That could be. I hadn't been duly impressed up to that point, either. I just wondered if he could have done something if given more of a chance, even if I was less than optimistic before he was injured. Maybe I'm more bothered by the NHL's lack of seriousness in addressing scumbags like Marchand. Thanks to you and bogiedoc for the response.
- 333inthe3rd

I would have qualified Duclair for one year, most of which could have been buried or gone if claimed on waivers. Perhaps number of contracts was the biggest factor as we seem to have more than most teams.

With CC it would be quite legitimate considering he sat out the second half of the season. As well, other teams have started the season with more than one player on LTIR in the past.
- 67hawks

The Ward signing at that $ amount and with a NMC points to the very strong possibility that they do not expect Crawford to either start the season or be able to play a significant portion of it.

I would have qualified Duclair for one year, most of which could have been buried or gone if claimed on waivers. Perhaps number of contracts was the biggest factor as we seem to have more than most teams.
- 67hawks

That's a good point. The Hawks have 48 contracts on the books now, and the max allowed is 50.

The Ward signing at that $ amount and with a NMC points to the very strong possibility that they do not expect Crawford to either start the season or be able to play a significant portion of it.
- TheTrob

Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding

That's what I've been saying as well.

Too much weird stuff with CC.

I believe they don't say anything as they are not allowed to.

Minor proposal:

Out:
Oesterle
Gustafsson

In:
Pageau

Hawks alleviate some of the overabundance of D-men (and OTT gets some puck movers to help replace EK), and acquire a solid 3C that can take some of the D-pressure off the top lines.

The Ward signing at that $ amount and with a NMC points to the very strong possibility that they do not expect Crawford to either start the season or be able to play a significant portion of it.
- TheTrob

More like they will start and continue all year with three goaltenders, thus the one year deal.

If Ward was supposed to likely replace Crow, would they have made the deAl one year?

No, they would have accepted the terms one of the other goalies who was an UFA looking for LONGER contracts, right?

I would have qualified Duclair for one year, most of which could have been buried or gone if claimed on waivers. Perhaps number of contracts was the biggest factor as we seem to have more than most teams.
- 67hawks

The Hawks missed playoffs...I have not issue with the team cutting ties with their borderline RFAs. It took Duclair almost a week to find a new gig, when it did it was for the league minimum. Duclair doesn't offer anything that some of the other and less expensive prospect don't. $1.2 million was too much for Duclair and the market seems to agree with that. I wish the guy all the best and I hope he finds his game again. It didn't work out for Duclair in Chicago and he didn't earn a spot on the roster.

More like they will start and continue all year with three goaltenders, thus the one year deal.

If Ward was supposed to likely replace Crow, would they have made the deAl one year?

No, they would have accepted the terms one of the other goalies who was an UFA looking for LONGER contracts, right?
- wiz1901

Last year it was 8 defensemen this year it will be three goalies. I don't like the idea but I like the idea of losing Forsberg for nothing even less.

I'm reserving judgement on this team until the season starts. But I'm starting to brace myself for another tough (rebuilding) year.

More like they will start and continue all year with three goaltenders, thus the one year deal.

If Ward was supposed to likely replace Crow, would they have made the deAl one year?

No, they would have accepted the terms one of the other goalies who was an UFA looking for LONGER contracts, right?
- wiz1901

Halak, Hutton, Mrazek - any of these (or any of the other UFA goalies) able to lead this team to Cup contention this year or in the next two or three?

Forsberg and Delia are better bets than what was out there this summer, I think.

I think Bowman and his stab is at the NHL's highest level, but it's hard to forgive the Panarin trade. Hated it when it happened and now when you realise that they would have been able to keep him it only tastes worse.

Minor proposal:

Out:
Oesterle
Gustafsson

In:
Pageau

Hawks alleviate some of the overabundance of D-men (and OTT gets some puck movers to help replace EK), and acquire a solid 3C that can take some of the D-pressure off the top lines.
- Chunk

I think Gustafsson to the East makes sense. I think Oesterle will get buried in RFD, so possibly some other F or D going the other way to even out salaries?

Not sure if they do or not, but what would be the point of it? To identify a few trading partners?
- HawksHype

Put him on waivers. If he clears waivers he could be assigned to Rockford. If someone claims him you can pull him back and keep him in the NHL or trade him.

More like they will start and continue all year with three goaltenders, thus the one year deal.

If Ward was supposed to likely replace Crow, would they have made the deAl one year?

No, they would have accepted the terms one of the other goalies who was an UFA looking for LONGER contracts, right?
- wiz1901

Agree, but don't think the Hawks see Lehner, Halak, Hutton, Mrazek or any other FA a long term solution. If Crow is done they will look at other options/ways to replace him long term. That's a big reason they have to make sure and not lose Forsberg to waivers. They don't know yet what they have in the 25 yr old.

For the purposes of this topic, trades, thought this list of each teams' top prospects may be helpful: https://dobberprospects.c...ional-prospects-rankings/

Agree, but don't think the Hawks see Lehner, Halak, Hutton, Mrazek or any other long term solution. If Crow is done they will look at other options/ways to replace him long term. That's a big reason they have to make sure and not lose Forsberg to waivers. They don't know yet what they have in the 25 yr old.
- Mr Ricochet

Safe to assume that CC starts on LTIR and Forsberg will back up Ward.

He's not done, he will bounce around the fringes and will always be given a shot because of his skating ability and "potential". Think...Jack Skille. All the talent in the world, but never able to put it together. The thought of his potential and his age will keep him around for someone.
- TheTrob

Yep could be in the Skille / Stalberg category. However some young guys just take a little longer to figure things out. To be determined.

Safe to assume that CC starts on LTIR and Forsberg will back up Ward.
- z1990z

64,000 dollar question. We have no real idea of Crow's status other than Stan saying he's ready to go except he hasn't been on the ice for 7 months.

If Crow does start on the IR my hope is Forsberg plays well enough in camp and preseason that he beats out Ward to start as the #1.

Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding

That's what I've been saying as well.

Too much weird stuff with CC.

I believe they don't say anything as they are not allowed to.
- vabeachbear

Well no they can't come out with a medical evaluation of Crow complete with a medical chart but can easily say Crow is still dealing with an upper body and won't be ready for camp.

Simple but the Hawks seemingly prefer a spy vs spy approach. Or maybe they don't know his status and if that was the case say so. We don't know where Crow is right now as he fights back from last yrs injury.

64,000 dollar question. We have no real idea of Crow's status other than Stan saying he's ready to go except he hasn't been on the ice for 7 months.

If Crow does start on the IR my hope is Forsberg plays well enough in camp and preseason that he beats out Ward to start as the #1.
- Mr Ricochet

Did Stan and Q say that he is ready to go, or they "expect" him to be ready to go. Two completely different statements.

Well no they can't come out with a medical evaluation of Crow complete with a medical chart but can easily say Crow is still dealing with an upper body and won't be ready for camp.

Simple but the Hawks seemingly prefer a spy vs spy approach. Or maybe they don't know his status and if that was the case say so. We don't know where Crow is right now as he fights back from last yrs injury.
- Mr Ricochet

Have you heard them say lately that he has an upper body injury?

I haven't heard that description for a long time. I may have missed it, but I haven't heard it.

Did Stan and Q say that he is ready to go, or they "expect" him to be ready to go. Two completely different statements.
- Chunk

Stan was very evasive, and said, he's like all of our other players, he's off for the summer, and like every other player, they'll show up for camp and we'll see how they are.

But right now, like everyone else, we expect him to be ready.

I just can't believe that they really don't know. That's why I think there's a lot more to this than they say.

Halak, Hutton, Mrazek - any of these (or any of the other UFA goalies) able to lead this team to Cup contention this year or in the next two or three?

Forsberg and Delia are better bets than what was out there this summer, I think.
- StLBravesFan

Agree but that doesn't necessarily mean they are good options.... Would not at all be surprised if goaltending, along with centers, are the Hawks' most glaring weakness in 2-3 yrs. ..... For me the best chance of filling that hole long term in house might be Kevin Lankinen, the FA Finn they just signed. Admitting I've never seen the kid play that I can remember his numbers and path look very very good despite no meaningful international experience: https://www.eliteprospect...ayer/50662/kevin-lankinen

Have you heard them say lately that he has an upper body injury?

I haven't heard that description for a long time. I may have missed it, but I haven't heard it.
- vabeachbear

Bear, the only way I know what Hawk management says is by reading HB. Simply said I don't listen to or read Hawk management. Rare that I do anyways.

If they fire the GM or coach or make a trade yea but for the most part don't.

Did Stan and Q say that he is ready to go, or they "expect" him to be ready to go. Two completely different statements.
- Chunk

Don't know but will be happy to be corrected. Most of the posters are saying Stan expects him in camp. My assumption is that if he's in camp he's healthy, if healthy he's the #1.

Don't know but will be happy to be corrected. Most of the posters are saying Stan expects him in camp. My assumption is that if he's in camp he's healthy, if healthy he's the #1.
- Mr Ricochet

This team NEEDS a healthy CC this year. With the D still a huge ?, we will need a solid man in the pipes. Not to say Ward cant do it, but there is a huge difference between CC and Cam Ward.