If you want to play cap wizard...start at 10 million a year for Kane and Toews. That's been reported by a very reputable and connected person....McKenzie.

Even then, you have NO current comparables for either guy. Especially if Kane has a huge points year, and Toews starts to pump a few more in....Imagine if they win another cup, and 1 of them gets the Conn Smythe. Bowman may crawl in a corner and cry.

Lets flash forward to 2015-16...when you have Saad, Kruger, and Leddy all coming off the end of their contracts. As of today....I gotta think Kruger is the last of those 3 to be of importance. The Hawks learned a very valuable lesson with Bolland and I don't see them paying Kruger anywhere close to 3 million a year unless he can show he can play top 6 minutes....which Shaw has proven, and Kruger hasn't.

I'm not as worried about the cap thanks to the Canadian TV deal... but I will say you just can't assume 19&88 are signing here for 10 million. The ideal situation for Bowman is he can lock them up this summer, announce it at the convention so McDonough gets his "big pop" and then move on to looking at what Saad, Leddy, and Kruger will want.
- SteveRain

All three of those guys will be an RFA at that time, which is a large difference from UFA. As for your ranking, we'll see how Leddy develops but I think he might be third in that list.

If you want to play cap wizard...start at 10 million a year for Kane and Toews. That's been reported by a very reputable and connected person....McKenzie.

Even then, you have NO current comparables for either guy. Especially if Kane has a huge points year, and Toews starts to pump a few more in....Imagine if they win another cup, and 1 of them gets the Conn Smythe. Bowman may crawl in a corner and cry.

Lets flash forward to 2015-16...when you have Saad, Kruger, and Leddy all coming off the end of their contracts. As of today....I gotta think Kruger is the last of those 3 to be of importance. The Hawks learned a very valuable lesson with Bolland and I don't see them paying Kruger anywhere close to 3 million a year unless he can show he can play top 6 minutes....which Shaw has proven, and Kruger hasn't.

I'm not as worried about the cap thanks to the Canadian TV deal... but I will say you just can't assume 19&88 are signing here for 10 million. The ideal situation for Bowman is he can lock them up this summer, announce it at the convention so McDonough gets his "big pop" and then move on to looking at what Saad, Leddy, and Kruger will want.
- SteveRain

Wasn't McKenzie or someone talking 12-13m for them? 10m would seem to be reasonable and fair with the cap increase. It would really be nice if they signed at the Getzlaf-Perry level. Saad will be on his second deal so that should be manageable if they stick to their usual bridge deal like Leddy and Shaw. Leddy may be a tough signing. Saad and Leddy will still be RFA on their next deals. Will Krueger?

Ok..but again...what did he prove before his current injuries? I'll give you the playoff run, but I'll also rain on that a little with the carrot of a new deal hanging in his face, which if you want to believe or not, played a MAJOR role.

Before that? 17 goals in 2010-11. he's paid because he's big and the Hawks are praying that the playoffs is the bickell they'll get and not the regular season one.

They did the same thing with another guy who is now being moved back to F up north somewhere.....
- SteveRain

How about the previous two playoff runs? That said, I'm frustrated by him, too, but I'll let him heal before deciding.

All three of those guys will be an RFA at that time, which is a large difference from UFA. As for your ranking, we'll see how Leddy develops but I think he might be third in that list.
- mohel

Correct....but offer sheets are real, and Leddy really hasn't shown a vast improvement to his game for what he's being paid.

Saad? Pay that kid. he's a beast. Playing with all sorts of confidence, and really mimicking Hossa in regards to driving the net, and protecting the puck. That's a great sign.

Leddy looks even more nervous live, then he does on TV. I'll say it again...he should be pushing Oduya for the spot to play with Hammer, and he isn't even close to being a trusted piece in that regard. He's already at 2.7...how much can you pay for him what he is?

Kruger? 1.325. He can get another bump for 2 years, but if he wants to sniff mid 2s, not sure you can justify that.

Wasn't McKenzie or someone talking 12-13m for them? 10m would seem to be reasonable and fair with the cap increase. It would really be nice if they signed at the Getzlaf-Perry level. Saad will be on his second deal so that should be manageable if they stick to their usual bridge deal like Leddy and Shaw. Leddy may be a tough signing. Saad and Leddy will still be RFA on their next deals. Will Krueger?
- steelhead

If I had to guess...I'm betting 12 million max deals. They'll give up a little salary for term. I think Toews is 99.9% here. I don't know about Kane. I can see Buffalo coming strong after him, IF he gets to UFA. Just dont' know....the lure of building a winner back home could be tough on Kane.

Correct....but offer sheets are real, and Leddy really hasn't shown a vast improvement to his game for what he's being paid.

Saad? Pay that kid. he's a beast. Playing with all sorts of confidence, and really mimicking Hossa in regards to driving the net, and protecting the puck. That's a great sign.

Leddy looks even more nervous live, then he does on TV. I'll say it again...he should be pushing Oduya for the spot to play with Hammer, and he isn't even close to being a trusted piece in that regard. He's already at 2.7...how much can you pay for him what he is?

Kruger? 1.325. He can get another bump for 2 years, but if he wants to sniff mid 2s, not sure you can justify that.
- SteveRain

Offer sheets are real, for sure, but I think only Saad is at risk for one right now. And I'm with you on him - pay the man(child)! Playing the numbers game that far out is tough because their development could change quite a bit. But another factor is the increasing cap - assuming Bickell is able to return to sometimes maddening self (bad, then good, then great, then bad again), his contract will look cheap by the time it is over.

How about the previous two playoff runs? That said, I'm frustrated by him, too, but I'll let him heal before deciding.
- mohel

I'll say it...I think the Hawks overpaid for him. I also think that the Hawks couldn't let him walk after his playoff run, the cup win, based upon letting another large bodied enigma go after being a cult hero during the playoffs in 2010.

There are a lot of guys banged up....I think it was BS that article came out about his knee braces. He was out awhile...he'll get another few weeks off here...so we are just going to pretend this crap season doesn't matter because he's still not 100%? Who is?

He needs to be better and if he can't be, then he needs to be rested until he can be a factor. They aren't going to miss THIS Bickell if he's put on IR.

I also think that hip/groin is still giving him a lot of problems....You see him dropping his 1 leg down, and not going into the full butterfly? LIke Ray Emery, or Kelly Hrudey? That Olympic break is going to help him and Bickell the most to get rested up....and god willing...healthy.
- SteveRain

Yes Rainman...have to wonder if Crow's 100% over his latest injury ? He's played very well at times for sure and turned in a terrific performance in his hometown and i was very happy for him that he could do that.

Was also glad the he wasn't selected for Team Canada. The rest should really benefit him and Seabs.

Offer sheets are real, for sure, but I think only Saad is at risk for one right now. And I'm with you on him - pay the man(child)! Playing the numbers game that far out is tough because their development could change quite a bit. But another factor is the increasing cap - assuming Bickell is able to return to sometimes maddening self (bad, then good, then great, then bad again), his contract will look cheap by the time it is over.
- mohel

Lets hope so...but I still stand by my statement. I don't think he's in Chicago to see the end of this deal.

I also think that hip/groin is still giving him a lot of problems....You see him dropping his 1 leg down, and not going into the full butterfly? LIke Ray Emery, or Kelly Hrudey? That Olympic break is going to help him and Bickell the most to get rested up....and god willing...healthy.
- SteveRain

If - IF - either or both are still hurting, why not sit until they get 100% healed (or whatever percentage is realistic at this point in the season)?

Raanta did a good enough job, and, with Labarbara as an experienced back-up, seems like could do the job.

For Bickell, bring back Pirri (when he's healed), Moring, Nordstrom for a couple of weeks - if Nordstrom, move Handzus to wing.

Bickell's game is to play tough at the net - not an easy thing to do on bad knees. Seems that he has to be healthy to perform well - doesn't have other skills to offset the weaknesses provided by the injuries.

Yes Rainman...have to wonder if Crow's 100% over his latest injury ? He's played very well at times for sure and turned in a terrific performance in his hometown and i was very happy for him that he could do that.

Was also glad the he wasn't selected for Team Canada. The rest should really benefit him and Seabs.
- philco28

Your boys are the favorites to win gold....

2 to 1
Russia is at 9 to 4
Sweden is at 4 to 1
USA is at 6 to 1.

David Pollie is an absolute idiot. Got get'em Blake Wheeler. what a joke. How the F is Blake Wheeler an Olympian? I wonder if Saad called Ryan and they both just kept saying...."Blake f-ing Wheeler...." over and over and over again.

Just walked past Bickell on the street with his dad.

Were I not afraid of being tossed over the bridge into the Chicago river, I would have asked him where playoff Bickell went?

If I had to guess...I'm betting 12 million max deals. They'll give up a little salary for term. I think Toews is 99.9% here. I don't know about Kane. I can see Buffalo coming strong after him, IF he gets to UFA. Just dont' know....the lure of building a winner back home could be tough on Kane.
- SteveRain

My guess is $10M per year for the max. They will sign this summer, and if Kane refuses and says he wants to hit the market, he'll be traded for a king's ransom. I agree that Toews is more solid in his desire to stay, but I'd say it is 99% to 95%ish. They will both sign a max deal. But if I were them, I'd sign shorter deals and try for one more bit contract at 30 when the cap should be much larger than now. Easy for me to say I'd pass up a crap-load of money.....

If - IF - either or both are still hurting, why not sit until they get 100% healed (or whatever percentage is realistic at this point in the season)?

Raanta did a good enough job, and, with Labarbara as an experienced back-up, seems like could do the job.

For Bickell, bring back Pirri (when he's healed), Moring, Nordstrom for a couple of weeks - if Nordstrom, move Handzus to wing.

Bickell's game is to play tough at the net - not an easy thing to do on bad knees. Seems that he has to be healthy to perform well - doesn't have other skills to offset the weaknesses provided by the injuries.
- StLBravesFan

I agree on Bickell. I would like to see him rested.

Crawford I think is more serious. he just looks uncomfortable.

I love Piri. I don't care what people say....kid has some offensive skill to his game, and could baby sit that 2nd line. It's a miracle Kane had as fast a start as he did..with Handzus. Speaking of which....he should be scratched. He;s like the 99% empty tube of toothpaste. They rolled him up last year and squeezed whatever was left out....now he just needs to be thrown away....

Your boys are the favorites to win gold....

2 to 1
Russia is at 9 to 4
Sweden is at 4 to 1
USA is at 6 to 1.

David Pollie is an absolute idiot. Got get'em Blake Wheeler. what a joke. How the F is Blake Wheeler an Olympian? I wonder if Saad called Ryan and they both just kept saying...."Blake f-ing Wheeler...." over and over and over again.
- SteveRain

Lets hope so...but I still stand by my statement. I don't think he's in Chicago to see the end of this deal.
- SteveRain

It is a reasonable statement to stand firm on, even if I don't agree with it at this time.

Just walked past Bickell on the street with his dad.

Were I not afraid of being tossed over the bridge into the Chicago river, I would have asked him where playoff Bickell went?
- teh_HAWKZ

Was he limping or wearing a knee brace?

Just walked past Bickell on the street with his dad.

Were I not afraid of being tossed over the bridge into the Chicago river, I would have asked him where playoff Bickell went?
- teh_HAWKZ

The best thing I've seen was Carlos Boozer at the S-tix holder skate, and nobody, and I mean NOBODY said a word to that goof. He even sat sprawled out in the front row watching his kids, but nobody bothered him...hell I didn't even see anyone notice him.

- philco28

I bet a few of my friends that the USA wont' even medal. I hope I'm wrong, but I think that team is royally flawed.

If I were Canadian, I think Sweden is your toughest competition. Unless Vrlamov gets hot...the thought of all those fast Ruskies flying down the wing on a large ice surface is going to make hate Brooks Orpik that much more.

I bet a few of my friends that the USA wont' even medal. I hope I'm wrong, but I think that team is royally flawed.

If I were Canadian, I think Sweden is your toughest competition. Unless Vrlamov gets hot...the thought of all those fast Ruskies flying down the wing on a large ice surface is going to make hate Brooks Orpik that much more.
- SteveRain

I'll be rooting for Canada....but win/lose...my number one priority is
ALWAYS THE TOMAHAWK

I'll be rooting for Canada....but win/lose...my number one priority is
ALWAYS THE TOMAHAWK

- philco28

USA, then Hawks.....

Just hoping all 10 come back just as they left.....

Flip that OT record around including one of the SO losses against the Blues and we're talking about sitting pretty 3 weeks from the Olympic break (10-pt division lead even with the 4 Blues games in hand).

I'm not worried about the 'Hawks right now. They're getting chances, they're leading a lot of games. Its a matter of upping the killer instinct about 3 months from now.
- casajari

I am not sure about your assessment of the Hawks leading a lot of games during this current slump. The Hawks have been playing " catch up " most nights. It's not so easy to just turn on the key and "upping the killer instinct" during the playoffs. Who knows maybe the team is mentally and physically unable to get back to their form of last year. Look at all the teams that have won the SuperBowl and the next year came short. It's a crap Shute how the Hawks will do in the playoffs. Even if the Hawks crank up their game, there might be a team that is playing lights out in the playoffs
and eliminate the Hawks . You never know? Hope for the best. Go Hawks!

(frank) cats.

Am i the only one who thinks the Sharp-Toews-Hossa line needs to be broken up? Not because they arent producing, but just to spread out the depth a little more. Maybe bring Sharp to the second line and put Saad up with Toews and Hossa, or do the same for Hossa to the second line and put Saad up with Sharp and Toews. I just feel like having Sharp and Hossa on a line with Toews kind of puts too much into one line.

Yes? No? Just me?

Yes. Signing Kane and Toews to deals in the 9-10m range versus some of the wild numbers being floated should give them added flexibility to sign other quality free agents - depth signings. Maybe more if the cap goes up enough. I certainly hope no major splashes are in the future. Did any of the big signings pay off last off season - Clark? Horton?

"More moves in free agency" meant more moves than the last few seasons (which were basically none). Did you see some other words there like "major" or "high profile"?

I know seeing things can be a problem for some. In fact, every time I see you post today I see the letters "POS". Not a problem so far. Do you want to make it one?
- steelhead

oh boy it looks like we have another internet tough guy..........I know its hard to comprehend things without pictures but the Hawks have 3 players they've acquired over the past two seasons on their roster...... whatever the dollar amount Kane & toews sign for will not change anything......because based on them stockpiling draft picks and prospects they will never sign more than 1 or 2 FA's........If this is what you were trying to say then I apologize for not being able to interupt whatever it is your simple mind was trying to convey. As far as the frolik comment to mohel.......I was being serious.....but you went ahead and tried to interpret what I mean......and BTW I appreciate any and all animosity......

Signed,
The POS

Do you really think the ultra high intensity and competitiveness it requires to win a game is really present every time every team hits the ice? No. Every player will take plays off. Some will even take games off. And in the dog days teams will take games off. Not everyone does it at the same time, and it really only means throttling the intensity down a bit. I've never played hockey in my life, yet I know that. Its human nature. Doesn't matter what you're paid, doesn't matter what your motivation. You just can't. Humans are not machines.

How do you decide which games to take it easy on? You don't. Your body does. It knows, as you say, a point is a point; So consider perhaps one might put more into assuring a win against the average or sub-par teams, but also take a run at the Champs when they come to town for the glory for a true measuring stick. Not as much against the other top teams in the league so you save your energy - maybe just a little.

Human nature. Doubting that - is intellectually dishonest.

Ducks are a little more focused on D and make their goalie look better. Who knows. maybe he is. Hawks have the propensity - always have - to want to fly and look pretty. But they are more than capable of shutting down any team. Much like the Wings of years past. To me the Ducks are a carbon copy of the Blues, except I can't seem to figure out where their scoring seems to come from.

So I'm not saying take your foot off the pedal... Perhaps I'm saying just simply don't gun it just yet. Any momentum you try to gain will be lost during the Olympics anyway.
- busmaster

Bravo.