After watching the past cup runs with saad on the team and comparing his play now Imo saad leaves you earning to see more from him and believing that it will come.


Strome I'm on the fence , chicago has always seemed to lack enough quality down the middle and strome imo can fit into Chicago's role in either a solid 2c or a 3c.
- Taylorst1

Saad is a solid 200-foot forward with speed who can play anywhere in the top 9 and be effective.

Plus he's a proven playoff performer. If he could finish a tad more, he would be regular 30-goal scorer.

Strome has the offensive tools to be a very good top 6 center but his defense needs a lot of help.

I'm not as hung up on his lack of footspeed as others but can see how these two deficiencies could limit his ability to reach his ceiling.

Whereas Saad can play with anyone and contribute, Strome's productivity is more dependent on who his linemates are.

If the Hawks are fortunate enough to get Lafreniere, I think it makes re-signing all three of Saad, Kubalik and Strome more important than getting rid of one of them because Lafreniere can step in and contribute on day one which facilitates the TKK window to win another Cup. In other words - with Lafreniere and Mitchell added to the roster, maybe the Hawks would be good enough to take a legit run at the Cup.

The hope is that there is a sweet spot where the young players improve enough before the older players fade and it's probably not more than one or two years with the first possible being 2020/21. The Hawks will know by the TDL if they have enough to challenge and if they don't - trade Saad then - but if they do, Saad will play a big role so I'd rather have him in that situation to be able to have that option.

Course, if he demands multiple years at $6M+ - than no.
- EbonyRaptor

What you described makes sense. The Hawks don't need to move hastily to re-sign Saad as they do others like Kubalik and Strome.

As you said, Saad's fate could depend on the how much or how little the team has progressed by the TDL next season.

Another factor may also be how far along the younger forwards have grown whether they are starters, call-ups, or prospects still in juniors, NCAA, and Europe.

Saad is a solid 200-foot forward with speed who can play anywhere in the top 9 and be effective.

Plus he's a proven playoff performer. If he could finish a tad more, he would be regular 30-goal scorer.

Strome has the offensive tools to be a very good top 6 center but his defense needs a lot of help.

I'm not as hung up on his lack of footspeed as others but can see how these two deficiencies could limit his ability to reach his ceiling.

Whereas Saad can play with anyone and contribute, Strome's productivity is more dependent on who his linemates are.
- AEL_Fox

They’ve said the cap will be stagnant for two seasons, increasing by a million in the third.

Does that mean that the split of HRR will still be 50/50, probably resulting in a large escrow giveback by the players? Or that the split will be more in line with the $81MM cap, limiting / eliminating the escrow?

Hawks - Kings from sometime this past season on NBCSports - 4-0 Hawks after two periods.

AdB and Strome each have three points.

I didn’t pay attention - those two must have had big production totals this year.

No?

They’ve said the cap will be stagnant for two seasons, increasing by a million in the third.

Does that mean that the split of HRR will still be 50/50, probably resulting in a large escrow giveback by the players? Or that the split will be more in line with the $81MM cap, limiting / eliminating the escrow?
- StLBravesFan

Not sure. I'm not well versed in this area of pro sports.

Not sure. I'm not well versed in this area of pro sports.
- AEL_Fox

I would say intuitively the 50/50 is out the window. But they can't really roll the cap back to say $40 million were 50/50 to hit that number.

We know that Carlsson and Boqvist have the experience ha ing played as a pair. Yet Colliton states the universal fact: anyone can play together; they just need to practice together. BTW is Carlsson equally capable in either side?

Also we have heard that DeHahn's shoulder needs more time to heal or. become stronger; it is foolish to rush him back too soon

And this tidbit (tidbet?) how some coaches will strongly consider dressing the players whom are more ready, I e. In better physical shape

The shape of our blueline Corp is like an unfinished canvass. It is lacking the final brush strokes.

Just spitballing; a smooth puck mover like Beaudin stands out because he possesses a str9ng skill set and thinks the game well. Therefore Beaudin llikely would stand out in the early going (once play resumes)

Hmmmm

I would say intuitively the 50/50 is out the window. But they can't really roll the cap back to say $40 million were 50/50 to hit that number.
- rpeters01

Thank you for answering STL's question. Great to learn from everyone on these boards.

We know that Carlsson and Boqvist have the experience ha ing played as a pair. Yet Colliton states the universal fact: anyone can play together; they just need to practice together. BTW is Carlsson equally capable in either side?

Also we have heard that DeHahn's shoulder needs more time to heal or. become stronger; it is foolish to rush him back too soon

And this tidbit (tid et?) how some coaches will strongly consider dressing the players whom are more ready, I e. In better physical shape

The shape of our blueline Corp is like an unfinished canvass. It is lacking the final brush strokes.

Just spitballing; a smooth puck mover like Beaudin stands out because his skill set well it stands out in the early going.
Hmmmm
- jhawk59

Yes, Carlsson can play either side.

Beaudin is a lock to be a Black Ace as I'm guessing the players at the voluntary practices will be on the playoff roster or why else risk their health if they weren't.

Despite this, I don't see Beaudin starting and will likely play only if injuries arise.

Possible playoff D pairs:

Keith - Boqvist
de Haan - Murphy
Maatta - Koekkoek
Seeler

Black Aces: Beaudin, Carlsson, Gilbert, Regula (possibly Krys, too, but he has yet to attend a practice)

Yes, Carlsson can play either side.

Beaudin is a lock to be a Black Ace as I'm guessing the players at the voluntary practices will be on the playoff roster or why else risk their health if they weren't.

Despite this, I don't see Beaudin starting and will likely play only if injuries arise.

Possible playoff D pairs:

Keith - Boqvist
de Haan - Murphy
Maatta - Koekkoek
Seeler

Black Aces: Beaudin, Carlsson, Gilbert, Regula (possibly Krys, too, but he has yet to attend a practice)
- AEL_Fox

Does Carlsson play both sides equally well. Murphy played ok on his other side, but is better not playing his off side - correct? I recall Hjalmarsson playing his off side well, although using his backhand was a.weakness - correct?

Saad is a solid 200-foot forward with speed who can play anywhere in the top 9 and be effective.

Plus he's a proven playoff performer. If he could finish a tad more, he would be regular 30-goal scorer.

Strome has the offensive tools to be a very good top 6 center but his defense needs a lot of help.

I'm not as hung up on his lack of footspeed as others but can see how these two deficiencies could limit his ability to reach his ceiling.

Whereas Saad can play with anyone and contribute, Strome's productivity is more dependent on who his linemates are.
- AEL_Fox

Theo, out of these two deficiencies that you mentioned for Strome, his defensive weakness is what is most concerning. Our cup teams had many defensively responsible forwards, that is one aspect that this team is missing. I like Strome, but if he wants too much money, then we have to go in another direction, and Stan has to get back a decent return.

Saad is a solid 200-foot forward with speed who can play anywhere in the top 9 and be effective.

Plus he's a proven playoff performer. If he could finish a tad more, he would be regular 30-goal scorer.

Strome has the offensive tools to be a very good top 6 center but his defense needs a lot of help.

I'm not as hung up on his lack of footspeed as others but can see how these two deficiencies could limit his ability to reach his ceiling.

Whereas Saad can play with anyone and contribute, Strome's productivity is more dependent on who his linemates are.
- AEL_Fox

In my original post I said saad leaves you wanting more from him and believing he will deliver .

Imo Chicago's compounding problems , age , structure, youth, coaching , etc seem to put stress on to many players , strome. I'll concede this year has been a set back for him . But toews has 3 more years and of those years he will be the teams 1 or 2 C for 10.5 million reasons, after his contract is up I'd be surprised if he was given another contract , based on his age and the salary cap situation.

Thank you, Mr. President, for your speech with a unifying message for ALL AMERICANS on the day we celebrate the birthday of our country.

Your message of inclusion for ALL AMERICANS is most welcome in these trying times. You certainly show how much you want to be the leader of 350 million Americans, as well as a well-respected leader of the free world.

The nation will long remember your words of unity at a national monument.

With any luck, until November 3rd.
- StLBravesFan

Hate is the only thing he can offer.

[quote=Taylorst1]

Saad: if as a second and third line forward you appreciate Saad when our team lacks enough size and toughness - grit too - on their top two lines. He will be paid too much but u can live with it. Ideally Saad and his too large contract is traded IF. iF IF Bowman can draft someone with willingness to battle along boards yet had top line ability.. I am betting Bowman either cannot find such a talent with his #1 2930 or drafts a different style player

TOEWS. He is not really helping enough as a too center when typically early season he is in a funk. By that I mean he is inconsistent in checking or having bare minimum physical contact. He is behind his checks too but since I hear more than ii see the games, I will not crucify him on this

BTW Wideeman and T Murray call games as they see it; in other words no sugar coating. Unlike the studio hosts on TV. Speaking of TV, Foley iI susoect that borderline drunk and beside occasional speech issue, the TV guys want to tell stories too much and you therefore do no get solid play by play. Better know all uniform numbers both teams if you want to follow the play. That is the TV style of entertainment.

Alright getting back from that tangent I need to finish my thoughts on Toews (from negative to positive)

Toews has broken out of it like a butterfly that blooms as each season progresses as for the last few seasons.

Toews is a good center although overpaid. He isn't worth much though most nights early in the season. Maybe he has to get his body ready for the NHL rigors and his diet has to be part of it? Honestly I do not know why he is a slow starter. But you cannot find anyone to take his contract. He will retire a Blackhawk and this is ok. He has earned it with the mugging he took early and mid career amidst his stellar performance.

Happy Independence Day to all us Yanks out there. Stay safe. And a belated Canada Day to everyone up north.

Here is an interesting article from Ken Campbell of Hockey news explaining the current CBA negotiations.

One thing I didn't know is the league revenue this season is at 3.8 billion, while players' salaries are 2.5B. So the players are getting 66% of the revenue rather than the 50% as negotiated in the current CBA. The proposed playoffs will bring in another 400M of revenue (TV money obviously since no fans in attendance), bringing the player split down to 60%.

So, if I'm reading it right and my math is correct, assuming revenue stays flat at around 4B for the next year, to get back to the 50-50 split the cap would need to go down to 66M, about a 20% reduction from the current 81.5M. 20% off the 2.5B in salaries brings that down to 2B which is 50% of the 4B in revenue.

Instead of that the league is proposing the flat cap of 81.5M with a 20% escrow plus a 10% additional deferral of salary which would eventually be paid back to the players. 20% escrow means the salary payout will be 2B instead of 2.5B, so the players and league equally split the revenue if it comes in at 4B.

League will allow Olympic participation in 2022 and 2026, and increases in minimum wage and in a couple of years raise ELC levels from 925K to 950K and eventually 1M.

https://thehockeynews.com...bly-the-best-they-can-get

Happy 4th of July to all of my friends South of the border!!

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

My wife and I went to the Blackhawks fan convention last two years ago. The Saulk nation had a table there where you could learn about the real Chief Blackhawk. My wife swung by the table and was talking to one of the guys there and she asked them how they felt about the name/logo.

He said they didn't find it demeaning or derogatory at all. Most of the tribe are Blackhawk fans. A lot of them like the Penguins too.

Thank you, Mr. President, for your speech with a unifying message for ALL AMERICANS on the day we celebrate the birthday of our country.

Your message of inclusion for ALL AMERICANS is most welcome in these trying times. You certainly show how much you want to be the leader of 350 million Americans, as well as a well-respected leader of the free world.

The nation will long remember your words of unity at a national monument.

With any luck, until November 3rd.
- StLBravesFan

What utter hypocrisy. The left says you're a racist if you are a conservative. They support the destruction of property and advocate violence against those that disagree with their views. The hate and intolerance spewed by the left is rampant. This began well before Orange Man came down the escalator.

It is a rare fish that knows it is wet.

I think the players are fools to agree to flat cap in their CBA negotiations and so what if there is a lock out now? Players will never be in a better position to negotiate a CBA. Do you really want to play in this environment?

I'm definitely not a union guy but I have never believed in salary caps. The only thing they do is artificially control supply and demand and protect owners from each other.
- rpeters01

Here's the thing with the reality of things around us:

It is a pretty thin line of public opinion and support for the folks that have the ability to make the giant paychecks, whether they be corporate heads, athletes, or teachers (cough).

If you are a North American born hockey player who shows early in their nhl careers that they are really good impact players and are about to enter they period that in the past got Toews and Kane the big deals one after the other...these players...is one of them gonna stand firm and come out in the press to their fellow NHLPA members and use the press to voice their objections?

I am gonna guess most nhl feel fortunate with the life their sports abilities has allowed them to raise in wealth...and knows that there are all of bad options that could cause issues to the players and league, and they are better served with the current climate to get it down and accept the piece they are negotiating.

I think there will be a movie about what Betta and and committees has been able to achieve with a careful, fluid approach that will immediately pivot when reality tries to impede the forward trajectory.
I have a lot of respect for Bettman in the way there isn't inaction, or stubborn putting a line in the sand on all levels of the league future(s).

Won’t happen.
- bruceflyers

The Oracle of Delphily speaketh.

Hate is the only thing he can offer.
- Beaver-Warrior

Unfortunately mental illness is a real thing.

Sad but true

Unfortunately mental illness is a real thing.

Sad but true
- BetweenTheDots

Very inclusive......

Very inclusive......
- mohel

I see you got internet again

I see you got internet again
- BetweenTheDots

Not to worry, it won't be for long.

What utter hypocrisy. The left says you're a racist if you are a conservative. They support the destruction of property and advocate violence against those that disagree with their views. The hate and intolerance spewed by the left is rampant. This began well before Orange Man came down the escalator.

It is a rare fish that knows it is wet.
- mohel

Glad you’re ok with the Orange Man’s hate speech and HIS racism. I never said (nor do I believe) that all or most of his supporters - or people that don’t agree with me - are racists or fascists.

The President is. If he cared as much about the people of this country as he does about statues of - and army bases named for - traitors, slaveholders (and losers), we might be able to accomplish things.

If you think that most - or even a good percentage - of the “left” is as you say, you need to expand your sources beyond the “fake news” of the Fox analysts, the Trump family, the Keileigh McEnanys, Kellyanne Conways, and the President himself - WE AREN’T WHAT YOU SAY - we certainly aren’t what Trump proclaims the 60% of the country that opposes him to be.

Had we been acting on the wise words and wisdom of Dr. King in the 52 years since his death, perhaps there would be no need for a Black Lives Matter movement.