Looking back a few season to today, it is clear that Toews still knows how to play the game. Only 2 possible reasons why his play slipped badly for a few seasons, injury or desire. I will bet that Seabs is playing through some kind of injury that is affecting his game (just as Toews was) and he will come back and be a dominant player again.

So when do you determine that the player is not worth the salary? Is Kane? is Keith?, Probably Toews is not, but a comparable is Kopitar at $10million, and I would aruge Toews is having a better year. I will grant you Seabrooks deal is bad, but that has been talked about ad nauseum
- LAHawk

That's what Stan gets the big bucks to figure out.

Saad for Josh Manson =‘s A good hockey trade for both teams,
Saw Darths predictions on some of the prospects, If those are for real, he probably could be right on the money on some of them. I hope Stan did not flub up those two first round picks.
A lot of us were hoping that he would package them and try to trade up. And Draft power forward.Hopefully he hit two homeruns on those two kids. Now we got to get a couple of big stay at home defensemen that can play in today’s game. Which is why I advocate the trade with Anaheim. It is a trade that would probably help out both teams.

All of Stan's big trades have come during the off season.... Saad to CBJ, Panarin to CBJ/Saad back to Chicago, Hammer to ARI.

Probably see a few minor trades at the TDL (e.g. Forsling, Kruger for lower round draft choices) and some bigger trades this summer.

Stan can't go into next season with relatively the same roster as this year and hope for another career year from Kane and an another above average season from Toews.
- boilermaker100

Agree bowman needs to turn over the roster so players that need to go IMO either at tdl or in the offseason are:
Keith
Saad
AA
Kruger
Kunitz
Ward
Gust
Forsling
Kauhn
Kampf(keep only if he going to be a 4th line center)
Maybes:
Murphy
Perlini
Hayden
Koko
Forsberg
Caggulia
Untouchables:
Kane
Toews
Dcat
Strome
Seabrook(only because his contract is immovable)
Joki
Delia
Crow
Bowman and management have their work cut out for them. Hawks need a top 2 pick either hughs or kappo.

Over the next 3 weeks Winnipeg, Tampa, Nashville, Vegas, Boston, Calgary, Pittsburgh and maybe a couple of others will be out looking to patch a hole or add depth to their lineup. I expect overpayments to be common. Hawks should be able to unload some unwanted baggage or capitalize on having so many defenceman in their stable.

Murphy, Saad, Keith, Ward, AA and who knows else might become very attractive as we get closer to midnight.
- RickJ

But has Stan lost some leverage due to thinking he has a playoff team or that ShovelFace WON"T allow public proclamations to the contrary and moves to be made when there was leverage?

Sportsnet: Leafs’ Muzzin trade hints at what’s to come in buyer’s market https://www.sportsnet.ca/...whats-come-buyers-market/

I sure hope the player's union DEMANDS that Mathew and Marner sign the biggest contracts to date (just like Toews/Kane at that time). If there is any concession on either player contract, that will be BS.
- powerenforcer

I believe there’s will be my both players the other team s and players saw what happened to the hawks after those contracts look at the Tampa’s contracts and some from Nashville and the jets. The hawks were the leagues learning curve

Looking back a few season to today, it is clear that Toews still knows how to play the game. Only 2 possible reasons why his play slipped badly for a few seasons, injury or desire. I will bet that Seabs is playing through some kind of injury that is affecting his game (just as Toews was) and he will come back and be a dominant player again.
- powerenforcer

If 7 is injured, the Hawks should shut him down or sit him out on the 2nd of back to backs and give his ice team to one of the prospects. They'll have to make a decision to resign some of their young RFA dmen - Dahlstrom, Koekkoek, Hillman - this off season.

Do you think in the cap world there is room for loyalty? As much as the core did, and I think Toews was my favorite player, their value now is in what assets they can get back for the Hawks. The Hawks will not be a contender with Toews, Kane, Keith etc in the Indian head. I think if you can find a deal that makes sense ie: solid blue chip prospects and high draft picks Bowman has to seriously consider it. It's a sad situation that the CBA didn't have cap reduction concessions for long time players of the same team so guys like Kane and Toews etch could retire as Blackhawks. The problem, and you''re seeing it already is the fanbase will turn on these guys when they are no longer able to play to the same level and as the team gets worse and worse.
- paulr

I agree and thank you for saving me some typing. The Swedish Warrior was mine.

No proof, do you play poker, i don't assume anything, but i do know Blake had all the power in this deal and to fold your hand this early shame on Blake
- BetweenTheDots

I think deal was about the discrete tank as much as which draft pick

It was a great move and also gives them 2 years of playoffs with Muzzin. Rob Blake should have held out a little longer for more IMO.
- RickJ

Helluva move! Muzzin is not a stick check Dman, has some bite to his game, can put up 15ish PP points, 40 points, has a playoff type game that has won a cup!! Not quite a hybrid but checks most every box you want in a Dman to a degree.

I thought he could of gotten more for Muzzin, don't understand the rush since the trade deadline is a ways away. I don't think Blake knows how to play poker, unless there's a 2nd trade lined up for the summer? But i doubt it. Just because he made a trade doesn't make him a great GM. The great ones get full value for an asset like Muzzin.

And i think Blake came up short.
- BetweenTheDots

It’s possible he made the trade because Toronto speifically was targeting Muzzin and indicated they would move on to another player if the offer wasn’t taken now. Think Toronto moved early because they were afraid he wouldn’t be available in a couple of weeks because someone else might have grabbed him.

What, this isn't a playoff team

Common 1.9% odds are pretty good

Do you think in the cap world there is room for loyalty? As much as the core did, and I think Toews was my favorite player, their value now is in what assets they can get back for the Hawks. The Hawks will not be a contender with Toews, Kane, Keith etc in the Indian head. I think if you can find a deal that makes sense ie: solid blue chip prospects and high draft picks Bowman has to seriously consider it. It's a sad situation that the CBA didn't have cap reduction concessions for long time players of the same team so guys like Kane and Toews etch could retire as Blackhawks. The problem, and you''re seeing it already is the fanbase will turn on these guys when they are no longer able to play to the same level and as the team gets worse and worse.
- paulr

Just because they have to rebuild the depth of the team doesn't mean the team can not be competitive with Toews/Kane/Keith on the roster. If there is a good trade to be made, you consider it, but they don't need to sell their only good players to be a contender. Deep tear everything down rebuilds are not always the answer.

I agree and thank you for saving me some typing. The Swedish Warrior was mine.
- Beaver-Warrior

Right on Beaver and Paul. Future booth andcap space within reason and not selling the shop

By the way excellent blog/topic, Justin. Very helpful for context as it relates to the Hawks. ........ Nicely done.

Rocky, the ball is in your court as it has been for the last couple yrs while this franchise has fallen to the bottom with the only change being Q shown the door. Yea, as Justin has shown by this blog there are options to fix your franchise.

Agree bowman needs to turn over the roster so players that need to go IMO either at tdl or in the offseason are:
Keith
Saad
AA
Kruger
Kunitz
Ward
Gust
Forsling
Kauhn
Kampf(keep only if he going to be a 4th line center)
Maybes:
Murphy
Perlini
Hayden
Koko
Forsberg
Caggulia
Untouchables:
Kane
Toews
Dcat
Strome
Seabrook(only because his contract is immovable)
Joki
Delia
Crow
Bowman and management have their work cut out for them. Hawks need a top 2 pick either hughs or kappo.
- Scott1977

And about 9 other players if all those are moved.

No proof, do you play poker, i don't assume anything, but i do know Blake had all the power in this deal and to fold your hand this early shame on Blake
- BetweenTheDots

Dots, I too think/thought the deal would get better the closer to the deadline until reading this, laying out that the buyers will have the power closer to the deadline. Read and comment if you can: https://www.sportsnet.ca/...whats-come-buyers-market/

Looking back a few season to today, it is clear that Toews still knows how to play the game. Only 2 possible reasons why his play slipped badly for a few seasons, injury or desire. I will bet that Seabs is playing through some kind of injury that is affecting his game (just as Toews was) and he will come back and be a dominant player again.
- powerenforcer

I think you may be on to something. Toews and Seabrook are pros that don't complain about injury or try to make excuses. However, I don't know about Seabrook ever being dominant again. He did work his ass off to get into better shape, and at his age it's really necessary. Looking at other players Seabrooks age, Ryan Suter, Brett Burns, Dion Phaneuf ... only Suter and Burns are playing better. Seabrook has had some good games as well as bad games this year

Justin do you really think Bowman has the stones to pull off a big trade say move keith or saad i personally do not. To me he will continue to tinker around the edges but won't come to realization that this team is at least 3 years away from becoming a contender again. Need to start turning over the core, keith saad AA and either one of young d man needs to be dangle for help up front whether thats mitchell boqvist or joki needs to bring back scoring player. Also i think the whole organization needs a big shakeup.
- Scott1977

Not sure, but this organization does like "bold" moves from time to time (ie. Panarin, Hammer). This would be a time that it sounds like they are looking for something bigger in terms of a shakeup.

My read on the Keith situation is that if he wants to go (obviously as he has to waive his NMC) and they can get really good return in the form of future pieces, they would do it.

The Saad one is intriguing to me. I like what he brings and not sure his value is at it's highest right now so you'd be selling low. I think the only way he goes is if someone overpays for him at the deadline.

And about 9 other players if all those are moved.
- boilermaker100

I m saying all will be moved but ward kunitz kruger are gone for sure and with some trades hawks get players back or picks .

TC, what's your take on Hawks FO on the Goalie position? I'm assuming they are waiting to see if Crawford clears protocol this year or a LTIR candidate for next year.

I root for Delia (partially bc Hawks D was so bad a few games back), but I don't feel like he's the answer for a playoff team/Cup run. I might be totally wrong, and he can turn out to be the next Belfour, but I don't see it (just my opinion). Great kid & work ethic....and would still sign as backup.

However, do you see the Hawks trading for a G prospect from another team? A mid-level FA goalie like Talbot or Lehner? Or would Hawks consider doing a "Hossa" trade and package mid-level prospects/picks to move 1yr of Crawford contract (who would either play or LTIR) to free up $ for free agency?
- DrewDawg

The goalie situation is merky at best because of the Crawford situation.

If Crawford was 100% healthy and didn't have these concussion issues, I would have said that he would have been reupped for a couple years at similar or just above his current salary.

Now, things have changed and I think the Hakws might have just got really lucky with the way Delia has progressed. He has entered the conversation of future starter for them however, it's waaaayyyy to early to deem him that. They still need a plan b, c and d.

The smart move would be to resign Delia to a 2-year deal with the first year a 2-way and the second a 1-way. This buys them flexibility with their situation.

In terms of organizational depth, they have soured on Forsberg it sounds like, and they are still figuring out what they have in Lankinen. Outside of that, Gravel is the only other guy worth discussing and he's still so young.

Long answer, long... I would assume the Hawks have a few different options in mind but if you do see the Hawks bring in a more proven goalie via trade in the next 6 months or so, that might signal the end of Crawford.

The goalie situation is merky at best because of the Crawford situation.

If Crawford was 100% healthy and didn't have these concussion issues, I would have said that he would have been reupped for a couple years at similar or just above his current salary.

Now, things have changed and I think the Hakws might have just got really lucky with the way Delia has progressed. He has entered the conversation of future starter for them however, it's waaaayyyy to early to deem him that. They still need a plan b, c and d.

The smart move would be to resign Delia to a 2-year deal with the first year a 2-way and the second a 1-way. This buys them flexibility with their situation.

In terms of organizational depth, they have soured on Forsberg it sounds like, and they are still figuring out what they have in Lankinen. Outside of that, Gravel is the only other guy worth discussing and he's still so young.

Long answer, long... I would assume the Hawks have a few different options in mind but if you do see the Hawks bring in a more proven goalie via trade in the next 6 months or so, that might signal the end of Crawford.
- Justin Lowe

Saad for manson
Gust or forsling and draft pick for zadorov
Keith if not traded seabrook
Zadorov manson
Murphy joki
Koko
Pretty good d core there plus toughest and physcal players to clear the front of the net. Have to give to get.

Good posting guys, great discussion, I even like Powerenforcer's comments. I have settled back toward more a lurker mode, but I did want to give a to this blog. I really like Justin's writing a lot.

Good posting guys, great discussion, I even like Powerenforcer's comments. I have settled back toward more a lurker mode, but I did want to give a to this blog. I really like Justin's writing a lot.
- kwolf68

I'll second this Kwolf. As someone that sticks to their guns and goes their own way, I do like seeing all the discussion, even when we don't all agree. We always get some things we didn't consider and then the Hawks do something out of left field that 99% of us didn't see coming and we all have to rethink things.

Great blog, keep it up!

I m saying all will be moved but ward kunitz kruger are gone for sure and with some trades hawks get players back or picks .
- Scott1977

I hear ya. We agree the roster needs a shakeup.