Blackhawks Offseason Thread

[jersey cubs fan]

I would have predicted Toews getting 12 years, not a 30 year old free agent. It's not a crippling cap number, but it takes him through age 42, and by then it might be buyout time.

 

Man, if they could convince Havlat to play on a 1 year deal, leaving them flexibility for next offseason, that would be sweet.

[Keener98]

I would have predicted Toews getting 12 years, not a 30 year old free agent. It's not a crippling cap number, but it takes him through age 42, and by then it might be buyout time.

 

Man, if they could convince Havlat to play on a 1 year deal, leaving them flexibility for next offseason, that would be sweet.

 

 

Im assuming the 12 years is just a way to get the least amount of a cap hit right? Im not all to familiar with how the hockey cap is, but is it like the NFL where years are basically meaningless, or is it more like baseball where its guaranteed?

[jersey cubs fan]

I would have predicted Toews getting 12 years, not a 30 year old free agent. It's not a crippling cap number, but it takes him through age 42, and by then it might be buyout time.

 

Man, if they could convince Havlat to play on a 1 year deal, leaving them flexibility for next offseason, that would be sweet.

 

 

Im assuming the 12 years is just a way to get the least amount of a cap hit right? Im not all to familiar with how the hockey cap is, but is it like the NFL where years are basically meaningless, or is it more like baseball where its guaranteed?

 

It's guaranteed. In a way, yes, it's a way to get the least amount of cap hit. He made what, $7m this year? He wouldn't have signed a short-term deal for $5.2m, it would have been $6-8.

 

He made $7.45m last year, turning down a longterm deal with Pittsburgh for $7m per year, and reportedly a deal from Edmonton worth $9m. The smaller cap hit is an advantage. For the next 3-5 years, Hossa at $5.2m per is a bargain. The problem is all in the future.

Edited July 1, 2009 by jersey cubs fan

[UMFan83]

The contract is front-loaded with about $53 million paid out over the first seven years, and little less than $9 million total for the final five years.

[jersey cubs fan]

The contract is front-loaded with about $53 million paid out over the first seven years, and little less than $9 million total for the final five years.

 

But is the cap hit still related to the average cost? I thought the NHL cap policy used the average, and not whatever that specific year's salary was.

[jersey cubs fan]

they signed Kopecky from Detroit as well.

[sneakypower]

he's just a guy. i've never thought much of him. the wings are better off with Leino & Helm playing.

[UMFan83]

they signed Kopecky from Detroit as well.

 

if you can't beat them sign them?

 

Interesting...after the Hawks lost to the Wings I felt it would be awhile until we could beat the Wings. I still sorta feel that but I'm a bit more confident today than I was at end of the season.

[jersey cubs fan]

he's just a guy. i've never thought much of him. the wings are better off with Leino & Helm playing.

 

Has to be a Bowman related move. I don't see the point. Hopefully he's not making anything.

[sneakypower]

he's just a guy. i've never thought much of him. the wings are better off with Leino & Helm playing.

 

Has to be a Bowman related move. I don't see the point. Hopefully he's not making anything.

2 years 2.4m

[sherwood921]

I'm ok with this. I think Hossa's a bit more of a complete player than Marty and comes with less injury history. I'd be absolutely floored if we could convince Havlat to come back on a 1-year deal, although it looks like he's gone to LA (rumored at 8 years, 64mil). He'd have to swallow some pride as well as he's essentially been replaced.

 

It's going to be real interesting to see how the cap works out in the future. We're already pretty tight - which could mean so long to guys like Barker and Versteeg. We're also going to have to use our farm system to fill the last few roster spots.

 

Of course, if Tallon were able to move Campbell somehow...

[jersey cubs fan]

What's the salary structure likely to be with Toews, Kane, Bolland, Hossa, Keith and Seabrook next year? It seems to me Huet and Campbell have to be on the block.

[sherwood921]

What's the salary structure likely to be with Toews, Kane, Bolland, Hossa, Keith and Seabrook next year? It seems to me Huet and Campbell have to be on the block.

 

 

Kane, Keith, and Toews will all need new contracts and that should cost somewhere around $14-17mil I'd assume. Hopefully Hossa's model at around $5mil will be the model they use, and not Campbell's $7mil. Man, that was a terrible deal that I wish we could have back. I'm afraid this move may end up costing us Keith, as I don't see the Hawks willing to deal Kane or Toews.

 

I'm imagining some Kane saucer passes to a one-timing Hossa right now and it's pretty.

[sherwood921]

Upon some further review this is a perfect deal for both sides. Hossa will make $59.3 mil in the first 8 years and $3.5 over final four. Time value of money is on his side here. The Hawks are fine financially as they raked in quite a good bit of dough last year and will for the foreseeable future. Even though the deal is 12 years, I doubt Hossa will be playing for the Hawks at the end of the deal. If he retires (and he might, he will have most of his money by then anyway), the cap hit for the Hawks is nothing. If the cap is still an issue for many teams, he can be had by a smaller market team with cap space who can pay him little actual salary but take on the $5.2 hit (which, by then might be nothing, who knows).

 

We just essentially out Detroit-ed Detroit. These are the types of contracts they sign guys for, and similar to what they were offering Hossa. They were offering less money and less years, however I think. Maybe just $40mil over 10.

[jersey cubs fan]

Hossa will make $59.3 mil in the first 8 years and $3.5 over final four. Time value of money is on his side here. The Hawks are fine financially as they raked in quite a good bit of dough last year and will for the foreseeable future. Even though the deal is 12 years, I doubt Hossa will be playing for the Hawks at the end of the deal. If he retires (and he might, he will have most of his money by then anyway), the cap hit for the Hawks is nothing. If the cap is still an issue for many teams, he can be had by a smaller market team with cap space who can pay him little actual salary but take on the $5.2 hit (which, by then might be nothing, who knows).

 

So can you confirm that the cap hit is the average, $5.2m, and not whatever he is making in that year? Because if so, that is a good deal for both sides. Front loaded deals make sense for teams that can afford them, and the Blackhawks clearly can.

 

Hossa taking up $5.2m of your space is better than Havlat taking $6.5m.

[sherwood921]

Hossa will make $59.3 mil in the first 8 years and $3.5 over final four. Time value of money is on his side here. The Hawks are fine financially as they raked in quite a good bit of dough last year and will for the foreseeable future. Even though the deal is 12 years, I doubt Hossa will be playing for the Hawks at the end of the deal. If he retires (and he might, he will have most of his money by then anyway), the cap hit for the Hawks is nothing. If the cap is still an issue for many teams, he can be had by a smaller market team with cap space who can pay him little actual salary but take on the $5.2 hit (which, by then might be nothing, who knows).

 

So can you confirm that the cap hit is the average, $5.2m, and not whatever he is making in that year? Because if so, that is a good deal for both sides. Front loaded deals make sense for teams that can afford them, and the Blackhawks clearly can.

 

Hossa taking up $5.2m of your space is better than Havlat taking $6.5m.

 

Yep, it's the average over the course of the whole thing...so he'll be a cap hit of $5.2 for the next 12 years. The retirement thing confuses me a bit - apparently if they sign the contract before they are 35 years old, then they are not a cap hit if they retire...regardless how long the contract was when signed.

 

The Kopecky deal also signals that Pahlssen is gone. Walker gone to Tampa for $6.8mil over 4 years is a lot for a guy who survives on heart alone.

 

Things to look for now:

 

- If Khabibulin signs somewhere, the Hawks will most likely be stuck with Huet.

- If Heatley nixes the deal the Edmonton (as it has been on and off reported), then Edmonton might be willing to move someone like Penner for Huet. In which case I would love to re-sign Nik on a one year deal.

- Barker is a bit more replaceable as his shot on the PP can potentially be replaced by Hossa. We may see him moved.

[jersey cubs fan]

E.J. Hradek (3:20 p.m. ET): I'm hearing the Edmonton Oilers are hot and heavy for Nikolai Khabibulin. Stay tuned

[sherwood921]

E.J. Hradek (3:20 p.m. ET): I'm hearing the Edmonton Oilers are hot and heavy for Nikolai Khabibulin. Stay tuned

 

That's what I'm afraid of. In a perfect world we could send them Huet and sign Khabibulin to a cheaper and shorter deal. Hopefully he knows this and really wants to stay in Chicago.

[Drew Doughty]

havlat isn't going to sign with the Kings, i'd bet good money on it.

[sherwood921]

havlat isn't going to sign with the Kings, i'd bet good money on it.

 

You might be right. Everywhere I read that has since been pulled. You think he goes to Montreal?

[jersey cubs fan]

http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=CHI&season=0910

 

One name that is rarely discussed is Sharp, who I think is probably not long for this team. I think Hossa replaces Sharp more than he replaces anybody else. His $4.1 million cap hit the next three years is replacable. I'd much rather see him moved in the next year or two than lose somebody like Versteeg.

 

And I wouldn't dismiss the idea of trading Buff either, and his $3m hit the next 2 years. The $7.1m combined for Sharp and Buff in 2010 should allow them to keep whoever they want.

 

I would love to see them trade Huet and resign Khabi for 2 years, and Havlat for one. Then next year deal Sharp and Buff and bring back all the younger stars. But I can live with Huet for another few years.

[Drew Doughty]

havlat isn't going to sign with the Kings, i'd bet good money on it.

 

You might be right. Everywhere I read that has since been pulled. You think he goes to Montreal?

 

possibly. though they just spent a lot of money on jaroslav spacek apparently, and that's just bad. so we'll see.

[sherwood921]

http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=CHI&season=0910

 

One name that is rarely discussed is Sharp, who I think is probably not long for this team. I think Hossa replaces Sharp more than he replaces anybody else. His $4.1 million cap hit the next three years is replacable. I'd much rather see him moved in the next year or two than lose somebody like Versteeg.

 

And I wouldn't dismiss the idea of trading Buff either, and his $3m hit the next 2 years. The $7.1m combined for Sharp and Buff in 2010 should allow them to keep whoever they want.

 

I would love to see them trade Huet and resign Khabi for 2 years, and Havlat for one. Then next year deal Sharp and Buff and bring back all the younger stars. But I can live with Huet for another few years.

 

 

I like Sharp a lot more than Versteeg, but you may be right. I know Versteeg is young and has great moves with the puck, but he coughed up way too many pucks around both blue lines. If he can eliminate that, then fine. Otherwise, he might be a great sell-high type of guy coming off a good rookie year. I wonder if anyone would sign him to an offer sheet now that it looks like we'll have to be tight with our money.

[Drew Doughty]

khabi to edmonton

[jersey cubs fan]

khabi to edmonton

 

So be it. I can live with Huet for now.