I live in Chicago.

5 Star usually has Levitation
- fattybeef

5 Star is five blocks from where I lived until college, at 1901 W. Superior St. My mother lived there until she passed in 1988.

The lights of the Chicago stadium could be seen looking "downhill" from Wolcott.

My roots.

sigh

I wrote in the beginning of the summer I heard Bolland was made available...
But that was before Q. won his power struggle, afterward the whispers stopped which was no surprise.

All I know is since the summer of 2010 when I heard the list of who Hawk management deemed as untouchable (Toews, Kane, Hossa, Bolland, Sharp, Keith and Seabrook)....

Bolland was the only player of that group I have ever heard was made available.

Q. is a big Bolland backer so once he got back firmly in the saddle it didn't surprise me the Bolland trade chatter ended.

Right now, if things go sour he is my chalk of the group mentioned to be gone first.

But trading Bolland will leave a big hole to fill.....

Bolland and his line was a huge reason the Hawks won the Cup.
- Al

I heard the same at that time from a separate good source.

I wrote in the beginning of the summer I heard Bolland was made available...
But that was before Q. won his power struggle, afterward the whispers stopped which was no surprise.

All I know is since the summer of 2010 when I heard the list of who Hawk management deemed as untouchable (Toews, Kane, Hossa, Bolland, Sharp, Keith and Seabrook)....

Bolland was the only player of that group I have ever heard was made available.

Q. is a big Bolland backer so once he got back firmly in the saddle it didn't surprise me the Bolland trade chatter ended.

Right now, if things go sour he is my chalk of the group mentioned to be gone first.

But trading Bolland will leave a big hole to fill.....

Bolland and his line was a huge reason the Hawks won the Cup.
- Al

Trading him now, yes, probably.

When I heard he was on the block, my thought was they would put Kruger at 3C, and fill another need through dealing Bolland. Kruger doesn't have the skins on the wall that Bolland does, but he is an underrated player/prospect at this point. Lots to like in his overall game and though he had the concussion last season, his injury history is not close to Bolland's. And for all the armchair GMs who seem to write him off, my info. is actual NHL GMs ask for him (as they do for Bolland).

Side note and answering the earlier question, I do know Tampa asked for Bolland at one point last season.

Trading him now, yes, probably.

When I heard he was on the block, my thought was they would put Kruger at 3C, and fill another need through dealing Bolland. Kruger doesn't have the skins on the wall that Bolland does, but he is an underrated player/prospect at this point. Lots to like in his overall game and though he had the concussion last season, his injury history is not close to Bolland's. And for all the armchair GMs who seem to write him off, my info. is actual NHL GMs ask for him (as they do for Bolland).

Side note and answering the earlier question, I do know Tampa asked for Bolland at one point last season.
- John Jaeckel

I do remember now you saying the same about Bolland around the same time...

My initial concern was that trading Bolland alone is not going to get a bona fide 2nd line center....So I figured he woud be part of a trade with a couple of solid propsects.

But until Bowman shows the desire to trade one of his prize draft prospects the Hawks won't attract a big catch by dealing Bolland alone.

Maybe Hammer and Bolland or anther combo but otherwise Bowman has to give to get, which he has been reluctant to do.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

I do remember now you saying the same about Bolland around the same time...

My initial concern was that trading Bolland alone is not going to get a bona fide 2nd line center....So I figured he woud be part of a trade with a couple of solid propsects.

But until Bowman shows the desire to trade one of his prize draft prospects the Hawks won't attract a big catch by dealing Bolland alone.

Maybe Hammer and Bolland or anther combo but otherwise Bowman has to give to get, which he has been reluctant to do.On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Stan will follow his past script - won't do a thing of significance unless there is an amnesty buyout opportunity on a contract he doesn't like.

His #2C is going to be Pirri or Kruger - wager you a beer on it.

I do remember now you saying the same about Bolland around the same time...

My initial concern was that trading Bolland alone is not going to get a bona fide 2nd line center....So I figured he woud be part of a trade with a couple of solid propsects.

But until Bowman shows the desire to trade one of his prize draft prospects the Hawks won't attract a big catch by dealing Bolland alone.

Maybe Hammer and Bolland or anther combo but otherwise Bowman has to give to get, which he has been reluctant to do.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

The closer Bolland gets to becoming a UFA the less bang you get for your tradebuck too.

I do remember now you saying the same about Bolland around the same time...

My initial concern was that trading Bolland alone is not going to get a bona fide 2nd line center....So I figured he woud be part of a trade with a couple of solid propsects.

But until Bowman shows the desire to trade one of his prize draft prospects the Hawks won't attract a big catch by dealing Bolland alone.

Maybe Hammer and Bolland or anther combo but otherwise Bowman has to give to get, which he has been reluctant to do.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Hammer and Bollland might get a decent return especially if you add another prospect. But I would hope it is to the eastern conference.

Stan will follow his past script - won't do a thing of significance unless there is an amnesty buyout opportunity on a contract he doesn't like.

His #2C is going to be Pirri or Kruger - wager you a beer on it.
- RickJ

I would bet you a truck full of beer it isn't Pirri as long as Q. is head coach.

The Hawks have had one legit AHL All Star player the last few years....But Pirri didn't get a sniff in Chgo last season despite many injuries to centers.

The closer Bolland gets to becoming a UFA the less bang you get for your tradebuck too.
- nathanjf

Yes that is correct unless he is signed to a favorable extension first.

I would bet you a truck full of beer it isn't Pirri as long as Q. is head coach.

The Hawks have had one legit AHL All Star player the last few years....But Pirri didn't get a sniff in Chgo last season despite many injuries to centers.
- Al

I would love to see Bowman make a move for Ryan O'Reilly from Colorado (still without a new contract; albeit with some help from the labor dispute) to fill that 2C hole. I'm not going to waste my time putting together a proposal, but I can't imagine too many scenario's where I would be upset.

EDIT: with players like Benn, Subban and O'Reilly who are RFAs without contract - are they in similar situations now that Turris was in last season, or does the labor dispute somehow affect their need for a contract by sometime in December to be eligible to play this season?

I would bet you a truck full of beer it isn't Pirri as long as Q. is head coach.

The Hawks have had one legit AHL All Star player the last few years....But Pirri didn't get a sniff in Chgo last season despite many injuries to centers.
- Al

If I recall correctly and I do, Q was stumped over the #2C position last year, so Stan gave him the idea to use Kane there. I distinctly remember seeing Q on camera crediting Stan for it.

And by the way, just using Pirri on the PP if nowhere else couldn't possibly yield worse results than that crew that was out there last season.

Trading him now, yes, probably.

When I heard he was on the block, my thought was they would put Kruger at 3C, and fill another need through dealing Bolland. Kruger doesn't have the skins on the wall that Bolland does, but he is an underrated player/prospect at this point. Lots to like in his overall game and though he had the concussion last season, his injury history is not close to Bolland's. And for all the armchair GMs who seem to write him off, my info. is actual NHL GMs ask for him (as they do for Bolland).

Side note and answering the earlier question, I do know Tampa asked for Bolland at one point last season.
- John Jaeckel

I'd like to see Kruger play on the wing with Bolland and Shaw, that would be one heck of a 3rd line. It would have a good balance of grit, skill and defensive responsibility. Of course that means Bickell and Frolik are either traded or moved to another line (likely the 4th line).

I would love to see Bowman make a move for Ryan O'Reilly from Colorado (still without a new contract; albeit with some help from the labor dispute) to fill that 2C hole. I'm not going to waste my time putting together a proposal, but I can't imagine too many scenario's where I would be upset.

EDIT: with players like Benn, Subban and O'Reilly who are RFAs without contract - are they in similar situations now that Turris was in last season, or does the labor dispute somehow affect their need for a contract by sometime in December to be eligible to play this season?
- nathanjf

I agree that O'Reilly would be the perfect #2 center, but I don't see the Avs trading him. And the value for him would be a lot more than most here would give up. Not me, though. Of course people on message boards aren't GM's but judging by them, O'Reilly is almost as untouchable as Toews is.

5 Star is five blocks from where I lived until college, at 1901 W. Superior St. My mother lived there until she passed in 1988.

The lights of the Chicago stadium could be seen looking "downhill" from Wolcott.

My roots.

sigh
- wiz1901

I've been there for about two months now. Fun area, not to many obvious ruffians about. Reverse commute on Thursday and Friday (when it barely precipitates) can be irritating coming home but other than that its been good. I like walking/stumbling places and that area is conducive to that end.

The Stadium was a pretty great building at least character wise from what I remember. I saw my first Hawks game there a few years before they tore it down.

I agree that O'Reilly would be the perfect #2 center, but I don't see the Avs trading him. And the value for him would be a lot more than most here would give up. Not me, though. Of course people on message boards aren't GM's but judging by them, O'Reilly is almost as untouchable as Toews is.
- tomcat24

If the Hawks could get Statsny I would be OK with them trading Bolland.

Not sold on O'Reilly (to the point where I would throw several millions of dollars at him). Aside from the break out year which wasn't what I would call dominating he hasn't done all that much. Would rather have a proven asset.

If the Hawks could get Statsny I would be OK with them trading Bolland.

Not sold on O'Reilly (to the point where I would throw several millions of dollars at him). Aside from the break out year which wasn't what I would call dominating he hasn't done all that much. Would rather have a proven asset.
- fattybeef

Still to me Stastny is the more obvious player they would want to deal...

The highest paid, the oldest and many think not the best center on the team.

The Stadium had issues with being functional by being so old...But make no mistake it had the finest atmosphere around to watch any sporting event.

....And due to the economics there will never be another building wth the fans as close and with the amount of crowd noise.

If it were to happen it would take more than Bolland.

If I recall correctly and I do, Q was stumped over the #2C position last year, so Stan gave him the idea to use Kane there. I distinctly remember seeing Q on camera crediting Stan for it.

And by the way, just using Pirri on the PP if nowhere else couldn't possibly yield worse results than that crew that was out there last season.
- RickJ

No doubt your comment is correct on Pirri...

That's why after the season Pirri was having in Rockford it was very oddd he was not brought up a few times.

I would love to see Bowman make a move for Ryan O'Reilly from Colorado (still without a new contract; albeit with some help from the labor dispute) to fill that 2C hole. I'm not going to waste my time putting together a proposal, but I can't imagine too many scenario's where I would be upset.

EDIT: with players like Benn, Subban and O'Reilly who are RFAs without contract - are they in similar situations now that Turris was in last season, or does the labor dispute somehow affect their need for a contract by sometime in December to be eligible to play this season?
- nathanjf

Those players mentioned will either be resigned or dealt.

They won't be sitting around lik Turris because all of them are way more valuable than he was....

I would bet you a truck full of beer it isn't Pirri as long as Q. is head coach.

The Hawks have had one legit AHL All Star player the last few years....But Pirri didn't get a sniff in Chgo last season despite many injuries to centers.
- Al

Pirri is prime trade bait. A relatively highly rated prospect by scouts, still some "bloom" on his rose. But his overall game, especially defensive deficiencies, does not suit Quenneville. Also a tiny player with an NHL roster that is clearly already too small and non-physical overall.

Yes that is correct unless he is signed to a favorable extension first.
- Al

If I'm betting today, Bolland is gone before or when his contract expires.

Too many plausible candidates to replace him: Kruger, McNeill, Danault, even Nordstrom. Too much injury history. And I doubt he or the Hawks could work out a sweetheart extension.

Those players mentioned will either be resigned or dealt.

They won't be sitting around lik Turris because all of them are way more valuable than he was....
- Al

It is somewhere between very- and exceedingly- unlikely the Hawks will make a deal for a legit #2 center with a Western Conference club.

Plekanec (MTL) was and maybe still is a possibility and that conversation could heat up again once the CBA is fleshed out and both clubs see where they are with the cap, etc. There was WAY too much smoke around that deal in the offseason for there not to have been a fire. Hjalmarsson+ would have gone the other way.

I also think Plekanec would be a nice fit with Hossa, very good 2 way player.

Otherwise, I would look at the possibility of a lower line/grit center being added, while they wait on some of the prospects to mature.

It is somewhere between very- and exceedingly- unlikely the Hawks will make a deal for a legit #2 center with a Western Conference club.

Plekanec (MTL) was and maybe still is a possibility and that conversation could heat up again once the CBA is fleshed out and both clubs see where they are with the cap, etc. There was WAY too much smoke around that deal in the offseason for there not to have been a fire. Hjalmarsson+ would have gone the other way.

I also think Plekanec would be a nice fit with Hossa, very good 2 way player.

Otherwise, I would look at the possibility of a lower line/grit center being added, while they wait on some of the prospects to mature.
- John Jaeckel

The inter conference factor is huge for sure. Plekanec would be fine but his contract is a little longer than I'd love. So long as it wouldn't negatively affect the club cap wise I would fully endorse it.

If I'm betting today, Bolland is gone before or when his contract expires.

Too many plausible candidates to replace him: Kruger, McNeill, Danault, even Nordstrom. Too much injury history. And I doubt he or the Hawks could work out a sweetheart extension.
- John Jaeckel

I think 2 years at under 4 each if the next two years are similar statistic wise would be doable. Anything over 4 per or long term at this stage seems silly and I agree they have to let him walk or move for futures.

They have some goofy/bizarre money tied up in Oduya, Montador, Hammer and Frolik as well so it is anyone's guess what actually happens. Definitely movable pieces but they are going to need to be careful if the cap doesn't go up or if it regresses where they spend their money.

Plus Stalberg, Kruger and Bickell are all up for new deals after "this year" which could be problematic but all movable at a minimum at the drafts for futures I suppose.

I think 2 years at under 4 each if the next two years are similar statistic wise would be doable. Anything over 4 per or long term at this stage seems silly and I agree they have to let him walk or move for futures.

They have some goofy/bizarre money tied up in Oduya, Montador, Hammer and Frolik as well so it is anyone's guess what actually happens. Definitely movable pieces but they are going to need to be careful if the cap doesn't go up or if it regresses where they spend their money.

Plus Stalberg, Kruger and Bickell are all up for new deals after "this year" which could be problematic but all movable at a minimum at the drafts for futures I suppose.
- fattybeef

Of these 3 I only expect Kruger to be back. Depending on what happens with the CBA Stalberg and Bickell could be either RFAs or UFAs but Kruger will be an RFA. Unless Bickell can find his "inner Andrew Ladd" he's gone for sure. I think Stalberg's demands will be too high and he'll be gone, but I'd be ok signing him to a reasonable 2 year deal.