Chicago Blackhawks 2013 Season

[UMFan83]

Sorry I got excited. A shortened season should be good for the Hawks who are still depth challenged. I don't care where they finish in the top 8, just get a playoff spot and bring on the playoffs!

[UMFan83]

They are talking about either a 48 or 50 game season. I'm guessing 4 games in division (16 games), 2 games against the rest of the conference (20 games) and a game against 14 of the 15 out of conference teams. Or the could cut back to barely playing the opposite conference and have teams play a 3rd game against some or all non divisional conference teams.

[NewUserName]

Schedule has the Wings and the Hawks playing today!! Lets get it on:) Oh well. I am much happier about this then I expected. Even if the Wings are going to struggle to make the playoffs.

 

I think in 94 they did not play any out of conference games.

[CubInOK]

So how will the new CBA screw this team? Do we even know what's in it yet?

[kujay]

No out of conference games.

 

Was looking again at the roster to remind myself of what we have. Same forwards, basically. Danault and McNeill will get camp invites, essentially to try and be this year's Saad (<10 game cup o' coffee). But I doubt either make it.

 

I like the defensive depth. Having eight competent guys will be nice with the condensed schedule. Though I guess I'm only assuming Brookbank is competent. That Oduya contract still makes me want to heave. I hope Rozsival takes a lot of his ice time.

[UMFan83]

If there is no conference games I could see them doing all 6 divisional games (24) and then 3 games against 6 of the 10 other teams in the conference (18 games) and then 2 against the other 4 teams (8 games). Or I guess they could say 4 games against the division (16 games) and 4 against 4 conference foes (16 games) and 3 against the other 6 teams (18 games). I'm guessing they won't go to an odd number of games against teams in the division so its either 4 or 6 most likely.

[NewUserName]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=412844

 

Here is the latest from TSN. still no decision on the schedule. I do not really understand the cap for the first season. $60 mill prorated but teams can spend up to $70 mill. Does this mean they will have a cap penalty in the future? Not sure and the story really didn't explain it well. I have been messing around on CapGeek this morning and I think the Hawks will have some issues next off-season. They are already committed to almost $60 mill on 17 players. Next seasons cap will be $64.7 mill. They can buyout up to 2 players the next couple of seasons. Not sure what the buy out percentage is. Still seems like they would have to pay a lot of money to not have players count against the cap. Honestly, I think they will have to consider buying Hossa out.

 

Also, nothing on realignment. The players stopped that from happening this season, I figured they just did that to use as leverage in the CBA negotiations.

Edited January 6, 2013 by NewUserName

[kujay]

I think I saw a buyout would have to be 2/3 of the contract length. That would hurt old Rocky.

 

But yeah they will have to do something. And not spend over $3M on guys like Bolland and Oduya.

[NewUserName]

I think I saw a buyout would have to be 2/3 of the contract length. That would hurt old Rocky.

 

But yeah they will have to do something. And not spend over $3M on guys like Bolland and Oduya.

 

Well the Wings spent 2 mill on Bertuzzi and 3.5 mill on Ericsson. So the Hawks are not the only team that has made some questionable resignings

[kujay]

Oh and as to realignment, yeah I think the players were just being dicks when they killed it last year. I would bet it gets done soon for next season in the form the league previously announced. Which is good I like the Hawks playing in Winnipeg a few times a year.

[kujay]

I think I saw a buyout would have to be 2/3 of the contract length. That would hurt old Rocky.

 

But yeah they will have to do something. And not spend over $3M on guys like Bolland and Oduya.

 

Well the Wings spent 2 mill on Bertuzzi and 3.5 mill on Ericsson. So the Hawks are not the only team that has made some questionable resignings

 

No doubt. Been reading about teams that set themselves up well knowing a cap reduction was coming, the most notable being Colorado. I suppose it wasn't possible for the Hawks to do that with so much high-priced talent though.

[NewUserName]

I think I saw a buyout would have to be 2/3 of the contract length. That would hurt old Rocky.

 

But yeah they will have to do something. And not spend over $3M on guys like Bolland and Oduya.

 

Well the Wings spent 2 mill on Bertuzzi and 3.5 mill on Ericsson. So the Hawks are not the only team that has made some questionable resignings

 

No doubt. Been reading about teams that set themselves up well knowing a cap reduction was coming, the most notable being Colorado. I suppose it wasn't possible for the Hawks to do that with so much high-priced talent though.

 

I misread CapGeek. The Hawks cap hit next season is 57 mill

[brinoch]

Yeah, the Hawks are fine, and can even create a lot of flexibility with the buyouts.

 

Buyout candidates:

Rusty Olesz

Steve Montador

 

I also think they'll make a trade or two -- probably Hjalmarsson. Perhaps there's some kind of combination of Hjalmarsson, Stalberg and a prospect or two which would net that elusive 2nd line center. That's what I would try to do -- the Hawks have too many prospects for the top 6, and while Stalberg's speed causes problems, he's replaceable by one of Saad, Morin, Smith or Hayes. He's very attractive because of his cheap contract and there's no way the Hawks will be able to keep him. I'm just not sold on Pirri or Kruger in that role yet, though they've apparently done well in Rockford (I have seen no games and have no direct knowledge). But, to me, this is a season that the Hawks should be striving for a Cup, and they need to roll 4 lines that can score -- and not depend too much on rookies. That would set up:

 

Sharp-Toews-Kane

Saad-2nd Center-Hossa

Bickell-Bolland-Frolik

Carcillo-Kruger-Mayers

 

Keith-Seabrook

Oduya-Leddy

Brookbank-Montador

 

Crawford

Emery

 

Roszsival

Olesz

Bollig

 

Works for me.

[Guest]

i wouldn't trade hjalmarsson if it means oduya being forced onto the second pairing, especially with the uncertainty in net.

[brinoch]

Doing a little online research, Montador still hasn't been cleared to play after his concussion at the end of last season, which complicates any possible trade of Hjalmarsson. FWIW, Olesz is out still from his season-ending knee injury last year -- he'll almost certainly be bought out. Adam Clendening has apparently played very well in Rockford, and might get a look. Likewise, Hayes, Shaw, Morin and Saad are all in the mix. I think the Hawks will probably stand pat and try to figure out 2C internally, which I don't like, but can understand.

[kujay]

I'd be pretty surprised if they view Rozsival as being lower on the depth chart than Brookbank.

[Old Style]

LET'S PLAY SOME HOCKEY!

[pitchcs]

God I was so happy when hockey just went away.

[jersey cubs fan]

If anybody is getting bought out it's Hossa, right?

[biittner77]

If anybody is getting bought out it's Hossa, right?

 

No, because of the length of contract. It might wind up being cheaper to pay him until he retires. As mentioned, they'll buy out rust eze and I would think Montador would be another candidate.

 

I read one article that suggested they might buy out Keith but that might have been based purely on length of contract.

[UMFan83]

Seems like its going to be a 48 game season most likely unless things get ratified quickly. Either way, according to this training camp starts on Saturday (Jan 12) with the season likely starting a week later (Jan 19)

 

According to Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports and confirmed by Eric Stephens of the OC Register, the NHL has informed teams that no camps can open before Saturday as well as a probable Jan. 19 start date and a 48-game regular season.

 

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN reports on the memo:

 

“NHL sent out memo to teams tonight saying Jan. 19 puck drop is most probable, however if ratification process goes fast, Jan. 15 still in play.”

 

 

Also.....ummm ok..

 

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/GRAYU.HfOFYy6uvcRJPtaQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnhlexperts/alexpicard2.jpg

[brinoch]

I'd be pretty surprised if they view Rozsival as being lower on the depth chart than Brookbank.

 

I think they like Brookbank's snarl and presence in the D zone. But he could be O'Donnellversion2013. I think if Montador is healthy or gets healthy, Hjalmarsson is gone.

[kujay]

Well I agree we need some of that on the back end, especially with Oduya being so soft. God I hate that guy. He better fill the scoresheet.

[Bruno7481]

Ridiculous question for you all...

 

Have decided I am going to follow Hockey this season. I have enjoyed watching it, but have never really considered myself a fan. I want to change that and try to learn the game better. I need to adopt a team though. That is where I need some help.

 

Locally I can catch games on TV from two teams, Columbus and Nashville. I know Columbus sucks, and that Nashville is pretty good. Should I go with a local team that I can see on TV more often?

 

If not, where should I look?

[UMFan83]

Neither of those 2 teams. Columbus sucks and Nashville doesn't play the kind of hockey that will entertain a newbie fan. Or a die hard.

 

Pick one of the sun belt teams. They could use the fans.

 

This is of course assuming you aren't just asking us to sell you on following the Hawks.