I think you might be low on Nylander - if he has any kind of season next season - and if he can’t get to 20+30=50, why keep him at all? - he”ll be above the $1.5.

Given the financial “losses” the Hawks are going to have for a couple of years, will Rocky and Danny want to come up with the cash for the Maatta / Smith buyouts?

Other than those, probably conceptually correct, at least. Let’s see how it plays out - you’re player projections could work out well.
- StLBravesFan

buying them out saves money,tho.

I did not see Delia play last year. Can anyone who did tell me what improvements he has made? I will admit, I am harshly critical having only seen him in the year prior, when most games he was playing behind a non existent defense. What I saw was a goalie that relied solely on his athleticism to stop a puck. To me, his upside is Curtis McElhaney, a career tweener between a goos AHL tender and a second string NHLer, that you can sign cheap and have him on the roster for cap purposes.
- LAHawk

Started out slow but came on late in the season. I think there is enough talent to build on with Delia

Several points jump to mind after skimming through this info:

1. Too bad that Bowman signed Debrincat early because a couple million could have been saved here.

2. No way does Strome get $4M in this current environment. Bowman is nuts if he forks out this kind of dough to a player with no bargaining power.

3. If other teams have to buy out Maata types, then there will be bargain UFA's made available to us to fill out the lineup.

4. Pretty much every team is in the same boat so the pressure is on the players not the GM's during contract negotiations. There are more players seeking contracts than there are available spots on teams that have Cap space to accommodate their higher salary demands.

5. Some teams not spending to the Cap limit have owners who choose to do so. The current economic climate may motivate them to be even more so inclined.
- 67hawks

All good points. If there are no options available to the clubs for cap relief then I expect the Hawks will buy out Maatta and Smith to create about $4.5-$4.6 million in cap space. It’s not ideal, but it creates the much needed (and glorious) cap space. If rookies (I.e. Mitchell) are used as replacements they team has only approx. $2.5-$2.6 in extra cap space. Not a lot, but it could help with re-signing Kubalik and Strome.

Maybe not next, but eventually I suspect they will be pressured tp change it.
- DarthKane

Doubtful. In no.way is the.logo or name.deragratory

Started out slow but came on late in the season. I think there is enough talent to build on with Delia
- Elbows15

I’m not sold on Delia or any other goalie in the system. Running with any of them as the back-up is a risk given Crawford’s concussion history. But it’s a risk the Hawks may have no choice but to take.

All good points. If there are no options available to the clubs for cap relief then I expect the Hawks will buy out Maatta and Smith to create about $4.5-$4.6 million in cap space. It’s not ideal, but it creates the much needed (and glorious) cap space. If rookies (I.e. Mitchell) are used as replacements they team has only approx. $2.5-$2.6 in extra cap space. Not a lot, but it could help with re-signing Kubalik and Strome.
- DarthKane

I would love to see both Smith and Marta gone

I’m not sold on Delia or any other goalie in the system. Running with any of them as the back-up is a risk given Crawford’s concussion history. But it’s a risk the Hawks may have no choice but to take.
- DarthKane

I am fine with it. Just means another high draft choice

I am fine with it. Just means another high draft choice
- Elbows15

Then the Hawks should roll with Subban and Delia.

All good points. If there are no options available to the clubs for cap relief then I expect the Hawks will buy out Maatta and Smith to create about $4.5-$4.6 million in cap space. It’s not ideal, but it creates the much needed (and glorious) cap space. If rookies (I.e. Mitchell) are used as replacements they team has only approx. $2.5-$2.6 in extra cap space. Not a lot, but it could help with re-signing Kubalik and Strome.
- DarthKane

Kubalik and Strome and for that matter Crow will take whatever Stan offers or not play. We'll find out how much the Wirtz family is willing to borrow from other businesses for buyouts with almost $0 hockey income. I don't think it's only up to Rocky. Yes it's cheaper to buyout but you have to factor in time value of money and cost to replace those players.

I would love to see both Smith and Marta gone
- Elbows15

I think you’ll get your wish.

After struggling to start the season due to his mind being preoccupied by the health issues in his family, Delia turned it around by tracking pucks better, moving more economically, and taking more control of his net (i.e. less rebounds).

Earlier in the season he was flopping everywhere to try and make saves. I'm no goalie expert but his renewed focus and compact stance allowed him to see every puck and move efficiently.
- AEL_Fox

Which, IIRC, is how he looked in the first week he was up here two seasons ago: always in good position, quick (not early) down and quick up, ready for the rebound shot. No flopping, just always in position and ready.

For probably 3 games.

Then he went to the flopping, indecision, not being able to efficiently get up and down or side to side....

I was impressed with his first few games - it would be nice if he could get back to that.

Doubtful. In no.way is the.logo or name.deragratory
- Elbows15

I’m not part of that minority group so I can’t comment on the impact of the Blackhawks’ logo. From the experiences I’ve had with native Canadians (and non-Native Canadians) the logo has been nothing but positive. But’s I’ll acknowledge that’s been limited scope.

Of all the teams in question, I’d expect the Blackhawks to be at the end of the list. There’s a great article in The Athletic on this topic.

Doubtful. In no.way is the.logo or name.deragratory
- Elbows15

Appropriation of culture???

Oh wait...let me guess...you are “celebrating” it?

To the victors...go the spoils, right?

University of North Dakota (where Toewes played)...completely re-named and revamped its University mascot, nickname, and logo out of respect for indigenous culture...and somehow...life goes on...

Somehow...

buying them out saves money,tho.
- Elbows15

They would replace them on the roster, probably getting back to the cap - so no money saved, only money going out without a return.

Doubtful. In no.way is the.logo or name.deragratory
- Elbows15

Say those of us who are not Native Americans.

Then the Hawks should roll with Subban and Delia.
- DarthKane

Works for me

Say those of us who are not Native Americans.
- StLBravesFan

It has been discussed with the local tribes many times. They have never asked for its removal

They would replace them on the roster, probably getting back to the cap - so no money saved, only money going out without a return.
- StLBravesFan

They don't return any value.anyway

Say those of us who are not Native Americans.
- StLBravesFan

The Redskins are now reviewing their name.

The Redskins are now reviewing their name.
- DarthKane

They should. It's not altruistic tho. FedEx is threatening to.remove their money for naming rights

It has been discussed with the local tribes many times. They have never asked for its removal
- Elbows15

Times are changing - pressure for changing these names is growing.

As I understand the situation, there were relationships between the Hawks / Wirtz family and Native Americans groups in the past - but those relationships have broken down, and don’t exist any more. New leadership in the community is more militant and less willing to go along with the symbolism.

I’m on record in these pages as saying I hope the Hawks DON’T have to change name or logos (including the crossed-tomahawks on the letter “C”). I think things are changing faster than expected.

What are everyone's thoughts on Saad?

I have the Hawks resigning him when his deal is up. Is it a fair deal? Would you retain him?

What are everyone's thoughts on Saad?

I have the Hawks resigning him when his deal is up. Is it a fair deal? Would you retain him?
- Tyler Cameron

Term is the key with Saad. He will be 29 when he signs. No more than 3 years and about what he makes now or less. He should be paid for what he is now. There is no hidden upside at this point. 4.5 to 5 would be my max

Term is the key with Saad. He will be 29 when he signs. No more than 3 years and about what he makes now or less. He should be paid for what he is now. There is no hidden upside at this point. 4.5 to 5 would be my max
- Elbows15

That's about what I expect, 3@$4.5-6.0 Anywhere there wouldn't surprise me. Depends if anyone's bought out?

What are everyone's thoughts on Saad?

I have the Hawks resigning him when his deal is up. Is it a fair deal? Would you retain him?
- Tyler Cameron

Given the financial state of the sport, my guess is 3-4 years at no more than what you proposed at $6.5M but hopefully at or around his current $6M.

While I can see Crawford not being able to command his currently salary on a renewed deal, Saad could at least garner that at his younger age. Durable and productive, too.

Realitically, I could see the Hawks wanting 3 years at $5M, give or take on the AAV.

And yes, I retain him if the price is right. The veteran core up front starts with Toews, Kane, and Saad.