Not that if we have to take Darling and his $4mil contract, kinda defeats the purpose of moving Hossa’s contract.
- walleyeb1

Carolina would retain money. Remember while Hossa's cap hit is 5.275, his actual salary towards a team's payroll budget is 1 million so I don't think Wirtz wants to give that away unless he's getting something back after paying years of a higher salary.

The other variable here is we wont' know if Crawford is skating this summer or how he's progressing until their "convention" IF the Hawks even let it out. Remember, Crawford was supposedly coming back all year and only missed the last 3+ months. Hawks can't afford to roll out Forsberg and their parade of average AHL goalies and expect to be competitive. Not with this aging defense.

They're at 43 so they're fine in terms of contract space. If they're planning to make any big trades (like for Faulk), they'll shed a couple of contracts that way probably. They operate at close to 50 pretty much all the time.
- L_B_R

I wouldn't be surprised at all to see 3-4 of their defensemen used as parts of deals to try and significantly upgrade the team (or get a more cap space - Hossa).

I don't disagree but the problem is if you deal AA, you damn better be sure you are acquiring an equal C (younger in age) or better one to replace him. You aren't going to win a championship with 8 as your #2 center.

IF 91 gets to 7/1, Bowman and McDonough better roll out the dog and pony show and not let him sign elsewhere. This is a marque player who immediately slots guys in the correct spot.


I am with you 100% they need to go big now while their aging core (3 of 4) and concussed goalie still can possibly make a run.
- SteveRain

The one two punch with Tavares and Toews would be comparable to Crosby and Malkin and put them in contention because of the 35ish goals it will add. Also gets Kane another scoring title and probably MVP.

I agree though that they cant move AA with out a plan in place to add proven NHL talent up the middle. He isnt a tremendous player but has a lot of usefulness when deployed appropriately.

He was there before.

Not sure what the deal with Kane is? Maybe another commitment at that time came up.
- Justin Lowe

Kane just isn't leadership material. #sarcasm

It's good for Henri to get acclimated into the Chicago scene and meet some guys he could play with in the future. I think Jokiharju is the exact type of d-man the Hawks need, let's hope they don't rush him.

Switching gears....if the Hawks keep both 1st rounders I would guess they'll draft 1 forward and 1 d-man. There seems to be good options available for both positions and 8 and 27.

LOL, people thinking the Hawks can get Tavares. The ONLY way to get him is to unload one of the huge (un-movable) salaries to even begin to open up the cap space needed. NOT happening, even on fantasy island.

No question a marketing guy shouldn't be doing a hockey guy's job. The only way that worked was the timing as he stepped in at the perfect time. SB was the capologist for years so it could be argued that he was more of a money guy than a hockey guy as well, although he was elevated to asst GM at some point. Dudley was a pure hockey guy who helped build the Tampa and Chicago cup teams and bailed soon after the current regime took the reins as he obviously saw the writing on the wall. Since then he was behind the Toronto rebuild and just went to work for Carolina. Over the years I've argued that they all, from Rocky on down to Q, stepped in at the perfect time. And I'll go to my grave saying the players talent, pride, and confidence was more responsible for their run than anything. Now is when you you see the impact of money guys running hockey teams. And the fact that it took so long to show is again more due to the players efforts than anyone elses.
Nice post Roar
- 6628

Great post by both of you


The bloom is off the rose and the next wave of players coming in will see if the Hawks can win drafts/trades like they did in the past.


For the poster saying it all started with the Daley/Fleischman trades I look at Kimmo Timmonen trade as well. They ended up giving up a lot for a guy who was clearly done....they won that year so all is forgotten. IF the Hawks make it past STL that year, do they have a deep run in them? I think they would have so those trades listed above might not have been so bad.


What is also evident is this coaching staff has now missed badly on Kempny and Daley and hasn't filled that void. Not sure 6 would have been a top 4 player here, but his offensive skill for Washington this spring was quite remarkable.


Big summer for this organization. They have lost the discretionary dollars of many fans here in the city based on their season ticket renewals dropping, and advertisers running...…...which hurts wirtz where it matters most=bank account. Cant' think his crain's quotes doesn't coincide with loss of revenue.

I don't disagree but the problem is if you deal AA, you damn better be sure you are acquiring an equal C (younger in age) or better one to replace him. You aren't going to win a championship with 8 as your #2 center.

IF 91 gets to 7/1, Bowman and McDonough better roll out the dog and pony show and not let him sign elsewhere. This is a marque player who immediately slots guys in the correct spot.


I am with you 100% they need to go big now while their aging core (3 of 4) and concussed goalie still can possibly make a run.
- SteveRain

I'd prefer to go big now as well, but I would try to be less dependent on the "aging core". I know this is a longshot with the current mgmt in place (McD and Stan), but I would identify all of your weaknesses and address them now.

Considering the current available information (to us anyway), I would not count on Crow, Toews, or Seabrook bringing any more than they did last year (when I include Crow, I mean being available for only half the season).

Yep. I do.
- SteveRain

If that happens, maybe McDonough uses O'Reilly in hockey bodies break down when they go up against O'Reilly. But use cars zooming in and out along the boards a la O'Reilly auto parts type them.

LOL, people thinking the Hawks can get Tavares. The ONLY way to get him is to unload one of the huge (un-movable) salaries to even begin to open up the cap space needed. NOT happening, even on fantasy island.
- kwolf68

It's possible to get Tavares, but highly unlikely. If the Hawks can move Hossa and AA then it's totally possible. That being said, I don't think it's realistic at all. Having two $10+ million contracts is troublesome enough, does the team really need a third?

However...I have this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that Stan will try to do something big as his job is on the line. We all are expecting more moves, hopefully they's smarter moves than Tavares.

LOL, people thinking the Hawks can get Tavares. The ONLY way to get him is to unload one of the huge (un-movable) salaries to even begin to open up the cap space needed. NOT happening, even on fantasy island.
- kwolf68

Very attainable.

Have 6+ in cap space at a cap at 75 million. Add in 3-5 million once the cap lands somewhere between 78-80 based on final HRR numbers

They will trade Hossa's deal this summer. They have to.

That's 14-16 million right there, and AA's NTC doesn't kick in until 7/1. OR murphy's 3+ deal.....that's another 18-20 or 17-19 million in cap space.

HOWEVER....

1. Tavares has to be available 7/1
2. He has to want to come to Chicago

I recall the summer of 2009 when nobody thought the Hawks had the space to sign Hossa...…..

It's possible to get Tavares, but highly unlikely. If the Hawks can move Hossa and AA then it's totally possible. That being said, I don't think it's realistic at all. Having two $10+ million contracts is troublesome enough, does the team really need a third?

However...I have this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that Stan will try to do something big as his job is on the line. We all are expecting more moves, hopefully they's smarter moves than Tavares.
- DarthKane

Tavares at 10 million or Carlson at 8+ million. Both will be 8 yr deals

To me that's a no brainer.

Your best asset is 88.....Bowman's job should be to get the most out of his best asset and when 88 is paired with elite skill (see pannarin) good things happen.

A 2nd line of 19/20 could produce again facing 2nd pairing D men league wide.

I'd prefer to go big now as well, but I would try to be less dependent on the "aging core". I know this is a longshot with the current mgmt in place (McD and Stan), but I would identify all of your weaknesses and address them now.

Considering the current available information (to us anyway), I would not count on Crow, Toews, or Seabrook bringing any more than they did last year (when I include Crow, I mean being available for only half the season).
- Chunk

I would add Keith in there as well......His knee is jacked and watching him do this quick stutter before he accelerates is a tell.

I agree on 19/7/50. 50 IF healthy is probably the biggest lock of the 4 to produce at previous levels.

Time for 2/7/19 to invest heavily this off season and come back hungry/in shape/improved. 88 always looks to be improving his 1 on 1 game.....not so much for these other 3

LOL, people thinking the Hawks can get Tavares. The ONLY way to get him is to unload one of the huge (un-movable) salaries to even begin to open up the cap space needed. NOT happening, even on fantasy island.
- kwolf68

They have 11ish million.

When they unload Hossa they have 17ish million.

Plenty of money.

Because Jokiharju only turns 19 this summer and comes from a CHL team, he’s not eligible to play in the AHL this upcoming season. Rockford isn’t an option.

Important note on Blackhawks signing Henri Jokiharju: He’s an ELC slide candidate for the upcoming season.

I would add Keith in there as well......His knee is jacked and watching him do this quick stutter before he accelerates is a tell.

I agree on 19/7/50. 50 IF healthy is probably the biggest lock of the 4 to produce at previous levels.

Time for 2/7/19 to invest heavily this off season and come back hungry/in shape/improved. 88 always looks to be improving his 1 on 1 game.....not so much for these other 3
- SteveRain

Keith also skated with Oesterle for most of the season which kind of sucks for him. He made an AHL player look kind of like NHL talent to anyone who didnt actually watch the games. Pretty sure Keith isnt done yet.

Tavares at 10 million or Carlson at 8+ million. Both will be 8 yr deals

To me that's a no brainer.

Your best asset is 88.....Bowman's job should be to get the most out of his best asset and when 88 is paired with elite skill (see pannarin) good things happen.

A 2nd line of 19/20 could produce again facing 2nd pairing D men league wide.
- SteveRain

The max contract either can sign in Chicago is 7 years, 8 year deals are only available when a player re-signs with his existing team.

I don't see either Tavares or Carlson will come to Chicago. A deal with Carolina makes more sense, guys like Skinner and Faulk will help immediately but won't have a long-term impact on the team's cap situation.

I would add Keith in there as well......His knee is jacked and watching him do this quick stutter before he accelerates is a tell.

I agree on 19/7/50. 50 IF healthy is probably the biggest lock of the 4 to produce at previous levels.

Time for 2/7/19 to invest heavily this off season and come back hungry/in shape/improved. 88 always looks to be improving his 1 on 1 game.....not so much for these other 3
- SteveRain

Yup. I didn't mean to leave Keith out of it, although in my estimation he did have a bit better overall year than the others (save for the goal total of course).

Reading the tea leaves (which is about all I have at this point), I think the Hawks make some significant upgrades on D and lean on more of the younger forwards. I can see them with Hayden, Martinsen, Ejdsell, and D. Sikura all playing with the big club this year.

It's possible to get Tavares, but highly unlikely. If the Hawks can move Hossa and AA then it's totally possible. That being said, I don't think it's realistic at all. Having two $10+ million contracts is troublesome enough, does the team really need a third?

However...I have this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that Stan will try to do something big as his job is on the line. We all are expecting more moves, hopefully they's smarter moves than Tavares.
- DarthKane

I can't argue with you, but the idea is so remote I don't think there is value in focusing on such a prospect. YES, I do think some big changes "should" be coming, but I doubt if they will come. There just isn't anyone with any great value on the Hawks making big coin. Kane is the one guy making big coin that would be easily moved, but hes not going anywhere.

Moving Hossa/Seabrook will cost tons of prospects (sweeteners). Toews won't be moved and despite his "decline" I argue he should NOT be moved. The NHL is LITTERED with examples of players having a 2-3 year slump and returning to former glory. You don't trade Toews just to "get rid of him" (or his salary). You trade him for value. If you don't get that value then ride with him.

The other valuable chips are kids...ADB, Schmaltz...and there is no point in moving them.

AA has little value. A slow, faceoff deficient center who is inconsistent and seemingly injury proned. I think at best you could get a #2 and a lower prospect for him, but no one is giving you a ton for him.

So WHO to move? To pave way for JT? I don't see it. Move a big salary, prospects will follow. I am sure everyone will love a team of Toews, Kane, Tavares and 8 AHL players.

Because Jokiharju only turns 19 this summer and comes from a CHL team, he’s not eligible to play in the AHL this upcoming season. Rockford isn’t an option.

Important note on Blackhawks signing Henri Jokiharju: He’s an ELC slide candidate for the upcoming season.
- walleyeb1

He could push his way into getting some games for the Hawks. Nothing if guaranteed, but they had 19 year old Nick Leddy play 46 games in 2010-2011 (Leddy was about 3 months older).

I'm having trouble getting work done today. You guys are on fire.

The max contract either can sign in Chicago is 7 years, 8 year deals are only available when a player re-signs with his existing team.

I don't see either Tavares or Carlson will come to Chicago. A deal with Carolina makes more sense, guys like Skinner and Faulk will help immediately but won't have a long-term impact on the team's cap situation.
- DarthKane

I don't think they will be making that big of a splash either. There are a lot of teams with cap space and the odds are high that Carlsson and Taveres get more than they are worth IMO.

The max contract either can sign in Chicago is 7 years, 8 year deals are only available when a player re-signs with his existing team.

I don't see either Tavares or Carlson will come to Chicago. A deal with Carolina makes more sense, guys like Skinner and Faulk will help immediately but won't have a long-term impact on the team's cap situation.
- DarthKane

Heard Carolina is asking for Saad.

The max contract either can sign in Chicago is 7 years, 8 year deals are only available when a player re-signs with his existing team.

I don't see either Tavares or Carlson will come to Chicago. A deal with Carolina makes more sense, guys like Skinner and Faulk will help immediately but won't have a long-term impact on the team's cap situation.
- DarthKane

You are correct. Good catch

If they objective is to win a cup in the next 3 years I don't see skinner or Faulk being that big of an upgrade to get them over the top.

They need a legit star on either D or F

In a perfect world to me you get 91 and you sign Cole.

You are correct. Good catch

If they objective is to win a cup in the next 3 years I don't see skinner or Faulk being that big of an upgrade to get them over the top.

They need a legit star on either D or F

In a perfect world to me you get 91 and you sign Cole.
- SteveRain

Skinner is a terrible fit on this team. If we go for ANY forwards, it should be center and someone who will play inside circles. Skinner is pretty soft. Faulk I do like, but he's really more a #4 and I don't see him as a top pairing guy, but if the ask is fair then he'd help this team.

Heard Carolina is asking for Saad.
- walleyeb1

I'm a BIG Saad fan, but I have no issue moving him for the right deal. I doubt they give up Saad for 1-2 years of other players.