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Before diving in to what I heard yesterday from one of my top sources, let me take this opportunity to thank all of you, the readers and posters who have visited here this hockey season, for your amazing passion, insights and camaraderie.

But let me also say: the season isn't over! And hockey business knows no season. So don't be strangers.

To that point, here is some insight on what to expect from the Hawks in the months to come:


1) Rocky Wirtz is not pleased

Let's be clear on this: at the top of the Hawk organization sits the man who is truly responsible, not just for the amazing turnaround of the franchise, but also for its recent backslide. The point is, Rockwell Wirtz is engaged. And he knows that winning is what matters. The man is not dumb—he knows what makes the turnstiles really move. And I am told he is prepared to make significant changes to the organization directly, and therefore indirectly to the roster—to put this team back into Stanley Cup Contention.

2) The CBA matters

Building on the theme that Rocky Wirtz is no dummy, do not expect any big changes regarding players (labor) until the CBA (the labor agreement) is resolved. More specifically, until the dust settles—a new agreement is reached and owners, agents and players know what the new ramifications will mean—do not expect big player moves. Organizational moves, on the other hand, could start soon.

3) Expect an "expanded role" for Barry Smith

What does this mean exactly? It means Smith will be called upon more, and perhaps more officially/formally, to do what he does best: work on the ice with players and teach system hockey. The larger repercussions of that are anyone's guess.

It also means that Scotty Bowman's personal influence on this club still is, and will likely remain, very strong.

Last, but certainly not least,

4) Marian Hossa could retire

I am told some in Hossa's inner circle are urging the injured winger to seriously assess whether risking further injuries is worth it in terms of his longterm health. Apparently, doctors feel he will make a full recovery from what I was told was a "severe" whiplash. But thus far, I'm told, Hossa has not progressed in recovery from the concussion he also received.

This is a man who has made a lot of money the past few seasons: well in excess of $20 million since 2008, not to mention prior earnings. He has a Stanley Cup ring. He is a rock star in his homeland, where his family is really at the center of the national hockey program. He has a beautiful wife and a baby daughter. And coming off shoulder, groin/hip, neck and now multiple head injuries, he is turning 34 next season.

Personally, I think this decision will be made later in the summer, when Hossa's had time to heal up and rest—and very likely he could decide to return for at least one more season.

However, if Hossa is still experiencing concussion symptoms at that point, I do not feel he will make a Crosby-esque effort to return to the ice. And at that point, perhaps concurrently with the advent of a new CBA, the Hawks would have both a huge hole in their top 6, and another $5+ million in cap room.

Interesting times, indeed.

I'll be back soon with more commentary on the playoffs, the Hawks' offseason, NHL discipline and more.


JJ

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