I know there's a call to replace Stan, and while that's not necessarily the wrong move we are started to see some GMs stick around longer than expected.

Look at Vancouver as example, the Canucks (much like the Hawks) were reluctant to acknowledge the rebuild process. The past 4 seasons have been terrible for the Canucks and the season prior they were upset in the first round by Calgary.

This season the Canucks are firmly in the playoff hunt, buyers at the deadline, and could finish first in their division. Jim Benning made some questionable trades and signings along the way too (i.e. Eriksson).

As painful as it might be, is patience the best way forward?
- DarthKane

Are you also of the thought that JC stays behind the bench? I think the problem may be that if Stan stays, so does JC. At the minimum, JC needs to be replaced.

If Cro wants to play next year and he is the choice for the #1 goalie, an incentive laden 35+ contract is the way to go.

Edmonton's Mike Smith signed one this year. Low base salary plus bonuses for reaching various plateaus of games played, making the playoffs etc. Details here.

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/mike-smith

Yes, it's a roll of the dice if he gets concussed again. Then an inexperienced Delia/Lankinen is the backup. So does Stan sign a cheap veteran as an insurance policy?
- boilermaker100

Smith is a good comparison.

I was thinking - if resigned - Crawford would be in the 3-4M AAV range on a 1-2 year deal. Seems more than fair if he wants a starting job, especially when he looks around and there aren't many "starting jobs" available.

Welcome to Chicago Mr. Backes.

@andystrickland

Expect a move involving David Backes before Monday’s trade deadline. Likely moving back to the Western Conference. #Bruins
- DarthKane

Not sure who would take a flyer on Backes. His best days are way behind him. BOS would sure have to take a bad contract back or retain $$.

you don't think asking for last years 4th overall pick, and another 1st rd pick.....and giving up a UFA goalie and a 28 pt 3rd liner....is unreasonable.

jesus (frank) man, give your head a shake.

goalies are historically worth very little, ESPECIALLY when they aren't cost controlled to good contracts. Lehner has already publically said he won't take a team friendly contract, he wants to get paid. and Saad is a 3rd liner.

that package MAYBE gets you a late 1st rd pick, and an additional 3rd rd pick.....or something similar to that......but ZERO chance it gets you a prospect like Byram alone, let alone another 1st rd pick on top of that.
- sensarmy_11

Cry me a river snowflake.

#1 Lehner has had a great year behind one of the worst defenses in the league.

#2 Saad has shown that he can put up the numbers in the playoffs and he plays the PP and PK.

#3 The Avs NEED a goalie. This is the trade deadline, if they don't get a replacement, they won't stand a chance.

If Sakic knows that this move puts his team over the top (which it does), then he makes the trade. If he wants to throw away this season and wait for his prospects to come up then he doesn't.

STL, PIT, and CHI know how to make the big moves to win championships... Look at the move to acquire Vermette? Now I know you wouldn't understand since you're a Sens fan. Winning is tough up there.

Welcome to Chicago Mr. Backes.

@andystrickland

Expect a move involving David Backes before Monday’s trade deadline. Likely moving back to the Western Conference. #Bruins
- DarthKane

There is no way that Backes comes to the Hawks unless it is for Seabrook's LTIR cap relief.

Not sure who would take a flyer on Backes. His best days are way behind him. BOS would sure have to take a bad contract back or retain $$.
- Tyler Cameron

My guess is salary retained OR high end prospects and draft picks. Similiar to the Hawks adding TT to Bickell. If Boston is willing to do that AND add more in a deal for Saad that's something you gotta thing long and HARD about. You're talking about probably adding two high end prospects (forward & defensemen - Frederic and perhaps Vaakanainen or Zboril) PLUS their 1st and another draft pick OR two or more prospects. That's a lot to add for a guy who's unlikely to be with your team past this coming season

Smith is a good comparison.

I was thinking - if resigned - Crawford would be in the 3-4M AAV range on a 1-2 year deal. Seems more than fair if he wants a starting job, especially when he looks around and there aren't many "starting jobs" available.
- Tyler Cameron

For Crawford, maybe one year at 2M base plus 2 or 3M in incentives. If he stays healthy and plays like a #1 he'll make #1 money. If he gets hurt or his play goes downhill and his games palyed goes down, Hawks not on the hook for much.

Article on The Rink about Ryan Shea. Here's an excerpt.

The season is winding down for Shea with Northeastern; only three more weeks remain before postseason play begins. If all goes according to his plans, Shea will be finishing his year winning the program’s first-ever National Championship and wrapping up the year on April 11. That timeframe would leave no games remaining for the Blackhawks or IceHogs, unless either makes the postseason, to see Shea play at the professional level. The Blackhawks organization would have a few months left to reach an entry-level deal with Shea before the August 15 deadline where his draft rights with Chicago would expire.

“I feel like I’ve done a good job of not letting that distract me this year, especially as the season gets closer to the end. But every prospect at this point starts to think about going to the next level. Chicago and their staff has been nothing but good to me and have helped me with my development an incredible amount, so I have no problems with them. Chicago is an unbelievable spot and I know Rockford is too, so hopefully I can keep playing good hockey here and the organization likes what they see from me.”

Northeastern is set to take on Boston College this week, a matchup of two top-ten programs in the country. Shea knows that some of the Blackhawks brass will be in town for the high-profile contests and remains focused on finishing his year as strong as possible. With his professional future ahead of him, Shea’s focus on his legacy at Northeastern has set him up to be a highly valuable player for any organization, whether it is in fact Chicago or not.

The story also says he is good friends of the Sikura brothers. Maybe the Hawks keep them around to entice Shea to sign with them.

Another horrible story of an talented but predatory coach passed from team-to-team, including Chicago Mission, Team Illinois, UofMN, Chicago Young Americans, from the 80s through 2018, this time in the Midwest

https://theathletic.com/1...ach-sexually-abused-them/

I will never understand those who look the other way or just fire the perp instead of calling the police.
- pdx2ord

Not a fan of the hockey goon, but this creep should have to go 10 rounds with John Scott.

For Crawford, maybe one year at 2M base plus 2 or 3M in incentives. If he stays healthy and plays like a #1 he'll make #1 money. If he gets hurt or his play goes downhill and his games palyed goes down, Hawks not on the hook for much.
- boilermaker100

Great point. I could see that happening too.

See, I knew this would be fun!

The deals I included with the goaltenders has seemed to strike a nerve, so let me tell you my rationale.

I know there isn't much in terms of history of moves for goaltenders at the deadline because I wrote about it last week.

And while I thought it was unlikely that the Hawks would move either, I have shifted my thinking a little bit now that I see some situations in CAL, CAR and yes COL (I didn't include them as I recently heard Grubaurer's injury might not be as serious but yes, they are for a team that might pull the trigger on a goalie).

CAR and COL specifically are going all in this year to win. Both teams will want to ensure that they are solid between the pipes.

If Mrazek goes down, do you want Reimer trying to win you games in the 2nd round?

Can Bednar and Sakic count on some dude named Francouz trying to win them a Stanley Cup when he's played 26 career NHL games (0 in the playoffs)?

No. And the rumour is - and something to keep in mind - that CAR would love to acquire Lehner and sign him long-term (they like him that much). So, would they ante up to take a chance this year and beyond? I sure as hell would if I was Don Waddell.


Lastly, the market dictates everything and it can change year by year.

Originally, I didn't have the return for Crawford or Lehner quite as high as they were in the blog, but I upped them a bit based on what Jack Campbell got from Toronto:

February 5th, 2020 – Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Jack Campbell, Kyle Clifford (50% retained salary) from the LA Kings in exchange for Trevor Moore, 2020 conditional 3rd rd pick, 2021 conditional 3rd rd pick

That conditional pick could turn into a 2nd rounder is Campbell resigns. So, you have a young, talented roster player, a 3rd and potentially a 2nd rounder for a goalie how is a tier below Lehner and Crawford.

--

I know there was some anger in regards to those FAKE trade proposals but just remember, they are just for FUN and it's just a game, guys and gals.
- Tyler Cameron

I do not pay much attention to these responses as they are coming from fans of other teams who generally overvalue their players unlike our fans who try their best to drive down the value of our players. I only hope that opposing GM's don't read these blogs.

There is no way that Backes comes to the Hawks unless it is for Seabrook's LTIR cap relief.
- 67hawks

While i really don't like speculating on trades, Backes a top prospect or two, or a good young roster player and high draft picks for a guy like Saad would be good trade for the Hawks. The Bruins have to pay through the nose for the Hawks to do them a favour for their cap, just like Bowman had to when the Hawk's were chasing championships.

Article on The Rink about Ryan Shea. Here's an excerpt.


- boilermaker100

Shea has really came out of nowhere this year which is great for the Hawks. Even just last year, I thought he was going to fade away into the abyss as it didn't look like the Hawks had much interest in signing him.

Sign him and send him to RFD next year to see what he has a pro level.

While i really don't like speculating on trades, Backes a top prospect or two, or a good young roster player and high draft picks for a guy like Saad would be good trade for the Hawks. The Bruins have to pay through the nose for the Hawks to do them a favour for their cap, just like Bowman had to when the Hawk's were chasing championships.
- paulr

It would have to be a massive overpayment for me to accept that.

Backes is not effective at all anymore and the Hawks are going to have cap issues next year.

So if the Hawks took his ineffective $6M on for next year (replacing a very effective Saad) the players coming back better be super cheap and ready to play.

I would start with Urho Vaakanainen and Jason Studnicka. Both are just about to graduate to the NHL.

While i really don't like speculating on trades, Backes a top prospect or two, or a good young roster player and high draft picks for a guy like Saad would be good trade for the Hawks. The Bruins have to pay through the nose for the Hawks to do them a favour for their cap, just like Bowman had to when the Hawk's were chasing championships.
- paulr

Backes is not a UFA. Do we really want his $6M cap hit next year? That is $13M of dead cap space when you include Seabrook's. Unless we plan to just write off next year as a rebuild year.

It would have to be a massive overpayment for me to accept that.

Backes is not effective at all anymore and the Hawks are going to have cap issues next year.

So if the Hawks took his ineffective $6M on for next year (replacing a very effective Saad) the players coming back better be super cheap and ready to play.

I would start with Urho Vaakanainen and Jason Studnicka. Both are just about to graduate to the NHL.
- Tyler Cameron

If you were the GM Tyler, what would you do trade wise?

Trade Shalunov!

If you were the GM Tyler, what would you do trade wise?
- z1990z

In general? Or with a Saad to BOS move?

In general? Or with a Saad to BOS move?
- Tyler Cameron

Any of it. What moves with this roster would you do? Or do nothing.
My guess is Gus gets moved and Lehner ends up in Carolina or Colorado. CC signs a 2 year team friendly deal to stay. Don't see the need to move Saad unless the deal is crazy good coming back.

And we get a new HC by May.

It would have to be a massive overpayment for me to accept that.

Backes is not effective at all anymore and the Hawks are going to have cap issues next year.

So if the Hawks took his ineffective $6M on for next year (replacing a very effective Saad) the players coming back better be super cheap and ready to play.

I would start with Urho Vaakanainen and Jason Studnicka. Both are just about to graduate to the NHL.
- Tyler Cameron

Backes to Chicago doesn't sound plausible to me but you never know because Don Sweeney's intellectual gymnastics are capable of taking Stanbo & Co to the hockey cleaners unless somebody exists at 1901 W. Madison steps in to avert disaster.

Backes to Arizona makes much more sense. At the opening of next season they can have a forward line of Backes/Hossa/Ribeiro. Very dangerous top line.

I know there's a call to replace Stan, and while that's not necessarily the wrong move we are started to see some GMs stick around longer than expected.

Look at Vancouver as example, the Canucks (much like the Hawks) were reluctant to acknowledge the rebuild process. The past 4 seasons have been terrible for the Canucks and the season prior they were upset in the first round by Calgary.

This season the Canucks are firmly in the playoff hunt, buyers at the deadline, and could finish first in their division. Jim Benning made some questionable trades and signings along the way too (i.e. Eriksson).

As painful as it might be, is patience the best way forward?
- DarthKane

Great Post Darth - this is the best approach in ever sport - Stan only has to look to the North and South....Cubs tore it down and were a powerhouse in 15/16...and Sox look to be a budding force after 3 years of extreme PAIN.

Backes to Chicago doesn't sound plausible to me but you never know because Don Sweeney's intellectual gymnastics are capable of taking Stanbo & Co to the hockey cleaners unless somebody exists at 1901 W. Madison steps in to avert disaster.

Backes to Arizona makes much more sense. At the opening of next season they can have a forward line of Backes/Hossa/Ribeiro. Very dangerous top line.
- RickJ

Not the president of the bowman fan club by any stretch but has he been taken to the cleaners on trades before? Outside of trying to go “all in” for a cup?

I don’t miss nick schmaltz.

Lehner just pulled the “declining to be interviewed” after morning skate.

Let the fake trades fly!

For those of you interested in Olczyk as a GM, hear what he'd do here:

https://podcasts.apple.co...2b-11ea-8bcc-f77a44496ec7

Spoiler alert: take calls and offers on any and all players not named Kane.

Any of it. What moves with this roster would you do? Or do nothing.
- z1990z

If the stars aligned, this is what I would do.

The reality is this team is not good enough now to make the playoffs. With the way things look with UFAs and RFAs, if no big moves are made, they will look relatively similar again next year.

So, are they banking on the Dachs and Boqvists taking even bigger steps next year? Sure, they are but that won't be enough.

My opinion is this team needs to get faster at forward and defence. I also feel like they would benefit from a more veteran and assertive coach (but we'll save that for another day).

With that being said, it all starts now at this deadline to improve with future assets - not just picks because they won't be ready for 2, 3, 4 years - but with young talent that can be effective as soon as next year.

Here we go:

* Sign Robin Lehner - 5 years x 7.5M (that's my max on both term and $)
* Trade Crawford to CAR/COL/CAL for ready prospect / pick
* Trade Erik Gustafsson for a 2nd and 3rd rd pick (seems to be the going rate and I think that's the best deal you get)
* Trade Olli Maatta for a late rd pick

--

Then at the draft, I might entertain trading Dylan Strome if he's not willing to take a bridge deal. I'm offering him 2 years @ $3.5-$4M AAV.

Then I go with something like this:

Kuablik-Toews-X (Caggiula or young player you got a TDL)
Saad-Dach-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Nylander
Shaw-Kampf-Carpenter-Highmore

Keith-Mitchell
de Haan-Murphy
X-Boqvist/Seabrook

Lehner
Delia/Lankinen


... There's just not a lot of room to change/improve this team so those "X's" I have in there could be key pieces.

Also, you have to hope Mitchell is the real deal, Delia/Lankinen are competent enough as a backup and those young guys take a step forward.

If Nylander can't take his game to the next level by next year, I look to move him.

Also, a huge part will be the health of Shaw, Seabs and de Haan. Unfortunately, they will have to "on the roster" on day #1 of the season for cap purposes and then Stan (or someone else) would have to get creative in-season to improve this team's speed and overall skill.

I know that's long, but that's where I sit today.

Woah. That's a first I think in Chicago for RL.

Something is really bothering him. Maybe the Hawks have let him know that they will be looking to trade him by Monday.

--

@ByScottPowers
Robin Lehner declined to be interviewed after the Blackhawks morning skate.