If true:

That means Toronto has 5 mil. to sign 7 players
Tampa Bay has 5 mil. to sign 8 players
Washington has $10 mil. to sign 7 players
Nashville has $9 mil. to sign 6 players.
Vegas has $9 mil. to sign 9 players

Chicago has $7 mil. to sign 5 players (2 goalies)

You might see a Delia/Subban goalie tanden.

Robin Lehner really screwed up, he will be lucky to get $4 mil. on a 3 year deal.
- LAHawk

If this is true, that the cap will stay flat, I think this will be a swift kick in the groin for quite a few FAs.

So, likely Maatta and Smith get bought out. Something like 1.7 hit against the cap for the next 4 years, but you free up 5.6 under the cap in the next two.
- Chunk

$1.7 million for two years then $680,000 for another 2 years. Correct that they'd save $5.6 million in years 1-2 and about $3.3 million in years 3-4.

These wouldn't be ideal scenarios, but its good to know there are options if needed and Stan wouldn't have to include prospects as sweeteners to trade contracts.

I think Stan might be able to trade Smith if he retained 50%. A team might be willing to take Smith for 1 year at $1.625 million. It costs the Hawks an extra ~$600,000 in cap space next year, but that eliminates any cap hit in year two that would come with a buyout.

I wasn't defending keeping Crow in, just giving my take on why he was left in. I didn't really agree with it either. Then again, I didn't think they had any chance of actually getting in so there is that.

You've been very bullish on Askarov for a long time. Where does that come from? Have you seen him play in person (I'm not attacking the argument here, I'm just curious as to why you are so sure of him)? Saying that he is on the same level as Price and Hart is quite the statement. I think Hart is good, but the equivalent of a little over a year's worth of starts is not enough to really cement him anywhere.

I look at the situation more as a law of averages. You are more likely to sustain success if you have a solid team (and system) in front of an above average goalie than you are with an average to below average team in front of a top 3 goalie. First, the top goalie only plays about 2/3 of the team's games per year. Second, If he gets hurt, you are almost certainly screwed.
- Chunk

No Crow was playing well for sure ,and he not a guy who likes to take a seat anytime .
I have to give my Nephew credit for bringing my attention to Askarov .He studies the draft far more then is normal lol .I guess that comes from being a Leafs fan
for years . I was hesitant with a Russian at 1st and a goalie 2nd ,I have read everything that has been written and watch a ton of video .But no have never seen him in person .Don't see many of the young players live unless they venture into my local barn .
Askarov is not superman , maybe go down a little early at times .His overall game is far superior to any goalie coming up and he still progressing .
I did watch Askarov sadly underwhelming performance at the WJC .My take away was at 17 for the 1st time he was not ready for the jump and it just sort of mushroomed on him , could be a great character building experience for him .Don't think it will even put a dent in his abundance of confidence .And would not be surprised to see him come back and own that tourney next year .
Sure you need a good team and system in front of a goalie ,and the HAWKS are making great progress on that front with a good stable of young players . And this is just A chance to grab a great clog in the machine. Askarov could fill that spot for years . Players and systems break down and it always good to have a goalie with a game saving save ,and that is this kids MO .

That depends if there are any compliance buyouts too.
- DarthKane

I’m thinking there’s GOTTA be one allowed for each team if that’s the case.

Good thoughts, Chunk.

The Hawks do seem to be grooming well rounded defenders who skate well, play reliable defense, battle for pucks, make quick transitions, carry the mail, and contribute offensively.

I'd be totally fine rolling 3 balanced pairs versus having a bonafide #1, #2, and #3 then spare parts or placeholders for #4 thru #7.

The cream of the crop will rise like Boqvist and Mitchell but that doesn't mean they are automatically the 1st pair (they're both RHD anyway). Spread them out with complementary partners.

Especially in the playoffs, D depth will prove useful. Herculanian performances by just 3-4 defenders are fun to watch but also not sustainable or easy to replicate.
- AEL_Fox

Hey Theo. In general I agree with this, but I believe it is a rarity in the league. Definitely something to strive for though.

NHL should just kill this season. Come out with cap, any buyouts, and lottery draft order. Give the teams an opportunity to construct their roster and start new season on time or in November. I just don’t see this season or playoffs happening, but what do I know.

I’m thinking there’s GOTTA be one allowed for each team if that’s the case.
- SimpleJack

Yeah, something has to give. Compliance buy out seems like one option to help.

I tried to construct a CapFriendly roster based on the rumor that the cap could get slashed 25% to 40% (did one roster at 25% reduction and another at 40% reduction). Very difficult exercise.

Even assuming a compliance buy out and having a goaltending tandem with two of Subban, Delia, and Lankinen (kiss Crawford goodbye even at a discounted AAV of say $4-4.5M), it would be tough to re-sign even just one of Kubalik or Strome let alone both.

The Hawks would have to buyout or trade Maatta and Smith, be certain that at least Shaw and possibly even de Haan are on LTIR for the entire season, and fill out the roster with youngsters on ELCs and players on cheap deals like Carpenter and Koekkoek.

NHL should just kill this season. Come out with cap, any buyouts, and lottery draft order. Give the teams an opportunity to construct their roster and start new season on time or in November. I just don’t see this season or playoffs happening, but what do I know.
- Angotti

I'm with you. I keep hearing about the league talking about single site games. It would just be a logistical nightmare.

At this point, I'm just hoping that some of the pharma companies can find a solid therapeutic drug that can alleviate symptoms. That would at least provide a means to open up more of the world (assuming that required volume could be supported).

A couple friends of mine work at some of the larger pharma companies. I used to make snarky comments about price gouging. Now, I'm just praying they can find something that helps everyone. Perspective sucks when you like being cynical.

Bring back Big Buff, 5 years x $6 million AAV, with the prerequisite NMC of course. This would give Mitchell time to marinate in the AHL for a few years before being NHL ready.


- DarthKane

I'd be fine with this, but in all seriousness on only a 1-2 year deal tops and more at around a 3-4 million a year deal at the very most. But that can really only be done if you buy out Maata, and pray for a compliance buyout for Seabrook. So in reality, it probably doesn't happen.

Couldn't happen because someone will pay him, but I'd be curious to see him play forward here on a reasonable deal for a few years.
- mohel

Sure, bring back the Buff, Toews, Kane line. They were pretty good together.

NHL should just kill this season. Come out with cap, any buyouts, and lottery draft order. Give the teams an opportunity to construct their roster and start new season on time or in November. I just don’t see this season or playoffs happening, but what do I know.
- Angotti

I read articles about MLB having teams sit in the stands rather than the dugouts to ensure proper social distancing.

Wondering how NHL teams would change F lines and D pairs on the fly if players couldn't sit on the benches?

I'm sure it's in discussion and maybe I haven't read the right articles. Just curious how "jumping the boards" would work in this era of social distancing.

Sure, bring back the Buff, Toews, Kane line. They were pretty good together.
- scottak

Reminds me of the bring back Ladd refrain.

I read articles about MLB having teams sit in the stands rather than the dugouts to ensure proper social distancing.

Wondering how NHL teams would change F lines and D pairs on the fly if players couldn't sit on the benches?

I'm sure it's in discussion and maybe I haven't read the right articles. Just curious how "jumping the boards" would work in this era of social distancing.
- AEL_Fox

I think Gus was practicing social distancing in the defensive zone before it became a thing.

I read articles about MLB having teams sit in the stands rather than the dugouts to ensure proper social distancing.

Wondering how NHL teams would change F lines and D pairs on the fly if players couldn't sit on the benches?

I'm sure it's in discussion and maybe I haven't read the right articles. Just curious how "jumping the boards" would work in this era of social distancing.
- AEL_Fox

I imagine they could test all players, refs, coaches, & support staff. Only let non-infected near the stadium. Then quarantine them between games at a hotel. Quarantine anyone infected separately away from the stadium and hotel.

I imagine they could test all players, refs, coaches, & support staff. Only let non-infected near the stadium. Then quarantine them between games at a hotel. Quarantine anyone infected separately away from the stadium and hotel.
- -Doh-

And what happens if one catches COVID-19? You have to shut the whole thing down for 14 days?

And what happens if one catches COVID-19? You have to shut the whole thing down for 14 days?
- LAHawk

No. You just have testing in place. This is a virus. Yes it is new but being around someone who has it doesn't mean you will get it. Our bodies still have defenses to viruses. They are not some knew phenomenon. Human beings come into contact with 1000s of viruses a day.

You saw so many front line workers in Italy become sick because they were constantly exposed to the virus. Their viral loads were so high their bodies couldn't kill off the virus before it infected the body.

My concern is are you willing to use that level of testing on pro sports when the rest of the country is still scrambling to implement sufficient testing? That answer should be no.

I imagine they could test all players, refs, coaches, & support staff. Only let non-infected near the stadium. Then quarantine them between games at a hotel. Quarantine anyone infected separately away from the stadium and hotel.
- -Doh-

Exactly. Way too many people acting like this is some impossible task. It can be done, and will be done. TV ratings and $$ will be too much to pass up. And the athletes across all sports are ITCHING to get back to doing what they do.

Exactly. Way too many people acting like this is some impossible task. It can be done, and will be done. TV ratings and $$ will be too much to pass up. And the athletes across all sports are ITCHING to get back to doing what they do.
- SimpleJack

Well the Mayor of Los Angeles said no sports/concerts/amusement parks/large gatherings until 2021 at the earliest. (federalism)

And what happens if one catches COVID-19? You have to shut the whole thing down for 14 days?
- LAHawk

No, you quarantine them, then test the others(all will be getting tested on a routine basis regardless). Just because someone gets it doesn’t mean they’ve automatically already passed it on to everyone else. But test to make sure and then move on. And hopefully with the isolated locations and everyone being under lockdown from stadium/area to the hotels it should be very difficult for anyone to sneak away or break the rules(knowing what they are risking) to find a way to even become infected in the first place.

Exactly. Way too many people acting like this is some impossible task. It can be done, and will be done. TV ratings and $$ will be too much to pass up. And the athletes across all sports are ITCHING to get back to doing what they do.
- SimpleJack

I don't think they get this started this year ,no matter how itchy anyone gets .The good for all comes 1st .
It would be a disaster to jump the gun now ,hockey and all sports would be gone for a very long long long time .Better to stay the course

Well the Mayor of Los Angeles said no sports/concerts/amusement parks/large gatherings until 2021 at the earliest. (federalism)
- LAHawk

I’m pretty sure he’s referring to fans in attendance, thus the reason for including concerts and amusement parks(large gatherings) in the statement. And I agree with that, can’t have large events with mass crowds of people for quite some time.

But empty stadiums/parks with only the athletes/coaches/trainers/medical staff/whoever else involved with the organization(all having been tested and coming up negative) relocating to remote areas under continued lockdown/surveillance is definitely possible. Especially for a brief month and a half long post season(NHL and NBA).

No, you quarantine them, then test the others(all will be getting tested on a routine basis regardless). Just because someone gets it doesn’t mean they’ve automatically already passed it on to everyone else. But test to make sure and then move on. And hopefully with the isolated locations and everyone being under lockdown from stadium/area to the hotels it should be very difficult for anyone to sneak away or break the rules(knowing what they are risking) to find a way to even become infected in the first place.
- SimpleJack

In theory, a very good idea. The problem is that testing is still very limited. There are limited tests available even to those that need them. If the country can fix that issue, then this becomes more feasible.

I don't think they get this started this year ,no matter how itchy anyone gets .The good for all comes 1st .
It would be a disaster to jump the gun now ,hockey and all sports would be gone for a very long long long time .Better to stay the course
- oldduffman

Ok but if everyone is tested and comes up negative, and are then relocated to safe areas, then tested again and still negative....then how is it going to spread like wildfire? Very unlikely that anyone would even become infected(unless they’re breaking the rules and sneaking around), let alone spread it to everyone else.

Just look at this past month, under much less restrictions than a relocated/surveiled post season would require, how many NHL
players have tested positive? 5 senators players + 1 staff member(they wouldn’t be in the playoffs anyways) and I believe 3 Avs players. That’s it. And everyone would be tested first regardless in a possible playoff scenario, before getting the green light.

In theory, a very good idea. The problem is that testing is still very limited. There are limited tests available even to those that need them. If the country can fix that issue, then this becomes more feasible.
- Chunk

And how long do those tests take. And it is not so much the machine, but the compounds to make the serum to do the tests, guess who has that pipeline, China.

How would that go with the public if they can't earn a living because they can't get tested but a pro athlete can?

Ok but if everyone is tested and comes up negative, and are then relocated to safe areas, then tested again and still negative....then how is it going to spread like wildfire? Very unlikely that anyone would even become infected(unless they’re breaking the rules and sneaking around), let alone spread it to everyone else.

Just look at this past month, under much less restrictions than a relocated/surveiled post season would require, how many NHL
players have tested positive? 5 senators players + 1 staff member(they wouldn’t be in the playoffs anyways) and I believe 3 Avs players. That’s it. And everyone would be tested first regardless in a possible playoff scenario, before getting the green light.
- SimpleJack

Why were they tested? Likely because they were symptomatic. More and more data is suggesting that people are more contagious before they are symptomatic.

Again, if we get to the point where testing is far more available, then opening it back up will be easier to stomach.