Agree 1000%. Although I think Hossa, not DK, is the 2nd best player on the team (whatever that means, because comparing wingers to D men is apples and oranges), I think Keith is the 2nd most critical, unreplaceable player in Q's system.
- Tugboat

Exactly how I think about it too

You're right. What the heck was I thinking.
- Beaver-Warrior

We should have traded that Toews guys at the draft and held onto Bolland and Frolik.

We should have traded that Toews guys at the draft and held onto Bolland and Frolik
- EKolb13.

Think of the cap space that would have been saved!!

Agree on 19 but definitely not on 2. His trade value is at his highest once again after 2 pretty mediocre years after his Norris Trophy. Not to mention his age, cap hit, and enthusiasm to win it again. Believe me, I'm not advocating trading him but if Montreal would insist on him in a package to get Subban, I would consider it in a heartbeat. IMO.......... 2 cups with this core group was great but I'm concerned with their motivation and intensity to continue to put forth all the effort to do it again. The "hangover" has proven to be legit and after what happened in 2011, I'm thinking we might see the same thing next year. As a fan, I surely don't want to relive that experience.
- Hawkytalk

His age is actually still in the prime for defenseman of his ilk historically. I'm not a big Subban fan so I'm probably biased, but I wouldn't even talk to Montreal about Keith for Subban unless there was something else substantial from the Habs. The "Hangover" will probably be worse this year due to the shortened off season. But as far as motivation to win, I think that as long as 19 wears the C, this team will reflect his incredible desire to be a champion

The rumour mill has Emery re-signing for 3 years at $1.5 million per season. That's one more year than I'd like but it's a good price for an experienced back up.

It is a vastly different era, but go back and look at the Islanders roster of the 'dynasty' years - Trottier, Bossy, Potvin, Gillies, Nystrom, Goring, Smith, Morrow and many more. A few bodies were added and subtracted every year but their coach and GM knew who to keep in place while they were in their primes and still hungry. The only mistake Bill Torrey eventually made was keeping too many guys for one year past their expiry date.

19 consecutive Best of 7 series victories - will never be duplicated.
- RickJ

If the 2010 team was left in place I honestly think they'd have won 3 of 4 so far. Salary cap

Lapierre could be a solid 4C for about $1 million per season. He's only 28 so he's got a lot of tread left on his tires.

Stan keeps saying he's going to give some of the young guys a chance to make the team next season. But I think he'll need to sign an experienced centre.
- DarthKane

No way. That guy is scum. He has also lost a step the last 2 years.

Hendricks, Campbell (too expensive), Clowe (if he would come in at a discount).... they would all bring toughness and help on draws.

If they are talking contract with Emery then there will be NO room for free agents if Leddy and Kruger re-sign. Rosival is probably gone too. Hard to imagine him staying at a discount again.

The rumour mill has Emery re-signing for 3 years at $1.5 million per season. That's one more year than I'd like but it's a good price for an experienced back up.
- DarthKane

Small raise, great move...the Hawks have two experienced, capable goalies now. If Crow was to get hurt or struggle next year I am glad we have Razor there to back him up instead of an unknown/unproven guy.

Again, TERRIFIC MOVE.

If the 2010 team was left in place I honestly think they'd have won 3 of 4 so far. Salary cap
- rollpards19

I've said this for a while. That team was so deep and had so much talent but more importantly could play any style from a speed, skill game to a hitting, duke in the back alley game. It's hard to imagine the team was so deep and talented that a guy like Ladd played on the third line as a checker!

Small raise, great move...the Hawks have two experienced, capable goalies now. If Crow was to get hurt or struggle next year I am glad we have Razor there to back him up instead of an unknown/unproven guy.

Again, TERRIFIC MOVE.
- kwolf68

It also takes some of Crawford's leverage away when he re-signs next year.

I've said this for a while. That team was so deep and had so much talent but more importantly could play any style from a speed, skill game to a hitting, duke in the back alley game. It's hard to imagine the team was so deep and talented that a guy like Ladd played on the third line as a checker!
- paulr

The way people talk about top6/bottom6 that team was legitimately top 9/bottom 3 and historically one of the best puck possession teams ever. Troy Brouwer couldn't even crack the lineup and now he's as solid a second liner as there is

We should have traded that Toews guys at the draft and held onto Bolland and Frolik
- EKolb13.

Like, totally, dude! If we had offered Toews instead of Fro to Winnipeg, we might have been able to get Kyle Wellwood in addition to those draft picks.

It also takes some of Crawford's leverage away when he re-signs next year.
- paulr

Anyone thinking Crow will get 5 mill or something are mistaken. He either plays for a modest sum or he'll leave. The Red Wings never paid Chris Osgood that much...but Ozzy hung around, played behind the best teams and won Cups. Crow will have to follow that path and I hope he does.

The rumour mill has Emery re-signing for 3 years at $1.5 million per season. That's one more year than I'd like but it's a good price for an experienced back up.
- DarthKane

I can live with that deal.

The rumour mill has Emery re-signing for 3 years at $1.5 million per season. That's one more year than I'd like but it's a good price for an experienced back up.
- DarthKane

Hard to imagine him taking $1.5m per when there are so many teams looking for starters. He must really like it here.

I've said this for a while. That team was so deep and had so much talent but more importantly could play any style from a speed, skill game to a hitting, duke in the back alley game. It's hard to imagine the team was so deep and talented that a guy like Ladd played on the third line as a checker!
- paulr

God Damn the hard cap. That team would have given us 5-6 cups!

Anyone thinking Crow will get 5 mill or something are mistaken. He either plays for a modest sum or he'll leave. The Red Wings never paid Chris Osgood that much...but Ozzy hung around, played behind the best teams and won Cups. Crow will have to follow that path and I hope he does.
- kwolf68

You're 100% right, Crawford is not an elite goalie and should not be paid as such.

The rumour mill has Emery re-signing for 3 years at $1.5 million per season. That's one more year than I'd like but it's a good price for an experienced back up.
- DarthKane

I'll take it. Never thought he'd come back here. Love me some Razor.

Hard to imagine him taking $1.5m per when there are so many teams looking for starters. He must really like it here.
- tredbrta

I think he could have easily gotten 2.5 on the open market.

THIS is what I call a hometown discount. You figure he'll play 20-30 games next year and be a steady, capable replacement if Crow goes down injured or flames out.

Love this move. Now get Leddy, Kruger signed and Rosy back in town and call it a day.

I've said this for a while. That team was so deep and had so much talent but more importantly could play any style from a speed, skill game to a hitting, duke in the back alley game. It's hard to imagine the team was so deep and talented that a guy like Ladd played on the third line as a checker!
- paulr

Exactly!. That team could beat you with whatever style you wanted to play. That team was loaded. They would have been a dynasty.

The rumour mill has Emery re-signing for 3 years at $1.5 million per season. That's one more year than I'd like but it's a good price for an experienced back up.
- DarthKane

...and if one of our goalie prospects is ready before his contract is up that contract is easily moved and the return would be tremendous.

Question: How do you guys get to know so much about prospects who never make it to my 32" TV screen?

I know a few of you actually get around to games at the various Jr. and lower-level hockey leagues, but many of us don't have this opportunity. The NHL draft isn't like the NFL, where most of the top draft picks are all over ESPN on college football weekends...

... Are there any good web outlets for watching guys like Hartman and Dahlstrom? Or even see Icehog action for an extended period of play? I know there's YouTube, but short highlight clips don't really tell you much about how a player actually approaches his game. You have to see the flow of a game and games over a period of time to get a sense of a player's strengths and weaknesses. At least I do. Just askin'.

The rumour mill has Emery re-signing for 3 years at $1.5 million per season. That's one more year than I'd like but it's a good price for an experienced back up.
- DarthKane

Or he remains the back up or is the starter after CC leaves after next season.....

...and if one of our goalie prospects is ready before his contract is up that contract is easily moved and the return would be tremendous.
- UnnamedSource

Another very good point. This was a great deal for the Hawks. Man, I love it. Goalie situation is totally covered.

Question: How do you guys get to know so much about prospects who never make it to my 32" TV screen?

I know a few of you actually get around to games at the various Jr. and lower-level hockey leagues, but many of us don't have this opportunity. The NHL draft isn't like the NFL, where most of the top draft picks are all over ESPN on college football weekends...

... Are there any good web outlets for watching guys like Hartman and Dahlstrom? Or even see Icehog action for an extended period of play? I know there's YouTube, but short highlight clips don't really tell you much about how a player actually approaches his game. You have to see the flow of a game and games over a period of time to get a sense of a player's strengths and weaknesses. At least I do. Just askin'.
- Tugboat

Ask McDoosh. I'm sure he has a great YouTube list of favorites.