You do realize that the Hayes brother in question is Kevin, the presently unsigned prospect whom worked well with Hobey Baker winner, Gadreau. Gadreau signed with Calgary. The diminutive Gadreau will get a golden opportunity with the Flames. Meanwhile, Hayes projection as starting in the #2 center slot in Chg is a reach. Not this upcoming season anyway SHOULD he put his John Hancock on a Blackhawk contract.
- jhawk59

I know exactly what Hayes I mentioned. If you had paid more attention, you would have noticed I typed it was a joke. Pay attention.

Shaw's FO% was at something like 43% this season. That's nowhere near good enough to center a 2nd line all season.
- Hawks82

Could be why I said he needs to improve them.

I agree Kesler will be to expensive for what he brings. If you don't want to send a good prospect and a first, there is your option.

Plekanec and 2014 1st for Sharp and Leddy.
- soad_live

Leddy for Eller. Take it or leave it. Plekanec doesn't fill a need.

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

Says that trading Sharp over Bickell is lunacy...then proceeds to propose the most ludicrous trade of the thread

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
- BlazinMike

I think just as long as Kesler isn't a team distraction (which some GM's/Players claim he is) I think he would be the perfect 2nd line center.

I mean the Hawks could be the only team in the NHL running 2 elite lines, and as an opposing coach that would have to be a nightmare.

Says that trading Sharp over Bickell is lunacy...then proceeds to propose the most ludicrous trade of the thread

- Ogilthorpe2

What are the Hawks going to do with any of those guys beyond Bickell right now?

Furthermore what are the odds of any of those guys(other than Bickell) playing a role on the Blackhawks now or ever?

What are the Hawks going to do? develop those players to play bottom 6 roles, while we can have Kesler playing #2 center at 50% salary?

Let other teams develop those players, and let them mold them.

The Hawks already have a solid core. They have 7-8 forwards and 4 defeneman in our core - and that is being conservative.

If anything I have made the most realistic offer yet..

Less than 1 hour here, and more comments than the entire month to date on the Blues blog.


- carcus

New Blues Blog up Carc

Go get 'em.

I think just as long as Kesler isn't a team distraction (which some GM's/Players claim he is) I think he would be the perfect 2nd line center.

I mean the Hawks could be the only team in the NHL running 2 elite lines, and as an opposing coach that would have to be a nightmare.
- Tazer19

Theres a few teams that have very good 1-2 punches. The Hawks offense comes from defense, thats why a defensive minded Vermette (who can also skate like the wind) would be a very solid 2C for the Hawks and theoretically cost less to aquire.

I'm not trying to sell you on anything because i dont think you'll change your mind, just like i wont change my mind about Kesler, i dont think he is right for this team, and he certainly wont make life any easier when it comes time to resign Kane and Toews and Saad.

It'd be nice to go into a trade deadline with some legit cap space for once and be able to (if needed) aquire someone of consequence. Like the Kings did with Gaborik this TDL, you never know what can happen. As someone pointed out earlier, that aquisition for the Kings completely re-shaped their whole lineup for the better.

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

Yes, this!

What are the Hawks going to do with any of those guys beyond Bickell right now?

Furthermore what are the odds of any of those guys(other than Bickell) playing a role on the Blackhawks now or ever?

What are the Hawks going to do? develop those players to play bottom 6 roles, while we can have Kesler playing #2 center at 50% salary?

Let other teams develop those players, and let them mold them.

The Hawks already have a solid core. They have 7-8 forwards and 4 defeneman in our core - and that is being conservative.

If anything I have made the most realistic offer yet..
- Tazer19

Realistic?


The Canucks are not, repeat NOT going to retain half of Kessler's salary...this isn't a charity league dedicated to helping the Hawks win another cup.

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

I don't give a rat's ass about the regular season.

Kesler at 50% retained would be 2.75 per - that is a hell of a bargain.

The Hawks are in a position now to really add to the team and gain a ton of cap space if they play their cards right.

I think just as long as Kesler isn't a team distraction (which some GM's/Players claim he is) I think he would be the perfect 2nd line center.

I mean the Hawks could be the only team in the NHL running 2 elite lines, and as an opposing coach that would have to be a nightmare.
- Tazer19

Distraction - in what sense? This almost implies that a team can't win unless all 23 guys love each other and they all get together to play poker in Stanbo's basement every Friday night.

Think every one of Kanes's teamates really like him? Or Duncan Keith? Or even #19?

It's all about rowing in the same direction when the boat is in the water.

Realistic?


The Canucks are not, repeat NOT going to retain half of Kessler's salary...this isn't a charity league dedicated to helping the Hawks win another cup.

- Ogilthorpe2

There is no way Vancouver is going to eat half of that cap hit. Anyways, Kesler is more than likely going to another team with a better trade offer.

Distraction - in what sense? This almost implies that a team can't win unless all 23 guys love each other and they all get together to play poker in Stanbo's basement every Friday night.

Think every one of Kanes's teamates really like him? Or Duncan Keith? Or even #19?

It's all about rowing in the same direction when the boat is in the water.
- RickJ

And to think we were 1 goal away from this conversation being aimed at KEEPING players instead of trading them.

Kesler at 50% retained would be 2.75 per - that is a hell of a bargain.

The Hawks are in a position now to really add to the team and gain a ton of cap space if they play their cards right.
- Tazer19

Do you think the Hawks are the only team interested in Kessler? This fantasy you have of Vancouver retaining half of his salary is quite possibly the silliest notion I've heard on this board in months.

Eli...that's as nice as I can say it.
If I didn't know you were lurking, this could get ugly.

Do you think the Hawks are the only team interested in Kessler? This fantasy you have of Vancouver retaining half of his salary is quite possibly the silliest notion I've heard on this board in months.

Eli...that's as nice as I can say it.
If I didn't know you were lurking, this could get ugly.
- Ogilthorpe2

Just don't let it degrade to name-calling...

And to think we were 1 goal away from this conversation being aimed at KEEPING players instead of trading them.
- CBHawks88

Even if the Hawks were still playing, I'd still want Sharp gone. Anchor contract

Just don't let it degrade to name-calling...
- EKolb13

Killjoy

Realistic?


The Canucks are not, repeat NOT going to retain half of Kessler's salary...this isn't a charity league dedicated to helping the Hawks win another cup.

- Ogilthorpe2

Of course they will if they get the right pieces back in the deal.

TT
Bickell
1st
Rundblad

Could Easily get 50% of Kesers salary retained.... He is only under contract for 2 more seasons.

Any Nuck fan would take that deal and run with it.

Any GM in the league would call that "generous."

I'm just opposed to trading TT..

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

He is going to get 6 million. The Hawks don't have cap space for him.

Of course they will if they get the right pieces back in the deal.

TT
Bickell
1st
Rundblad

Could Easily get 50% of Kesers salary retained.... He is only under contract for 2 more seasons.

Any Nuck fan would take that deal and run with it.

Any GM in the league would call that "generous."

I'm just opposed to trading TT..
- Tazer19

Let's test this theory...

Go post that proposal in the Canucks thread, then report back on what they think.

He is going to get 6 million. The Hawks don't have cap space for him.
- Elbows15

It's only 100G's more than Sharp....just saying

Even if the Hawks were still playing, I'd still want Sharp gone. Anchor contract
- Ogilthorpe2

He only led the Hawks in scoring, has been with the team for nearly a decade and is certainly a real Hawks fan favorite but fans like you would take Bickell over Sharp every day of the week.

Bickell and his 14 points opposed to Sharp and his 77 points.

It's funny watching Hawks fans believe Bickell is Alex Ovechkin.

Of course they will if they get the right pieces back in the deal.

TT
Bickell
1st
Rundblad

Could Easily get 50% of Kesers salary retained.... He is only under contract for 2 more seasons.

Any Nuck fan would take that deal and run with it.

Any GM in the league would call that "generous."

I'm just opposed to trading TT..
- Tazer19

Is Tazer 19 a pseudonym and you are actually Garth Snow?