I will honestly be shocked if Stan lands Spezza or Kesler. Blockbuster trades just aren't his style and that's not a bad thing.
- DarthKane[\quote]

I'm not sure it's a good thing, either.

I'm not superstitious, I'm just a little bit stitious.
- Ogilthorpe2

You need new material.

[quote=DarthKane]I will honestly be shocked if Stan lands Spezza or Kesler. Blockbuster trades just aren't his style and that's not a bad thing.
- Hawks82[\quote]

I'm not sure it's a good thing, either.

One other thing to think about - don't know if it matters or not:

Except for Bickell and Crawford - everything making $4MM or more was on both Cup teams. Could it be a problem bringing in a high-priced outsider?

You need new material.
- DarthKane

I know, but it's so slow in here tonight I'm just bored now.

You need new material.
- DarthKane

Yeah, but they don't make jokes like that anymore.

Killed vaudeville, you know.

I know, but it's so slow in here tonight I'm just bored now.
- Ogilthorpe2

Isn't there a World Cup game on somewhere?

Isn't there a World Cup game on somewhere?
- StLBravesFan

That would be even slower.

Just wondering who everyone would like to see backup Crawford next year?

First off, I think Raanta should go back to Rockford where he can be an everyday starter for one more year. Without seeing a list of pending UFAs, I was thinking whether at 38, Evgeni Nabokov has anything left.

Just wondering who everyone would like to see backup Crawford next year?

First off, I think Raanta should go back to Rockford where he can be an everyday starter for one more year. Without seeing a list of pending UFAs, I was thinking whether at 38, Evgeni Nabokov has anything left.
- hawks2010

Raanta to a Rockford - hope his lack of activity last year hasn't seriously derailed his progress.

Nothing like 20/20 hindsight to make one look like a genius huh?
- paulr

even with 20/20 hind sight that guy will never be confused with genius...

Raanta to a Rockford - hope his lack of activity last year hasn't seriously derailed his progress.
- StLBravesFan

raanta is not going to be signed as an RFA and then go back to RCF which means they have to sign another back up goalie....cap $$$ say no

raanta is not going to be signed as an RFA and then go back to RCF which means they have to sign another back up goalie....cap $$$ say no
- bogiedoc

If he signs for $900,000 or less, can't they "hide him" down there (out there, actually) and avoid any cap hit?

Sharpie's buddy wins Conn Smyth trophy, does Justin Williams make 6 mill a year? Probably soon aye?
- wonthecup10

1 yr left at $3.4...

looks like the only big decision the kings have is the Gaborik signing...they have the space.....why wouldn't they...

other than that just about there whole team will be back...

Anyone see Drew LeBlanc making the team next year? Just noticed he has a one-way deal next year.

1 yr left at $3.4...

looks like the only big decision the kings have is the Gaborik signing...they have the space.....why wouldn't they...

other than that just about there whole team will be back...
- bogiedoc

Mitchell is UFA, too - coming off of a $3.5MM contract - but he's 37 years old.

If he signs for $900,000 or less, can't they "hide him" down there (out there, actually) and avoid any cap hit?
- StLBravesFan

certainly no cap expert...but I suspect Raanta and his agent will strongly dismiss a 2 way contract....I don't think they can hide contracts anymore

I do agree him playing in RCF most of the year would have been the favored the scenario...the khabby disaster blew that out of the water

my guess he signs a cap friendly 2 year contract as C2's backup and bolts after that point or is traded....C2 is not going anywhere for a while

Anyone see Drew LeBlanc making the team next year? Just noticed he has a one-way deal next year.
- hawks2010

God I hope not.

There's a guy who doesn't deserve to play in the NHL at this point - and he may never play in the NHL ever again.

Mitchell is UFA, too - coming off of a $3.5MM contract - but he's 37 years old.
- StLBravesFan

surprisingly he played well....of course his major talents of crosschecking and slashing were on full display....my guess he gets a Rosival type of deal

God I hope not.

There's a guy who doesn't deserve to play in the NHL at this point - and he may never play in the NHL ever again.
- EKolb13

yeah there's your center depth answer....**sheesh**...they may have to waive or trade him

certainly no cap expert...but I suspect Raanta and his agent will strongly dismiss a 2 way contract....I don't think they can hide contracts anymore

I do agree him playing in RCF most of the year would have been the favored the scenario...the khabby disaster blew that out of the water

my guess he signs a cap friendly 2 year contract as C2's backup and bolts after that point or is traded....C2 is not going anywhere for a while
- bogiedoc

For what it's worth...

Stan Bowman said he fully expects Antti Raanta (RFA) to be the #Blackhawks' backup goalie next season.

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) June 11, 2014

yeah there's your center depth answer....**sheesh**...they may have to waive or trade him
- bogiedoc

No one would claim him on waivers, nor is he worth anything in at trade. What organization wants too pay him $600,000 to skate in the AHL next season?

My guess is that he gets lent out to a European club for next season.

No one would claim him on waivers, nor is he worth anything in at trade. What organization wants too pay him $600,000 to skate in the AHL next season?

My guess is that he gets lent out to a European club for next season.
- EKolb13

LeBlah and the rights to Lalonde for Kesler at 50% salary.

LeBlah and the rights to Lalonde for Kesler at 50% salary.
- Ogilthorpe2

Lalonde signed to play in the SEL next season. Maybe him and LeBLAH end up on the same team?

Source's ears are burning.
- HawkintheD

Who's this Frans Nielsen guy?????