Theo Fox: Game 49 vs Lightning A preview to the Blackhawks final matchup versus the Lightning.

Plus, a look at the legacy of Andrew Shaw and what that means to the rebuild.

Thanks for the new blog Theo!

Lots of great moments from Shaw's career and definitely sad it had to end the way it did.

It will be interesting what they do in these last handful of games. Technically they can still make the playoffs though pretty unlikely.

Will also be interesting to see if they decide to play a few more rooks as you mention. I don't think it happens yet, but could see it happen with another loss or two.

Thanks for the new blog Theo!

Lots of great moments from Shaw's career and definitely sad it had to end the way it did.

It will be interesting what they do in these last handful of games. Technically they can still make the playoffs though pretty unlikely.

Will also be interesting to see if they decide to play a few more rooks as you mention. I don't think it happens yet, but could see it happen with another loss or two.
- HawkintheD

I would like them to go with 6 dmen and 12 forwards. Why double shift Kane at this point in the season? If he were to be seriously injured in his 23rd minute of a game the Hawks were losing 4 to 1 fans would go nuts. I would rather give minutes to Gaudette, Connolly, and Strome and roll 4 lines until the end of the season.

I also would alternate Lankinen and Subban each game.

I would like them to go with 6 dmen and 12 forwards. Why double shift Kane at this point in the season? If he were to be seriously injured in his 23rd minute of a game the Hawks were losing 4 to 1 fans would go nuts. I would rather give minutes to Gaudette, Connolly, and Strome and roll 4 lines until the end of the season.

I also would alternate Lankinen and Subban each game.
- -Doh-

Maybe cut down Keith's mins a bit too. Would like to see Gaudette draw in. Along with Z I think (hope) Strome gets dealt in the offseason.

found on an website

Avalanche Brandon Saad Out
The 28-year-old Saad has been an outstanding secondary piece for Colorado this year. He has 15 goals and 24 points in 44 games. Saad has been dependent and reliable despite not being a central part of the Avs’ offence. This is because the team is so deep that they can afford to play Saad on the second power-play away from its top stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Despite the lack of overpowering talent on his line, Saad is still tied for fourth on the team in goals and has an outstanding 57.1 percent Corsi For. Trading for him looks like one of Joe Sakic‘s most brilliant moves to date.

His next contract should be interesting. How much is a 2nd line 0.57 point 14 minute per game winger worth. I am predicting neither the Hawks nor the Av's will be the team giving him a multi year big dollar contact this summer.

found on an website

Avalanche Brandon Saad Out
The 28-year-old Saad has been an outstanding secondary piece for Colorado this year. He has 15 goals and 24 points in 44 games. Saad has been dependent and reliable despite not being a central part of the Avs’ offence. This is because the team is so deep that they can afford to play Saad on the second power-play away from its top stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Despite the lack of overpowering talent on his line, Saad is still tied for fourth on the team in goals and has an outstanding 57.1 percent Corsi For. Trading for him looks like one of Joe Sakic‘s most brilliant moves to date.

His next contract should be interesting. How much is a 2nd line 0.57 point 14 minute per game winger worth. I am predicting neither the Hawks nor the Av's will be the team giving him a multi year big dollar contact this summer.
- -Doh-

If I recall correctly, Saad had an injury in his draft year which lowered him in that draft. This may repeat itself in his new contract search.

This doesn’t surprise me. Saad was great on the third line the second time around, not so much when playing top 6. He is being paid as a top 6, but his best useage is as a third line player.

Wonder how much playing primarily with Toews and Hossa made him so overvalued. Columbus couldn’t wait to get rid of him. Good riddance.

Re: the hit on Carpenter
While much is being made on concussion issues throughout the sports world, it sure would be nice if the league authorities addressed it vigorously via penalties, fines and suspensions.
We all understand refs miss calls, but after game reviews combined with medical diagnosis should generate some heat on cheap shot artists. One would think. Some day maybe.

Edit: by the way, whatever happened to the guy who ended Mutt's career with that last hit to his head??

Maybe cut down Keith's mins a bit too. Would like to see Gaudette draw in. Along with Z I think (hope) Strome gets dealt in the offseason.
- HawkintheD

In terms of priority not wanting back next year:
first - Z
second - deHaan
a distant third - Strome

If Stan can move those 3 he gains $10 mil plus in cap space. Depending on the Toews situation we will need a 2c/3c. Stan should be able to get a pretty good 2/3C for a fraction of that money in this COVID contract era. UFA Mikael Granlund? UFA Phillip Danault?

If I recall correctly, Saad had an injury in his draft year which lowered him in that draft. This may repeat itself in his new contract search.
- 35Tony0

He will be back in plenty of time for the playoffs. So the minor injury should not have much effect. How he plays in the playoffs will have a major effect.

In terms of priority not wanting back next year:
first - Z
second - deHaan
a distant third - Strome

If Stan can move those 3 he gains $10 mil plus in cap space. Depending on the Toews situation we will need a 2c/3c. Stan should be able to get a pretty good 2/3C for a fraction of that money in this COVID contract era. UFA Mikael Granlund? UFA Phillip Danault?
- -Doh-

That's the caveat with Strome (Toews being ready to go) though I just don't think he's a good fit for what Colliton's trying to do. He still gets separated from the puck way too easily and it just seems rare whatever line he's on is able to establish any kind of forecheck.

I like the two guys you mention depending on what the Cap hit would be.

Shaw like Seabs the end reuslts of these contracts and or trades are not shocking IE LTIR and getting next to nothing from them. that was pretty bad cap and asset mamgement. right now we sit at #12 in the draft. looks like we can fall anywere from 9-14 depending on how we finish up. 9 would be alot better then 14. I have heard there is a tier around 9-10 depending on if anyone grabs a goalie. we have depth now we need high end talent.

sure feels like we should have taken the best offer for strome and ZAD at the deadline.
I cant imagine we woudl ever get the same offer this off season. maybe after the EXP draft but before the draft we could get some value for teams that dont want to sign UFA's but lost somebody in the EXP draft they want to replace.

If Stan can move those 3 he gains $10 mil plus in cap space. Depending on the Toews situation we will need a 2c/3c. Stan should be able to get a pretty good 2/3C for a fraction of that money in this COVID contract era. UFA Mikael Granlund? UFA Phillip Danault?

No, just no 28 and 29 year old UFA's that don't move the needle. You insinuate Stan should outbid whoever else wants them, please no. Both will probably be looking at a 3 year commitment no matter what the AAV is. Even without Toews you have

Dach
Strome (I don't think he goes anywhere, Stan is not going to give him away)
Kurashev
Borgstrom
Gaudette
Kampf.

Would rather give Borgstrom or Guadette a chance then go with ANY UFA's this year. We are not a playoff team, we are not one good 3C away from being a Stanley Cup contender. Only way I would take a player like Danault/Granlund is what Stan did with Connolly, get young assets back also. If they need to fill, Soderberg and that ilk will be available at minimum dollars for 1 year as a stop gap.

Cap space is an asset too. As they say in the stock trading world, cash is a position.

If Stan can move those 3 he gains $10 mil plus in cap space. Depending on the Toews situation we will need a 2c/3c. Stan should be able to get a pretty good 2/3C for a fraction of that money in this COVID contract era. UFA Mikael Granlund? UFA Phillip Danault?

No, just no 28 and 29 year old UFA's that don't move the needle. You insinuate Stan should outbid whoever else wants them, please no. Both will probably be looking at a 3 year commitment no matter what the AAV is. Even without Toews you have

Dach
Strome (I don't think he goes anywhere, Stan is not going to give him away)
Kurashev
Borgstrom
Gaudette
Kampf.

Would rather give Borgstrom or Guadette a chance then go with ANY UFA's this year. We are not a playoff team, we are not one good 3C away from being a Stanley Cup contender. Only way I would take a player like Danault/Granlund is what Stan did with Connolly, get young assets back also. If they need to fill, Soderberg and that ilk will be available at minimum dollars for 1 year as a stop gap.

Cap space is an asset too. As they say in the stock trading world, cash is a position.
- LAHawk

All good points and agree the Hawks shouldn't get into bidding wars over UFA's.

Not saying Granlund or Danault will be in this situation, but as you mention with Soderberg, I wouldn't mind if Stan brought in a player or two on one year deals that could be flipped at the TDL.

A lot of that is going to depend of course on how many more new players from within the system they feel are ready to join the big club. If Borgstrom is ready that would be great and forgot Gaudette is a C. Plus Suter can play there too and I know Reichel was playing center on his Berlin team.

They shouldn't give Strome away but still say he's not a great match for how Colliton wants to play.

If Stan can move those 3 he gains $10 mil plus in cap space. Depending on the Toews situation we will need a 2c/3c. Stan should be able to get a pretty good 2/3C for a fraction of that money in this COVID contract era. UFA Mikael Granlund? UFA Phillip Danault?

No, just no 28 and 29 year old UFA's that don't move the needle. You insinuate Stan should outbid whoever else wants them, please no. Both will probably be looking at a 3 year commitment no matter what the AAV is. Even without Toews you have

Dach
Strome (I don't think he goes anywhere, Stan is not going to give him away)
Kurashev
Borgstrom
Gaudette
Kampf.

Would rather give Borgstrom or Guadette a chance then go with ANY UFA's this year. We are not a playoff team, we are not one good 3C away from being a Stanley Cup contender. Only way I would take a player like Danault/Granlund is what Stan did with Connolly, get young assets back also. If they need to fill, Soderberg and that ilk will be available at minimum dollars for 1 year as a stop gap.

Cap space is an asset too. As they say in the stock trading world, cash is a position.
- LAHawk

1 - Quite the contrary. I would only sign Danault or Granlund if the price and term were reasonable. Reasonable dollars and short term. If there is no cap increase and because of decreased revenues due to empty stadiums during COVID there could be some UFA's that will sign short term for lower than normal dollars.
2 - These are UFA's so you give nothing and get nothing extra.

All good points and agree the Hawks shouldn't get into bidding wars over UFA's.

Not saying Granlund or Danault will be in this situation, but as you mention with Soderberg, I wouldn't mind if Stan brought in a player or two on one year deals that could be flipped at the TDL.

A lot of that is going to depend of course on how many more new players from within the system they feel are ready to join the big club. If Borgstrom is ready that would be great and forgot Gaudette is a C. Plus Suter can play there too and I know Reichel was playing center on his Berlin team.

They shouldn't give Strome away but still say he's not a great match for how Colliton wants to play.
- HawkintheD

Agree. Reichel, Gaudette, Borgstrom, are unknowns and could also play wing. Suter can also play wing. If you sign a Danault, Granlund (who can also play wing), or even Soderberg for a year or two and one or more of the prospects are the real deal then whatever UFA you signed could bring back some high value assets during the season or at the TDL. It is all about building depth and giving you flexibility (and staying out of cap hell). I also think the prospects should earn playing time. If that means some time in the Rock so be it.

If Stan can move those 3 he gains $10 mil plus in cap space. Depending on the Toews situation we will need a 2c/3c. Stan should be able to get a pretty good 2/3C for a fraction of that money in this COVID contract era. UFA Mikael Granlund? UFA Phillip Danault?

No, just no 28 and 29 year old UFA's that don't move the needle. You insinuate Stan should outbid whoever else wants them, please no. Both will probably be looking at a 3 year commitment no matter what the AAV is. Even without Toews you have

Dach
Strome (I don't think he goes anywhere, Stan is not going to give him away)
Kurashev
Borgstrom
Gaudette
Kampf.

Would rather give Borgstrom or Guadette a chance then go with ANY UFA's this year. We are not a playoff team, we are not one good 3C away from being a Stanley Cup contender. Only way I would take a player like Danault/Granlund is what Stan did with Connolly, get young assets back also. If they need to fill, Soderberg and that ilk will be available at minimum dollars for 1 year as a stop gap.

Cap space is an asset too. As they say in the stock trading world, cash is a position.
- LAHawk

Agreed and everyone seems to forget, the $10-20M that will be on LTIR Rocky still has to pay. Stan will make his boss very happy if he can make some of that go away.

Shaw like Seabs the end reuslts of these contracts and or trades are not shocking IE LTIR and getting next to nothing from them. that was pretty bad cap and asset mamgement. right now we sit at #12 in the draft. looks like we can fall anywere from 9-14 depending on how we finish up. 9 would be alot better then 14. I have heard there is a tier around 9-10 depending on if anyone grabs a goalie. we have depth now we need high end talent.

sure feels like we should have taken the best offer for strome and ZAD at the deadline.
I cant imagine we woudl ever get the same offer this off season. maybe after the EXP draft but before the draft we could get some value for teams that dont want to sign UFA's but lost somebody in the EXP draft they want to replace.
- kmw4631

I, like many others, am critical of Stan Bowman for some of the various moves he's made over the years however, expecting Stan to be able to foresee when a player will have a career ending injury is not one of them.

And what were those offers for Strome and Zad? Please be specific with verified sources.

Agreed and everyone seems to forget, the $10-20M that will be on LTIR Rocky still has to pay. Stan will make his boss very happy if he can make some of that go away.
- rpeters01

Wouldn’t insurance cover a significant part of the LTIR payments?

I don’t know the technicalities or cost of the insurance, but I think that the insurance pays for a lot of it.

I may be wrong...like I apparently was on the LTIR pick-up rules. Isn’t that simplistically trading away contracts of players who can’t go on LTIR for an LTI-eligible skater?

Agree. Reichel, Gaudette, Borgstrom, are unknowns and could also play wing. Suter can also play wing. If you sign a Danault, Granlund (who can also play wing), or even Soderberg for a year or two and one or more of the prospects are the real deal then whatever UFA you signed could bring back some high value assets during the season or at the TDL. It is all about building depth and giving you flexibility (and staying out of cap hell). I also think the prospects should earn playing time. If that means some time in the Rock so be it.
- -Doh-

I didn't even mention Entwhistle and R. Johnson as centers. I think next year is different than this year. Janmark, Walmark, Soderberg weren't blocking anyone from playing in the bigs, they were filler. Well now we have a lot of young prospects that we have to see if they are NHL ready or not. As pointed out, without Toews, the hawks have approximately 7 centers that spent time in the league last year, plus Borgstrom, plus possibly Reichel in a year.

Lets not do what Detroit did, and what we did when we were filling with Kunitz, Manning, etc. etc. At some point you have to see whether your young players can play. We found out a lot about our young players this year (mostly positive). I would hate to see Borgstrom sent down, or get limited ice time because he would be blocked by a UFA. If he needs seasoning, fine, we still have Dach, Suter, Kurashev, Kampf, and possibly Strome. Maybe kurashev can become a #2 center, lets find out what we have rather than spend for a UFA because we have some cap space.

Wouldn’t insurance cover a significant part of the LTIR payments?

I don’t know the technicalities or cost of the insurance, but I think that the insurance pays for a lot of it.

I may be wrong...like I apparently was on the LTIR pick-up rules. Isn’t that simplistically trading away contracts of players who can’t go on LTIR for an LTI-eligible skater?
- StLBravesFan

I'm pretty sure that's how it works. That's the reason an independent diagnosis needs to be confirmed in order to qualify a player for LTIR.

He will be back in plenty of time for the playoffs. So the minor injury should not have much effect. How he plays in the playoffs will have a major effect.
- -Doh-

Hmmm a lower back injury = minor?

Wouldn’t insurance cover a significant part of the LTIR payments?

I don’t know the technicalities or cost of the insurance, but I think that the insurance pays for a lot of it.

I may be wrong...like I apparently was on the LTIR pick-up rules. Isn’t that simplistically trading away contracts of players who can’t go on LTIR for an LTI-eligible skater?
- StLBravesFan

Up front but the company has to pay it back over 3 years. Just think of buying a player out its something similar

Agreed and everyone seems to forget, the $10-20M that will be on LTIR Rocky still has to pay. Stan will make his boss very happy if he can make some of that go away.
- rpeters01

Toews, Seabrook and Shaw's contracts probably insured, so those dollars not coming out of Rocky's pocket. His insurance premiums may go up though.

Agree. Reichel, Gaudette, Borgstrom, are unknowns and could also play wing. Suter can also play wing. If you sign a Danault, Granlund (who can also play wing), or even Soderberg for a year or two and one or more of the prospects are the real deal then whatever UFA you signed could bring back some high value assets during the season or at the TDL. It is all about building depth and giving you flexibility (and staying out of cap hell). I also think the prospects should earn playing time. If that means some time in the Rock so be it.
- -Doh-

Cap hell occurs when you have a lot of good players other teams are willing to pay. The Hawks are good for awhile.....