Bettman/Fehr still negotiating with Russians (I guess - IOC? Someone) about NHL players playing in Sochi.

Meantime, can't finalize a schedule until they know one way or the other.

Can't these guys get a deal done before the timing reaches crisis stage?

Earn your money, you putz's - get it done or get out.

Bettman/Fehr still negotiating with Russians (I guess - IOC? Someone) about NHL players playing in Sochi.

Meantime, can't finalize a schedule until they know one way or the other.

Can't these guys get a deal done before the timing reaches crisis stage?

Earn your money, you putz's - get it done or get out.
- StLBravesFan

Bettman said the other day that he wanted to put in a two week break if they guys go to Sochi. I think it was sometime in February.

Sure would like to be at the first home game when they raise the banner!

The hawks have a solid core, maybe spectacular core. They then have depth and solid role playing behind that. Made them a Cup champ in 2010, and allowed them to retool around that core to win again in 2013.

But I think about which player or two from that "depth" can maybe rise to future "core". All-star upside. If we're betting on future all-star upside on the current roster (including all prospects in the system), ill take Leddy. Who else is anyone taking?

Shaw's and Krueger's upside feels to me like...Bolland. Bolland was very impactful player on Cup team, bit falls just short of core.

Saad? Love him, bit ill take my chances on future all-star appearances for Leddy before Saad.

At some point, we need to replace one or more of the core. I hate the thought of giving up on Leddy. Maybe he never reaches his ceiling. But that ceiling is very high.

Here is a thought. In Q's system, maybe Leddy is not the ideal fit. But the organ-I-zation has to look at it this way, Q will not be here forever. Maybe Leddy as a stronger O-minded Dman will fit the next coach. I think Stan has to look at it this way, players who will be valuable to the team, not the system.

I would not miund if Leddy never becomes a shut-down Dman. I think Hammer is that guy, (and Seabs). Let Leddy grow to be the PP QB this team has lacked for seasons.

Here is a thought. In Q's system, maybe Leddy is not the ideal fit. But the organ-I-zation has to look at it this way, Q will not be here forever. Maybe Leddy as a stronger O-minded Dman will fit the next coach. I think Stan has to look at it this way, players who will be valuable to the team, not the system.

I would not miund if Leddy never becomes a shut-down Dman. I think Hammer is that guy, (and Seabs). Let Leddy grow to be the PP QB this team has lacked for seasons.
- powerenforcer

I'd argue that compared to most coaches, Quenneville coachs based on his players and not on a system. In 2010 he had a vastly different team and the team played to those strengths. The 2013 team played a similar style but Q again coached to this team's strengths.

Leddy hasn't shown he can Quarterback a powerplay. Leddy's strengths are his ability to move the puck out of his zone quickly. On the powerplay Leddy hasn't shown he has elite puck distribution skillls or that he can break down the opposition's defensive alignment. Leddy needs to refine his defensive game using his body to impede the opposition and if he can become a fixture on the powerplay that would be icing on the cake.

Agree that he frustrates at times and can seem pretty dopey, but I would stop short of stating "never" about a guy with that big an upside. His speed and mobility are the flashy stuff of award winners, and with good coaching, consistently high expectations and being surrounded by grade A talent on the blueline all point in a good direction for him. Seabrook and Keith, not to mention the pizza man, still have their own momentary lapses as well. their experience bridges the gap and translates to better positioning. Leddy will get much better, and we will all be glad that he is streaking up the ice wearing the indian head rather than a winged wheel. Getting benched in the scf will be an important wakeup call for a kid who has likely been a hot dog since he put on skates. perfect third pair guy right now.
- HealthyScratch1

Agreed.

NEWS FLASH, defensive positioning can be adjusted. It is a choice. His skating, on the other hand is natural.

I'd go 4 years/$12MM if I could - after Hjalmarsson gets a new contract next year and Toews and Kane in 2 years, basically the whole (remaining) core would be tied up thru 2017.

I expect the cap to go up by about $5MM - $7MM per year after next year - haven't done the math, but should be able to accommodate that.
- StLBravesFan

Leddy's not worth $3 mil per year, he's not a good defensive dman and that' the first job of a dman. Subban is a far better player and he's not getting $3 mil. No way the Hawks should pay Leddy based on perceived future improved performance. You can get a good veteran for tht price that makes the team much better than paying a kid who hasn't achieved much. I think if his agent is demanding $2 mil they should trade his rights and move on before the free agent pool gets picked over.

I'd argue that compared to most coaches, Quenneville coachs based on his players and not on a system. In 2010 he had a vastly different team and the team played to those strengths. The 2013 team played a similar style but Q again coached to this team's strengths.

Leddy hasn't shown he can Quarterback a powerplay. Leddy's strengths are his ability to move the puck out of his zone quickly. On the powerplay Leddy hasn't shown he has elite puck distribution skillls or that he can break down the opposition's defensive alignment. Leddy needs to refine his defensive game using his body to impede the opposition and if he can become a fixture on the powerplay that would be icing on the cake.
- paulr

Leddy has a ton to learn agree...

Can't give him a complete grade on the power play with the time he gets.

Q. likes vets and loves Keith, and for good reason but...

Keith shot over 7% in 2010 and was great on the PP...Since then he his slid downhill and so has the PP efectiveness.

I think Leddy sees the ice well and gets puck on goal, but he needs to get better and play more mins.

Leddy's not worth $3 mil per year, he's not a good defensive dman and that' the first job of a dman. Subban is a far better player and he's not getting $3 mil. No way the Hawks should pay Leddy based on perceived future improved performance. You can get a good veteran for tht price that makes the team much better than paying a kid who hasn't achieved much. I think if his agent is demanding $2 mil they should trade his rights and move on before the free agent pool gets picked over.
- Hemingways

Leddy will make $3 mill before Subban maybe, but for sure Subban will make $7 mill before Leddy.

Prospect Camp July 8- 12

Will Stephen Johns make an appearance?

Fingers crossed.

Savvy...knew it wouldn't be long before you stepped in to defend your boy and PROPS ALWAYS to your for that. We all know how much you love Nick


I was fair though in citing his on ice assets and listed them. And no doubt...you make a good point about 2 and 7. There is ample video TO THIS DAY of both messing UP BADLY in their own zone...so your point is well taken.

Long story short....Leddy 3 years/$ 9 mil...DONE...but he better get a lot more SNARL in his game otherwise his flashy rushes that usually amount to squat are a luxury we simply cannot afford.
- philco28

If Leds progresses next year like he did from 2012 to 2013 I'll be a very happy fan. I thought this past year he made HUGE strides in his defensive game. Don't let the playoffs cloud your thoughts about what he did in the regular season.

Q'Stache is pro Q...as am I

and

Q...argggh is anti-Q...despite a .650 win pct and 2 Cups in 4 years...do i have this right ?
- philco28

Q...argh is anti EVERYTHING

Q'Stache is cool

Prospect Camp July 8- 12

Will Stephen Johns make an appearance?

Fingers crossed.
- ArlingtonRob

Any chance it will be back at The Edge? I work 5 minutes from there.

Any chance it will be back at The Edge? I work 5 minutes from there.
- powerenforcer

I heard Johnny's Ice House.

Leddy's not worth $3 mil per year, he's not a good defensive dman and that' the first job of a dman. Subban is a far better player and he's not getting $3 mil. No way the Hawks should pay Leddy based on perceived future improved performance. You can get a good veteran for tht price that makes the team much better than paying a kid who hasn't achieved much. I think if his agent is demanding $2 mil they should trade his rights and move on before the free agent pool gets picked over.
- Hemingways

It doesn't make it right or validate the salary demand, but Leddy's agent will have these names and salaries written on a wet cocktail napkin when he meets with Stanbow:

Roman Josi
Kevin Klein
Justin Schultz
Kevin Shattenkirk
Tyler Myers
Luke Schenn
Victor Hedman
Cam Fowler
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

and a few others who are overpaid at this stage of their careers. He will look for similar silliness to be extended to his client.

Over night road trip to Seattle/Emerald City will be in my future if it does happen.
- Beaver-Warrior

No disrespect intended, but can see you doing that in a Scooby Doo looking van riding with your buddy shaggy....

Its the mushroom thing....

Leddy's not worth $3 mil per year, he's not a good defensive dman and that' the first job of a dman. Subban is a far better player and he's not getting $3 mil. No way the Hawks should pay Leddy based on perceived future improved performance. You can get a good veteran for tht price that makes the team much better than paying a kid who hasn't achieved much. I think if his agent is demanding $2 mil they should trade his rights and move on before the free agent pool gets picked over.
- Hemingways

d
Hemingway also on record saying in 1980, who is going to use a computer. In 2000 saying, this internet thing is a passing fad. At Christmas this past year, explaining to his family that his flip phone is just as good as anyones smart phone.

Might still listen to records and has magazine subscriptions...Saw him at Best Buy trying to find the latest movies on Beta Max

Cmon man!!!!!

No disrespect intended, but can see you doing that in a Scooby Doo looking van riding with your buddy shaggy....

Its the mushroom thing....
- TrueGrit

No disrespect taken. I can see meeting up with Scobby and others from BC in Seattle. Would be a hoot.



Yes, I've had several VW's..

d
Hemingway also on record saying in 1980, who is going to use a computer. In 2000 saying, this internet thing is a passing fad. At Christmas this past year, explaining to his family that his flip phone is just as good as anyones smart phone.

Might still listen to records and has magazine subscriptions...Saw him at Best Buy trying to find the latest movies on Beta Max

Cmon man!!!!!
- TrueGrit

probably all true

PLEASE proofread.
- Sandus

Yes, that was a very hard read!

d
Hemingway also on record saying in 1980, who is going to use a computer. In 2000 saying, this internet thing is a passing fad. At Christmas this past year, explaining to his family that his flip phone is just as good as anyones smart phone.

Might still listen to records and has magazine subscriptions...Saw him at Best Buy trying to find the latest movies on Beta Max

Cmon man!!!!!
- TrueGrit

Hey now...I still use a 6 yo flip phone.

Does the phone thing well and that's all I need.

Oh...and I still have a turntable and spin vinyl.

No disrespect taken. I can see meeting up with Scobby and others from BC in Seattle. Would be a hoot.



Yes, I've had several VW's..
- Beaver-Warrior

No VW buses for me, but I have owned many Rabbit's, Golf's and GTI's.

Luv me some V-dubs.

Hey now...I still use a 6 yo flip phone.

Does the phone thing well and that's all I need.

Oh...and I still have a turntable and spin vinyl.
- ArlingtonRob

If you are still drawing on an Etch-O-Skech and need a backup I've still got my daughter's in the basement somewhere. Available cheap.

Might still listen to records and has magazine subscriptions..

- TrueGrit

I still routinely purchase vinyl. I also still subscribe to National Geographic.

I see neither of these as anitquated, or in any way sub-par.

No VW buses for me, but I have owned many Rabbit's, Golf's and GTI's.

Luv me some V-dubs.
- ArlingtonRob

Favorite Bug was a '66 that had a sun roof. Favorite bus was a '71 panel.
Right now we have a '09 new beetle which I have a love/hate relationship with. Great on level streets but way too low for even a gravel parking lot.