Bolland out 12-16 weeks
Posted by TimS on Tue, 11/10/2009 - 14:50
Center Dave Bolland underwent successful back surgery for a herniated disk Tuesday afternoon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and will be sidelined 12-16 weeks, according to Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry.
Bolland tried to play through the pain since training camp, getting at least three cortisone shots in the back. His last game was Thursday at Phoenix.
"It was something he was dealing with throughout most of last year," Quenneville said. "We tried a lot of different things so that's where we're at today."
The earliest Bolland could play again if all goes well with his rehab is early February, although a likely return would be following the Olympic break on March 2.
Hey Tim, can you explain why Stan Bowman doesn't put players who he knows will be out for extended periods of time on LTIR ?
My understanding is that if he did, the injured players salary will not count against the cap for the time being so he could bring up someone with out the SKille-type juggling act...what am I missing here with Stan's seeming reluctance of putting Burish or Bolland on LTIR? IS there a method to this madness?
As I watched Fraser get into 2 fights in the 1st period I started to wonder what the real deal is. Usually there is some behind the scenes story that the press won't talk about (why Collins got fired by Reinsdorf, why MJ really left basketball the 1st time, who Jay Mariotti dates, etc...).
Fraser was a marked man. Why?
If you don't know for sure then don't respond. If you do know something, let's hear it.
I'm a big fan of Fraser's. He's got great puck sense and is a serviceable 4th line player. He made a great play last night to snare a loose puck and spring Sharpie on a partial breakaway.
However, 46 does the club a disservice whenever he drops his gloves. He usually loses his fights leaving the home crowd in a downer mood, and when he loses on the road, the opponent's crowd is pumped up.
I said it in earller blog....Colin
keep your gloves on....you only hurt the club when you don't.
It really is a shame that a team with a history of tough players like us....has to have (and i say this as respectfully as possible) a pipsqueak like Fraser leading us pugilistially. Eager should be the leading the vanguard here but with his concussion background, it's understandable why he is not in a rush to drop 'em.
Brouwer can tilt as can Ladd but we really don't want these valuable cogs in the box. So what to do.
I think most Hawk fans know that with our emphasis on speed and playing the cycle game, we need a tough guy who can play. Eager is perfect except for his aforementioned concussion issues. What Bowman should do is scour the league and minors for a hungry kid who can play and chuck the knuckles. They're not easy to find but surely there is someone out there who can be far more effective with the oven mitts off than the very game but miscast Colin Fraser.
I've mentioned this in a few earlier posts. Eager is a big, fast guy that is willing to take the body every night. Walker was an enforcer - Eager is not that kind of player.
Eager is more in the mold of Jocelyn Lemieoux (sp?) - built like him, too. Joc didn't fight very much, but he changed the momentum in our favor and kept the other team looking around for him in the corners. That is what Eager does, and he is extremey valuable to the Hawks in that role.
Eags has been forced into an enforcer role here because we don't have anyone else to do it.
Cam took a few for the team, as did Maggie, you don't have to KO the opponent to inspire the team, just SHOW UP
It seemed like the Avs were most unhappy with Mr. Fraser. Did he cheap shot someone previously? Did he date the coach's daughter?
Remember the famous Alomar umpire spitting scandal? There is a very interesting story about why that really happened, the umpire allegedly made an inappropriate comment to Alomar that caused him to absolutely lose it.
What's the story?
No way we know for sure, but looking at the two Avs size that could explain why they're not trying to goad Brouwer or Buff or even Seabrook into a scrap. Trying to spark their team, AND not get their butts kicked.
If they have any class at all, they wouldn't try Eager due to his recent concussion. It's all speculation, but who else on the Hawks would be willing? Unless Tim or someone else digs into whatever went on, we'll probably never know. Maybe he called Anderson's wife a "person of that persuasion"? Just kidding!
but he Anderson wasn't the one going after Fraser
I made a comment on the blog the other day about guys standing in line to kick Colin Fraser's butt. Well, the guy is getting his butt kicked again today versus Colo, but you have to respect the guy. He is not very big but has some Magnuson in him. The guy is real plucky and we need more guys like him.
Buff would be Probert if he had this kid's desire. Hopefully he gets more ice time. He's earned it.
I registered just to talk to Tim about this...I dont believe in goons anymore in the NHL but I do believe in enforcers..the Hawks have so many skilled players now that we need someone to protect them...I see that Georges Laroque has only dressed for 8 games with Montreal..was he supended because of that commercial he made that promoted an alcoholic product or is he injured...if the Hawks could get him or someone like him I think fewer liberties would be taken with our skilled players especially when someone like Fraser is there to stand up for them..dont get me wrong, I commend Fraser but he doesnt exactly put the fear of God into opponents
I love Bolly but the Hawks can handle losing him for a while, they are deep enough and have good coaching
I suspect we are going to see a ton of John Madden. His minutes are going to skyrocket. Lot's of key draws. Lots of ice time on the road when they can't get Toews' line out against the other teams top line.
This signing continues to look bigger and bigger. I will like seeing a more involved role for Ebbett too.
I would be pretty surprised if the Hawks went out and got a center. For now they'll roll the dice, at least until they see what happens over a few games with Versteeg as the number two center. To me he has the most potential upside out of all the names I've seen because he's not over the hill, a defensive liability, somebody else's problem or overpaid, and he's already signed for the longterm. We all know he loves carrying the biscuit and he seems to have a knack as a playmaker. It's possible his offensive output will shoot up if he's left at center for the rest of the year. It's an interesting matchup if he plays with Kane too, although they'll need a large angry young man on the wing to keep teams from getting loose physically. Also, weren't the Hawks kicking behinds and taking names when Sharp was playing center last year?
I noticed the love for Wisniewski, Walker, Bulin and others is still being expressed. Between injury histories and age all of these guys are overpaid and there wasn't much chance they were going to stay at the salaries they ended up getting from other teams. Right now the offense that Havlat provided last year is the thing missed most on this year's team. Hopefully we'll see Hossa soon and he can help fill that hole. Getting your number one center back can't hurt either.
I don't think they need to run out and acquire another center, either. This is a perfect opportunity for the Hawks to plug Versteeg in there at center and see how he can adapt and develop while Bolland is out.
I know some of us here have some apprehension about Versteeg's mistakes on the ice, but I think you have to keep in mind that the kid was a rookie last year. Mistakes on the ice can be corrected over time with good coaching and with maturing as a player - and we have a great coach in Q to teach the game -- but the stuff Steeger brings to the table like speed, puck-handling skills, willingness to go into the corners for pucks, and the balls to stand up for his teammates against guys that are 40 pounds heavier than he is can't be taught. Either God gives 'em to you, or you get the attributes from your upbringing.
As far as angry young men to play the wing and be a physical presence, that's our Achilles Heel right now. This has been pretty apparent with Eager and Burrish out as we get physically abused almost every night. This doesn't happen by accident. It is a a game plan, and a smart one, by opposing teams that are looking for a weakness to exploit in a young, fast, talented, and small team.
We need another couple guys like Eager, who are willing to finish checks every night, skate hard every night, stand up for teammates every night. There are some guys who do it sometimes (Brouwer and Buff are two), but other than Seabrook I don't see another guy on the Hawks who plays that way every night.
So far, Jake Dowell is the only guy I have seen that we already have now that could potentially fill that role. Jack Skille has the tools to fill that roll - very similar to Eager in size and speed - but I'm not sure if it's in him.
How about that infusion of energy on Monday night with Toews and Eager back in the line-up? If that doesn't tell you that this is a game of emotion and momentum, nothing will.
First of all, Bowman is not going to come out and say, "yeah, we're going to go sign or trade for a center."
It's just bad negotiating and a distraction for the team. Even if they ARE doing that, he's going to say what he's saying now, which is: we'll try it with guys internally.
While the news on Bolland is a little bit of a surprise/cause for alarm to most fans, it's not to the Hawks. They knew going back to training camp there was a real issue here, they've had a couple of weeks to consider the consequences of Toews' getting his bell rung again, and they have certainly gone through a thought process on this. I'll just say this, I'm not sure they want Versteeg taking critical draws in the playoffs. And II doubt they feel they have enough depth at center.
Yes, for now, they will stay the course. But that by no means is definitely what they'll do for the rest of the season. Unless I'm mistaken, the salary exemption basically opens the door for them to add another player, either a free agent or in a trade (they now can do a lot more in trade), because I would not expect Bolland back before April 1 if at all this year.
You really think April 1 or not at all? thats 5 months. I think he could be back after the Olympics.
I wouldn't worry about Versteeg taking important draws. Winning faceoffs is something that can be taught in practice. It was less than a year ago that Toews and Bolland couldn't win a faceoff against me and the Hawks were getting pounded at the dot. They're both more than solid now and I suspect Versteeg could learn the same stuff and at minimum get respectable. Plus they have Madden now who can be sent out for emergency duty if needed. What Versteeg can already do, or appears to have the ability to do, is a lot of stuff that can't be taught and that is why I'm intrigued by what would happen if given a couple of months to sort things out.
However, if he's given the chance and doesn't make strides a deal for a center is always possible unless they move Sharp back there. What I don't want to see is another 3rd or 4th line center brought in who is then put on the 2nd line. And I definitely agree that their trade options are much more open now due to the injury exemption they'll get.
Odds are that he will be fine. The Hawks can afford to replace him only if they trade away some salary in the process. The Hawks are already looking like they will hit the bonus cushion and totally ruin their slim chances of keeping this team together next year. They don't have to rush to replace him, but if they do, try to drop some salary.
I am trying to remember a hockey player who came back from back surgery. Not coming up with anyone, but i think there have been. I don't feel like panicking, and I think Ebbett deserves more of a chance than most contributors here feel like giving him. No Cullens, please, they don't know what their own defensive zone even looks like. Has Arnason matured? Can he be directed to play both ends of the rink? How old is Nylander? None of this sounds attractive, except maybe Christensen, because I think he's kind of large. We haven't had a large center since Adam Creighton or Tom Lysiak.
Odds are, he'll be OK long term. But there's no guarantee.
Pass on Arnason. Please God.
Win a Cup this year. Go get Rod Brindamour.
Yes, there's a minor cap issue with him next year but because of the LTIR exemption, I believe he actually saves the Hawks a few hundred thousand this year.
If we look at Carolina then we have to be looking at Matt Cullen. Brind'Amour has a big cap hit for this year AND next year. We already know we can't handle that. Matt Cullen is a UFA at years end, he is 33, and Carolina isn't winning. He is a pretty good two-way player. No matter who the Hawks think about acquiring they have to be able to have that C and Bolland on the team and under the cap. That makes things pretty tough to get anyone.
Anaheim already put Christensen on waivers and maybe they would be willing to move him. Putting Christensen with Boynton for Sopel and a low level prospect might be an idea. Money would come out even and none of the players are can't trade guys on either team. Anaheim would get a prospect for two guys that probably won't be on their team even next year.
Ebbett isn't the answer but I think with Toews back things are a little easier. I think it is easier to have someone fill in for a #2 center then try to replace a #1 center (obviously). Hossa is back just around the corner so this isn't doom and gloom. Also, for those wanting a big goon Steve Macintyre was placed on waivers. His salary is manageable and he is a UFA at years end. Not sure he is the type of player we need but I know people have mentioned the need for a player like him on the team.
Christensen not the answer but what IS the question?
There will not be an expensive patch applied....unless there are sure there is a weakness at centre DURING a playoff run.
They already have a major league roster and a big salary returning.
Unless Brindamour is coming, everyone else is a band aid
I don't think Brindamour would even be a good addition at this point. He was an iron man and a rock for so many years but lately he just seems not to have too much tread left on his tires. He could fill a 4th line role and maybe 3rd line but I don't think I would put him anywhere near a 2nd line. Nothing to do with his past but more about what I have seen this year (I'll admit I haven't seen him very much).
Just older. Meh.
For the short term I'd take him. Not saying I'd want him long term (more then this year) or if Bolland was healthy. Would be a nice fill in and then could move down a line or two when Bolland comes back.
But two teams waived centers (NYR, Arnason and Wash., Nylander) and the Hawks put one on LTIR in the last 24 hours.
All of these moves could create cap room to sign a guy like Forsberg. Actually, if that's the case, the Hawks have the inside track.
Some guys have back surgery and come out fine. Some guys are never the same.
Can you name a few that have gone through back surgery and "come out fine"? I would assume that coming out fine means being able to resume your career where you left it, and to go on to play a full career.
And I believe Belfour. Many others.
Jean Ratelle
and that was years ago before things were advanced.
You guys sound like his life is threatened, not that the surgery is ease the situation...
Well, with the names supplied by jacukel (sp) and wiz, I am comfortable that Bolland can come bck. Gilmour was gritty and a good skater, Belfour the ultimate competitor between the pipes, and especially Ratelle, my favorite center alongside Beliveau and Mikita. Oh yeah, Denis Savard was pretty good, too, but not flashy enough, hahahahahahahahha.
Did not say anything about life threatening injuries.
You made a statement and I asked for some detail. You gave me one guy that retired in 1981.
Mario
but if it is, having him back at the end of January in healthy condition would be great.
This not good.
What type of back injury is this? Bulging disk? My bet is Bolland doesn't return until after the Olympic break.
Regardless of my questioning Bolland, this does hurt this team. Can Sharp, Versteeg, or Hossa play center long term? Or does a Kopecky fill in and Madden moves up?
I just don't get again, how the Hawks offer a guy with chronic back problems a long term deal??? that's just moronic and now this could easily move into the classification of horrible deals that will kill this team long term.
I thought it was bad when he was healthy. Now you are paying a guy with back problems, 3+ million for the next 5 years, and he becomes almost untradeable.
It was obvious that Bolland wasn't the same player from day one. Teams that lose a top six forward who played both ends of the ice usually don't fare so well come playoff time.
This roster continues to turn into the half shell of the team that made a run in the playoffs last year.
Gone - Havlat, Bolland, Burrish, Walker, Johnson, Bulin, Wiz/Pahlsson
Added - Hossa (we hope), Ebbet, Madden, Kopecky, Sopel, Niemi
Hossa is a great talent but the players gone from the team last year are far more talented than the group we have added.
Bolland could come back strong, we don't know yet. Burish will be back for the last month.
I liked Walker's toughness but his slooooow-ness was sorely exposed in the conf finals.
They essentially turned Wiz into Madden if you consider the middle guy Pahlsson was traded here for Wiz & Madden was FA signing (outstanding signing) to replace Pahlsson.
Johnson didn't crack the top-6 the last 50 games last season. Havlat isn't going well now and will not be missed when Hossa comes back.
And the team added Ebbett & Kopecky.
The wild card is will Huet/Niemi pick it up for Bulin.
It's way too early to dismiss this team.
Havlet is lighting up the league.... 1 goal 6 assist and a -12 in 14 games, Walker hasn't done anything 1 assist, but is a +7, never would have given him that kind of money, Johnson played in 2 games for Calgary, Bulin 7 and 7 with a 3.18 gaa and 907 sv% nothing to write home about. And now your saying Burrish and Bolland are gone like they are never coming back...I guess Hossa is never coming back in your eyes either....lol... I'll take our additions any day and you can keep Havlet, Walker, Johnson, Bulin, Wiz and Paulson and see where those guys take ya....good luck
No way this is a better team than the team from last year. The current record has been totally padded by a huge helping of home games and road games against weak teams.
In case you didn't hear the unfortunate news, yes Dave Bolland is gone for most of the year. Back surgery isn't a good sign for hockey players unless your idea of someone to build a franchise around with valuable cap space is Eric Daze. Your Ebbet/Kopecky replacement for Bolland is a guy who can only score a goal if you deflect the puck off his head.
Walker is on pace to be a +40 on a bad team and you would rather have the human turnstile Brent Sopel? Don't even bother looking at what Wiz is doing in Anaheim piling up a point per game and on +80 pace this year if you are the only Hawk fan who doesn't close their eyes every time Brent Sopel is on the ice.
Bulin and his .910 save % on a below average team like Edmonton is still hands down a better option than our two minor league options in net. No question Bulin wins those games Huet gave away against Dallas, Detroit, Vancouver.
Havlat was hands down our best forward last year so regardless of what he is doing on a crap team this year we still haven't replaced him on the ice. When and if Hossa does come back it may not take much more than a cheap shot hit to end his season
* top forward hasn't had a minute of ice time.
* 2nd line centre hasn't been himself all season and is now out 4 months.
* toughest guy has played 3 games thus far this season.
* captain missed 6 games and will need a couple more to regain his strength.
* 4th liner / agitator has missed the entire season.
* #2 D-man missed a couple games and took a couple more to get going.
* #1 goalie struggled early and is still finding his way back.
This team has to overcome adversity which IMO they're doing OK at present. They need to find out more about themselves. Q is still juggling lines and D-pairs. The next 9-10 games will help tell more about their progress, including the circus trip.
If Sopel is a turn-style now, Walker was one in the conf finals. Where do you want to see someone turnstyled? In a not-so-meaningful regular season game or the conference finals? I liked Walker's toughness but he's a liability against a speedy team.
Wiz is doing well on a crappy team. Depth charts matter. I like Wiz but he had to be dealt because of another mistake (lack of centres). That's done now and I'm impressed with Hjalmarsson.
The only area this team has to work on is in the nets. Yes, it's a big area. I like what I've seen from the goalies lately. Don't forget, when a team has trouble scoring (take a look at the 'Hawks offence the last 10 games), it amplifies everything a goalie does (or doesn't) do. When the team is clicking on offence, their goalies play more relaxed and generally turn in better performances over the long run.
Revisit that comment after Hossa is back.
.910 is nothing to write home about. Huet is not far behind that in spite of a rough start and his GAA is 7th in the league. Last six games his save % is .950 (or something close).
How soon some of you guys forget: Bulin had some bad games (believe it or not!) in Chicago.
You can't have it both ways.....you can't complain about the salary cap and then play the woulda, shoulda, coulda.....
-Wisniewski: he was an RFA last year, has a history of knee problems, and the Hawks desperately needed a defensive minded center. They freed up that money and you got John Madden in free agency to replace Pahlsson. Madden will prove his worth all season long, and just wait until he shuts down every top line in the playoffs. This guy wants to win, knows how to win, and will call out guys when they don't show up.
-Khabibulin: Creeky groin, 37 yrs old, and you already have Huet tied up to huge money. Unless you could have traded Huet, which apparently they couldn't, then you can't go into another year with over 10 million tied into goaltending. He played well during the playoffs, but he also let in some very questionable goals against Detroit. Am I confident in Huet? No, but if the hawks continue to limit the shots against.....they should be ok.
-Walker: are we really arguing over a 6th defenseman? Loved his toughness, and him playing with a frozen hand, but you can't pay this guy that much.
-Havlat: loved him. But he was gone after Hossa got here, and wouldn't take a 1 yr deal. Felt he should have gotten a multi year deal, and got it. If he wanted to stay, he would have signed the 1 yr deal, took a chance at going for it, and prayed he stayed healthy....again. He did what was best for Marty.
Sopel is slow as time, but so is Cam Barker. Sopel also blocks a ton of shots, and plays a very steady defense if you watch closely. I'm not a huge fan, but don't overlook his importance. He was very solid 2 years ago when Tallon decided to extend him. He's not worth the money, but either is Barker.
Just give it time. They'll be OK. Some of these teams will turn back into pumpkins.
Wiz is playing 25 minutes a game, he won't last. Already missed 5 games with a shoulder problem... yea he's got 10 points in 10 games all helpers. But I bet he will miss close to 30 games this year. And he ain't playing 25 minutes for the Hawks.
And Walker is almost playing 20 minutes a game, would we pay him what he got and give him that much ice time...No.... so that +/- would go down also..
Havlet could be taken out with one cheap shot just as easily, But I'll take Hossa over Havlet any day...Hossa will be back. Havlet scored tonight, about time...
I think we gave a few games away with our power play too, you can always blame the goalie, easy to do.. and he did have a real crappy run. But he's not playing to bad right now, so no need to keep bashing him..until you have too....
But lets let it play out a little and then maybe the whining can start....but I doubt it...
I accept the fact that Bolland is very good defensively, but lets not make it sound like we lost a 30 goal guy. Bolland was HARDLY an offensive force, and I never counted him as a top 6 guy. Long term he needs a playmaker to create for him and give him room. He can't do that on his own. We saw it last year with Havlat, and I will bet anyone here that unless a very talented winger is paired with this guy, he will never crack 25 goals a year.
You gotta relax a bit. Kane, Versteeg, Sharp, Toews, Buff, and Hossa is still a very dangerous top 6. Madden, Brouwer, and Ladd will be a dominating checking line IF Bolland is gone for the year, which I dont' think he will be.
This weakens the depth, but in no way shape or form, is the season over because David Bolland is out for 8-12 weeks.
.
Bolland is no Savard, but he threw up 50 points for the Hawks last year mostly at even strength. He had more even strength goals last year than anyone currently on the team except Toews. Guys who can play both ends are undervalued and very hard to replace.
The problem with losing a guy like Bolland when you are maxed out on the cap is that your replacement for Bolland will be some worthless hack like Ebbet the rest of the year.
Teams with cap room could make a move for a Forsberg and not miss a beat, but the Hawks are built to win this year with zero room for injuries built into the plan.
The league has way to much parity this year for the Hawks to keep peeling off solid contributors/depth guys like Dave Bolland, Ben Eager, Adam Burish and expect to be a team that can make a run at the Cup.
Hey JebJeb you have good comments usually, but you are off base somewhat in reviewing some of the Hawks -- most are previous hawks. Khabby is too old and too inj prone, plus we have one descent prospect and one so-so back up in Crawford. Walker is too slow yet no one noticed his skill set was not terrible. His value is more for sticking up for a teammate (fights) than anything else. Yes, he can play a physical game. But in addition to slow skating was his mistakes were too many to live with. He wasn't worth it if were to give him much more than paid last year. The other slow guy, Sopel, has not been the turnstyle he was so often last year. Sopel may cost us at some point, but at his salary for THIS YEAR he is good insurance on a third pair. Sopel isn't getting beat much; he's playing smart. Hope he can keep it up! He's another third pair guy, anyway. Wiz was not playing well when last in Chi. Yes, we know he's performing well now but tell me if it was YOUR money do you gamble bringing back a guy with a bad knee? If you think those players you mention will have the high plus rating at season's end, many would take that bet against you. Maybe Wiz, although he is out a lot with inj and suspensions.
Most would agree with your other comments. Ultimately if Bolland returns, is healthy and plays well, we have a situation on our hands that should be addressed. Bolland is not the difference maker on a big #2 scoring line. This team would be toughest with Toewes and another big time offensive center. Then you should strongly consider skating and size for your #3 and #4 center. That's because a #3/4 center often matches up against the other team's best center (at least on the road). So you loose out on the skill end in that matchup, but you can nuetralize that advantage to an extent with centers who can skate and play with an edge. Bolland would always be good in a #3 role. But until this back inj stuff, I would rather have seen him moved and tried to put in centers like the type I mention above. Bolland is too much of a between type center. Not a bad center, mind you, but if this team takes the next step, the team's success is best served with a different collection of centericemen. What's your reaction to this idea -- not that it is going to happen, but it makes sense --eh? Think: Kane scoring more and he isn't playing with Toewes. Hossa on either of two top lines. Hossa was an upgrade over Havlat. Someone else instead of Bolland would be another upgrade that could pay off huge. Just get that veteran d-man for the third pair, and limit Barker's minutes if he is not solid. Of course, Big Buff has to be challenged to use his size advantage more often than he does -- be a force like he was throughout the playoffs, not just ordinary all too often, like he has been for the most part this season.
I would love to add a vet at center to replace Bolland but the cap is a huge issue. We have millions tied up in players not contributing like Sopel that prevent us from making that big move.
I really think you need to look at moving Barker at some point. He is young, has a decent salary and other GMs like his size and O skill that can develop into a top 3 d man. Maybe they are right.
Good points. Hey, how about this, bring back Chelios for practically nothing to bolster our defense? And your right, the key here is finding a good #2 center.