Blackhawks Offseason Thread

[JBM73]

This guy has had a questionable track record with his info, but an interesting read:

HockeyBuzz.com - John Jaeckel - Latest On Kesler; Bowman "On A Mission"; More

 

[ChicagoIrish]

This guy has had a questionable track record with his info, but an interesting read:

HockeyBuzz.com - John Jaeckel - Latest On Kesler; Bowman "On A Mission"; More

Well it seems that the Hawks are definitely interested.

I'm praying that we can somehow pull this off. I've been a Kesler fan for awhile now, awesome player, and would fit perfectly with this team.

Article also says that Toews and Kane didn't ask for $12

 

[JBM73]

Agent: Patrick Sharp will not be traded - Chicago Sun-Times

 

[anotheridiot]

that was real funny when Sharps agent said something about a tool in toronto drumming up headlines. Seemed to be some question on the Bowman statement after sharps agent started gabbing. I think Bowman was figuring Parise and Suter money for kane and toews. Maybe its a threat of having to gut the team to afford them. If they got 12 we know Seabrook or Sharp would almost definitely need to go.

 

[JBM73]

that was real funny when Sharps agent said something about a tool in toronto drumming up headlines. Seemed to be some question on the Bowman statement after sharps agent started gabbing. I think Bowman was figuring Parise and Suter money for kane and toews. Maybe its a threat of having to gut the team to afford them. If they got 12 we know Seabrook or Sharp would almost definitely need to go.

As much as I love Toews in particular, I'm not paying EITHER one $12 mil. We don't want to become the Penguins West - great top end talent, no depth. Sounds like it was probably just a high ball starting number, though, not a realistic one. I see them being in the neighborhood of $8-9mil/yr.

 

[ChicagoIrish]

Well it seems that the Hawks are definitely interested.

I'm praying that we can somehow pull this off. I've been a Kesler fan for awhile now, awesome player, and would fit perfectly with this team.

Article also says that Toews and Kane didn't ask for $12

*Not demanding that

If it's true that Sharp isn't being shopped then $12 isn't close to realism

 

[JBM73]

Hawks re-sign Raanta and Ben Smith

Raanta $750,000 AAV, Smith $1.5 M AAV per Pierre LeBrun on Twitter
Source: Pierre LeBrun

 

[anotheridiot]

Hawks re-sign Raanta and Ben Smith

Raanta $750,000 AAV, Smith $1.5 M AAV per Pierre LeBrun on Twitter
Source: Pierre LeBrun

both two year deals, two biggest no brainer signings this year, both were critical to this team. raanta when Crow got hurt and he is probably the most likable guy on that team that the team plays hard for.

 

[anotheridiot]

*Not demanding that

If it's true that Sharp isn't being shopped then $12 isn't close to realism

I heard they had 29 million if the cap stays the same when the deals start after next year. I can see it passing the parise deal, 110 or so, and I think it will have some front loaded money that might have them at 12 for a year or two, but then go down. I think Toews is prepared to sign a hawk for life deal for 12 years or so, still not sure kane would sign that. Kane might be half the years for the big money years where Toews will have some guaranteed length.

 

[ChicagoIrish]

I heard they had 29 million if the cap stays the same when the deals start after next year. I can see it passing the parise deal, 110 or so, and I think it will have some front loaded money that might have them at 12 for a year or two, but then go down. I think Toews is prepared to sign a hawk for life deal for 12 years or so, still not sure kane would sign that. Kane might be half the years for the big money years where Toews will have some guaranteed length.

You might be right with the front loaded contracts.

Isn't the NHL expected to raise the cap as well?

I'd love to see Toews sign for life.

 

[averagejoe]

Toews & Kane

I know both are the face of the franchise. And Kane has this knack of scoring timely goals. But there is no way that both should be making the same money.

Toews has been nominated (and won) more awards than Kane. Toews is an outstanding leader and two-way player. Sorry, but Kane does not measure up to Toews. It's not even close IMO.

And if reports hold true that they both want 12 mil, than I say trade Kane. And that (trading Kane) probably won't happen either. So what will happen (if that 12 mil goes through) is that the Hawks will strapped to a pair of contracts that cannot be renegotiated (like the NFL), and will be hard-pressed to bring in supporting, Cup-caliber talent to keep the team competitive.

 

[anotheridiot]

cap went up to 69, floor at 51.

Saw on nhl network watching the draft that left out of the extended contracts of smith and raanta was jeremy morin was also resigned for two years.

Joe, it is odd they keep taking the same deal. Eventually you would think they would want some separation, but either way they will make more than we could spend anyway. I'm thinking the problem will only come up if someone else makes more than they do.

 

[anotheridiot]

Brandon Bollig traded to Calgary for the 83rd pick.

last chance at an enforcer gone.

 

[ChicagoIrish]

I have to agree with Joe.

Kane shouldn't be paid as much as Toews.

 

[JBM73]

Spezza to Stars. The options are dwindling.

 

[JBM73]

Blues sign Stastny, 4 years $28 mil.

 

[JBM73]

Hawks "talking" with Brad Richards.

 

[ChicagoIrish]

Blackhawks reportedly sign Brad Richards to one-year contract | Voices

 

[ChicagoIrish]

Good signing

Gives us a legitimate veteran center, and not at a high price either.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Good signing

Gives us a legitimate veteran center, and not at a high price either.

I agree. He isn't 2004 Brad Richards but he's not 2014 Michal Handzus either.

I think this is a solid, low risk move for both parties. Richards gets to reestablish himself as a legitimate NHL player (shouldn't be hard with the talent Chicago has) and the Hawks get a 2C on the cheap. If it doesn't work out, both parties can walk as early as the trade deadline.

Win win.