Window is based on Duncan Keith. They will be competitive without him but it will be like Detroit was without Lidstrom. Unable to get over the hump.
- fattybeef

THIS.

Hammer goes nowhere now....This summer maybe.
- Al

He is way down the list of guys they might trade. The word I have heard from multiple people I trust: untouchable.

If toews was truly 100% they would have that.
- busmaster

Well, he was 100% last year, or so it seemed. I think the issue was the hole left by Saad, that's still there.

Window is based on Duncan Keith. They will be competitive without him but it will be like Detroit was without Lidstrom. Unable to get over the hump.
- fattybeef

Agreed 100%. He drives this team from the backend. That's why I hate him being paired with 4. It's a pairing I'll never understand.

Yes, i thought they should have gone with Crow over Neimi in the summer of 2009 but that team was so stupid good the goalie really didnt matter.
- fattybeef

But you get my point....the tape Darling has put down in regards to being a possible #1 is > then what Crawford had down prior to 2010.

Not so sure on your Keith vs Lidstrom comparison. Still think Hammer is the better TRUE defender and they need him a lot. They trade Nik and their goals against and all those fancy stats guys post on here will go sky rocketing in a bad way.

He is way down the list of guys they might trade. The word I have heard from multiple people I trust: untouchable.
- John Jaeckel

2,4,7
19,72,88

that should be your untouchables. Anyone else can be had for the right price but those 6 it would take a MONSTER deal to pry them away unless you are looking at going Nuclear like Nashville did this summer in trading away Weber.

But you get my point....1) the tape Darling has put down in regards to being a possible #1 is > then what Crawford had down prior to 2010.

Not so sure on your Keith vs Lidstrom comparison. 2) Still think Hammer is the better TRUE defender and they need him a lot. They trade Nik and their goals against and all those fancy stats guys post on here will go sky rocketing in a bad way.
- SteveRain

As much as I love LNSD, and as hard as I've been on CC in the past, LNSD is 28 years old, and has had the luxury of very low-pressure and expectations—except when CC's been hurt or pooped the bed in the first round in 2015. CC had a lot of expectations on him from the word go.

Great discussion, but can we all agree on no Iginla and no trading Hjalmarsson for a forward?
- 333inthe3rd

We are all content with that assessment.

I would hate watching ANY of the top 3 being traded. But for SPECULATION PURPOSES ONLY... he would land you the most in a trade probably.

2,4,7
19,72,88, 81

that should be your untouchables. Anyone else can be had for the right price but those 6 it would take a MONSTER deal to pry them away unless you are looking at going Nuclear like Nashville did this summer in trading away Weber.
- SteveRain

Added Hossa for cap reasons.

I think the reason could be that he is the easiest to trade from the blue line. Easier contract to move, 10 team list instead of full NMC. Hawks just might be painted into a corner on cutting salary.
- breadbag

You'd never get value back, if you trade Hjarrmarson. Esp. knowing what he means to this team, right now. The Hawks have two aging Dmen in Seabrook and Keith. I'd sure like to hold on to Hammer.

You'd never get value back, if you trade Hjarrmarson. Esp. knowing what he means to this team, right now. The Hawks have two aging Dmen in Seabrook and Keith. I'd sure like to hold on to Hammer.
- tompo1015

If you are able and lucky enough to move Seabs on any level....do it!

We are all content with that assessment.

I would hate watching ANY of the top 3 being traded. But for SPECULATION PURPOSES ONLY... he would land you the most in a trade probably.
- 93Joe

for SPECULATION PURPOSES ONLY as you put it...

I would rather take 2, 4, the return value of Seabrook + Cap Space

over

2, 7, the return Value for Hammer.

But that said, people are knocking on the door asking for seabs contract, so its moot.

is there any chance Darling would sign for a longer deal but for less money? less as in under $3M/season. I am not saying he will or should, but based off a lot of things I have heard and read about him, loyalty, comfort, and stability seem to be important to him. Would playing for the Hawks for the next 4 years in a good system make him take less to stay? curious.

What I am sensing is that if Crawford gets traded, he'd likely net draft picks only and likely a 2nd rounder (iffy to get a 1st rounder). So my question is if we were able to trade Brouwer for a late 1st rounder (which I believe turned into Danault), one would think Crawford could net an early 1st rounder.

IMHO, Crawford's resume at this point in his career is >> than Brouwer's resume at that point of his career. Is it Crawford's high salary that downgrades his stock?
- AEL_Fox

Today's market is different than at the time we traded Brouwer. More teams up against the cap. It also involves supply and demand by position. There are multiple other starting goalies available now or will be available in Summer. Hawk fans can say that Crawford is far and away the best available. GM's may think there is not that much of a difference. They could say Crawford's numbers look better because he was playing on an elite team.

is there any chance Darling would sign for a longer deal at $2M/season? I am not saying he will or should, but based off a lot of things I have heard and read about him, loyalty, comfort, and stability seem to be important to him. Would playing for the Hawks for the next 4 years in a good system make him take less to stay? curious.
- frafra

He may lower his demands a little in exchange for a longer contract and he may give a slight hometown discount, but I think about $3 mil for 3 to 5 years.

for SPECULATION PURPOSES ONLY as you put it...

I would rather take 2, 4, the return value of Seabrook + Cap Space

over

2, 7, the return Value for Hammer.

But that said, people are knocking on the door asking for seabs contract, so its moot.
- gnosox1986

I had to put it out there to make it known

He may lower his demands a little in exchange for a longer contract and he may give a slight hometown discount, but I think about $3 mil for 3 to 5 years.
- -Doh-

I think Darling being from Lemont, IL COULD be a slight factor in him preferring to stay home in Chicago. I mean, who wouldn't want to be THE GUY for their hometown team?? Maybe if StanBo assures Scott that he plans to trade Crow and give Darling the net for next season, he will take a Long-Term deal at a Cap-Hit similar to Griess?? We can always hope LOL

I think Darling being from Lemont, IL COULD be a slight factor in him preferring to stay home in Chicago. I mean, who wouldn't want to be THE GUY for their hometown team?? Maybe if StanBo assures Scott that he plans to trade Crow and give Darling the net for next season, he will take a Long-Term deal at a Cap-Hit similar to Griess?? We can always hope LOL
- EnzoD

This is likely Darling's best shot at a big money contract. Anything is possible, but I wouldn't have any expectations of a home town discount.

This is likely Darling's best shot at a big money contract. Anything is possible, but I wouldn't have any expectations of a home town discount.
- DarthKane

I'd say his best shot would be to take a 1-2 year deal somewhere, including here, and prove he's a #1. Then he'd get his best deal. Right now, everyone, Chicago included, values him as a quality #2 that MAY be a quality #1.

That said, I've liked SD from his first CHI training camp, and I'd roll the dice on him if it meant a significant upgrade to the skaters in front of him.

I'd say his best shot would be to take a 1-2 year deal somewhere, including here, and prove he's a #1. Then he'd get his best deal. Right now, everyone, Chicago included, values him as a quality #2 that MAY be a quality #1.

That said, I've liked SD from his first CHI training camp, and I'd roll the dice on him if it meant a significant upgrade to the skaters in front of him.
- scottak

Maybe... but I think Darling will want the opportunity to see what he can get on the open market. If some team is willing to pay him #1 dollars then I'm sure he'll take it.

I think Darling being from Lemont, IL COULD be a slight factor in him preferring to stay home in Chicago. I mean, who wouldn't want to be THE GUY for their hometown team?? Maybe if StanBo assures Scott that he plans to trade Crow and give Darling the net for next season, he will take a Long-Term deal at a Cap-Hit similar to Griess?? We can always hope LOL
- EnzoD

Courtesy and being politically correct would see Bowman deal with his Stanley Cup winning goaltender's situation first before he ever has any discussions with Darling's agent about giving him the net. And he would only be doing that if Darling was willing to play for the right money - saving $1 - $1.5M on the cap isn't worth alienating the dressing room and moving the better goaltender.

Courtesy and being politically correct would see Bowman deal with his Stanley Cup winning goaltender's situation first before he ever has any discussions with Darling's agent about giving him the net. And he would only be doing that if Darling was willing to play for the right money - saving $1 - $1.5M on the cap isn't worth alienating the dressing room and moving the better goaltender.
- RickJ

Ya for sure Stan should go about it the right way. As long as Crow is aware of his situation on the trading block, why not? Just remember, Antii Niemi was a Stanley Cup winning goaltender too. His save % is probably 0.80 since leaving Chicago. IMO, great teams make good goalies look great. Crow has had a great run in Chicago, but he is the most logical of the large cap hits to be moved to make room for Panarin's extension. Crawford + Kruger added to a young team like Winnipeg, Buffalo, ect instantly makes them close to a Playoff Contender.

Courtesy and being politically correct would see Bowman deal with his Stanley Cup winning goaltender's situation first before he ever has any discussions with Darling's agent about giving him the net. And he would only be doing that if Darling was willing to play for the right money - saving $1 - $1.5M on the cap isn't worth alienating the dressing room and moving the better goaltender.
- RickJ

I'm not sure how much of an influence it would have, but if they are planning on moving CC, it might make more sense to do that before committing multi-year higher dollar contract to SD. Simply looking at this from a leverage standpoint in getting the most value for CC, you don't need to show your hand that there is yet another large contract you "need" to get rid of. I know this puts a bit more leverage into Darling's camp, but not much. You can use at Martin jones as a really close comp. Didn't have a ton of experience and was considered a #1 on the team.

JJ, I honestly hope you are right and we get a top 6 guy. I am a fan after all and hope we win the cup again. I just don't see it happening.

I don't really come here much for the trade rumors...but just the knowledge that you and other knowledgeable posters make. Everyone should always attempt to learn more about the sport they follow.

This is the only Hawks blog I go to...so I obviously respect the work you put in and enjoy the stuff you write. I'm just in disagreement on a big top 6 upgrade...but hope I am wrong.
- onehundredlevel

I really took no offense, but all I can tell you with any certainty is what I am hearing and the degree to which I trust the source-especially if they have been right many times before.

Does not mean, at all, that they will do anything or what they do will be what I've blogged.

Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. But like I said, the one thing I can tell you today with some certainty, is they are trying real hard to address some of the issues that some here have pointed out all season.

Ya for sure Stan should go about it the right way. As long as Crow is aware of his situation on the trading block, why not? Just remember, Antii Niemi was a Stanley Cup winning goaltender too. His save % is probably 0.80 since leaving Chicago. IMO, great teams make good goalies look great. Crow has had a great run in Chicago, but he is the most logical of the large cap hits to be moved to make room for Panarin's extension. Crawford + Kruger added to a young team like Winnipeg, Buffalo, ect instantly makes them close to a Playoff Contender.
- EnzoD

Toews for Laine
Toews for Eichel