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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Ideal Free Agency Frenzy for Blackhawks
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Mr Ricochet
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Joliet, IL
Joined: 04.19.2009

Jun 30 @ 9:05 AM ET
Per Powers at The Athletic (not surprising, but disappointing)

The​ Blackhawks​ are unlikely to​ sign pending​ unrestricted​ free​ agent​ James van​ Riemsdyk,​​ multiple sources told The Athletic.

The Blackhawks did inquire about van Riemsdyk this week during the interview period but likely aren’t able to match what other teams are willing to offer.

https://theathletic.com/4...nancial-league-as-of-now/

- pdx2ord


The very best news I've heard since the Hawks got Wise in the 3rd rd. Helps ease the pain of passing on Wahlstrom ......... The article goes on to say with the Hossa money on the books the Hawks have 6.1 mil in cap space and that's not counting 2.5 mil for Ward.

Nice player JVR, no doubt but the term and cap hit will hurt this club in 3-4 yrs when Schmaltz and Dcat are legit experienced threats, Saad is 28, three or four of Gus/Forsling/Oesterle/Gilbert/Mitchell are legit NHL Dmen, Jokiharju has 1-2 yrs NHL experience, Boqvist is a rookie, Jake Wise is pushing for the 2C slot, and money will be needed to pay the Core 2.0 (Sikura?) and replace Crawford, the bought out Seabrook and maybe Toews.

Point is the Hawks ain't winning any cups with JVR cuz he only fills 1 of 4-5 legit holes with no money to do so, unless they catch lightning in a bottle. Hawks won't say it but this is a rebuild on the fly so any 30 yr old FA signed (no matter how well they fill a hole for 1-2-3 yrs) with term of 4-5-6 yrs will only retard or block the rebuild.

Good news but not at all unexpected.
Marlowe
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wild Wild West, IL
Joined: 06.29.2014

Jun 30 @ 9:07 AM ET
Buckle up folks!
https://twitter.com/thefo.../1013043419051167745?s=21
Per @fourth period:
Happy Tavares Day! Teams are expected to be notified later this morning of his decision, with the Islanders getting the first call.
onehundredlevel
Joined: 10.27.2015

Jun 30 @ 9:07 AM ET
Understand why the hard cap was put in to create an even playing field for all nhl teams. Those teams that you mention what have they done since the hard cap was implemented nothing really. Hopefully in next cba negotiations it will put an emphasis and developing and keeping young talent just my opinion.
- Scott1977


I love the cap in hockey and football. I get so sick of the same 7-8 baseball teams spending and getting the free agents...how fair is that. Machado and Harper will both go to one of those 7-8 teams (Red Sox, Yanks, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Nationals, Angels).
Marlowe
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wild Wild West, IL
Joined: 06.29.2014

Jun 30 @ 9:08 AM ET
The very best news I've heard since the Hawks got Wise in the 3rd rd. Helps ease the pain of passing on Wahlstrom ......... The article goes on to say with the Hossa money on the books the Hawks have 6.1 mil in cap space and that's not counting 2.5 mil for Ward.

Nice player JVR, no doubt but the term and cap hit will hurt this club in 3-4 yrs when Schmaltz and Dcat are legit experienced threats, Saad is 28, three or four of Gus/Forsling/Oesterle/Gilbert/Mitchell are legit NHL Dmen, Jokiharju has 1-2 yrs NHL experience, Boqvist is a rookie, Jake Wise is pushing for the 2C slot, and money will be needed to pay the Core 2.0 (Sikura?) and replace Crawford, the bought out Seabrook and maybe Toews.

Point is the Hawks ain't winning any cups with JVR cuz he only fills 1 of 4-5 legit holes with no money to do so, unless they catch lightning in a bottle. Hawks won't say it but this is a rebuild on the fly so any 30 yr old FA signed (no matter how well they fill a hole for 1-2-3 yrs) with term of 4-5-6 yrs will only retard or block the rebuild.

Good news but not at all unexpected.

- Mr Ricochet


Agree. But where do they go for the hole fixin?
onehundredlevel
Joined: 10.27.2015

Jun 30 @ 9:12 AM ET
Per Powers at The Athletic (not surprising, but disappointing)

The​ Blackhawks​ are unlikely to​ sign pending​ unrestricted​ free​ agent​ James van​ Riemsdyk,​​ multiple sources told The Athletic.

The Blackhawks did inquire about van Riemsdyk this week during the interview period but likely aren’t able to match what other teams are willing to offer.

https://theathletic.com/4...nancial-league-as-of-now/

- pdx2ord


I would love JVR...but Bowman is unwilling to do what it takes to create cap space. If you want Hossa off the books you basically have to trade next years first round pick. Are we playing to win now...or in 2025? If now, deal Hoss and a first round pick and open up space. If 2025, get Ward and Cole and all those lesser guys and just be average for the next 7 years.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jun 30 @ 9:12 AM ET
Hearing anything about other F or D options - like maybe a Letestu (just throwing another UFA out there, not advocating) if you can’t afford a Beagle? Or if there could be a trade for Faulk or is CAR’s asking price still too rich for the Hawks (Saad)? Wingels news? Anything!?!??


Agreed. In the short term (ie this free agency season) anyway, but there are 2 more summers of this so anytime they can get out from under would be good by me.

- Marlowe


Nothing new on specific names.

Wingels I did hear was a possibility as recent as a few week ago. I wouldnt be shocked to see him resigned for a 2-year deal.
mrpaulish
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Itasca, IL
Joined: 01.18.2010

Jun 30 @ 9:15 AM ET
Buckle up folks!
https://twitter.com/thefo.../1013043419051167745?s=21
Per @fourth period:
Happy Tavares Day! Teams are expected to be notified later this morning of his decision, with the Islanders getting the first call.

- Marlowe



Lets get this (frank)ing party started
onehundredlevel
Joined: 10.27.2015

Jun 30 @ 9:16 AM ET
Heard they aren't having much luck there.

If they were able to that would have made them more open to signing JVR.

- Justin Lowe


Exactly, see my post above.
mrpaulish
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Itasca, IL
Joined: 01.18.2010

Jun 30 @ 9:17 AM ET
I would love JVR...but Bowman is unwilling to do what it takes to create cap space. If you want Hossa off the books you basically have to trade next years first round pick. Are we playing to win now...or in 2025? If now, deal Hoss and a first round pick and open up space. If 2025, get Ward and Cole and all those lesser guys and just be average for the next 7 years.
- onehundredlevel


This is probably true.

The Hawks can always LTIR Hossa and create space to add at the trade deadline. If it will be worth it at that time. Could be a 10th place team come March. Then the extra cap space wouldnt matter again.

Either way trade the contract now or at the deadline the cost includes a #1 pick for sure no doubt.
onehundredlevel
Joined: 10.27.2015

Jun 30 @ 9:19 AM ET
Really wish they could move Hossa’s contract for a reasonable price.
- Marlowe


Reasonable price? It's a misnomer that there are teams out there that "need to get to the cap floor". Many teams are below the floor...but also have about 7 roster spots to fill. So that will get them to the floor. We are attempting to dump Hossa's cap hit on someone else. That likely will cost us a first round pick to do...otherwise, it makes no sense for the other team to do a deal. Bowman basically has to overpay to rid himself of Hossa contract. And he won't. And we will sign Ward and Cole and some 4th line forward. And miss the playoffs again. He should have already dealt AA too to open up space. But he did not do that either. Terrible.
onehundredlevel
Joined: 10.27.2015

Jun 30 @ 9:23 AM ET
The very best news I've heard since the Hawks got Wise in the 3rd rd. Helps ease the pain of passing on Wahlstrom ......... The article goes on to say with the Hossa money on the books the Hawks have 6.1 mil in cap space and that's not counting 2.5 mil for Ward.

Nice player JVR, no doubt but the term and cap hit will hurt this club in 3-4 yrs when Schmaltz and Dcat are legit experienced threats, Saad is 28, three or four of Gus/Forsling/Oesterle/Gilbert/Mitchell are legit NHL Dmen, Jokiharju has 1-2 yrs NHL experience, Boqvist is a rookie, Jake Wise is pushing for the 2C slot, and money will be needed to pay the Core 2.0 (Sikura?) and replace Crawford, the bought out Seabrook and maybe Toews.

Point is the Hawks ain't winning any cups with JVR cuz he only fills 1 of 4-5 legit holes with no money to do so, unless they catch lightning in a bottle. Hawks won't say it but this is a rebuild on the fly so any 30 yr old FA signed (no matter how well they fill a hole for 1-2-3 yrs) with term of 4-5-6 yrs will only retard or block the rebuild.

Good news but not at all unexpected.

- Mr Ricochet


Disagree. Our window with Keith, Kane and Toews is closing quickly. So we need studs now. If you want to build for 2025 that is fine. If you want to win right now, that is fine. But don't be the White Sox of 2010-2016 and be in sucky limbo for the next 7 years.
Mr Ricochet
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Joliet, IL
Joined: 04.19.2009

Jun 30 @ 9:25 AM ET
Anyone who claims the cup can be won only one way is being dumb, period. That includes people who think fast/skill OR big/physical are each the only way. It is true, though, that the league has been getting smaller over time but this hyper focus on size is silly to me. It's not always about size, but how you use it or compensate if you don't have it.

Outside of the two Kings teams and the Bruins, the rest of the cup winners since 2010 have all had overall average d-cores (went by playoff roster for anyone who played at least half the games). And the Kings/Bruins were skewed by one player - the rest of their defense drops to 202/3 for the Kings, 204 for the Bruins without them.

2018 Caps 202
2017 Pens 198
2016 Pens 202
2015 Hawks 201
2014 Kings 208
2013 Hawks 201
2012 Kings 209
2011 Bruins 212
2010 Hawks 204

And if you factor in forwards, only the Kings and Caps were all that big - 212, 208, and 209 respectfully. Pens and Hawks were some of the smallest overall teams in the playoffs (sub 200) and even the Bruins forward group was pretty average under 200. Vegas' defense btw was 203 with a forward core of 202. Not big but not small.

As for the d-men mention, obvs Hedman is huge and Subban big, but Doughty and Josi are 200/1 so it's not like they're hulking beasts - they're almost exactly average weight for d-men in the NHL. Other top d-men aren't so big like Karlsson, Klingberg, Giordano, Suter, OEL, Stralman, etc etc. Hell, Lidström wasn't all that big. Some of those guys like Hedman and Doughty are physical as hell, big or average, but others are top guys because they control games through their skill.

So honestly, I think focusing on size/weight is silly because most teams who have been successful have a balance to them. I totally do agree that the defense and forwards for the Hawks need to be tougher / harder to play against in general, but that doesn't have to mean "be bigger" necessarily. Speed and skill with the right mix of physical players works just as well as big and physical with the right mix of skill.

People need to stop hyper focusing on size imo - it's got to be about more than that. The Hawks system has size in it, so again, it's about how it's used and/or compliments the skil. Balance is key. The Hawks don't have that right now but imo they do have some good pieces in place to build around and/or develop into something. May never get there, but we won't know for sure until the season actually gets underway though. Just need to move on from comparing Richards with the rest of the league already lol.

//end novel

- L_B_R



But a very good novel that is read to the end and as the now un-politcally correct saying goes, there's more than one way to skin a cat.

Yes the Hawks do have some size but their #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 musts from any player is speed/skill no matter their size even if that size plays small. Big guys can play small and little guys can play big (tough to play against) but that is #9 on the Hawks' evaluation list of any player. As a result yes you get players who on paper are not small but damn near a roster of players who are easy to play against but fill that organIzational unwavering insistence of speed/skill no matter their lack of tenacity making for an unbalanced roster.
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Jun 30 @ 9:31 AM ET
I would love JVR...but Bowman is unwilling to do what it takes to create cap space. If you want Hossa off the books you basically have to trade next years first round pick. Are we playing to win now...or in 2025? If now, deal Hoss and a first round pick and open up space. If 2025, get Ward and Cole and all those lesser guys and just be average for the next 7 years.
- onehundredlevel

Include a very likely lottery pick - even with a TVR - to create cap space?
Mr Ricochet
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Joliet, IL
Joined: 04.19.2009

Jun 30 @ 9:35 AM ET
Agree. But where do they go for the hole fixin?
- Marlowe


Organically, do they have any other choice? Even when they move the Hossa money they still won't have enough money to fill the amount of holes they have for a legit cup run until they organically fill most of those holes.

Yes, sign a 27 yr old De Haan for the run they might make 3 yrs from now but not a JVR/Neal 30 yr old type with term.
D2D
Joined: 05.27.2018

Jun 30 @ 9:36 AM ET
And every single one of those guys is at least 6’0” 200# or more, wins board battles on both ends, clears the crease, and can/will put you through the glass.

We don’t have ONE PAIR, let alone one guy, on any roster that is or projects with those attributes between two guys. We are the softest blueline in the league, to go with the softest forward group in the league. That is a BIG problem.

And for those who think the game is moving away from tough physical play did not watch the last four teams in the Cup run this year.

- Return of the Roar


I agree when you don't have the puck you need to win board battles and play with an edge but if you can control the play and possession you have less d zone play.
Out of those only Doughty and Subban can play physical; they can play any style you want. Hedman is finesse that uses his length and stick while Josi uses his skating ability and stick.
Marlowe
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wild Wild West, IL
Joined: 06.29.2014

Jun 30 @ 9:37 AM ET
Verified Draeger twitter:
Trade: Montreal acquires Steve Mason and Armia from the Wpg Jets.

EDIT: and Canadiens-de-Montréal
https://twitter.com/canad.../1013052339169775616?s=21
Hawkster
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Quebec , QC
Joined: 06.13.2008

Jun 30 @ 9:38 AM ET
The very best news I've heard since the Hawks got Wise in the 3rd rd. Helps ease the pain of passing on Wahlstrom ......... The article goes on to say with the Hossa money on the books the Hawks have 6.1 mil in cap space and that's not counting 2.5 mil for Ward.

Nice player JVR, no doubt but the term and cap hit will hurt this club in 3-4 yrs when Schmaltz and Dcat are legit experienced threats, Saad is 28, three or four of Gus/Forsling/Oesterle/Gilbert/Mitchell are legit NHL Dmen, Jokiharju has 1-2 yrs NHL experience, Boqvist is a rookie, Jake Wise is pushing for the 2C slot, and money will be needed to pay the Core 2.0 (Sikura?) and replace Crawford, the bought out Seabrook and maybe Toews.

Point is the Hawks ain't winning any cups with JVR cuz he only fills 1 of 4-5 legit holes with no money to do so, unless they catch lightning in a bottle. Hawks won't say it but this is a rebuild on the fly so any 30 yr old FA signed (no matter how well they fill a hole for 1-2-3 yrs) with term of 4-5-6 yrs will only retard or block the rebuild.

Good news but not at all unexpected.

- Mr Ricochet


Yes and no. The team is already sucking wind and we finished in last place in case we forgot. So either you rebuild and dump the likes of Toews, Seabs and Keith or even CC And start fresh. Even if you get little to nothing in return at least you have cap space to get FA's. If not then create space and get that JVR or some other name to make that final push if you think the core mentioned above still have some left in the tank. This halfway ass thing is not working....see last year. Signing the likes of Ward or Wingels will do absolutely zero difference in the long run. Maybe more empty seats will get a reaction and force their hands, who knows but the current approach is clearly not working.
onehundredlevel
Joined: 10.27.2015

Jun 30 @ 9:39 AM ET
Include a very likely lottery pick - even with a TVR - to create cap space?
- StLBravesFan


I agree, it is not ideal. But are we playing for 2018-2019...or 2025? If now...you have to give up a ton to move that contract. If 2025, then start dealing the core and do a rebuild. Let's not be the White Sox of the last 8 years. That middle ground stuff is crap. If he signs Ward, Cole and some 4th line forward...I will be exceptionally pissed. And for the most part, I have been a Bowman supporter. But when you deal Daley and Kempny...and they both win Cups and play well at their new teams...there is a disconnect somewhere.
onehundredlevel
Joined: 10.27.2015

Jun 30 @ 9:41 AM ET
Yes and no. The team is already sucking wind and we finished in last place in case we forgot. So either you rebuild and dump the likes of Toews, Seabs and Keith or even CC And start fresh. Even if you get little to nothing in return at least you have cap space to get FA's. If not then create space and get that JVR or some other name to make that final push if you think the core mentioned above still have some left in the tank. This halfway ass thing is not working....see last year. Signing the likes of Ward or Wingels will do absolutely zero difference in the long run. Maybe more empty seats will get a reaction and force their hands, who knows but the current approach is clearly not working.
- Hawkster


100% spot on. Great post.
powerenforcer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wheeling, IL
Joined: 09.24.2009

Jun 30 @ 9:42 AM ET
I agree, it is not ideal. But are we playing for 2018-2019...or 2025? If now...you have to give up a ton to move that contract. If 2025, then start dealing the core and do a rebuild. Let's not be the White Sox of the last 8 years. That middle ground stuff is crap. If he signs Ward, Cole and some 4th line forward...I will be exceptionally pissed. And for the most part, I have been a Bowman supporter. But when you deal Daley and Kempny...and they both win Cups and play well at their new teams...there is a disconnect somewhere.
- onehundredlevel



So, based on what you are saying, the disconnect is Q. He is unwilling to play hockey players that have talent to win cups. Maybe he is sampling Binny's products too much.

Added: You say Bowman dealt these players, but he also brought them in, so you have to give him credit there.
Marlowe
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wild Wild West, IL
Joined: 06.29.2014

Jun 30 @ 9:42 AM ET
Organically, do they have any other choice? Even when they move the Hossa money they still won't have enough money to fill the amount of holes they have for a legit cup run until they organically fill most of those holes.

Yes, sign a 27 yr old De Haan for the run they might make 3 yrs from now but not a JVR/Neal 30 yr old type with term.

- Mr Ricochet

Yup. Wanted your perspective on how Hawks should approach this FA period. Not advocating for signing JVR.
mrpaulish
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Itasca, IL
Joined: 01.18.2010

Jun 30 @ 9:43 AM ET
Still bored

4th period :

TRADE: The Canadiens acquire F Joel Armia, G Steve Mason, a seventh-round draft pick in 2019 and a fourth-round pick in 2020 from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for D Simon Bourque.
onehundredlevel
Joined: 10.27.2015

Jun 30 @ 9:44 AM ET
Verified Draeger twitter:
Trade: Montreal acquires Steve Mason and Armia from the Wpg Jets.

EDIT: and Canadiens-de-Montréal
https://twitter.com/canad.../1013052339169775616?s=21

- Marlowe


Many people will see the deal and think the Canadians won it. But the Jets did to open up cap space to re-sign Stasney. Bowman...take note. You have to give to get.
Marlowe
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wild Wild West, IL
Joined: 06.29.2014

Jun 30 @ 9:45 AM ET
Many people will see the deal and think the Canadians won it. But the Jets did to open up cap space to re-sign Stasney. Bowman...take note. You have to give to get.
- onehundredlevel

Thought the same - that’s how you do a timely salary dump...

EDIT: Frank Serravalli twitter
Trade frees up more than $4.1 million for #nhljets. That’s what Mason was due and Armia was an RFA who needed to be paid. Armia is a solid pick-up for #Habs in the process. Big deal for #nhljets to get out from under Mason’s deal.
onehundredlevel
Joined: 10.27.2015

Jun 30 @ 9:47 AM ET
So, based on what you are saying, the disconnect is Q. He is unwilling to play hockey players that have talent to win cups. Maybe he is sampling Binny's products too much.

Added: You say Bowman dealt these players, but he also brought them in, so you have to give him credit there.

- powerenforcer


I agree with you there...and it also does show the disconnect. Bowman brought them in. Q did not like them, Bowman shipped them out. So either get players you know Q is going like and play...or fire Q and get a coach that will play the players you are acquiring. Q has three rings and knows what he is doing. Bowman can acquire good players when he really wants to. But I think the disconnect is between them two.
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