Handing out certain clauses in a players contract is a risk. Imo and other posters , Stan never buildt this team , he took over a young deeply talented with a plethora of depth team .

Stevie Y buildt and rebuildtt Tampa team and did a great job , he took them to the cup and within a couple of short years had a dominant team albeit it for a first round loss but still the credit goes to him.
- Taylorst1

Gotta let it go man. I loved dale as I grew up with his color commentary and hatred for Kerry Frazier. Yet he hasn’t been part of the hawks since July of 2009. 2 decades ago.

Bowman did a very good job rebuilding around the core after the cap purge. Wins 3 cups if not for a fluke bounce of leddy and ass hat bolig running his mouth to Williams in game 7.

If everyone hasn’t read it go read powers last article. Direct quote from McDonough about how the team is exactly where they expected it to be. So they realize they are in rebuild. So all this speculation about bowman being fired needs to end. It isn’t happening baring a 180 from McDonough and wirtz. At least not in the foreseeable future.

No point debating it further. Everyone had a hand in getting the hawks to cup contenders. Smith dale Stan savard quenneville. All helped mold and shape the roster. With bowman and q having the most impact.

D, interesting take on the Red Wings. I never hated them, my team to hate originally was the Montreal Canadiens. Like the Wings, it's sort of sad to see how they have faded to insignificance in the NHL, no longer interesting or relevant.

But for a sport or team to capture the emotions of fans, there is a real need for villains (or bags of pus as you call them.) But that's hard in this age of worrying about who you might offend by saying or doing something a little bit unpopular.

Duncan Keith is still a villain in Vancouver and yet he says when he retires he is going back to Penticton, B.C.

Something big goes missing in sports when there is no hatred anymore for the NY Yankees, Duke basketball, Mike Tyson, Notre Dame football, the Russian national hockey team, Vince McMahon, Al Davis & the Oakland Raiders, Ryan Kesler. And it won't be better as Belichek and the Patriots fall on hard times.
- RickJ

I wouldn’t blame Keith for having those retirement plans. His family lives there and that area of BC is absolutely beautiful. I take the family there for a couple weeks in the summer.

In the annals of NHL history some of the best bench clearing brawls occurred between the Leafs and Hawks. Always on a Saturday night.

But that stuff offends people in 2020.
- RickJ

A subset of people who enjoy screaming their distaste. Thinking that volume somehow can alter the truth.

I wouldn't go that far as to say, but you can't deny what he accomplished and the facts about his team and its depth
- Taylorst1

Accomplished?

Let's say their "run" started with the loss to the Hawks in the finals.

They're 5 years into their 'run' since then

Hes handed out NMC/NTC to over half that team
Hasnt won a cup
Got swept in the first round, after having the best record
Missed the playoffs once...with all that amazing depth

If that was Stans "resume", he wouldn't get the same benefit of doubt

Not being rude here , I'm not sure what your trying to make as your point?

Stan took over as GM, he was gifted a young deeply talented team and stocked with young talented depth and a soon to be hall of fame head coach,

Stans had since Chicago's last cup enough time to have put together a product worth watching especially with having a young core toews, Kane, Keith and Seabrook, but his actions involving trades , contracts that he himself created put this team into a downward spiral.

I'm sorry but Stans decision yo fire coach Q with the roster he gave him and turn around a hire a guy whom is inexperienced and the same age as the core players shows in Chicago's record.

Stan maintained this team but in doing so he made more awful choices than positive ones.
- Taylorst1

Your second paragraph is way off. The team was stocked in 2010, but most of the depth had to be purged due to Cap Management. You can blame some of that I suppose on Bowman as Asst GM but Dale was the one that gave Soupy silly money to come here and same with Khabibulin. I’ll give him somewhat of a pass on those as it was kind of necessary due to Dollar Bill, Pully and company running the franchise into the ground and Chicago not really being on the top of any pending UFA’s list.

Once that happened though, the depth was gone and replenished while Bowman was GM, whether it wad trades for players like Oduya, Frolik, Zus, Desjardins or Vermette or FA signings like Rozy or Richards or draft picks like Shaw, Saad or TT.

I don’t know why the Stan hater crowd always conveniently chooses to minimize what happened under his watch just because the last few years have been bad, but whateves.

It didn't - it hit off the bottom of 12's right glove. Replay in slo-mo is pretty clear one the goal video in Gamecentre it is the one near the end.
- SC116

Well, I stand corrected. I never saw it hit Cat's glove/stick/body.

If the Hawks keep Crawford it will be as the #1 or at least #1A. Markstrom has been impressive, I wouldn’t have an issue with Stan targeting him.

The only concerns I have with Crawford as the starter are about his health. If Crawford can remain healthy re-signing him to a 1-2 year deal is a good move. I would look to bring in a top quality young goalie via trade or free agency to back up #50 and eventually take over.
- DarthKane

Stan seriously waiting for Sunday’s game outcome to decide if he’s buying or selling?! Sure seems like it

Well, I stand corrected. I never saw it hit Cat's glove/stick/body.
- powerenforcer

Betteman probably intentionally doctored the video to give ADB the goal, at the request of John McDonough.


In the conservatory.

Accomplished?

Let's say their "run" started with the loss to the Hawks in the finals.

They're 5 years into their 'run' since then

Hes handed out NMC/NTC to over half that team
Hasnt won a cup
Got swept in the first round, after having the best record
Missed the playoffs once...with all that amazing depth

If that was Stans "resume", he wouldn't get the same benefit of doubt
- PatShart

Agreed yzerman ran from
The poop storm he created. Much like Dubas will in Toronto.

Eakin is a solid dude and player. Toews and him are buds. VGK just freed up some room for Erik Gustafsson. WATCH OUT!
- Tyler Cameron

I am trying to understand what just railroaded Eakin's Vegas career that helped his game devolve.

To think this guy becomes a 4th round (maybe 3rd Rd) return.

In my estimation, his value dropped more because he was able to secure a "giant 3.8 Mil" deal while playing in Dallas.

If makes me go hhhhmmmmm, as to why the Stars decided to throw it at him (just like everyone wouldn't let go the Seabrook "extension."

What was the contract reasoning?
We (Dallas) are going to sign him, so Vegas thinks twice?
We (Dallas) feel he is going to be our 3rd line centre of the current and long term with upside
and four years later,
We (Vegas) need the space, feel he isn't going to turn out for us.

...that $3.8 million has set a figure that Eakin and his representation will not back off in a re-sign, is that the reason?

Stan seriously waiting for Sunday’s game outcome to decide if he’s buying or selling?! Sure seems like it
- Assman22

There are rumblings that Stan re-signed Gus to a long-term deal with a full NMC but he’s having trouble getting Gus to waive it so he can be moved at the deadline. Typical Bowman.

80s it was the oilers
90s it was the wings leafs and occasional north stars and blues
00s didn’t really matter. Not until late

08-12 it was Vancouver
13 and on...I don’t really have one.

I get the “Detroit sucks” but only facing them twice a year that is going to die off. Much like the leafs.

Weird thing for me is that I still hate the damn leafs more then the wings. Maybe it’s the overhype the Canadian media sheds on them but every year they got bounced under “the greatest coach ever” in Babcock, I would enjoy it. Guy never won a series there and there gm has burried them in a cap hell that no other gm thought was possible.

I do miss the back to back sat/sun games. Always led to some good fight vs the blues wings or north stars. Don’t recall as many vs Toronto.

Back when you had a Legit home ice advantage as each rink had its own character. Stadium, met center, arena, maple leaf gardens and the joe. Fun times.

Now it’s all cookie cutter stadiums and rave music blasted at 150 decimals.
- SteveRain

The main reasons to hate the Leafs are very simple:
1) They portray themselves as being located in the center of the hockey universe.
2) They are rich and can buy whatever player, coach or manager they want or need because they view themselves as the NY Yankees or Manchester United of hockey.
3) Tickets to their games and merchandise are grossly overpriced and the in game experience at the arena is quiet and boring. I would never recommend people taking in a game there.
4) They haven't won anything for over 50 seasons and it won't happen this year either. If they ever do, there will be no tolerating that team.

Your second paragraph is way off. The team was stocked in 2010, but most of the depth had to be purged due to Cap Management. You can blame some of that I suppose on Bowman as Asst GM but Dale was the one that gave Soupy silly money to come here and same with Khabibulin. I’ll give him somewhat of a pass on those as it was kind of necessary due to Dollar Bill, Pully and company running the franchise into the ground and Chicago not really being on the top of any pending UFA’s list.

Once that happened though, the depth was gone and replenished while Bowman was GM, whether it wad trades for players like Oduya, Frolik, Zus, Desjardins or Vermette or FA signings like Rozy or Richards or draft picks like Shaw, Saad or TT.

I don’t know why the Stan hater crowd always conveniently chooses to minimize what happened under his watch just because the last few years have been bad, but whateves.
- HawkintheD

Huet not khabby. Huet was the horrific deal in 2009.

I recall being 100% huet but was told since he back stopped Montreal on some fluke run he could handle Chicago. Another prime example of paying a goalie based on a small sample size.

Home opener vs Colorado in 2009 when he let in a horrific goal that bounced off the glass outside the blue line was fun. What a sieve. Hope enjoys(ed) France.

Up there with Boris mironov as my all time hated hawks.

The main reasons to hate the Leafs are very simple:
1) They portray themselves as being located in the center of the hockey universe.
2) They are rich and can buy whatever player, coach or manager they want or need because they view themselves as the NY Yankees or Manchester United of hockey.
3) Tickets to their games and merchandise are grossly overpriced and the in game experience at the arena is quiet and boring. I would never recommend people taking in a game there.
4) They haven't won anything for over 50 seasons and it won't happen this year either. If they ever do, there will be no tolerating that team.
- RickJ

I would add ...you hate the Leafs, because

They block NHL expansion of another team near their location, when the large fan population could easily handle another franchise close by?

I heard Ryan Kesler on Toronto radio the other day. He's living in beautiful downtown Livonia right arpund the corner from you. He's retired with a new hip and is looking for a new gig for the rest of his life. He probably available to you if u need a hockey psychoanalyst.
- RickJ

Yeah, he’s from Livonia so not surprising. The beauty of my anger is I can redirect it so he would probably want to break me in two after our first session.

I’m not too far from Livonia but haven’t run into him.

Have seen Bertuzzi at the local Petco, Zetts at the local grocery store, Abs at Norsdstrom and Corey Emmerton who briefly played for them lives down the block.

I’m enjoying that they’ve sort of transitioned back into Dead Wings/Things status.

Also, Steve brought up the 80’s Oilers. Had mentioned them earlier and then forgot all about them...hate them too.

If the Hawks keep Crawford it will be as the #1 or at least #1A. Markstrom has been impressive, I wouldn’t have an issue with Stan targeting him.

The only concerns I have with Crawford as the starter are about his health. If Crawford can remain healthy re-signing him to a 1-2 year deal is a good move. I would look to bring in a top quality young goalie via trade or free agency to back up #50 and eventually take over.
- DarthKane

Crawford's recent health issues plus the impacts of a 35+ contract could really go south on the Hawks if the worst case scenario develops.

I am trying to understand what just railroaded Eakin's Vegas career that helped his game devolve.

To think this guy becomes a 4th round (maybe 3rd Rd) return.

In my estimation, his value dropped more because he was able to secure a "giant 3.8 Mil" deal while playing in Dallas.

If makes me go hhhhmmmmm, as to why the Stars decided to throw it at him (just like everyone wouldn't let go the Seabrook "extension."

What was the contract reasoning?
We (Dallas) are going to sign him, so Vegas thinks twice?
We (Dallas) feel he is going to be our 3rd line centre of the current and long term with upside
and four years later,
We (Vegas) need the space, feel he isn't going to turn out for us.

...that $3.8 million has set a figure that Eakin and his representation will not back off in a re-sign, is that the reason?
- wiz1901

For vegas this year (specifically), he was hurt for awhile and they acquired Stephenson- who they like. With Karlsson, Stastny and Stephenson...and Eakin an upcoming UFA, they made the move. Vegas needs G help big time.

I wouldnt be shocked if they want Crow and not Gus, after acquiring Martinez

I wouldn’t blame Keith for having those retirement plans. His family lives there and that area of BC is absolutely beautiful. I take the family there for a couple weeks in the summer.
- DarthKane

Nothing bad at all about the BC interior. Been there many times.

The main reasons to hate the Leafs are very simple:
1) They portray themselves as being located in the center of the hockey universe.
2) They are rich and can buy whatever player, coach or manager they want or need because they view themselves as the NY Yankees or Manchester United of hockey.
3) Tickets to their games and merchandise are grossly overpriced and the in game experience at the arena is quiet and boring. I would never recommend people taking in a game there.
4) They haven't won anything for over 50 seasons and it won't happen this year either. If they ever do, there will be no tolerating that team.
- RickJ

The day Pierre lebrun dies it will be shown he was a leafs employee. Nobody overhypes that damn team like Pierre. He is the president of the mike Babcock fan club. Take this entires board love of Stan or dale or q and multiply that by infinity and it still doesn’t touch pierres love.

They aren’t winning any time soon. Andersson imo is the most overrated goalie in hockey.

I can’t wait until they have to purge. Shanahan....another bumhole.

D, interesting take on the Red Wings. I never hated them, my team to hate originally was the Montreal Canadiens. Like the Wings, it's sort of sad to see how they have faded to insignificance in the NHL, no longer interesting or relevant.

But for a sport or team to capture the emotions of fans, there is a real need for villains (or bags of pus as you call them.) But that's hard in this age of worrying about who you might offend by saying or doing something a little bit unpopular.

Duncan Keith is still a villain in Vancouver and yet he says when he retires he is going back to Penticton, B.C.

Something big goes missing in sports when there is no hatred anymore for the NY Yankees, Duke basketball, Mike Tyson, Notre Dame football, the Russian national hockey team, Vince McMahon, Al Davis & the Oakland Raiders, Ryan Kesler. And it won't be better as Belichek and the Patriots fall on hard times.
- RickJ

Hard to develop hatred for specific teams when you rarely play them. Hawks play Nashville 5 (?) times a season, the Wings twice, other O-6 teams twice....

Used to be (yeah, 50+ years ago) teams played each other 14 times over about a 5 month season - a game about every 2 weeks - plus the often played a rival in the playoffs. Easy to work up a grudge - which carried over after expansion and a diluted schedule. But how many fans today go back to the O-6 days? How many fans today can name more the two or three players on other teams?

Baseball had 22 games against each other team over 5 1/2 months. Hate the Yankees? Hard to with parity the name of the game and inter-league play.

Different world. Better? Meh....

Crawford's recent health issues plus the impacts of a 35+ contract could really go south on the Hawks if the worst case scenario develops.
- 67hawks

Think you’ll see a low aav, with bonuses laden at 2 years max for cc. Give the organization enough time to evaluate one of these younger kids and see if they can rise up.

I’d be shocked if lehner plays Sunday assuming he isn’t traded by then. Same with Gus.

Big day for lehner camp vs hawks in negotiating. Time to show your cards or be prepared to be dealt.

Crawford's recent health issues plus the impacts of a 35+ contract could really go south on the Hawks if the worst case scenario develops.
- 67hawks

For those of us who don't know, what would those impacts be? Thanks.

Huet not khabby. Huet was the horrific deal in 2009.

I recall being 100% huet but was told since he back stopped Montreal on some fluke run he could handle Chicago. Another prime example of paying a goalie based on a small sample size.

Home opener vs Colorado in 2009 when he let in a horrific goal that bounced off the glass outside the blue line was fun. What a sieve. Hope enjoys(ed) France.

Up there with Boris mironov as my all time hated hawks.
- SteveRain

Great post earlier btw. Agree and not sure why people can’t extend credit to all the guys you mentioned.

Thought Dale was a decent GM but also loved him as a color man and it’s probably why I get so down on Foley now because those two set the bar...JMO anyway.

I didn’t expound on the goalie mess but yes Huet’s deal complicated matters. My understanding is Tallon thought he had a taker for Khabby before signing Huet.

He signed Huet and then the trade partner for Khabby evaporated...or is that revisionist?

Not only are the Hawks not going to trade Crawford or Lehner...they will acquire the G from the Isles...sign him to a 1yr deal and immediately bring him over and burn that 1 year of his contract.

Great post earlier btw. Agree and not sure why people can’t extend credit to all the guys you mentioned.

Thought Dale was a decent GM but also loved him as a color man and it’s probably why I get so down on Foley now because those two set the bar...JMO anyway.

I didn’t expound on the goalie mess but yes Huet’s deal complicated matters. My understanding is Tallon thought he had a taker for Khabby before signing Huet.

He signed Huet and then the trade partner for Khabby evaporated...or is that revisionist?
- HawkintheD

Thanks. Honestly. I don’t remember on khabby. Guy was very good in making key saves in 09 run but he was done at that point.

As much as niemi gets roasted he was very good vs San Jose where nabokov wasn’t. Crawford got screwed in 09-10 by that whole thing with niemi and waivers.

Yeah that’s why at times I just rip the hawks for the broadcasting crap. Old foley and tallon were great. A little grab ass that was justified if a guy got blasted in the nuts but that was the bar. I love national tv Eddie o. Hawks telecasts at times are too rah rah. Catering to a demographic they will never own completely while alienating their core one.

I don’t need to hear about cookies. Or 3:33 in the 3rd. I’d prefer a non bs approach and break down plays that I likely missed and why they happened. They need to ramp up the seriousness of the telecast....a lot. If that makes any sense.