Enuf with the stupid conspiracy theories! The collective agreement has each team receiving a minimum 5 day break (or something like that). It would seem the Coyote break was going INTO the all-star game, the Hawks break is COMING OUT of the break. No Bettman hate. Just scheduling.....sheesh....people....
- hawk35

Dude, it was a joke. I stated opposing sides of the same argument.

The problem with Saad is next year you basically lose control over him, as his modified NMC kicks in, and he is UFA afterwards. The last go around with Stan caused Saad to be traded, would you risk losing him for $0 if his demands are too expensive, and you can't move him?, or not get fair value because the 10 teams he lists that he could be traded to know that the Hawks backs are up against the wall?
- LAHawk

Depends on if they think they can win. If a deal gets done I'd think it would happen in the summer before that kicks in.

I understand that he wasn't having much of an impact on the team to start the year, but I really don't understand why people have such a problem with bringing him back. He was coming off his best year putting up 47 points in 63 games playing on the top line with Drouin and Domi most of the time. This team severally lacked grit on it. Remember when, I think it was Salomaki, on Nashville took a run at Keith and the ONLY guy who jumped in right away was Alex DeBrincat. All 5'7 of him was going all out to defend his teammate. That's not good when one of your best skill players is having to step in like that.

The Hawks desperately needed someone with grit to come in on this team. And before someone makes a snarky comment, I'm not saying you need an enforcer old school hockey style, but every team needs a SKILLED player who is not afraid to stand up for his teammates and make the other team think twice before taking a run at one of your guys.

On top of that, several of the guys stated how having Shaw back around helped with the locker room because he's always joking and making guys laugh which helps during a long season where guys get frustrated (see Keith and Toews fight from two days ago).

If your issue is with his contract I understand the frustration with the cap limitiations, but that's the going rate for a middle six forward. If anything that's a a very decent contract for a guy who's been able to put up his production...when healthy. Which brings me to my next point, if your issue is with his injury history, I can understand that because he's always had issues one way or another unfortunately. However, when healthy he's the perfect middle six forward that every team needs to win. Caggiula is currently playing in the role that Shaw could/should be in and that only further adds depth to your roster.

The only issue I have with the deal is that it seems Bowman paid a premium, but didn't get Montreal to take any salary when they were looking to clear some out. It should be one way or another. Either you buy low and take all the money OR buy high and the other team retains some salary. Even coming off a career year, as I stated before, the injury concerns should have still factored into things. That's my only complaint. I don't think Stan is very good about making trades for known commodities. On the flip side, he's VERY good at finding the diamond in the rough players.
- Savetheembers33

He was fine with tread still on the tires. Became an injury prone bad penalty taking drain of cap space. That was not a good move to bring him back.

I agree with you and I would be surprised if we could obtain both a top prospect and a #1 (preferably 2020 draft). I would aim for the better option wherin whomever you think had higher upside, be that mid/late first 2020 or a prospect. Do not lessen the value or rating of a prospect by taking a lesser rated player because you also had a "B" prospect included. Pass on the "B" prospect.

Truth be told I would be disappointed if Saad is not traded at the trade deadline. Saad will not make enough difference in winning a first round series if we even get in. Saad is a third line guy teams need as depth in a playoff run. We hopefully receive a prospect whose ceiling is higher than what Saad is. I am willing to wait for Hagel and Entwhistle ...so trade Saad before his value is less ( as has been explained on this hockey board)
- jhawk59

A 25/30 wing who plays both ends very well and is an outstanding and strong skater is a top liner in the NHL. Pretty complete player. Unless they don't plan on being in the playoffs next year probably a guy to hang on to.

A 25/30 wing who plays both ends very well and is an outstanding and strong skater is a top liner in the NHL. Pretty complete player. Unless they don't plan on being in the playoffs next year probably a guy to hang on to.
- fattybeef

Fully agree with your last two posts, you’re right on. It was a mistake to bring Shaw back, and as soon as they get rid of Saad, they will be looking for another Saad, good luck with that.

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