Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 
Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Blackhawks Free Agency Flop
Author Message
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jul 2 @ 9:55 AM ET
Justin Lowe: Blackhawks Free Agency Flop
If people thought my lineup from my last blog, which saw the Hawks signing Ward, Beagle, Grant, de Haan and Wingels was underwhelming, what does everything think of Stan's work yesterday?

* Cam Ward – 1 year / $3M
* Chris Kunitz – 1 year / $1M
* Brandon Manning – 2 years / $2.25M
RaleighHawk
Joined: 03.29.2016

Jul 2 @ 9:56 AM ET
First
Colbyboy
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Summerside , PEI
Joined: 12.14.2013

Jul 2 @ 9:58 AM ET
Watching moves in Chicago I have accepted this is a rebuild- I'm ok with that.
Time to move on from the strategy that went with the quest for a 4th Cup.

Hawks get Younger
Extend the players of tomorrow

Hawks Crawl out of Cap Hell
Anisimov- Seabrook - Crawford & Hossa Contracts will be moved between now and Feb 28th- Toews & Keith maybe on the same list.

The Draft
Three more years of Higher Draft picks- all good.

Kunitz and Ward
Ward comes in so goalies have another year ro develop in Rockport
Kunitz has a winning pdeigree and sets an example in the room.

See what the team looks like on US Thanksgiving and go from there.

Happy July 1 and 4th to all.
RaleighHawk
Joined: 03.29.2016

Jul 2 @ 10:00 AM ET
Justin-

Looking forward to see what possible trade talks you are hearing about...
Misterbator
Calgary Flames
Location: Monkeytown, NB
Joined: 10.13.2014

Jul 2 @ 10:01 AM ET
Oof
deadpoulet
Montreal Canadiens
Location: Montreal
Joined: 07.01.2008

Jul 2 @ 10:10 AM ET

* Artem Anisimov - the word is that now O'Reilly has been traded to St. Louis that teams like Montreal and NYI could be a fit for him.



Mtl is rebuilding...
gnosox1986
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: FL
Joined: 01.25.2012

Jul 2 @ 10:10 AM ET
I posted this near the end of the last blog, but...


*Unpopular Opinion Alert*- I like the moves from yesterday.

Kunitz is a good Vet. He will help lead by example. 2nd PP. 3rd line. Im ok with that. Ward is one year insurance for CC. If CC doesnt play, Ward is a vet. If CC plays, then Ward is gone next year. *2nd unpopular opinion* Sometimes throwing a young goalie to the wolves doesnt work. I rather pay Ward for 1 year and leave Delia in RFD.

Manning is Meh, but he's a reasonable contact without term, so it gives us firepower to make a 2nd move. (maybe using someone like Forsling or Oesterle in the Hossa cap dump deal.)

If Stan is done, then was it enough? No probably not.

If he has a trade up his sleeve, well then I think this was a pretty good start.

Im willing to see where the rest of the off season goes before i light the torch. But let's just say "I know where my pitchfork is", in case we dont see more.

This is a re-build on the fly, and I'll see whats on the horizon before jumping ship. Sometimes that means your too late, and people say I told you so, but I cant give up on this team too fast.

My Lines: (Edit- what i want to see, not what i think will happen)
Sadd-Schmaltz-Kane
Dcat-Toews-Hayden
Kunitz-AA-Sikura
Ejdsell-Kampf-Hino
Q-stache
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 11.20.2015

Jul 2 @ 10:13 AM ET
I'm feeling a little doom & gloom today, crew. The worst place to be in this league is squarely in the middle..

Seeing the return for ROR (terrible trade by STL) I wouldn't hate it if we were major sellers at the deadline. Forget new blood, this team needs a transfusion!

Justin, do you think it's possible (or wise) to try and turn things around?
TheRollingPuck
Season Ticket Holder
Pittsburgh Penguins
Location: "All things considered (defense) I'd put a prime Kunitz on par with one way kessel."
Joined: 04.10.2010

Jul 2 @ 10:15 AM ET
You'll be fine with Kunitz as long as he isn't playing in the Top 6.
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Jul 2 @ 10:25 AM ET
Kunitz could be a good example in clubhouse/locker room of commitment to be a worker. His declining skills ....sure...but he can help on cheap for one more season.

Manning is more the kind who will check opponent and knock someone down in the slot. We do not have that in bottom pair if Murphy plays in pair two or is traded. Manning in an ok acquisition for next season then decide what to do with him.

Maybe Bowman has to wait out Islander or other team's next move before he can trade AA. Trading Hossa contract may be difficult?
RobShouts
St Louis Blues
Location: Orlando, FL
Joined: 07.13.2013

Jul 2 @ 10:26 AM ET
Q-stache, how so? Blues got rid of two bad contracts and one prospect out of a plethora of great prospects for a desperately needed center. Two picks, sure, but they always manage to get those picks back.
kwolf68
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Mt. Lebanon, PA
Joined: 12.18.2010

Jul 2 @ 10:37 AM ET
No real way to spin the current off-season (yes, there is plenty of time left). I spent plenty of posts lamenting just how poor of a job Bowman has been doing for the last 3-4 years. His good moves of getting Oduya, TDL acquisitions to run for the Cup, sleeper picks like Saad/Shaw are long history. And while I still give the Hawks solid marks for capable drafting despite typically being lower in the draft as well as having fewer picks, the fact is a high quality trade to rebuild/retool on the fly has not been worked out by Bowman in 4 or so some odd years. Thus the bee-line straight toward last place.

Lets see how things shake out. I have a feeling not much will change unless Bowman overpays for it.
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Jul 2 @ 10:37 AM ET
I'm feeling a little doom & gloom today, crew. The worst place to be in this league is squarely in the middle..

Seeing the return for ROR (terrible trade by STL) I wouldn't hate it if we were major sellers at the deadline. Forget new blood, this team needs a transfusion!

Justin, do you think it's possible (or wise) to try and turn things around?

- Q-stache


Terrible trade by St Louis - how so? He is the blood and guts to go along with Tarrasenko as key pieces up front. They gave up two forwards who can be replaced as they were, reportedly, subpar last season and their salary helps offset ROR big contract. So it amounts to ROR for draft picks.

This trade redefines St Louis. They may need to change out their coach but not necessarily Allen in net. Adding Bozek with Brodziak gone is also a plus move.i don't know if they find a Shattenkirk replacement but I like the rookie on defense from Ontario Junior who prepped for one year with Wolves. Their big LW young guy though may not pan out as much just ok. You can cross Panarin off St Louis destination.
Return of the Roar
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Solidly grounded in reality, IL
Joined: 07.27.2009

Jul 2 @ 10:45 AM ET
Brodziak 2yrs x $1MM per year to Edmonton.

Given the crapstorm so far, that deal would look pretty good right now...
bhawks2241
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 09.17.2013

Jul 2 @ 10:46 AM ET
Isn't that what Toews is supposedly best at? Being the teams Captain and leader? Leading by example i.e. hard work and dedication? Keith and Seabrook too?

If the Hawks need to bring in Kunitz to set an example and provide leadership then I must be missing something. Toews to busy touring the historic wonders of the to stop by and provide leadership?
YuenglingJagr
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: under the bridge
Joined: 10.05.2015

Jul 2 @ 10:46 AM ET
You'll be fine with Kunitz as long as he isn't playing in the Top 6.
- TheRollingPuck

Same goes for Manning
Q-stache
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 11.20.2015

Jul 2 @ 10:48 AM ET
Terrible trade by St Louis - how so? He is the blood and guts to go along with Tarrasenko as key pieces up front. They gave up two forwards who can be replaced as they were, reportedly, subpar last season and their salary helps offset ROR big contract. So it amounts to ROR for draft picks.

This trade redefines St Louis. They may need to change out their coach but not necessarily Allen in net. Adding Bozek with Brodziak gone is also a plus move.i don't know if they find a Shattenkirk replacement but I like the rookie on defense from Ontario Junior who prepped for one year with Wolves. Their big LW young guy though may not pan out as much just ok. You can cross Panarin off St Louis destination.

- jhawk59


I've liked Berglund's game for a while.. big center who won't kill you at the dot. Quick review shows 55.5% FO last year

I agree that STL needs a change in mentality, but I just don't see how this makes the team that much better.. especially when you throw in the 1st and 2nd round picks.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jul 2 @ 10:54 AM ET
Blow it up

This is a rebuild. Build around Kane......go to Keith and Toews with the understanding once you are out of the playoff picture you start working on a trade either mid season or at next year's draft. Send both out east if possible.

Realize your chances of trading Seabrook aren't good so hopefully he gets Hossa's rash here soon.

It's obvious either Bowman went after supposed targets "softly" or was denied straight up and all these "overpays" will continue as the market for 2nd-3rd tier players goes up with the cap going up as well.

Just an awful start and now I hope they just stink so we can get a lottery pick.
onehundredlevel
Joined: 10.27.2015

Jul 2 @ 10:55 AM ET
I agree here, Blues got the best player and won that deal. We, as Hawk fans, don't like the Blues improving so we have to validate the trade by saying the Blues lost the trade. Had we gotten ROR it would have been the best thing since sliced bread. And after our awesome haul yesterday, most of us realist are rather unhappy.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Jul 2 @ 10:58 AM ET
Nashville, Winnipeg, St Louis all better then the Hawks

Colorado assuming they don't go backwards will be better

That leaves the Hawks battling Dallas, Minnesota, Vancouver, Anaheim, Edmonton, Arizona, and Calgary for the last playoff spot....so they can get waxed in round 1


Not happening.
Marlowe
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wild Wild West, IL
Joined: 06.29.2014

Jul 2 @ 10:59 AM ET
I agree here, Blues got the best player and won that deal. We, as Hawk fans, don't like the Blues improving so we have to validate the trade by saying the Blues lost the trade. Had we gotten ROR it would have been the best thing since sliced bread. And after our awesome haul yesterday, most of us realist are rather unhappy.
- onehundredlevel

I think both STL and BUF did very well and it was a solid trade for both. And, I for one wouldn’t be loving a ROR trade if CHI got him for about $7.5M x ?years reasons. Also he has an attitude problem. Not happy with the off-season so far either, but not wishing for them to be horrible / lose. Still a big fan and planning on going to games so want them to play good hockey.
onehundredlevel
Joined: 10.27.2015

Jul 2 @ 10:59 AM ET
Blow it up

This is a rebuild. Build around Kane......go to Keith and Toews with the understanding once you are out of the playoff picture you start working on a trade either mid season or at next year's draft. Send both out east if possible.

Realize your chances of trading Seabrook aren't good so hopefully he gets Hossa's rash here soon.

It's obvious either Bowman went after supposed targets "softly" or was denied straight up and all these "overpays" will continue as the market for 2nd-3rd tier players goes up with the cap going up as well.

Just an awful start and now I hope they just stink so we can get a lottery pick.

- SteveRain


I am fine with this approach too if they are start off poorly. My guess is Toews would approve a deal to the Jets, it's his hometown. We can't move Seabrook's deal...we are stuck with him. I honestly prefer Kane and Toews retire here, but it might not be in the best interest of the organization at some point.
ObeseOprah
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 01.17.2014

Jul 2 @ 11:00 AM ET
Ottawa has $60 Mil on the books for next year, the cap floor is $58.

Mark Stone is RFA and will command anywhere from $5-8. Codi Ceci is also RFA and will go for $2-5.

Karlsson and Anderson have requested a trade. Karlsson makes $6.5 and Anderson makes $4.7.

Any trade for Karlsson is rumored to require Bobby Ryan, who makes $7. Ottawa would likely have to retain a portion (max is half) to complete this trade.

If Karlsson, Anderson, and Ryan are all traded for one player each making $1MM, that leaves Ottawa with roughly $45MM on the books. Add in Mark Stone for $6MM and that's $51MM, add Ceci and it becomes $54MM.

Ottawa then needs at least $4MM to reach the floor. If they take salaries back in the trades then it becomes a non-issue. This seems like the only real 'floor' team that the Blackhawks can target. No other teams are really at risk of not reaching the floor.
Rota's Rooter
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.23.2017

Jul 2 @ 11:02 AM ET
Kunitz could be a good example in clubhouse/locker room of commitment to be a worker. His declining skills ....sure...but he can help on cheap for one more season.

Manning is more the kind who will check opponent and knock someone down in the slot. We do not have that in bottom pair if Murphy plays in pair two or is traded. Manning in an ok acquisition for next season then decide what to do with him.

Maybe Bowman has to wait out Islander or other team's next move before he can trade AA. Trading Hossa contract may be difficult?

- jhawk59

What about Toews, Keith, Seabrook? Aren't they supposed to be the veteran locker room leaders? And don't discount the rink-rat P. Kane when it comes to commitment to improve his on-ice performance.

I really think Stan was signing FAs simply to say he did something.
biskit67
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 07.27.2015

Jul 2 @ 11:02 AM ET
I posted at the tail end of that huge thread, so I will repeat it.

Ward is an okay move. 1 year deal. Slight upgrade over Forsberg as a backup. Guy you probably trust a little more if he needs to play 10 in a row.

The other 2 moves are garbage. Kunitz is a bottom 6. Basically replaces Sharp as the token old dude. Manning is a wash out in Philly. History of penalty minutes. Probably the enforcer Q always likes to have, but seriously muddies up the defense.

Still some warm bodies available for trades. It was mentioned Montreal is in full rebuild now, so are they a candidate for the Hossa contract? A lot of underwhelming 3rd pairing d-men to trade. A lot of goalies in the system.

Assuming Crow is healthy, this is a wild card team. Just good enough to go to the playoffs and get smoked in the first round and not get in the draft lottery.
Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26  Next