I think Bowman fills out the roster with some of the kids from Rockford. It may make for a boring day today but at some point they have to see if the kids can play at this level. The Hawks are in pretty good shape this time around with most of the team coming back. Free agency isn't the best way to build a team so the more home grown talent they can insert into the line up the better.
- jhawk159

I agree I think we'll see some promotions or maybe a minor UFA signing and then Bowman will lay low. This strategy worked well for him in 2010 and this time the culling of the roster isn't anywhere near as severe. While I would love the Hawks to win a cup or be a top contender every year I'd be very happy if they could win ever three or four.

I think Stan signs 4 minor deals:

Derek Roy (played terribly for Canucks, off the radar with all of the other centers that have been available). Stan signs him for a shot at the #2 center

Hendricks/Gordon: 4th line center, good on faceoffs

Hedberg: cheap backup on a 1 year deal.

Roszival: Brings Rozy back n a 1 year deal for #6 dman.

I think Stan signs 4 minor deals:

Derek Roy (played terribly for Canucks, off the radar with all of the other centers that have been available). Stan signs him for a shot at the #2 center

Hendricks/Gordon: 4th line center, good on faceoffs

Hedberg: cheap backup on a 1 year deal.

Roszival: Brings Rozy back n a 1 year deal for #6 dman.
- ikeane

I think someone overpays for Roy but i wouldn't go near him. He's had a lot of injuries but having said that perhaps he becomes a cheap option.

I think someone overpays for Roy but i wouldn't go near him. He's had a lot of injuries but having said that perhaps he becomes a cheap option.
- golfbard

I agree, but if Stan has any doubt about the #2 center, I can see a PM Bouchard/Roy type since they can be signed cheap based on injuries and reduced productivity. Not a fan of either, but more of a vet experience in the role than Pirri.

I think someone overpays for Roy but i wouldn't go near him. He's had a lot of injuries but having said that perhaps he becomes a cheap option.
- golfbard

If we had the money I would go for Andrapov
But I expect Bowman sits out today to let teams clear the deck

If we had the money I would go for Andrapov
But I expect Bowman sits out today to let teams clear the deck
- PEIHawkFan

NO to Antropov. 6'5", makes Zues appear to be a speedster. Slothlike with bad hands should not be the target here

I think Stan signs 4 minor deals:

Derek Roy (played terribly for Canucks, off the radar with all of the other centers that have been available). Stan signs him for a shot at the #2 center

Hendricks/Gordon: 4th line center, good on faceoffs

Hedberg: cheap backup on a 1 year deal.

Roszival: Brings Rozy back n a 1 year deal for #6 dman.
- ikeane

I'm 50/50 on Rozy. He's a year older, has his ring... I feel like he won't be as good. I'd rather get another mobile vet who is responsible defensively and can fit well with no ring.

I feel like someone will overpay Hendricks. Gordon might come a bit cheaper.

But definitely they need someone who is strong in the dot.

If Emery does sign elsewhere then good luck to him. Glad he helped out last year and got his ring.

NO to Antropov. 6'5", makes Zues appear to be a speedster. Slothlike with bad hands should not be the target here
- ikeane

Geez, you're making him sound good!

I wouldn't actually call Komisarek slow, just less able to play the new NHL style on both sides.
- wiz1901

Komisarek was never the same after Lucic used his head as a punching bag on more than one occasion. And he looked good when paired with Markov in Montreal, without him in Toronto he stunk.

Komi should go home to Long Island, he won't cut it in Chicago.

Saw this on Bleacherreport:

http://bleacherreport.com...n-2013-free-agency/page/7

27 years old, can hit, could replace Rozy sans big shot. Would not mind this at all, only con might be how fast is he? Chcago's defence thrives on speed and outlet passes. Would love this more physical stay-at home type and may be a fit IMO

Saw this on Bleacherreport:

http://bleacherreport.com...n-2013-free-agency/page/7

27 years old, can hit, could replace Rozy sans big shot. Would not mind this at all, only con might be how fast is he? Chcago's defence thrives on speed and outlet passes. Would love this mre physical stay-at home type and may be a fit IMO
- ikeane

Ah, fistric.....ogi would like dat
Would bet the hawks sign 2 players today....4C & G
Does Jose Theodore have anything left?

I think the Hawks sign a nice center to fill out their roster.

If they sign a D, they have no flexibility to audition some of the D prospects like Clendening or Stanton.

If they sign a C, they still have flexibility, including for Pirri (Shaw on wing).

Sign one C who fits with the teams needs, sign a backup G...still hoping for Emory.

Then you've got a nice NHL roster, and 2-3 forward spots for prospects (I already count Smith and Bollig on the roster...2-3 more),and one D spot. And you can even find a game or two for Raanti.

Nice plan of competing for a Cup and developing the next wave.

Ah, fistric.....ogi would like dat
Would bet the hawks sign 2 players today....4C & G
Does Jose Theodore have anything left?
- dpard

Theodore - probably does not have anything left but will be signed because of his connection with Q. He'll sign cheap and if he gets hurt they have Raanta to step in.

NO to Antropov. 6'5", makes Zues appear to be a speedster. Slothlike with bad hands should not be the target here
- ikeane

Good point but facts don't back up the Hands and especially that he is slow
A quick you tube google will prove me right

Guessing it is all a moot point after recent signings

Who would you target for 2 line c outside the organization ?

Leddy, 2 years 2.7 mil. Who would have thought that? Isn't that what Subban's deal was? Close to it. Thanks Marc Bergevin.

I think Stan signs 4 minor deals:

Derek Roy (played terribly for Canucks, off the radar with all of the other centers that have been available). Stan signs him for a shot at the #2 center

Hendricks/Gordon: 4th line center, good on faceoffs

Hedberg: cheap backup on a 1 year deal.

Roszival: Brings Rozy back n a 1 year deal for #6 dman.
- ikeane

If this happens I'd be very pleased.

Columbus moves to division D in the Eastern Conference.

Colorado is now in the Hawks division, along with Winnipeg.

---
As excited as Columbus is to be playing more games in their time zone, moving to the East is going to kill them.
- Hemingways

You're right. Long day. Glad to see Columbus in the East. Our division will be tougher though. Nashville will be better. Wild got Ballard very cheap. He gives them some D depth they needed badly. St. Louis still has moves to make - trade a G or sign UFAs or both.

Good point but facts don't back up the Hands and especially that he is slow
A quick you tube google will prove me right

Guessing it is all a moot point after recent signings

Who would you target for 2 line c outside the organization ?
- PEIHawkFan

Not really a fan of this class at all. The players I want/wanted are either signed already (Briere) or too pricy (Briere, Bozak). If Stan can work his magic and get them to agree to a one year audition at a minimal cap hit ($2- 2 1/2 mil ballpark)
in order of preference my top 5 would be:

Bozak
Grabovski
Roy
Bouchard
Weiss

With injuries or poor performance I would say Hawks have the greatest chance at one of the last 3.

Leddy, 2 years 2.7 mil. Who would have thought that? Isn't that what Subban's deal was? Close to it. Thanks Marc Bergevin.
- TrueGrit

So you have designated Leddy as the new whipping boy I see.

NO to Antropov. 6'5", makes Zues appear to be a speedster. Slothlike with bad hands should not be the target here
- ikeane

I really wouldn't mind if Handzus was brought back - as the 4th line center, for around $1 million for the season.

I think Stan signs 4 minor deals:

Derek Roy (played terribly for Canucks, off the radar with all of the other centers that have been available). Stan signs him for a shot at the #2 center

Hendricks/Gordon: 4th line center, good on faceoffs

Hedberg: cheap backup on a 1 year deal.

Roszival: Brings Rozy back n a 1 year deal for #6 dman.
- ikeane

Saw where Derek Roy is looking for 4-5M. Not happening here unless he plays for half that. How did he help the Canucks.

Hendricks/Gordon/Campbell/Malhotra - one or 2 of those players would be very nice.

You're right. Long day. Glad to see Columbus in the East. Our division will be tougher though. Nashville will be better. Wild got Ballard very cheap. He gives them some D depth they needed badly. St. Louis still has moves to make - trade a G or sign UFAs or both.
- tredbrta

Wild lost Gilbert, got Ballard. Pretty even swap IMO, did not improve, just made a lateral move and got more cap space. Also lost fan favorite Clutterbuck for Nutjob Nino

You're right. Long day. Glad to see Columbus in the East. Our division will be tougher though. Nashville will be better. Wild got Ballard very cheap. He gives them some D depth they needed badly. St. Louis still has moves to make - trade a G or sign UFAs or both.
- tredbrta

And Dallas is finally in buy mode, vs perpetual sell mode. Also, the Avalanche, in spite of their many warts, have some really good talent at forward, a pretty good goalie, and they seem to play us tough. Still going to be the best division or whatever they're calling it, if not top two.

So you have designated Leddy as the new whipping boy I see.
- paulr

Nope, just reminding everyone what I have said the last 4 months. While everyone was fretting 7 million dollar offer sheets etc....

Just patting myself on the back.