Great topic Justin and a good discussion.

It's a really interesting riddle. You would think depending on how Crawford actually is doing would determine what type of backup they'll pick up. Hutton or Bernier vs. Ward. Whether Ward would be somewhat decent or Turco 2.0 (another one of Stan's best moves...yikes) remains to be seen. But after Stan's disaster backup plan last season they'll spend a bit more on the backup/starter...?

How the defense shapes up in front of that goalie would certainly help to determine this as well. Is Stan planning to bring in two vet dmen to help shore up the back end?
Should be interesting to see how this pans out in the next few days.
- DK002

One year deal. Hardly anything to get upset about. Let's lose the forest for the trees and forget that the real move there was letting Nemo walk and keeping Hammer and Crow.

All the good hindsight GM's knew Craw was going to go out for the rest of the season approximately around Christmas and that Stan should have had a real NHL backup ready...or wait...isn't that the wrong move? Signing a guy like Turco, a veteran backup stopgap was a bad move...or was it a good move. Help me see the error of Stan's ways DK.

Khoudobin should be the target, unless SB is looking for “a guy” who may sign only a one year deal (read: Ward).

Khoudobin’s agent said yesterday he is testing the free agent market, so I think he does not stay in Boston and gets paid more money AAV and longer term than the Hawks are comfy spending.
- Return of the Roar

I just assumed he'd re-sign with Boston. If he plans to hit the open market I'd make him the #1 target, even it he costs a bit more.

Ward Stinks
Forsberg is horrid

How does Bowman keep his job?
Terrible waste of $$$$

Marzek
Hutchinson
Lehtonen
All better opitions than Cam STINKS Ward

JL Casey DeSmith is going to be a big part of PITT

Your CAT for KlefBUM trade offer was enough to count you out on talent evaluation & the courting of Cody BRUTAL Eakin

Not to mention your SOURCES


- Goalie-33

How are you doing buddy, it's good to hear from you. Hope your life is going well and wishing lots of happiness.

For the record...I've proposed a lot of stupid trades, I'm not sure if that was the one that would put my judgement in question. I don't think I advocated for Cody Eakin, but I could be wrong.

Edit: NEVER question my sources (Twitter, Score App, Random crap that pops in my head), they're all 100% legit!

How are you doing buddy, it's good to hear from you. Hope your life is going well and wishing lots of happiness.

For the record...I've proposed a lot of stupid trades, I'm not sure if that was the one that would put my judgement in question. I don't think I advocated for Cody Eakin, but I could be wrong.

Edit: NEVER question my sources (Twitter, Score App, Random crap that pops in my head), they're all 100% legit!
- DarthKane

Darth no need to explain yourself to him. Just ignore him he's a hemorrhoid..

https://www.tsn.ca/video/...aring-for-tavares~1427487

Not sure if anyone saw this video already that was posted about an hour ago, but Pierre LeBrun reiterates that all signs are indeed pointing to Cam Ward likely signing a one-year deal with the Hawks on Sunday.

Khoudobin should be the target, unless SB is looking for “a guy” who may sign only a one year deal (read: Ward).

Khoudobin’s agent said yesterday he is testing the free agent market, so I think he does not stay in Boston and gets paid more money AAV and longer term than the Hawks are comfy spending.
- Return of the Roar

Sounds about right that Khubodin would not be an option even though he would be a stronger candidate all things considered.

From what I have gathered so far through everyone's comments and info on the interwebs, Bowman's parameters seem to be finding a goalie:

(a) who will cost no more than $2.5MM,
(b) who will sign for no more than 2 years, and
(c) who has experience

Not sure what the quantifiable qualifications for "experience" are whether that is # of games played, certain stats whether gross stats like GAA and Save% or advanced stats, age, trophies in the case, etc.

How are you doing buddy, it's good to hear from you. Hope your life is going well and wishing lots of happiness.

For the record...I've proposed a lot of stupid trades, I'm not sure if that was the one that would put my judgement in question. I don't think I advocated for Cody Eakin, but I could be wrong.

Edit: NEVER question my sources (Twitter, Score App, Random crap that pops in my head), they're all 100% legit!
- DarthKane

That was not for you Darth

It was for JL who had the sweet trade offer

Sorry to disappoint you

Considering their comments and who they are attempting to sign, I have this atrange feeling that in day one of the season the Hawks are going to be putting CC on LTIR. Ward in a one year deal and wanting to keep Forsberg. I’m guessing that they are assuming that CC won’t be back at least to start the year.

Ward Stinks
Forsberg is horrid

How does Bowman keep his job?
Terrible waste of $$$$

Marzek
Hutchinson
Lehtonen
All better opitions than Cam STINKS Ward

JL Casey DeSmith is going to be a big part of PITT

Your CAT for KlefBUM trade offer was enough to count you out on talent evaluation & the courting of Cody BRUTAL Eakin

Not to mention your SOURCES


- Goalie-33

all true. Cam Ward is dog poop. wtf. Only makes sense if the Hawks are over paying in 2 other spots , hopefully 1 f and 1 D . I guess we will find out Sunday

all true. Cam Ward is dog poop. wtf. Only makes sense if the Hawks are over paying in 2 other spots , hopefully 1 f and 1 D . I guess we will find out Sunday
- mrpaulish

Next year will be one long dog poop season.

Maybe after another last place finish we can finally jettison the likes of Bowman, Q and if were lucky Seabs and Toews and really start a rebuild.

This band aid crap is going nowhere fast.

Considering their comments and who they are attempting to sign, I have this atrange feeling that in day one of the season the Hawks are going to be putting CC on LTIR. Ward in a one year deal and wanting to keep Forsberg. I’m guessing that they are assuming that CC won’t be back at least to start the year.
- Chunk

Nah - I think the opposite. Going after a backup like Ward says they expect CC back. I bet money he announces that himself at the convention. Pure McD drama. Book it.

Ward Stinks
Forsberg is horrid

How does Bowman keep his job?
Terrible waste of $$$$

Marzek
Hutchinson
Lehtonen
All better opitions than Cam STINKS Ward

JL Casey DeSmith is going to be a big part of PITT

Your CAT for KlefBUM trade offer was enough to count you out on talent evaluation & the courting of Cody BRUTAL Eakin

Not to mention your SOURCES


- Goalie-33

Ok Makita - here is just one of the personal attacks from this troll you were asking for.

What does it take for you or the other moderators to actually follow through with your threats pertaining to "CoC" violations???

Goalie-33 is daring you to delete his account - so go ahead and do it already!!!!!

NO ONE HERE WILL MISS HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nah - I think the opposite. Going after a backup like Ward says they expect CC back. I bet money he announces that himself at the convention. Pure McD drama. Book it.
- Return of the Roar

Same here. If Crawford is out for the season, then Bowman would be aiming higher for a #1 goalie. Going after someone like Ward or Bernier or someone of that ilk likely means Crawford is expected to play this season but may also miss games here and there for whatever reason and for however long each time. This goalie-to-be-named would then be expected to start anywhere from 20-50 games (I know, wide range), which the Hawks would rather not do to Forsberg again assuming he is still on the team.

Same here. If Crawford is out for the season, then Bowman would be aiming higher for a #1 goalie. Going after someone like Ward or Bernier or someone of that ilk likely means Crawford is expected to play this season but may also miss games here and there for whatever reason and for however long each time. This goalie-to-be-named would then be expected to start anywhere from 20-50 games (I know, wide range), which the Hawks would rather not do to Forsberg again assuming he is still on the team.
- AEL_Fox

I get what you are saying, but they only have so much money to spend, and several holes to fill. They move quick to lock up Ward at a relatively low number (presumably) and have more cash to lay on a d-man or two and a top 6 forward.

I get what you are saying, but they only have so much money to spend, and several holes to fill. They move quick to lock up Ward at a relatively low number (presumably) and have more cash to lay on a d-man or two and a top 6 forward.
- Chunk

Is there word on the contract numbers yet?

I get what you are saying, but they only have so much money to spend, and several holes to fill. They move quick to lock up Ward at a relatively low number (presumably) and have more cash to lay on a d-man or two and a top 6 forward.
- Chunk

That sounds about right. Trade-off on whether to spend money on a goalie or blueliners or forwards or some combination thereof. Spending modestly on a goalie does give more to spend elsewhere, spread out the dollars to fill as many needs as possible versus put all eggs in 1-2 baskets.

Which is the better option? Opinions vary widely on these boards which is great because we debate and learn from each other. Not so great if we were the actual decision making committee at 1901 West Madison.

Is there word on the contract numbers yet?
- z1990z

Someone mentioned 44 earlier today in terms of how many contracts the Hawks have presently. Not sure if that's correct especially after the Berube trade for Schroeder.

If you're asking about a specific goalie's contract terms, Bernier and Hutton are expecting $3 to $3.5MM for 2+ years. Ward around $2.5MM for 1-2.

Someone mentioned 44 earlier today in terms of how many contracts the Hawks have presently.

If you're asking about a specific goalie's contract terms, Bernier and Hutton are expecting $3 to $3.5MM for 2+ years. Ward around $2.5MM for 1-2.
- AEL_Fox

Was curious what kind of contract Ward was looking for. 2.5 is doable for him.

I'm ok with that. I don't think there's a fool-proof option for the 2G position and among the UFAs Ward is a solid choice. I wonder if the Hawks will carry 3 goalies?
- DarthKane

If crow isn’t ready ir him day one and Forsberg is the back up

Ok Makita - here is just one of the personal attacks from this troll you were asking for.

What does it take for you or the other moderators to actually follow through with your threats pertaining to "CoC" violations???

Goalie-33 is daring you to delete his account - so go ahead and do it already!!!!!

NO ONE HERE WILL MISS HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- dahawks8819

Well Goalie-33 is violating #5 of the CoC insulting the blogger. Let's see if Makita follows through with his claim of being consistent with enforcement of this policy.

We have to wait and see what Bowman does about a goalie if anything. If he brings in a goalie I give him credit for admitting that the trade with Columbus was a horrible mistake and for trying to fix at least this part of it. Trade for a third string goalie.....what was he thinking?

Was curious what kind of contract Ward was looking for. 2.5 is doable for him.
- z1990z

I really have no idea what he wants, but he was making $3.3 last season, are other teams taking to him?

In case you missed it / aren't in the area:

TSN 1050 radio, Toronto - Bob McKenzie, "some things are for certain, Plekanec is going back to Montreal and Cam Ward is signing with Chicago."

Next year will be one long dog poop season.

Maybe after another last place finish we can finally jettison the likes of Bowman, Q and if were lucky Seabs and Toews and really start a rebuild.

This band aid crap is going nowhere fast.
- Hawkster

Cant wait for another 12 months of great insight like this!

We have to wait and see what Bowman does about a goalie if anything. If he brings in a goalie I give him credit for admitting that the trade with Columbus was a horrible mistake and for trying to fix at least this part of it. Trade for a third string goalie.....what was he thinking?
- Savoy

Will you ever let go and move on from Panarin getting traded or will it be 2017 for you forever?