Thought they had a deal done with Vegas last yr but Pacioretty and the Knights couldn't agree on an extension. Could be wrong though.
- Mr Ricochet

The Athletic has a whole article saying that Bergevin told Patches he will not negotiate a new contract and that they intend to trade him quickly.

The two key words in that report: intend, and Bergevin.

Why I am a hockey fan? NHL ‘94. No seriously. Summer of ‘95 I stayed at school and my buddy (Canadian) left his Sega Genesis with us. I’m sure it had other games but NHL ‘94 is all my roommates and I played. I got so good I’d take the worst team (Anaheim) and play all other teams in a row alphabetically and beat them all. By doing this I got accustomed to all of the players (we’ll better ones anyway) in the league.

That fall I just started watching hockey games on espn any chance I got. One roommate (another Canadian not around that summer) would help me out with the rules and I would ask tons of questions often times getting a “great question” as I absorbed this awesome game.

Since I went to school in Chicago I went to a game vs Toronto that year. Hawks won 5-2 and Probert had two goals. I remember them parking him I front of the net on the PP in the 3rd in hopes he’d get a hat trick. Unfortunately he did not. I also decided to use a Ticketmaster voucher to go see the Blues after the Gretzky trade. Got 2nd row 100 level. Even though he didn’t really stand out in the game it was cool to see him live.

From there I’d use my student id and pay $11 at the gate and go to games a handful of times a year.

Why am I a Hawks fan? 1) by default. I grew up in the area so my teams are Chicago teams (except the Cubs!! Go Sox) 2) like Trent said in the movie Swingers “Roenick, he’s good”. Just loved him. And 3) Pat Foley. Just loved to hear him calling games. Any time the Hawks played nationally I’d mute it and put the radio on.

I boycotted the Hawks for 23 yrs, refused to give the old man a nickel, and as a result took in quite a few HS games before I found jrs and low pro. Tried to get to as many New Trier vs Loyola games as possible. Great teams and a helluva rivalry.

St Rita, Marist, Br Rice, Mt Carmel, Fenwick were great teams to follow as well being a south side guy but would get up north to see Loyola, New Trier and Naperville North games.
- Mr Ricochet

The day the old man let Bobby Hull go my dad swore off the Hawks. Wasn’t until late 2000’s that I got him to go again.

If true, not only does that mean a deal with CGY is coming, but also that CC is back.
- Return of the Roar

Wouldn't mind Sam Bennett

Wouldn't mind Sam Bennett
- PatShart

He’d be good...Frolik would be better.

Could be a load of BS but for those of you still keeping an eye out looks like Anton Forseberg just started following the NHLFlames on Instagram.


FWIW


Its July 10th. I think.
- mrpaulish

Also noticed that he doesn't follow the Blackhawks...

He’d be good...Frolik would be better.
- DarthKane

Disagree...

He’d be good...Frolik would be better.
- DarthKane

TJ Brodie would be best

Disagree...
- PatShart

You’re entitled to be wrong.

TJ Brodie would be best
- TommyHawk

He would be good, but it would take a lot more than Forsberg. I could see Stan going for another reclaimation project - Curtis Lazar.

Cedar Rapids Roughriders vs Des Moines Buccaneers?
- Mr Ricochet

No it was vs Thunder Bay when Patrick sharp played for them.

The Athletic has a whole article saying that Bergevin told Patches he will not negotiate a new contract and that they intend to trade him quickly.

The two key words in that report: intend, and Bergevin.
- Chunk

Did you read the comments? I found them helpful. Tough to figure out what the hell they're doing up here.

Yes I read it and will take the chance to correct myself. Thought a deal was done with Vegas at last yrs TDL but Pacioretty turned down their extension offer nixing the deal. It wasn't Vegas that happened with it was LA who later used that money to ink Kovalchuk.

No it was vs Thunder Bay when Patrick sharp played for them.
- vandymeer23

You've been to the arena in Des Moines? Am told it was a madhouse, in fact I understand the nickname is Madhouse on Hickman, back in the day? ..... Wild place in an old building that was intimidating to both opposing teams and fans. Pretty sure they still have the short glass along the sideboards, old school.

Ex-NHL goalie Scott Clemmensen just bought the DM Buccaneers. Born and grew up in DM.

Could be a load of BS but for those of you still keeping an eye out looks like Anton Forseberg just started following the NHLFlames on Instagram.


FWIW


Its July 10th. I think.
- mrpaulish

Nice find, MrP...... If he somehow is headed to CAL hopefully it means Crow is healthy. Don't know how the Hawks would know that though if it's true Crow hasn't been on the ice for 6-7-8 months.

But Forsberg is not waiver exempt so maybe they would rather trade him than risk losing him to waivers or carrying 3 goalies?

I do know the Flames are getting ready for Mike Smith to take a reduced role at some time as he's 36. Last yr when he got hurt they used Rittich in his place and heir apparent 24 yr old 3rd rd pick Jon Gillies came up to and got 11 games. They also have 20 yr old 2nd rd pick Tyler Parsons in the system.

Maybe they do a deal with Forsberg + for Gillies or Parsons so they don't lose Forsberg to waivers?

UPDATE: Looking into the CAL / Forsberg thing. It could just be a unrelated reason he started following the Flames (countrymen Backlund and now Lindholm are there).

CAL has Rittich and Giliies (both RFAs) as their current depth to be the backup for Mike Smith. So I can see them looking for an upgrade.

Can also see them signing someone like Lehtonen, who's still out there as a UFA.


Also, I heard late last night that maybe there is more to Stan's plan (which doesn't look like much right now) than we're seeing. He may have an ace up his sleeve closer to the convention (in terms of a trade) as well as a PTO -> signing a la Cody Franson on day #2 of the season.

My contact told me to keep an eye on Rick Nash's situation. Nash is currently contemplating retirement, but if he opts to play again it will most likely be on a year-by-year basis and could sign for in and around Marian Hossa's money. Would make sense on a lot of levels and really maximize Hossa's cap space if they can't trade that contract.


New blog coming out later this morning/early afternoon.

The day the old man let Bobby Hull go my dad swore off the Hawks. Wasn’t until late 2000’s that I got him to go again.
- tyweb69

I bet that line was a long one. Fans swearing of Dollar Bill for allowing Hull to leave. I was a bit young to understand back then.

Bet he was disappointed in the new building while still appreciating the comforts of it?

UPDATE: Looking into the CAL / Forsberg thing. It could just be a unrelated reason he started following the Flames (countrymen Backlund and now Lindholm are there).

CAL has Rittich and Giliies (both RFAs) as their current depth to be the backup for Mike Smith. So I can see them looking for an upgrade.

Can also see them signing someone like Lehtonen, who's still out there as a UFA.


Also, I heard late last night that maybe there is more to Stan's plan (which doesn't look like much right now) than we're seeing. He may have an ace up his sleeve closer to the convention (in terms of a trade) as well as a PTO -> signing a la Cody Franson on day #2 of the season.

My contact told me to keep an eye on Rick Nash's situation. Nash is currently contemplating retirement, but if he opts to play again it will most likely be on a year-by-year basis and could sign for in and around Marian Hossa's money. Would make sense on a lot of levels and really maximize Hossa's cap space if they can't trade that contract.


New blog coming out later this morning/early afternoon.
- Justin Lowe

If you wish an early look at a majority of all Blackhawk prospects, you get one game on the last day to wet your appetite of exciting.capable players for (most likely) the years following the upcoming season.

You cannot make judgment on four days of drills and one game, but you can witness the ability and things these young kids can do. There is a very deep impressive group on defense, which includes Boqvist. I have want to see how Tuulola and Carlsson play controlled smart effective hockey. It would be expected that they benefitted from playing in top league's in Finland and Sweden, respectivly.

The grit and descent ability is what excites me about Brophy (I hope I got this name correct) he being the kid from Penn State.

UPDATE: Looking into the CAL / Forsberg thing. It could just be a unrelated reason he started following the Flames (countrymen Backlund and now Lindholm are there).

CAL has Rittich and Giliies (both RFAs) as their current depth to be the backup for Mike Smith. So I can see them looking for an upgrade.

Can also see them signing someone like Lehtonen, who's still out there as a UFA.


Also, I heard late last night that maybe there is more to Stan's plan (which doesn't look like much right now) than we're seeing. He may have an ace up his sleeve closer to the convention (in terms of a trade) as well as a PTO -> signing a la Cody Franson on day #2 of the season.

My contact told me to keep an eye on Rick Nash's situation. Nash is currently contemplating retirement, but if he opts to play again it will most likely be on a year-by-year basis and could sign for in and around Marian Hossa's money. Would make sense on a lot of levels and really maximize Hossa's cap space if they can't trade that contract.


New blog coming out later this morning/early afternoon.
- Justin Lowe

Although I'm always leery of a guy who's not sure he wants to play or not this is a logical fit if the Hawks are looking for a bridge while they try to lose the Hossa money or let the prospects/ELC guys mature while not sucking out loud on the ice and in the standings.

UPDATE: Looking into the CAL / Forsberg thing. It could just be a unrelated reason he started following the Flames (countrymen Backlund and now Lindholm are there).

CAL has Rittich and Giliies (both RFAs) as their current depth to be the backup for Mike Smith. So I can see them looking for an upgrade.

Can also see them signing someone like Lehtonen, who's still out there as a UFA.


Also, I heard late last night that maybe there is more to Stan's plan (which doesn't look like much right now) than we're seeing. He may have an ace up his sleeve closer to the convention (in terms of a trade) as well as a PTO -> signing a la Cody Franson on day #2 of the season.

My contact told me to keep an eye on Rick Nash's situation. Nash is currently contemplating retirement, but if he opts to play again it will most likely be on a year-by-year basis and could sign for in and around Marian Hossa's money. Would make sense on a lot of levels and really maximize Hossa's cap space if they can't trade that contract.


New blog coming out later this morning/early afternoon.
- Justin Lowe

Jarome Iginla?

He would be good, but it would take a lot more than Forsberg. I could see Stan going for another reclaimation project - Curtis Lazar.
- DarthKane

This fits too. Lazar was a 1st rd pick and IIRC came up as a center and moved to wing. An RFA next yr and can play center.

I bet that line was a long one. Fans swearing of Dollar Bill for allowing Hull to leave. I was a bit young to understand back then.

Bet he was disappointed in the new building while still appreciating the comforts of it?
- Mr Ricochet

That could be said about most older fans.

You've been to the arena in Des Moines? Am told it was a madhouse, in fact I understand the nickname is Madhouse on Hickman, back in the day? ..... Wild place in an old building that was intimidating to both opposing teams and fans. Pretty sure they still have the short glass along the sideboards, old school.

Ex-NHL goalie Scott Clemmensen just bought the DM Buccaneers. Born and grew up in DM.
- Mr Ricochet

A friend of mines kid played for the Bucs there. And he did have some wild stories.

I bet that line was a long one. Fans swearing of Dollar Bill for allowing Hull to leave. I was a bit young to understand back then.

Bet he was disappointed in the new building while still appreciating the comforts of it?
- Mr Ricochet

I, as a 36 year old dislike the new building still. We split season tickets (until this season) in the 200 level. Really comfortable, nice waitress, never really a line since the 200 level is closed to everyone else but damn the old stadium.....

There was literally nothing like it. I have never been able to find anything that comes close to the decibel level of the Chicago Stadium during Blackhawks games.
SCF games in the United Center doesnt even come close to a Tuesday Night regular season game against the Devils in November at the Chicago Stadium.

It hurts knowing that "newer" legit Blackhawks fans never were able to experience the old stadium.
I was lucky enough to see (What I think was a) a USA vs Russia Canada Cup game at the stadium, THAT WAS AWESOME. The rosters used professional players and it was before the season started. Guess it as the Canada Cup or an exhibition for it.

Anyways it was awesome and I wish every Hawks fan got the experience.

I bet that line was a long one. Fans swearing of Dollar Bill for allowing Hull to leave. I was a bit young to understand back then.

Bet he was disappointed in the new building while still appreciating the comforts of it?
- Mr Ricochet

Actually it has been so long that I don't think he really minded the new building at all. The game we went to was pretty much sold out so while nothing like the old stadium (which sadly I never saw a game at) there was a good crowd and vibe which he enjoyed.

UPDATE: Looking into the CAL / Forsberg thing. It could just be a unrelated reason he started following the Flames (countrymen Backlund and now Lindholm are there).

CAL has Rittich and Giliies (both RFAs) as their current depth to be the backup for Mike Smith. So I can see them looking for an upgrade.

Can also see them signing someone like Lehtonen, who's still out there as a UFA.


Also, I heard late last night that maybe there is more to Stan's plan (which doesn't look like much right now) than we're seeing. He may have an ace up his sleeve closer to the convention (in terms of a trade) as well as a PTO -> signing a la Cody Franson on day #2 of the season.

My contact told me to keep an eye on Rick Nash's situation. Nash is currently contemplating retirement, but if he opts to play again it will most likely be on a year-by-year basis and could sign for in and around Marian Hossa's money. Would make sense on a lot of levels and really maximize Hossa's cap space if they can't trade that contract.


New blog coming out later this morning/early afternoon.
- Justin Lowe

If he's worried about concussions, the Hawks charmin' soft style is perfect. Q will never ask him to dish out a hit