There are better options in house. Play them. Special K shouldn't be in a way of any player. He is just not good. Low on ice IQ. Terrible fundamentals. Gets mauled down low. He isn't alone there but he doesn't even know how to engage to five himself a chance.
He is a fringe NHL guy at best. Roll with Carlsson in that spot. I saw enough from Carlsson to feel there is more there, there. lol
- Elbows15

Thanks as always for sharing your insights.

I'd be perfectly fine rolling with the youth. Agree, Carlsson is a keeper and would be fine having him as a starter. There would need to be a spot, though, i.e. de Haan isn't ready and/or Maatta gets traded.

Carlsson also plays both sides so he could be RHD if Seabrook isn't ready either (or is a compiiance buy out) and/or Mitchell needs seasoning in the AHL.

Keith - Boqvist
Carlsson - Murphy
de Haan/Maatta - Mitchell
Seabrook

Trading him is not an option. There are cheaper options out there to fill that role. The problem is still having to fit that cap hit for 4 more seasons.

That is a lot of dead cap space for the Hawks to deal with for too long, IMO.

I think this idea is more viable if he only ha a year, maybe two left, but 4? I just don't see it happening.

It would also hurt my heart a bit to see Seabs in another uniform. He is one of my all-time fav Hawk.
- Elbows15

I agree, but if he’s bought out and he’s healthier than the last couple of years, then some team out there is going to get very lucky. We are in a catch 22. Maatta needs to go, Kubalik and Strome need to be reasonable with contract demands, and so on.

seabrook is 35 now. who comes back at that age way better then they left. that contract is 4 more years and was rated the worst contract in the league. no team would take him unless we did a 50% retention and gave up some real value. IE 1st round pick.
- kmw4631

I don't think anyone is expecting him to be far better, but I think some improvement can be expected considering the extent and supposed severity of the injuries.

Personally, I think that he's got enough knowledge to make up for a bit of regression physically, so if he is just a bit better physically than he was, he can at least be a useful defenseman who isn't simply taking up cap space.

I agree, but if he’s bought out and he’s healthier than the last couple of years, then some team out there is going to get very lucky. We are in a catch 22. Maatta needs to go, Kubalik and Strome need to be reasonable with contract demands, and so on.
- Angotti

It would have to be CBO. I did see somewhere, not here(lol), that the owners are not in favor of CBOs. A regular buyout of Seabrook is not feasible if you look at the numbers. It's pretty ugly cap wise for the Hawks.

Kubalik is the keeper of those two. Strome is expendable if his contract requests are unreasonable.

I wouldn't commit too much to Kubalik at this point, either. I am not a big believer in the one good season gets you paid top dollar camp. I need to see it done again. Far too many players in all sports have that one magical season and never come close to it ever again.

Thanks as always for sharing your insights.

I'd be perfectly fine rolling with the youth. Agree, Carlsson is a keeper and would be fine having him as a starter. There would need to be a spot, though, i.e. de Haan isn't ready and/or Maatta gets traded.

Carlsson also plays both sides so he could be RHD if Seabrook isn't ready either (or is a compiiance buy out) and/or Mitchell needs seasoning in the AHL.

Keith - Boqvist
Carlsson - Murphy
de Haan/Maatta - Mitchell
Seabrook
- AEL_Fox

I get why people feel the need for some vets but the Hawks have enough with Keith, Murph and whatever is left of de Haan/Seabs. Carlsson has some seasoning under his belt and imo, there isn't much left for him to gain in the AHL.

It is time for him to being his game to the NHL level. I am huge Mitchell guy but I think he needs some A time. At the very least a half a season. Now that he has the 3 year ELC, I am okay if he takes a full season down in A.

Not saying he will, but you would think he would come back better after three surgeries. Seabrook was not being physical in the corners, that’s not him, that tells me he had a bum shoulder. I’m not saying he will be 2015 Seabrook, but if healthy and with his intangibles, he’s worth $5M per. Our issue is his AAV, but if I’m a contender and confirm he’s healthy, I’m making a deal with the Hawks (depends on team cap), and the return is dependent on salary retained.
- Angotti

Will the surgery give him that quick 1st stride back? If it does then he will be a very solid defenseman, if not then he will be that player hanging on as a 6th dman

Will the surgery give him that quick 1st stride back? If it does then he will be a very solid defenseman, if not then he will be that player hanging on as a 6th dman
- BetweenTheDots

If Seabs is healthy, I want him over Maata. Maata and Smith would be cheap to buyout, so buy them out, and keep #7. I'm with Elbows, he is one of my favorite players.

It would have to be CBO. I did see somewhere, not here(lol), that the owners are not in favor of CBOs. A regular buyout of Seabrook is not feasible if you look at the numbers. It's pretty ugly cap wise for the Hawks.

Kubalik is the keeper of those two. Strome is expendable if his contract requests are unreasonable.

I wouldn't commit too much to Kubalik at this point, either. I am not a big believer in the one good season gets you paid top dollar camp. I need to see it done again. Far too many players in all sports have that one magical season and never come close to it ever again.
- Elbows15

I think all free agents are going to have to temper their expectations on contracts for a few years until this poop gets settled

It would have to be CBO. I did see somewhere, not here(lol), that the owners are not in favor of CBOs. A regular buyout of Seabrook is not feasible if you look at the numbers. It's pretty ugly cap wise for the Hawks.

Kubalik is the keeper of those two. Strome is expendable if his contract requests are unreasonable.

I wouldn't commit too much to Kubalik at this point, either. I am not a big believer in the one good season gets you paid top dollar camp. I need to see it done again. Far too many players in all sports have that one magical season and never come close to it ever again.
- Elbows15

I think Bettman will give the GM 1 buyout ,keep them happy .After he shoves a early draft and cartoon finish to the season down their throat . Kubalik is the keeper for sure ,I hope Strome and DBC have a big bounce back year I think they will

The Hawks need the following (in no particular order):

1. Starting goalie
2. Back-up goalie
3. Team President and CEO
4. 5 top six forwards
5. 4 top four d-men
6. Competent Head Coach
7. Competent General Manager
8. Cap space
9. Decent prospect pool
10. Jettison the "busts" on the team such as Nylander, Strome and DeBrincat
- DarthKane

I think they have backup goalie covered.

I agree, but if he’s bought out and he’s healthier than the last couple of years, then some team out there is going to get very lucky. We are in a catch 22. Maatta needs to go, Kubalik and Strome need to be reasonable with contract demands, and so on.
- Angotti

Pretty sure there won't be compliance buyouts, no money.

It would have to be CBO. I did see somewhere, not here(lol), that the owners are not in favor of CBOs. A regular buyout of Seabrook is not feasible if you look at the numbers. It's pretty ugly cap wise for the Hawks.

Kubalik is the keeper of those two. Strome is expendable if his contract requests are unreasonable.

I wouldn't commit too much to Kubalik at this point, either. I am not a big believer in the one good season gets you paid top dollar camp. I need to see it done again. Far too many players in all sports have that one magical season and never come close to it ever again.
- Elbows15

They can make Strome play one year for any number like they did with Perlini.

I think all free agents are going to have to temper their expectations on contracts for a few years until this poop gets settled
- GPHawksfan

Agreed. Dinky so lucky he signed early.

Special K was traded for Jan Rutta. Think about that.
- Elbows15

I like koko but is replaceable. I like to see the hawks go after a player like miles wood or Jordan greenway imo.

It would have to be CBO. I did see somewhere, not here(lol), that the owners are not in favor of CBOs. A regular buyout of Seabrook is not feasible if you look at the numbers. It's pretty ugly cap wise for the Hawks.

Kubalik is the keeper of those two. Strome is expendable if his contract requests are unreasonable.

I wouldn't commit too much to Kubalik at this point, either. I am not a big believer in the one good season gets you paid top dollar camp. I need to see it done again. Far too many players in all sports have that one magical season and never come close to it ever again.
- Elbows15

2 years at 4 million per year for kubalik and the same for strome.

I think all free agents are going to have to temper their expectations on contracts for a few years until this poop gets settled
- GPHawksfan

Good point. Begs the question....are we going to see more short term and/or bridge deals because of the unexpectedly stagnant cap?

Good point. Begs the question....are we going to see more short term and/or bridge deals because of the unexpectedly stagnant cap?
- Ogilthorpe2

I’m going to guess yes. I can’t see a team giving out a long term contract at this time, unless it’s a team friendly contract of course.

I think they have backup goalie covered.
- rpeters01

Has Crawford been re-signed? All the other goalies signed are AHL back-ups, at best.

everybody team is going to be looking to dump salary. I think Smith you jus bury in the AHL you do not really save but better options then him. looking back the shaw matta dehann trades are going to hurt. that is 9mil above replacement on those guys and they are all just about out of the league.

everybody team is going to be looking to dump salary. I think Smith you jus bury in the AHL you do not really save but better options then him. looking back the shaw matta dehann trades are going to hurt. that is 9mil above replacement on those guys and they are all just about out of the league.
- kmw4631

That is why I think Bettman is going to try and at least get a playoff, and a cup winner, look at teams like Tampa Bay, they are going to have to rip that team apart to be able to field a team next year if the cap stays at $81.5. I am sure the ownership is pushing for a playoffs knowing next years team will be significantly different than the one ending this year.

Boston is the best cap managed team in the league IMO, they just sign Halak to back up Rask again for $2.25, which is 500K less than he made this year.

I bet Arizona sure wish they didn"t have Hossa's LTIR on the books for one more year, they aren't going to be able to afford Taylor Hall.

That Saad trade is worse than my hairline

That is why I think Bettman is going to try and at least get a playoff, and a cup winner, look at teams like Tampa Bay, they are going to have to rip that team apart to be able to field a team next year if the cap stays at $81.5. I am sure the ownership is pushing for a playoffs knowing next years team will be significantly different than the one ending this year.

Boston is the best cap managed team in the league IMO, they just sign Halak to back up Rask again for $2.25, which is 500K less than he made this year.

I bet Arizona sure wish they didn"t have Hossa's LTIR on the books for one more year, they aren't going to be able to afford Taylor Hall.
- LAHawk

And Taylor Hall might be regretting not taking contract offers that might have been made to him a couple months ago by Arizona or NJ.

That Saad trade is worse than my hairline
- Stan_Bowman

Is that the bald truth

I bet we can dispel the Arizona cannot T Hall due to Hossa contract. Hossa only paid one more year. They can find a way. But does Hall want to stay?

Is that the bald truth

I bet we can dispel the Arizona cannot T Hall due to Hossa contract. Hossa only paid one more year. They can find a way. But does Hall want to stay?
- jhawk59

How? they have $79 million in contracts including Hossa with 16 players signed. If Hall even takes a discounted $7.5 million, you are already at $86.5 million, lets say $81.5 million if you put Hossa on LTIR before the season, So you are short 6 players with no money left to spend, and no LTIR benefits. I don't think (unless you are Ottawa) that can take on LTIR contracts, but that still leaves about $5-$6 million to shed. Think anyone is going to take Kessel's contract (NMC)?, Jammer (NMC), Goligoski (NTC)?.