Most on this board will go apoplectic over this, but I suspect the Hawks are more likely to deal Shaw than Kruger, although I don't think either is being shopped. Shaw is probably never going to be more than what he is, Kruger will be.

Kruger is, or will soon be, a classic shutdown 3C. Shaw is really more of a true wing, on a team loaded at wing and weak at center, and therefore already somewhat less valuable.

Kruger is NOT physically mature. When he is, he WILL be a better player than he is today. And he is already a good NHL player, with real value as a PK guy and able to spot anywhere from lines 2-4 as a center, great defensively.
- John Jaeckel

Hey Elbows....take note!

Bickell says it's a big summer for him to get into shape and be more of a regular season guy and not just a playoff guy.




http://bleacherreport.com...e-says-blackhawks-bickell

Bickell says it's a big summer for him to get into shape and be more of a regular season guy and not just a playoff guy.




http://bleacherreport.com...e-says-blackhawks-bickell
- kissthecup22

It better be!

Yeah, tell the truth EK
- Canardhawk

I meant you CH!

Though if you are wearing jorts, I might suggest you change your avatar.

John Jaeckel: Yet Again, Kesler
- John Jaeckel

Trading Sharp is out of the question, nor do I like the idea of trading TT.

Not to mention to acquire Kesler he would really need to be acquired at 50% of his cap hit.

Now, the notion of trading Sharp over Bickell is just lunacy.

I'm thinking Bickell, NcNeil, 1st and Rundblad for Kessler at 50% retained. However I know the Nucks will want TT involved in any trade discussion unless the Hawks are willing to pile on more, and that is something I would consider if that was the case I would throw in Versteeg and another pick - maybe a 2nd in 2015.

At any rate no team but the Hawks could throw a package at the Nucks for Kesler and not be dramatically changed.

So

Bickell
McNeil
Rundblad
2014 1st round pick
(and if need be Versteeg)
for

Kessler @50% retained.

I know everyone loves Bickell but he is nothing special, hes a coaches player that just happens to have size - not talent.

Then trade Rozy to whomever, then the Hawks have plenty of cap space to extend both Toews and Kane, not to mention get the true #2 center they coveted for so long.

Sorry, there are just some players I wouldn't trade and their presence alone makes them an asset and Patrick Sharp is one of those players.

Trading Sharp is out of the question, nor do I like the idea of trading TT.

Not to mention to acquire Kesler he would really need to be acquired at 50% of his cap hit.

Now, the notion of trading Sharp over Bickell is just lunacy.

I'm thinking Bickell, NcNeil, 1st and Rundblad for Kessler at 50% retained. However I know the Nucks will want TT involved in any trade discussion unless the Hawks are willing to pile on more, and that is something I would consider if that was the case I would throw in Versteeg and another pick - maybe a 2nd in 2015.

At any rate no team but the Hawks could throw a package at the Nucks for Kesler and not be dramatically changed.

So

Bickell
McNeil
Rundblad
2014 1st round pick
(and if need be Versteeg)
for

Kessler @50% retained.

I know everyone loves Bickell but he is nothing special, hes a coaches player that just happens to have size - not talent.

Then trade Rozy to whomever, then the Hawks have plenty of cap space to extend both Toews and Kane, not to mention get the true #2 center they coveted for so long.

Sorry, there are just some players I wouldn't trade and their presence alone makes them an asset and Patrick Sharp is one of those players.
- Tazer19

Vancouver could do better.

I meant you CH!

Though if you are wearing jorts, I might suggest you change your avatar.
- HawkintheD

Haven't worn those for about 30 years and didn't look good in them at the time.

Trading Sharp is out of the question, nor do I like the idea of trading TT.

Not to mention to acquire Kesler he would really need to be acquired at 50% of his cap hit.

Now, the notion of trading Sharp over Bickell is just lunacy.

I'm thinking Bickell, NcNeil, 1st and Rundblad for Kessler at 50% retained. However I know the Nucks will want TT involved in any trade discussion unless the Hawks are willing to pile on more, and that is something I would consider if that was the case I would throw in Versteeg and another pick - maybe a 2nd in 2015.

At any rate no team but the Hawks could throw a package at the Nucks for Kesler and not be dramatically changed.

So

Bickell
McNeil
Rundblad
2014 1st round pick
(and if need be Versteeg)
for

Kessler @50% retained.

I know everyone loves Bickell but he is nothing special, hes a coaches player that just happens to have size - not talent.

Then trade Rozy to whomever, then the Hawks have plenty of cap space to extend both Toews and Kane, not to mention get the true #2 center they coveted for so long.

Sorry, there are just some players I wouldn't trade and their presence alone makes them an asset and Patrick Sharp is one of those players.
- Tazer19

Um, no. The reason why you don't trade Bickell is that he is one of the few NHL ready players that the Blackhawks have that has size, strength, and a decent albeit not great two way game. What the Hawks have, guys like Sharp, Kane, TT, etc. they have plenty of. I'm not saying we wouldn't miss Sharp, I think he brings a lot to the clubhouse but to get what you need you have to give up what you have the most of.

TT, Leddy, and a pick is a good offer for Kesler.

I still don't think SB makes a big move here. I think he brings in someone with untapped potential or a veteran who they can get a few more years out of before his contract expires and they replace him internally.

Trading Sharp is out of the question, nor do I like the idea of trading TT.

Not to mention to acquire Kesler he would really need to be acquired at 50% of his cap hit.

Now, the notion of trading Sharp over Bickell is just lunacy.

I'm thinking Bickell, NcNeil, 1st and Rundblad for Kessler at 50% retained. However I know the Nucks will want TT involved in any trade discussion unless the Hawks are willing to pile on more, and that is something I would consider if that was the case I would throw in Versteeg and another pick - maybe a 2nd in 2015.

At any rate no team but the Hawks could throw a package at the Nucks for Kesler and not be dramatically changed.

So

Bickell
McNeil
Rundblad
2014 1st round pick
(and if need be Versteeg)
for

Kessler @50% retained.

I know everyone loves Bickell but he is nothing special, hes a coaches player that just happens to have size - not talent.

Then trade Rozy to whomever, then the Hawks have plenty of cap space to extend both Toews and Kane, not to mention get the true #2 center they coveted for so long.

Sorry, there are just some players I wouldn't trade and their presence alone makes them an asset and Patrick Sharp is one of those players.
- Tazer19

I don't think Vancouver is going to trade Kessler and retain a dime of his salary. Call me crazy but I don't see that happening.

I still don't think SB makes a big move here. I think he brings in someone with untapped potential or a veteran who they can get a few more years out of before his contract expires and they replace him internally.
- Bjm84

That's why trades like Nielsen or Backlund make more sense that Kesler.

I know we love to throw this stuff at the wall and speculate because its fun

but lets be realistic

its a decision by committee and any big decision likely gets shot down from one corner or another. its just not in this groups, or specifically, stan's DNA

Whats the biggest move on record since they fired tallon and a ton of the front office has moved on? Barker for Leddy? Frolik for Skille? Versteeg for Stalberg? Dumping Buff and Ladd for pennies on the dollar?

I love these "what if" scenarios as much as anyone, but we've heard the "we like our team" or "there will only be minor tweaks or changes" and it usually has rang true, EVERY year

I know we love to throw this stuff at the wall and speculate because its fun

but lets be realistic

its a decision by committee and any big decision likely gets shot down from one corner or another. its just not in this groups, or specifically, stan's DNA

Whats the biggest move on record since they fired tallon and a ton of the front office has moved on? Barker for Leddy? Frolik for Skille? Versteeg for Stalberg? Dumping Buff and Ladd for pennies on the dollar?

I love these "what if" scenarios as much as anyone, but we've heard the "we like our team" or "there will only be minor tweaks or changes" and it usually has rang true, EVERY year
- FourFeathers773

You can judge for yourself here...

http://www.nhltradetracke...ist_by_GM/Stan_Bowman/133

Vancouver could do better.
- DarthKane

What you're forgetting is that Vancouver is only dealing with 6 teams. I'm sure if Kelser didn't have a NTC/NMC clause, many teams could make better offers but the Nucks are down to dealing with 6 teams.

And I don't see many teams trading away significant parts of their future or players that play a significant role on their team presently for Kesler.

The only reason why I even like the idea of bringing in Kesler is because the Hawks need a legitimate 2nd line center..... Not to mention a Saad-Kesler-Kane line would be pretty awesome.

However trading away core players - especially when you have plenty of assets is not the smart move to make when you have a successful team with a successful core. If the Hawks weren't so successful I would have no problem with trading Sharp or any other player not named Toews, Kane, Keith or Hammer.

If a potential trade for Kesler involves a core player - if I'm Bowman I'm walking away...

Bickell says it's a big summer for him to get into shape and be more of a regular season guy and not just a playoff guy.




http://bleacherreport.com...e-says-blackhawks-bickell
- kissthecup22

took him to he is almost 30 with 5 years in the league and $16 mil contract to figure that out....so impressed

What you're forgetting is that Vancouver is only dealing with 6 teams. I'm sure if Kelser didn't have a NTC/NMC clause, many teams could make better offers but the Nucks are down to dealing with 6 teams.

And I don't see many teams trading away significant parts of their future or players that play a significant role on their team presently for Kesler.

The only reason why I even like the idea of bringing in Kesler is because the Hawks need a legitimate 2nd line center..... Not to mention a Saad-Kesler-Kane line would be pretty awesome.

However trading away core players - especially when you have plenty of assets is not the smart move to make when you have a successful team with a successful core. If the Hawks weren't so successful I would have no problem with trading Sharp or any other player not named Toews, Kane, Keith or Hammer.

If a potential trade for Kesler involves a core player - if I'm Bowman I'm walking away...
- Tazer19

Tazer, my feeling is the exact opposite of yours. This team is so close to winning more Cups that they have to keep tweaking their lineup as the other teams get stronger. Sitting still is NOT an option. I remember the years when this team would trade great players for nothing, and let players walk away.
If it takes trading core players who are on the downside of the mountain to get valuable players back, it must be done.

That's why trades like Nielsen or Backlund make more sense that Kesler.
- DarthKane

But Kesler is a Toews type player, and those type of players at his age don't come on the market very often.

IMO, I think Kesler will end up on the Hawks@ 50% retained, I just don't want to see TT part of the deal.

The Hawks have everything the Nucks need for a soft rebuild including young players that are ready to step into the NHL. And as a GM that's what you want.

Realistically, no team on Keslers list is going to give up a core or star player for Kesler....

I could see Joe Thornton straight up for Kesler and maybe a pick going the Nucks way but the Nucks won't be getting any younger talent for him - especially if they don't need a 2nd line center or another top 6 winger.

Tazer, my feeling is the exact opposite of yours. This team is so close to winning more Cups that they have to keep tweaking their lineup as the other teams get stronger. Sitting still is NOT an option. I remember the years when this team would trade great players for nothing, and let players walk away.
If it takes trading core players who are on the downside of the mountain to get valuable players back, it must be done.
- powerenforcer

The Hawks have too many prospects that are NHL ready, but cant find a role on the Hawks because the Hawks already have the majority of those positions filled.

Getting Kesler for a few prospects, a pick and a roster player like Bickell is nothing to the Hawks.

Hell I'd even offer Kruger in a potential deal. Kruger, Bickell, Rundbad and a 1st for Kesler @ 50% retained cap could get it done all day.

Vancouver would obviously become a better team but at the same time the Hawks pretty much lose nothing not to mention add about 8 mill in cap space and once the summer is over and Rozy is moved they will have 10 mill in cap space.

That's a lot of space to extend Toews, Kane and Saad not to mention add a couple bottom pairing vets who would sign here on the cheap just for a shot at a cup.

You can judge for yourself here...

http://www.nhltradetracke...ist_by_GM/Stan_Bowman/133
- EKolb13

On that same website in the "Notable deals" section, it only mentions Dave Bolland being traded to the Leafs for Stan. Kind of opinion based but still is another check mark in the "doesnt make big moves" column.

The Hawks have too many prospects that are NHL ready, but cant find a role on the Hawks because the Hawks already have the majority of those positions filled.

Getting Kesler for a few prospects, a pick and a roster player like Bickell is nothing to the Hawks.

Hell I'd even offer Kruger in a potential deal. Kruger, Bickell, Rundbad and a 1st for Kesler @ 50% retained cap could get it done all day.

Vancouver would obviously become a better team but at the same time the Hawks pretty much lose nothing not to mention add about 8 mill in cap space and once the summer is over and Rozy is moved they will have 10 mill in cap space.

That's a lot of space to extend Toews, Kane and Saad not to mention add a couple bottom pairing vets who would sign here on the cheap just for a shot at a cup.
- Tazer19

Maybe I misunderstood your comment about trading a core player. Do you not consider Bickell or Krugs core members? I would have no problem Switching Krugs and Sharp in your proposal. I would not be shocked if Seabs or Keith are traded in the next 3-5 seasons, depending on how long 19 and 88 are signed for.

On that same website in the "Notable deals" section, it only mentions Dave Bolland being traded to the Leafs for Stan. Kind of opinion based but still is another check mark in the "doesnt make big moves" column.
- BlazinMike

Stan is pretty conservative, and tends to make small movies (unless he's forced to dump salary)... However I wouldn't put it past him to make a deal for Kesler, just as long as it doesn't force him to breakup his core.

Obviously Stan knows the way to build a good team is through drafting, however when you have limited amount of spots on your roster and too many "prospects" ready to step into the NHL it creates a problem - which is why Hayes and Olson were dealt for Versteeg...

Pretty soon he's really going to have to unload some prospects, and what a better time than when Kesler is on the market and that he wants to play for the Hawks and is obviously on is list of teams he is willing to be traded to.

Stan is pretty conservative, and tends to make small movies (unless he's forced to dump salary)... However I wouldn't put it past him to make a deal for Kesler, just as long as it doesn't force him to breakup his core.

Obviously Stan knows the way to build a good team is through drafting, however when you have limited amount of spots on your roster and too many "prospects" ready to step into the NHL it creates a problem - which is why Hayes and Olson were dealt for Versteeg...

Pretty soon he's really going to have to unload some prospects, and what a better time than when Kesler is on the market and that he wants to play for the Hawks and is obviously on is list of teams he is willing to be traded to.
- Tazer19

Meh, (frank) Kesler. His production has been dipping the past couple seasons. Not really interested in him, i would rather they got Vermette, he's younger (i think) and cheaper and can compliment the 2nd line very well with his defense, skating ability and faceoffs

Trading Sharp is out of the question, nor do I like the idea of trading TT.

Not to mention to acquire Kesler he would really need to be acquired at 50% of his cap hit.

Now, the notion of trading Sharp over Bickell is just lunacy.

I'm thinking Bickell, NcNeil, 1st and Rundblad for Kessler at 50% retained. However I know the Nucks will want TT involved in any trade discussion unless the Hawks are willing to pile on more, and that is something I would consider if that was the case I would throw in Versteeg and another pick - maybe a 2nd in 2015.

At any rate no team but the Hawks could throw a package at the Nucks for Kesler and not be dramatically changed.

So

Bickell
McNeil
Rundblad
2014 1st round pick
(and if need be Versteeg)
for

Kessler @50% retained.

I know everyone loves Bickell but he is nothing special, hes a coaches player that just happens to have size - not talent.

Then trade Rozy to whomever, then the Hawks have plenty of cap space to extend both Toews and Kane, not to mention get the true #2 center they coveted for so long.

Sorry, there are just some players I wouldn't trade and their presence alone makes them an asset and Patrick Sharp is one of those players.
- Tazer19

I'm glad you are not the GM. Sharp is arguably the most expendable player on the team.

I'm glad you are not the GM. Sharp is arguably the most expendable player on the team.
- Ogilthorpe2

Ogi for GM!

I'm glad you are not the GM. Sharp is arguably the most expendable player on the team.
- Ogilthorpe2

even moreso than Bhulin' i'd say