It is not marketing or being cheap. It is simple cash flow. They are smaller market teams, that do not have a huge base of true hockey fans, and limited revenue streams. They are not playing to packed houses. In Dallas you can buy a ticket for $10. For $84 bucks you can get just about the best seat in the house.
- -Doh-

Believe it or not if a team is winning they then draw new and old fans to the games. Winning is the best marketing tool for any team small or big market.

It allows you more concession sales, sold out games , parking revenue , jersey and other memorabilia sales.

You can take a market like arizona and produce a profit if your team is winning and fun to watch.

Look at Vegas it's similar in size to Arizona, yet they have a winning culture.

The entire point about capatilism and owning a business is you have to have a passion for it, the credit and capital to enter the business and a solid business , financial, and marketing plan.

The NHL, nba,nfl,MLB are business models for billionaires , the good ole boys club and to enter those clubs you pay a heavy upfront fee that only a select few people in this world have that kind of money to throw around .

These sports clubs have strict rules and standards which I just dont see those same rules and standards applied in the nhl. You have Smith of watered down talent , owners who for years havent bothered to produce a product that shows they want to win.

Arizona went bankrupt that tells you something about the nhl not really holding these owners to a certain degree of standards.
- Taylorst1

How many of these owners really know anything about hockey? They care about the bottom line. And there are lots of ways to get there. Ticket sales, TV contracts, concessions, etc. Plus, don't forget, the owners probably get a tax break if they LOSE money. Plus, owners can do everything in their power to buy a team, but if you don't know who to hire to make that happen (see: Chiarelli, Peter) then that can screw you for years.

All I'm saying is you are looking at it from outside and have no idea the inner workings of how the NHL truly works. It isn't a true capitalist market because there are limited teams and fewer markets, considering LA basically has two teams and NYC has three. Players have to do whatever they can to make the most they can in the limited time they have to play. Owners can play the long game. That makes for friction.

I know StanBo has made some bad contract decisions and trades. He's also made some good ones. Seabrook, as much as I hate that contract, was paid for what he did, not for what he will do. One thing we have to remember is where this franchise came from not too long ago. They sold all their best players before they cashed in. There was a reason he was called Dollar Bill Wirtz. And if ticket prices are going to continue to rise, then the Blackhawks have to do everything in their power not to alienate the older crowd that tends to have more money and longer memories. Rocky knows this. McDonough knows this. Bowman knows this. It sucks, and it has led us to this situation with the hard cap being in place, but my point is, there are so many things that go into contracts and managing a team as an on-ice product AND as a business that it's a cop out to oversimplify.

Imo it was always a far stretch to think Crawford after going down for a 2nd time in less than a year would return this year.

Nothing personal against Crawford, but this is now a huge wrench in Chicago's plans for next year.

They need to move Crawford to a team that is willing to take him on just to hit the floor, however what is the cost and if Stan doesn't move Crawford that's less money in free agency to spend , also LTIR next year is not a solid plan, nor is bringing Crawford back to only get hit and be out again or worse seriously injure him even more.
- Taylorst1

He’s hurt no one will take him also he has a nmc. There’s no way the hawks try and put the squeeze on him to waive. The players union would be all over it and again what team would take a hurt player without us giving away some other player or pick. The hawks will have an idea whether he will even come back next year and can always put him on ir

Knock on wood Cameron, Tyler Cameron, a blog topic ' why is the power play now working, and it was not for a few years back'. who gets credit, in hindsight who did prior problems lie on

Knock on wood Cameron, Tyler Cameron, a blog topic ' why is the power play now working, and it was not for a few years back'. who gets credit, in hindsight who did prior problems lie on
- holyJumpin_NL

Keith was the problem.
Gus gets credit?

I have bad news....

The only team in that situation right now is Arizona, and even then it's a big "Maybe"

EDIT:

Ottawa may be interested.
- BINGO!

if we move AA this trade deadline or next summer I don't think we need to move craw.
the RFA's this year are Kampf, perlini, Dahlstrom, koekkoek, forsling, Delia and Forsberg. which all we get really modest raises. Maybe $100K each. Then next year we have Caggulia, Kahun strome, and Cat, Which will be more cash needed. IE save Craws cash for there raises. If we trade craw and AA and use all the money this year we will not have money to keep all those guys. that is why I move AA for the best deal we can get. Keith because his value is going to go down and we are allot of luck away from competeting for a Stanley cup. in 2 years IMO. I would not trade SAAD unless it brings back a really good D player. He is not great but also not bad and is OK Def which is a big issue for us. We need our forwards to play good D because our Defense does not and I don't think that changes much next year.

How many of these owners really know anything about hockey? They care about the bottom line. And there are lots of ways to get there. Ticket sales, TV contracts, concessions, etc. Plus, don't forget, the owners probably get a tax break if they LOSE money. Plus, owners can do everything in their power to buy a team, but if you don't know who to hire to make that happen (see: Chiarelli, Peter) then that can screw you for years.

All I'm saying is you are looking at it from outside and have no idea the inner workings of how the NHL truly works. It isn't a true capitalist market because there are limited teams and fewer markets, considering LA basically has two teams and NYC has three. Players have to do whatever they can to make the most they can in the limited time they have to play. Owners can play the long game. That makes for friction.

I know StanBo has made some bad contract decisions and trades. He's also made some good ones. Seabrook, as much as I hate that contract, was paid for what he did, not for what he will do. One thing we have to remember is where this franchise came from not too long ago. They sold all their best players before they cashed in. There was a reason he was called Dollar Bill Wirtz. And if ticket prices are going to continue to rise, then the Blackhawks have to do everything in their power not to alienate the older crowd that tends to have more money and longer memories. Rocky knows this. McDonough knows this. Bowman knows this. It sucks, and it has led us to this situation with the hard cap being in place, but my point is, there are so many things that go into contracts and managing a team as an on-ice product AND as a business that it's a cop out to oversimplify.
- CanOCorn

Well it's looking more and more like these select few billionaires have nothing better to do with their money.


Owning any team you have to already have a business that has gifted or blessed you with that kind of credit and capital to buy your way in. Who has just to buy into a new market 500million plus ? Or to buy a exisiting franchise where the sale could reach or exceed 1 billion? Then you have to have solid credit amd,working capital.

These billionaires understand the concept of business . Anyone who manages , owns and business or company it's all similar bottom line results.

A friend and I watched some of the Panthers game last night and noted how empty the stands were. How can you operate a franchise like that?

This morning I thought that I should check the box score to see what the attendance was. Well you used to be able the see that stat on box scores but I could not find that info on any network. All I was able to find was graphs/charts for season attendance. Florida showed 69%. Sure did not look like 69% last night.
- 67hawks

Through 21 home dates, the Panthers in Sunrise are average 13,294 per game, which is 78.8% of capacity.

The Islanders are the worst - 24 games, 11,599 per game, 73.4% of capacity. That should be for both Brooklyn and Uniondale.

Of course - who knows how accurate these figures are.

From http://www.espn.com/nhl/attendance

Keith was the problem.
Gus gets credit?
- RedRevenge

I agree PP just do not right itself. even when they don't score, good things are happening there

Believe it or not if a team is winning they then draw new and old fans to the games. Winning is the best marketing tool for any team small or big market.

It allows you more concession sales, sold out games , parking revenue , jersey and other memorabilia sales.

You can take a market like arizona and produce a profit if your team is winning and fun to watch.

Look at Vegas it's similar in size to Arizona, yet they have a winning culture.
- Taylorst1

They've only existed for a year and a half. Let's pump the breaks on the "culture" talk for a bit, shall we?

Arizona's had serious ownership issues for the better part of two decades now.

Atlanta had n ownership group consisting of a bunch of guys that couldn't stop suing eachother.

In Carolina, what you had was a guy who bought the Whalers for only $47.5 million and then could no longer afford to continue icing a competitive team once the team salaries reach the $60-70 Million per year mark and attendance started falling like a rock. They're slowly recovering now that the new owner has actual money.

End of the day you need people who actually START with money, not people who can kind of afford it but are mostly just financing the team (or are literal con artists like Boots in Nashville was.) otherwise you're setting yourselves up for a world of hurt.

Keith was the problem.
Gus gets credit?
- RedRevenge

Two components/options of the powerplay the Hawks have now that they didn't in the past are a powerplay quarterback with a big shot who can unload it quickly in Gus and a pure sniper with a quick release in ADB.

Keith could quarterback the powerplay but he didn't have an overpowering shot and it took him all day to get the shot off. And they haven't had that triggerman that they have in ADB. So while the Hawks never really had issues moving the puck around they never had those quick big shots as go to options.

All of the puck managing by Kane, all of the work in front of the net and digging loose pucks by Toews is rewarded with Gus and ADB. Now teams can't key on Kane or Toews but instead have 4 or 5 guys to worry about.

This is where the Nino Niederreiter trade comes in, by the way. They know they're going to trade Ferland, because losing him for nothing is not an option, so instead they go get Nino who is signed for three more years for the kind of cap hit they were probably looking at for Ferland anyway, AND they get rid of their $4 million 4C.
- BINGO!

How about Elias Lindholm??

For those with a subscription to TheAthletic, Powers has a nice piece that shows all of DeBrincat's 25 goals this season with some commentary from DeBrincat on some of them.

https://theathletic.com/6...g-to-tell-us-this-season/
- EbonyRaptor

Glad to see he found a home on that off wing side like many of us hoped. Tied with Laine for 16th in NHL goals, so I hope he stays on that side for a long time. On pace for 41 goals...great, but I wonder what his contract extension will be if he keeps this up.

Two components/options of the powerplay the Hawks have now that they didn't in the past are a powerplay quarterback with a big shot who can unload it quickly in Gus and a pure sniper with a quick release in ADB.

Keith could quarterback the powerplay but he didn't have an overpowering shot and it took him all day to get the shot off. And they haven't had that triggerman that they have in ADB. So while the Hawks never really had issues moving the puck around they never had those quick big shots as go to options.

All of the puck managing by Kane, all of the work in front of the net and digging loose pucks by Toews is rewarded with Gus and ADB. Now teams can't key on Kane or Toews but instead have 4 or 5 guys to worry about.
- paulr

I just wanted to add that I think Strome also deserves credit too. He is like doing a great job around the net like Anismov would, but he has much better vision IMO. I think him doing that allows Toews to roam a bit more and create some more movement to open some seams. The other positive is that now that the PP is clicking, they can keep some consistency in personnel on the first unit and take advantage of some chemistry.

Jokiharju back in tonight for Dahlstrom.

Ward starts.

Jokiharju back in tonight for Dahlstrom.

Ward starts.
- Justin Lowe

What is your gut telling you about Dahlstrom. Is the shine wearing off? Maybe soon another AHL dman going to get a shot and they send him down?

Glad to see he found a home on that off wing side like many of us hoped. Tied with Laine for 16th in NHL goals, so I hope he stays on that side for a long time. On pace for 41 goals...great, but I wonder what his contract extension will be if he keeps this up.
- breadbag

Strome and Debrincat are both up for renewal after next season. Should be interesting to see what happens there.

Jokiharju back in tonight for Dahlstrom.

Ward starts.
- Justin Lowe

What is everyone thoughts on Dahlstrom? is he trending towards a keeper or possible trade bait to enhance elsewhere?

Two components/options of the powerplay the Hawks have now that they didn't in the past are a powerplay quarterback with a big shot who can unload it quickly in Gus and a pure sniper with a quick release in ADB.

Keith could quarterback the powerplay but he didn't have an overpowering shot and it took him all day to get the shot off. And they haven't had that triggerman that they have in ADB. So while the Hawks never really had issues moving the puck around they never had those quick big shots as go to options.

All of the puck managing by Kane, all of the work in front of the net and digging loose pucks by Toews is rewarded with Gus and ADB. Now teams can't key on Kane or Toews but instead have 4 or 5 guys to worry about.
- paulr

But wasn't that sniper before ADB called Panarin ? ...and the PP still wasn't all that great

But wasn't that sniper before ADB called Panarin ? ...and the PP still wasn't all that great
- StutzBlackhawk

But that's where Strome and Gus come in. See above.

But wasn't that sniper before ADB called Panarin ? ...and the PP still wasn't all that great
- StutzBlackhawk

And while he collected some powerplay goals, the Hawks lacked a shot from the point. Having two shot options is what is providing more success now.

How about Elias Lindholm??
- EnzoD

He's good. He's always been good. The puck is just finally going in instead of hitting the post now, so, you know, good for him.

What is everyone thoughts on Dahlstrom? is he trending towards a keeper or possible trade bait to enhance elsewhere?
- glennjpawlak22

Big Fan

He has been a pleasant surprise this year and I hope he isnt discussed in trades at all.

They've only existed for a year and a half. Let's pump the breaks on the "culture" talk for a bit, shall we?

Arizona's had serious ownership issues for the better part of two decades now.

Atlanta had n ownership group consisting of a bunch of guys that couldn't stop suing eachother.

In Carolina, what you had was a guy who bought the Whalers for only $47.5 million and then could no longer afford to continue icing a competitive team once the team salaries reach the $60-70 Million per year mark and attendance started falling like a rock. They're slowly recovering now that the new owner has actual money.

End of the day you need people who actually START with money, not people who can kind of afford it but are mostly just financing the team (or are literal con artists like Boots in Nashville was.) otherwise you're setting yourselves up for a world of hurt.
- BINGO!

Oren Koulas is from Chicago. How'd you like Koulas and Len Barrie in Tampa for a poop show?

Believe it or not if a team is winning they then draw new and old fans to the games. Winning is the best marketing tool for any team small or big market.

It allows you more concession sales, sold out games , parking revenue , jersey and other memorabilia sales.

You can take a market like arizona and produce a profit if your team is winning and fun to watch.

Look at Vegas it's similar in size to Arizona, yet they have a winning culture.
- Taylorst1

Vegas has an advantage in that a large portion of their crowds are made up of fans from the opposing teams. I have been there several times already, early in the season last year (Oct) the number of Hawks fans was probably 40% or more. Going this year in Dec. the amount of Hawks fans was less, but still probably pushing the 33%. Winning helped them some, but the whole experience and way they market the team and the location of the stadium on the strip increases their attendance.

Vegas is also the only pro team in town, at least until the Raiders get there.

Vegas will draw because its a vacation draw year round. Ariz. will draw some when spring training starts and some fans will double up their Cactus league trips with a hockey game.

While Vegas and Ariz are similar size, the demographics are completely different.