Kane 100% controls his own fate. I don't think it is any secret that KD is willing to do anything with any player on this roster.

If Kane is smart he will do whatever he feels is in his own best interest. If that is winning now, he likely goes elsewhere. If that is achieving Blackhawk records, helping the young players become better players he stays. He knows what is most important, no one else.
- Chunk

Kane changing teams is no guarantee he would win another cup, and I am sure he knows it. How many teams did Hossa sell his services (Pittsburgh, Detroit) before signing with the Hawks. Thornton has moved a couple of times. How about Patrick Marlow? You could go on and on. Of course Pat Maroon signed with his home town Blues, then signed with Tampa and has won 3 in a row.

if you actually watch the press conference, I don't think you will get any sense of mixed messaging. Yes, there is some hedging there as he isn't going to flat out say "go fly a kite" to two of the most important Blackhawks in the history of the team, but overall the message is the same. They have a process to follow, and there is a place in that process for both of them, but they aren't going to alter the path to placate these two.
- Chunk

I watched the clips where he is answering questions.......

He made it clear to Lazerus and Powers in a sit down earlier this week that he was NOT going to sell 19 and/or 88 on staying.

When you having ample dialogue with both and asking for input....that tells me you are catering to either and/or both and essentially SELLING them on staying. Semantics? Opinion? Just a different vibe from the quotes I read vs what he was is saying.

Nobody is saying to force them out....but I really dont' want to read quotes from 19 and 88 all year about their futures here, if they are resigning, the rebuild, etc....the time to end that circus is now and is in the best interest of the players, their teammates, their coaches, and the organization.

IF they want to stay...great....Davidson works with Brisson and you extend both. kane's deal should 100% be for longer term and higher AAV vs Toews.

If 1 and/or both don't want to stay, you start working those channels now as each team has their internal budget and sliding in a larger cap hit, even 50% retained, is a lot to ask for any GM.....

Toews is clearly done. His body can do no more. The guy played the game hard his entire career, but he cannot do much of anything anymore and should medically retire if thats possible. If Kane is smart, he will ask for a trade. This team is a pure dumpster fire right now and he can still play. He has done wonders for this team and should be allowed to decide his fate.

The Seth Jones deal is a joke and Bowman never should have been allowed to make that deal. Huge contract for a guy that will never live up to it.
- z1990z

I am willing to accept their could have been other factors at play this summer for Bowman did by his bosses given the circumstances this team was facing.

I don't disagree but he likely targeted Jones, because they were unable to properly develop a Keith and/or Seabrook and/or Hammer replacement internally........we can debate for months if they gave up on kids too soon (likely) but what was left with either wasn't ready, or their ceilings were deemed to be not what this organization needed.

During the Kings rebuild, the fans kept coming, and I would argue that the Hawks fan base is way bigger in the city than the Kings. Of course, the Kings/Lakers/Clippers do have a package where you get all 3 teams plus any concerts for an ungodly amount. So maybe some tickets are give-aways by those corps that own that all access pass.
- LAHawk

If you lived here would you drop 4K a seat to watch this team for 41 games a year?

Their season ticket list is shrinking. They still haven't hit rock bottom. There is more bad than good still to come....and that's perfectly OK...but no, I don't think the Hawks will have 15K @sses in seats to watch them in 2 years. Not with everything else going on and the costs associated with every day vs discretionary dollars.

I would agree this...re wonder twins.

I think Toews is most likely going to ask out before Kane will. Assuming 12 and 17 are back Kane can still play with what he feels are good matches for him to produce up to his expectations.

The kick in the sack is that of the 2...kane by far gets you the biggest return so trading Toews isn't going to move the needle much.

Watching that Rangers game last night...lots of younger talent I wouldn't mind seeing Davidson target IF Kane were to want to go.
- SteveRain

If we like a trade it will never happen.

Kane changing teams is no guarantee he would win another cup, and I am sure he knows it. How many teams did Hossa sell his services (Pittsburgh, Detroit) before signing with the Hawks. Thornton has moved a couple of times. How about Patrick Marlow? You could go on and on. Of course Pat Maroon signed with his home town Blues, then signed with Tampa and has won 3 in a row.
- LAHawk

True. But he likely isn't winning ANYTHING being on this team in the short term.

If we like a trade it will never happen.
- rpeters01

100%

True. But he likely isn't winning ANYTHING being on this team in the short term.
- Chunk

Exactly.....

True. But he likely isn't winning ANYTHING being on this team in the short term.
- Chunk

I don’t think Kane or Toews think this way. But winning a cup is probably 24 more physical playoff games. Missing the playoffs could actually extend their careers due to less wear and tear on their bodies.
We speak of Kane and Toews as if they are in the same position. But due to Toews health and recent performance/ production his next contract could be 1/2 of Kane’s in $ and length. I could see Toews on Winnipeg at the TDL or the following year.

Exactly.....
- SteveRain

The thing is, he may be fine with that. He may have no desire to move his family anywhere. KD can't do anything to force his hand outside of trading every single viable skill player. Even then, he still holds all the cards.

I don’t think Kane or Toews think this way. But winning a cup is probably 24 more physical playoff games. Missing the playoffs could actually extend their careers due to less wear and tear on their bodies.
We speak of Kane and Toews as if they are in the same position. But due to Toews health and recent performance/ production his next contract could be 1/2 of Kane’s in $ and length. I could see Toews on Winnipeg at the TDL or the following year.
- Ztra

Could be or he could sign a 2 year deal at like 3-4 AAV on a contender and be a 3C or 2C and kill penalties. Pop 40-50 points and be there for the postseason push when matchups are worth their weight in gold

The thing is, he may be fine with that. He may have no desire to move his family anywhere. KD can't do anything to force his hand outside of trading every single viable skill player. Even then, he still holds all the cards.
- Chunk

30K view....

He has to make that decision (moving his family) within the next 14 months as he's an UFA next July...it's not like he has 2-3 years left on his deal. I get his girlfriend is from here, and he has a kid, and everything else....but there's really 2 options for him....and lets be truthful this organization has done him right and stuck by him when he was younger.

1. He stays now, and signs his extension and is likely the next captain of the Hawks. He chases and breaks team records, and I think he could play another 4-5 years.

2. He wants out and Hawks trade him and speed up their rebuild assuming Davidson gets pieces that hit LT

What can not happen is Kane doesn't want to be traded, wont' sign an extension, and signs elsewhere. That would be the ultimate worse case scenario and lets be dramatic...that happens and the organization loses him for nothing because he wont' accept a trade AND wont' sign....I highly doubt you'll see him back at the UC again.

I dont' think example 3 happens........so it's really down to 1 vs 2 and if Davidson wants option 2, he can force it if he wants.....See if the break up happens and how it happens.

All speculation but whatever does happen needs to be settled by opening night....because there is no need to wait and see because everyone knows what this team is.........

You are telling me you wouldn't consider asking out if you were Kane? Sitting at home watching some ex teammates compete for a championship?

Believe Kane's girlfriend, Amanda, is from here...and with a baby...maybe that holds him back but again...his deal is up a year from now....so its not like he's not having to make that decision 3 years from now....

A kane trade helps expedites this rebuild a lot quicker...there isn't 1 player on this team that could get the hawks the package back that 88 could, and that includes 12.
- SteveRain

I'm suggesting that he has a choice; and that it is HIS choice. There's no "smart" about it.

I'm suggesting that he has a choice; and that it is HIS choice. There's no "smart" about it.
- mohel

But how could he possibly want to do anything that I don't think is correct? I'm pretty sure you are wrong here.

I'm suggesting that he has a choice; and that it is HIS choice. There's no "smart" about it.
- mohel

Maybe I was asleep the last 10+ years, likely but....

how many players who had NMCs dug in when their team was open to trading him (assuming Hawks would/want to go this route)

that's my point...if the Hawks REALLY want to trade Kane, they'll get it done. I don't envy Davidson's job right now......that's for damn sure.

What a circus he inherited.

But how could he possibly want to do anything that I don't think is correct? I'm pretty sure you are wrong here.
- Chunk

I'll bet you a sizeable amount of money....

IF Kane doesn't want to waive his NMC AND won't sign an extension AND signs elsewhere next summer.....He won't be welcomed back by this organization for a LONG LONG LONG Time.....And I'd love to see how his agent spins that when working with future clients and future teams.

that would be the ultimate FU...I don't see Kane being that type of a player.

Yea he's unbelievable, snags a clearing attempt with his stick about waist high at the blue line and controls the puck like it was a simple pass from a team mate and creates a great scoring chance.
- BetweenTheDots

i was super impressed with Crosby last night, especially that snag out of mid air. And to think Crosby and 19 were being debated as who was the best captain/player in the NHL. that debate has been settled.

If you lived here would you drop 4K a seat to watch this team for 41 games a year?

Their season ticket list is shrinking. They still haven't hit rock bottom. There is more bad than good still to come....and that's perfectly OK...but no, I don't think the Hawks will have 15K @sses in seats to watch them in 2 years. Not with everything else going on and the costs associated with every day vs discretionary dollars.
- SteveRain

They will if Kane and Cat are still here.

I'll bet you a sizeable amount of money....

IF Kane doesn't want to waive his NMC AND won't sign an extension AND signs elsewhere next summer.....He won't be welcomed back by this organization for a LONG LONG LONG Time.....And I'd love to see how his agent spins that when working with future clients and future teams.

that would be the ultimate FU...I don't see Kane being that type of a player.
- SteveRain

Why? He played out his contract, provided a lot of entertainment and some championships, he doesn't owe the team anything at that point and the team doesn't owe him anything either.

I'll bet you a sizeable amount of money....

IF Kane doesn't want to waive his NMC AND won't sign an extension AND signs elsewhere next summer.....He won't be welcomed back by this organization for a LONG LONG LONG Time.....And I'd love to see how his agent spins that when working with future clients and future teams.

that would be the ultimate FU...I don't see Kane being that type of a player.
- SteveRain

I think we are talking past each other here a bit Rain. There was a comment earlier that "if Kane was smart he would ask to be traded".

Mo's statement (and I 100% agree) is that he would be smart to do what he thinks is best for himself. Full stop.

My last comment there was just me being a bit of an bumhole.

I don't think Kane is like that either. I think if he doesn't want to be in CHI he will let it be known and get moved. I personally think the rest of your comment is a bit far fetched. If he leaves under those circumstances, why would he come back?

I’m okay with Kane/Toews staying or going, either way is a win for this Hawks fan. If they decide to waive, it facilitates and expedites the rebuild, if they decide to stay on reasonable contracts, I get to watch the guys that were part of the best era in Chicago Blackhawks history. One thing to remember, although these guys are competitors and love to win, they’re not chasing their first cup like others that have been discussed here, they have won three of them. Maybe they’re good with what they have accomplished and want to retire as Hawks, they’ve already secured a spot in the HOF.

I’m okay with Kane/Toews staying or going, either way is a win for this Hawks fan. If they decide to waive, it facilitates and expedites the rebuild, if they decide to stay on reasonable contracts, I get to watch the guys that were part of the best era in Chicago Blackhawks history. One thing to remember, although these guys are competitors and love to win, they’re not chasing their first cup like others that have been discussed here, they have won three of them. Maybe they’re good with what they have accomplished and want to retire as Hawks, they’ve already secured a spot in the HOF.
- Angotti

Hey, knock it off with your even keeled position.

I’m okay with Kane/Toews staying or going, either way is a win for this Hawks fan. If they decide to waive, it facilitates and expedites the rebuild, if they decide to stay on reasonable contracts, I get to watch the guys that were part of the best era in Chicago Blackhawks history. One thing to remember, although these guys are competitors and love to win, they’re not chasing their first cup like others that have been discussed here, they have won three of them. Maybe they’re good with what they have accomplished and want to retire as Hawks, they’ve already secured a spot in the HOF.
- Angotti

I agree with you, especially thinking about Toews future. Why would he want to beat up his body for another chance at a SC with a new team, when he will go down as the greatest captain in the teams history (at least for success). I hope next season game 82 is a home game, and Toews can retire in front of the home fans, wearing the greatest uniform in the NHL. And then E-mediately after Toews makes that speech, they wheel a desk out on the ice and Kane signs a 1 year team friendly contract, and Toews hands him the "C" .

Hey, knock it off with your even keeled position.
- Chunk

I didn’t know that anyone here was even keeled, learn something everyday.

I am willing to accept their could have been other factors at play this summer for Bowman did by his bosses given the circumstances this team was facing.

I don't disagree but he likely targeted Jones, because they were unable to properly develop a Keith and/or Seabrook and/or Hammer replacement internally........we can debate for months if they gave up on kids too soon (likely) but what was left with either wasn't ready, or their ceilings were deemed to be not what this organization needed.
- SteveRain

Eh, lots of former players doing pretty well in the playoffs.

Keith is about what you'd expect from a player with his miles. But he hasn't been bad.

Forsling is skating important minutes. TVR is playing. Duclair was on the Hawks at some point. Zadorov is skating top 4 minutes on arguably the best defensive team in the league. Maata was eating minutes. Teravainen is certainly an important player. Raanta was a Hawks goalie. Hagel and Ruuta (17 pims lol). Kampf is kind of important to his team. Danault - oops. Saad. Hartman. Panarin of course who they got nothing for. Nick Leddy.

While they couldn't have kept all of them, and some of the moves (Hagel, Hartman for example) were no brainers at the time - I would argue that their biggest issue was identifying talent and attempting to build an identity of any sort. Not hiring a competent coach after Q was dismissed and wasting 3 years was an oops.

Anyway, they were clueless regarding the value of the assets they had and even more so regarding who they were drafting or picking up with a trade or via free agency. Even before you think about "developing" anyone they've done a garbage job evaluating talent in the first place.

The right side anchor defender replacement was available in Bouchard or Dobson and they passed.

Clearly teams can continue to be in the mix without blowing it up and can be turned around with a good trade of free agent acquisition. New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, Tampa certainly Washington (who has been a playoff team the last 30 years). The Calgary Flames never went full tank and neither did Colorado. But they drafted well on down years, moved on from the right players and got excellent value for them.

At this point giving King the job based on how he was able to coax some great hockey out of Dylan Strome who was banished by the previous regime deserves some serious thought. Maybe he could get through to some of the other younger players?