JJ, is Sharp on the trade block for the purpose of clearing cap space? Or is Sharp on the trade block to make room for Kesler? If Kesler doesn't come, would you be surprised to still see Sharp go?
- PuckAndSticks

My guess? Something is up there. Its right of the McD playbook. Start spreading the seeds of discontent to get a gauge of the reaction to him being moved.

Sharp for Eller &Tinordi,is that valid source out of montreal ,or is that someone just yankin their chain thinking about it?

Shaw has proven to be a valuable part to a Cup winning team. When given the chance, he HAS shown he can handle it. His play on the first line when Toews was injured was eye-opening to me. That stretch was his best hockey as a Hawk. He was defensively responsible.

He needs to work his ass to improve his FO. He has the hand eye coordination to better than he is.
- Elbows15

Yes, a valuable part to a Cup winning team.

He has performed well IN SHORT STRETCHES as a top-6 player.

Maybe that should be enough for me - and if it come September and the second line is Shaw-Kane-Saad, maybe I'll be ok with it.

But right now, I'd prefer if they looked at more proven alternatives.

Kesler would be just as much of a hope as Shaw is at this point.

EDIT: and what exactly did Kesler and Kane produce together in Sochi? Less than Kane and Shaw produced together. That's for sure.
- Elbows15

As I said - Kesler IS NOT my choice - someone less expensive is - Nielson, Vermette....

Sharp for Eller &Tinordi,is that valid source out of montreal ,or is that someone just yankin their chain thinking about it?
- wonthecup10

Just forget

"Pirri type hope"??? Pirri was coming off a great season....in the AHL! No evidence of what he might bring us in the NHL, much less against the league's elite competition in a WCF. U really think what Shaw showed in those 3 games was a fluke? Just a coincidence? I understand that Saad and Kane played out of their minds but it had a lot to do with Shaw being able to keep up and provide net front presence. He's the ideal fit to play with those 2 IMO, and its not because of blind faith as if he's some unproven prospect with no games under his belt....
- SimpleJack

My point exactly: Stan was sold on Pirri - unproven in the Show - would be the missing 2C - his back-up plan was Handzus - didn't address the problem in the last off-season.

I look at Shaw as unproven at center (not as unproven as Purri, to be sure, and apparently I'm in the minority here) - I'd like to have Stan explore alternatives and have a better back-up plan than he did last year.

Unlike you, I think Shaw can handle the 2C spot effectively. His style of game suits Kane to a T. Neilsen is another smallish center who plays small. If Kruger is still on this team, size is what I would look for. Vermette is the better target.

For all the blowing of the Kings, they were on the verge of elimination in every series. So yeah, they're good. The difference isn't as large as people seem to think. And every bounce is going their way.

And I don't discount Handzus being gone as a huge improvement. The guy murdered every line he played on.
- Elbows15

If Stanbo wants to do it on the cheap, they can go with Toews, Shaw and Kruger as the top 3 centers and go out and sign a vet like Jay McClement to play the 4C, kill penalties and take defensive zone draws. He'd replace Zus in that role, just don't expect any offence out of him. He's low on the Leaf's priority list as far as resigning UFA's.

Sharp for Eller &Tinordi,is that valid source out of montreal ,or is that someone just yankin their chain thinking about it?
- wonthecup10

It was me (frank)ing with the Hab fan who comes in here all the time with trade proposals, cup. It the only way to stop the madness.

Kesler would be just as much of a hope as Shaw is at this point.

EDIT: and what exactly did Kesler and Kane produce together in Sochi? Less than Kane and Shaw produced together. That's for sure.
- Elbows15

With all due respect, the Kings are a good team, but not quite as strong as Team Canada, which may have been the best hockey team ever assembled.

If Stanbo wants to do it on the cheap, they can go with Toews, Shaw and Kruger as the top 3 centers and go out and sign a vet like Jay McClement to play the 4C, kill penalties and take defensive zone draws. He'd replace Zus in that role, just don't expect any offence out of him. He's low on the Leaf's priority list as far as resigning UFA's.
- RickJ

Not the worst idea. He sure the hell is better than Handzus these days. And he would be thrilled to play with guys who actually can play. I know for much of the year he was saddled with Orr and Ashton.

Shaw is a good replacement for Bolland at 3C. Not sure he is up to the 2C slot for 82 games and the second season.

With all due respect, the Kings are a good team, but not quite as strong as Team Canada, which may have been the best hickey team ever assembled.
- scottak

They only played Team Canada once. What about the rest of their games? Kane has no goals and Kesler had 1.

How much better is Toews than say Saad or Hossa at 1C?
- John Jaeckel

Kesler is 53% at the dot.


He hits. He can skate . He can score . The Power Play would benefit .

I bet Kane signs for 9 or less if they add Kesler.

Sure , maybe there are other top 6 Centers available but Kesler would be awesome n the Indian head .

Plus if he truly wants to be here and has a NTC then I bet a deal can be worked out .

They only played Team Canada once. What about the rest of their games? Kane has no goals and Kesler had 1.
- Elbows15

As I recall, Kane got stopped on 2 penalty shots against Finland. Someone was getting him the puck in scoring opportunities. Just because you don't score doesn't necessarily mean you weren't getting chances. Sometimes the goalie wins.

As I recall, Kane got stopped on 2 penalty shots against Finland. Someone was getting him the puck in scoring opportunities. Just because you don't score doesn't necessarily mean you weren't getting chances. Sometimes the goalie wins.
- scottak

So add Kesler. Tell me how removing Sharp and Oduya to do that makes the team better?

Not to mention giving up the team's best prospect and either another roster player of a 1st round pick?

So add Kesler. Tell me how removing Sharp and Oduya to do that makes the team better?

Not to mention giving up the team's best prospect and either another roster player of a 1st round pick?
- Elbows15

How much of a drop is going from Sharp and Bickell/Saad as your top 2 LW to Bickell and Saad? How big of a gain is going from Purgatory to Kesler as your 2C? I think that's a huge net gain.

I wonder about Oduya, though. I think he's more important to the Hawks' D than we realize. Moving Leddy into that spot is a huge net loss, IMO.

I could care less about the pick, especially the way this draft is being portrayed. I keep oscillating on TT. Not sure if he's too much of the same (another player to overpass) or what can really put them over the top.

So add Kesler. Tell me how removing Sharp and Oduya to do that makes the team better?

Not to mention giving up the team's best prospect and either another roster player of a 1st round pick?
- Elbows15

If SHarp get moved for a top 6 Center , doesnt have to be Kesler the Hawks will be better off for it . The Hawks have wingers that produce.

Shaw will not work as a #2 center for an entire season.

Think FLorida would give up the #1 pick for Patrick Sharp ?

So add Kesler. Tell me how removing Sharp and Oduya to do that makes the team better?

Not to mention giving up the team's best prospect and either another roster player of a 1st round pick?
- Elbows15

I don't recall making any trade proposal re Kessler. Others have. I did state the opinion that I believe Shaw is best suited to a 3C shut down roll, previously filled by Dave Bolland. I would also suggest that at his age, Sharp may have hid best years behind him. And his CAP hit is significant.

How much of a drop is going from Sharp and Bickell/Saad as your top 2 LW to Bickell and Saad? How big of a gain is going from Purgatory to Kesler as your 2C? I think that's a huge net gain.

I wonder about Oduya, though. I think he's more important to the Hawks' D than we realize. Moving Leddy into that spot is a huge net loss, IMO.

I could care less about the pick, especially the way this draft is being portrayed. I keep oscillating on TT. Not sure if he's too much of the same (another player to overpass) or what can really put them over the top.
- NewToHockey

I don't like the moves at all NTH. The guy had a bad playoffs and now he has become persona non grata? There was something going on with him. What, I don't know. He sure looked like he wasn't having fun playing. And he always looked like a guy who loves playing to me.

And there is no way in hell moving Leddy into the top 4 makes this team better. At all.

I don't recall making any trade proposal re Kessler. Others have. I did state the opinion that I believe Shaw is best suited to a 3C shut down roll, previously filled by Dave Bolland. I would also suggest that at his age, Sharp may have hid best years behind him. And his CAP hit is significant.
- scottak

actually, the metrics show that Shaw is better suited for an offensive role, as a center. Kruger is the one who is better suited for a shut down role.

If SHarp get moved for a top 6 Center , doesnt have to be Kesler the Hawks will be better off for it . The Hawks have wingers that produce.

Shaw will not work as a #2 center for an entire season.

Think FLorida would give up the #1 pick for Patrick Sharp ?
- mrpaulish

What wingers are these?

If Handzus can do it, Shaw sure the hell can.

Would you?

I don't recall making any trade proposal re Kessler. Others have. I did state the opinion that I believe Shaw is best suited to a 3C shut down roll, previously filled by Dave Bolland. I would also suggest that at his age, Sharp may have hid best years behind him. And his CAP hit is significant.
- scottak

I think it would be a mistake for Stan to say.. yep Shaw can hold the fort at the #2 spot. I think Shaw is perfect for the #3 role and let Kruger stay on the 4th line. Nothing wrong to see if its possible, but to bank on it is a huge gamble. Some type of deal involving Leddy/Oduya and a prospect/s could net a decent C to play with Kane and Saad. You don't need world beater, you need solid/consistent. That C though needs to have a physical element for 88 and 20 sure aren't the board warriors for loose pucks. Saad is getting better in that area. As weak as this draft is, why not package that #1 with Leddy/Oduya and try and yank a C from Montreal? Then maybe work Sharp on a trade that brings back a big W? I like Sharp's game, but age and his cap hit are gonna be problematic soon. The rumor was he was injured, but to see him taking batting practice? hmmmm Fine he had a bad playoff.

Once that #2 C spot is worked out, then they can get the 3rd and 4th lines ironed out as well.

First thing I said to my wife at the game after the Kings scored was that I hoped LA wins the Cup because they beat a helluva team of warriors in the Hawks and it took absolutely everything they had to do it.

But had Chicago won, I really don't believe there was much left and with Oduya out it would have forced Brookbank into the linep and Leddy into JO's role playing beside a clearly not 100% Hammer. And although nothing has been said, I doubt Seabrook was totally fit either. And who knows what the doctors and trainers did to get Shaw into the lineup.

First 2 games of the final, LA has played one really good period, has never had a lead and are up 2 games. The roll they are on is incredible but they haven't been the better team vs NYR. From what I've seen, the Rangers would have been real tough for the Hawks and I didn't want them to lose to an Eastern Conference team.

One Dman I would love to see the Hawks acquire is Mark Giordano. I'd be willing to move Oduya and Leddy to get him.
- RickJ

>Agree on Seabs -- he had some very good shifts in the playoffs in which he paid a big price to get the job done -- and in the WCF he had moments where he just lost track of who was in the zone -- that signals fatigue, injury or both
>Hammer, too -- but both guys are tremendous warriors
>Gio would be a great add

What wingers are these?

If Handzus can do it, Shaw sure the hell can.

Would you?
- Elbows15

88, 81, 20, 29 (hopefully a healthy one this season)

I've stumped for him here before but agree with Sage; prefer him as plan B and hopefully Bowman has a plan A whether it be Kesler, Neilsen, Eller...something. Think the Hawks need to get at least one center this offseason; preferably a 2 but at least a 4.

Yeah, no.