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Forums :: Blog World :: Tyler Cameron: Ten thoughts from two games
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BlackhawkDown
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Peterborough, ON
Joined: 08.01.2012

Feb 6 @ 2:24 PM ET
Hopefully they found him last night, scorers are always streaky.
- Angotti


Amen... thats one long brown streak.
-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Feb 6 @ 2:26 PM ET
Seriously, you are really making this comparison?

Jack Campbell has played 58 NHL games total career, never ever in meaningful games. He is player who has never reached what supposedly was his 'potential', whatever that is or was.

Cro has about 750 regular season and playoff games. He isn't a 'rental' for any other reason than his contract expires at season end. He is still a #1 NHL goaltender by anybody's evaluation.


And one more thing, we"ll see just how good 'cap friendly' Jack Campbell is playing behind that godawful Maple Leaf defence. As much as Michael Hutchison is really an AHL goaltender, he has faced the 2nd most high danger chances of any NHL goalie this year.

You know what goalie has faced the most high danger chances this year? None other than Corey Crawford playing behind what is probably an even worse group of defenceman.

- RickJ


1) I am not comparing careers. I am only comparing the last two years. Their numbers are similar during that time frame. Campbell is playing behind a team defense that is similar to the Hawks.
2) You are saying he is a #1 Goalie. But he is not even #1 on the Hawks.
3) He has the 26th best save % in the NHL this year for goalies that have started more than 10 games.
4) He has the 40th best GAA in the NHL this year for goalies that have started more than 10 games.
5) By definition a player with a contract at the end of the year is a "rental".
6) Crow has had two fairly recent concussions.

I appreciate Crow. In the Summer I think Lehner signs elsewhere and the Hawks sign Crow for a another year or two. I am good with that. I have no problem with him being the Hawks #1 goalie next year.

My point was that we should temper our expectations as to what kind of return that we will get for Crow IF he is traded.
Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 6 @ 2:29 PM ET
If Bowman was smart he would trade for Kovalchuk (700k pro-rated salary), then once Byfuglien's contract is terminated sign him to a 5-6 million pro-rated salary for the rest of the season..... Both players have the potential to significantly improve this team for next to nothing in cap space..... I mean the Hawks have plenty of cap space to go out and get some solid players on expiring contracts (UFA's/RFA's) and not have to worry about extending a guy like Strome this summer or hinder his ability to extend Lehner.....

Byfuglien can just be signed as a UFA when his contract is terminated and Kovalchuk can be had for a 2nd round pick at the most, but more likely a 3rd round pick and a "B" prospect.....

There would be no gamble at all in any of those moves...

Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 6 @ 2:33 PM ET
1) I am not comparing careers. I am only comparing the last two years. Their numbers are similar during that time frame. Campbell is playing behind a team defense that is similar to the Hawks.
2) You are saying he is a #1 Goalie. But he is not even #1 on the Hawks.
3) He has the 26th best save % in the NHL this year for goalies that have started more than 10 games.
4) He has the 40th best GAA in the NHL this year for goalies that have started more than 10 games.
5) By definition a player with a contract at the end of the year is a "rental".
6) Crow has had two fairly recent concussions.

I appreciate Crow. In the Summer I think Lehner signs elsewhere and the Hawks sign Crow for a another year or two. I am good with that. I have no problem with him being the Hawks #1 goalie next year.

My point was that we should temper our expectations as to what kind of return that we will get for Crow IF he is traded.

- -Doh-


The Hawks are 2 points out of a playoff spot, why in the heck trade Crow?

If the Hawks use their cap space and improve this team - this team could be pretty good down the stretch - especially with a tandem of Crow & Lehner....
Budi1782
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 08.06.2013

Feb 6 @ 2:34 PM ET


Byfuglien can just be signed as a UFA when his contract is terminated.

- Savard2Secord


Now this would be interesting. I kind of forgot about him as an asset available because of his surgery and potential holdout/retirement, but if they could get him for nothing and just sign him to a deal for the rest of the year with the cap space they have, why not go for it? Plus I'd think he'd be open to returning to Chicago. And I don't believe this would be one of those bad retread deals like Laad/Oduya/etc turned into.
powerenforcer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wheeling, IL
Joined: 09.24.2009

Feb 6 @ 2:37 PM ET
Now this would be interesting. I kind of forgot about him as an asset available because of his surgery and potential holdout/retirement, but if they could get him for nothing and just sign him to a deal for the rest of the year with the cap space they have, why not go for it? Plus I'd think he'd be open to returning to Chicago. And I don't believe this would be one of those bad retread deals like Laad/Oduya/etc turned into.
- Budi1782


I would even gift wrap Gus and send him to the Peg just as a thank you gift.
Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Feb 6 @ 2:40 PM ET
If Bowman was smart he would trade for Kovalchuk (700k pro-rated salary), then once Byfuglien's contract is terminated sign him to a 5-6 million pro-rated salary for the rest of the season..... Both players have the potential to significantly improve this team for next to nothing in cap space..... I mean the Hawks have plenty of cap space to go out and get some solid players on expiring contracts (UFA's/RFA's) and not have to worry about extending a guy like Strome this summer or hinder his ability to extend Lehner.....

Byfuglien can just be signed as a UFA when his contract is terminated and Kovalchuk can be had for a 2nd round pick at the most, but more likely a 3rd round pick and a "B" prospect.....

There would be no gamble at all in any of those moves...

- Savard2Secord


In your opinion.

Despite his good results in MTL, he was MIA in LA for a long time. He is putting up these better numbers (something like 10pts in 12 games?) playing first line, and PP1. Will he get/does he deserve that same opportunity here? Not to mention you have no idea what MTL is asking for him. Were you clamoring for Kovi before he got shipped to MTL, and if so, why?

No one has any idea what kind of shape Buff is in. He hasn't played any organized hockey in a long time, and was coming off an injury. IF he even wants to play again, there is no clear indication of what kind of player you would be getting.
Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 6 @ 2:47 PM ET
Now this would be interesting. I kind of forgot about him as an asset available because of his surgery and potential holdout/retirement, but if they could get him for nothing and just sign him to a deal for the rest of the year with the cap space they have, why not go for it? Plus I'd think he'd be open to returning to Chicago. And I don't believe this would be one of those bad retread deals like Laad/Oduya/etc turned into.
- Budi1782


No it wouldn't be bad at all because the Hawks wouldn't have to give up any assets for Buff, because they could just sign him as a UFA.... Besides, Buff isn't out do to rehab or injury - he's refusing to play because Winnipeg refused to pay for his surgery and clearly that pissed him off to the point that he's refusing to play for them and wants his contract terminated...

And I concur, I think he would have no problem coming back to Chicago and helping them in their playoff race.... I mean he would certainly be playing top 4, if not used as a big body in front of the net as a forward at times.
LAHawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.02.2017

Feb 6 @ 2:47 PM ET
Hopefully they found him last night, scorers are always streaky.
- Angotti


I am more concerned with ADB's penchant for Versteeg like passes and plays at his own blue line than how many goals he has scored so far this year.
Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 6 @ 2:50 PM ET
In your opinion.

Despite his good results in MTL, he was MIA in LA for a long time. He is putting up these better numbers (something like 10pts in 12 games?) playing first line, and PP1. Will he get/does he deserve that same opportunity here? Not to mention you have no idea what MTL is asking for him. Were you clamoring for Kovi before he got shipped to MTL, and if so, why?

No one has any idea what kind of shape Buff is in. He hasn't played any organized hockey in a long time, and was coming off an injury. IF he even wants to play again, there is no clear indication of what kind of player you would be getting.

- Chunk


Kovalchuk makes 700k - and that would be pro-rated for the rest of the season. So why would you be opposed to that? it's zero risk...

And I know about the return GM's expect Montreal to expect because there is an article on TSN that goes into those details..... Many GM's expect Montreal to get a "mid round pick"....

https://www.tsn.ca/tradec...treal-canadiens-1.1438188
Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Feb 6 @ 3:05 PM ET
Kovalchuk makes 700k - and that would be pro-rated for the rest of the season. So why would you be opposed to that? it's zero risk...

And I know about the return GM's expect Montreal to expect because there is an article on TSN that goes into those details..... Many GM's expect Montreal to get a "mid round pick"....

https://www.tsn.ca/tradec...treal-canadiens-1.1438188

- Savard2Secord


On the surface, from and asset/risk perspective, you are right. My thinking is that if Kovi is such a good get, and low risk then MTL will have multiple bidders for his services which ultimately drives up the price. My other concern is that he has never been noted for his defense, and we have several players like that already. So my question then becomes how does he actually help your team.

It doesn't matter what "many GM's expect". NJ got Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson. We got Caggiula for whatever the heck Brandon Manning was. There are different pressures and situations on all teams which drive the moves.
z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

Feb 6 @ 3:06 PM ET
If trading Lehner lands a legit top D prospect or top 4 D, do you make that trade and sign CC for one more year? Or a trade that brings back a top 6 forward prospect? CC seems to be finding his groove again and we need to get one of the Rockford guys up for some pro net time. Just wondering if we can afford to dump big money into Lehner with so many other holes to fill. Dunno.. spit ballin

I just don't see this team making the playoffs as constructed. I hope I am wrong.

(This trade is in the event the Hawks fall apart before the deadline and are out.)
-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Feb 6 @ 3:07 PM ET
The Hawks are 2 points out of a playoff spot, why in the heck trade Crow?

If the Hawks use their cap space and improve this team - this team could be pretty good down the stretch - especially with a tandem of Crow & Lehner....

- Savard2Secord


A case can be made for trading them. A case can be made for holding them. A case can be made for trading either of them. I am not suggesting that we should trade either Lehner or Crow. I am neutral about trading goalies. (Although some on this board are for trading one or both goalies, believing that since we are not cup contenders this year we should trade players that can bring us a great return.)There are only 28 games left in the regular season. We are not cup contenders. One goalie probably can start 20 to 24 of the remaining games. It might be good to see what Lankinen could do on the NHL level. If we fall out of the playoff race, losing only helps our lottery position.
-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Feb 6 @ 3:17 PM ET
No it wouldn't be bad at all because the Hawks wouldn't have to give up any assets for Buff, because they could just sign him as a UFA.... Besides, Buff isn't out do to rehab or injury - he's refusing to play because Winnipeg refused to pay for his surgery and clearly that pissed him off to the point that he's refusing to play for them and wants his contract terminated...

And I concur, I think he would have no problem coming back to Chicago and helping them in their playoff race.... I mean he would certainly be playing top 4, if not used as a big body in front of the net as a forward at times.

- Savard2Secord


Keep in mind Big Buff will be 35 years old coming off ankle surgery. He missed half of last year, and 13 games the year before. He refused to report to training camp before he had the surgery. They refused to pay for his surgery because he had the surgery while on suspension for not reporting. Red flags galore.
Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 6 @ 3:26 PM ET
On the surface, from and asset/risk perspective, you are right. My thinking is that if Kovi is such a good get, and low risk then MTL will have multiple bidders for his services which ultimately drives up the price. My other concern is that he has never been noted for his defense, and we have several players like that already. So my question then becomes how does he actually help your team.

It doesn't matter what "many GM's expect". NJ got Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson. We got Caggiula for whatever the heck Brandon Manning was. There are different pressures and situations on all teams which drive the moves.

- Chunk


You put Kovalchuk on the PP, and see what he can do on in the top 6.... It's worth a shot and like I said it's zero risk and if he doesn't "pan out" then you put him in the press box... Either way for 700k pro-rated (100k) it's worth the risk..

Kovalchuk still has one hell of a shot, and I think if you played him on the left side with Kane he could do some serious damage..

Sure he didn't work out in LA, at the same time Duclair didn't work out with the Hawks (or anywhere for that matter) and look at what he's doing with the Sens...

With that said some players just need the right environment to succeed... Just because he was terrible in LA, and is doing well in Montreal doesn't mean he won't do well with the Hawks...

It's worth a shot, IMO.
paulr
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: YYZ
Joined: 06.26.2011

Feb 6 @ 3:30 PM ET
You put Kovalchuk on the PP, and see what he can do on in the top 6.... It's worth a shot and like I said it's zero risk and if he doesn't "pan out" then you put him in the press box... Either way for 700k pro-rated (100k) it's worth the risk..

Kovalchuk still has one hell of a shot, and I think if you played him on the left side with Kane he could do some serious damage..

Sure he didn't work out in LA, at the same time Duclair didn't work out with the Hawks (or anywhere for that matter) and look at what he's doing with the Sens...

With that said some players just need the right environment to succeed... Just because he was terrible in LA, and is doing well in Montreal doesn't mean he won't do well with the Hawks...

It's worth a shot, IMO.

- Savard2Secord


If you put Kovalchuck on the powerplay who do you replace?
Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 6 @ 3:30 PM ET
A case can be made for trading them. A case can be made for holding them. A case can be made for trading either of them. I am not suggesting that we should trade either Lehner or Crow. I am neutral about trading goalies. (Although some on this board are for trading one or both goalies, believing that since we are not cup contenders this year we should trade players that can bring us a great return.)There are only 28 games left in the regular season. We are not cup contenders. One goalie probably can start 20 to 24 of the remaining games. It might be good to see what Lankinen could do on the NHL level. If we fall out of the playoff race, losing only helps our lottery position.
- -Doh-


So the Hawks trade BOTH Lenher and Crow?? so who's our starting goalie in October?

Lenher is only 28 so he could be our #1 for the next 5 years at least so he should be extended immediately.... IMO, if the Hawks are going to try and make a run they should keep both...... I mean what could the Hawks get for Crow anyway? assuming he waives his NMC??? a 3rd round pick? not worth it....


Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 6 @ 3:31 PM ET
If you put Kovalchuck on the powerplay who do you replace?
- paulr


Well there are 2 PP units, and they're all not exactly set in stone. Few if any lines are set in stone. Kovalchuk can be fit in...
Rota's Rooter
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.23.2017

Feb 6 @ 3:45 PM ET
If you put Kovalchuck on the powerplay who do you replace?
- paulr

Nylander.
Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 6 @ 3:45 PM ET
Keep in mind Big Buff will be 35 years old coming off ankle surgery. He missed half of last year, and 13 games the year before. He refused to report to training camp before he had the surgery. They refused to pay for his surgery because he had the surgery while on suspension for not reporting. Red flags galore.
- -Doh-


The Jets refused to pay for his surgery......

I would not be concerned at all if the Hawks signed Byfuglien to a pro-rated "show me" contract for the rest of the season and perhaps into the playoffs...

It wouldn't hurt the team at all..... Just like with Kovalchuk, if he doesn't perform then he sits in the press box....

There is no "down side" - he either works out or he doesn't... It's not like the Hawks would have to give up assets for him.... It's not like he would be promised playing time, lol.....

Look, the Hawks have 13 million in cap space for the rest of the season and if Bowman was smart he would use it considering the Hawks are only 2 points out of a playoff spot and bringing in Buff and Kovalchuk would only cost the Hawks 2.5 million in cap space tops? without having to give up any significant assets....

The Hawks could easily acquire any UFA/RFA they want.... How many borderline playoff teams - that have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs - have as much cap space to improve their team than the Hawks?? not many.... The Hawks could drastically improve this team and turn it into a contender with that cap space....

And before people laugh, remember St. Louis last season?


Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 6 @ 3:51 PM ET
Nylander.
- Rota's Rooter


I really like Nylander..... I think Buffalo really mishandled his development, but he's slowly improving in the Hawks system.... I think the kid will be a fine player in a couple of years but for now he just needs to be slowly adjusted to the NHL, but the skill is obviously there..... He's certainly salvageable, will he ever reach his true potential? probably not but that doesn't mean he will be a bust.
rpeters01
Season Ticket Holder
Joined: 07.09.2016

Feb 6 @ 4:28 PM ET
No it wouldn't be bad at all because the Hawks wouldn't have to give up any assets for Buff, because they could just sign him as a UFA.... Besides, Buff isn't out do to rehab or injury - he's refusing to play because Winnipeg refused to pay for his surgery and clearly that pissed him off to the point that he's refusing to play for them and wants his contract terminated...

And I concur, I think he would have no problem coming back to Chicago and helping them in their playoff race.... I mean he would certainly be playing top 4, if not used as a big body in front of the net as a forward at times.

- Savard2Secord

He hated playing forward because he was used that way so that's not going to happen and we don't even know if he can skate?
Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Feb 6 @ 4:31 PM ET
The Jets refused to pay for his surgery......

I would not be concerned at all if the Hawks signed Byfuglien to a pro-rated "show me" contract for the rest of the season and perhaps into the playoffs...

It wouldn't hurt the team at all..... Just like with Kovalchuk, if he doesn't perform then he sits in the press box....

There is no "down side" - he either works out or he doesn't... It's not like the Hawks would have to give up assets for him.... It's not like he would be promised playing time, lol.....

Look, the Hawks have 13 million in cap space for the rest of the season and if Bowman was smart he would use it considering the Hawks are only 2 points out of a playoff spot and bringing in Buff and Kovalchuk would only cost the Hawks 2.5 million in cap space tops? without having to give up any significant assets....

The Hawks could easily acquire any UFA/RFA they want.... How many borderline playoff teams - that have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs - have as much cap space to improve their team than the Hawks?? not many.... The Hawks could drastically improve this team and turn it into a contender with that cap space....

And before people laugh, remember St. Louis last season?

- Savard2Secord


1) Where did this number come from?
2) Do you have any concrete information that says that Buff is not only willing to play, but in any shape to do so?
3) AZ went and acquired Taylor Hall, who is an outstanding player. AZ also is on a worse path points-wise since acquiring him. Is that because of Taylor Hall, or some other fundamental flaw with the team? Adding a couple of old streaky players is not going to make this team a contender. There are bigger problems.
rpeters01
Season Ticket Holder
Joined: 07.09.2016

Feb 6 @ 4:32 PM ET
If trading Lehner lands a legit top D prospect or top 4 D, do you make that trade and sign CC for one more year? Or a trade that brings back a top 6 forward prospect? CC seems to be finding his groove again and we need to get one of the Rockford guys up for some pro net time. Just wondering if we can afford to dump big money into Lehner with so many other holes to fill. Dunno.. spit ballin

I just don't see this team making the playoffs as constructed. I hope I am wrong.

(This trade is in the event the Hawks fall apart before the deadline and are out.)

- z1990z

There will be many FA goalies for next season and the FO may already know the guys in Rockford aren't the answer. I wouldn't go more than $7.5x5 for Lehner with this team under any scenario.
gabriel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Joined: 02.02.2013

Feb 6 @ 4:32 PM ET
No specific message - just struck me that it has been a long time since the Hawks have had to do these "out in the public" appearances to drum up interest in the team. And, I found it a strange choice to pick people departing Chicago to approach. Thought they would be better served going to Union Station and talking to local commuters like they did in the mid 2000s decade with Keith and Sharpy and others.

As others have said on here, nothing sells like winning, but in the meantime, found it interesting the they've redoubled on the old marketing tactics.

- pdx2ord


I've always wondered if these "outreaches" are written into their contracts, or not. I laud the idea of attempting to reach out to the community, in any event. Thanks for the update.
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