2mil by signing a $1mil vet bottom 6 C. Should be interesting what Stan+Co decide to do....

Would anyone here do a Seabrook for Trouba trade?

Mrazek is a RFA.....hmmm....
- Dabearshawks

My gut tells me that Mrazek is staying put in Detroit.