I like the way you think, I don't think Seabs will agree to any trade...
- riozzo

I was just joking anyway because the last thing Toronto needs is Seabrook's contract on their books for the next 5 years.

But, the notion of Seabrook nixing a trade should be explored a bit more. First, it is his right to do so and it's not his fault for agreeing to the contract Stan offered him - so no animosity toward Seabrook at all. In fact - just the opposite - gratitude for the many good years he's given the Hawks and the vital role he played in the three Cup winning seasons.

But, the fact is his cap hit is hurting the Hawks now and will continue to do so for 5 more years. So how do the Hawks treat him with the respect he's earned but also treat the other players, fans and ownership with respect by trying their best to put another winning team together. They seem at cross purposes. You can either look backwards or forwards - not both. By giving out contracts that in essence pay for past services rather than future expectations - you're looking backwards. It's an honorable thing to do from one perspective - rewarding past performance - but it limits what can be done toward future success.

So how to get Seabrook to do what's right for the team's future without disrespecting him - that's the conundrum, isn't it?

I like your enthusiasm but Seabrook has a larger contract. I already know your repsonse .... "so give us Kapanan to balance it out"
- paulr

You read me like a book

I'll go 4 as well.

I also think his days as a Maple Leaf are done. And he and his ten cent head had better not end up in Chicago.
- paulr

Just had a conversation about this with a co-worker. I'd say Kadri will be shipped out in the summer. With his skill set and contract, he should fetch some nice futures for TOR.

I personally can't stand the guy... but that's a story for another day.

Just had a conversation about this with a co-worker. I'd say Kadri will be shipped out in the summer. With his skill set and contract, he should fetch some nice futures for TOR.

I personally can't stand the guy... but that's a story for another day.
- Justin Lowe

A perfect story for the dog days of August!

A perfect story for the dog days of August!
- riozzo

Ha. Sounds good. Just remind me then and I'll share a few things.

Yes, depth players are the way to go for next year. Try to get three players (2 bottom 6 forwards and a top 4 D) for 10M per year. Maybe one of these is Kubalik for 1M.

The Hawks have 15 players signed and over 22M in cap space for next year. They can submit qualifying offers or a little more and sign their RFA's Kampf, Perlini, Koekkoek and Forsling for 5M tops.

Let's say three of them are on the team next year, so that's 18 players with 18M available. Add to that the 3 new faces for 10M = 21 signed and 8M available. Heck, maybe even worthwhile to pick up Callahan's 5.8M for a year if there is a nice sweetener. That 5.8M and Cro's 6M, plus any 20-21 cap increase goes toward Strome, Cat, Kahun new contracts.

Trade bait could include 2 of Dahlstrom, Koekkoek, Forsling, and Hayden, and some lower round picks. Remember that the cap stressed teams do not want to take back much salary. If a less expensive, capable replacement for AA is obtained along the way, he then could be moved too.

Note, if a veteran goalie to back up Corey is in the cards, may have to reserve 3M or so in cap space for him.

I am also assuming that the Hawks 3# pick, whoever it is, will not be on team til 20-21. If by chance he does makes the leap his ELC cost will be less than 1M.

Edit - Forgot about Sikura who's a RFA also. Signing him for about 1.5 shouldn't effect my plan that much.
- boilermaker100

Thanks for the salary allocation breakdown. Very helpful to visualize better.

Just had a conversation about this with a co-worker. I'd say Kadri will be shipped out in the summer. With his skill set and contract, he should fetch some nice futures for TOR.

I personally can't stand the guy... but that's a story for another day.
- Justin Lowe

I think what Malkin did swinging his stick was far worse, except he did not connect, so he only got one game.

When you think about it, the Leafs will probably have to give him away now for a lower round choice or a lower tier prospect. His 4.5M off the books will help their cap situation going forward.

Agree that the Hawks should not pursue him. I just hope he doesn't land in the Central, since the Leafs probably want him shipped out of the East.
- boilermaker100

I don't know about having to give him away. Shaw netted two 2nds the offseason after he got in trouble for foul language, and already had a concussion or two. Not to mention MTL gave him a pretty significant contract after trading for him. Guys like this will always be in demand, it just depends on how much cap space you have and how much you can tolerate as an organization.

Just had a conversation about this with a co-worker. I'd say Kadri will be shipped out in the summer. With his skill set and contract, he should fetch some nice futures for TOR.

I personally can't stand the guy... but that's a story for another day.
- Justin Lowe

Ah.....never personally met him but his on-ice antics always reminded me of a wannabe Raffi Torres.

I know it's not major news but it does create a needed opportunity for the Blackhawks organization as a whole. Bernie John was released as head coach of the Indy Fuel. Also recall a story from earlier in the year talking about Derek King not expecting to be anything more than interim head coach of the Hogs.

The head coaching vacancies at the AHL and ECHL level for the franchise allows management to hire coaching staffs who will align with whatever systems and philosophies they implement under Colliton and his staff. This is critical for prospect development so it's easier for them to slide into the Hawks lineup as far as knowing the X's and O's.

Another thing to keep an eye on are specialized coaches like Brian Campbell. Don't know if he's a candidate to be one of Colliton's assistants next season but I do like the role he is playing now working with D prospects like Boqvist.

Kadri's hearing is in New York today. What's the over under on games suspended?

I say 4.
- boilermaker100

I say 3 games. He deserves more but I don't trust those who are in charge of making those decisions.

I say 3 games. He deserves more but I don't trust those who are in charge of making those decisions.
- BGKarras

Red neck

Updating my prediction to eight games!

I say we forget the suspended game thing and just staple the ne'er do well to Slava Voynov. C'mon ... who's with me.

Red neck
- Ogilthorpe2

Seems like there are an awful lot of suspension hearings this playoff season - more than usual (just my anecdotal belief). Thornton is going to have a hearing.

What's going on?

Seems like there are an awful lot of suspension hearings this playoff season - more than usual (just my anecdotal belief). Thornton is going to have a hearing.

What's going on?
- StLBravesFan

Imho this is what happens when the refs "let them play" anytime players aren't held accountable by the refs liberties will be taken, then retaliation occurs. Is that right? No, but i understand it.

Just had a conversation about this with a co-worker. I'd say Kadri will be shipped out in the summer. With his skill set and contract, he should fetch some nice futures for TOR.

I personally can't stand the guy... but that's a story for another day.
- Justin Lowe

I like the fact he stands up for his team mate, he unfortunately goes over board just like Wilson does. Sad part is they need his nastiness in this series

There is a new kid in town and he will get plenty of attention. Hold on to yoir hats since i do not foresee immediate NHL entrance for notable Blackhawk prospects Mitchell and Beaudin. But they are close to ready in all likelihood.

The last collegiate dman straigh to NHL playoffs i readily recall is McAvoy, Boston Bruins
McAvoy has been innured and missed chunks of games on a couple of occasions. I believe he remains highly regarded but his star maybe shined more in that initial playoffs and rookie season

Now into the fracas in Cal (will he) Make-r the Avalanche a tougher foe or will the team slide off the side of the mountain cliff - Calgary is deroer on papet but Mike Smithand the rookie are chargef with tending net. Some folks question this duo can.welll do it.well enough

But look at Maker for a.moment. No doubt he epuld debut immediately. Gifted yes and expectations being 4th overall his draft year. Yes again

But i am curious as playoffs wear on and should the Avalanche move forward (?), could the inexperienced Maker be more of a faker trying to play defense in nadty playoffs. Will je have moments like Gus?

There is a new kid in town and he will get plenty of attention. Hold on to yoir hats since i do not foresee immediate NHL entrance for notable Blackhawk prospects Mitchell and Beaudin. But they are close to ready in all likelihood.

The last collegiate dman straigh to NHL playoffs i readily recall is McAvoy, Boston Bruins
McAvoy has been innured and missed chunks of games on a couple of occasions. I believe he remains highly regarded but his star maybe shined more in that initial playoffs and rookie season

Now into the fracas in Cal (will he) Make-r the Avalanche a tougher foe or will the team slide off the side of the mountain cliff - Calgary is deroer on papet but Mike Smithand the rookie are chargef with tending net. Some folks question this duo can.welll do it.well enough

But look at Maker for a.moment. No doubt he epuld debut immediately. Gifted yes and exoectations neing 4th overall his drafy year. Yes again

But i am curious as playoffs wear on and should the Avalanche move forward (?), could the inexperiencef Maker be more of a faker trying to play defense in nadty playoffs. Will je have moments like Gus?
- jhawk59

Speaking of Mitchell when is he signing?

Speaking of Mitchell when is he signing?
- riozzo

He's going the Hayes route.

Speaking of Mitchell when is he signing?
- riozzo

Next summer, when he's a UFA, and not with Chicago.

Red neck
- Ogilthorpe2

LOL... Thanks!

Kadri will get 5+, since he jad the in-person hearing. I'll go with 7.

AV signs to coach Philly for 5 yrs. I actually think he might do a better job there as they have better defensive talent. It will be interesting to watch (and see how Philly reacts to the hiring).

The more I think about it the more I want Byram with the #3 pick. I think he instantly becomes one of our top 3 defenseman.

Use one of Beaudin/Mitchell + Kahun and a future 2nd/3rd round pick as a great sweetener package to include with Seabrook so we can rid ourselves of his contract and gain the cap space AND improvement on the blue line(ditching Seabs and adding Byram).

Say bye to Kruger, Kunitz, and Ward

Sign Panarin and Tanev

Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Saad-Toews-Sikura
DeBrincat-Strome-Perlini
Caggiula-Kampf-Tanev
Hayden

Keith-Jokiharju
Byram-Murphy
Boqvist-Gustafsson
Forsling/Dahlstrom

Crawford
Delia

That’s a playoff team. Possibly a contender if all that young talent takes a collective step forward.