RE: Corey Crawford:

The dude doesn't look 100% and he's admitted that.

It doesn't sound extremely optimistic that he will be ready to go for training camp but his appearance at the convention is promising IMO.

People are looking for answers and Corey showed up this weekend and is stepping forward with a statement of sorts. This has to be extremely tough for him.

I would just keep in mind with his comments, Keith's comments and anyone else this weekend that the Hawks would have PR'd them all up. They know not to say anything and to be coy about the situation. It's easier for them all to deflect like Keith did.

I really hope he gets better soon from whatever is ailing him.


I will just end with this; IF this is something very personal (as it's been rumoured) he does have a right to protect that from everyone because his health as a human supersedes Corey Crawford the athlete. Aaaaaand, he's part of a union.

If I was in the spotlight (ps... I'm not) and had an issue, I wouldn't want everyone knowing my business either.
- Justin Lowe

After watching interviews and reading all different comments, I really believe Crawford is coming back from some type of alcohol/drug problem/rehab. Watching his reaction to different questions, and the answers he gave make me think that this is something very personal that he is keeping close to him. I would love to see him back with the Blackhawks this season, and especially early, because I believe they can make a push with him in net. But as a human being, I hope he is able to find the help that he needs so that he and his family can live a healthy and happy life post-hockey. If that ultimately means he is out longer, then so be it. As a fan it sucks, but there is more to life than hockey.

While a lot of people think he looked really bad today, I was on the other side of the fence. This might be him healthy. In the past I always thought he looked worn out/tired. He didn't look that today. Hopefully he is true to his word that he has been working out and is in shape/getting close. We can all sit and say what type of condition he is in/where he should be, but ultimately only he knows and will be able to put himself in a position that makes him most ready.

I really hope that if this is the reason he has been gone, he has been able to find the help he needed.

Again, this is all my opinion- no actual fact.

That’s a whole boatload of trash. Are you Toews’ cousin or agent? Your assessment of Toews on-ice play last season is comical, as is your classification of those who criticize the (formerly) highest paid player in the game as people who lack hockey knowledge. Get off the soap box and try a character limit on your posts. Toews eye test and statistical production pale in comparison to all other players making over $8mil a season.

This isn’t 2013, it’s 2018. Until proven otherwise, those of us without the Rose Colored Glasses and cups full of Blackhawk bandwagon kool aid will continue to criticize #19. Everyone who does criticize Toews WANTS him to be the guy who played like a $10mil 1C, but there’s nothing to suggest he will ever be that guy again given his age, mileage, injury history, and demeanor (based on recent interviews that sound like he’s in retrospection about to retire)
- EnzoD

The good news is Toews apparently spent much of the week leading up to the convention training with the skills coach that Kane has been using last couple of weeks. Working on skating shooting etc with Kane and DBC. That’s a positive sign. To the extent his decline is not chronic injury or subconscious fear of concussion effects related, he may just bounce back more than we are expecting.

Back in the day when they where building the new Metchosen firehall I as a logger had no problem with the tree huggers chaining themselves to the trees,people need to be more civil.It has been a awhile since I lived in your neck of the woods but as soon as I saw your location
- eagle50

Beautiful piece of the island, love it here, BTW I took down 65 2nd growth Douglas Fir and used them to build our house in 06.

GP, don't waste time on DAHAWKBABY88 hge got cut from his HS team & has never recovered

Toews will never be what he used to be but can't blame him for the contract

All the 88 luvers on here is laughable guy stunk last year & showed Panarin carried his LAZY a**

One way CHERRY PICKER who luvs all the new rules so he can't be touched

88 would have lasted 3-4 years back when NHL was actually great & tough Hockey not the RAT ICE NHL of today

Carry on Enzo & girls with the 88 luv

BTW Crawford is done he will be USELESS
- Goalie-33

I just want to let you know that I have already received a PM regarding the way you have posted after your minor ban. I am asking politely that you post with a respectful tone, don’t call posters girls or any other names, or post with a condescending attitude.

Again asking nicely, but only once.

Thanks for understanding.

Jamal Mayers thinks Kunitz adds a competitive edge/toughness leadership quality to the Hawks that "has been missing." Also a realistic assessment of goaltending needs post-Corey's distressing appearance and admission today:
https://www.nbcsports.com...nce-blackhawks-convention

You'd think it's likely, since Q won't carry three goalies

From Keith:

"There's still a month, a month and a half until training camp and hopefully he's ready.
"And if he's not ready for training camp, hopefully he's ready for Game 1.
"If he's not ready for Game 1, hopefully he's ready by Christmas or something."
@DuncanKeith on Corey Crawford

Awesome
- pdx2ord

the insight by keith is world class.....


reality hits the hawks in the face...

RE: Corey Crawford:

The dude doesn't look 100% and he's admitted that.

It doesn't sound extremely optimistic that he will be ready to go for training camp but his appearance at the convention is promising IMO.

People are looking for answers and Corey showed up this weekend and is stepping forward with a statement of sorts. This has to be extremely tough for him.

I would just keep in mind with his comments, Keith's comments and anyone else this weekend that the Hawks would have PR'd them all up. They know not to say anything and to be coy about the situation. It's easier for them all to deflect like Keith did.

I really hope he gets better soon from whatever is ailing him.


I will just end with this; IF this is something very personal (as it's been rumoured) he does have a right to protect that from everyone because his health as a human supersedes Corey Crawford the athlete. Aaaaaand, he's part of a union.

If I was in the spotlight (ps... I'm not) and had an issue, I wouldn't want everyone knowing my business either.
- Justin Lowe

First, I hope Crawford takes the time he needs Tim whatever he’s going through. I don’t care if the needs another 6 month, 12 months or 18 months. Crawford has the right to complete privacy if he wants it. FOR his sake I hope Crawford recovers soon and has the opportunity to regain his top form.

Second, the Ward signing is making more and more sense. There’s a strong chance Crawford won’t be ready for game #1, that’s why Stan wanted a veteran backup to carry the load. We can argue of Ward was the right choice but there likely wasn’t too many other great options.

Guys, this is great news. We can save cap space on goal tending by LTIR Crawford’s bloated 6M contract day 1!
All that glorious capspace added to ditching that bum Marian, err Bigg Hoss’s 5M cap hit too...
Why didn’t we do this sooner?!

Hey fox if Eklund said it. Then it ain't happening... So I don't know if it's a good thing or not. This Cory situation is not encouraging
- BGKarras

Thanks, agree on both accounts.

First, I hope Crawford takes the time he needs Tim whatever he’s going through. I don’t care if the needs another 6 month, 12 months or 18 months. Crawford has the right to complete privacy if he wants it. FOR his sake I hope Crawford recovers soon and has the opportunity to regain his top form.

Second, the Ward signing is making more and more sense. There’s a strong chance Crawford won’t be ready for game #1, that’s why Stan wanted a veteran backup to carry the load. We can argue of Ward was the right choice but there likely wasn’t too many other great options.
- DarthKane

My understanding has been that Ward was signed as a 1b option because of the high likelihood that Crawford would not only start the season on the DL but also not play a majority of the season. Putting trust again in Forsberg to carry the load in such a situation was not the right option since he's not ready to be a starter and needs more time to become a solid backup first.

As a result, a goalie with experience was needed but specifically one that wouldn't break the bank or be signed for term. Ward fit the bill although his salary is higher than any of us would have liked. His salary isn't so bad when you consider the relatively considerable cap space the Hawks currently have at this point in time. Plus he's only signed for one year.

The rumor of Bowman kicking the tires on Mason makes sense only if Crawford is for certain to be on LTIR for most if not all of the next season and a platoon with Ward may be in the cards. Not sure how I feel about that. If it's understood that a platoon is only for one year, then sure, why not. It does help that Mason's $4.1 salary was bought out by the Habs so any team that signs him would pay considerably less than that.

I haven't heard anything. The convention might stall things this weekend.

I honestly think they are given Jokiharju every chance to make the team.

I have a new theory that they signed Brandon Manning to play with him as their bottom pairing. He's a stay-at-home defenceman that will stick up for him if he's pushed around.

Keith-Murphy
Gustafsson/Forsling-Seabrook
Manning-Jokiharju

Rutta maybe sent packing for picks?


Just spittballin' on a Friday night.
- Justin Lowe

Justin, good call on the possible option for pairing up Jokiharju with Manning. The reasoning makes sense. Playing this out, pair them up to start the year until Jokiharju gains more and more confidence and experience, then gradually move him if that helps the balance and stabilize the blueline during the latter part of the season.

https://www.nhl.com/black...hi/t-277437096/c-60810703

I know it's a mixed bag of fans liking or disliking the return of Chelios to the organization. Count me in the camp that is happy to see him back as an ambassador or whatever role.

In an interview today, he does make mention that while Cheli's Chili won't be back, he is looking for a location for Cheli's Cantina as he's become a big fan of Mexican food lately.

Toews isn't even a 1C now(or if he is, he's one of the worst in the league).

You still expect him there in a couple years?
- SimpleJack

Toews just turned 30 so from an age perspective he isn't over the hill. If his problem over the last 2-3 seasons is concussion related than he most likely isn't going to bounce back this season or any future season, in which case the Hawks aren't going to win the Cup this season and probably not for the foreseeable future. Toews needs to become Toews again for the Hawks to have a chance and if Toews bounces back this coming season there is no reason he can't play at a high level again for 4-5 more seasons.

It's called the salary cap and the cost of winning 3 Cups - all without Panarin
- PatShart

All without Hinostroza too if it matters..

This season might be tough to watch. I hope they don't mortgage the future. I'm thinking they won't because Rocky doesn't trust StanBo, McRichard and Q to lead the new wave of players. As long as butts in seats, hot dogs and beers are being sold, stay the course. Trade deadline could get interesting.

Who doesn't love Chelios? How can anyone call themselves a Blackhawk fan and not like Chelios? No one I respect.

I can't wait for all the geniuses to start lovingly calling Toews, Johnny and Captain when he has great numbers this year. Freshen up the bandwagon and pucker up. The hardest thing you've probably done is wash behind your ears.

Go Cappy.

This season might be tough to watch. I hope they don't mortgage the future. I'm thinking they won't because Rocky doesn't trust StanBo, McRichard and Q to lead the new wave of players. As long as butts in seats, hot dogs and beers are being sold, stay the course. Trade deadline could get interesting.
- hockey nut 28

Even if the wins and losses are badly skewed negatively, the season could be fun to watch to see (hopefully) the progression of Chicken Fat and AdB, Hayden, Sikura, Ejdsell, Forsling, Kampf, perhaps Jokiharju, seeing what the have in Murphy and Forsberg. and Ruutu...

Lots to look at on the upcoming season.

Even if the wins and losses are badly skewed negatively, the season could be fun to watch to see (hopefully) the progression of Chicken Fat and AdB, Hayden, Sikura, Ejdsell, Forsling, Kampf, perhaps Jokiharju, seeing what the have in Murphy and Forsberg. and Ruutu...

Lots to look at on the upcoming season.
- StLBravesFan

What about the trade deadline. If there are more L's than W's, are they bold?

I can't wait for all the geniuses to start lovingly calling Toews, Johnny and Captain when he has great numbers this year. Freshen up the bandwagon and pucker up. The hardest thing you've probably done is wash behind your ears.

Go Cappy.
- hocktock

No one here is on the bandwagon.

Some may have come later to the joys of hockey and Blackhawk fandom, but ALL of us are committed fans of the Indianhead.

Make your points without denigrating those who have opposing views, please.

It would be quite a story if the Hawks reversed course this year and were a contender. However, looking back in a few years, history might tell us something different. The Hawks were the best team in 2010 and 2013, while 2015 was a gift. Who knows what might have happened in 2016 if they won game 7 in the first round. After that, history will likely show the quick decline--but maybe by then they will be on the rise again.

Seems to equal an LTIR to start the season for CC.
- z1990z

Might be why htey felt like they had to move Hossa's contract, they couldn't afford to have roughly 12 mil to put on LTIR after day 1

Boy Crawford did not look right at the convention, I would be very surprised if he is ready for game 1.
- Scott1977

After watching it, I'd be surprised if he is ever ready again. Very sad, whatever the issue is.

Ouch!

https://www.tsn.ca/capita...x-year-31m-deal-1.1149486
- gramps

Mr. P is going to be depressed.

One thought though, wasn't this amount per year pretty close to what Hossa's cap hit was.

So good news Mr. P. - I'm saying there's chance.

(sorry, not going to go search for the Jim caray dumb and dumber gif)

https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/video/chelios-on-returning-to-chi/t-277437096/c-60810703

I know it's a mixed bag of fans liking or disliking the return of Chelios to the organization. Count me in the camp that is happy to see him back as an ambassador or whatever role.

In an interview today, he does make mention that while Cheli's Chili won't be back, he is looking for a location for Cheli's Cantina as he's become a big fan of Mexican food lately.
- AEL_Fox

I myself loved Chelios! I thought he was a top 10 player in the league back in his glory Norris Days. While not overly big, skilled, skating was OK, Chelli was the meanest and fearless player out D...that intimidation factor. In fact, his play can be characterized by more intangibles than tangibles and that's an ABSOLUTE compliment. If this was UFC or WBC, Chelli would be one of the best pound for pound player back then. Here's an oozo for you, Chelli...SALUTE! Oh how about where he would switch from righty to lefty instead of going backhand, good thing for a not so curvy blade! LOL!