Everybody,

Can we limit discussions of Clint Reif's passing to this:

The Clint Reif Memorial Fund
c/o J.P. Morgan Chase Bank
120 E. Wesley Street
Wheaton, IL 60187

thx
- John Jaeckel

Thanks JJ for that request.

Agree 1000%. That is the family's business only and it does not change the circumstance his wife and children are in.

Agreed on most points.
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3) Oduya has not been good lately, but while Runblad has been better lately he still is not quite there for me yet. Still out of position too often, awkward skater and average at best in making decisions and passing. I do like his instincts on the Blueline and his ability to get shots to the net, but just not there on the defensinve end yet. He is passable at this point for a 6-7 d-man.
)
- TheTrob

The important point with Rundblad though is he keeps looking better. It may be baby steps but the ice time is obviously helping. I was ready to write him off a few weeks back but I was wrong - he has shown some more flashes lately. He definitely looks more confident than before. Not to say he looks confident just more confident. Wish they would use him on the PP - particularly 5 on 3 or 4 on 3.

Im not sure what to expect of Rozsival come playoff time either. Which is why its very important that TVR is apparently ahead of schedule in his rehab and that Rundblad is showing signs of being an every day 5th-6th defenseman. Gotta have faith that some combo of any of those 3 will be ready for a Cup run.
- SimpleJack

I heard that from someone last night but haven't seen anything on line. He said supposedly TVR could be skating 2-3 weeks earlier than projected.

Kind of a change of pace from discussing the ACTUAL roster and looking at theoretical trade targets:

Yahoo! Sports wrote an article today talking about potential Antoine Vermette fits, and they specifically refer to two teams - the Habs and the 'Hawks.

Of course, Vermette has been a name thrown around somewhat frequently over the past couple of seasons, but it was considered a long-shot considering he's the most valuable offensive commodity for a team with minimal offensive talent. Given the fact that he's a UFA after this season and carries a cap hit of $3.75 mil, it might be something the 'Hawks certainly take interest in now. Of course, with the team having just over a million in cap space, the 'Hawks would have to move players from the active roster and find a way to make it work salary-wise.

Vermette is obviously a perfect fit. An ideal #2 center who is terrific defensively and wins face-offs as well. And if Richards struggles come play-offs, it would ease pressure off of him.

Given Arizona's likely high demand (probably a couple B-level prospects and a high draft pick if I were to guess), the 'Hawks might be able to meet the asking price. Of course, Vermette would only serve as a rental for just this season (he's apparently asking for $6 mil annually).

Given the amount of cap room Arizona has to work with, and absolute lack of size at the winger position (only one winger bigger than 6'1") maybe they find interest in acquiring Bickell. Of course, given that he's a playoff performer it might be regretful to move him, even with his regular season struggles - and there's likely a lack of a market for him as well.

But a hypothetical deal of Bickell, a 2015 2nd round pick, and a prospect like Adam Clendening for Antoine Vermette and David Moss might make some sense for both teams.

I just think that ..

Saad / Toews / Hossa
Sharp / Richards / Kane
Moss / Vermette / Shaw
Nordstrom / Kruger / Smith

(With Vermette and Richards being inter-changeable if need be) gives us a very potent upgrade to the roster, especially down the middle (obviously).

Kind of a change of pace from discussing the ACTUAL roster and looking at theoretical trade targets:

Yahoo! Sports wrote an article today talking about potential Antoine Vermette fits, and they specifically refer to two teams - the Habs and the 'Hawks.

Of course, Vermette has been a name thrown around somewhat frequently over the past couple of seasons, but it was considered a long-shot considering he's the most valuable offensive commodity for a team with minimal offensive talent. Given the fact that he's a UFA after this season and carries a cap hit of $3.75 mil, it might be something the 'Hawks certainly take interest in now. Of course, with the team having just over a million in cap space, the 'Hawks would have to move players from the active roster and find a way to make it work salary-wise.

Vermette is obviously a perfect fit. An ideal #2 center who is terrific defensively and wins face-offs as well. And if Richards struggles come play-offs, it would ease pressure off of him.

Given Arizona's likely high demand (probably a couple B-level prospects and a high draft pick if I were to guess), the 'Hawks might be able to meet the asking price. Of course, Vermette would only serve as a rental for just this season (he's apparently asking for $6 mil annually).

Given the amount of cap room Arizona has to work with, and absolute lack of size at the winger position (only one winger bigger than 6'1") maybe they find interest in acquiring Bickell. Of course, given that he's a playoff performer it might be regretful to move him, even with his regular season struggles - and there's likely a lack of a market for him as well.

But a hypothetical deal of Bickell, a 2015 2nd round pick, and a prospect like Adam Clendening for Antoine Vermette and David Moss might make some sense for both teams.

I just think that ..

Saad / Toews / Hossa
Sharp / Richards / Kane
Moss / Vermette / Shaw
Nordstrom / Kruger / Smith

(With Vermette and Richards being inter-changeable if need be) gives us a very potent upgrade to the roster, especially down the middle (obviously).
- TommyHawk

To expand your Vermette discussion -

Vermette & Doan for Bickell & Sharp.

To expand your Vermette discussion -

Vermette & Doan for Bickell & Sharp.
- powerenforcer

In your opinion, how does this help the Hawks?

In your opinion, how does this help the Hawks?
- Elbows15

1) Stronger at the center position.
2) Doan will want to play for a SC before his career is up.
3) Savings next season
4) Get rid of Bickell for something....

1) Stronger at the center position.
2) Doan will want to play for a SC before his career is up.
3) Savings next season
4) Get rid of Bickell for something....
- powerenforcer

That helps the Hawks this season?

Sharp has more points in 15 less games. The savings is a whole 600K for next season.

Center may be better but the wings are a lot worse. IMO.

Doan is also slow. real slow. Handzus like slow these days.

That helps the Hawks this season?

Sharp has more points in 15 less games. The savings is a whole 600K for next season.

Center may be better but the wings are a lot worse. IMO.

Doan is also slow. real slow. Handzus like slow these days.
- Elbows15

How do you get your 600K savings? Doan is 5.3 next year, Sharp and Bicks is 9.9 next season. Vermette if you let him walk is 0.

To expand your Vermette discussion -

Vermette & Doan for Bickell & Sharp.
- powerenforcer

Pass. He's owed $5.5 mil this season, $5 mil next season, and $4.5 mil the following year. All very hefty cap hits for a 38-year-old winger who would be a third or fourth liner for this team. He would have been a more realistic fit 3-4 years ago when he was linked to the team but the ship has sailed.

I'd also like to hold on to Sharp for as long as possible. Until the 'Hawks are forced to make a core change (likely Crawford), ride the pony all the way out.

Pass. He's owed $5.5 mil this season, $5 mil next season, and $4.5 mil the following year. All very hefty cap hits for a 38-year-old winger who would be a third or fourth liner for this team. He would have been a more realistic fit 3-4 years ago when he was linked to the team but the ship has sailed.

I'd also like to hold on to Sharp for as long as possible. Until the 'Hawks are forced to make a core change (likely Crawford), ride the pony all the way out.
- TommyHawk

I am seeing Doan only paid through next season. If I am wrong, then I take my trade proposal off the table.

1) Stronger at the center position.
2) Doan will want to play for a SC before his career is up.
3) Savings next season
4) Get rid of Bickell for something....
- powerenforcer

Only makes sense if Doan had less time and/or the Yotes retained salary. Also, the Yotes aren't looking for players around the same age as the guys they move. I know Bickell is younger but not that much younger. I could see something like Bickell and a prospect for Doan if Doan was demanding a trade and hopefully SB would get them to retain salary. Bickell does seem to be picking up though and Doan is a lumbering jag bag who seems to get dirtier every year so I hope it doesn't happen.

Yeo had a hissy fit in practice today. Just in time for the Hawks.

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...leaves-ice-183319602.html

Seems like everyone wants to treat the Hawks like an SCF game 7.

I am seeing Doan only paid through next season. If I am wrong, then I take my trade proposal off the table.
- powerenforcer

Missing Cap Geek damn it.

He signed a 4 year deal in Sep of 12 so you are right.

Missing Cap Geek damn it.

He signed a 4 year deal in Sep of 12 so you are right.
- tredbrta

I know Doan is old, but I wonder if his relationship with Toews would drive him 1 more year?

I know Doan is old, but I wonder if his relationship with Toews would drive him 1 more year?
- powerenforcer

Not sure this will make him any faster...

How do you get your 600K savings? Doan is 5.3 next year, Sharp and Bicks is 9.9 next season. Vermette if you let him walk is 0.
- powerenforcer

In your trade scenario? IF this trade was made that is what the savings would be.

Bickell will be moved this offseason either way.

Pass. He's owed $5.5 mil this season, $5 mil next season, and $4.5 mil the following year. All very hefty cap hits for a 38-year-old winger who would be a third or fourth liner for this team. He would have been a more realistic fit 3-4 years ago when he was linked to the team but the ship has sailed.

I'd also like to hold on to Sharp for as long as possible. Until the 'Hawks are forced to make a core change (likely Crawford), ride the pony all the way out.
- TommyHawk

Doan is only signed for next season.

In your trade scenario? IF this trade was made that is what the savings would be.

Bickell will be moved this offseason either way.
- Elbows15

Can't assume anything......

I know Doan is old, but I wonder if his relationship with Toews would drive him 1 more year?
- powerenforcer

It still won't make him a better player than Sharp.

Can't assume anything......
- powerenforcer

Call it a guess. A hunch if you will.

To expand your Vermette discussion -

Vermette & Doan for Bickell & Sharp.
- powerenforcer

only way this is even close to a viable deal is if Vermette conditionally re-ups with the Hawks as part of the trade. Still, Doan is old and slow and Sharp has 4-5 more years as a solid top 9 winger(& Sharp wil take a discount if the Hawks give him a reasonable number in 2016). And sure Bickell has the puck control of a PeeWee AA player but he can still rip the puck and be very effective at times and especially come playoff time.

I don't like this hypothetical deal one bit as it weakens our top 9 wing depth and while Vermette is a big upgrade over Richards/Shaw/TT as a 2C, I have a very strong dislike for Shane Doan. lol he's always been a hack. good player but wayyy past his prime. Plus, Vermette will out price himself for the Hawks given the upcoming raises for Saad & Kruger and the higher cap hits for 19/88

In your trade scenario? IF this trade was made that is what the savings would be.

Bickell will be moved this offseason either way.
- Elbows15

We can certainly hope he's moved.

Pass. He's owed $5.5 mil this season, $5 mil next season, and $4.5 mil the following year. All very hefty cap hits for a 38-year-old winger who would be a third or fourth liner for this team. He would have been a more realistic fit 3-4 years ago when he was linked to the team but the ship has sailed.

I'd also like to hold on to Sharp for as long as possible. Until the 'Hawks are forced to make a core change (likely Crawford), ride the pony all the way out.
- TommyHawk

Agreed!

In your trade scenario? IF this trade was made that is what the savings would be.

Bickell will be moved this offseason either way.
- Elbows15

Not sure many teams would be willing to take on Bickell's salary especially with the cap projected to rise only slightly. I could see a trade similar to Gagner for Purcell or Hartnell for Umberger where its basically a bad contract for a bad contract.

Maybe now that his book has been published and the air cleared they can bring back Chelios. He might sign for league minimum.
- savvyone-1

Never was a huge Chelios fan. Thought he a cheap shot artist. I know...blasphemy.