Tyler Cameron: The Blackhawks Shopping List
Stan Bowman really ruined this blog for me.

The purpose of "The Blackhawks Shopping List" is to analyze the Hawks needs and possible UFA and trade targets to improve this team as we head into the free agency frenzy.

Here's a look at what I would do.

First

And second.

Read this morning that Calgary has cap issues. too. They have 13M to extend goalie Rittich,obtain a back up goalie, sign RFA's Tkachuck, Bennett and Mangiapane

Maybe they want to move Frolik and his 4.3M for cap space. Since they are in a bind and don't want salary back, possibly a mid round draft pick or two can get him.

---I'm not even going to tell you who was #1 because it'll get me worked up just typing his name.

Man I really wish we had held on to him... I get that some trades you hit and some you miss... but man, that one hurt.

And second.

Read this morning that Calgary has cap issues. too. They have 13M to extend goalie Rittich,obtain a back up goalie, sign FRA's Tkachuck, Bennett and Mangiapane

Maybe they want to move Frolik and his 4.3M for cap space. Since they are in a bind and don't want salary back, possibly a mid round draft pick or two can get him.
- boilermaker100

Frolik and his skill set makes a lot of sense.

He just played with Kubalik on the same Czech world championship so that could be a nice comfort level thing for Kubalik.

---I'm not even going to tell you who was #1 because it'll get me worked up just typing his name.

Man I really wish we had held on to him... I get that some trades you hit and some you miss... but man, that one hurt.
- gnosox1986

Moving Danault (damn, I did it) still hurts forever and always.

Any lineup that has Sikura on the 1st line I can't take seriously..

Tyler,

That potential 3rd line of Saad-Lowry-Tavev.....sweet!

The Top 9 as you list them would be in the playoff hunt...and Dach as a wild card. Not looking too shabby!!!

OK Stan....you have your instructions....now, go get er done!!!

Your proposed third line of Saad/Lowry/Tanev...

And second.

Read this morning that Calgary has cap issues. too. They have 13M to extend goalie Rittich,obtain a back up goalie, sign FRA's Tkachuck, Bennett and Mangiapane

Maybe they want to move Frolik and his 4.3M for cap space. Since they are in a bind and don't want salary back, possibly a mid round draft pick or two can get him.
- boilermaker100

If Bowman is considering Frolik, he should be looking for a sweetener in such a deal. Frolik has a hefty Cap hit for someone who spent some time in the doghouse. He also expressed that he wants to be moved. So some retention or a prospect as in the DeHaan deal would have to be included.
I am not as enamored with his return on full salary plus giving up assets for him as some. Hopefully that is Stan's thinking too. We still need Stan to take advantage of the position we are in capwise as others did to us in the past.

Any lineup that has Sikura on the 1st line I can't take seriously..
- Beaver-Warrior

He'll probably be top 9. He was there best possession forward on the team last year.

I put him there for now... but probably better in a 3rd line role.

Your proposed third line of Saad/Lowry/Tanev...
- frafra

I loved typing it. It would be *fire emoji*

Any lineup that has Sikura on the 1st line I can't take seriously..
- Beaver-Warrior

Last year, the kid did everything well except score. If he can’t succeed offensively on a line with the wonder twins, then we’ll know quickly that he doesn’t have “it”, and can move on to other candidates for that spot.

Best thing long term is probably to sit back and be happy with the moves made. We need money so sign Gus, Cat and Strome next year and right now young players are getting PAID.

I like your trade scenario with Winnipeg, but I don't think they would be moving Lowery with the impending loss of the other top PK forward Tanev to free agency.
But you never know.

He'll probably be top 9. He was there best possession forward on the team last year.

I put him there for now... but probably better in a 3rd line role.
- Tyler Cameron

Ahhhhh..the old place holder trick. Got it!

3rd line is where I see Sikura doing the most good.

Last year, the kid did everything well except score. If he can’t succeed offensively on a line with the wonder twins, then we’ll know quickly that he doesn’t have “it”, and can move on to other candidates for that spot.
- Ogilthorpe2

And that's what a 1st line wing is paid to do...score.

If Bowman is considering Frolik, he should be looking for a sweetener in such a deal. Frolik has a hefty Cap hit for someone who spent some time in the doghouse. He also expressed that he wants to be moved. So some retention or a prospect as in the DeHaan deal would have to be included.
I am not as enamored with his return on full salary plus giving up assets for him as some. Hopefully that is Stan's thinking too. We still need Stan to take advantage of the position we are in capwise as others did to us in the past.
- 67hawks

Agree. You're a better GM than me. LOL

perry coming here...please no...

i would think he would want to go to playoff/cup contender...not the hawks.....

with all those righty dman in the coop and 9 under contract...yeah something has to give in a trade

yes arte and or murphy will be moved...

it should be interesting to see how this caches out in the next week...

be careful stanbow will always surprise...

i would not pay attention to anything he says publically...its the PR of low expectations

Last year, the kid did everything well except score. If he can’t succeed offensively on a line with the wonder twins, then we’ll know quickly that he doesn’t have “it”, and can move on to other candidates for that spot.
- Ogilthorpe2

Hopefully early in the season some of those goal post shots and missed open nets become goals to get Sikura and his confidence on a roll. He did have some tough luck around the net.

One year deals are tough to come by free agent time. You are stuck with players like Kunitz, that are always looking for one more kick at the can, or marginal NHL'ers at best. True value free agents never sign one year deals unless they can get big money. Unfortunately, the Hawks are in a little bind in the fact that they know Strome and Debrincat both need substantial raises. Stan has done a terrific job so far this summer, but his hopes of landing quality in free agency with one year deals will not come to fruition. If the Hawks are going to go the free agent route, I would not mind the Haley signing because it does provide a heavy to keep Toews and Kane's minds at ease. However, free agency will not get the Hawks much else with one year deals for the above reasons mentioned. Stan is going to have to go the trade route once again. It will be interesting to see what this team looks like come October. I am just not getting totally worked up about a free agent splash, but I do not think the Hawks are done adding a couple of more players.

Any lineup that has Sikura on the 1st line I can't take seriously..
- Beaver-Warrior

Are you OK with Caggiula on the 1st line?

Tyler great incite into some possibilities going forward. Now that my head is done spinning from your possibilities.

What in your opinion is the reason Stan and colliton are so set on sikura ? Also is it possible Stan moves saad out maybe for another defenseman or prospects and picks and uses that money to sign Anders Lee?

Just looking at Chicago's depth and size , skill this team upfront seems weak.

Maybe Chicago has way to many holes to fix and not enough cap or options In doing so

And second.

Read this morning that Calgary has cap issues. too. They have 13M to extend goalie Rittich,obtain a back up goalie, sign RFA's Tkachuck, Bennett and Mangiapane

Maybe they want to move Frolik and his 4.3M for cap space. Since they are in a bind and don't want salary back, possibly a mid round draft pick or two can get him.
- boilermaker100

yep flames, vegas and the sorry ass leafs have cap problems

Why do people continue to want to pay Tanev - a 4th line WINGER (not even a center with versatility that can take faceoffs) 3 million dollars????

Kruger at 3mil was over paid, but at least he can take draws.

Sheez.

For the bottom 6...think Kunitz, Wingels, or other bargain shopping/reclamation project for this role. Stan is more likely to take that flier on a 1yr deal than give a 4th line RWer 3y deal at 3mil per (at least let's hope)