Nobody should be surprised with Stan's moves. The guy is clearly not cut out to be an NHL GM. This is a joke. The mantra of last year wont happen again and you respond with Cam Ward, Kunitz and that D guy from Philly? A top 4 D was THE PRIORITY. Hasnt happened. Now they want to move AA and create another hole at the C position.

A golden opportunity was missed in April to replace Stan and Q and head in a new direction. Now its more of the same. Giant holes on the roster. Fading Core...

I don't understand why some of you are so shortsighted. If the 'hawks would have signed some of these players to the bloated contracts, some of you would be screaming from the rafters, TOO MUCH TOO SOON!

Here's my take: Cam Ward is a serviceable back up that is going to hear a new coaching voice in one of the best in Jimmy Waite. He's been around the block. He's not Corey Crawford, but can take a load off and if he goes through a bad stretch, won't be rattled like a Forsberg, Delia or Lankinen. AND, he's better than Berube and Glass.

Kunitz is a low-risk signing. As Justin said, you can bury him in Rockford or trade him for some cash later. Or, he can HELP Toews show the bottom six how to play.

Manning: Don't know much about him, but maybe a change of scenery will help. But, it's only 2 years and the money isn't much, so why not take a Flyer on him? (see what I did there?)

Maybe Stan has a trade up his sleeve, maybe he doesn't. Maybe they have more faith in the AHL players. Maybe they are tanking. But, this was day one and enough already. If on opening day this is the roster...go nuts, but on day one of free agency? Seriously?

I have loved your work since you have come on here, but I'd like to talk about 2 things. Nick Schmaltz is NOT the answer @ #2 Center UNTIL he starts winning over 50% of his face offs. How many times has he done that in a single game during his career? Until he achieves that 50% threshold, the best spot for him is wing OR move him for a Center that can do that = value for value....

GET AS MUCH AS YOU CAN FOR ANISIMOV NOW!!!! Please move him for a center in return OR pieces that can land you a center/ top 4 d-man. I am so tired of watching him fail at the dot too.... Considering what Buffalo got for O'Reilly and what we got for Hartman, there is a ton of help coming IF we can pull the trigger on this one.

What do you think?
Keep up the great work as I look forward to your column everyday.

Sincerely,
Me

Justin, why do you have Hino on the 1st line (as opposed to Cat)? Also, who is going to go retrieve the puck on your smurf 2nd line? Don't you think Ejdsell would be a better fit on that line? Finally, why don't you have Martinsen in your lineup?

I have loved your work since you have come on here, but I'd like to talk about 2 things. Nick Schmaltz is NOT the answer @ #2 Center UNTIL he starts winning over 50% of his face offs. How many times has he done that in a single game during his career? Until he achieves that 50% threshold, the best spot for him is wing OR move him for a Center that can do that = value for value....

GET AS MUCH AS YOU CAN FOR ANISIMOV NOW!!!! Please move him for a center in return OR pieces that can land you a center/ top 4 d-man. I am so tired of watching him fail at the dot too.... Considering what Buffalo got for O'Reilly and what we got for Hartman, there is a ton of help coming IF we can pull the trigger on this one.

What do you think?
Keep up the great work as I look forward to your column everyday.

Sincerely,
Me
- Power29

AA and ROR are not comparable.

I don't understand why some of you are so shortsighted. If the 'hawks would have signed some of these players to the bloated contracts, some of you would be screaming from the rafters, TOO MUCH TOO SOON!

Here's my take: Cam Ward is a serviceable back up that is going to hear a new coaching voice in one of the best in Jimmy Waite. He's been around the block. He's not Corey Crawford, but can take a load off and if he goes through a bad stretch, won't be rattled like a Forsberg, Delia or Lankinen. AND, he's better than Berube and Glass.

Kunitz is a low-risk signing. As Justin said, you can bury him in Rockford or trade him for some cash later. Or, he can HELP Toews show the bottom six how to play.

Manning: Don't know much about him, but maybe a change of scenery will help. But, it's only 2 years and the money isn't much, so why not take a Flyer on him? (see what I did there?)

Maybe Stan has a trade up his sleeve, maybe he doesn't. Maybe they have more faith in the AHL players. Maybe they are tanking. But, this was day one and enough already. If on opening day this is the roster...go nuts, but on day one of free agency? Seriously?
- CanOCorn

I agree with the bolded Hawk Harrellson. I also agree that since they are so far away from contending, it was smart to sign guys for 1 year or 2 years max. I think Brandon Manning can replace Rutta AND Murphy so I'd like to see both of those guys moved WITH AA to open up some serious cap room for next season, let the scrub dmen like Oesterle and Gustaffson play in front of Cam Ward and watch the magic happen!

Not sure if it has been posted yet, but CBS Sports expects Bowman to have something in the mix and puts us in the Loser category for the Start of Free Agency Day:

"Chicago is coming off a frustrating season and the Blackhawks are looking to make some big changes to their lineup in order to get back to their winning ways. Unfortunately, they don't have a ton of cap flexibility, and thus they weren't able to make a major splash in free agency.

That being said, the additions they did make on Sunday were still a bit questionable. They signed goalie Cam Ward to a one-year, $3 million deal to come in as their backup to Corey Crawford. Ward appears to be a shell of the goaltender he once was in Carolina, and $3 million is likely more than you want to give to a questionable backup goalie when money is already tight, but the one-year commitment is what makes this deal somewhat palatable.

The Blackhawks also gave a one-year deal, $1 million deal to Chris Kunitz. It's relatively low risk considering the term and money, and Kunitz frequently receives praise for his leadership qualities (he's won four Stanley Cups) but he's 38 years old and doesn't seem to have a lot left in the tank.

Finally, they added Brandon Manning on a two-year deal worth $2.25 annually. Manning is a serviceable veteran blue liner but that's about it.

Given the current state of the 'Hawks, it's really hard to feel good about their Day 1 of free agency. Spending $6.25 million on the cap for Ward, Kunitz and Manning next year isn't going to get anyone excited, and the Blackhawks aren't much better off than they were yesterday.

That being said, it seems hard to imagine they're done. They have to be planning something big via trade(s). "

https://www.cbssports.com...-on-day-1-isles-lose-big/

I've seen some comments about how Chicago is no longer a free-agent destination market under Stan Bowman, which sparked my curiosity. Remembering the Dale Tallon signed Marian Hossa about two weeks before his demotion, the Blackhawks free agency signings under Stan Bowman roughly amounts to the following:

July 2010
John Scott
August 2010
Marty Turco and Fernando Pisani
July 2011
Jamal Mayers, Sean O'Donnell, Andrew Brunette, Dan Carcillo, and Sami Lepisto
October 2011
Ray Emery
July 2012
Sheldon Brookbank
September 2012
Michal Rozsival
July 2013
Theo Peckham and Michael Kostka
July 2014
Brad Richards, Scott Darling, Peter Regin, and Kyle Cumiskey
October 2014
Dan Carcillo
May 2015
Artemi Panarin
July 2015
Viktor Tikhonov and Dennis Rasmussen
July 2016
Brian Campbell and Jordin Tootoo
July 2017
Tommy Wingels, Lance Bouma, Jordan Oesterle, JF Berube, and Patrick Sharp
October 2017
Cody Franson

I pulled this data from Committed Indians. HB won't let me post the link, but the article is entitled "Stan Bowman History as Chicago Blackhawks GM." Note: I did not include ELC signings or guys that I haven't heard of.

It seems to me that Chicago should not have a reputation for ever being a highly sought-after free agent destination (certainly not under Stan Bowman). The biggest signing I see in that list is Brad Richards, and he was getting paid more to NOT play for the New York Rangers than to play for the Blackhawks that year.
- tgentry1084

Nice breakdown tgentry.

In some of those years there was little to no salary cap. Also, Hawks didn't have room to bring in big names because their depth was so good. So there is that to take into consideration.

Chicago is still a great organization and place to play/live according to a lot of players. Despite some thoughts Coach Q, he's well respected and player like playing for him.

With all that being said, the Hawks seem to have a lot of uncertainty with their on-ice product and are probably viewed as heading in the wrong direction if a player is looking to have a shot at a Stanley Cup.

I have been adamant on here since the day they signed AA that it was a bad contract and that it was a huge mistake. Well, here we are where he is the contract that has to be moved and will still possibly leave a gap (again)

What I would like:

If we sign Letestu and be able to move AA for picks, a better dman or just cap relief I am all in. He's a great 3C, and can be a quality PK guy. He also has speed and is great in the face off circle. He's the type of the guy we need on this Hawks roster. A Kunitz, Letestu and Sikura line could work.

Might come off crazy, but I think it would be a quality 3rd line with size, speed and skill.

Nice breakdown tgentry.

In some of those years there was little to no salary cap. Also, Hawks didn't have room to bring in big names because their depth was so good. So there is that to take into consideration.

Chicago is still a great organization and place to play/live according to a lot of players. Despite some thoughts Coach Q, he's well respected and player like playing for him.

With all that being said, the Hawks seem to have a lot of uncertainty with their on-ice product and are probably viewed as heading in the wrong direction if a player is looking to have a shot at a Stanley Cup.
- Justin Lowe

You bet they are. Q and Stan are on borrowed time and everybody knows it. The Hawks come across as a team without a compass right now. Living on an old Core that came apart last year. At this point, I would be hesitant to allow Stan to make any big trades.

Brandon Manning and Cam Ward suck but I like Kunitz for some cajones and a winning veteran voice in the locker room. Kunitz was very effective for Tampa last year physically and scoring goals in limited ice time.

Sorry Justin, the roster as you laid it out is once again Last Place in the Central. JACK HUGHES BABY!!!
- EnzoD

Don't say sorry to me... say it to Stan. Ha

The said reality of the current situation is that Kunitz will have more ice presence and impact playing in the bottom six than a fair number of players above him.

Low risk and the team needs more of that presence. His 4 rings will not hurt.

Nice breakdown tgentry.

In some of those years there was little to no salary cap. Also, Hawks didn't have room to bring in big names because their depth was so good. So there is that to take into consideration.

Chicago is still a great organization and place to play/live according to a lot of players. Despite some thoughts Coach Q, he's well respected and player like playing for him.

With all that being said, the Hawks seem to have a lot of uncertainty with their on-ice product and are probably viewed as heading in the wrong direction if a player is looking to have a shot at a Stanley Cup.
- Justin Lowe

At this point, don't they NEED to move out about 3 D-men? They don't have enough room in Chi and Rock for all of them. Also, as mentioned before (I believe by ObeseOprah), they really don't have much in the way of center depth in the entire organization. I know they just drafted three of them, but Rockford has crickets and the big club is hoping that Schmaltz can handle being a center. I'm going to reserve judgement on the team as a whole until Training camp starts, but it looks brutal right now.

I have been adamant on here since the day they signed AA that it was a bad contract and that it was a huge mistake. Well, here we are where he is the contract that has to be moved and will still possibly leave a gap (again)

What I would like:

If we sign Letestu and be able to move AA for picks, a better dman or just cap relief I am all in. He's a great 3C, and can be a quality PK guy. He also has speed and is great in the face off circle. He's the type of the guy we need on this Hawks roster. A Kunitz, Letestu and Sikura line could work.

Might come off crazy, but I think it would be a quality 3rd line with size, speed and skill.
- purepone

What did Sikura do last year that makes people think he is a lock for the NHL next fall? He showed me nothing more than another 170lb sub 6' player with nice hands and absolutely no grit.

What did Sikura do last year that makes people think he is a lock for the NHL next fall? He showed me nothing more than another 170lb sub 6' player with nice hands and absolutely no grit.
- EnzoD

Didn't he have like 3 assists?

He needs to be in Rockford for at least half the year.

Not sure if it has been posted yet, but CBS Sports expects Bowman to have something in the mix and puts us in the Loser category for the Start of Free Agency Day:

"Chicago is coming off a frustrating season and the Blackhawks are looking to make some big changes to their lineup in order to get back to their winning ways. Unfortunately, they don't have a ton of cap flexibility, and thus they weren't able to make a major splash in free agency.

That being said, the additions they did make on Sunday were still a bit questionable. They signed goalie Cam Ward to a one-year, $3 million deal to come in as their backup to Corey Crawford. Ward appears to be a shell of the goaltender he once was in Carolina, and $3 million is likely more than you want to give to a questionable backup goalie when money is already tight, but the one-year commitment is what makes this deal somewhat palatable.

The Blackhawks also gave a one-year deal, $1 million deal to Chris Kunitz. It's relatively low risk considering the term and money, and Kunitz frequently receives praise for his leadership qualities (he's won four Stanley Cups) but he's 38 years old and doesn't seem to have a lot left in the tank.

Finally, they added Brandon Manning on a two-year deal worth $2.25 annually. Manning is a serviceable veteran blue liner but that's about it.

Given the current state of the 'Hawks, it's really hard to feel good about their Day 1 of free agency. Spending $6.25 million on the cap for Ward, Kunitz and Manning next year isn't going to get anyone excited, and the Blackhawks aren't much better off than they were yesterday.

That being said, it seems hard to imagine they're done. They have to be planning something big via trade(s). "

https://www.cbssports.com...-on-day-1-isles-lose-big/
- Popsghostly

I had not seen this. Thanks for posting.

This team is in the dumpster ... I cant take this shyte anymore ... I hate Bowman

I had not seen this. Thanks for posting.
- SteveRain

6+ in cap space on those 3 stellar FA signings. Geezus. If Hawks ownership doesnt care, why should we? They handed Stan the check book.

Understanding where you are as an organIzation to me is key. That the Hawks didn't commit to term is and was the key for me going in to FA and that's what the Hawks did which makes me believe, no matter what is said publicly, they understand where they are.

From The Athletic speaking about VAN and DET:

It’s hard to imagine the meetings that lead to the conclusion that moves like this are a good idea. One wonders what Jim Benning thinks the Canucks are likely to do next year with Beagle and what they’d be likely to do without him but with the best player available who would sign a one-year contract. I can’t really imagine that the difference is even as much as a win and yet Vancouver made a four-year commitment.

It’s probably not fun but bad NHL teams would do well to adopt the thinking that they basically have to earn the right to get involved in July 1. If you can’t reasonably expect to be in the playoff mix, it’s impossible to justify going more than a year with any run-of-the-mill player outside of a really good deal, which is basically never there.

These signings won’t kill the Canucks or the Red Wings. That’s not the problem. The problem is what they say about the Canucks and the Red Wings, how they perceive where they are, how they assess risk and how they think things work. It would be one thing if these were one-off decisions but they happen over and over and over. There’s a small but growing group of teams that just avoid these sorts of things. The longer it takes Detroit and Vancouver to get smart and join those teams, the less likely it is that their rebuilds (or whatever it is that Detroit is doing) ever get off the ground and, if they do, the more likely it is that it blows up somewhere along the way. Put another way, Jay Beagle or Mike Green won’t kill you but the process that leads to you signing them for term will.

I had not seen this. Thanks for posting.
- SteveRain

RainMan....you GOTTA think Duncan Keith is traded this year after the Hawks start out 5-10-5 or something like that. Duncan Keith to Toronto for 2019 1st, 2020 1st and their Top Non-NHL (blue close to ready) prospect (forward or D doesn't matter as long as he's a stud).

Seabrook and Toews are boat anchors that would take a 1980 USA vs USSR type Miracle On Ice to move without retaining 50% of their cap hit (which makes it not worth the move IMO).

BLOW IT UP and guarantee you get a Top 5 pick next year with cap flexibility moving forward.

I don't know. I'm down with the roster.

I think they would have been worse off making a trade to bring in a "big" name guy and having to unload some of the talented young guys we have--so I'm glad we didn't do that. Gotta' just see what happens, I suppose...

I don't know. I'm down with the roster.

I think they would have been worse off making a trade to bring in a "big" name guy and having to unload some of the talented young guys we have--so I'm glad we didn't do that. Gotta' just see what happens, I suppose...
- Hank3Henshaw

Alright then... lets see your line up?!

6+ in cap space on those 3 stellar FA signings. Geezus. If Hawks ownership doesnt care, why should we? They handed Stan the check book.
- z1990z

After yesterdays fiasco, if I was Wirtz, SB would be clearing out his office

I don't understand why some of you are so shortsighted. If the 'hawks would have signed some of these players to the bloated contracts, some of you would be screaming from the rafters, TOO MUCH TOO SOON!

Here's my take: Cam Ward is a serviceable back up that is going to hear a new coaching voice in one of the best in Jimmy Waite. He's been around the block. He's not Corey Crawford, but can take a load off and if he goes through a bad stretch, won't be rattled like a Forsberg, Delia or Lankinen. AND, he's better than Berube and Glass.

Kunitz is a low-risk signing. As Justin said, you can bury him in Rockford or trade him for some cash later. Or, he can HELP Toews show the bottom six how to play.

Manning: Don't know much about him, but maybe a change of scenery will help. But, it's only 2 years and the money isn't much, so why not take a Flyer on him? (see what I did there?)

Maybe Stan has a trade up his sleeve, maybe he doesn't. Maybe they have more faith in the AHL players. Maybe they are tanking. But, this was day one and enough already. If on opening day this is the roster...go nuts, but on day one of free agency? Seriously?
- CanOCorn

I'm not liking the trend here with Toews. Last year we needed a left wing to help get him straight. We get him Saad to "help" with that.

Now we get him a veteran to help him with team leadership?

All that is remaining is a right wing to replace Hossa and Toews should be all set.

As far as I know we are allowed to post links, if not please clarify. In the last blog someone posted a fantastic link to Chris Block who wrote a book on his take of the Hawks after FA signings are all but over. The context for both now and the future of signings made and not: http://thethirdmanin.com/...ackhawks-fish-for-scraps/