Blackhawks Offseason Thread

[shnsajax]

They've been planning to replace Tallon with Stan Bowman since daddy Bowman was brought into the organization. They were just waiting for an excuse.

 

I know nothing about Stan Bowman, but is this a bad or good thing? Given my lack of knowledge in this, but having the Bowman's highly involved seems like a good idea.

[kujay]

We are certainly getting different opinions right out of the gate in columnistland:

 

Morrisey, con-firing:

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/hockey/blackhawks/chi-tallon-blackhawks-morrissey,0,4367305.column

 

Rozner, pro-firing (sort of):

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=306763

 

Rozner really nailed it. Tallon's biggest problem, fair or unfair, was that he was part of the old, ridiculously incompetent regime. I wouldn't say he was ridiculously incompetent, just mildly so.

[kujay]

They've been planning to replace Tallon with Stan Bowman since daddy Bowman was brought into the organization. They were just waiting for an excuse.

 

I know nothing about Stan Bowman, but is this a bad or good thing? Given my lack of knowledge in this, but having the Bowman's highly involved seems like a good idea.

 

I don't know either. What I've read is that Scotty had personnel control in Buffalo for a short time and it was a disaster. I'm also reading a lot of carping at the Hawks boards (which are insane today, btw) that Stan is a finance guy, not a personnel guy.

 

No doubt this team needs to make a few shrewd trades now to overcome several of the [expletive] contracts Dale gave out. Let's see what they do.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

The Hawks board is always insane. It's a lot like Cubs.com.

 

Tallon gets a lot of credit for being around when the team got good, but many of the key pieces were in place before he got there. He made a lot of good trades and a lot of awful FA signings.

[kujay]

The Hawks board is always insane.

 

The Hawks boards are different than, say Cubs.com because so many of the posters are longtime, die-hard STHs who have met people like Tallon and Savard many times and feel like they are part of the family. So they take it personally when something like this happens. It was the same thing when Savard was fired. And I don't know how any rational person could disagree with that move.

[sherwood921]

Not sure on my feelings here. It just seems like weird timing. It has been pretty well covered that McDonough and Tallon were not seeing eye to eye on many things (Huet, Campbell being two biggies). Havlat was tweeting again today about how Dale was like a father to him and that this is just the tip of the iceberg, etc. If true, it would seem like Dale wanted to bring back Havlat, but Tallon (or Stan, Scotty, or Rocky, who really knows who has been calling the shots) wanted Hossa. That said - I'm on the Hossa side of the argument there. Could they have kept Dale around as a figurehead for negotiations? It's pretty widely known that Dale is a true "players' GM" just like Dusty was a "players' manager."

 

Regarding the RFA's - I still really don't think it was as big of a deal as the media made it out to me. Maybe Barker got a little extra and Versteeg probably got about a million a year extra. It should not have happened, and it hurts the cap, but we don't actually know who is at fault. Tallon took the heat, but I've been reading that McDonough had a hand in it. Hell, it could have been Stan's fault as he was the capologist (which worries me since our biggest problem seems to be cap management...hopefully Dale just wasn't listening?)

 

I like that Dale is still with the Hawks. He's been around the organization forever and put everything he had into improving the franchise. His biggest strength has always been in scouting, so hopefully he can continue to add that to the mix.

 

Moving forward with Stan it appears we are looking at a strategist, but that might not be a terrible thing. The pieces are already here. He does not need to go out and make a big splash or trade. He needs to find a way to get under the cap in the future. We only need to shed a little salary this season (I'd prefer not to use the cushion), but his big task will be next summer. I would love to see Campbell moved, but it is highly unlikely. Who knows what will happen. It makes it tougher to pair him with Versteeg now that Versteeg is no longer a bargain. I know Scotty hates Campbell and you've got to think Stan is well aware. I'd much rather lose Campbell, Versteeg, or Buff, than Sharp.

 

The only thing I really know is that this team is on the verge. For a team so young and close I would have liked for a much less eventful offseason. Hopefully Toews will be able to keep everyone focused and ignoring the circus that has been going on with Walsh, Havlat, Tallon, RFAs, etc. There is going to be a heck of a lot of pressure on this organization going forward.

*Edit - now I'm confused after watching the press conference. McD said they did not do a great job at communicating, but then said Dale kept him in the loop. He admitted that he should have kept better tabs. Followed that up saying that this wouldn't have happened without the RFA situation, and that it's ultimately his responsibility. That all makes no sense.

 

We didn't communicate well enough. He told me what was up, I should have asked more. It wasn't just his fault, but if it didn't happen he'd still have a job. Huh?

[Soul]

Well, I'm not sure if I just hit a streak or what, but I just pulled 4 articles off google search and read what can only be described as a thorough condemnation of the Hawks and this move.

 

I guess we're all about to find out whether it was the right thing to do or not. For my part, I was never all that impressed with Tallon. I've never forgotten the multiple years of bad hockey which led up to the past 2, much better, seasons.

[kujay]

Well, I'm not sure if I just hit a streak or what, but I just pulled 4 articles off google search and read what can only be described as a thorough condemnation of the Hawks and this move.

 

I guess we're all about to find out whether it was the right thing to do or not. For my part, I was never all that impressed with Tallon. I've never forgotten the multiple years of bad hockey which led up to the past 2, much better, seasons.

 

It's easy for columnists to say the Hawks made a mistake. That's the lazy way out. THEY JUST MADE THE CF! FIRING THE GM IS STUPID! Yeah, no. That's why I was talking up Rozner's article earlier. He looked behind things a little. He's actually been paying attention to hockey in this town for a little longer than April.

[Soul]

Well, I'm not sure if I just hit a streak or what, but I just pulled 4 articles off google search and read what can only be described as a thorough condemnation of the Hawks and this move.

 

I guess we're all about to find out whether it was the right thing to do or not. For my part, I was never all that impressed with Tallon. I've never forgotten the multiple years of bad hockey which led up to the past 2, much better, seasons.

 

It's easy for columnists to say the Hawks made a mistake. That's the lazy way out. THEY JUST MADE THE CF! FIRING THE GM IS STUPID! Yeah, no. That's why I was talking up Rozner's article earlier. He looked behind things a little. He's actually been paying attention to hockey in this town for a little longer than April.

 

And to be fair, Tallon has done some good things. I like to think the comparisons to Savard are valid -- both guys brought us a certain part of the way, but there were still things that needed to get better.

 

I also think it is interesting that Tallon still has a job with the Hawks. Seems like it might have been all part of the plan. Maybe Dale even knew about it.

[WreckingMachine]

Some pics from prospects camp... boy its nice to see our future players out there... getting me more excited for hockey season!

 

ALIUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!

 

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg292/candc90/2009prospectcamptues1202.jpg

 

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg292/candc90/2009prospectcamptues1242.jpg

 

BEACH!

 

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg292/candc90/2009prospectcamptues0142.jpg

 

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg292/candc90/2009prospectcamptues0382.jpg

 

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg292/candc90/2009prospectcamptues0392.jpg

 

Olsen/Pirri:

 

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg292/candc90/2009prospectcamptues0942.jpg

 

OTHERS:

 

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg292/candc90/2009prospectcamptues0262.jpg

 

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg292/candc90/2009prospectcamptues0122.jpg

 

Anyone know if they allow observers to watch the practices or camps at The Edge in Bensenville? I hope so, but I know that particular rink has very little seating.

[jersey cubs fan]

NHL schedule released today. Hawks open in Finland against Florida, which we knew, but open in the states in Detroit. Home opener Saturday, October 10 against Colorado.

 

http://www.nhl.com/ice/app

[kujay]

NHL schedule released today. Hawks open in Finland against Florida, which we knew, but open in the states in Detroit. Home opener Saturday, October 10 against Colorado.

 

http://www.nhl.com/ice/app

 

Here's a link that didn't freeze my browser:

 

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule&season=20092010

 

Tons of home games early on, customary circus trip over Thanksgiving, but then this trip:

 

Sat Jan 16, 2010 Blackhawks Blue Jackets 1:00 PM

Sun Jan 17, 2010 Blackhawks Red Wings 2:00 PM

Tue Jan 19, 2010 Blackhawks Senators 6:30 PM

Thu Jan 21, 2010 Blackhawks Flames 8:30 PM

Sat Jan 23, 2010 Blackhawks Canucks 9:00 PM

Tue Jan 26, 2010 Blackhawks Oilers 8:30 PM

Thu Jan 28, 2010 Blackhawks Sharks 9:30 PM

Sat Jan 30, 2010 Blackhawks Hurricanes 6:00 PM

 

Fine, it's 8 games. We have a 9-game trip last year. But the haul from Ottawa to Calgary in one day is rough, then from San Jose to Carolina. WTF?

[jersey cubs fan]

NHL schedule released today. Hawks open in Finland against Florida, which we knew, but open in the states in Detroit. Home opener Saturday, October 10 against Colorado.

 

http://www.nhl.com/ice/app

 

Here's a link that didn't freeze my browser:

 

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule&season=20092010

 

Tons of home games early on, customary circus trip over Thanksgiving, but then this trip:

 

Sat Jan 16, 2010 Blackhawks Blue Jackets 1:00 PM

Sun Jan 17, 2010 Blackhawks Red Wings 2:00 PM

Tue Jan 19, 2010 Blackhawks Senators 6:30 PM

Thu Jan 21, 2010 Blackhawks Flames 8:30 PM

Sat Jan 23, 2010 Blackhawks Canucks 9:00 PM

Tue Jan 26, 2010 Blackhawks Oilers 8:30 PM

Thu Jan 28, 2010 Blackhawks Sharks 9:30 PM

Sat Jan 30, 2010 Blackhawks Hurricanes 6:00 PM

 

Fine, it's 8 games. We have a 9-game trip last year. But the haul from Ottawa to Calgary in one day is rough, then from San Jose to Carolina. WTF?

 

Sorry about the link, should have gone with the blackhawks one first. That is pretty ridiculous. Also, there seems to be a ton of games per week, as a result of the olympics break.

[kujay]

Also, there seems to be a ton of games per week, as a result of the olympics break.

 

I looked at that schedule up and down and didn't even notice the 16-day break in February. Wow. Yeah, that probably explains some of the quick turnarounds and tough travel without many days off.

 

I like it though. It's more hockey, more often. Center Ice will be a no-brainer again this year.

[NewUserName]

since it came up I am going to rant this real quick.....I hate olympic years!!!

[kujay]

I'm getting really tired of Marty "Contract Year" Havlat bashing McD and the Hawks through his Twitter account.

 

Hossa is better than you, bro. Everyone knows we got so much out of you last year only because you decided to try and not dog it and wuss out all year like most of the rest of your career. Get over it.

[RedFlash]

I'm getting really tired of Marty "Contract Year" Havlat bashing McD and the Hawks through his Twitter account.

 

Hossa is better than you, bro. Everyone knows we got so much out of you last year only because you decided to try and not dog it and wuss out all year like most of the rest of your career. Get over it.

 

Agreed. Marty is coming off as very bitter that he wanted to stay in Chicago, but also get paid. He knew the Hawks are building something and he wanted to be a part of it, and it sounds like he is bitter that he had to leave Chicago for Minnesota. Get over yourself Marty, you'll prolly spend half of your time in Minnesota on the IR, but at least you got paid.

[17 Seconds]

he's certainly making it easier to see him go.

 

hossa is better than you and is a far lower risk healthwise. get over it.

[WreckingMachine]

I'm getting really tired of Marty "Contract Year" Havlat bashing McD and the Hawks through his Twitter account.

 

Hossa is better than you, bro. Everyone knows we got so much out of you last year only because you decided to try and not dog it and wuss out all year like most of the rest of your career. Get over it.

 

Eh, I can understand him to a degree though. While McDonough is insanely successful, he does come off as a bit of a power trip type guy. Don't get me wrong, the positives obviously triumph his arrogance, which I guess helps him be successful. But that's also part of the reason he canned/didn't have much chemistry with Tallon.

 

With all that said, it doesn't take away that Hossa is a far better option. And Havlat's term with Minnesota is almost gauranteed to be a bust because a.) their system is counterproductive to his game b.) doesn't have much surrounding talent or fitting complements, and c.) has the injury risk Gaborik had.

[UMFan83]

I'm getting really tired of Marty "Contract Year" Havlat bashing McD and the Hawks through his Twitter account.

 

Hossa is better than you, bro. Everyone knows we got so much out of you last year only because you decided to try and not dog it and wuss out all year like most of the rest of your career. Get over it.

 

I don't think he's bitter that they signed Hossa and not him. He's bitter because Tallon told Havlat they would resign him and McD went over his head and signed Hossa instead. At least that's the impression I am gathering.

[Soul]

I'm getting really tired of Marty "Contract Year" Havlat bashing McD and the Hawks through his Twitter account.

 

Hossa is better than you, bro. Everyone knows we got so much out of you last year only because you decided to try and not dog it and wuss out all year like most of the rest of your career. Get over it.

 

I don't think he's bitter that they signed Hossa and not him. He's bitter because Tallon told Havlat they would resign him and McD went over his head and signed Hossa instead. At least that's the impression I am gathering.

 

Then he should be upset with Tallon for telling him something he couldn't back up.

 

He's got no case being upset with McD for exercising his authority as Tallon's superior.

 

And besides, no matter what other factors are in play, being traded and/or let go is part of the reality of pro sports. You've got no right to be employed by a certain team, regardless of what anyone tells you. Deal with it and move on, don't keep yapping like a baby.

[kujay]

Rozner is all over it:

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=307060

 

The Hawks are going to need production from some of the farm guys this year after a few trades happen, but that's how great teams stay great. Detroit has stayed at the top by having a steady stream of young guys come up and get the job done.

 

This is the real problem with Tallon's bedcrap in giving those contracts to Huet and Campbell. Boyle was much cheaper and better.

[Soul]

With all that said, it doesn't take away that Hossa is a far better option. And Havlat's term with Minnesota is almost gauranteed to be a bust because a.) their system is counterproductive to his game b.) doesn't have much surrounding talent or fitting complements, and c.) has the injury risk Gaborik had.

 

If the Hawks were a team going nowhere, Havlat wouldn't even care. This is also very much about being removed from a desirable team, and being shipped to a less desirable one. If I was a Wild fan, I wouldn't be all that happy with Marty's comments.

[NewUserName]

I think the Campbell signing is similar to the Soriano signing...big market team being a little more desperate than they should have been. Both players were over-rated because they are good at some things that are easy to show on Sportscenter. It isnt just Boyle, I am sure there were several d-men that could have been had for 2 million who would have given the team just as much value. All that said, if Campbell can reestablish himself as the PP quarterback and hit like he did in the playoffs, he will be a valuable player than can help lead the Hawks to the Cup

 

I have a hard time being too critical about the Huet signing. It was too much, but that was probably the market. If Khabibulin didnt return to his past form last year, I dont think there would be that much complaining about the Huet signing.

 

The Hossa signing was huge, even if it gives them cap issues next year, I would rather have Hossa than Kane. I know Kane is much younger and will probably be a better scorer, I think his size will always make him somewhat of a liability on defense.

 

Anyway, this is all kind of a Tallon defense post. He has made some mistakes, but I he has done a good job overall. I think he was sent packing because he is still part of the past regime that was completely incompetent.

[jersey cubs fan]

I think the Campbell signing is similar to the Soriano signing...big market team being a little more desperate than they should have been. Both players were over-rated because they are good at some things that are easy to show on Sportscenter. It isnt just Boyle, I am sure there were several d-men that could have been had for 2 million who would have given the team just as much value. All that said, if Campbell can reestablish himself as the PP quarterback and hit like he did in the playoffs, he will be a valuable player than can help lead the Hawks to the Cup

 

I have a hard time being too critical about the Huet signing. It was too much, but that was probably the market. If Khabibulin didnt return to his past form last year, I dont think there would be that much complaining about the Huet signing.

 

The Hossa signing was huge, even if it gives them cap issues next year, I would rather have Hossa than Kane. I know Kane is much younger and will probably be a better scorer, I think his size will always make him somewhat of a liability on defense.

 

Anyway, this is all kind of a Tallon defense post. He has made some mistakes, but I he has done a good job overall. I think he was sent packing because he is still part of the past regime that was completely incompetent.

 

He wasn't just a part of that regime though, he put together some really crappy teams.