John Jaeckel: Why The Hawks Will Contend. Why They Won’t.

Carcillo + Staying out of the Penalty Box = False.

JJ, how has Shaw looked in the AHL? I've heard from some buddies that have been to some games in Rockford that he has taken a good amount of "bonehead" penalties. Do you think he makes some serious strides on the big club this year and keeps his emotions in check?

Glad hockey is back and looking forward to your blogs throughout the year!

Health & Crawford/Goaltender.
Goaltending key with the amount of games in a short period.
Can't afford bad streaks

Health & Crawford/Goaltender.
Goaltending key with the amount of games in a short period.
Can't afford bad streaks
- PFD_Hawks

Like I said in the last thread, I expect Crawford to bounce back to his 10/11 form.

If our stars can stay healthy and perform as they should we have just as good of a shot as anyone else. Goaltending is always a critical factor, but I think we'll be pleasantly surprised this season.

Has anyone heard any details as to if a team were to loan a player to a European club (insert Huet situation here) would it count against the cap?

Good write up. However for all the pros and cons of the Hawks, I still think the biggest factor is the goaltending. It's ok to say that CC was bad last year because he was. If he doesn't get back to his 2011 form or start to progress into a Championship caliber goalie then the Hawks won't go far. Yes all those other factors will play parts too but if the goaltending doesn't improve then it won't matter. Can't win in today's NHL with shaky goaltending.

If I have one major beef with Bowman (and his dad), it's that they undervalue the goalie position. Everyone's been talking about the buyouts for this Summer, if CC plays bad again I think he's a real candidate to get bought out. Can't keep on wasting years with lousy goalie play.

That being said as much as we all hated the lockout, the Hawks may have benefited from it since Toews and Hossa are finally concussion symptom free. It seems like if the season had started on time, one or both would not have been ready. I think another thing that may benefit them is for the first time in 3 years, half the roster has not been turned over.

So, how do you think the Central will end up this year in a shortened season?

Like last year, I think the Blues will be on top when all is said and done.

Can we also debate whether this break and shortened season will benefit or hinder Ray Emery?

There were times last year where many people were looking at Ray to potentially take over #1 between the pipes when Corey struggled. His game and health could be equally important... especially with the amount of back to back games.

I know with his condition he has to work very hard to maintain his athletic ability at an elite level so the question is: was he able to keep up with his routine over the lockout? If not, Carter Hutton is your backup if he goes down which isn't the most ideal on a Cup contending team.

Although I am a little worried something happens between now and both sides signing (Ogi,) I am thrilled we will have hockey to watch asap. I know this was mentioned in the comments of JJ’s other blog but some of these ‘older’ guys could be hidden gems to help get some depth for the boys with a condensed season. I am not just saying Arnott (hawksfan37) , maybe a John Madden/type or some Vet that wants to make a run with this club. Any thoughts on who is available??
***I know Stan is still our GM so we will not get a solid 2nd line center or a proven goalie.

Also for those of you who had the chance to watch Carter Hutton play this year, is there a chance he gets a call up? OR is he just an AHL goalie. The Hogs do not make it down to Houston very often.

Glad to see the crew out in full force so fast. Wish each of you a Happy Healthy New Year.
Elliot

Can we also debate whether this break and shortened season will benefit or hinder Ray Emery?

There were times last year where many people were looking at Ray to potentially take over #1 between the pipes when Corey struggled. His game and health could be equally important... especially with the amount of back to back games.

I know with his condition he has to work very hard to maintain his athletic ability at an elite level so the question is: was he able to keep up with his routine over the lockout? If not, Carter Hutton is your backup if he goes down which isn't the most ideal on a Cup contending team.
- TyCamScore

I would not be terribly surprised to see Emery #1 by season's end. Not predicting it per se. Just saying, Crawford will be given a very short leash.

Is there any word when trading will be allowed to begin. I assume after it is officially ratified or will it be "good faith" trades?

Still missing #1 Goalie and #2 Center as well as depth and a physical blueliner outside of Seabs. Perhaps bring Lovie Smith it to help the D cause turnovers

Checking out capgeek.com it appears as if Bowman has some space to add help at the deadline. I'm not sure how Olesz factors into this cap space tho with the new agreement because he is not included on the roster.

But available cap space and using it effectively could also be added to the positives list.

Is there any word when trading will be allowed to begin. I assume after it is officially ratified or will it be "good faith" trades?

Still missing #1 Goalie and #2 Center as well as depth and a physical blueliner outside of Seabs. Perhaps bring Lovie Smith it to help the D cause turnovers
- ikeane

Brookbank and Rozsival are more physical than what we've had on D, so they should help...

To me, it all depends on the coaching "philosophy" on D (or lack thereof) - more of the Q stick waving nonsense and hitting with their purses will drive me nuts!!!

JJ, how has Shaw looked in the AHL? I've heard from some buddies that have been to some games in Rockford that he has taken a good amount of "bonehead" penalties. Do you think he makes some serious strides on the big club this year and keeps his emotions in check?

Glad hockey is back and looking forward to your blogs throughout the year!
- J-Mac9

He got marked I think by AHL refs and he will have to watch that as he might now also be in the NHL because of the Mike Smith "Drama."

Carcillo has the same issue. But if Matt Cooke can rehab his image, ANYONE can.

So, how do you think the Central will end up this year in a shortened season?

Like last year, I think the Blues will be on top when all is said and done.
- carcus

Divisional standings barely matter, but as far as that goes, I have to go with the Blues, followed by Chicago, then Nashville, then Detroit, then Columbus.

Is there any word when trading will be allowed to begin. I assume after it is officially ratified or will it be "good faith" trades?

Still missing #1 Goalie and #2 Center as well as depth and a physical blueliner outside of Seabs. Perhaps bring Lovie Smith it to help the D cause turnovers
- ikeane

Within 24 hours of said . . .

goaltending will keep the hawks from having playoff success.

goaltending will keep the hawks from having playoff success.
- wingz4life

The Red Wings blueline unit (or lack thereof) will hinder their playoff success. That's if they even make it.

You got to wonder just how good Howard is going to look with the defense he has in front of him.

Have you guys sent the "(frank) you very much" letter to Tallon today?

If the rumors are right about the "recapture" clause the Hawks will have to buy out Hossa next summer or get stuck with a big cap hit when he retires with 4 or 5 years left on his deal.

A few teams getting (frank)ed with that clause.

The Red Wings blueline unit (or lack thereof) will hinder their playoff success. That's if they even make it.

You got to wonder just how good Howard is going to look with the defense he has in front of him.
- EKolb13

the game isnt played on paper, crawford has already shown he isnt a #1.

the game isnt played on paper, crawford has already shown he isnt a #1.
- wingz4life

Not going to argue that very strenuously. I'm not a big Crawford fan. The Wings are going to have a tough year regardless.

Have you guys sent the "(frank) you very much" letter to Tallon today?

If the rumors are right about the "recapture" clause the Hawks will have to buy out Hossa next summer or get stuck with a big cap hit when he retires with 4 or 5 years left on his deal.

A few teams getting (frank)ed with that clause.
- The Law

Here's the deal with Hossa: he considered retirement after the injury. If he's not 100% after this season or takes another concussion type thing, I will not be surprised if he retires. I don't think he will play more than another 3 years regardless.

Wha...where am I? I had a horrible dream that there was a lockout and almost half the season got cancelled in a squabble over a few million dollars here and there...wait...THIS WASN't A DREAM!!! ARGGGHHHH!!!

Good to have hockey back, though. Here's hoping for a #2 center and a hopefully solid year out of Crawford...

hawks are cursed for signing clowncillo.