Why do all of your scenarios have Chicago protecting Toews? He costs a LOT of Cap space on a team perpetually plagued by lack of Cap space, and arguably hasn't been worth his salary for a couple years now. Or does he have a no-trade/no-move clause that prevents Seattle from claiming him?

Not that Seattle would likely claim him unless they needed to reach the Cap floor. $10.5m for a 20 goal, 70 point player, even a 1st line Center, is a bad deal, and Toews is 32 and has at least three more years on the contract.

Or is the issue that he has trade value, or that Chicago simply doesn't have anyone else who can fill the #1 Center slot?
- Puckenstuff

Don't they have to be protected if they have a NMC?

Also, with Dach around to do more of the heavy lifting, that should help him get a pop in scoring and help preserve him during the regular season for the playoffs. Just look at what Couturier taking hard minutes from Giroux did for his game.

Its also only for 3 more seasons and I don't see him falling that much off the cliff.

Its an overpay by maybe 2-2.5 million dollars but in terms of a guy that's a pro and can teach some of the younger lads how to play a strong 2 way game, it isn't an egregious deal. The key factor is he can still play at a high level and they have some options to help keep him fresh.

As my mother always said, "can't spend what you don't have!"
- rpeters01

Bullpoop, you never saw my ex-wife in action

Course ... things change dramatically if the Hawks are fortunate to snag the #1 pick and have to find a spot in the lineup for Laffy. That makes Nylander a much easier loss to take.

I'm a little confused about the idea that Saad would be eligible for the Seattle expansion draft - isn't the draft after the 2020/21 season and isn't that when Saad's contract expires - meaning he isn't the Hawks' 'property' that needs to be protected/exposed? Maybe the thinking is that it's only applicable if Saad re-signs with the Hawks - but then he either signs for a cap friendly deal in which case the Hawks would probably want to protect him or he signs for a not-so-cap-friendly deal in which case Seattle probably wouldn't select him and the Hawks would be stuck with the contract - not to mention Saad and his agent will know what's going on and demand a NTC. It seems unlikely he would be part of the expansion draft considerations. What am I missing?
- EbonyRaptor

Maybe the idea is to agree to a deal in principle and then let him reach UFA status even though a deal will be signed on the first day of free agent frenzy?

And how does a buyout help the Hawks cap situation? Next year they gain a whole $300K in cap savings if they buy out Seabrook before next season. So if you add a player on a minimum contract, it will cost the Hawks $500K more to carry Seabrook's buyout cap hit, and the minimum salaried player.

Since Seabs has 4 years left on his contract, a buyout means the Hawks would be on the hook for 2/3 of his remaining bse salary. The only year there is a significant buyout savings to the cap is in 21-22 where the Hawks would get $3,3 mil. in relief, but the next year the relief only is $300K again.

Seabs has made $73 million so far with his NHL contracts. Buying him out hurts the Hawks worse cap wise, then it will to "punish" him by threatening a buyout.
- LAHawk

also he is taking up a roster spot and might not even be a 7th D. IE someone that can play ever 3rd or 4th game.

the buyout would be 3 years out when they would do it. so they would save $3 mil the 1st year, $0 the second and $1.5 3rd year. then I hit of $833K for 3 years it does help the 1st year and then shaw, comes off the books and probably dehaan, matta.

Maybe the idea is to agree to a deal in principle and then let him reach UFA status even though a deal will be signed on the first day of free agent frenzy?
- wiz1901

I'm not sure when the expansion draft is relative to the NHL entry level draft. I assume Seattle makes their picks between the end of the playoffs and the NHL entry draft, which would also be before free agency starts. Someone please sequence these events for me.

By the way - does anyone know if there will be a scrimmage today? I was hoping to sate my hockey jones watching a little scrimmage action today.

Don't they have to be protected if they have a NMC?

Also, with Dach around to do more of the heavy lifting, that should help him get a pop in scoring and help preserve him during the regular season for the playoffs. Just look at what Couturier taking hard minutes from Giroux did for his game.

Its also only for 3 more seasons and I don't see him falling that much off the cliff.

Its an overpay by maybe 2-2.5 million dollars but in terms of a guy that's a pro and can teach some of the younger lads how to play a strong 2 way game, it isn't an egregious deal. The key factor is he can still play at a high level and they have some options to help keep him fresh.
- fattybeef

Agreed, and compared to Erik Karlsson among others, there are more egregious contracts out there.

also he is taking up a roster spot and might not even be a 7th D. IE someone that can play ever 3rd or 4th game.

the buyout would be 3 years out when they would do it. so they would save $3 mil the 1st year, $0 the second and $1.5 3rd year. then I hit of $833K for 3 years it does help the 1st year and then shaw, comes off the books and probably dehaan, matta.
- kmw4631

Before we bury Seabs, I would want to evaluate if his surgeries have helped his mobility. Right now he is not impeeding anyone making the team.

Bullpoop, you never saw my ex-wife in action
- 6628

I stand corrected!

One question answered - Seabs will not be going to Edmonton - says he's not comfortable yet.

One question answered - Seabs will not be going to Edmonton - says he's not comfortable yet.
- EbonyRaptor

If Seabrook is out, then I see this as the starting blueline:

Keith - Boqvist
de Haan - Murphy
Maatta - Koekkoek

Swap in Carlsson if you can, especially if de Haan or Murphy isn't ready to go. Then there's Beaudin and Krys waiting next.

Seeler, too. Regula may be dinged up or already considered too green.

On Twitter:

@BenPopeCST

Seabrook on his future: "I don't know where my place is here with the Blackhawks. That's a question for Stan and Jeremy. As far as the NHL goes, I know I can be an impact player on a hockey club."

@CRoumeliotis

Brent Seabrook said he had a conversation with GM Stan Bowman yesterday and it has been determined Seabrook will NOT be part of postseason roster.

Before we bury Seabs, I would want to evaluate if his surgeries have helped his mobility. Right now he is not impeeding anyone making the team.
- LAHawk

this would be after a full season next year. I could be wrong but just am not that optimistic he can keep up with the game and pivet and change directions at a NHL level

On Twitter:

@BenPopeCST

Seabrook on his future: "I don't know where my place is here with the Blackhawks. That's a question for Stan and Jeremy. As far as the NHL goes, I know I can be an impact player on a hockey club."

@CRoumeliotis

Brent Seabrook said he had a conversation with GM Stan Bowman yesterday and it has been determined Seabrook will NOT be part of postseason roster.
- AEL_Fox

There is a lot of additional information that he gave:

Seabrook: "A lot of people want to make a lot of my contract and my age, and I think if given the opportunity and [I'm] feeling like a big part of the team on the ice, I've got lots left... I'm looking forward to camp next year."

Seabrook says his shoulder has hurt and made it hard to sleep for the past five years.

Five years.

Said that's part of why he decided to get the surgeries last winter.

"I haven't been able to throw a baseball or football for a long time."

Said his back was also difficult. Even affected him sitting on the toilet. "That's been going on 5 or 10 years."

My take: I want to see what a fully recovered Seabrook has left. I want the Hawks to be sure on him before anointing any of the younger players because that - again - will cost a significant asset in order to move his contract (if he does waive).

There is a lot of additional information that he gave:

Seabrook: "A lot of people want to make a lot of my contract and my age, and I think if given the opportunity and
- Chunk[I'm] feeling like a big part of the team on the ice, I've got lots left... I'm looking forward to camp next year."

Seabrook says his shoulder has hurt and made it hard to sleep for the past five years.

Five years.

Said that's part of why he decided to get the surgeries last winter.

"I haven't been able to throw a baseball or football for a long time."

Said his back was also difficult. Even affected him sitting on the toilet. "That's been going on 5 or 10 years."

My take: I want to see what a fully recovered Seabrook has left. I want the Hawks to be sure on him before anointing any of the younger players because that - again - will cost a significant asset in order to move his contract (if he does waive).

Agreed 100% and if I may rant a little: this is exactly why the ethos in sports (particularly hockey) of "play through the pain" needs to die a fiery death.

Just think if Seabrook had owned up to the injuries (ongoing 15 YEARS!!) and the chronic pain affecting his sleep the past FIVE YEARS and gotten the surgeries earlier. Assuming these surgeries have had the desired effect, just think about what he might have contributed to the team's success in recent years. More importantly, what might his quality of life have been (and if positive, even better for his time around the team)?

Maybe it was his own decision to play through, maybe was in consultation with the team - who cares? Just cut the crap with the "tough guy" mentality and do what is best for you and I can almost guarantee, it will end up being best for your team.

If Seabrook is out, then I see this as the starting blueline:

Keith - Boqvist
de Haan - Murphy
Maatta - Koekkoek

Swap in Carlsson if you can, especially if de Haan or Murphy isn't ready to go. Then there's Beaudin and Krys waiting next.

Seeler, too. Regula may be dinged up or already considered too green.
- AEL_Fox

After the first hit on deHaan will need Carlsson.

Some additional alarming (to me) Seabs quotes. Why would you want one of your best warriors/contributors and highest-paid assets continuing for years in this manner (caveat that the team may not have known)?

@Tramyers_NHL
Seabrook on post-surgery feeling: "Now I feel incredible. Helping my kids tie their shoes has been nice. Tying my own shoes has been nice, getting out of bed, things like that."

@johndietzdh
Brent Seabrook on his shoulder: "I haven't been able to throw a baseball or a football for a long time. Sleeping on it has been tough. Did an MRI and there were definitely some issues that Dr. Terry could see. The alarming thing to me was there were two separate issues (that) he couldn't tell me if they needed to be fixed until he was in my shoulder."

IMO: they need to start turning the messaging to: "If you continue to play hurt, and therefore not up to your fullest abilities, you are hurting the team"

There is a lot of additional information that he gave:

Seabrook: "A lot of people want to make a lot of my contract and my age, and I think if given the opportunity and
- Chunk[I'm] feeling like a big part of the team on the ice, I've got lots left... I'm looking forward to camp next year."

Seabrook says his shoulder has hurt and made it hard to sleep for the past five years.

Five years.

Said that's part of why he decided to get the surgeries last winter.

"I haven't been able to throw a baseball or football for a long time."

Said his back was also difficult. Even affected him sitting on the toilet. "That's been going on 5 or 10 years."

My take: I want to see what a fully recovered Seabrook has left. I want the Hawks to be sure on him before anointing any of the younger players because that - again - will cost a significant asset in order to move his contract (if he does waive).

Definitely agree, Chunk. Thank you (and pdx!) for posting those additional sound bytes to get the fuller picture.

I'm not sure when the expansion draft is relative to the NHL entry level draft. I assume Seattle makes their picks between the end of the playoffs and the NHL entry draft, which would also be before free agency starts. Someone please sequence these events for me.
- EbonyRaptor

In 2017 the sequence was expansion draft, amateur draft, free agency. Would assume 2021 would be the same.

There is a lot of additional information that he gave:

Seabrook: "A lot of people want to make a lot of my contract and my age, and I think if given the opportunity and
- Chunk[I'm] feeling like a big part of the team on the ice, I've got lots left... I'm looking forward to camp next year."

Seabrook says his shoulder has hurt and made it hard to sleep for the past five years.

Five years.

Said that's part of why he decided to get the surgeries last winter.

"I haven't been able to throw a baseball or football for a long time."

Said his back was also difficult. Even affected him sitting on the toilet. "That's been going on 5 or 10 years."

My take: I want to see what a fully recovered Seabrook has left. I want the Hawks to be sure on him before anointing any of the younger players because that - again - will cost a significant asset in order to move his contract (if he does waive).

You could throw in any asset you want but nobody can take that contract without giving you the same problem back. I see only three possibilities: Retire - least likely leaves a lot of $'s on the table; Play, somewhat likely for some unknown period of time; LTIR - most likely.

Some additional alarming (to me) Seabs quotes. Why would you want one of your best warriors/contributors and highest-paid assets continuing for years in this manner (caveat that the team may not have known)?

@Tramyers_NHL
Seabrook on post-surgery feeling: "Now I feel incredible. Helping my kids tie their shoes has been nice. Tying my own shoes has been nice, getting out of bed, things like that."

@johndietzdh
Brent Seabrook on his shoulder: "I haven't been able to throw a baseball or a football for a long time. Sleeping on it has been tough. Did an MRI and there were definitely some issues that Dr. Terry could see. The alarming thing to me was there were two separate issues (that) he couldn't tell me if they needed to be fixed until he was in my shoulder."

IMO: they need to start turning the messaging to: "If you continue to play hurt, and therefore not up to your fullest abilities, you are hurting the team"
- pdx2ord

why would the team allow him to continue playing in this condition? Especially when it's clearly affected his performance for a couple years at least now.

In 2017 the sequence was expansion draft, amateur draft, free agency. Would assume 2021 would be the same.
- boilermaker100

Yeah, that's what I thought, which means Saad will probably not be attractive to Seattle unless his contract situation is resolved before the expansion draft - which puts the Hawks in the precarious position I described in the earlier post.

I'm not sure when the expansion draft is relative to the NHL entry level draft. I assume Seattle makes their picks between the end of the playoffs and the NHL entry draft, which would also be before free agency starts. Someone please sequence these events for me.
- EbonyRaptor

You are correct, their expansion draft is held a day or two before the NHL Entry Draft, followed by free agency.

On Twitter:

@BenPopeCST

Seabrook on his future: "I don't know where my place is here with the Blackhawks. That's a question for Stan and Jeremy. As far as the NHL goes, I know I can be an impact player on a hockey club."

@CRoumeliotis

Brent Seabrook said he had a conversation with GM Stan Bowman yesterday and it has been determined Seabrook will NOT be part of postseason roster.
- AEL_Fox

IF they told Seabrook that they weren't gonna play him from the get-go, he must have made the decision to stay home with his family.

IF Seabrook's word are not misconstrued, it sounds like he wants to play and he has been told he is not in the present picture TO play, right?

This opens a door.
Is he a future Kraken?

I gotta back pedal on this one: SEABROOK decided he was not going, not Bowman. That is a big difference in the conversation.

He was out their to prove that be COULD skate with the young dogs, and is still a team leader, so wanted to be there with his team.
This was his baraometer and it looks like he proved to himself he could be a better player w/o the pain and IS coming back.

I thought at first Bowman and Seabrook "decided" that and Rea dthe Seabrook comments of help "a" team as a find me a team if I cannot get tick here..."


Also is the 25 year Ben Pope making a soap opera about the Seabrook benching as if they are still some sore point with Seabrook?
I dont think team leaders continue their protests once they start getting minutes again.

IF they told Seabrook that they weren't gonna play him from the getp-go, he must have made the decision to stay home with his family.

IF Seabrook's word are not misconstrued, it sounds like he wants to play and he has been told he is not in the present picture TO play, right?

This opens a door.

Is he a future Kraken?
- wiz1901

unlikely that Ron Francis would draft him.