Re: 2009 Chicago Blackhawks

[Butterscup1679666578]

great passing on that setup for Hossa's 2nd

[17 Seconds]

god i love kane and toews so much

[Butterscup1679666578]

yawn, another 5-goal game

[bcl412]

We're so good.

[17 Seconds]

stop ruining the pretty score you goons

[RedFlash]

I'd hate to give up Sharp, but Versteeg I could easily live without. I'm extremely interested in seeing what it could possibly take.

 

Okay, for the sake of argument, I could see picking up a guy like Kovalchuk and dumping longer term contracts like Sharp and Versteeg. But that only works if you assume the Hawks will have no interest in signing him beyond this year. Which I don't know how they could do under the cap.

 

So, I'm still against it because it would upset the apple cart and probably not be that much of an improvement. Chemistry is very important in hockey, and I'd be worried about taking a couple forwards out and subbing in a new guy and then someone like Hendry or another guy from Rockford.

 

If we're going to trade some of our skill guys, which I agree will have to be done after the season, it needs to be for draft picks.

 

Well while traveling the Blackhawks boards, there's seems to be an opinion that any deal would start with Kris Versteeg and Cam Barker, two young players who are NHL ready and players that are definately replaceable. But I'm torned, you make this trade and you are literally putting ALL OF THE EGGS into one basketballand going for it this year. But if you don't win it this yr, then you take a step or two back beginning next yr. On the other hand you have the drought and who knows if you get another opportunity like this. Knowing the higher ups (McD and Wirtz) I could see them make this play to enhance the chances of Hawks raising Lord Stanley. We'll see.

 

(Note: I didn't know Ecklund had this rumor, I read it on ESPN and CBC.)

[UMFan83]

I'd hate to give up Sharp, but Versteeg I could easily live without. I'm extremely interested in seeing what it could possibly take.

 

Okay, for the sake of argument, I could see picking up a guy like Kovalchuk and dumping longer term contracts like Sharp and Versteeg. But that only works if you assume the Hawks will have no interest in signing him beyond this year. Which I don't know how they could do under the cap.

 

So, I'm still against it because it would upset the apple cart and probably not be that much of an improvement. Chemistry is very important in hockey, and I'd be worried about taking a couple forwards out and subbing in a new guy and then someone like Hendry or another guy from Rockford.

 

If we're going to trade some of our skill guys, which I agree will have to be done after the season, it needs to be for draft picks.

 

Well while traveling the Blackhawks boards, there's seems to be an opinion that any deal would start with Kris Versteeg and Cam Barker, two young players who are NHL ready and players that are definately replaceable. But I'm torned, you make this trade and you are literally putting ALL OF THE EGGS into one basketballand going for it this year. But if you don't win it this yr, then you take a step or two back beginning next yr. On the other hand you have the drought and who knows if you get another opportunity like this. Knowing the higher ups (McD and Wirtz) I could see them make this play to enhance the chances of Hawks raising Lord Stanley. We'll see.

 

(Note: I didn't know Ecklund had this rumor, I read it on ESPN and CBC.)

 

I think this team is good enough as is to win the Cup and honestly at some point you can add more talent and get dimishing returns on it. Only so many people can be on the ice and score at once. I would agree that it gives us more depth though, and Kovalchuk is obviously a terrific player. But since the Hawks are good enough as currently constructed to win this year, I'd prefer any move they make have to do with sustaining long term success.

[RedFlash]

I think this team is good enough as is to win the Cup and honestly at some point you can add more talent and get dimishing returns on it. Only so many people can be on the ice and score at once. I would agree that it gives us more depth though, and Kovalchuk is obviously a terrific player. But since the Hawks are good enough as currently constructed to win this year, I'd prefer any move they make have to do with sustaining long term success.

 

I agree. I don't think the Hawks should risk the chemistry of the team, but since we are talking about McD and Wirtz they may acquiring a talent like Kovy as a way to enhance the Hawks chances at winning it all. Not to mention it would force them to trade a few of their young talent with decent contracts to help released (ie Barker,, Versteeg) some salary cap burden. Like most I prefer to trade certain players for draft picks, but I could see McD/Wirtz making a play for Kovy.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'd hate to give up Sharp, but Versteeg I could easily live without. I'm extremely interested in seeing what it could possibly take.

 

Okay, for the sake of argument, I could see picking up a guy like Kovalchuk and dumping longer term contracts like Sharp and Versteeg. But that only works if you assume the Hawks will have no interest in signing him beyond this year.

But I'm torned, you make this trade and you are literally putting ALL OF THE EGGS into one basketballand going for it this year. But if you don't win it this yr, then you take a step or two back beginning next yr.

 

I think this team is good enough as is to win the Cup and honestly at some point you can add more talent and get dimishing returns on it. Only so many people can be on the ice and score at once. I would agree that it gives us more depth though, and Kovalchuk is obviously a terrific player. But since the Hawks are good enough as currently constructed to win this year, I'd prefer any move they make have to do with sustaining long term success.

 

Whatever happens, the Blackhawks will be without some of their non-star players next year. They simply have to move some of those guys to make the cap work. There's no getting around it. So the question is do you deal those guys for draft picks or for a star who can help now? The Blackhawks are still loaded with young talent. I really don't think they'd be putting all their eggs in this year's basket (the best players are still signed longterm) but they'd obviously be emphasizing this year more. There's no telling what kind of picks you can get for those guys, if you aren't getting 1sts and 2nds, why not get in on something like this?

[Soul]

Got my tix for the Feb 13th game in Chicago. First Blackhawks game I will attend since old Chicago Stadium.

[kujay]

Got my tix for the Feb 13th game in Chicago. First Blackhawks game I will attend since old Chicago Stadium.

 

I tried to get tickets for that one but couldn't find anything reasonable. I guess we'll just have to settle for the 2/6 game in St. Louis. Haven't been to a home game in over 8 years now. That has to stop. They just make it tough for us out-of-towners with the lack of Saturday home dates. I guess the Bulls play at home on Saturdays.

 

Also, ESPN is talking Kovi to Hawks, but it doesn't look like anything new since a few days ago. I still don't like it.

[RedFlash]

Also, ESPN is talking Kovi to Hawks, but it doesn't look like anything new since a few days ago. I still don't like it.

 

I think I leaning towards liking the deal when you consider that if you trade certain guys like Buff, Versteeg, Barker, etc you have enough talent on the farm to replace them in the lineup (Beach, Aliu, LaLonde) not to mention I think the Hawks have enough picks between the next two drafts (12 in total, 5 in 2010, 7 in '11) to replace the said prospects. As long as the deal does not include the following (excluding the automatics of Kane, Toews, Hossa, and Keith) Sharp, Hammer, and Seabrook, I think I am ok with Kovy deal.

[jersey cubs fan]

Also, ESPN is talking Kovi to Hawks, but it doesn't look like anything new since a few days ago. I still don't like it.

 

I think I leaning towards liking the deal when you consider that if you trade certain guys like Buff, Versteeg, Barker, etc you have enough talent on the farm to replace them in the lineup (Beach, Aliu, LaLonde) not to mention I think the Hawks have enough picks between the next two drafts (12 in total, 5 in 2010, 7 in '11) to replace the said prospects. As long as the deal does not include the following (excluding the automatics of Kane, Toews, Hossa, and Keith) Sharp, Hammer, and Seabrook, I think I am ok with Kovy deal.

 

I'm nearly convinced Sharp is the most likely guy to go. It's a nice chunk of change in the cap and they've got enough forwards to make up for him.

[UMFan83]

I'd hate to give up Sharp, but Versteeg I could easily live without. I'm extremely interested in seeing what it could possibly take.

 

Okay, for the sake of argument, I could see picking up a guy like Kovalchuk and dumping longer term contracts like Sharp and Versteeg. But that only works if you assume the Hawks will have no interest in signing him beyond this year.

But I'm torned, you make this trade and you are literally putting ALL OF THE EGGS into one basketballand going for it this year. But if you don't win it this yr, then you take a step or two back beginning next yr.

 

I think this team is good enough as is to win the Cup and honestly at some point you can add more talent and get dimishing returns on it. Only so many people can be on the ice and score at once. I would agree that it gives us more depth though, and Kovalchuk is obviously a terrific player. But since the Hawks are good enough as currently constructed to win this year, I'd prefer any move they make have to do with sustaining long term success.

 

Whatever happens, the Blackhawks will be without some of their non-star players next year. They simply have to move some of those guys to make the cap work. There's no getting around it. So the question is do you deal those guys for draft picks or for a star who can help now? The Blackhawks are still loaded with young talent. I really don't think they'd be putting all their eggs in this year's basket (the best players are still signed longterm) but they'd obviously be emphasizing this year more. There's no telling what kind of picks you can get for those guys, if you aren't getting 1sts and 2nds, why not get in on something like this?

 

I realize the cap situation, and I definitely understand what you are saying. I'd say I'd do the trade unless you think there is an opportunity to do a deal that keeps us as talented this year but helps us better long term. But as I type that out, it probably doesn't seem likely that we'd be able to find an equal talent to Versteeg and Barker in one player that happens to make a bit less than them combined and is signed for multiple seasons. I would just hate to see something what the Hawks have fall apart. They need to be careful in every somewhat major move they make down the road, not John Paxson careful, but still careful.

 

I guess being a Chicago sports fan where success usually happens randomly and disappears just as quickly as it comes, I'm dying for some long term success. When is the last time we've had a consistent contender in this city? The Jordan Bulls and before then the mid-80's Bears were contenders between 84-90. The Hawks were a playoff team quite a bit in the 80's-90's but how many of those teams were true contenders? All of our contenders (05-06 Bears, 05 Sox, 03-04 Cubs, 07-08 Cubs) fall apart just as quickly as they arrive.

[RedFlash]

Also, ESPN is talking Kovi to Hawks, but it doesn't look like anything new since a few days ago. I still don't like it.

 

I think I leaning towards liking the deal when you consider that if you trade certain guys like Buff, Versteeg, Barker, etc you have enough talent on the farm to replace them in the lineup (Beach, Aliu, LaLonde) not to mention I think the Hawks have enough picks between the next two drafts (12 in total, 5 in 2010, 7 in '11) to replace the said prospects. As long as the deal does not include the following (excluding the automatics of Kane, Toews, Hossa, and Keith) Sharp, Hammer, and Seabrook, I think I am ok with Kovy deal.

 

I'm nearly convinced Sharp is the most likely guy to go. It's a nice chunk of change in the cap and they've got enough forwards to make up for him.

 

I think the Thrashers are going to want young quality talent on reasonable deals (Sharp is 28) which might eliminate Sharp from the discussions. Not to mention the Thrashers Assistant GM is a former assistant with the Blackhawks (Rick Dudley) is likely to ask for young players/prospects since e knows the system. So I think Sharp is reasonably safe. I could see Atlanta asking for Sharpie, but I think Atlanta is likely to wanted younger talent.

[jersey cubs fan]

I would just hate to see something what the Hawks have fall apart. They need to be careful in every somewhat major move they make down the road, not John Paxson careful, but still careful.

 

I guess being a Chicago sports fan where success usually happens randomly and disappears just as quickly as it comes, I'm dying for some long term success.

 

Well, it's hockey, where half the teams make the playoffs, so at the very least they should have a chance every year. And they have several very good players signed longterm, including a couple legit stars who should still get better. The 2005/2006 Bears relied on defense, a bad formula for longterm consistent success. The Bulls are in the NBA, where it's get yourself a superstar or get the hell out of the way, and they haven't had a star. The Cubs are just dumb, and they play the hardest league to get into the playoffs.

 

I'm not that concerned about them sustaining success. They might be the best they are going to be this year, but not necessarily, and even a step back would keep them in contention and very good.

[brinoch]

If Kovalchuk can be had fairly cheaply, I say go for it. But the more I read on it, the more I think that's just not going to be the case. It seems pretty serious down in Atlanta. They might move, and if Kovalchuk goes, I think they just won't have the fan support to stay viable in Atlanta.

[NewUserName]

If Kovalchuk can be had fairly cheaply, I say go for it. But the more I read on it, the more I think that's just not going to be the case. It seems pretty serious down in Atlanta. They might move, and if Kovalchuk goes, I think they just won't have the fan support to stay viable in Atlanta.

 

I think the Hawks would have to give up at least and equal amount in salary to get Kovalchuk. So the pricetag is going to be high. I think something else to consider as a Hawks fan is this, if the Hawks dont get him who will?

[brinoch]

If Kovalchuk can be had fairly cheaply, I say go for it. But the more I read on it, the more I think that's just not going to be the case. It seems pretty serious down in Atlanta. They might move, and if Kovalchuk goes, I think they just won't have the fan support to stay viable in Atlanta.

 

I think the Hawks would have to give up at least and equal amount in salary to get Kovalchuk. So the pricetag is going to be high. I think something else to consider as a Hawks fan is this, if the Hawks dont get him who will?

 

$7.5M in salary isn't that much. Sharp ($4.0), Barker ($3.0) and one of Beach/Skille/Aliu would cover that for this season. But I don't think that Sharpie and Barker would get it done. I think Atlanta would want a cheaper, more plentiful package. Something like Versteeg, Byfuglien, and Baker, plus Aliu/Skille and a pick. To me, I think the cost in players would just be too high for a rental. Plus, If you trade Barker or Sopel, you need to get a defenseman back -- the d-man corps is pretty thin in Rockford. I think the Hawks plan to follow the Detroit/Pittsburgh model and trade their good, but not great, young talent for picks to develop a deep talent pool to allow for pipeline of cheap, young talented players.

 

Ultimately, I think Atlanta will re-sign him. But, yeah, it would be really annoying to see him go to LA or Vancouver.

[Soul]

If Kovalchuk can be had fairly cheaply, I say go for it. But the more I read on it, the more I think that's just not going to be the case. It seems pretty serious down in Atlanta. They might move, and if Kovalchuk goes, I think they just won't have the fan support to stay viable in Atlanta.

 

I think the Hawks would have to give up at least and equal amount in salary to get Kovalchuk. So the pricetag is going to be high. I think something else to consider as a Hawks fan is this, if the Hawks dont get him who will?

 

$7.5M in salary isn't that much. Sharp ($4.0), Barker ($3.0) and one of Beach/Skille/Aliu would cover that for this season. But I don't think that Sharpie and Barker would get it done. I think Atlanta would want a cheaper, more plentiful package. Something like Versteeg, Byfuglien, and Baker, plus Aliu/Skille and a pick. To me, I think the cost in players would just be too high for a rental. Plus, If you trade Barker or Sopel, you need to get a defenseman back -- the d-man corps is pretty thin in Rockford. I think the Hawks plan to follow the Detroit/Pittsburgh model and trade their good, but not great, young talent for picks to develop a deep talent pool to allow for pipeline of cheap, young talented players.

 

Ultimately, I think Atlanta will re-sign him. But, yeah, it would be really annoying to see him go to LA or Vancouver.

 

I don't know. This team is great right now. Do we really want to start messing with it mid-stream like that? I think Sharp is a significant contributor to the 2009/2010 Hawks. Maybe his future is with another team, but right now? He's a guy who is doing very good things for us. I'm hesitant to want to upset that apple cart.

 

Give me a goalie upgrade possibility.

[jersey cubs fan]

Give me a goalie upgrade possibility.

 

No chance.

[brinoch]

Give me a goalie upgrade possibility.

 

No chance.

 

I'm happy with Huet/Niemi.

[Soul]

Give me a goalie upgrade possibility.

 

No chance.

 

Yeah, I know.

[brinoch]

If Kovalchuk can be had fairly cheaply, I say go for it. But the more I read on it, the more I think that's just not going to be the case. It seems pretty serious down in Atlanta. They might move, and if Kovalchuk goes, I think they just won't have the fan support to stay viable in Atlanta.

 

I think the Hawks would have to give up at least and equal amount in salary to get Kovalchuk. So the pricetag is going to be high. I think something else to consider as a Hawks fan is this, if the Hawks dont get him who will?

 

$7.5M in salary isn't that much. Sharp ($4.0), Barker ($3.0) and one of Beach/Skille/Aliu would cover that for this season. But I don't think that Sharpie and Barker would get it done. I think Atlanta would want a cheaper, more plentiful package. Something like Versteeg, Byfuglien, and Baker, plus Aliu/Skille and a pick. To me, I think the cost in players would just be too high for a rental. Plus, If you trade Barker or Sopel, you need to get a defenseman back -- the d-man corps is pretty thin in Rockford. I think the Hawks plan to follow the Detroit/Pittsburgh model and trade their good, but not great, young talent for picks to develop a deep talent pool to allow for pipeline of cheap, young talented players.

 

Ultimately, I think Atlanta will re-sign him. But, yeah, it would be really annoying to see him go to LA or Vancouver.

 

I don't know. This team is great right now. Do we really want to start messing with it mid-stream like that? I think Sharp is a significant contributor to the 2009/2010 Hawks. Maybe his future is with another team, but right now? He's a guy who is doing very good things for us. I'm hesitant to want to upset that apple cart.

 

Give me a goalie upgrade possibility.

 

I understand the uncertainty. I don't think the team needs Kovalchuk, but eventually, they will need to make some trades -- either in February or after the season. Assuming the cap stays about the same, we're carrying way too much payroll for next season. That means significant changes need to be made. Unless you can clear Campbell off the books, I think that some of the guys among Sharp, Eager, Burish, Ladd, Kopecky, Bolland, Versteeg, Barker, Madden (I'd love to see Madden come back, by the way. He's been great), Sopel and Byfuglien will be gone.

 

They will absolutely resign Hjalmarsson and Niemi and they will make qualifying offers to all their RFA's (unless traded early), but they won't be able to keep everyone.

[17 Seconds]

this better not be one of those games