Mark Lazerus‏
@MarkLazerus

Per a source, the #CBJ did indeed inquire about Artem Anisimov's availability, but only offered a third-round pick, and wanted the Blackhawks to retain half Anisimov's salary. Went nowhere. Anisimov was approached about waiving his NMC, though.

Almost offensive.

Scott Powers‏
@ByScottPowers

The Blackhawks’ asking price for Ryan Hartman is said to be a first-round pick plus something, according to a source.
- pdx2ord

Just posted my thoughts on these 2 rumours in the main blog. Check 'em out.

Supposedly cap space is a valuable commodity. I think it's notable that the hawks are willing to put Crawford on LTIR to absorb some salary for a team. And if it doesn't happen it's notable that no other team wants to take advantage of the offer. It will seem like nobody wants to deal with the hawks and or SB and his handling committee.
- 6628

This is the new NHL. Hawk's management better learn how to work with it because we may be dealing from this position for several more years.

Hi Justin (and everyone), long time lurker/reader first time posting. Just wondering if any of your sources have hinted as to what "fell through" for Crawford not going on LTIR? Do the Hawks feel as if he will come back this season (big mistake in my eyes)?

Stan is in a unique situation for the first time in a long time. You have to wonder if this is his big "make or break" moment. Do nothing and continue to fail (shown the door out), do something bold and fail (shown the door out). He has to hit on any deal he makes (in my mind). Hopefully we see some activity today.

Thanks for all your hard work and I know I'm late to the party but congrats on the new addition!
- Smokinstogie

Hey Smokinstogie - welcome!

The Crawford LTIR had nothing to do with his long-term health (or so I was told) but more to do about getting creative and helping the Hawks out for the future with picks and/or prospects.

Stan isn't happy he's in this position, but ever since this new regime has been in place in Chicago, they've constantly looked for ways to be creative to benefit themselves.

In terms of Stan and what this deadline means for hm (I think someone asked this in the last thread) - I will wait to see what he does today to analyze that. I mean, ultimately McD has the final word, so even if Stan made a big move today, he could still be relieved of his duties when the season ends. However, I believe it's less likely and I'm hearing it sounds like he will be the one staying over Q.

... finally, thank you! It's been a wild few weeks trying to keep up with everything + keep a baby happy and healthy, but I've been managing.

I can actually see why CBJ offered a 3rd for Anisimov.

He has 24 points in 54 games. Letetsu had 19 points 60 games.

A little better, but not much. And they gave a 4 to get Letetsu. AA's career stats are a bit better, but not earth shattering better.

I think AA is another unmovable piece on the Hawks unless the Hawks are willing to eat salary or give away picks for someone to take him. I know he's not great, but I didn't think he was that poorly regarded. Glad Stan locked him up to that NTC, although that does not seem to be the real hindrance to moving him. Another player playing a prominent role on the Hawks other teams just do not want. Pretty much explains why the Hawks are in the situation they are in.

Mitch Dudek
@mitchdudek

Coach Q at the DD just east of United Center this morning, telling everyone after they order “That’s on the Blackhawks.”

This feels like a "my how the mighty have fallen" moment to me - reminds me of Sharpy and Keith talking about going to Union Station to giveaway tickets in the dark days pre 2009.


- pdx2ord

Actually feels more like the start of a previously scheduled week’s worth of promotional events and releases built around giving back. Unfortunate that the Hawks aren’t where expectations thought they would be and it doesn’t look the same.

BTW, I don’t think things are as dire as pre 2009. Plenty of folks out there who don’t live and die by the standings, let alone prospects and trade deadline moves or non moves. The Hawks have a wait list for season tickets of about 20,000.

I can actually see why CBJ offered a 3rd for Anisimov.

He has 24 points in 54 games. Letetsu had 19 points 60 games.

A little better, but not much. And they gave a 4 to get Letetsu. AA's career stats are a bit better, but not earth shattering better.

I think AA is another unmovable piece on the Hawks unless the Hawks are willing to eat salary or give away picks for someone to take him. I know he's not great, but I didn't think he was that poorly regarded. Glad Stan locked him up to that NTC.
- kwolf68

I don't blame the Jackets for trying, but AA is worth far more than a 3rd round pick at 50% retained. I don't think AA's value is as high some believe, but it's more than that. I'd take a solid 3C who plays more of a defensive role and would hopefully be more cost effective.

Is the main blog a pay area, I do not see it?

Hope Stan hasn’t completely mis-read the AA situation. Arguably the best time to have moved him was last summer. Then early this trading period. Stan’s valuations are not necessarily those of other GMs. There is value in simply moving AA’s contract. Can’t reference the Nash deal which seems insane to me - Bruins obviously believe he is the missing magical piece. Stan get rid of AA’s contract before he has no value left at all.

I don't blame the Jackets for trying, but AA is worth far more than a 3rd round pick at 50% retained. I don't think AA's value is as high some believe, but it's more than that. I'd take a solid 3C who plays more of a defensive role and would hopefully be more cost effective.
- DarthKane

That laughable offer of only a third AND asking for max retention is reason enough to tell jarmo to go fist himself and never pick up the phone again from him. There's trying to fleece someone and then there's wasting people's time with insulting offers. This was the latter

I don't blame the Jackets for trying, but AA is worth far more than a 3rd round pick at 50% retained. I don't think AA's value is as high some believe, but it's more than that. I'd take a solid 3C who plays more of a defensive role and would hopefully be more cost effective.
- DarthKane

Yea I agree, but that may be the market. I could see offering a 3, but to ask a team to retain? Embarrassing offer. It's clear Columbus didn't want to spend heavy, which is why they eventually ended up with a fourth line center.

I don't blame the Jackets for trying, but AA is worth far more than a 3rd round pick at 50% retained. I don't think AA's value is as high some believe, but it's more than that. I'd take a solid 3C who plays more of a defensive role and would hopefully be more cost effective.
- DarthKane

Exactly. Hawks aren’t making a salary dump with AA. He’s just not as good a fit for the Hawks with Schmaltz performing well as the #2C. AA could have value for a team looking for a big body, middle 6 C who plays well with skilled players, and opens up space around the net (5x5 or PP). So no fire sale or salary dumps. If the offers are no better than that CBJ offer, I’m holding onto him until the draft.

High Money Low Production
- Z3Hawk

Hell, he’d fit right in.

I don't blame the Jackets for trying, but AA is worth far more than a 3rd round pick at 50% retained. I don't think AA's value is as high some believe, but it's more than that. I'd take a solid 3C who plays more of a defensive role and would hopefully be more cost effective.
- DarthKane

Agreed. It's a negotiation. Start low, look for a counter offer. He'd be a fool to offer a 1st and Seth Jones off the bat (which I know is not a realistic offer, just an example).

Is the main blog a pay area, I do not see it?
- kmw4631

I'm just updating in this main blog here: http://www.hockeybuzz.com...-Rumour-Chatter/253/91289

All I’m going to say is I told you Q was messing with Stan when he stapled Hartman to the bench.

Cap Friendly on twitter:
Top 5 teams with the LEAST deadline cap space entering the NHL trade deadline:
-Washington
-St. Louis
-Minnesota
-Boston
-Pittsburgh
Capfriendly.com

Actually feels more like the start of a previously scheduled week’s worth of promotional events and releases built around giving back. Unfortunate that the Hawks aren’t where expectations thought they would be and it doesn’t look the same.

BTW, I don’t think things are as dire as pre 2009. Plenty of folks out there who don’t live and die by the standings, let alone prospects and trade deadline moves or non moves. The Hawks have a wait list for season tickets of about 20,000.
- Marlowe

I'm sure it was pre-planned. Just my colored perception when combined with the non-stop ticket promotion emails and what I'm seeing as prices on StubHub for resale. Definitely not as dire as the "dark days," but PR is definitely trying harder this year to reach new fans than they have had to in past 8 years.

Cap Friendly on twitter:
Top 5 teams with the LEAST deadline cap space entering the NHL trade deadline:
-Washington
-St. Louis
-Minnesota
-Boston
-Pittsburgh
Capfriendly.com
- Marlowe

So odd not to see our name on there!

All I’m going to say is I told you Q was messing with Stan when he stapled Hartman to the bench.
- walleyeb1

Stupid penalty behind the play when your team is rushing the puck up for a an offensive opportunity.

Not the first time Hartman has taken bad penalties.

Yea I agree, but that may be the market. I could see offering a 3, but to ask a team to retain? Embarrassing offer. It's clear Columbus didn't want to spend heavy, which is why they eventually ended up with a fourth line center.
- kwolf68

Don't believe this stupid low ball offer regardless of who tweeted it. The Jackets and Hawks have done plenty of deals in the past, insulting each other isn't likely to have happened. Jarmo knows what Plekanec got back in trade, which was a 2nd rounder plus live bodies.

I'm sure it was pre-planned. Just my colored perception when combined with the non-stop ticket promotion emails and what I'm seeing as prices on StubHub for resale. Definitely not as dire as the "dark days," but PR is definitely trying harder this year to reach new fans than they have had to in past 8 years.
- pdx2ord

Totally agree. Getting a ton of emails from them urging season ticket renewal and promising eligibility for great prizes. Wondering whether renewal rates are significantly down - especially with no playoffs to force the issue. Think putting Q (rumored to be out of a job at season end) behind the counter at a Dunkin Donuts when you’re basically acknowledging the season is a failure is truly unfortunate timing.

Stupid penalty behind the play when your team is rushing the puck up for a an offensive opportunity.

Not the first time Hartman has taken bad penalties.
- Hank3Henshaw

Yeah I know but I bet Stan went bat sh*t crazy!

The Blackhawks’ asking price for Ryan Hartman is said to be a first-round pick plus something, according to a source.

Anyone else feel this is an overvalue of Hartman? I like the guy and he had a good rookie season but, he's been pretty much a non-factor most of this season and I feel this is his normal rather then what he did last season. I know it's a negotiation but, come on.

Yeah I know but I bet Stan went bat sh*t crazy!
- walleyeb1

Haha. Most likely.

All I’m going to say is I told you Q was messing with Stan when he stapled Hartman to the bench.
- walleyeb1

I am not sure which is worse, the penalty Hartman took and his apparent inability to learn from his mistakes, or Q messing with Hartman's head by repeatedly benching him. Neither situation is good.