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.
- John Jaeckel

All I know for a fact is the rumors about sharp and any off the ice situations are pure fabrication.
If the hawks via their agent think that it is going to take 14 million each to stay in Chicago, becasuse they have won and now want to go out and fill their wallets ($98 million in 7 years as free agents), the hawks MAY need room Sharps money even with the big Cap jump, adn the buyer for Sharp gets a 30 goal guy Olympian to market and the under 6 mil contarct is good for three more seasons.

To me if there is no money crunch I don't start dismantling the scoring/familarity for Spezza or Kesler...
if Kesler miraculous fits some other way, fine.
I feel their is an urgency to win now and soon, and so should the front office whether they are able to keep BOTH Kane and Toews or not....
(i know I said it-heresy!)

Even if it's a #30, which we hope it would be if they got Kesler?
- StLBravesFan

If they want two late first rounders for Kesler, give them the picks!

Now find a way to fit it.

All I know for a fact is the rumors about sharp and any off the ice situations are pure fabrication.
If the hawks via their agent think that it is going to take 14 million each to stay in Chicago, becasuse they have won and now want to go out and fill their wallets ($98 million in 7 years as free agents), the hawks MAY need room Sharps money even with the big Cap jump, adn the buyer for Sharp gets a 30 goal guy Olympian to market and the under 6 mil contarct is good for three more seasons.

To me if there is no money crunch I don't start dismantling the scoring/familarity for Spezza or Kesler...
if Kesler miraculous fits some other way, fine.
I feel their is an urgency to win now and soon, and so should the front office whether they are able to keep BOTH Kane and Toews or not....
(i know I said it-heresy!)
- wiz1901

I don't think I've alluded to it. True or not, this isn't the place to discuss it.

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
- tomcat24

Does anyone really have a clue how the Swedish GM for Columbus feels about adding a big contract like Sharp's? Their GM is a scout at heart who had three #1's last year and it does seem his biggest intention is to build through the drafting and his acumen in drafting.

That being said, would Sharp accept a trade to Columbus? He could be in a position to show, teach lead by example the younger players the on ice subtleties which would allow for individual and team success. But Sharp may be more into just wanting to have a good year stat wise and winning another Cup, so he balks at this trade.

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

Thank you, Dan. Chris is the man. I like all the hockeenight guys, even the one I think doesn't like me!! HAHA

Does anyone really have a clue how the Swedish GM for Columbus feels about adding a big contract like Sharp's? Their GM is a scout at heart who had three #1's last year and it does seem his biggest intention is to build through the drafting and his acumen in drafting.

That being said, would Sharp accept a trade to Columbus? He could be in a position to show, teach lead by example the younger players the on ice subtleties which would allow for individual and team success. But Sharp may be more into just wanting to have a good year stat wise and winning another Cup, so he balks at this trade.
- jhawk59

He's Finnish for one

Two, he wasnt a part of the team through all that drafting mess. He has only been with that organization for a year. He very well might or might not want to continue building through the draft

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

Has he vetoed any trades - or forced any - or did his meddling kill any moves because of timing?

Did Block have any specifics - other than calling people "idiots" for not agreeing with him? Or is this just another "must be true because" accusation?

Calling people idiots is not proof in my book.

Ok - a specific - McD is pissed about Hayes - is he pissed at Hayes? Bowman? He should be pissed at someone - a wasted #1 draft pick.

Did they mention any specifics about McD meddling?

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

I will have a blog on this in a couple of days. I think it's a question of degree. I had a source contact me yesterday with a lot of insight. McDonough expects thorough, and some might argue too thorough, justification for every significant hockey move—this is what I was told by someone who knows. Is that meddling? maybe not. Is that enough to make a subordinate gun-shy? Maybe. That's why it's kinda gray and a question of degree. The source also said McDonough—for his own reasons, just like anyone else—wants to win.

If they want two late first rounders for Kesler, give them the picks!

Now find a way to fit it.
- wiz1901

If Vancouver agreed then Chg is then hoping that TT is better than whomever would have been selected with a late first round pick in both 2014 and 2015.

While perhaps a player with certain desirable sort of style is draft -able with a late first - say a power forward type- the players drafted in 2014 and or 2015 likely do not play soon in Chg. Meanwhile, chg still retains hope for TT. Or uses him in some other trade.

Vancouver though has to be smart enough to insist on a prospect and a pick. Can they get that? Wait and see. But yes I agree it is worth two late first round picks for Kesler. Only the 2015 pick appears really desirable to keep. The price tag for Kesler is agreeable also keeping in mind The Kesler injury dossier. Kesler may be at the top of his game for only two seasons, given the wear and tear of serious injuries he has suffered. No matter the fact that history could "repeat itself" with Kesler's injuries, the fact is that there is a one or two year window for a serious Cup run and Kesler is the player whom could help that come true perhaps more so than any other acquisition.

After two seasons it makes sense that some core players will be traded or have less significant roles on Chg. Sharp and Hossa would be on the downside of their career. Seabrook and Keith would really have some mileage and I seriously wonder about concussions and Toews durability after two more years. Heck two more years and maybe Kesler will have served his time in Chg!

I will have a blog on this in a couple of days. I think it's a question of degree. I had a source contact me yesterday with a lot of insight. McDonough expects thorough, and some might argue too thorough, justification for every significant hockey move—this is what I was told by someone who knows. Is that meddling? maybe not. Is that enough to make a subordinate gun-shy? Maybe. That's why it's kinda gray and a question of degree. The source also said McDonough—for his own reasons, just like anyone else—wants to win.
- John Jaeckel

If you had to giess right now on a scale of 1-10 , how likely are the Hawks to aquire.a top 6 center at the draft ?

Hey guys...

McD is on with Kap and Haugh on the Game 87.7 right now...

Thank you, Dan. Chris is the man. I like all the hockeenight guys, even the one I think doesn't like me!! HAHA
- John Jaeckel

Hilarious!

Now that's funny.......

Hey guys...

McD is on with Kap and Haugh on the Game 87.7 right now...
- DK002

Can't listen...how bout a summary?

Hey guys...

McD is on with Kap and Haugh on the Game 87.7 right now...
- DK002

Is he announcing a trade ?

I will have a blog on this in a couple of days. I think it's a question of degree. I had a source contact me yesterday with a lot of insight. McDonough expects thorough, and some might argue too thorough, justification for every significant hockey move—this is what I was told by someone who knows. Is that meddling? maybe not. Is that enough to make a subordinate gun-shy? Maybe. That's why it's kinda gray and a question of degree. The source also said McDonough—for his own reasons, just like anyone else—wants to win.
- John Jaeckel

Thank you, and I look forward to your blog on this.

JJ,
My source is someone who I've known for 20 years, has his face and name in the Hawks media guide, works with both the players and front office, and sits in meetings about player movement and personnel planning. Two weeks ago when I sent you a message about the Hawks and TB I had asked you to keep it on the down low......you even reported as such on your blog. The next day you pm'd me you had heard the same from another source and that you would move forward with it.......so I guess my source was good enough two weeks ago but when it goes against your narrative about McD suddenly my source is the equivalent to a broom pusher at the UC....funny how that works. There is nothing wrong with being critical towards the FO.....even though they've largely been successful......no I'm not a Hawks employee.....which is your popular response when someone defends the front office. The Jeff Carter thing???.......it had nothing to do with meddling or not having stones.....it had to do with at the time....9 or 10 years left on a contract.....which would've put the Hawks....who already had well documented issues with non cap friendly deals behind the 8 ball on THREE long term deal (Hossa & Keith). If you look around the NHL no other or very few teams have that issue......why? Probably because its not a good idea....especially when you have to resign Kane & Toews during that deal and there is going to be a labor dispute or 2 while the contract is in play.....as you say...Do the Math.
As far as this rhetoric about McD and his meddling ways.....the same rhetoric you share with us every off season.......every trade deadline......every FA signing day....its just not true. Yes, you are correct....I have no way to prove it.......but......neither do you with your "opinion". However, let's look at what we know......The most winningest in NHL history is part of your organization.....who retired from our most tenured rival.....who came out of retirement to work as an adviser and help his son. Since with the Blackhawks he's largely been successful and without question knows more about player personnel and player development than anyone on the planet. Do you really think he is going to allow someone who has very little knowledege about hockey to interfere with who gets traded, who doesn't get traded, who we can bring up from RFD, who we can sign as a FA, who we can't sign as a FA........the answer is no. Yes, anytime they consider a big contract for a transaction they do have to go in front of both Rocky & McD.....but I think that's just like every organization.......Yes McD is an A-hole, with a big ego....that much is correct.....yes he rubs people the wrong way.....including the players, the coaches, and the bowmans......but again....at no time....as he ever meddled in anything relating to the product put out on the ice.....outside of how to market it.

BTW......I can also tell you why the Hawks were specifically chosen for the winter classic.......when for months it was reported the Flyers or Canadiens would participate. It was a favor to the NHL....because advertisers were disappointed with the ratings for the cup they put pressure on NBC to get the Blackhawks......10 years ago that would've been impossible to think about......but kudos to the meddler McD for making the Hawks the face of the NHL.
- UnnamedSource

Dunno where to start.

Same guy who tipped me on the Winter Classic tipped me on McD being a meddler (as others have). Was HE right about the Winter Classic? Yeah, he was. Is he about many other things you don't know about? Yeah.

I try to be fair. No one has acknowledged more often how well McDonough has done marketing the team. Do the commercials, including the one he had made about himself, (puke) annoy me and others (including some players)? Yeah. But overall, I’ve been more than fair there. You can read, right? Or is it, like your pals at cheertheanthem, about trying to put words in my mouth, take my statemetns out of context, exaggerate them, and demonize me no matter what I say?

I’m gonna do a blog here soon that clarifies and actually paints McD in a better light, because I have good info. on it. Will cheertheanthem tweet that? Doubtful. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. Some people have theories as to what their issue is. I won’t self-aggrandize. Try not to yourself.

It's laughable. Maybe you're one of them. Know what? I don't care.

Like I said, these clowns who I was barely aware of before last week can continue to go after me. I'll continue doing what i do, and I would just ask the question—what stories have they ever broken?

You are welcome to hang out here and try to take shots—provided you follow the code of conduct and don't drive others away. I have had two separate posters PM me in the last 6-8 weeks saying you were doing that. I tried to be fair. You’re still here. I will continue to.

Yep, you tipped me on TB. Congrats. Someone else confirmed it. Someone else, as in someone closer to the actual story than you or your source. And no, I will NEVER divulge more than that. And I don't have to.

But kudos to you for that. That appears to be good info. as far as a conversation that happened. You want to be a blogger, go freaking start a blog!

The Carter thing. You said they never discussed it. My source, closer than you or your guy to the actual story, I assure you, told me otherwise. So I'll go by him.

Beyond that, sorry I've upset you. Try to enjoy the rest of your day.

Is he announcing a trade ?
- mrpaulish

Typical McD - we anticipate Johnny and Patrick resigning here. Kap pretty much set him up. Mostly talking about how well the players are treated here now and what it means to play in Chicago.

He also said he didn't anticipate a major free agent signing/splash. "Stan and his people are going through all that stuff..."

They're also talking to him about his time with the Sting and Willy Roy in regard to all of the World Cup coverage.

If they post a link for the interview on the website I'll post it...

Typical McD - we anticipate Johnny and Patrick resigning here. Kap pretty much set him up. Mostly talking about how well the players are treated here now and what it means to play in Chicago.

He also said he didn't anticipate a major free agent signing/splash. "Stan and his people are going through all that stuff..."

They're also talking to him about his time with the Sting and Willy Roy in regard to all of the World Cup coverage.

If they post a link for the interview on the website I'll post it...
- DK002

Not too surprised by this comment or others. Not really a splashy signing out there unless you are the world's biggest Peter Stastny fans. Not for nothing, he isn't going to set expectations that they will make a major signing unless he has a commitment already.

We have a trade:

#CBJ have traded R.J. Umberger and a fourth-round pick in 2015 to #Flyers for Scott Hartnell.

Didn't this deal happen like five years ago as well?

@Aportzline: #CBJ have traded R.J. Umberger and a fourth-round pick in 2015 to #Flyers for Scott Hartnell.

We have a trade:

#CBJ have traded R.J. Umberger and a fourth-round pick in 2015 to #Flyers for Scott Hartnell.

Didn't this deal happen like five years ago as well?
- golfbard

Beat me to it

Not too surprised by this comment or others. Not really a splashy signing out there unless you are the world's biggest Peter Stastny fans. Not for nothing, he isn't going to set expectations that they will make a major signing unless he has a commitment already.
- golfbard

Hey Golf, I think McD was just towing the company line as it were and as we like to see here setting the bar low. I'm sure McD wants a couple of new pieces to roll out at the convention and onewould think Kesler is somewhere near the top of that list. Wouldn't mind seeing Stastny here at all either.

@Aportzline: #CBJ have traded R.J. Umberger and a fourth-round pick in 2015 to #Flyers for Scott Hartnell.
- captainserious

How does this deal help the Flyers, other than saving 0.175M in cap space?

Hey Golf, I think McD was just toeing the company line as it were and as we like to see here setting the bar low. I'm sure McD wants a couple of new pieces to roll out at the convention and onewould think Kesler is somewhere near the top of that list. Wouldn't mind seeing Stastny here at all either.
- DK002

No doubt about it.