You are wrong about O’Reilly, halo63 is right. O’Reilly is a great player. Have watched him a lot. Last time I watched him was at the World Championships. He was a monster. Thought the big ice might be an impediment to such a strong, big player but it wasn’t. He was all over the ice. He was the dominant player on a team that had McDavid as Captain. O’Reilly is also tremendous at face-offs. I would trade Toews for O’Reilly in a heartbeat exchanging the players and the contracts. Change of scenery would also really help O’Relliy as he has hated losing in Buffalo. Sadly, I can’t see Buffalo being at all interested in this deal.

1. The Hawks should trade Toews and I hope they are truly trying to. 2. It should be seen as a contract dump freeing up $10.5M in cap space - get as good a deal as you can for players and/or picks and move forward. Arguably the Hawks have waited too long already; however, if they wait longer Toews may have no value at all.
- Z3Hawk

I might be wrong on some things. I try to explain. My rationale I believe are sensible. As for why you consider - not saying trade - Crawford at the right time is my latest.

Here in your discussion comparing Toews and O'Reilly I am in total agreement with you.

To those who disagree, you are praying that if Toews has the proper linemates then he will have a productive season.

You might see Toews healthy for how long? You really believe he can come back from what he once was, like was it Lee Majors in the old TV sitcom "six million dollar man."

You can disagree about his durability or what version we see of Toews next season. And I do believe he is captain courageous. But concussions and many years of taking a beating take a toll; he is not going to be like the EverReady battery - bunny. He has taken a kicking and he is not going to be kicking back like he used to. You think he is going to heal up and his skill level is what it once was? Alright, but there is the concussion concern

I bet McDonough wants to send any reporter far away if he brings the topic up. For Toews 'That was Then, This is Now." Yes, that is a paperback book title. After Toews retires - maybe two more seasons (?) - he can write a book about his travails

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

The assumption is that the Canes retain 50% (ish) of Darling’s cap hit. The Canes save real dollars (Faulk + 50% of Darling) and the Hawks save cap dollars. Who knows if a deal like this will actually happy or not (it likely won’t) but that’s the rationale behind the deal.

I will gladly educate you. Go to CapFriendly and look at it again. The 2M you saw is in the column marked S. bonuses which stands for signing bonus, That is just an upfront payment of the actual dollar amount owed for the upcoming season. Generally paid on July 1st since that is the start of the NHL "year". Many of the contracts signed recently have these types of payouts. Including Toews and Kane.

That money is NOT related to any performance. It is part of their guaranteed contract and just how the payout is structured.

Only two types of contracts can have bonuses related to performance. ELCs and OVER35 contracts.

Whether Kane scores 7 goals or 70, he is making the same amount for that season.
- TTtime

Thanks now I DO GET it!

Could someone who has a couple minutes kindly post the names of f/a and or other dmen whom we could pursue, and list if they are rhs (right hand shot) or lhs.

Thank you in advance.

McD hiring consultants.......The coward’s way out. Whatever revelations come from that exercise create a way of putting another third party to blame between McD and the problem should the recommended actions taken go wrong.

More evidence that non-hockey guys should not run hockey teams.

As for Toews, I don’t see Rocky’s comments as a gauntlet for anyone, however, if anyone deserves that treatment it is McD before anyone else.

The GM builds a team and maintains its pipeline of talent. The coach owns building and maintaining the culture of hunger to win and success. The players own executing their assigned roles.

Somewhere along the way, McD lost control of the chain - because he is a marketer and not a hockey brain. IMHO, it began when the 19/88 overpays were made too soon. Thst set the stage for the cap crunch. Cap crunch tied SB’s hands, more pressure to find low budget solutions in Europe and low draft picks, followed by Q appearing to be frustrated with the pieces he has been given to succeed, folowed very likely by a loss of confidence in the players that they could seriously contend.

Starts at the top folks. If they truly want to fix things, they have to start there.

Could someone who has a couple minutes kindly post the names of f/a and or other dmen whom we could pursue, and list if they are rhs (right hand shot) or lhs.

Thank you in advance.
- jhawk59

http://www.spotrac.com/nh...ee-agents/defenseman/ufa/

I find this website helpful although there is no column for handedness of shot. You can sort by position, UFA/RFA status, team, year, etc. Last column is current salary.

Thanks for the link walleye. Now, if Toews can only figure out a way to attach the electrodes during practices and games he’ll have something. Of course he’ll also have to figure out a way to be in one position for 5 minutes at a time during practices and games. Sure Q can figure out something. Aren’t Parise and Toews hurt all the time? - doesn’t seem to be working if the system is supposed to prevent injuries.
- Z3Hawk

Once the machine is broken down, the entire chain of movement is never the same and other parts overcompensate and become more susceptible to injury....both Toews (reportedly) and Parise (definitely) are cursed with bad backs and in a contact sport that’s about the worst thing you can have besides maybe multiple hernias or concussions. Toews has the back and the concussions, reportedly. what is similar about Parise and Toews is the tenacity and grit in the hard areas they USED to play with. Both are shells of their former selves after 15 years of insanely hard working hockey. It’s a shame but 19 was pivotal for those 3 cups. I wish he would come back to be a legit #1 C this year. If he looks the same or worse he should just hang em up on LTIR for brain injuries/lingering bad back. He looked like an average 2C/high end 3C in terms of speed, strength, puck control last year. His legacy has already been tarnished by 3 subpar seasons.

All these stats do is show some of what the player is doing right or wrong. It's then up to the player work on the thing he's doing wrong, the GM to find the players that can benefit from things the players is doing right or help in areas of weakness, and the coach to figure out the best combos / usage for the players assembled. I provide these stats to show that their is potential for a rebound (not a guarantee) and to discuss the why or how of the low numbers. Take it for how you will.
- L_B_R

I take it as his advanced numbers are more likely to go down, not up. I mean those are nice numbers earned in a yr that was his 3rd consecutive declining yr in standard stats. .............. I agree with Sage. Toews can help with a 60 point yr, shut down role and 18-20 PP points. If we look for him to put up numbers that justify 10+ mil per IMO all Hawk fans will be disappointed.

If they ever found a SOB who could win 50% at the dot Toews wouldn't have to take all the brutal leg burning minutes and might add more at the other end.

McD hiring consultants.......The coward’s way out. Whatever revelations come from that exercise create a way of putting another third party to blame between McD and the problem should the recommended actions taken go wrong.

More evidence that non-hockey guys should not run hockey teams.

As for Toews, I don’t see Rocky’s comments as a gauntlet for anyone, however, if anyone deserves that treatment it is McD before anyone else.

The GM builds a team and maintains its pipeline of talent. The coach owns building and maintaining the culture of hunger to win and success. The players own executing their assigned roles.

Somewhere along the way, McD lost control of the chain - because he is a marketer and not a hockey brain. IMHO, it began when the 19/88 overpays were made too soon. Thst set the stage for the cap crunch. Cap crunch tied SB’s hands, more pressure to find low budget solutions in Europe and low draft picks, followed by Q appearing to be frustrated with the pieces he has been given to succeed, folowed very likely by a loss of confidence in the players that they could seriously contend.

Starts at the top folks. If they truly want to fix things, they have to start there.
- Return of the Roar

Well said on all counts. Personally I stopped blaming McD, StanBow and Q last yr. This is all on Rocky now and the symptoms at the very least started with the trades for Daley, Weisse and Flieshmann. Whether or not one agrees with these moves the coach was immediately repulsed by these players, basically refused to use them and the assets given up were lost but most importantly it showed a total disconnect between GM and coach that the prez (shovel face) didn't identify and it's festered to the detriment of the organIzation ever since.

Rocky has allowed a money man to oversee the hockey people and now it's gonna hit himself in the pocket, as it rightly should.

Under no circumstances should the Hawks draft Tkachuk. You NEVER waste a high draft choice on a player with questionable or limited skill - NEVER. The Hawks cannot waste this draft choice, it is too important. Hoping a player will play LARGER than his skill set is incredibly dangerous. The vast majority of players care about winning. Tkachuk isn’t unique in this area.
- Z3Hawk

You haven't seen enough of Tkachuk or if you have I gotta disagree with your evaluation. Just because this kid will stick his face in a meat grinder to get a shot off does not mean he isn't skilled.

You haven't seen enough of Tkachuk or if you have I gotta disagree with your evaluation. Just because this kid will stick his face in a meat grinder to get a shot off does not mean he isn't skilled.
- Mr Ricochet

I said it earlier, at worst he’s Tom Wilson. The top line wing that helped the Caps win the Cup. At best he’s like his dad or better....I’d be (frank)ing ecstatic if the had Brady Tzachuk and Kaner on a line

Lane is in the city and not the northern suburbs.
- TTtime

Thanks for responding. Sorry I didn’t phrase my question more clearly.

I know Kane tech is in Chicago. I went to Schurz H.S. just a short walk down Addison. The reason I am asking is because one of the guys from lane who was a peripheral friend to some of my buds was named foley and was at lane tech in 1969. Just asking if anyone has a lane tech yearbook to see if he is in it

You haven't seen enough of Tkachuk or if you have I gotta disagree with your evaluation. Just because this kid will stick his face in a meat grinder to get a shot off does not mean he isn't skilled.
- Mr Ricochet

I claim no exclusivity here re: his lack of high-end skill and what a danger picking him becomes. It is a concern raised by many hockey people.

Once the machine is broken down, the entire chain of movement is never the same and other parts overcompensate and become more susceptible to injury....both Toews (reportedly) and Parise (definitely) are cursed with bad backs and in a contact sport that’s about the worst thing you can have besides maybe multiple hernias or concussions. Toews has the back and the concussions, reportedly. what is similar about Parise and Toews is the tenacity and grit in the hard areas they USED to play with. Both are shells of their former selves after 15 years of insanely hard working hockey. It’s a shame but 19 was pivotal for those 3 cups. I wish he would come back to be a legit #1 C this year. If he looks the same or worse he should just hang em up on LTIR for brain injuries/lingering bad back. He looked like an average 2C/high end 3C in terms of speed, strength, puck control last year. His legacy has already been tarnished by 3 subpar seasons.
- EnzoD

The Toews situation creates problems across the board for the Hawks. If Toews, and Crawford for that matter, are fighting debilitating long-term injuries or challenges that nullify their effectiveness or prevent them from safely and healthfully being on the ice altogether, some very large decisions need to be made.

If Toews can get healthy it still may be an appropriate time to trade him. There may be many things in flux regarding Toews but the one thing that isn’t is his $10.5M cap hit. Crawford’s situation is even stranger but must be dealt with, with decisiveness soon.

The Toews situation creates problems across the board for the Hawks. If Toews, and Crawford for that matter, are fighting debilitating long-term injuries or challenges that nullify their effectiveness or prevent them from safely and healthfully being on the ice altogether, some very large decisions need to be made.

If Toews can get healthy it still may be an appropriate time to trade him. There may be many things in flux regarding Toews but the one thing that isn’t is his $10.5M cap hit. Crawford’s situation is even stranger but must be dealt with, with decisiveness soon.
- Z3Hawk

Maybe Toews spent summer time watching that great escape artist Martin St Louis.

Thanks for responding. Sorry I didn’t phrase my question more clearly.

I know Kane tech is in Chicago. I went to Schurz H.S. just a short walk down Addison. The reason I am asking is because one of the guys from lane who was a peripheral friend to some of my buds was named foley and was at lane tech in 1969. Just asking if anyone has a lane tech yearbook to see if he is in it
- Spec41971

He graduated from Loyola Academy in Wilmette.

I agree with this and posted a blog back that dealing Murphy to me gives you room to sign Tavares, IF (huge IF) Islanders let him go, and you go 91-19-15 down the middle. That's a solid start.


I also agree with Justin that it's time to give PK a letter. Look, the Canadian clique that has dominated that room for years has to end. I would strip Keith of the letter and let Kane get involved.


With the wirtz quotes coming out I would expect a decent sized move coming by the 4th of july. Either a trade before/during/after the draft AND a signing on the 1st.
- SteveRain

I just want to point out, Steve Rain, that the already average skater Tavaraz,.third year into new contract you have a premier paid but average at best skater. Which means he needs two wings to cover for him. This may be an issue more so in playoffs when an opponent tries to take advantage of his speed. It is analagous to when in playoffs an opponent strategy is deliberately try run your best dman each.time he touches the puck. Wear dmam down. The other dmen cannot beat you. With Tavarez his lack of skating speed will kill that line.

#Blackhawks agree to terms with defenseman Henri Jokiharju (HEHN-ree joh-kee-HAHR-yoo) on a three-year contract. He had a career-high 71 points, including career-highs in goals (12) and assists (59), in 63 games with the Portland Winterhawks.

— Tracey Myers (@Tramyers_NHL) June 12, 2018

#Blackhawks agree to terms with defenseman Henri Jokiharju (HEHN-ree joh-kee-HAHR-yoo) on a three-year contract. He had a career-high 71 points, including career-highs in goals (12) and assists (59), in 63 games with the Portland Winterhawks.

— Tracey Myers (@Tramyers_NHL) June 12, 2018

- DarthKane

Does this mean another body in Rockford/training camp? From the broader accounts that I've read, he "isn't ready" for NHL minutes this year.

McD hiring consultants.......The coward’s way out. Whatever revelations come from that exercise create a way of putting another third party to blame between McD and the problem should the recommended actions taken go wrong.

More evidence that non-hockey guys should not run hockey teams.

As for Toews, I don’t see Rocky’s comments as a gauntlet for anyone, however, if anyone deserves that treatment it is McD before anyone else.

The GM builds a team and maintains its pipeline of talent. The coach owns building and maintaining the culture of hunger to win and success. The players own executing their assigned roles.

Somewhere along the way, McD lost control of the chain - because he is a marketer and not a hockey brain. IMHO, it began when the 19/88 overpays were made too soon. Thst set the stage for the cap crunch. Cap crunch tied SB’s hands, more pressure to find low budget solutions in Europe and low draft picks, followed by Q appearing to be frustrated with the pieces he has been given to succeed, folowed very likely by a loss of confidence in the players that they could seriously contend.

Starts at the top folks. If they truly want to fix things, they have to start there.
- Return of the Roar

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

Does this mean another body in Rockford/training camp? From the broader accounts that I've read, he "isn't ready" for NHL minutes this year.
- phantasmo

Has to be close to 50 contracts. Do we see AHL & ECHL contract purge. Geez, you think Stan had an inkling he would not be keeping the current crew along for long?

McD hiring consultants.......The coward’s way out. Whatever revelations come from that exercise create a way of putting another third party to blame between McD and the problem should the recommended actions taken go wrong.

More evidence that non-hockey guys should not run hockey teams.

As for Toews, I don’t see Rocky’s comments as a gauntlet for anyone, however, if anyone deserves that treatment it is McD before anyone else.

The GM builds a team and maintains its pipeline of talent. The coach owns building and maintaining the culture of hunger to win and success. The players own executing their assigned roles.

Somewhere along the way, McD lost control of the chain - because he is a marketer and not a hockey brain. IMHO, it began when the 19/88 overpays were made too soon. Thst set the stage for the cap crunch. Cap crunch tied SB’s hands, more pressure to find low budget solutions in Europe and low draft picks, followed by Q appearing to be frustrated with the pieces he has been given to succeed, folowed very likely by a loss of confidence in the players that they could seriously contend.

Starts at the top folks. If they truly want to fix things, they have to start there.
- Return of the Roar

Hiring consultants never worked for the Bears that’s how they got Trestman and Fox.

The extensions that Kane and Toews signed I think were characterized as over pays at the time. I wonder if it was strictly Bowman making that deal or if McD instructed him to sign them at any cost. I don’t think there was anyway they wanted to risk the PR disaster of one of them skippping town as a free agent. Now we can’t say it didn’t work out because they subsequently won two more Cups but you wonder if they could have gotten a better deal which would have allowed them to keep some of the players that they had to trade away basically for nothing and keeping them from plunging into total cap hell.

Does this mean another body in Rockford/training camp? From the broader accounts that I've read, he "isn't ready" for NHL minutes this year.
- phantasmo

They probably need him under contract before the pro league starts.

Do they get a Rockford option with him, at visage, being drafted and all? I knew they did with the other big stiff Bondra.

If it leads you to believe the there is a big shake-up on right defense coming, and the hawks going forward in the draft, let your imagination run wild....

BTW that goofy Buzz draft COULD happen in the order the selectors chose, if Jesperi Kotkaniemi is actually neglected by the hats or a trade down doesn't work out for them.

I am tellling Adam Boqvist is VERY predictable in how he will attempt to check attackers and you get the bad with the good feet and playmaking ability...

RE Jokiharju signing... there is still confusion on whether he can be assigned to Rockford. I believe because he was on loan to the Portland Winterhawks before he was drafted, that makes him eligible for the AHL.

It appears he's tapped out his challenge in the WHL and I've heard it's either AHL (if possible) or potentially overseas to play in Europe for a year so he can get experience vs. men.

RE Jokiharju signing... there is still confusion on whether he can be assigned to Rockford. I believe because he was on loan to the Portland Winterhawks before he was drafted, that makes him eligible for the AHL.

It appears he's tapped out his challenge in the WHL and I've heard it's either AHL (if possible) or potentially overseas to play in Europe for a year so he can get experience vs. men.
- Justin Lowe

I would guess he plays in Europe next season and that’s not a bad thing.