Yep. But money talks.
- -Doh-

None talks, eh

Here is an interesting factoid:

Rockford downtown had been re-invented and the scuttlebutt is that there is a vibrant popular social life - and an economic upswing - they go hand in hand - over the past few years. Rockford has attractions or attractiveness nowadays. The city itself still has a middle to poor significant segment of the population. But the team is supported well enough from what I can see. They have a solid business approach to running the team..Which is not surprising since the city owns the team

So I believe the business community , The City of Rockford and the fans would make a ruckus if some vested interest person or group tried to ,"steal" the Icehogs. Not only that, but I believe McDonough and Rocky are comfortable and like the relationship they have with Rockford.

Al.MacIsssc another person in Blackhawks management, have roots traced back to Rockford. I bet they could stir up enough of a roadblock to prevent the Icehogs relocation.

Yup, that's the basis for Ice Hogs to Vegas and Hawks linking with the Wolves theory.

The rub is that the Wolves and Blackhawks have had a contentious relationship over the years. In the bad old Hawk days, the Wolves advertising basically centered around the fact that they were winners and the Hawks lost a lot. Currently, the Wolves advertising is something like, 'Chicago's winning team'. Some bridges to be un-burned to see a Blackhawk - Wolves partnership.
- scottak

Well the US fought two wars against the British and now we are each others best allies. As Doh mentioned it comes down to money. Rocky and the Wolves chairmen are good businessmen and they will see the financial advantages of a close relationship. McD the master marketer would institute a marketing campaign aimed at putting more fannies in the Allstate Arena's seats contributing to the income of the Wolves owner.

One fly in the ointment is that if Rockford is not the team moving to Vegas, what contractual obligations to the Hawks have with Rockford? It may cost the Hawks some money to get out of the contract.

The NHL club has several guys up that would probably be in Rockford (if the team had a lot of depth).

Boqvist, Nylander, Gilbert (he was up for 20 games), and Highmore would definitely make Rockford a better team.

Didn't include Dach since he is not eligible for Rockford.

Interesting feature today's Chicago Sun Times about Barrett's NHL timeline. The writer even quotes information he pulled from The Athletic regarding Barrett's skating. The short take on this is that if Barrett can improve his skating he appears almost a sure bet to be a higher end too forward than anyone else in the system. Barret had special skill you can not teach, the story explains furthermore.

Which is basicly true. But we do have a couple of interesting towards collegiate/Junior whom might develop into more than this conglomeration of bottom line players.

Interesting feature today's Chicago Sun Times about Barrett's NHL timeline. The writer even quotes information he pulled from The Athletic regarding Barrett's skating. The short take on this is that if Barrett can improve his skating he appears almost a sure bet to be a higher end too forward than anyone else in the system. Barret had special skill you can not teach, the story explains furthermore.

Which is basicly true. But we do have a couple of interesting towards collegiate/Junior whom might develop into more than this conglomeration of bottom line players.
- jhawk59

Barratt was a guy last year I had HIGH hopes for last year, but after ending the season with his injuries he kinda was slow to make an impact last year

Barratt was a guy last year I had HIGH hopes for last year, but after ending the season with his injuries he kinda was slow to make an impact last year
- Savetheembers33

Evan Barrat's stats (2019/20) at Penn State
26 GP
9 G
19 A
28 PIM
plus 11

Penn State overall 17-8-1

Evan Barrat's stats (2019/20) at Penn State
26 GP
9 G
19 A
28 PIM
plus 11

Penn State overall 17-8-1
- -Doh-

Both Barrat and Mitchell play on teams that are rated as possible frozen four combatants.

If it were me, no way i trade Saad with another year left on his contract unless the offer is outstanding.

I definitely would shop Gus, Koekkoek

I would talk to Lehner and say we would like to sign you to a contract extension, if we trade you since we couldn't agree on a contract, this is our term and price come free agency.

You make it sound like the Hawks have the leverage with Lehner but they don't.

I'm keeping Saad too he's a long way from UFA NMC everyone is worried about is kind of meaningless. When the time comes if they want to move him they do have leverage: "take this trade or you're playing 4th line and press box since you won't take our offer..." But as I argued yesterday, if I need to move $6m I'm moving dinky before Saad. If he's so great somebody said "potential 50 goal scorer," left out "potential 20 goal scorer," let's get a huge package back.

I like 4K he's improving we will need some decent cheap Dmen I don't see him going over $2m. Time to get a bag of pucks for Gus already. Injuries may have kept him here?

Well the US fought two wars against the British and now we are each others best allies. As Doh mentioned it comes down to money. Rocky and the Wolves chairmen are good businessmen and they will see the financial advantages of a close relationship. McD the master marketer would institute a marketing campaign aimed at putting more fannies in the Allstate Arena's seats contributing to the income of the Wolves owner.

One fly in the ointment is that if Rockford is not the team moving to Vegas, what contractual obligations to the Hawks have with Rockford? It may cost the Hawks some money to get out of the contract.
- boilermaker100

I see McD retiring some day soon he's almost 70 and will want to enjoy his money.

Shooting from the hip did not read the prior posts could it be they miss their prior head coach possibly. That should’ve been allowed to stay down there for at least two or three more years. Same with his assistants.
Can’t cry over spilled milk what’s done is done hopefully, since Stan Bowman made his decision this kid can start to have some good success and have a nice long an HL coaching career himself. My opinion was previously stated I don’t need to dig it up again. Looking forward to the Calgary Edmonton game tonight.

The Hogs had 37 different players start games for them. Injuries, some players coming up to the Hawks, other personnel moves. It must be hard to get consistency. By comparison the Admirals have only had 29 players start games for them.

Coaching is a question/unknown (as to quality).

The Hawks do not have a true top 6 forward in Rockford. (that is why I would hate to see them move Saad.) You could argue Sikura, Hagel, Kurashev. But I would say they are middle 6 at best.

On D there is hope that Beaudin is a top 4 defender. After that mainly bottom 4 defenders. Mitchell is looking pretty important.

I don't really understand the reason for 3 goalies. You would think they would want Tomkins to be playing regularly in Indy. If the Hawks move Crow or Lehner and fall out of the playoff race we could see Lankinen and Delia shuttled back and forth. I would like to see them play some games in the NHL.
- -Doh-

Is Saad an actual top 6 forward?

People can bee otch about DeBrincat's supposed "down year" but Saad doesn't have half the finishing skills or hands that DeBrincat has.

Interesting mailbag from Deitz in the herald alluding to possible moves to sign all these UFAs and RFAs the Hawks have coming up.

Fire Cornellison - DONT hire Messmer - just end the meaningless false patriotism of singing the National anthem(s) before every mundane athletic event.

Figure out a better way to honor the veterans of past wars.
- StLBravesFan

Who said it's just honoring the past veterans?

The reason these games are played is because of the brave men/women who give us that freedom every second of every day.

My issue with Corneilson is that he's made that about HIM with his point at the flag. Just sing the anthem and move along.

Who said it's just honoring the past veterans?

The reason these games are played is because of the brave men/women who give us that freedom every second of every day.

My issue with Corneilson is that he's made that about HIM with his point at the flag. Just sing the anthem and move along.
- SteveRain

I stand for the anthem even when watching from home.

My dad left his hearing in the South Pacific in WW II.

The anthem is worth it to me.

If it were me, no way i trade Saad with another year left on his contract unless the offer is outstanding.

I definitely would shop Gus, Koekkoek

I would talk to Lehner and say we would like to sign you to a contract extension, if we trade you since we couldn't agree on a contract, this is our term and price come free agency.

You make it sound like the Hawks have the leverage with Lehner but they don't.

I'm keeping Saad too I he's a long way from UFA NMC everyone is worried about is kind of meaningless. When the time comes if they want to move him there they do have leverage: "take this trade or you're playing 4th line and press box since you won't take our offer..." But as I argued yesterday, if I need to move $6m I'm moving dinky before Saad. If he's so great somebody said "potential 50 goal scorer," left out potential 20 goal scorer," let's get a huge package back.

I like 4K he's improving we will need some decent cheap Dmen I don't see him going over $2m. Time to get a bag of pucks for Gus already. Injuries may have kept him here?
- rpeters01

They are up against the cap.....again.

1. People can point to Seabrook or Shaw being bought out or retired but both will hang on for their money to be paid out. Believe you can't put them on LTIR until the 1st night of the year so they have to be cap compliant with those 2 AGAINST the books.

2. Saad is a luxury you can afford to pay for WHEN your window to win a cup is there .Hawks don't have luxury that right now and show me a prospect below who is going to step in replace DeBrincat's offense. Who? Dach is anything but a GIVEN to be a top 3 or top 6 center at this time. Not saying he's a bust but he's far from the lighting the world on fire so far.

Kubalik…..has had a very nice run but usually in year 2 or year 3 these guys take a step back as the league adjusts and then it's up to the player to adjust back.

3. Does anyone know what DeBrincat's ceiling is? Im pretty sure I know what Saad is going to give you...20+ goals, a solid 200 ft game, and a contributor to the PK> He's not a guy Id count to produce on the PP or 1 of my 6 guys when I need a goal with an empty net, or even a shoot out choice.

Trading Saad now with another whole year left on his deal will net you a very nice return...because if Bowman pays Brandon Saad anything more then 6,999,999.99 AAV on his next deal he should be replaced. You are already way too top heavy with Toews, Kane, Seabrook, and Keith and soon to be a #1 goalie.....throwing in a 7+ AAV 3rd line depth scorer is just fiscally stupid.

My issue with Corneilson is that he's made that about HIM with his point at the flag. Just sing the anthem and move along.
- SteveRain

It's a tribute, but it's also a performance. I've seen enough god awful anthems to be thankful for Jim.

I stand for the anthem even when watching from home.

My dad left his hearing in the South Pacific in WW II.

The anthem is worth it to me.
- 35Tony0

The anthem at sporting events is what makes this country so great. IT means something.....nothing is more upsetting then idiots who 1. don't stand, and 2. don't remove their hats.

Canadians sing their anthem. Its great.

IF people don't like the anthems being play, don't go to events. Period.

It's a tribute, but it's also a performance. I've seen enough god awful anthems to be thankful for Jim.
- Fat_Tony_Amonte

The NFL has done that....and it will continue Sunday when the over hits on the length of the anthem because some pop star needs to draw it out.

If you can't sing the anthem in an allotted amount of time you shouldn't sing it. If you can't stand remove your hat, you should be ticketed and fined.

Respect. Something today's society knows very little about....that and accountability.

The anthem at sporting events is what makes this country so great. IT means something.....nothing is more upsetting then idiots who 1. don't stand, and 2. don't remove their hats.

Canadians sing their anthem. Its great.

IF people don't like the anthems being play, don't go to events. Period.
- SteveRain

I wish there was a way to curtail all the fan cheering during it. i'd bet 70-80 % of those attending these days have no idea why that's done, just a big party to most there these days. See why here...……….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpxVE_kQXg

What's wrong in Rockford? Easy.

Same thing that is wrong with the Blackhawks - lack of talent. What sparks of potential there were/might yet be in Rockford are playing with the Hawks now, depleting the Hogs' roster.

If it were me, no way i trade Saad with another year left on his contract unless the offer is outstanding.

I definitely would shop Gus, Koekkoek

I would talk to Lehner and say we would like to sign you to a contract extension, if we trade you since we couldn't agree on a contract, this is our term and price come free agency.

You make it sound like the Hawks have the leverage with Lehner but they don't.

I'm keeping Saad too he's a long way from UFA NMC everyone is worried about is kind of meaningless. When the time comes if they want to move him they do have leverage: "take this trade or you're playing 4th line and press box since you won't take our offer..." But as I argued yesterday, if I need to move $6m I'm moving dinky before Saad. If he's so great somebody said "potential 50 goal scorer," left out "potential 20 goal scorer," let's get a huge package back.

I like 4K he's improving we will need some decent cheap Dmen I don't see him going over $2m. Time to get a bag of pucks for Gus already. Injuries may have kept him here?
- rpeters01

About Lehner, it's not about leverage, he falls in the Varlamov contract bin, great deal of risk signing him to a big contract. That's why he's going to test the market because the Hawks i imagine are offering a 3 year deal for 5 ro 6 mill per. Anyone who offers him big money is a fool

The Washington Post reported back in November 2015 that at least 50 professional sports teams and leagues were paid by the Department of Defense for patriotic displays honoring American soldiers. While it comes across as honoring America’s military, it’s really more about recruiting efforts.

Switching gears.....

You have $70,129,000 committed next year already

All accounts are predicting the cap ceiling to land between 83-85 million

Call it $84,000,000

That leaves Bowman.....$13,871,000 to fit in the following

Caggiula, Strome, Kubalik, Koekoek, and Highmore at F and D

The organization has all of 2 goalies signed beyond this year....Tomkins (700K) and Delia (1,000,000)

Meaning you still need to sign Lankinen and a #1

I didnt' include Gustafsson because if Bowman extends him he should be fired on the spot.

Point is they are going to have to subtract a decent amount to get this all cap compliant.

Who is taking on an injury risk like Shaw or Seabrook or Dehaan unless the Hawks are taking back HUGE money?

IMO....we can all sit here and debate what Lehner should be getting or him vs CRow but the 2 I look at very closely are Kubalik and Strome.

I wonder out loud if Bowman would have the stones to deal Strome and accumulate a pick and/or prospects back IF he feels Dach could be that guy in the 2 pivot?

I also wonder how much tolerance Bowman will have with Kubalik's camp if the guy wants 4-5AAV if he hits 35+ goals which is very possible.


This deadline is going to be fascinating especially if the Hawks are still in contention. Does Bowman risk losing some assets for nothing (50 or 40 or 56) to go for it and would he sacrifice a guy like (17) to help get his books in order for this summer and beyond.....I don't envy his position but there are a LOT of moving pieces to all this....more so then any other recent year.

Or maybe Wirtz will find a way of stealing the franchise like he did with the Bulls.

Or maybe Wirtz will find a way of stealing the franchise like he did with the Bulls.
- LAHawk

Helps to own the only real viable venue in town.

Is Saad an actual top 6 forward?

People can bee otch about DeBrincat's supposed "down year" but Saad doesn't have half the finishing skills or hands that DeBrincat has.

Interesting mailbag from Deitz in the herald alluding to possible moves to sign all these UFAs and RFAs the Hawks have coming up.
- SteveRain

Saad will stay unless a team is so desperate for a power forward they give up a 1st and a really good prospect.

DCat not going anywhere, the guy that would be jettisoned from here is the guy who hasn't agreed to an extension yet, Strome.