They wouldn't and why would we? Another high priced player. We'd be OVER the cap now.

NJ has nothing we want, except possibly a depth D-Man like Fayne. Otherwise, no help there.
- kwolf68

I still say Stan goes with Oli Jokinen or Ville Leino on a one year deal.

Seems to be injured a lot last two seasons. Will want to play well and pile up some points. To do so he will go to dangerous areas and he is around the net a lot anyway. Likely gets banged up and injured. Maybe not long term injuries; who knows how he might hold up!
- jhawk59

He was hurt for much of the Lockout shortened season 2012-13, but besides that in last 7 years he's pretty healthy. Starting in '07/'08 he's played 80, 82, 82, 82, 77, 17, 77. Only one year in the last 7 where he missed significant time. Hardly the as fragile as many are making him out to be.

I still say Stan goes with Oli Jokinen or Ville Leino on a one year deal.
- DarthKane

Unfortunately I can see him doing something like this.

I still like Sharp for anisimov and one of their better prospects in kerby Reichel. With his size and skill I could see him playing a little with the Hawks this year like boone jenner did in columbus. Reichel will be 20 when the season starts
- tomcat24

Why are people enamored with anisimov? He has some tools and very good size, but effort and dedication is not consistent and is another Russian meh. If we did a deal with CBJ, Dubinsky would be my choice, though he's a bit higher priced than the Russian.

I still say Stan goes with Oli Jokinen or Ville Leino on a one year deal.
- DarthKane

I just threw up in my mouth. Leino was great in 2010, but tanked so hard after getting his deal. That's a red flag in my eyes and part of what makes the Hawks great is an ethic and character that not all players can live up to.

It's not about the draft it's about trades at the draft
- mrpaulish

I see Spezza and picks changing hands.

Maybe Tallon suckering someone for "Sean-Jones lite" in Eckblad, like Edmonton sending a good player for a two spot move that involves later Edmonton picks.

Ottawa has four picks and probably wants more to bolster the organizational depth with the Spezza trade.

I have a feeling that Ritchie might be a prospect teams might like to have and would have interest in jumping up for.

Even the spoiled brat Nylander (who should be in the top four forwards as the BEST offensive weapon in terms of ability, but is a baby)
could have some team hypnotized.

BTW anyone see in the U-18 how while hie team works in pre game together how he gos to the side for his "Zen" individual high level pregame practice?

The other thing is it is a very crappy UFA class so you try and coming to fill needs with tardes that include the picks in this draft, and even though slotting might be buyer beware, we all know there are teams WITH good organizational depth who need NHL help NOW and other teams that have SOLID THICK organization propects and want to make the playoffs now and will trade picks.

(I really think that the years of drafts being huge open floor pick exchanges are over, but this year is not the norm so they may be trading hands.)

And let me just get on my soapbox once (and finally) today, because this little drama extends past this blog now and onto twitter.

i know most of you come here for the talk and for the information in the blog (whether it comes to fruition in actual trades or signings or not).

The reason for the latter is some of the stuff I report—before anyone else—does get proven correct. Signing Hossa in 2009. Kane's wrist surgery in 2011. Winter Classic last week. And there are more examples. Those are probably the three biggest and clearest. Whatever. I am no better than the sources who graciously provide me with information so I can share with you.

But some people don't like that fact. They don't. Why? You'd have to ask them. One of my sources laughed yesterday and said they're just jealous. Could be, I am fortunate to have this gig and to have made the friendships I have through it.

And as far as that goes for others, tough. Go out and do what I did, start writing for an internet hockey publication, network, make friends, put some ideas forth (instead of attacking others on Twitter and hiding behind a little pack of wannabes on a podcast).

Or they sit here and take little shots at me and my information. Without really much or any of their own. Why? Nothing better to do? No other message board thread to hang out on that has information they deem more accurate? Can't say. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense though.

Bottom line is this though. I will keep doing what I do: trying to get ahead of stories, offering opinions (which you are welcome to dispute if you have facts—and that means something more tangible than "what you say isn't true"). And you can say that I can't prove what I say is true. But yes, I can. Because I preface it, pretty much always, with "this is what I'm hearing," which any moron can read and understand. And it IS what I'm hearing. So it is true. It's what (mostly) credible sources are telling me. And if they're wrong too often, they don't stay sources, trust me.

It isn't "made up" whether you like the content or not. If it was, my "hit" rate would be a lot lower. As in pretty much 0%.

Do the (frank)ing math, sweetheart. And then shut yer yap.
- John Jaeckel

JJ,

You do a great job and we love the info and the occasional back and forth!
Life is too short to worry the haters and the small minded people.
La vie continue

Unfortunately I can see him doing something like this.
- tomcat24

Given our cap situation next summer I wouldn't blame Stan for going the short term route. In the summer if 2015 Kane, Toews, Saad, Kruger, Leddy, Oduya, Rundblad, and Rozsival will all be free agents (of some kind). There's a good chance Sharp or Bickell will have to go in order to generate enough cap space to retain some of these guys and replace the guys that go.

The more I think if it the more a short term deal seems more likely, but that could include Spezza too as he's a UFA next summer.

Last year I wanted Hartman but I didn't think he would last at #30. I figured he would go around 22 or 23. Damn it was scary with each pick from 20 on. Yeah you never know who will fall to us. This year I think targets like bleackley, kempe, and sanheim will go around 20-25.
- tomcat24

I never thought Hartman would be their either.
I just finished the Christmas /Boxers Day/ New years World Juninor U-20 games the US was involved with a few weeks ago, (They were a low priority on my list) and I liked Hartman a whole lot too.
I think he is not that far from helping the hawks but for sure in October Rockford is gonna have lots of different weapons and be highly competitive in the AHL.

Given our cap situation next summer I wouldn't blame Stan for going the short term route. In the summer if 2015 Kane, Toews, Saad, Kruger, Leddy, Oduya, Rundblad, and Rozsival will all be free agents (of some kind). There's a good chance Sharp or Bickell will have to go in order to generate enough cap space to retain some of these guys and replace the guys that go.

The more I think if it the more a short term deal seems more likely, but that could include Spezza too as he's a UFA next summer.
- DarthKane

It would not totally shock me to see ALL those D-Men you mention gone within the next 2 years. I do NOT want to move Oduya now, he's stable back there and I don't like (scratch that, I HATE) the idea of Leddy playing Top 4 minutes. But in time, we'll need to move salary and players on the farm will be asked to pick up the role...hopefully that's after another Cup.

I see Spezza and picks changing hands.

Maybe Tallon suckering someone for "Sean-Jones lite" in Eckblad, like Edmonton sending a good player for a two spot move that involves later Edmonton picks.

Ottawa has four picks and probably wants more to bolster the organizational depth with the Spezza trade.

I have a feeling that Ritchie might be a prospect teams might like to have and would have interest in jumping up for.

Even the spoiled brat Nylander (who should be in the top four forwards as the BEST offensive weapon in terms of ability, but is a baby)
could have some team hypnotized.

BTW anyone see in the U-18 how while hie team works in pre game together how he gos to the side for his "Zen" individual high level pregame practice?

The other thing is it is a very crappy UFA class so you try and coming to fill needs with tardes that include the picks in this draft, and even though slotting might be buyer beware, we all know there are teams WITH good organizational depth who need NHL help NOW and other teams that have SOLID THICK organization propects and want to make the playoffs now and will trade picks.

(I really think that the years of drafts being huge open floor pick exchanges are over, but this year is not the norm so they may be trading hands.)
- wiz1901

The last few years Draft Day and the TDL have been rather slow with the exception of this years TDL. With very good players wanting out of there current teams the exchanges might be a lot come draft day.

Should be fun.

Here's what I think based on all I've heard:

Sharp was being shopped, and maybe shopped hard a few weeks ago.

Possibly unrelated, the team was also talking to Vancouver about Kesler.

I can't and won't go into details on Sharp's situation. But what I heard told me that the team had perhaps decided to address some things with him—which, in addition to not hearing anything form Chicago sources for a few days on it, led me to believe that maybe he wasn't going anywhere. I was also told at that time that since Vancouver had demanded Saad in any deal, that the Hawks had backed out on that. AND that the hawks were lowering their sights on to some minor 3rd/4th line tweaks.

THEN, subsequently I heard from a number of sources outside Chicago that Sharp was still being shopped heavily. So I checked with a Hawk source, and yes, conversations were ongoing.

Then I heard Vancouver came back to the Hawks about Kesler–evidently therefore, they might do without Saad.

These are very, very good sources. Not some guy who pushes a broom at the UC.

Here's the thing. there are 30 teams talking right now. And things change.

I am 99% sure that the Hawks have been looking for a #2 center. But i also think they are not going to audition Tom, Richard and Harry. They are looking at a few guys they like who fit who they want to play, whether they're "available" or not. If they don't get one of those guys, so be it, I think they'll wait. Do I agree or disagree? Doesn't matter. I think it's their way.
- John Jaeckel

JJ,

You do a great job with the site and anyone that thinks you just make sh!t up is a moron. I listened to the Hockeenight podcast last night which included Chris Block from The Third Man In (I like and respect all of those guys) and many of the topics that you've mentioned here were echoed by the HN guys and Block. Such as McD meddling, Sharp being in play for a #2C and some off ice issue with Sharp, etc. They even gave you some positive pub, it was a great listen.

I like the idea of the maintenance engineer at the UC being your source and the conversation being initiated like this: "Pssst...hey Jaeckel. Sharp's in play." Thanks for the insight on this and also on where guys fall in terms of the buckets they reside being tradable or not.

I wouldn't part with Saad at this point for just about any guy around 30 and definitely not Kesler.

Not that the Hawks care what I or some others here would like but do you think some of those guys not named Kesler could include names like Nielsen, Vermette, Anisimov or Eller?

I'm sure it's possible but as a Hawk fan what would you like to see them do to address 2C?
- HawkintheD

Billy likes Soda. Ms Lippy's car is green!

JJ,

You do a great job with the site and anyone that thinks you just make sh!t up is a moron. I listened to the Hockeenight podcast last night which included Chris Block from The Third Man In (I like and respect all of those guys) and many of the topics that you've mentioned here were echoed by the HN guys and Block. Such as McD meddling, Sharp being in play for a #2C and some off ice issue with Sharp, etc. They even gave you some positive pub, it was a great listen.
- dan9189

Did they mention any specifics about McD meddling?

Again, keep hearing this - but never any specifics - don't know what it means.

And I am curious where Kevin Hayes turns up. With Hayden in the system I would guess that eventually one of them looses out on a job in Chg.
- jhawk59

Ahhh now I know this is Jim, and not Jhawk159
because of the "loose"...

I don't see Hayden and Hayes as the same type player.

Without me given anyone the impression I have urgency of Hayes arrival, I have to tell you Hayes has feet, hands, and controlled aggression most shifts. He has a chance to be really good player, better than brother Jimmys high bar.
I hope he gets smart and signs. If not good fracking luck.

Hayden wishes he moved from a dead start like Kevin Hayes.

Now get hold of yourself after my next line because it is a comparison not a fact, where Kevin B can give you Davis backes like offense, Hayden looks more like an up & down Brain Boyle with upside.

I never thought Hartman would be their either.
I just finished the Christmas /Boxers Day/ New years World Juninor U-20 games the US was involved with a few weeks ago, (They were a low priority on my list) and I liked Hartman a whole lot too.
I think he is not that far from helping the hawks but for sure in October Rockford is gonna have lots of different weapons and be highly competitive in the AHL.
- wiz1901

Yeah hartman was great in those tournaments. Which one was that? When he was on a great checking line or on a better scoring line? I'm sure he will start in rockford but I wouldn't doubt if he plays some games up here this year

Did they mention any specifics about McD meddling?

Again, keep hearing this - but never any specifics - don't know what it means.
- StLBravesFan

Block said something along the lines of "you're an idiot if you don't think McD doesn't give his approval on all trades/signings". Also mentioned that he's (McD) is livid over the Kevin Hayes fiasco and pretty much said he's not signing here. It was a great listen, I recommend it. Also some good stuff on Morin, Leddy, etc.

Did they mention any specifics about McD meddling?

Again, keep hearing this - but never any specifics - don't know what it means.
- StLBravesFan

In addition to my last post, I don't think McD is "Jerry Jones-like" meddling but it's pretty apparent he is more involved in the hockey ops department then most would like him to be.

I never thought Hartman would be their either.
I just finished the Christmas /Boxers Day/ New years World Juninor U-20 games the US was involved with a few weeks ago, (They were a low priority on my list) and I liked Hartman a whole lot too.
I think he is not that far from helping the hawks but for sure in October Rockford is gonna have lots of different weapons and be highly competitive in the AHL.
- wiz1901

I hope that's the case. I'd love to see Rockford in the playoffs this coming April.

Block said something along the lines of "you're an idiot if you don't think McD doesn't give his approval on all trades/signings". Also mentioned that he's (McD) is livid over the Kevin Hayes fiasco and pretty much said he's not signing here. It was a great listen, I recommend it. Also some good stuff on Morin, Leddy, etc.
- dan9189

Was this a podcast of some sort? What are we talking about here?

Was this a podcast of some sort? What are we talking about here?
- eburgio

yes, the Hockeenight podcast. JJ has been on it before as well.

Why are people enamored with anisimov? He has some tools and very good size, but effort and dedication is not consistent and is another Russian meh. If we did a deal with CBJ, Dubinsky would be my choice, though he's a bit higher priced than the Russian.
- kwolf68

Dubinsky would be great but I don't see them trading him, johanson, or jenner. Anisimov can be inconsistent but he has gotten a lot better in that regard. He is good defensively, but can improve his faceoff stats. Kruger did. The key would be getting something else. I really like reichel. If not him their #1 wouldn't be bad. I like what I hear about Larkin. He might be there at 16

Was this a podcast of some sort? What are we talking about here?
- eburgio

Go to hockeenight and press play pretty good podcast...Block know his stuff

Their blue line is a mess, versteeg adds some scoring depth at a bargain price, and they need some high draft picks to start rebuilding a putrid farm system

they are mulling buying out volchenkov and they basically are on the verge of losing their former 4th overall cornerstone dman in Larsson for pennies on the dollar

he only wants a one way deal and NJD want to give him a two way deal. so either NJ likely trades him, they offer him a two way deal (in which he said he would go back to sweden), or they give him a one way deal and barely play him (which is not beneficial for either side)
- FourFeathers773

You have your problems, I've got my own.

Welcome to the world of developing young defensemen trying to stick in the NHL. A contrast between the situation in New Jersey and in Chg. Both talented dmen but oh it often takes time to become reliable, steady dmen. Who knows that either Larson or Leddy will have flaws even when they turn 27/28 or so?

Obviously Larson was a much higher pick than Leddy. Larson also had an injury - was it a couple he has had, one being a concussion. He may be recovered now, but if a concussion then that is one concern to keep in mind.

It just really sucks to be a NJ Devils fan nowadays with ownership not willing to spend dollars and compete on equal footing with most of the other teams.

Michael Bradley had a serious brain cramp. Kick the (frank)ing ball down the field.
- Elbows15

he had two. Don't forget his brain cramp of kicking the ball straight into the defender's knee after the goalie was beautifully pulled outside the net.