From Cap Friendly:


(1/4) We'd like to clarify a point from our previous tweet in which we refer to Berglund's contract termination as being "mutual", based on info we've received.

Contract termination is almost never mutual, in that the player is not required to sign-off on his own termination.

(2/4) Unconditional waiver placements are almost always the result of a breach of contract (in this case, failing to report).

The club would then send the player & his agent a letter to inform them the contract will be terminated if the player does not report by a certain date.

(3/4) At this point the player is aware that if he does not report by a certain date, the club will place him on unconditional waivers for the purpose of termination.

The player then takes the decision to either report to the club or accept that his contract will be terminated.

(4/4) However, once the player clears waivers, and the club has officially terminated the contract, the player and his agent can challenge the violation outlined by the club for breach of contract, as well as the right to file a grievance with the players association.

From Cap Friendly:


(1/4) We'd like to clarify a point from our previous tweet in which we refer to Berglund's contract termination as being "mutual", based on info we've received.

Contract termination is almost never mutual, in that the player is not required to sign-off on his own termination.

(2/4) Unconditional waiver placements are almost always the result of a breach of contract (in this case, failing to report).

The club would then send the player & his agent a letter to inform them the contract will be terminated if the player does not report by a certain date.

(3/4) At this point the player is aware that if he does not report by a certain date, the club will place him on unconditional waivers for the purpose of termination.

The player then takes the decision to either report to the club or accept that his contract will be terminated.

(4/4) However, once the player clears waivers, and the club has officially terminated the contract, the player and his agent can challenge the violation outlined by the club for breach of contract, as well as the right to file a grievance with the players association.
- walleyeb1

Thanks Walleye

At some point some hard decisions have to be made. There is absolutely nothing to suggest that Gus will ever figure it out - he just doesn’t seem to have the requisite hockey IQ - or if he does have it he refuses to use it. Regardless of what Colliton says a team can’t live with one players’ constant turnovers that find there way into the net. If Gus wasn’t producing offensively his shortcomings would be even more noticeable. Colliton seems to believe he is the next Bobby Orr though. I would trade him right now getting some team to bite at his offence because if his offence dries up he will be untradeable. His play and pass at the end of the first period was as dumb as it gets.

Kahun must produce some points or play him down the order as he is morphing into Fortin 2.0. As well I don’t know what kind of player Hayden believes he is but unless he starts playing physically he shouldn’t be playing. Same thinking for Martinsen if he gets back in.

Seemed that players were more cognizant of what zone responsibilities they have based on position last night. There was still a lot of overly aggressive puck chasing in the D-Zone but less. Whether the D-System is called “Man to Man” or “Golden Zone Attack” it doesn’t change the fact that players have positional responsibilities based on the positions they play.

It was a nice game to watch but coming so soon after the San Jose debacle I am hopeful but guarded. Hopefully, the goaltending will be good moving forward as that can make a huge difference.
- Z3Hawk

I couldn't agree with this more. Gus is always a balancing act of whether his offense will eclipse his defensive shortcomings which are almost always on full display. If you can turn him into something useful, that would be great.

No, he would be taking the roster spot now and in the future of a young guy. I would rather have the young guys play or go to the UFA market for a more effective option. There's nothing that makes the guy a "must have".
- DarthKane

So, following your logic, it assumes there is a young 220lb 6'4 center in the organization whose upside is better, and if only given NHL playing time with his other AHL counterparts, he will develop into that player they really want.

Pardon me for asking, but who exactly is that guy the Hawks have right now that Berglund signing for three years at $2MM per or something would be blocking from development?

I would submit to you that anyone named Johnson, Edjsell, Fortin, Hayden, Martinsen, Nilsson, Entwistle, Schroeder, Noel or Highmore hsa either already busted out, or has at least two more years of AHL time to do to see if they have anything to offer.

What do the Hawks have in assets to get a player like that? Do you trust this front office to find one via the draft? Is there a FA on the horizon who would even want to come here now?

yessir..it was a textbook "accidentally on purpose" set up for forearm shiver/elbow to the chops on little guy Marcus. IDC if Hartman is a former teammate, but just like Evander Kane possibly ending Crow's career...NO pushback, not even a crosscheck, slash, or clean body check on Hartman or Evander Kane. SOFT! That was a vicious elbow to the face and Kruger was leaking BAD. Any pictures of Kruger today??
- EnzoD

That's not true. Was at the game and Hayden went after Hartman. Teammates separated them and they went to the bench still jawing at each other. May have all happened during a break while they were cleaning up and helping Kruger off the ice and into the room.

That's not true. Was at the game and Hayden went after Hartman. Teammates separated them and they went to the bench still jawing at each other. May have all happened during a break while they were cleaning up and helping Kruger off the ice and into the room.
- pdx2ord

But that explanation does not fit the narrative everyone wants you to believe.

But that explanation does not fit the narrative everyone wants you to believe.
- TheTrob

I was at the game as well, and of course it wouldn't fit the narrative. Because this team doesn't work hard or stick up for each other. They're charmin soft. I saw a bunch of times Seabs throwing his weight around. He got into it a bunch of times with Hartman after the whistle. But that won't fly here.

That's not true. Was at the game and Hayden went after Hartman. Teammates separated them and they went to the bench still jawing at each other. May have all happened during a break while they were cleaning up and helping Kruger off the ice and into the room.
- pdx2ord

I think you said this in the previous blog, at the tail end, to me. I didn't see any of it, so it must have happened during a commercial. Thanks for the additional insight.

So, following your logic, it assumes there is a young 220lb 6'4 center in the organization whose upside is better, and if only given NHL playing time with his other AHL counterparts, he will develop into that player they really want.

Pardon me for asking, but who exactly is that guy the Hawks have right now that Berglund signing for three years at $2MM per or something would be blocking from development?

I would submit to you that anyone named Johnson, Edjsell, Fortin, Hayden, Martinsen, Nilsson, Entwistle, Schroeder, Noel or Highmore hsa either already busted out, or has at least two more years of AHL time to do to see if they have anything to offer.

What do the Hawks have in assets to get a player like that? Do you trust this front office to find one via the draft? Is there a FA on the horizon who would even want to come here now?
- Return of the Roar

Fair enough...but what does Berglund offer that those guys don't? None of them have been particularly great but at least the others don't cost over $3 million on a longer term contract. The Sabres aren't going to retain any money with they can simply terminate the contract at no cost. Would you be willing to give up a significant asset to persuade Buffalo to retain salary?

You question the front office's ability to draft or find a UFA and that's fair. But if the front office is so incompetent and they acquire Berglund what would that really say about him?

Fair enough...but what does Berglund offer that those guys don't? None of them have been particularly great but at least the others don't cost over $3 million on a longer term contract. The Sabres aren't going to retain any money with they can simply terminate the contract at no cost. Would you be willing to give up a significant asset to persuade Buffalo to retain salary?

You question the front office's ability to draft or find a UFA and that's fair. But if the front office is so incompetent and they acquire Berglund what would that really say about him?
- DarthKane

Buffalo has a few challenges here.

First, missing two team events (practices, games) will not fly with the NHLPA as cause to terminate, especially if Berglund reappears. He's got money on the table. This is a tactic in the interests of both sides to get a move made.

Second, Buffalo has a long and storied history of retaining money.

Third, Buffalo is looking for someone to take him on to see if they get anything - players, salary dump, salary relief.

And finally, I never said blindly sign the guy - have to do the due diligence. That said, if the guy has game to offer at a reasonable price and term while the front office finishes yanking around and decides what they are going to do, having him could be a vet presence for younger guys and add a bit of nasty so vacant from the roster.

Buffalo has a few challenges here.

First, missing two team events (practices, games) will not fly with the NHLPA as cause to terminate, especially if Berglund reappears. He's got money on the table. This is a tactic in the interests of both sides to get a move made.

Second, Buffalo has a long and storied history of retaining money.

Third, Buffalo is looking for someone to take him on to see if they get anything - players, salary dump, salary relief.

And finally, I never said blindly sign the guy - have to do the due diligence. That said, if the guy has game to offer at a reasonable price and term while the front office finishes yanking around and decides what they are going to do, having him could be a vet presence for younger guys and add a bit of nasty so vacant from the roster.
- Return of the Roar

Seriously. Stop with the Patrik Berglund idiocy. He sucks. He doesn't want to play center, BTW. The guy quit on his team mates and this is a guy you want to sign?

Come on.

Buffalo has a few challenges here.

First, missing two team events (practices, games) will not fly with the NHLPA as cause to terminate, especially if Berglund reappears. He's got money on the table. This is a tactic in the interests of both sides to get a move made.

Second, Buffalo has a long and storied history of retaining money.

Third, Buffalo is looking for someone to take him on to see if they get anything - players, salary dump, salary relief.

And finally, I never said blindly sign the guy - have to do the due diligence. That said, if the guy has game to offer at a reasonable price and term while the front office finishes yanking around and decides what they are going to do, having him could be a vet presence for younger guys and add a bit of nasty so vacant from the roster.
- Return of the Roar

Buffalo may have a history of retaining salary but it would cost the Hawks an asset and I wouldn't be willing to do that to get Berglund.

Buffalo isn't looking for anyone to take him, they are looking to terminate his contract and be off the hook completely.

Before the news of Berglund's termination I don't recall seeing his name among the desired trade targets. Just because Berglund may be available it doesn't mean he's work acquiring. I just don't see the value he brings to the team, just being 6'4" doesn't mean much. Hayden was on your list of guys who haven't done much and he's 6'3" and 215 lbs.

The team is more or less a mess on several levels. But we saw last night hints that they have some hope. I believe they will move AA. They would be lucky to get a 2nd round pick. If they moved Keith they would get a 1 round pick, but he would probably go to a contender, so it could be at the end of the 1st round. They probably will be bad in 2019/20 also, so they will have their own pick very early in the draft this year and next.

So look at this team with cap space, a 1st round pick at the beginning of the 1st round, a 1st round pick at the end of the first round, two 2nd round picks, plus a really good 1st round pick in 2020. You can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Top 6 - Toews, Kane, ADB, Strome, Free agent signing (Panarin?), 1st round pick
Bottom 6 - Kampf, Sikura, Kahun, Perlini, Hayden, Entwistle
Dmen (pick your favorite 6, then add Seabs out of necessity) - Free agent, Murphy, Joki, Gus, Boqvist, Mitchell, Forsling, Beaudin, Hillman, Dahlstrom, and Seabs (who is unmovable)
Goalies - Delia, Forsberg, Lankinen

I am willing to give Stan and Colliton a little time.
- -Doh-

Where's Saad fit on this? I'd see him as top 9, ideally top 6, but with the ability to play anywhere. Or put another way, I would not move Saad to allow room for a Hayden, Entwistle, or Kahun even... so one of those 3 couldn't fit. Just my opinion, though.

But that explanation does not fit the narrative everyone wants you to believe.
- TheTrob

I wasn't there, so if Hayden stood up then ok. But what's yappin gonna do to straighten him out? In my day a million years ago if we couldn't go I'd run the poop out of their little Swedes until Hartman did show up. And if I had to go through someone else first then no problem. What if Hayden did that to Arvidsson? I have to believe Hayden is in deep poop. I don't like fights after a good clean hit, but one thing I know for sure is yapping doesn't earn respect. Sometimes someone has to take care of business.

Seriously. Stop with the Patrik Berglund idiocy. He sucks. He doesn't want to play center, BTW. The guy quit on his team mates and this is a guy you want to sign?

Come on.
- Elbows15

I'm not sure he sucks, but have to agree with you on the rest.

No he didn't. Watch the video. He is turning to spin up the boards. Look at his left skate and right side/shoulder and stick blade. Hartman is turning to his left to go up the boards. He pivots his left foot and is raising the right to crossover when Kruger impacts him. Kruger is at a poor angle and is leading with his chest trying to wrap him up as opposed to making a shoulder check

https://twitter.com/CMS_7...tatus/1075225321165742081
- TheTrob

Disagree, completely, that was entirely deliberate. I had it done to me once in a rec game and luckily had a full face grill on.

On push back... this isn't a new thing with Chicago either; a guy on the Wild rocks Kane, and it took Panarin to do something about it. Am just saying, that it is a bit unusual for a guy of Panarin's skill level to feel like he has to be the one to step forward, all videos of cage fighting moves aside ... but that is what happened then. It has been a problem.

I'm not sure he sucks, but have to agree with you on the rest.
- 6628

Not good. Sucks. Either works. He sure isn't a guy you try to sign.

Gunna have to disagree Justin....I don't think Delia was called up to watch Greybeard Cam Ward play for the 30th place Hawks. The kid was leading the AHL in save % and I think with the Hawks playing a complete game last night, it would be prudent to start the kid Delia next game. This season is lost, so play the kids
- EnzoD

You could be right. I think they will see what they have in Delia (and I'm board with that) but the way Ward played, he's going to get a shot to play until he loses/doesn't play well.

Seriously. Stop with the Patrik Berglund idiocy. He sucks. He doesn't want to play center, BTW. The guy quit on his team mates and this is a guy you want to sign?

Come on.
- Elbows15

He's not what the Hawks need now or in the near future.

That's been my argument for a Lucic/Seabrook trade all along. Lucic is the lesser of two evils. A 4th liner getting 6 minutes of ice a game is less of a liability than a 3rd pair D getting 12.
- Dieselhead

Yes. Me too. Lucic has actually been effective lately for Edmonton, but still not scoring. At least he makes an impact with physical play. He doesn't hurt so much when he makes a mistake.

yessir..it was a textbook "accidentally on purpose" set up for forearm shiver/elbow to the chops on little guy Marcus. IDC if Hartman is a former teammate, but just like Evander Kane possibly ending Crow's career...NO pushback, not even a crosscheck, slash, or clean body check on Hartman or Evander Kane. SOFT! That was a vicious elbow to the face and Kruger was leaking BAD. Any pictures of Kruger today??
- EnzoD

Yep. Not only does this Hawk team have a series lack of talent, this team is also extremely soft to play against. Both, E. Kane and Hartmann needed to be "pushed back. No one on this current team does that....other than Keith, when he loses his cool.

Buffalo has a few challenges here.

First, missing two team events (practices, games) will not fly with the NHLPA as cause to terminate, especially if Berglund reappears. He's got money on the table. This is a tactic in the interests of both sides to get a move made.

Second, Buffalo has a long and storied history of retaining money.

Third, Buffalo is looking for someone to take him on to see if they get anything - players, salary dump, salary relief.

And finally, I never said blindly sign the guy - have to do the due diligence. That said, if the guy has game to offer at a reasonable price and term while the front office finishes yanking around and decides what they are going to do, having him could be a vet presence for younger guys and add a bit of nasty so vacant from the roster.
- Return of the Roar

The other part of this is how his agent screwed up in this deal. The Blues may have some liability here as well. I doubt we’ve heard the end of this:

“The veteran was part of the blockbuster trade that sent to the St. Louis Blues this summer. Berglund was reportedly not thrilled with his involvement in that deal, and he may have been able to avoid being included had he filed some paperwork on time.

The day before the trade, Berglund's full no-trade protection on his contract expired and became a modified no-trade clause, which would have allowed him to submit a list of teams to which he would not accept a trade. However, Berglund didn't immediately submit his list to the club, and the Blues jumped on the opportunity to include him in their package to Buffalo.”

I just read some more on this.

Apparently, while the discord between Berglund and the Sabres initially stemmed around a late submission on his part of teams to be traded to under his NTC, and then being shipped to BUF, he did report, and was actually not only well received, but also was happy being there.

The real issue is that since then, his role has been diminished, and how is is being used are at the heart of the anguish.

Seems to me like a guy who WANTS to play, but perhaps in light of the youth and upward trajectory of the younger guys on the Sabres, he is being passed over.

He'd darn sure be an upgrade over Kruger for not much more money, and he is familiar with the Western Conference style of play.
- Return of the Roar

Bergland is absolutely terrible!!!

I’d try:

Keith - Forsling
Dahlstrom - Murphy
Gustafsson/Manning - Seabrook

My guess is Manning is the 7th man in favor of playing the two Guses.
- AEL_Fox

What about Joki when he returns?