First Hossa and Kopecky, now Madden
Hawks GM Dale Tallon said earlier on Wednesday after signing Marian Hossa and Tomas Kopecky that be wasn't done and, sure enough, a few hours later he picked by checking center John Madden.
Madden is a nice addition, and a more than able replacement for Sammy Pahlsson, whose persistent abdominal problems were a concern. He is Columbus' worry now.
Madden is a gamer, a top penalty-killer, solid on faceoffs and can score short-handed goals. He also won the 2001 Selke Trophy with the Devils.
After adding three forwards on Wednesday, don't be surprised if there's a trade in the Hawks' future. The Hawks have a lot of good forwards to use as assets to offer in a deal for a defenseman, if that's the way Tallon wants to go.
I know there are a lot of Martin Havlat fans out there, and I like Marty personally, but Hossa is a significant upgrade at both ends of the ice and in the dressing room. Hossa is a leader whereas Havlat kept a lot to himself. Hossa is bigger and stronger and a better goal scorer.
Hossa also is more durable, as Tallon pointed out at least two times on Wednesday. Havlat's health would have been a constant concern to the Hawks.
There was speculation late Wednesday night that Havlat was close to signing with Minnesota.
My pal Josh Mora of Comcast had an interesting idea. He said the Hawks should go after defenseman Jay McKee, who was bought out by the Blues. McKee is big and tough. I like it.
but $2.75M is steep for him, especially coming off a subpar year - very likely a reaction to losing pahlsson - at least it is only a year, tho it still eats into money available to resign versteeg, crawford, barker & other RFAs who contributed to last year's run.
as for Hossa, it is hilarious to hear this talk of him being a significant upgrade over havlat.
sure he has been more durable, but comparing what the two actually did on the ice last year, hossa will do well to repeat what havlat did for the hawks, much less outperform him.
havlat didn't have datsyuk or zetterberg or franzen or holmstrom or lidstrom or rafalski on the ice with him - he had ladd & bolland, yet was the veteran leader on the team offensively (picking up 77 points compared to hossa's 71) & defensively with a +29 (hossa was +27). & in the playoffs, their stats were comparable, despite hossa being on the better team.
all hossa has done is show that when crunch time comes as it did in the cup finals against the team he left, he fails to step it up & now has to try to live down being tagged as the guy who left a young team for an easier chance to win a cup that not only backfired on him, but raised questions about his commitment & mental toughness. now that he is financially set for life (at least until age 42), with the best (aka easiest) years behind him, does he have the mental toughness to lead a young team when the focus in chicago (& the rest of the league) is purely on him? i for one, don't think so.
the only reason a trade or 2 or 3 will now happen is because Tallon has mismanaged the cap yet AGAIN & forced dumping salary upon himself yet AGAIN.
this team is going to take a big step back next year, just with the loss of khabi & reliance on huet - keith & kane can do the math & know that the cap is going down (along with the hawks chances of keeping the big 3 happy) - toews might be more accommodating, but they will all see hossa pulling in $7.5M for the next 8 years & there will be a natural tendency to let hossa try to carry the team - especially if he is seen as taking dollars away from them.
instead of truly building on this core by giving keith, toews & kane first shot at the declining cap pie, Tallon has undermined the young core (& the supporting cast) mostly responsible for the hawks resurgence the last couple of years & will be forced to turnover several more players on the roster this year & next just to free up cap space in an attempt to sign the two of the big 3.
the hossa signing has set the hawks back at least 2 or 3 years & will hurt them for the next decade. so much for the bowman's input.
This is bang on as to what the hawks did by signing a major free agent! I was against re-signing Havlat in the first place.
But nothing we can do now
Puck-- you know I agree on Seabrook as far as his skating stride. He has slow feet and gets clumsy when pressed. But he is a wide load and solid with good hands. And he thinks the game very well at his own pace. He benefits from playing with a guy with quick feet like Keith. Wish he could improve his stride and therefore his speed at least a little and be more effective at an accelerated pace like the one detroit plays at.
As far as Keith and his shot, before a guy can get a shot on net from the point, first he has to get it through. Not too many goals are scored from the point on an overpowering shot anymore. But if the point man can get it through and have it pinball around in front, anything can happen. I tend to give Keith credit for getting his shot through, maybe not on net, but when nobody is going to the net then nobody can score. I blame the forwards every bit or more for this than Duncan Keith. Look what a difference Buff made when he grew a pair.
Dale has got to address the physicality of this team. Did someone actually go on record and say they'd take Versteeg over Sharp??? REALLY??? I think that is bizzaro-world stuff myself. I'm in the trade Versteeg now camp. Wouldn't mind Barker blowing town either for a physical D man and would love another veteran physical forward.
I'm thinking that Versteeg signs for less than Sharp's contract. Sharp may hold more trade value. I am concerned Sharp disappears for stretches of games, not scoring and sometimes not contributing much in any way. I could sit here and point out positive and negative about either player, but if we are to pare some salary cap relief, even one mill $ here and there has to be considered.
Don't know what other moves might actually occur, but saving even that one mill could mean keeping a Brouwer on the roster. Reportedly the team wants to give Beech a long look, and Aliu isn't as ready for NHL life. I have heard some reports that Aliu has more ability than Beech, but mentally I think Aliu has some growing up to do. Just because either Beech or Aliu may have some issues next year or two, does not mean they don't work out in the long run. At least they have an edge in their performance that is natural, compared to Bufuglien (who needs to prove he can be close to the playoff performer he was).
Back to Barker: Moving only Barker is tricky in that if you receive another player in return, what's the difference in their respective salary? I'd prefer Versteeg or Sharp along with Barker and hope a Beech or a Makarov is ready. Makarov might want too much money, but he is someone I say can give us offense when he plays with other skilled forwards. I'm with you on your other comments, Chuck. As for the comment about McDonough the other day, I only mean that he was behind signing big contracts -- like Soriano -- now look at the Cubs. They are hindered by a bad year from Soriano, and other big contracts (though not tied to McDonough in any way) hurt even more (Fukadome stuck with him $40 mill just like Blackhawks stuck with Huet's large deal).
Any time next hockey season, or perhaps at Johnny's IceHouse in a few days for the prospects camp -- would like to say hello. No problem if you have a disagreement with any comment I make. BTW pure conjecture you know what you have in Sharp 35 maybe a tad more goals with no major injuries...Versteeg has yet to show what he is capable of producing. I admit I cheer for Versteeg because I saw him play in Rockford and thought he was a good prospect before anyone else said so. I will add that Niemi is obviously the more athletic than Crawford, but maybe Niemi could use 40 gp @ Rockford while Crawford backs up Huet. Crawford has the demeanor and technical style to serve better as a back up to Huet.
best to marty, habby ,sami and matt!, now turn the page, short and sweet, we're done with the my goal commercials of pretend tough guy adam burish( i like adam!) but we need a bonified enforcer, someone e-mail dale, andrew peters is out there unsigned and what about (if he is healthy, trading for derek boogard!??????????? next, on the D, that is where dale will probably trade from, i would, while the iron is hot, dangle kris versteeg out there, my opinion and my opinion only, once Q took him away from those kids the 2nd half, his #"s dropped, selfish with the puck , not that big and will be just a 3rd liner when it is all said and done, no way is he sharp or JR! EAGER GOES NOWHERE! that kid could play and he is tough but don't need to fight the heavy's but is capable, same with cam barker, skille is trade bait ect... opinions , sugestions? great job dale!!!
That's right boys. Chi-town has become a destination for the league's top talent. Whether we win the cup next year remains to be seen but what we're all starting to realize is that our Blackhawks are starting to earn the respect of the top players in the league. Kudo's to the current regime for turning around this franchise and putting it back near the top where it belongs.
The bigger kudos however go out to all of the great fans for filling our stadium night in and night out. You know those other players are seeing the energy within that building and around the city and who wouldn't want to be part of that?
Glad we got Madden. He's a solid player and a great leader.
As for the future, I know there will be some hard ball played with contracts. I agree with Jacukel that the priority has to be Toews, Keith and then Kane. Hopefully Kaner can become more of a complete player and not just focus on the offensive side of the ice. Not that he doesn't know it, but that all around game will serve him better when it comes contract time too!
I also feel a trade may be in the winds. I can tell you this. We had better get a heavyweight to protect these guys. Whether it's a heavy replacing Walker or someone up front. We've got to have someone other than Eager (who's not considered a top notch heavy) to protect this skill.
As much as I like Versteeg, his trade value is pretty darn high and I'm sure he'd garner alot of interest.
Should be an interesting summer as we wait for training camp!!!
GO HAWKS!!!
Flordia wants to buy out Brett McLean's contract. They also need a defenseman. Trade Sopel for McLean (I now money and years don't match up)? They would be out's McLean's money and take a cap hit this year as well. We put McLean in the minors where his salary does affect out cap (since the Hawks are selling out money isn't as tight) and if we get an injury we can call him up. Solves our problem of Sopel and frees up cap space.
Not sure what defenseman are still out there that fit our need. I've always like Boynton, or hated to play against him. Denis Gauthier used to be a massive hitter but that took him out of position a lot. Not sure if Kyle McLaren has anything left. There just isn't a big, physical, mobile defenseman left. Certainly not a guy that can fight and play a regular shift.
Let's give Tallon some credit. I know that Scotty Bowman is in on the decisions as well. It seems like people want to make it out to be every good move is credited to Bowman and every bad move is Tallon's fault.
if a trade is consummated, whom do you want more- Sharp or Versteeg? I'd take Versteeg. He displays more grittiness if he has a tough linematte? Sharp disappears at times, but he is a real gunner. I see everyone agrees Barker a likely to be dealt. Could happen: Hjalmarsson develops as the more relied upon #3 d-man; tha means Barker is third pair and a #5 on your defense. I would like to see Barker skate/rush better up ice. Instead, he usually wants to pass before he hits center ice. He will be good at getting that cannon off on PP, but if we can aim to replace Barker with a nasty more mobile version of Walker?
Gainey has established smurfville in Montreal? Is Kovalev/Lang returning? NYR still need a center! REMEMBER THIS: each game next season will be tough. All teams are getting better. A key injury could knock us out early in the playoffs. Calgary is better with resting Kiprusoff, Bouwmeester/Phanuef/Pardy on defense and Brent Sutter brings different air of responsibility than Keenan. D Sutter will deal more later in season if team isn't looking dominant. San Jose is re-tooling again. So Craig Anderson maybe gives Avalanche a real goaltender? But can Duchesne soon replace the great Sakic? Burke is making Toronto blueline tough and he will next work to add skill to toughness up front. There is so much turnover now in NHL, it looks a lot like the NBA and NFL shake of dice. When all is done next year, did Quenneville get results from tough love approach with Kane and Bufuglien? Buff will not be on first PP unit, so he'll have to earn it -- that's a good development! A Johnson surprised last year. I've always thought J Hendry under-rated. But yes, Wiz, he's a depth guy. Long term have to project we fill scoring center and mean, yet mobile d-man with our first two choices from '09 draft. It is gravy if we can move a forward and Barker for a mean, mobile d-man. Why would NYR let Morris get away after making a big deal for him last year. They want him to combine with Staahl to stabilize their blueline. I have to look closely how long Morris will remain good enough skater? Whom is a cheap Rockford fill next year? Pelettier and even Klinkhammer? Dowell less expensive ? than Fraser?
Forgot to mention what does D Sutter intend to do about Sarich and Reegher? Needs to cut payroll? Bertuzzi as well. Someone maybe has perused Calgary headlines? Detroit steps back a bit, but rookie Ericsson is a dandy. Just means youngsters like Abdelkader, Helm. Leino get to perform well now that they will have a better opportunity. Can Wings retain Samuelson? They like #1 ('07 draft ?) goalie McCollum. How the heck can they hold onto expensive aging Draper and Maltby? July 4 holiday approaches, but more like April 1 as foolish four year deal to Walker and Khabby. Bet they aren't guaranteeed each year? NJ takes beating again, eh?
Versteeg, Brouwer, Eager, Burrish?? Who will go? I know it's been mentioned but a trade has to be in the works. Brouwer is a player and I think underrated. He could develop into a fantastic 3rd liner. This is getting good. You'd have to think with the money they just committed, that the adjustments are going to continue. The only knowns are whom? (Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Byufligen, Bolland, Ladd) - essentially your top six/seven forwards, and Keith, Campbell, Seabrook and Huet (we think).
Buriish and Fraser would be looking for jobs.
Burish does have a year left on his contract.
Vesteeg commands about 3 mil a year if you use Grabovsky's salary and numbers as a guide for first year players. (Grabovski scored two less goals five less points and will be paid 2.9 for three years.)
Brouwer will have to decide if he wants to stay with his buddies, and if he does he discounts himself to play with a really good forward nucleus.
I think you need eager and want eager and since he is really not a goon interms of ability and has some talent you play him 1.8 or less.
Barker must realize he had a bloated contract he never deserved and also take a reality check.
This Hossa move clearly set up Cap pecking order and the agenst and players have no choice but adhere or move on....
Boy that Grabovsky salary is going to kill us when negotiating w/ Versteeg! Giving him $2.9 for three years to me is a lot. Last year was basically his first full season in the NHL and he commands that kind of money!!! Versteeg has got to get at least that much or more. Don't know if we are going to have the cap space now after all the moves the past two days!
J
I found a couple of his fights on youtube. Hopefully he's a better fighter than these clips show. Beauchemin destroys him in the first one. And Sharp, yes Patrick Sharp, hangs with him in the second one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JKrL-AGRoY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiJeJBEm5d8
He's Hossa's "friend" pure and simple...
I didn't think he was a goon, but I thought he could handle himself a little better. Everyone was hyping up his toughness. He'll be an upgrade as our fourth line center.
All the UFA signings, the impending RFA deals, the potential package trades to get the final piece(s), all these things were NEVER on the horizon until WWW went toes up. We're talking about Hawks hockey in flippin July. Two straight years getting amped up for a season that has the chance to finally put to rest 40+ years of waiting for another Cup.
To all the overzealous capologists out there, take a deep breath, relax, enjoy our country's holiday, and worry about the cap etc. down the road. Have a great 4th all you posters!
I like the new additions and the team looks great on paper. I know we will have to make some changes to our previous roster to make this all work. I hope that with these changes the team chemistry remains as good as it was last year. We have increased our talent level thats for sure, but are all these additions going to mess as a team. It clears the team last year really liked each other and played hard together. Time will tell if the new chemistry will work as well!
I hope it does!!!
Nice additions........love the team "on paper"!
Sorry to see Marty go!! Good luck Marty and stay healthy!!............
J
What comes first? Winning or "good chemistry"? Did they enjoy playing with each other because they were winning, or did they win, in part, because they enjoyed playing with each other?
Good question, I've been wondering about that myself. Time will tell, but you have to love the aggressiveness this front office has been showing. Win it all, win it now!
Anyone surprised at how much Walker got? Who replaces him in the lineup? I know he wasn't the greatest d-man but I think the Hawks will miss his toughness. He stood up for his teamates all season against the other teams heavyweights and won more than he lost. I don't think anyone on the roster with the possible exception of Eager can step in to that role.
Now all of Aaron Johnston and Jordan Henry fan clubs need to be SO happy along with all the Walker detractors.
I really don't think the two positions of need goal and defense get get solutions now.
The Hawks will wait until the trade deadline and get a fine back-up goalie for reasonable dollars if the Huet up down consistencies are still presnt and /or the back tender(s) don't pan out.
The same may be true at the last defenseman and better partner for Campbell spot. You have to realize that NOW there are LOTS of players who haven't been close to a Cup run who are going to be clamoring to be traded to the Hawk.
Maybe the lose contracts in a minor move prior to the season, but I am not sure usre the answers will be coming in that move.
and my last rebuttal to the Campbell detractors: all your continual garbage about him, just reveals you never really waych him, or his play prior to the move to Chicago. He doesn't have a booming shot, or knock down defensive prowess. HE ALWAYS was WHAT he WAS last year, never all more!
Maybe you looked at the stats and though he was Rob Blake or some other similar bigger guy. It is nice to go by position and do comparisons but it just is no way compare the on ice player. You are disappointed you didn't get Bobby Orr for the money. I say learn the game by turning the sound off and actually watching the defenseman.
Everybody will want to come here now.
The Hawks may not be final four team, because every round is a battle and you have to win each, and so many things happen. They will be in striking distance for a long long time.
The kids have been told to take less to stay next year.
Don't be surprised if one or two of the three is hard-balled in negotiations. In fact one of the youngsters really isn't well liked to the point that they may end up bringing back a player of equal ability if he thinks his presence in god-like in salary demand.
Save this post somewhere and we will se how things shake out by September 2011.
Campbell was brought here to ignite a dormant power play. Honestly, he played VERY well the first 2 rounds of the playoffs. Imagine if he can get paired up with a big physical defenseman that would eliminate people running him into the end boards on every dump in? His timid play below the dots would be better, and I don't think people would be riding his @ss as much. Not making excuses for the guy, but he is what he is. He's not Lidstrom.
Give him credit for being a stand up guy. He took a lot tough questions most of the time, and answered them. He could have easily ducked the media, or whined about a tough market coming from San Jose and Buffalo. Never heard a peep, and I think you'll see a better year since that contract wont' be fresh in his mind about having to prove his worth.
Your comment about not being liked, is very interesting regarding the big 3. I'll flag it and we shall see. I would also agree with your argument in earlier posts regarding Kane and Toews regarding their salary demands vs realistic value.
Kane and Toews are GOOD players, but not GREAT....yet. To compare them to Malkin and Crosby is a stretch. Both are point a game guys, with credentials of competing for top awards, etc. Kane started off hot last year, but faded. Toews started off cold, and then found his groove. We can get into all the off ice crap later, but that really isn't comparing apples to apples. Chicago market vs Pittsburgh market is not even close.
I love Toews. I really think we have a legit power forward. The kid battles, good along the boards, and busts @ss on every shift. Plus he goes to the front of the net and gets the goals you need in the playoffs. Tons of skill, but doesn't always rely on that to score. Just wait til his body catches up. He will be a beast, and with that mental drive, it's going to be a joy to watch.
Kane.....if the kid learned to be SOMEWHAT responsible in his own zone it would do wonders. I know he's young, immature, but just remember that backcheck in game 2 vs Detroit. he was within distance of Samuelsson, while Brouwer was deeper then Kane, yet Brouwer was the one high-tailing it back. Other than that, I would like to see a bit more of team focus. Too many times, I think he's all about personal stats, IMO. I want to see him get 80+ pts this year, and if he can set up Hossa, he will.....
Anyone with knowledge of prospects.....who do you think has a legit chance to make this club? Skillie? Beach? Aliu? Makarov? Brophey?
Very excited for 2009. It's a great distraction for the joke that Chicago baseball currently is.
to try and get Kane to see he could really be a star if he commits. I said that in that long two page tone "What the Hawks must do" article at Sportsology where I said he needed a mentor who'd been there and can nudge him along. Now he has a trio more of them.
I seriuosly don't know if the farm team see any of the UC if they doen't trade some of these guys. More time for Beach to learn to be a better skater, better player and better person.
Kaner??? If so, what do you think is causing that? I've had a theory or 2 the last few months but it's just a hunch.
I have been one of Campbell's biggest critics. I admitted way back when they signed him that I didn't get to watch him a lot in Buffalo, or San Jose. When I first saw him you could tell the speed and offensive nature of his game. Unfortunately you could also already see him getting caught up ice and turning the puck over at the wrong time. There is always a risk for an offensive defenseman when pushing the game with their speed. It is such a kick to to stomach to see him making the same careless errors over and over though. Watching a guy like Neidermayer play the same type of offensive game but not making those careless errors or getting caught as much. In the end it would be easier for us to accept him as the player he is for half that salary. I know his contract signing is in the past and we can't go back. That doesn't matter. While the Hawks gave him the money, he and his agent negotiated for that salary and years. Both he and the Hawks are to blame for the contract. He signed that contract knowing that he was getting paid huge and there would be these kind of expectations. He can't hide behind the that isn't his type of game. If he wants to be one of the top paid players then he has to play like it. That means in an all around game. If not, then he deserves to be picked on by us.
I'm waiting to see if Blackhawks braintrust can somehow utilize Campbell to best of his ability, or put another way, to minimize his bad points. I recall how Edm of 1980's was so dangerous even on PK with skillful Coffey. Talk has been thatn we need to find right partner for Campbell pair. Hjalmarsoon was maybe best fit last year because he was reliable and Campbell felt confidant with him on the other side. Not sure if Morris available/how long he will be good enough skater. Any other ideas about how Campbell can mean so much more to us...well, maybe at certain "time" in games. I'd expect him better results on PP. Getting shot on net is one thing, but man, the way he can create and skate all over has to be taken advantage of. Good offensive players with Campbell can take advantage. But too someone has to cover until Campbell gets back on defense.
Awesome post, Wiz!
Completely agree on Campbell. They knew what he was when they got him, and he delivered just fine for what he was, especially on the PP and in the playoffs.
As for the last comment, that's news to me but not totally surprising, and I think I know which of the three you're referring to. That said, from a hockey/dressing room standpoint, it might make sense to go hardball. From a marketing standpoint, maybe not so much. Although I am starting to believe more and more that the hockey side IS running things now. Further, if it is who I think it is, then let's not throw the baby (pun intended) out with the bathwater. There's some awesome skill there and a lot of room for maturing.
At the same time, I believe a similar dynamic is in part responsible for Havlat being in Minn. and Hossa being here. Marty won over a lot of the dressing room this year, but the year before, he was NOT a popular guy among some Hawks, and I have that on pretty good authority. Especially surrounding a meltdown over not having, yes, fresh bananas in the dressing room.
when Lang and Koci were let go? Also, don't you think he was "playing" for that next contract?
Loved his toughness but he was as slow as molases.
and I believe there's a lot of options. They have to get bigger AND more mobile across the entire defence corp. They already have 12 forwards under contract with Eager, Fraser, Versteeg and Brouwer still RFA's. Then there's Barker and Johnson on defence.
Sopel can't possibly be a regular D-man. They just can't be big they have to be mobile too. Barker is pretty tough but his slowness was badly exposed in the conf finals. Same goes for Walker who scored nicely with the Bolts.
Guess the question is on all the RFA's is did all of them get qualifying offers? I must have missed the details on that.
Once the dust finishes settling on the UFA signings, Scotty (I mean Dale) can figure out a few trade scenarios. I still think they need another big body in front of the net. Hossa, Kopecky and Madden can help fill that role but their value back-checking can't be overstated. Each of these guys will really help out with the defence too.
Boy, if there's the players out there for a trade, I would love to see a modern day version of Rocky Secord added to the group of wingers and Dougie Wilson on defence. The question is who's out there the 'Hawks can deal with that won't break the bank for 2010-11.
During his press conference last night, Dale said that all RFA's had been issued qualifying offers.
Although taking Devils out of Jersey (mostly forwards, as Niedermayer, Souray and Rafalski have done OK) can be risky (MacLean, Holik, Gomez). Of course, then there's Guerin, Arnott, Sykora, Rolston, and Morrison, so what do I know?
But he's a stud. He's a guy you want on the ice when you're hanging onto a one-goal lead in an elimination game. I wouldn't even mind if he wore a Devils jersey and playoff beard all season.
The Hawks know next year may be their best shot at the Cup. They are rolling the dice hoping to grab Lord Stanley because after that who knows who is on the team.
The Hossa signing also means they may be willing to let Kaner go if the bidding gets to high when he is an RFA. If you had a choice between Toews, Keith, and Kane and could only keep two of three Toews and Keith are hands down the keepers. Not that Kane isn't a keeper but if the Cap goes down significantly trading Kane or allowing him to be signed as a RFA and taking the picks makes sense.
Kane isn't going anywhere. This kid's upside far outweighs his lack of D. Ya gotta believe having Hossa on the team will definitely help school the young talent on what it means to win. Similar to how Phalsson impacted Buff once he started playing. Kane will only get better, no question, and no chance he's leaving any time soon. Toews will also be signed long term. And they should make every effort to keep keith too. These 3 are a huge part of the core Dale's talking about.
I don't think anyone in the Hawk organization views Kane as a guy they want to sign for huge bucks for 12 years. Toews, yes.
Kane will have to do more to endear himself to the management on ice and be reasonable, as will Duncan Keith.
The hawks are the ones dealing from a strength and he is not holding them hostage. The entire organization would have to be in love with him, and honestly at this point, they aren't.
I got a feeling Hossa is that guy Wiz. Not only should he be a producer, he's going to make them all better. Kane has a chance to become a great player. It's the complete game aspect that will eventually come. I am hoping this season is the breakout year for him.
I remember watching Savard as a rookie and going holy s#*t this kid's going to be something special. Not sure if Kane has that potential, but his type of talent doesn't come along very often.
1) Toews (by a wide margin)
2) Keith
3) Kane
frank, that sounds delusional. as the money's there. If the kid thinks he is worth more, then find him a new hoe, becasue the retuen basd on his potentail, not actual on ice results will be well worth the launch.
I think the kids want to win don't you?
so they are the next step long term deals because they alreayd have had everyone from Rocky to the the equipmnet men come tell them that that is the only way we get around the Cap and stay solid.
BOY I guess I do not get it.
Think back just 2 seasons. Would we be having these conversations?
Now is not the time to get gooy and worry about losing Kane.
Be happy, my brother!
Of the big 3 RFA's come next summer, which 1 of the 3 is most expendable?
I like Kaner. I really do. And I hope he stays, however in order to stay with Scotty helping call the shots, Kaner has to realize there's 3 zones on the rink, not 1 or 1-and-a-half.
Look at the 3 UFA signings yesterday. What's the common thread on all 3 guys? Outstanding 2-way players. Like one of my all time favourites, #19 (no, not that one that's the GM), the 1985-86 Selke Trophy winner, Troy Murray: 45-54-99, +32.
Toews is the closest thing to a lock but if he asks for silly money even he will be moved eventually. The team held their ground with what they wanted to give Havlat and they'll do the same with Toews, Keith, Kane or anyone else. It's just business in the Salary Cap era. But as of today my guess is that somehow some way the Hawks will figure out a way to sign all three of these guys. And why wouldn't they want to stay?? It's a great city, management is committed to winning now, they have a solid coaching staff, the building is jammed every night with crazy fans and the excitement level for the team in general is among the highest in the league.
The most interesting thing to see with the Big 3 is if the Hawks will try to sign them to extensions now or wait for another season to unfold. There are risks for both sides if they do as well as if they don't. The most unpredictable guy is Kane. Assuming he gets to play on two legs this year it wouldn't be a shocker to see him go nuts for 40-45 goals. That could throw a monkey wrench into what the Hawks want to pay if they wait a year, especially if his defense improves....but it is always better to have problems like this to work around than the alternative.
a player now under contract, cannot restructure a deal while under contract.
Am I incorrect?
Anyone know that? I ask because while it's not impossible I find it difficult the 'Hawks could ever unload Campbell. But a way to ease the pain would be to extend him the way Zetterberg's and now Hossa's deals are to lower the average cap hit. Of course, those 2 guys' contracts were made that way from day 1.
Its a very interesting take on things but im putting my money on kane being a hawk for a very long time with Toews and Keith. These are kids for gods sake , they havent even developed attitudes yet LOL
but he has to learn the ice surface is 200' long, not about 120'. He's horrible in his own end when compared to Captain JT. Toews "gets it" totally and completely. It's why he wears the "C" on his jersey.
On one of the critical breakaway goals by the Wings in the conf finals, Kane didn't do anything to back check and help out. Brouwer however, skated like crazy to get back into the play. Kane has to learn to be a 2-way player or IMO he won't be here long term.
Remember, Scotty sees this. Scotty sees all. Dale may be the GM, but the genius of hockey, Scotty Bowman is behind every single move this franchise makes. And it's why I believe McDonough is a stud. He knows how to hire the best people. McDonough doesn't know crap about hockey, he knows who to get in here that knows EVERYTHING about hockey.
The 2 studs on this team from 08-09 are Toews and Keith. I know, I know, Kaner is the "sexy" ad-seller and promo'd like crazy. But the best overall player on the 08-09 team is Keith followed a close 2nd (like 1 and 1A) by Captain JT. Now they have Hossa and 2 other good 2-way guys. It's now time to fine tune this squad with a trade or 2 and manage the 2010-2011 cap at the same time.
...was better than Keith come crunch time and in the playoffs. Just saying...
Would be even beter if he improved his skating. That means doing so over the summer. He likely isn't up to sacrificing part of his summer to do so. I know 6628 agrees on this. How good Seabrook and Keith could be!
I can't count how many times he teed one up only for it to go several feet wide of the net. He's got a good heavy shot, he just needs to straighten it out.
Keith and a lot of players on the Hawks had a horrible case of the flu during the playoffs and that is why they didn't look as good as the regular season.
keith and tazer were sick as dogs
Even if Keith was completely healthy, there is no way he's the physical presence Seabs showed he can be in the playoffs.