The one thing Chicago has is the parts that could totally revamp the team and make them competitive in a season or two, if the front office has the stomach to pull the trigger.

Buffalo would puke players, picks and prospects to get their hands on Kane. Hell, you might even get Eichel +.

Other teams would definitely overpay for Keith, Toews and maybe Crawford.

I know trading away the core won't be popular with some of the fan base and there are no-trade scenarios that would have to be worked out... but it could be a pretty quick turnaround.

Kane stopped being interesting back in January along with the rest of the team.

The guy can perform miracles with the puck, but its hard when you have literally no one moving to get into a position to receive a pass
- BlazinMike

And when (especially on the PP) the passing strategy is so well known to the opposing PK that it's completely defended.

And when other players seem to insist on getting the puck to Kane even if he is double/triple covered and / or in a terrible position to do anything with the puck. (I still see Schmaltz doing this too much, but other young players, too).

John Moore and Andre Sustr are the only FA d-men that are of any interest imo that wouldn't break the bank, or at least they shouldn't break the bank.
- BlazinMike

I like Moore on my Devs, but you are right, he shouldnt break the bank. A solid bottom pairing D with a ton of speed for probably under 2M. What do you you think about this off season? Shop around Crawford and Anisimov for some good picks? Thats 10.5M and at 33, Crawford no longer fits the teams future.

The one thing Chicago has is the parts that could totally revamp the team and make them competitive in a season or two, if the front office has the stomach to pull the trigger.

Buffalo would puke players, picks and prospects to get their hands on Kane. Hell, you might even get Eichel +.

Other teams would definitely overpay for Keith, Toews and maybe Crawford.

I know trading away the core won't be popular with some of the fan base and there are no-trade scenarios that would have to be worked out... but it could be a pretty quick turnaround.
- RFawkes

No one is going to overpay for an average center ant 10.5 per, a goalie with head injury problems. The only way this team gets better fast is if those 4-5 core players that fell of the cliff somehow reinvent their game.

A dumb fight ESPECIALLY for a guy (Toews) who has had several (I think) concussion issues in the past - which means the present.
- StLBravesFan

That is why a team needs Hartman/ Bolland types to distract the Kesslers on other teams. We are completely vulnerable right now for opponents to frustrate our better players and throw them off their games. I hope this does not happen to Kane making him do something stupid too.

And when (especially on the PP) the passing strategy is so well known to the opposing PK that it's completely defended.

And when other players seem to insist on getting the puck to Kane even if he is double/triple covered and / or in a terrible position to do anything with the puck. (I still see Schmaltz doing this too much, but other young players, too).
- StLBravesFan

I would give my left nut to get Kane on the Canes.

What do you want? Lindholm? Faulk? Fleury?

If it's not named Aho or Necas it's yours.

No one is going to overpay for an average center ant 10.5 per, a goalie with head injury problems. The only way this team gets better fast is if those 4-5 core players that fell of the cliff somehow reinvent their game.
- riozzo

Or go on permanent LTIR.

That is why a team needs Hartman/ Bolland types to distract the Kesslers on other teams. We are completely vulnerable right now for opponents to frustrate our better players and throw them off their games. I hope this does not happen to Kane making him do something stupid too.
- 67hawks

Ryan Kesler doesn't give a poop about Ryan Hartman and won't waste his time with him.

Ryan Kesler doesn't give a poop about Ryan Hartman and won't waste his time with him.
- BINGO!

I remember Andrew Ladd re-arranging his face once for us back in the day when we had this type of player who did put up with his crap.

The one thing Chicago has is the parts that could totally revamp the team and make them competitive in a season or two, if the front office has the stomach to pull the trigger.

Buffalo would puke players, picks and prospects to get their hands on Kane. Hell, you might even get Eichel +.

Other teams would definitely overpay for Keith, Toews and maybe Crawford.

I know trading away the core won't be popular with some of the fan base and there are no-trade scenarios that would have to be worked out... but it could be a pretty quick turnaround.
- RFawkes

No you wouldn't you (frank)ing maniac. You'd have to be completely insane to trade away Jack Eichel for a 30 year old, $10.5 million Patrick Kane.

>>>Bowman wanted this team to be “tougher to play against” which, to me, meant a little more aggressiveness on the body and a lot more on the forecheck.<<<

i was going to point this out...but you took care of that and filled out the argument nicely....

this team has not been tough to play against since game 1 and that's not just a talent driven characteristic...

something is wrong "in the room"...kane looks and sounds as frustrated as I have ever seen him; i want to know what's bugging keith...his play and comments are getting very stale and 19 has explaining to do...

toews, kane, seabs, saad, keith = 40 mildo in mil carton pictures; that can't continue or this organization maybe looking at 10 years in exile...

must do something to relieve themselves of hossa's cap hit...

I remember Andrew Ladd re-arranging his face once for us back in the day when we had this type of player who did put up with his crap.
- 67hawks

Sure, but the hawks were so deep then that you had a top 6 guy in Ladd playing 3rd line minutes.

He was a higher quality player than Ryan Hartman.

Tonight's Tank Watch:

Games with certain points for us:
Arizona at Edmonton
NY Islanders at Vancouver

Fingers crossed games involving underdogs:
Ottawa
Buffalo

A dumb fight ESPECIALLY for a guy (Toews) who has had several (I think) concussion issues in the past - which means the present.
- StLBravesFan

agree...that was really unnecessary...tell the loser kesler to you know what...

he is done and the ducks are going no further than R1...they will go as far as gibson can take them...excellent goalie...the rest of that team is filled with 5 star jagbags

9 games left with aves, jets, blues and BTB with bruins: hell they might be fortunate to get 6-8 pts of those possible 22

Not trolling, but is there any reason to not sell off Kane and rebuild at this point? Hawks had an amazing run, but Toews, Keith, and Seabrook are all out of their primes and you could still get a huge value for Kane. Hossa is done and who knows what is up with Crawford. Not sure what the prospect pool looks like, but it can't be too good considering the lack of high picks.

Not trolling, but is there any reason to not sell off Kane and rebuild at this point? Hawks had an amazing run, but Toews, Keith, and Seabrook are all out of their primes and you could still get a huge value for Kane. Hossa is done and who knows what is up with Crawford. Not sure what the prospect pool looks like, but it can't be too good considering the lack of high picks.
- cuethenoise

yes...a HUGE fan base revolt...

Sure, but the hawks were so deep then that you had a top 6 guy in Ladd playing 3rd line minutes.

He was a higher quality player than Ryan Hartman.
- BINGO!

Yes that was before Andrew Ladd became Andrew Ladd (I believe we got him from your team). This is exactly what I meant, This is the type of player we need to look for in trades and build around. This is how you answer to the Kesslers on other teams.

Not trolling, but is there any reason to not sell off Kane and rebuild at this point? Hawks had an amazing run, but Toews, Keith, and Seabrook are all out of their primes and you could still get a huge value for Kane. Hossa is done and who knows what is up with Crawford. Not sure what the prospect pool looks like, but it can't be too good considering the lack of high picks.
- cuethenoise

Yes - he's only 29 into next season, and there is no indication yet that his skills (other than perhaps his mental frustration level) have declined to this point.

If Stan (or his replacement, I won't get into that now) can somehow get this team back into contention in two/three/four years, Kane would still be a viable contributor - still probably a top offensive player in the league.

Yes that was before Andrew Ladd became Andrew Ladd (I believe we got him from your team). This is exactly what I meant, This is the type of player we need to look for in trades and build around. This is how you answer to the Kesslers on other teams.
- 67hawks

I have bad news about what other teams have been doing to you......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qBNukFUSPQ


this was short….but too cool

What a great team that was………imagine if it could have been managed by need instead of money from then 'til now…..how many more Cups???

I agree you and have the following additional thoughts.
1) I do not think Rocky and McD will fire either Bowman or Q.
2) Fire Ulfie. Find a strong experienced assistant to coach the D. Someone who teaches physicality, blocking shots, taking the body, AND puck movement and joining the rush. I believe Ulfie's system is a 5 forward and no defense system.
3) Sign or trade for a top pairing right Dman to play with Keith. Slot the rest down. I would also sign Rutta. He should come at a fair price. New Dman, Keith, Seabs, Murphy, Forsling, Rutta.
4) Sign Sikura and hope that he is the real deal.
5) Hope that Ejdsell is the real deal.
6) Tank and get lucky in the lottery. Draft well.
7) Hope the young players on the roster get better and that some of the prospects turn out surprisingly good.

Yes - he's only 29 into next season, and there is no indication yet that his skills (other than perhaps his mental frustration level) have declined to this point.

If Stan (or his replacement, I won't get into that now) can somehow get this team back into contention in two/three/four years, Kane would still be a viable contributor - still probably a top offensive player in the league.
- StLBravesFan

I'm not sure he can do that without trading Kane.

I like Moore on my Devs, but you are right, he shouldnt break the bank. A solid bottom pairing D with a ton of speed for probably under 2M. What do you you think about this off season? Shop around Crawford and Anisimov for some good picks? Thats 10.5M and at 33, Crawford no longer fits the teams future.
- bikeguy99

I think if Crawford is shipped out, you might as well send Kane as well. And if you're doing that, then we might be looking at the next 49yr drought.

there's no simple fix obviously. If theres any hope that the core can have a 1-2 yr turnaround into a contender, then Crawford and AA should remain. Blue line is a major issue.

yes...a HUGE fan base revolt...
- bogiedoc

That's exactly the kind of thinking that keeps teams in ruts and not being able to improve. If Gretzky could be traded, than so can Kane, Toews, Keith, Seabrook, whoever...

That being said, I don't want to see Kane moved. He's one of the few dudes working every night and he's an elite talent. But, it makes you kind of wonder if a guy like Toews (for example) hasn't been moved for the exact reason you mentioned. I know he has a huge contract that complicates things, but sometimes I feel it's a marketing decision to keep certain guys around so they don't "upset the fan base." Which is really odd to me if that's the case.