Bishop is 26, and never started more than 9 games in an NHL season. His highest season save percentage is .909. When placing him side by side with Crawford, he's two years younger, but Crawford has started 55 games twice in his NHL career, and has posted competant starting goalteder numbers in his best season effort (.914 SV%, 2.30 GAA). Not a Crawford defender or apologist, but although last season leaves such a sour taste, he has performed well across an NHL season before.

The larger point being, no one knows if Bishop is really any kind of upgrade, and it seems foolhardy to deal away a quality player for an asset that is - for all intents and purposes - an unknown. Dealing from depth just to deal isn't the right play. Dealing from depth to upgrade weaknesses is the key.


- FredoXV

Remember that Bishop's lack of NHL experience is related to being stuck in the St. Louis system behind Halak and Elliot, and not becuase he does not have game. Most scouts ranked him as the top goalie in the A for the last few years. This guy will be a monster.

I think you keep Hammer for his shot blocking and endurance, and you deal Leddy instead while his value is high and in advance of him asking for a big pay day. We have enough smurfy puck moving D on this team already.

However, as JJ points out in his post, Stan is listening and not being proactive. Which means he'll miss on the best opportunities. Again.....

Remember that Bishop's lack of NHL experience is related to being stuck in the St. Louis system behind Halak and Elliot, and not becuase he does not have game. Most scouts ranked him as the top goalie in the A for the last few years. This guy will be a monster.

I think you keep Hammer for his shot blocking and endurance, and you deal Leddy instead while his value is high and in advance of him asking for a big pay day. We have enough smurfy puck moving D on this team already.

However, as JJ points out in his post, Stan is listening and not being proactive. Which means he'll miss on the best opportunities. Again.....
- Return of the Roar

I'd be more comforable with a Leddy for Bishop type of scenario. Also like Bishop's price tag, and although he's an RFA next season, and can probably be had relatively cheap due to lack of NHL experience.

Still, saying he will be a monster seems iffy. He's huge, but time will tell on his abilities. Hockey's such a mental game as we know, projecting on physical stature and ability alone is a scary proposition.

JJ, am I understanding things correctly that a different schedule is coming, or are the original dates going to bee the same. Trying to plan CBus trips..
- Iknockuout

Different. No non-conf games. Heard its 4/5 games vs div teams, 3 against each of the rest of the conf teams.

Why not put Crosby and Malkin at the top of the list as well. Get real dude.
- TrueGrit

My thought process (or lack thereof in your opinion) was to look at possible #2 Centers, not being unrealistic to include players like Crosby, etc. Do you see any superstars on my list?

Burmistrov <- offensive underachiever, may flourish with hossa and perhaps sharp on his wing

Statsny/O'Reilly (Avs)<- O'Reilly is like a mini Toews to me so really doubt the Avs part with him. Depending on salary going out, felt Statsny may be a salary dump for Avs, and if Hammer is part of the deal going back, he is a $3 mil investment for the Hawks

Couterier (Flyers) <- highly doubt Philly trades him. 'Nough said...pipe dream pick. Was thinking Leddy as the center of the package coming from chicago may couple with Philly's deperation for a blueline to have a 1 in a million chance Hawks could get this guy.

Nielsen (Isles) <- view him as a defensively responsible #2 center with some skill. More of a European Bolland with a little less snarl

Gagner (Oilers)<-small, undersize, soft. Only appeal is high skill and past chemistry with Kane in OHL

Interesting to see Victoriaville just traded Danault to Moncton. Got a chance to see him play in Halifax this year and he was amazing on the penalty kill. Hawks definitely need help in that department !

Hockey is back !!! Thanks again for keeping the blog going through all this mess JJ

just ship hammer to the island for Nabokov straight up. The isles dont look poised to make any kind of run this year and no shot Nabokov plays for them beyond this year, again. Time for NYI to start looking at the return for him, extremely unlikely they make playoffs before he becomes UFA
- FourFeathers773

If Stan trades Hjalmarsson or Leddy I sure hope he gets more than Nabokov (remember the 2010 playoffs) or Josh Bailey. Both are fine players but Stan can do better than that, especially if teams are coming to him for a deal.

I'm ok trading either Hjalmarsson or Leddy. If one has to go my preference would be to keep Hjalmarsson, we could use him more and I think Leddy would bring a better return. But if we end up keeping them both that's good too.

If Stan trades Hjalmarsson or Leddy I sure hope he gets more than Nabokov (remember the 2010 playoffs) or Josh Bailey. Both are fine players but Stan can do better than that, especially if teams are coming to him for a deal.

I'm ok trading either Hjalmarsson or Leddy. If one has to go my preference would be to keep Hjalmarsson, we could use him more and I think Leddy would bring a better return. But if we end up keeping them both that's good too.
- DarthKane

Um, no offense, but what has EVER led you to believe that?

Can't imagine the Stan would just listen if the Zack Smith talk started up again. Like his grit and he still has offensive upside.
It would probably take one of the D and a pick to get him though.

edit: BTW, don't see Bishop getting moved anytime soon. Goalies take too long to develop and are a crap shoot - when you get good goalie prospects, you keep em.

Can't imagine the Stan would just listen if the Zack Smith talk started up again. Like his grit and he still has offensive upside.
It would probably take one of the D and a pick to get him though.

edit: BTW, don't see Bishop getting moved anytime soon. Goalies take too long to develop and are a crap shoot - when you get good goalie prospects, you keep em.
- miser

Thing is, they have two very good goalie prospects in Lehner and Bishop.

I think most would make the argument that Lehner has more future #1 upside

JJ,

If it comes down to the Hawks deciding whether to ship out Hammer or Leddy, do you think any lingering resentment over last summer's Suter BS would factor into it? Leddy's agent is not very popular on Madison these days.

Um, no offense, but what has EVER led you to believe that?
- FourFeathers773

Ha.


I think if the 'Hawks do get a goalie, it'll be one they view as a long term solution, not a band-aid. They have nothing in the pipeline ready to take the gig. Nabakov is 37. I'll take a pass on that.

Here's my goofy, non-realistic thought for the day - if Luongo does end up in Florida, would Tallon be willing to part with Markstrom?

My thought process (or lack thereof in your opinion) was to look at possible #2 Centers, not being unrealistic to include players like Crosby, etc. Do you see any superstars on my list?

Burmistrov <- offensive underachiever, may flourish with hossa and perhaps sharp on his wing

Statsny/O'Reilly (Avs)<- O'Reilly is like a mini Toews to me so really doubt the Avs part with him. Depending on salary going out, felt Statsny may be a salary dump for Avs, and if Hammer is part of the deal going back, he is a $3 mil investment for the Hawks

Couterier (Flyers) <- highly doubt Philly trades him. 'Nough said...pipe dream pick. Was thinking Leddy as the center of the package coming from chicago may couple with Philly's deperation for a blueline to have a 1 in a million chance Hawks could get this guy.

Nielsen (Isles) <- view him as a defensively responsible #2 center with some skill. More of a European Bolland with a little less snarl

Gagner (Oilers)<-small, undersize, soft. Only appeal is high skill and past chemistry with Kane in OHL
- ikeane

Buddy, what I am saying is that to think you pry Burmistrov or Couterier away from their teams for anything less than giving up a ton is foolish. Burmistrov in my opinion is a young Datsyuk type player.

Stastny, maybe you get him as a salary dump, but you do not win in those trades. You have to give up a lot, so you end up swapping a star, or losing a star and a prospect.

Gagner, maybe, not saying I like him or he is the answer, but there you could maybe deal a dman...a need for them...

I know I am a richard a lot here, but what we need is more critical thinking and not fantasy league trade ideas. It is fun to think that these teams exist to fulfill us with their best players, but they are like us, trying to make themselves better too.

Thing is, they have two very good goalie prospects in Lehner and Bishop.

I think most would make the argument that Lehner has more future #1 upside
- FourFeathers773

Having two very good goalie propects doesn't mean you look to move one. Growth happens at different rates.

Right now, Lehner has the better numbers, but Bishop has the maturity. We anticipate that Bishop backs up Anderson and Lehner leads the BSens to another Calder Cup.

One of the two will begin to challenge Anderson as early as next season - but in the meantime both up their game and in the case of Lehner, their maturity.

On the same topic of sorts..

Is there a in season trade deadline, or once the season starts that's it? Being last year it was early FEB, why I ask.

Early rumor is Hawks will open season against Kings in LA:

For the Chicago Blackhawks, word is that they could be a part of history when the first pucks drop on that Saturday. Assuming that the rumors are correct, they will open the season against the Los Angeles Kings, who will be raising their first Stanley Cup banner in the history of their franchise.
Read more at http://www.rantsports.com...ings/#Ei2xdOM5SSMuCIu7.99

On the same topic of sorts..

Is there a in season trade deadline, or once the season starts that's it? Being last year it was early FEB, why I ask.
- victorymc98

They changed it to a later date for the shortened season, sometime in March I believe. Nevermind, sportsnet has an article saying the NHL is aiming for an April 5th trade deadline so looks like its not set in stone yet

JJ,

If it comes down to the Hawks deciding whether to ship out Hammer or Leddy, do you think any lingering resentment over last summer's Suter BS would factor into it? Leddy's agent is not very popular on Madison these days.
- NewToHockey

I think that's a consideration

Buddy, what I am saying is that to think you pry Burmistrov or Couterier away from their teams for anything less than giving up a ton is foolish. Burmistrov in my opinion is a young Datsyuk type player.

Stastny, maybe you get him as a salary dump, but you do not win in those trades. You have to give up a lot, so you end up swapping a star, or losing a star and a prospect.

Gagner, maybe, not saying I like him or he is the answer, but there you could maybe deal a dman...a need for them...

I know I am a richard a lot here, but what we need is more critical thinking and not fantasy league trade ideas. It is fun to think that these teams exist to fulfill us with their best players, but they are like us, trying to make themselves better too.
- TrueGrit

You know what you are 'Grit? You're what I call a real Richard. Mr Richard Head.



My apologies if you haven't seen Cedar Rapids and miss the reference - not a true insult intended.

Question about your opinion of Burmistrov - do you really think he has that type of upside? Kid's got sick hands, but from what I've seen, the effort is severely lacking. Can't say I saw a ton of Jets games last season, but what I saw didn't impress me much. Makes me wonder if 'Peg would really ask for a king's ransom for him. Although not that I really want him anyway...

Um, no offense, but what has EVER led you to believe that?
- FourFeathers773

Touché.

Don't think we give the Hawks Couterier. Apparently the Flyers weren't willing to trade him in the Weber mess. Maybe Read. Good to finally talk about this type of hockey news.
- fnmjoe13

I'm with you regarding Couturier, he's not going anywhere. I could certainly see the Flyers offering Read or perhaps a 1st though as they could really use another good dman badly.

I think any player whose name ends with the letter v has a heart/effort bias to overcome.

Would like to see the Flyers go after Leddy, he's the kind of puck mover they need. With Coburn, Schenn and Grossmann they have more than enough size and grit.

Would offer Matt Read and a 1st for Leddy, seems about right to me.

Thoughts?

Would like to see the Flyers go after Leddy, he's the kind of puck mover they need. With Coburn, Schenn and Grossmann they have more than enough size and grit.

Would offer Matt Read and a 1st for Leddy, seems about right to me.

Thoughts?
- BiggE

Isnt' Read's natural position Right Wing? Not sure that fills a need.

Would like to see the Flyers go after Leddy, he's the kind of puck mover they need. With Coburn, Schenn and Grossmann they have more than enough size and grit.

Would offer Matt Read and a 1st for Leddy, seems about right to me.

Thoughts?
- BiggE

Stan should not be dealing for anyone unless they can stop the puck better than Crawford or win faceoffs. Got plenty of bottom six forwards who don't play center already.

Isnt' Read's natural position Right Wing? Not sure that fills a need.
- FredoXV

Reads natural position is actually center, but he can play all forward positions equally well. Read will never be a star player, but he is a very versatile player who can fit in anywhere on a 2nd line or he can anchor a 3rd line.
The Flyers used him as a pointman on the pp and as a regular on the pk and he did very well in both spots.

I would actually hate to see Read go, he is a very smart player and a very good skater, but the Flyers could really use a young puck mover on D, so I think its a deal worth doing for both teams.