Outside of personal issues you seem to have with him , he has put up 20+ goals a season nearly his entire career and is a + player on some bad Avs teams. Not only that he is a good PP guy. Very comparable to Nielson with the Islanders. I watched a lot of the Avs games.. he has an edge to his game.

Options DK... it comes down to having options. This team needs C help PDQ.
- z1990z

I'm just giving you a hard time. Statsny would be fine on the team, I just think he'll cost more than Stan is willing to pay. He's realistically a 60 point centre, not the 70-80 point guy he use to be plus he spends very little time on the PK. I wouldn't overpay for the guy, that's all.

You can't expect Kane to say anything else, even if he's thinking it. He's not going to come out and say "Our line was ok with Shaw, but I think we could be better with a guy like Kesler".
- DarthKane

The player Kane was quoted as saying he was the best he ever played with was Phil Kessel....during the Olympics.

not rolling 4 lines didn't help, especially at the end of games.
- Topshelf2010

Agreed and even though Q never admitted it....they only skated 3 lines.

Agreed and even though Q never admitted it....they only skated 3 lines.
- SteveRain

BINGO

>Hawks have a lot to offer to players who have their money but want a Cup
>Think Toews-Hawks are now firmly "in-front" of Crosby-Pens for those types of players -- unless Pens new coach has a special connection
>Oduya trade really worked for Hawks -- his addition made entire D corp better
>SBow needs that type of effect in his trades this summer -- as someone mentioned -- Gaborik trade transformed entire Kings forward lineup
>If Hawks lineup stays pretty much the same, new coaching tactics will be imperative for the team to win the Cup again
- SnapitUpstairs

I agree but lots of team have money to burn this summer and not sure a veteran who wants to win would take a short term, less money deal to go after a cup with Chicago vs a longer term, higher dollar deal with an upcoming team say...Minnesota.

Plus you throw in the buy out guys.....and I think the best avenue for the Hawks to improve with the least amount of damage to their cap is through trades.

I'm just giving you a hard time. Statsny would be fine on the team, I just think he'll cost more than Stan is willing to pay. He's realistically a 60 point centre, not the 70-80 point guy he use to be plus he spends very little time on the PK. I wouldn't overpay for the guy, that's all.
- DarthKane

There are a lot of players that would be a great fit for the Hawks. Some that would be a good fit. Others, I don't want to touch with a 10-ft pole. It all comes down to $ and sense, really.

Sure, Stastny would be good and you could move him w/Hossa if needed. If Stastny wants to play for $5M, then fine. Doubt he's willing to take a nearly $2M paycut when that same $6.6 is out there somewhere. So...we'll move on.

The player Kane was quoted as saying he was the best he ever played with was Phil Kessel.
- Al

That was in the Olympics when he was part of Team USA, he was just sticking up for a team mate. Toews did the same with Luongo, calling him the best goalie in the league.

Agreed and even though Q never admitted it....they only skated 3 lines.
- SteveRain

Part of that is the Q-O-Matic line blender, but a lot of guys were moved around trying to find the right spots. Would be nice to have a true 4th (energy/hitting) line to go out there and play a simple dump it/hit style. I see Colin Fraser is gonna be a FA. Another decent 4th line C who could help on PK. And Fraser can skate.

Stastny had a $6.6 million cap hit this season. He isn't testing FA to get anything less than that.

BINGO
- 6628

Handzus/Bolig/Versteeg saw little ice time in games 5&7. Game 7 was ridiculous. I saw Versteeg take a shift, the draw was won, dumped in, and he skated off. If he was out there for 10 seconds, I'd be shocked.

Hawks were gassed. We all know the recipe. When they win cups, they skate 4 lines. When they shorten their bench, they are doomed.

Stastny had a $6.6 million cap hit this season. He isn't testing FA to get anything less than that.
- Hawks82

He will if nobody is willing to pay that, but that will be his starting point in any salary negotiations. Stastny is simply not worth $6.6 million, I'd say $5 million tops.

I agree but lots of team have money to burn this summer and not sure a veteran who wants to win would take a short term, less money deal to go after a cup with Chicago vs a longer term, higher dollar deal with an upcoming team say...Minnesota.

Plus you throw in the buy out guys.....and I think the best avenue for the Hawks to improve with the least amount of damage to their cap is through trades.
- SteveRain

I know a lot of people have mentioned buyout candidates (see Richards, Mike and Brad). While I don't think they're going to play for peanuts to come here, they likely won't get the deals for which they are presently signed. Lacalvalier is mentioned, but he went from 7.5 to 4.5 or whatever. Grabovski is another 5.5 to 3.0.

So, these guys will likely come cheaper than the cap hit that they presently carry, but will that cap hit be attractive enough for the Hawks to jump in? For example...Mike Richards is 5.75 now. What would be fair? 4M per? Would it be better to trade someone for cap relief to bring in Kesler, even at $1M more per season vs signing a guy like M Richards knowing you would have to move fewer resources?

Thankfully, I just get to second guess these moves

He will if nobody is willing to pay that, but that will be his starting point in any salary negotiations. Stastny is simply not worth $6.6 million, I'd say $5 million tops.
- DarthKane

There isn't much on the free agent market for top 6 centers. If Stastny is looking too cash in, some GM will pay him.

He will if nobody is willing to pay that, but that will be his starting point in any salary negotiations. Stastny is simply not worth $6.6 million, I'd say $5 million tops.
- DarthKane

Another thing to look at, I saw earlier that it looks like the cap will go up the next 2 years. Why would a FA look at a long term deal when there could be more money next off-season. Just thinking out loud.

I never said the Hawks were getting old....Sharp is getting old and is a sell high candidate.

I don't know what hockey world you are in tune with but anyone who would be shocked he is dealt is not in the loop.

The rumblings are out there he is being shopped....
I wrote the same about Bolland the summer before he was dealt...sometimes it takes awhile.

Sharp's contract is heavy and he is coming off his best season. I wouldn't bet a nickel he will be here to see the term through.

Hawks may not be able to stand pat this summer. Competition is fierce big names could be in play around NHL. Fox Chgo:http://bit.ly/1oDBYHR
- Al

I had old in quotes...not saying the team is getting old but 2 of their core are and moving past their prime.

Ok so all you "experts" in the know...know that Sharp is being shopped. I am sure Stan listens to offers..but actively being shopped..call me naive but I doubt it.

Then I amend my statement...I will be shocked if Bowman goes counter to everything he has done and said for the past 5 years including his most reason post season statements. Yes I realize he is under no obligation to stand by or act on his public statements about tweaking and staying the course.....but the facts are that is exactly what he has done.

Is his value the highest now...most likely. Will Sharp play out his contract here....like you I doubt it. Will he be here come training camp? Odds are yes!

The player Kane was quoted as saying he was the best he ever played with was Phil Kessel....during the Olympics.
- Al

OOOOHHHHHHHH!!!! It was KESSEL Kane wanted, not KESLER!!! This changes everything! Wow, we really got that rumor wrong!!! Imagine that trade screw up!

There isn't much on the free agent market for top 6 centers. If Stastny is looking too cash in, some GM will pay him.
- EKolb13

Maybe a team like Edmonton, Florida or Calgary who is a long way away from being a contender.

I agree but lots of team have money to burn this summer and not sure a veteran who wants to win would take a short term, less money deal to go after a cup with Chicago vs a longer term, higher dollar deal with an upcoming team say...Minnesota.

Plus you throw in the buy out guys.....and I think the best avenue for the Hawks to improve with the least amount of damage to their cap is through trades.
- SteveRain

>It will be very interesting, indeed, to see what players go where
>Trades will need to have the "Oduya effect" -- where everything around that player gets better -- I like the trade route, too
>Other than the Kings, think Hawks have the track record and players that give someone who wants to win a Cup the best chance -- which is why I wouldn't offer guys who really want the Cup but already have their coin -- very much money -- certainly not a buyout player who still wants to be paid -- thinking more along the lines of players who have not been bought out but want to win and are UFA
>Some of the dumbest contracts done this past year were to ineffective, buyout players who still became way overpaid in their new deals

Maybe a team like Edmonton, Florida or Calgary who is a long way away from being a contender.
- DarthKane

If he goes to one of those teams, then wouldnt he kind fo just be admitting that he's only in it for the money? What other reason would there be to go to Florida?

Handzus/Bolig/Versteeg saw little ice time in games 5&7. Game 7 was ridiculous. I saw Versteeg take a shift, the draw was won, dumped in, and he skated off. If he was out there for 10 seconds, I'd be shocked.

Hawks were gassed. We all know the recipe. When they win cups, they skate 4 lines. When they shorten their bench, they are doomed.
- SteveRain

another observation and what i saw quoted recently, the Kings GM told Sutter to play Tiffoli and Pearson more after the olympics. Looks like it payed dividends for the Kings. And Gaborik was a huge acquistion.

>It will be very interesting, indeed, to see what players go where
>Trades will need to have the "Oduya effect" -- where everything around that player gets better -- I like the trade route, too
>Other than the Kings, think Hawks have the track record and players that give someone who wants to win a Cup the best chance -- which is why I wouldn't offer guys who really want the Cup but already have their coin -- very much money -- certainly not a buyout player who still wants to be paid -- thinking more along the lines of players who have not been bought out but want to win and are UFA
>Some of the dumbest contracts done this past year were to ineffective, buyout players who still became way overpaid in their new deals
- SnapitUpstairs

Agreed, and I'm with you on Iginila. I think he could be a perfect fit. Still has some game left AND he can tutor guys like Bickell/Bolig/Saad on how to take their game to the next step. A true professional, who is still is chasing the cup. 1 yr/3 million?

The way I see it...is IF Sharp is being dealt, I think that signals a large player coming shortly. Either somebody through UFA or trade. I would assume based upon the return for Sharp prospects/picks vs roster players would signify what the Hawks are giving up to replace him ie Kesler. I also don't think IF Sharp were leaving, that it doesn't mean Oduya wouldn't be moving as well. Unless Bowman has really soured on Leddy, I don't think Stan will trade him. Unless its a must have for the trading partner.

I did find it interesting that Sharp's name was floated on a local news station last night as a potential trading chip. Could be nothing, or could be the Hawks softening the blow for IF it were to happen.

Another thing to look at, I saw earlier that it looks like the cap will go up the next 2 years. Why would a FA look at a long term deal when there could be more money next off-season. Just thinking out loud.
- powerenforcer

You know the old saying, A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

another observation and what i saw quoted recently, the Kings GM told Sutter to play Tiffoli and Pearson more after the olympics. Looks like it payed dividends for the Kings. And Gaborik was a huge acquistion.
- Topshelf2010

Lombardi is the best GM in hockey IMO. He goes after it. Gaborik was huge. That team couldn't hit the net all season long, and they get the rookies a nice 20 game stretch to find their confidence, add in PROVEN but risky injured winger, and it all came up roses.

Since 2010....he has added Carter, Richards, and Gaborik and will be rewarded with 2 cups. That was the best team the Hawks have seen in the Toews/Kane era. Better then both cup finalists IMO.

People can state STL as a rival, but that LA team...will be the Edmonton of the 80s the Hawks will have to get through for the upcoming few years.

That was in the Olympics when he was part of Team USA, he was just sticking up for a team mate. Toews did the same with Luongo, calling him the best goalie in the league.
- DarthKane

Toews comment not as surprising as what Kane said....considering the forwards Kane has played with...

Agreed, and I'm with you on Iginila. I think he could be a perfect fit. Still has some game left AND he can tutor guys like Bickell/Bolig/Saad on how to take their game to the next step. A true professional, who is still is chasing the cup. 1 yr/3 million?

The way I see it...is IF Sharp is being dealt, I think that signals a large player coming shortly. Either somebody through UFA or trade. I would assume based upon the return for Sharp prospects/picks vs roster players would signify what the Hawks are giving up to replace him ie Kesler. I also don't think IF Sharp were leaving, that it doesn't mean Oduya wouldn't be moving as well. Unless Bowman has really soured on Leddy, I don't think Stan will trade him. Unless its a must have for the trading partner.

I did find it interesting that Sharp's name was floated on a local news station last night as a potential trading chip. Could be nothing, or could be the Hawks softening the blow for IF it were to happen.
- SteveRain

Seems to be a lot more smoke in this regard, compared to previous years and other players.