Los Angeles climate and Kopitar/Doughty are why Kovalchuk went to SoCal IMO. Life is gooood in that year round 70s and sunshine whether you're on a winning team or not LOL. What big name UFAs have signed in BOS/VAN lately??
- EnzoD

Just because an aging Russian mercenary has decided to leave the Motherland I don't consider a coup de tat for LA. That all said IF IF IF Kovalchuk even remotely reaches what he was doing prior to rushing off back home, then the 6.25 the Kings are paying will actually be a bargain.

Can Kova be a PPG player or better? Hard to say...

I suspect Bowman will struggle in F/A, because I don't think Chicago is an attractive destination anymore. Ever since half the entire Cap went to a select few players, it's very obvious what the Hawks are doing...just trying to buy on the cheap because they can't afford to offer market value because other players consume too much of the cap. A valuable guy, even like a dehann, isn't going to rush to Chicago taking less to support the bloated and convoluted salary structure of the Hawks where poor performers are making 3x the rate of comparable (or better) performers. The gig is up and in my view the only way out is to rid themselves of a couple of these salaries.
- kwolf68

They were attractive enough to land one of the most sought after FA from Europe in Kahun, tho. Look around the league. Most teams are going the bloated contract route.

Da Haan missed most of last season with a major injury. How many suitors are going to give term to a guy coming off major shoulder surgery?

Guys like Moore, Hickey and Cole are a giant collection of meh who most likely are going to make more than their value because of a crappy FA class.

Tavares was never an option. Stastny is 33 and wants some term. JVR will be 30 going into next season. Beagle and Ryan are over 30 and what they are or not even what they once were.

Frankly, I am glad the Hawks don't have an abundance of cap space to throw money at these players.

JVR might be the only one worth signing if the term is less than 5 years. Let other teams make the mistake of paying for mediocrity.

I rather the Hawks go with their young players. If it works, great. If not, another higher pick to add more talent to the prg.

Beagle likely signing with Vancouver, per McKenzie.

What's the backup plan, Stan?
- SecondCitySavage

Another Bowman fail.

I actually do know that, and it was never reported we had any real interest on him. Although, we need a Center that can be strong on the dots. With Beagle gone, who else does that leave to fill that void, Grant and Bozak? Or are we going to stick with AA and Schamltz down the middle?
- SecondCitySavage

Faceoffs should not be the only qualification looked at for centers - they need to be legitimately useful role players as well. Some of the best faceoff guys are not good (Vermette is an example now).

Grant doesn't fit that category to me of being all that useful - he is a replacement level 4th liner. Beagle could have, but he's not coming here. I wouldn't mind Bozak at the right price, but there's still Riley Nash and Derek Ryan types out there, a Pageau type trade, or maybe they think Kampf could work.

I only responded cause the comment sounded like Bowman failed somehow when we have no idea what his plans are. We all gotta be a little patient. And I include myself in that - I gotta be less hype about things like Ward lol.

Happy Birthday Justin!

I know I'm mostly alone in this opinion, but I want Hjalmarsson back.

He's got one year left in AZ and I highly doubt they're making the playoffs.

He'd immediately be the #1 RD on the Hawks. More effective than Ruuta, Seabrook, and Murphy. He's got a good cap hit at $4.1MM. He's had one year of significant injuries, and we all know how capable and sturdy he is.

Make this the 'here you go Joel, now you have it, make it work or it's over'. And if he can't win a playoff series with his #1 defender back in the fold... time for a new coach.

Shutdown dmen are hard to even identify, much less obtain. I'd love to have Hammer back, and at 31 I think he's got plenty left in the tank.
- ObeseOprah

Yotes and Hjalmarsson have already agreed to an extension it was reported last week. Can't be signed to July 1st.

They were attractive enough to land one of the most sought after FA from Europe in Kahun, tho. Look around the league. Most teams are going the bloated contract route.

Da Haan missed most of last season with a major injury. How many suitors are going to give term to a guy coming off major shoulder surgery?

Guys like Moore, Hickey and Cole are a giant collection of meh who most likely are going to make more than their value because of a crappy FA class.

Tavares was never an option. Stastny is 33 and wants some term. JVR will be 30 going into next season. Beagle and Ryan are over 30 and what they are or not even what they once were.

Frankly, I am glad the Hawks don't have an abundance of cap space to throw money at these players.

JVR might be the only one worth signing if the term is less than 5 years. Let other teams make the mistake of paying for mediocrity.

I rather the Hawks go with their young players. If it works, great. If not, another higher pick to add more talent to the prg.
- Elbows15

I can't say I really disagree with this post all that much. I am not enamored with this free agent class either. JVR is so over-rated for what he will command and as you said deHaan coming off injury.

In fact, if it were my choosing I'd avoid FA altogether and try to work a few trades. Yea, much easier said than done and Bowman is in a terrible slump with trades, but my take is he either figures it out and wins a few or he stinks up the joint, the Hawks beeline it for the lottery again and we get rid of him and the coach and start anew.

Where the hell do I say ANYTHING about a losing record? Read the post...it has to do with the Hawks having to get "low ball" deals done because they have so much tied up in a select few, mostly poor performers. WHY go there so Seabrook can cash the checks when someone else may offer more.

People would goto Vancouver the SAME reason they will goto Chicago: To GET PAID. Vancouver has much more flexible cap and a player choosing between the two teams likely will get a better market deal from the team that can afford to pay it---Vancouver.
- kwolf68

I didn't say you said anything about a losing record - I added that cause it was true for those two teams as well. Read again yourself.

And I mentioned those two teams because they too have/had a lot of money in a handful of players in the not so decent past and were still getting UFAs coming to them. Yeah, they paid them, but it's not like the Hawks have to lowball this season either - they can offer player legit money, they have cap space for the first time in forever. They can't offer it for every UFA out there obvs, but they have as much or more breathing room than Van and Bos had in recent years. Some will go just for the money but some will balance that with chance at winning, fit on team, org rep, etc etc. Seravalli recently said that JVR isn't that focused all on maxing the money - he's focused on overall fit in the lineup, intended deployment, potential to win, facilities and training and recovery methods. I think he ends up with like the Devils or LA.

I just think it's weird to say the Hawks aren't a potential destination for some of the sought after UFAs when they can be. I'm not adverting they overpay anyone or anything, but they technically could throw some money around for 1-2 players if they wanted.

They were attractive enough to land one of the most sought after FA from Europe in Kahun, tho. Look around the league. Most teams are going the bloated contract route.

Da Haan missed most of last season with a major injury. How many suitors are going to give term to a guy coming off major shoulder surgery?

Guys like Moore, Hickey and Cole are a giant collection of meh who most likely are going to make more than their value because of a crappy FA class.

Tavares was never an option. Stastny is 33 and wants some term. JVR will be 30 going into next season. Beagle and Ryan are over 30 and what they are or not even what they once were.

Frankly, I am glad the Hawks don't have an abundance of cap space to throw money at these players.

JVR might be the only one worth signing if the term is less than 5 years. Let other teams make the mistake of paying for mediocrity.

I rather the Hawks go with their young players. If it works, great. If not, another higher pick to add more talent to the prg.
- Elbows15

Agreed! John Moore would be a nice upgrade for the LD on pair 2 or 3 with good skating and size and a Chicago kid ( I remember watching him dominate for TI U18 as a 15yr old). Otherwise, let the kids play big minutes, develop, and tank for Hughes!!!!

so, with Beagle heading west, maybe stan tries to get Sutter from them?

UFAs he could pursue:
Colborne
Winnik
Brodziak
Stajan
Brad Richardson
Grant
Vermette
Nick Shore
Riley Nash
Dominic Moore
Bozak

That is a lot of potential overpays or players halfway into retirement

Faceoffs should not be the only qualification looked at for centers - they need to be legitimately useful role players as well. Some of the best faceoff guys are not good (Vermette is an example now).

Grant doesn't fit that category to me of being all that useful - he is a replacement level 4th liner. Beagle could have, but he's not coming here. I wouldn't mind Bozak at the right price, but there's still Riley Nash and Derek Ryan types out there, a Pageau type trade, or maybe they think Kampf could work.

I only responded cause the comment sounded like Bowman failed somehow when we have no idea what his plans are. We all gotta be a little patient. And I include myself in that - I gotta be less hype about things like Ward lol.
- L_B_R

I agree, not only a center should be strong on FOs, but be able to play a good transitional game, and contribute additional scoring. We have just struggled in that category, other than Toews, we do not have a Center that can win draws, and that can lead to too many opportunities for the opposition in our zone, and not enough for us in theirs.

I woulnd't mind Kampf on the 4th line. I would actually would prefer Bozak, but yes, what is he looking for at his age, might be the last payday he gets at this point of his career. He made over $4 million last year, is he worth more than that? I think not, but we'll see.

The lack of activity by Stan and Co. is concerning. Maybe that's why I mentioned him initially. If his his job is on the line, I would imagine, he would work like there's a fire lit under his behind. Or maybe his old man Scotty isn't picking up his phone this summer.

I agree, not only a center should be strong on FOs, but be able to play a good transitional game, and contribute additional scoring. We have just struggled in that category, other than Toews, we do not have a Center that can win draws, and that can lead to too many opportunities for the opposition in our zone, and not enough for us in theirs.

I woulnd't mind Kampf on the 4th line. I would actually would prefer Bozak, but yes, what is he looking for at his age, might be the last payday he gets at this point of his career. He made over $4 million last year, is he worth more than that? I think not, but we'll see.

The lack of activity by Stan and Co. is concerning. Maybe that's why I mentioned him initially. If his his job is on the line, I would imagine, he would work like there's a fire lit under his behind. Or maybe his old man Scotty isn't picking up his phone this summer.
- SecondCitySavage

It's kind of hard to judge activity right now - it's still just the talking window. And for forwards specifically, everyone is being held up by Tavares.

On another note and I have not watched Ian Cole much late, but as I recall he was a decent defenseman. Someone said Franson 2.0....is he really that slow? Cole was a useful player at one time, he's only 29, could he provide some stability in the Top 4? I am not so sure I hate this rumor, though Eklund posted it so it's certainly not going to happen.

Any info when taveras is ever going make a decision since he is the linchpin to this offseason. Dude its either Islanders or maple leafs pick one already. So others teams can do what they want to get stuff done. Sorry just impatient.

Any info when taveras is ever going make a decision since he is the linchpin to this offseason. Dude its either Islanders or maple leafs pick one already. So others teams can do what they want to get stuff done. Sorry just impatient.
- Scott1977

I think he'll end up in San Jose.

They were attractive enough to land one of the most sought after FA from Europe in Kahun, tho. Look around the league. Most teams are going the bloated contract route.

Da Haan missed most of last season with a major injury. How many suitors are going to give term to a guy coming off major shoulder surgery?

Guys like Moore, Hickey and Cole are a giant collection of meh who most likely are going to make more than their value because of a crappy FA class.

Tavares was never an option. Stastny is 33 and wants some term. JVR will be 30 going into next season. Beagle and Ryan are over 30 and what they are or not even what they once were.

Frankly, I am glad the Hawks don't have an abundance of cap space to throw money at these players.

JVR might be the only one worth signing if the term is less than 5 years. Let other teams make the mistake of paying for mediocrity.

I rather the Hawks go with their young players. If it works, great. If not, another higher pick to add more talent to the prg.
- Elbows15

I'd prefer this route too. Some of the Core guys will have bounce back years or they won't...and if they don't it really leaves you no question in terms of rebuilding and the course you need to take.

If after this wait, JT stays in NY, it'll be ridiculous.

It's kind of hard to judge activity right now - it's still just the talking window. And for forwards specifically, everyone is being held up by Tavares.
- L_B_R

Very true. Although, we know Ward is going to sign on 7/1, and there's been no word on the Hossa contract getting traded. I think the GM is somewhat in uncharted waters for himself right now, which to me, is worrisome. We'll see what happens come Sunday.

If after this wait, JT stays in NY, it'll be ridiculous.
- Hank3Henshaw

I’m thinking he’s going to Toronto.

I’m thinking he’s going to Toronto.
- walleyeb1

I think he'll pull a Stamkos, and stay on the Island. Just stay out of the western conference.

Far worse than doing nothing would be to sign players for the sake of signing them regardless of the overpay. Then you wind up with the Cubs starting pitching this year. Usually big free agent signings don't pay off in year one, and especially the guys (like Beagle) who played a longer summer. Players also have to want to come to Chicago, and if the Hawks performance last season has players/agents thinking they aren't contenders, a big overpay to offset that makes the recovery that much harder. I know that creates a disconnect with season ticket prices, but the downside is steep.

And as an aside, how can the Hawks acquire Simmonds (as rumors have suggested)? The asking price will be steep, and what do the Hawks have that the Flyers want that doesn't gut the longer term prospects further?

I'd prefer this route too. Some of the Core guys will have bounce back years or they won't...and if they don't it really leaves you no question in terms of rebuilding and the course you need to take.
- HawkintheD

Stan's job is on the line, I doubt he'll have the patience to wait for the youth to develop, even if that is the right thing to do.

The Hawks have a few holes to plug, let's see how still fills them. In addition to filled at least 3 forward and 1 defense spot I don't think the team can be 100% certain that Sikura and Hayden will be ready for this season.

Saad - Toews - Kane
??? - Schmaltz - DeBrincat
Hinostroza - Anisimov - Sikura
Hayden - ??? - ???

Keith - Seabrook
??? - Murphy
Gustafsson - Rutta
Oesterle

Crawford
Ward (???)
Forseberg

Been out of the loop for a while. No mention of Wingles returning anywhere - big speculation when he was traded. Injured? Too old?

Agreed! John Moore would be a nice upgrade for the LD on pair 2 or 3 with good skating and size and a Chicago kid ( I remember watching him dominate for TI U18 as a 15yr old). Otherwise, let the kids play big minutes, develop, and tank for Hughes!!!!
- EnzoD

Hawks have enough options for the 3rd pairing. Moore doesn't move the needle for me. He really doesn't use his size. doesn't put up many points. Is a sub 50%CF with a negative CoRel%. Has bounced around a lot. His GV/TK ratio is horrendous.
Rather see if Forsling can put together a full season because if he can, the glimpses we have seen shows him to be measurably better than Moore. I think Gustafsson brings about the same thing as a 3rd pair LHD for cheaper.

And as an aside, how can the Hawks acquire Simmonds (as rumors have suggested)? The asking price will be steep, and what do the Hawks have that the Flyers want that doesn't gut the longer term prospects further?
- jrsamu

A 29 year old beast of a power forward who can put up 60 points, making only 3.2 per, and excite posters like vandermeer because of toughness, you can kiss multiple good prospects goodbye. I'd love to get this guy, but our bottom 10 system can't afford the subtractions it would take.