Right. How could I forget. Didn't the old blogger here make up the fictional 2 2nds for Sharp?
- Elbows15

Yes...and it's now become fact that Bowman passed on two 2nds, which I've never read was reported anywhere else. Kind of a trade rumor urban legend.

Also can't believe you totally caved on Strome. Knew you'd come around. Which jersey are you getting with his name on the back?

On Perlini, he's so far been a non-factor and maybe all he'll ever be is a really good hockey player...in England. But he won't cost much to resign and it's not like the Hawks have a wealth of fwd talent in RFD. I'd give him one more shot.

you are wrong again:

ward had a tough start cuz the team defense in front of him was a complete poop or no show...craw had the same problems after his injury return..

hawks wanted a 1 year goalie back up fix; to get it they had to give ward a NMC.

the other goalies you mentioned were seeking and some did get multiple years at 2- 3mil per and the hawks were not in the market for that type of commitment; so no the stanbow could not have "gotten all of them for less or similar"

lehtonen was coming off a 6 mil per and is now in finland: no thanks
mrazek was a possibility but he was looking a longer term contract before settling with the canes at 1 year
lehner, khudobin and bernier were looking for multiple year contracts; lehner ended up with a 1 year for the isles..
- bogiedoc

Ok but all that does is bring me right back to one of my issues with this team and it’s Stan Bowman. Why is it soooo important to take a worse player because you don’t want a better player, for less money, for an extra year?

I also don’t think this is wrong.. I think that it’s kinda weird you would use that word choice just because I, like many others, have a different opinion on something.

Cam Ward is older than Kari and his sv% was 6 points worse last season. 6! Delia has a 923 and sports a 4-2-3 record this season. I also completely understand that the team in front of him was different than the awful team that started this season. It’s not entirely Cam’s fault that he has an .888sv%. Delia has an 892 over his last 5 outings. Ward is at like 878. You know who has been playing in front of a bad team basically all season as well? John Gibson. He’s just a better goalie. That’s my point is that there were better options available and Stan for whatever reason, didn’t go with it

Why even only want a goalie for 1 year? Why not insulate a position you have a ton of uncertainty around for say, 2 years which as you mentioned is what many of these goalies wanted or asked for. Delia had never performed at a strong level in the NHL prior to this year, you knew there were concerns with Crow, Anton Forsberg’s BEST season was a .908 which is below league average

And so many thought Tampa was going to win last year, problem is their goalie sucked
- BetweenTheDots

Agree to disagree on Bowman being the second coming of Chia. The Hammer trade didn't have to as much about the raise as what Hammer was already making, so even a bit of a bump in pay would mean you've got three dmen on the wrong side of 30, each making likely $5+ mildo.

The Hammer trade seemed more about selling high on a dman who had a lot of hard miles on him and arguably not so much tread on the tire for a younger dman with some upside.
- HawkintheD

Haha. Yeah he’s not nearly as bad as Chiarelli but still some of these are head scratchers. The immediate return was a worse defensemen and a former 2nd rounder that never panned out and really by his AHL stats it never looked like he was going to pan out. Somehow the Coyotes got him back and he’s doing meh, alright in the AHL lol

And so many thought Tampa was going to win last year, problem is their goalie sucked
- BetweenTheDots

Vas had a .918 sv% in the playoffs last year. If Vas sucked, then we’re Holtby and Hellebuyck not sucky but just bad? They were only 4 points ahead of Vas

People thought the Caps were going to take it in 2016, but they ran into hot goaltending and a ton of luck, things just don’t always work out in a series like that

He thought they were going to win in 2015, too.
- Elbows15

I know I was wayy off....

I forgot that if your favorite team wins a cup or two that some how it validates your position in the fan pecking order. I must have missed the shout outs to you at the cup parades....I am sure your contribution was acknowledged.

Be sure to update your linkedin

The current CBA is a 10-year deal, expiring after the 2021–22 season. The NHL can choose to opt out of the CBA on September 1, 2019(expiring in 2020). The NHLPA can choose to opt out of the CBA on September 19, 2019.

Do you have ADHD? Don't mean to be offensive but you are all over the place.

Still no example?

Analysts suck btw.
- BetweenTheDots

I don’t need an example, I already told you we’re talking about NHL superstars.

I also think your take on professional analysts as sucking as offensive. I’m talking about guys on Sportsnet and TSN, which is what I referenced. These guys are phenomenal and I think your outlook is just childish. Saying that I have ADHD when you can’t read my posts isn’t offensive, it’s ignorant - plain and simple as that.

If you ever listened to these analysts, you’d know they get the scoop on CBA talks and they already know that both the owners and the NHLPA agrees they want to keep the CBA in place and they absolutely do not want another work stoppage

Ward just plain is bad. And has been bad for years. The team defense didn't help but the Ward has been sporting a .900ish SV% for years. Which when measured against his peers is bad.
- Elbows15

My roommate is from Chicago. She’s never played and she gets attached to players. So with Ward coming in as the new guy, of course she wanted to blame him and not her favorites. I’ve got NHLtv so I broke down some of the goals against Cam over like 10 games and showed her which ones the goalie is expected to stop and which ones he’s not, for example that crazy game with the Leafs where Kane put on an unreal show. That goal against in OT... wtf is Toews doing? His gap was poor and he screens his own goalie (if I’m remembering correctly). While I agree Ward wasn’t a good choice, a lot of the goals against early on was just the team in front playing awful defensively. It was honestly hard to watch on a regular basis

He has knowledge of one team. Tampa.
- Elbows15

And the Islanders I guess? He also was t wrong in his assessments except maybe about Callahan. I don’t think contending teams would look to add him this year since he has another year left.

You called players producing at a 3rd line level 4th liners but then brought up how losing TT, producing at roughly the same level, was some huge issue - so what does that make you?

Let’s just be honest. TT hadn’t realized his potential yet, these kids in TO might not have either, and you misjudged a couple players that you’re not familiar with in Hyman and Brown. They’re both producing at a 3rd line level there’s reason to believe that Hyman (back to back Selke candidate) could possibly move up into a top6 role. Honestly, I think a slight comparison to a guy kinda like Lindholm isn’t crazy to ponder about

Yes...and it's now become fact that Bowman passed on two 2nds, which I've never read was reported anywhere else. Kind of a trade rumor urban legend.

Also can't believe you totally caved on Strome. Knew you'd come around. Which jersey are you getting with his name on the back?

On Perlini, he's so far been a non-factor and maybe all he'll ever be is a really good hockey player...in England. But he won't cost much to resign and it's not like the Hawks have a wealth of fwd talent in RFD. I'd give him one more shot.
- HawkintheD

Or they could use the monies they would waste on signing Perlini and put it towards someone who actually contributes.

I know I was wayy off....

I forgot that if your favorite team wins a cup or two that some how it validates your position in the fan pecking order. I must have missed the shout outs to you at the cup parades....I am sure your contribution was acknowledged.

Be sure to update your linkedin

- TrueGrit

Rattled.You're making less sense than usual.

Well someone is being dramatic. Beer league? I’ve shared the ice with NHL players in the past and I play beer league in a league exclusively for former pro/Div 1 players and the difference is extremely significant. The league will continue to get younger because of the advanced training that the next generation is receiving at younger ages which is why we’re seeing 19 and 20 year olds dominate more frequently.

Players can continue to develop no matter what level they’re playing at. Some of the onus is on the player and some is on the coaching staff to help prepare them. Sure, there are some guys being called up but to say that there are enough of them to make a huge difference and call the entire league watered down sounds pretty foolish to me. We’ve already seen this the last time the cap kept jumping: salaries will go up but with the influx of young, cheap players coming with it you’ll see players every year like Brandon Pirri who can still play but have to rely on PTOs or 2-way deals. Tyler Ennis is another good example. Lots of older players that are on the downturn will end up signing for $1-2MM. Usually the first place you notice it is with older goalies. They often times can still perform at a high level but teams aren’t wanting to risk it so they find a place to play for $1MM. This happened to Boyes and Stempniak a lot through their careers. It was unfortunate because both were consistently solid middle 6 hockey players
- WSCTeton17

Don't take it personal. The NHL is like all other major sports.Its a business which thrives on talent and each teams ability to have certain players whom are the face of the franchise.


Nobody wants to see any sport or team in any major sport playing at 500 or below level.

Right now the NHL has to many players in the league who either don't have the talent that is needed or to many young players are not given time to mature and grow in the teams farm system.

Most hockey players start to decline around 30 to 32 years old. Most players really don't come in to their full potential til the age of 24 to 26.

Very few 19 to 21 year old hockey players either are not ready due to size, weight , skill , speed of the game , or their I.Q knowledge .

Agree to disagree on Bowman being the second coming of Chia. The Hammer trade didn't have to as much about the raise as what Hammer was already making, so even a bit of a bump in pay would mean you've got three dmen on the wrong side of 30, each making likely $5+ mildo.

The Hammer trade seemed more about selling high on a dman who had a lot of hard miles on him and arguably not so much tread on the tire for a younger dman with some upside.
- HawkintheD

This season, from Natural Stat Trick

Hjalmarsson CF 50.97; SCF 52.25; HDScF 50.78
Murphy CF 46.97; SCF 45.19; HDScF 38.28

Here’s a fun trade proposal I just thought of and I’ve already ran it on Capfriendly so I know it works.

Tampa sends Callahan and Miller (no money retained) to Dallas for Janmark and Ritchie. 2 for 2 swap but obviously Tampa clears like $7MM in the swing and they get good, young competitive depth players.

Dallas DESPERATELY needs a 2C to stay competitive. Adding Callahan doesn’t hurt either because their depth really isn’t that great but he’s gritty and defensive so he fits right in, really. Dallas still has a ton of room to re-sign their RFAs and can offer Gardiner $6-6.5MM for 5-6 years and Pirri/Panik 2.5-3MM as a winger for Miller to play with. Dallas would still have a few million in cap space with the following roster

Benn-Seguin-Radulov
Cogs-Miller-Pirri
Pitlick-Faksa-Callahan
Comeau-Richardinson-Nichushkin
Heiskanen, Klingberg, Honka, Gardiner, Johns, Lindell
Bishop and Khudobin

Not bad eh?

Babcock loves kadri. Keith for 1st 3rd Rosen and grunstrom. Forsling or gust and 7th for zadorov
- Scott1977

I think forsling for zadorov straight up would be a even trade.

Kadri I heard Toronto would consider moving him.

This season, from Natural Stat Trick

Hjalmarsson CF 50.97; SCF 52.25; HDScF 50.78
Murphy CF 46.97; SCF 45.19; HDScF 38.28
- scottak

Correct me if I’m wrong: SCF and HDSF are offensive stats and higher numbers are good. So this says that Hjalmarsson is a better offensive player. What about the defensive side of things?

Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of using these sites but I enjoy when others do. It adds a ton of context

I think forsling for zadorov straight up would be a even trade.

Kadri I heard Toronto would consider moving him.
- Taylorst1

Ok did not hear or read that just know Babcock reallyl likes him and his game. Would love kadri 2nd or 3rd line center he reminds a little like bolland which is missing from the hawks.
Pair zadorov with boqvist nice pairing he would protect him and stay at home physical d man. Just wonder why Colorado would be willing to let him go?

Don't take it personal. The NHL is like all other major sports.Its a business which thrives on talent and each teams ability to have certain players whom are the face of the franchise.


Nobody wants to see any sport or team in any major sport playing at 500 or below level.

Right now the NHL has to many players in the league who either don't have the talent that is needed or to many young players are not given time to mature and grow in the teams farm system.

Most hockey players start to decline around 30 to 32 years old. Most players really don't come in to their full potential til the age of 24 to 26.

Very few 19 to 21 year old hockey players either are not ready due to size, weight , skill , speed of the game , or their I.Q knowledge .
- Taylorst1

I’m curious as to where are all of these young players that can’t cut it? Are they regulars on contending teams? No, not really because they already know what they have. I think maybe what is being referred to are some players who are on non contending teams and are competing for a roster spot and may or not get it. Feel free to provide examples. I know Chicago has some replacement level players, but as far as I know this isn’t a league wide issue

I think forsling for zadorov straight up would be a even trade.

Kadri I heard Toronto would consider moving him.
- Taylorst1

Link please.

Ok did not hear or read that just know Babcock reallyl likes him and his game. Would love kadri 2nd or 3rd line center he remdinds a little like bolland which is missing from the hawks.
Pair zadorov with boqvist nice pairing he would protect him and stay at home physical d man. Just wonder why Colorado would be willing to let him go?
- Scott1977

Kadri name was mentioned a month ago or so.

Zadorov I guess Colorado feels he isn't what they expected basically giving up on the kid.

I thought the same thing a young defenseman with size and can deliver a hit would be perfect to pair up next season with
boqvist,

Forsling IMO is tradable, unfortunately I see Keith getting moved before Gustafson.

Link please.
- paulr

Kadri was mentioned a month or so ago about Toronto players willing to trade.

Vas had a .918 sv% in the playoffs last year. If Vas sucked, then we’re Holtby and Hellebuyck not sucky but just bad? They were only 4 points ahead of Vas

People thought the Caps were going to take it in 2016, but they ran into hot goaltending and a ton of luck, things just don’t always work out in a series like that
- WSCTeton17

In game 6 and 7 he sucked, he let in some soft goals

I don’t need an example, I already told you we’re talking about NHL superstars.

I also think your take on professional analysts as sucking as offensive. I’m talking about guys on Sportsnet and TSN, which is what I referenced. These guys are phenomenal and I think your outlook is just childish. Saying that I have ADHD when you can’t read my posts isn’t offensive, it’s ignorant - plain and simple as that.

If you ever listened to these analysts, you’d know they get the scoop on CBA talks and they already know that both the owners and the NHLPA agrees they want to keep the CBA in place and they absolutely do not want another work stoppage
- WSCTeton17

You still haven't answered my question, like a politician twist everything around

Btw yes many analysts suck and many are mouth pieces for the owners[/img]

Link please.
- paulr

Common knowledge - Dubas will take nothing less than Doughty, Ekblad or Carlson for the great Naz.

Common knowledge - Dubas will take nothing less than Doughty, Ekblad or Carlson for the great Naz.
- RickJ

Should get a big haul for Zaitsev also.