So Moose got a QO. Huh. Wonder what the plans are for Jurco? Is he just a bottom 9 energy guy or what?
- z1990z

He's like Panik. These kinds with a big body and plus skating will be given chance after chance before they are given up on, as it should be as evidenced by Panik. .....Need bodies to compete for spots and big ones that can skate, have shown ability to score at the AHL level and have 2nd round talent are nice to add to the equation.

Brian Hedger‏Verified account @BrianHedger now13 hours ago
RLT ... heard no less than three times at the draft that #Blackhawks are looking to bring Sharp back on a cheap Campbell-like 1-year deal.

Brian Hedger‏Verified account @BrianHedger now13 hours ago
The latest to mention Sharp & #Blackhawks to me was the same source who told me about Granato getting hired as third assistant.

Brian Hedger‏Verified account @BrianHedger now13 hours ago
Less certain on this Sharp stuff than I was on Granato, but there is a lot of buzz about it circulating. We'll see.

Peggy Kusinski‏Verified account @peggykusinski now15 hours ago #Blackhawks bring back Brandon Saad ... keep your ears and eyes open for other familiar faces they may be eyeing... Sharp? Shaw?

Peggy Kusinski‏Verified account @peggykusinski now15 hours ago
1st Brandon Saad returns to #Blackhawks... keep ears & eyes on other familiar faces they're eyeing Sharp? Shaw? #GettingtheBandBackTogether
- hawkshossa81

This is how D-U-M rumors get started. Someone in the "legit" media completely speculating.

I believe based on a source (like Hedger's) there is something to the Sharp rumor—but I have been told that only happens IF the Hawks strike out on some other stuff. The Shaw thing (although you never know) defies reality in a lot of ways so as to make it very unlikely.

Not, is what I'm hoping he'll be on the Hawks.
- Ogilthorpe2

Ogi, making a strong bid for post of the year.

If the Hawks want speed they should talk to Detroit about AA (heard he might be available. )That would be an instant upgrade but he'd probably take a lot to get.

He's like Panik. These kinds with a big body and plus skating will be given chance after chance before they are given up on, as it should be as evidenced by Panik. .....Need bodies to compete for spots and big ones that can skate, have shown ability to score at the AHL level and have 2nd round talent are nice to add to the equation.
- Mr Ricochet

In that he's Slovakian, in his early 20s, shoots left and was drafted in the second round.

I will fully admit, I did not see Jurco play MUCH before he hurt his back.

He strikes me now as a guy whose on-ice value goes up the more he chooses to engage and go hard to high traffic areas—which is what Panik is almost every shift—but Jurco seems very inconsistent and hesitant likely due to the back.

Bowman's patience may end up paying off, may not.

If the Hawks want speed they should talk to Detroit about AA (heard he might be available. )That would be an instant upgrade but he'd probably take a lot to get.
- Dabearshawks

Would love it, but I doubt the Hawks have the movable assets to make it happen ....

JJ or to anyone on this panel, do the hawks have to wait until 7/1 to pay the signing bonus or can they pay it before 7/1? Also is AA enough to get evander kane from buffalo or do other pieces need to be added and have the hawks been in contact with the rangers? I only mention the rangers because Stephan is gone and might be looking to replace him with AA. Vesey, pumple, krierde,r grabner, buchnechiv, and jt miller, not all of course but one of those forward would look nice on the hawks.

Would love it, but I doubt the Hawks have the movable assets to make it happen ....
- Hank_Greenberg

ANDREAS ATHANASIOU?


He's not that great. Upside yes but still very unproven and raw. The question is what does Detroit need? They need young D men.

My guess is a guy like Forsling or Raddysh are good starts, throw in a pick and you have a package. If Stan wants to make this happen, move AA force another dman and then make the trade with Det.

JJ or to anyone on this panel, do the hawks have to wait until 7/1 to pay the signing bonus or can they pay it before 7/1? Also is AA enough to get evander kane from buffalo or do other pieces need to be added and have the hawks been in contact with the rangers? I only mention the rangers because Stephan is gone and might be looking to replace him with AA. Vesey, pumple, krierde,r grabner, buchnechiv, and jt miller, not all of course but one of those forward would look nice on the hawks.
- Scott1977

IMO, I think AA might be enough to get Kane although I don't really know what their need is regarding another centerman. AA makes nearly a mildo more than Kane's cap hit this year IIRC so there may have to be something/someone else involved. As for the Rangers, I highly doubt they would have any interest in bringing AA back for a 2nd time but who knows.

If Stan can pull off a deal for Kane though I think there is enough incentive (elite talent, strong core, possibe cup contender) not to mention very strong leadership for him to stay in line and just play hockey which would make the Hawks a very powerful team. Just imagine a top 6 of Toews/Saad/Panik & Schmaltz or (AA if he weren't part of the dral) and Kane & Kane.

JJ or to anyone on this panel, do the hawks have to wait until 7/1 to pay the signing bonus or can they pay it before 7/1? Also is AA enough to get evander kane from buffalo or do other pieces need to be added and have the hawks been in contact with the rangers? I only mention the rangers because Stephan is gone and might be looking to replace him with AA. Vesey, pumple, krierde,r grabner, buchnechiv, and jt miller, not all of course but one of those forward would look nice on the hawks.
- Scott1977

Seems to me they can "pay it" a variety of ways, including retaining that amount in salary for a year, but there could be cap permutations to it as well.

If a player signs a major junior contract, they cannot play in the AHL until 20, it's an agreement all the leagues have. If they never play for a major junior team, like college players, players from over seas, then they can play in the AHL if they are 18 at the start of the AHL season.
- Antilles

Good stuff. Thanks.

In that he's Slovakian, in his early 20s, shoots left and was drafted in the second round.

I will fully admit, I did not see Jurco play MUCH before he hurt his back.

He strikes me now as a guy whose on-ice value goes up the more he chooses to engage and go hard to high traffic areas—which is what Panik is almost every shift—but Jurco seems very inconsistent and hesitant likely due to the back.

Bowman's patience may end up paying off, may not.
- John Jaeckel

Did't realize he had back issues. Do you know how bad they were and how far in the rearview we're talking or are they still pretty recent?

Would be great to see him become Panik v2.0 but like you said, we did't really see that part his game when he came over.

If his back is ok maybe the lightbulb goes on and he realizes it's what's necessary for him to stick here.

As much as I liked Shaw and what he contributed during his time with the Hawks I don't think bringing him back fits with the "younger/faster/cost controlled" mantra.

And as JJ stated, a Sharp return only means they couldn't get anyone better for cheaper.

On Kruger to Vegas, is the word behind the scenes it would be strictly for a pick/picks or does Vegas have a defenseman that could be of use to the Hawks that we can afford?

Seems to me they can "pay it" a variety of ways, including retaining that amount in salary for a year, but there could be cap permutations to it as well.
- John Jaeckel

Hey JJ, I asked you this previously but might have missed your response.

With the stagnation of the cap, which I can only hope the NHL & NHLPA did not anticipate; do you see a possible "restructure clause" or something similar in the next CBA if the cap continues to languish as it has? Maybe a 1 player limit that would allow a team to restructure a contract allowing them more cap flexibility. Of course there would have to be parameters to ensure its integrity but I just don't see the current system as a long term answer or success. Thanks.

How about a little cap discussion after the trades last week and Hossa's announcement.

I recall the hawks salary cap carry-forward amount for 2017/18 at about $3.5m. Can someone verify?

I really wish I could ubderstand from a very practical standpoint how the Hossa LTIR gets handled. I've read a lot about it and it still confuses me on how it REALLY will be applied.

But, as we stand now, we have the following roster and use of money:

10,500 Toews
10,500 Kane
4,550 AA
6,000 Saad
2,800 Panik
863 Hartman
925 Schmaltz
745 Dauphin
750 Kero

6,875 Seabrook
5,538 Keith
3,850 Murphy
900 Kempny
873 Forsling

6,000 Crawford

3,500 cap hit from 2016/17 bonuses

Totals $65m
Leaves $10m for 4 more F, 2 more D, backup G.

Minus whatever Hossa contract can't be replaced. Meaning if they can onlt effectively use $3m of his $5.25m LTIR, that is a another $2.25m hit to these cap numbers.

(guys like Forsling and Kero are just placeholders in my list. If you think another young D will get the job over Forsling, it doesnt matter to these cap numbers, as that player will be within $100k of the Forsling cap number)

JJ or to anyone on this panel, do the hawks have to wait until 7/1 to pay the signing bonus or can they pay it before 7/1? Also is AA enough to get evander kane from buffalo or do other pieces need to be added and have the hawks been in contact with the rangers? I only mention the rangers because Stephan is gone and might be looking to replace him with AA. Vesey, pumple, krierde,r grabner, buchnechiv, and jt miller, not all of course but one of those forward would look nice on the hawks.
- Scott1977

I don't KNOW the answer. But if it werent for that bonus timing, I feel stronly he would be on the Vegas team right now.

John - you've been killing it on Twitter lately... keep it up!


John Jaeckel‏ @jaeckel 1h1 hour ago

1/ File this under speculation, because I have not heard this from any sources. But I HAVE heard AA will likely be dealt, to one of a few

2/ possible teams: MON, VGK, BUF, NJ. I would add another team, speculatively at this point, to the list: Columbus, who not only just added

3/ AA's linemate and countryman (Panarin) but lost a middle line center to VGK in expansion (W. Karlsson), and obviously Jarmo (Cbus GM) and

4/ SB have been "talking" of late. May just be dots that connect and nothing more, but seems to make a lot of sense for both teams

This is how D-U-M rumors get started. Someone in the "legit" media completely speculating.

I believe based on a source (like Hedger's) there is something to the Sharp rumor—but I have been told that only happens IF the Hawks strike out on some other stuff. The Shaw thing (although you never know) defies reality in a lot of ways so as to make it very unlikely.
- John Jaeckel

I agree on Shaw John, same with Sharp, only as a last resort. As far as Peggy's Tweet and I am sure you are aware she is a long time Sports reporter in the Chicago area, she's a good solid person , comes from a good family with CPD brothers. Met her several times , don't think she would put garbage out there.
This is turning out to be fun this week, especially looking forward to the unknown come July 1st.

John - you've been killing it on Twitter lately... keep it up!


John Jaeckel‏ @jaeckel 1h1 hour ago

1/ File this under speculation, because I have not heard this from any sources. But I HAVE heard AA will likely be dealt, to one of a few

2/ possible teams: MON, VGK, BUF, NJ. I would add another team, speculatively at this point, to the list: Columbus, who not only just added

3/ AA's linemate and countryman (Panarin) but lost a middle line center to VGK in expansion (W. Karlsson), and obviously Jarmo (Cbus GM) and

4/ SB have been "talking" of late. May just be dots that connect and nothing more, but seems to make a lot of sense for both teams
- TyCamScore

NJ? Good, unload the cookie jar for Taylor Hall!.......wishful thinking!

ANDREAS ATHANASIOU?


He's not that great. Upside yes but still very unproven and raw. The question is what does Detroit need? They need young D men.

My guess is a guy like Forsling or Raddysh are good starts, throw in a pick and you have a package. If Stan wants to make this happen, move AA force another dman and then make the trade with Det.
- Bjm84

Blashill has problems with his game but Holland probably would have moved him already if he wanted to.... talent is off the charts... hockey sense may not be. I would have loved to see him over Jurco. Could be an all star on a line with PK.

Jurco:He strikes me now as a guy whose on-ice value goes up the more he chooses to engage and go hard to high traffic areas—which is what Panik is almost every shift—but Jurco seems very inconsistent and hesitant likely due to the back.
- John Jaeckel

I dunno, I always thought he was a hawk type player, in that he handles the puck well, in traffic on the fly, but seems to have not shown very much of the scoring prowess his post NHL days in junior were filled with.

I don't think he every had an appetite for being griity, where Panik seems heavier, plays heavier...

Hated to see Shaw go but there was a reason for that his salary was too high for the role he had. I can't see the Hawks bringing him back at a salary they couldn't afford last year. Saad was a better fit for them so it made sense to bring him back. To me it seems it's going to be hard for the Hawks to go forward if they keep looking back to the past. Who is coming back next Dave Bolland?

I agree on Shaw John, same with Sharp, only as a last resort. As far as Peggy's Tweet and I am sure you are aware she is a long time Sports reporter in the Chicago area, she's a good solid person , comes from a good family with CPD brothers. Met her several times , don't think she would put garbage out there.
This is turning out to be fun this week, especially looking forward to the unknown come July 1st.
- wonthecup10

He wasn't attacking her personally, but that tweet was loaded with no sources to back it up.

I dunno, I always thought he was a hawk type player, in that he handles the puck well, in traffic on the fly, but seems to have not shown very much of the scoring prowess his post NHL days in junior were filled with.

I don't think he every had an appetite for being griity, where Panik seems heavier, plays heavier...
- wiz1901

JJ mentioned he have been dealing with a back issue last year. Curious to see what he does with a full off season to train with his new team.

Guess it's been leaked that two former 'hawks will not be given a QO, Rangers Brandon Pirri and Adam Clendening. This according to ProHockeyRumors.com