The Hawks on paper were loaded. Period. What guy was he going to replace this fall? This isn't 2007 or 2008 with a team full of unknowns. What top 6 guy was Hayes replacing? Or even top 9?

That's my point. He looked at this team, saw the depth, saw guys like Morin who were in front of him and went elsewhere. That's the facts.

Now.....was there EVER a chance outside of Bowman GUARANTEEING him a roster spot on this team that he'd sign here? Nobody knows. So for that part of the debate I agree...Bowman may have done everything he could have.

However...bottom line to me is that the kid took advantage of the CBA, found a situation he could take a quick road to the NHL and has proven that he IS ready.

Put yourself in his shoes....I'm sure you would have ignored your agent or camp that had received information that you could compete for a NHL job REALISTICALLY this year, probably making a NHL roster, but instead would go down to Rockford because......you're a good guy. That is just humorous to me that so many people think this. The goal of EVERY prospect is to make the NHL as quickly as possible, lets not lose site of this.
- SteveRain

We're in agreement on this part. He was allowed to go, and he went, and he's had some success.

You ask me to put myself in his shoes. Here I go, a la the Fox TV show Backstrom, which I hope doesn't get canceled because it's great:

"I'm a first round draft pick with immense size, good hands, and an NHL pedigree. I just finished my final and only remarkably productive season at a great hockey school, alongside the top NCAA prospect. I have two choices. I can sign my CBA-mandated entry level contract with my draft team, who has been to the Conference finals 4 times in the past 6 seasons and won two Stanley Cups, or I can become a free agent and have my pick of any other team out there. My draft team is loaded, so it'd be really hard making that team, but I'm big, I think I'm talented, and I fill an obvious positional need for that team, if I can outplay the other guys. But if I take free agency, I can play for any team that wants me, and I'm sure one of them will guarantee me a roster spot. But if I choose the draft team, I could contend for a Stanley Cup, which is my goal...right? Wait, but I could contend for a Stanley Cup on another team too. But wait. 23 other teams passed on me in the 2010 draft, and the Stanley Cup Champs didn't. I respect the game and the draft process and the team that spent a first round pick on me, and I know that I'm good enough to not toil away in the minors, even if I have to cut my teeth there to prove my worth. No wait, none of those things are true and I want the fast track to the show and an ELC that won't slide so I can get that payday sooner."

There's a reason why guys like Pavel Datsyuk are winners, and guys like Lindros and the Sedin twins are not. The guys who are willing to prove their worth and work up from the bottom are always more successful than the guys who walk in and say they're the best players and deserve the "respect" and "opportunity" that those come with.

We're in agreement on this part. He was allowed to go, and he went, and he's had some success.

You ask me to put myself in his shoes. Here I go, a la the Fox TV show Backstrom, which I hope doesn't get canceled because it's great:

"I'm a first round draft pick with immense size, good hands, and an NHL pedigree. I just finished my final and only remarkably productive season at a great hockey school, alongside the top NCAA prospect. I have two choices. I can sign my CBA-mandated entry level contract with my draft team, who has been to the Conference finals 4 times in the past 6 seasons and won two Stanley Cups, or I can become a free agent and have my pick of any other team out there. My draft team is loaded, so it'd be really hard making that team, but I'm big, I think I'm talented, and I fill an obvious positional need for that team, if I can outplay the other guys. But if I take free agency, I can play for any team that wants me, and I'm sure one of them will guarantee me a roster spot. But if I choose the draft team, I could contend for a Stanley Cup, which is my goal...right? Wait, but I could contend for a Stanley Cup on another team too. But wait. 23 other teams passed on me in the 2010 draft, and the Stanley Cup Champs didn't. I respect the game and the draft process and the team that spent a first round pick on me, and I know that I'm good enough to not toil away in the minors, even if I have to cut my teeth there to prove my worth. No wait, none of those things are true and I want the fast track to the show and an ELC that won't slide so I can get that payday sooner."

There's a reason why guys like Pavel Datsyuk are winners, and guys like Lindros and the Sedin twins are not. The guys who are willing to prove their worth and work up from the bottom are always more successful than the guys who walk in and say they're the best players and deserve the "respect" and "opportunity" that those come with.
- Sandus

we are mostly in agreement.

Lets hope the Hawks show up ready from the onset tonight. I have a feeling the winner of this series will bhe conference cup representative.

I know Anaheim looks good, but.....

we are mostly in agreement.

Lets hope the Hawks show up ready from the onset tonight. I have a feeling the winner of this series will bhe conference cup representative.

I know Anaheim looks good, but.....
- SteveRain

Honestly, I'm just hoping the Hawks show up on time. Friday inbound traffic plus Draft Village plus 8:30 start? I'll be lucky if I make it by the end of the first period.

I will be on at 12:25 CST on the NHL Radio Network-SiriusXM
Talking Hawks -Wild with Boomer Gordon

FYI, Russia's first 2015 World cup game with Artemi Panarin starts at 1pm CST today

FYI, Russia's first 2015 World cup game with Artemi Panarin starts at 1pm CST today
- bhawk1s

Can you see it online anywhere?

we are mostly in agreement.

Lets hope the Hawks show up ready from the onset tonight. I have a feeling the winner of this series will bhe conference cup representative.

I know Anaheim looks good, but.....
- SteveRain

I expected a better show from the Flames. One thing I noticed from Calgary's offense was the passing. Very slow cross-ice passes prior to shooting, giving the goalie more than enough time to adjust...one of many things they'll need to adjust

Can you see it online anywhere?
- vabeachbear

I'd guess that Hockeystreams would have it

If Jimmy was such a huge factor, why didn't Kevin sign with Florida?

http://rangersunlimited.com/2014/08/21/a-look-at-kevin-hayes-contract-and-entry-level-bonuses/

That breaks it down. Those are bonuses that would not have an affect on the 2014-15 cap. Only next year, and by the looks of the season he may have only hit 1 of those bonuses so it will be a small hit next year.
- mschutz2

It still needs to be accounted for which would put the Hawks in even more of a cap crunch.

I'd guess that Hockeystreams would have it
- grinder10

Yeah hockeystreams has it and for the risk takers [url]http://atđhe.net/

Yeah hockeystreams has it and for the risk takers
- bhawk1s[url]http://atđhe.net/

Just need to make sure you have AdBlock Plus installed before using those sites. Won't be an issue if you do. Its the ads that have the malware.

It still needs to be accounted for which would put the Hawks in even more of a cap crunch.
- Elbows15

Dozens of different angles and "woulda", "coulda", "shouldas" with this kid.

He made his choice, made more money making that choice, got playing time early with the choice, has been ok this year playing in the NHL making that choice.

At the rate he got paid as a free agent, the Hawks could not have matched it. One might say, well the Hawks could have traded Bickell to make room....but that is ENTIRELY in hindsight.

Honestly, it's done and over with. I hope the kid doesn't develop and makes some more poor decisions like pooping in the Empire State Building elevator or something else classy. lol.

Hawks are loaded folks. Even after the cap casualties this summer, they will still be loaded. Can we move on with the love affair of Panarin instead of talking about one of the Hayes clowns?

Yeah hockeystreams has it and for the risk takers
- bhawk1s[url]http://atđhe.net/

No thanks on the second option. Spent an entire weekend cleaning up damage from rather nasty virus a couple of years ago. Still want to throat punch someone over that pointless fun.

Dozens of different angles and "woulda", "coulda", "shouldas" with this kid.

He made his choice, made more money making that choice, got playing time early with the choice, has been ok this year playing in the NHL making that choice.

At the rate he got paid as a free agent, the Hawks could not have matched it. One might say, well the Hawks could have traded Bickell to make room....but that is ENTIRELY in hindsight.

Honestly, it's done and over with. I hope the kid doesn't develop and makes some more poor decisions like pooping in the Empire State Building elevator or something else classy. lol.

Hawks are loaded folks. Even after the cap casualties this summer, they will still be loaded. Can we move on with the love affair of Panarin instead of talking about one of the Hayes clowns?


- MNHawk

I agree Minny. I just don't get why it is so hard for people to grasp that he had the opportunity to choose where he wanted to play and exercised it. To constantly blame SB is just wanting to put the blame on something they perceive to the issue.

Meanwhile, the same guy has landed 7 of the most coveted undrafted FA in the last 2 seasons. Leblanc, Carey, Raanta, TVR, Baun, Kero and Panarin. Every one of these players were being wooed by multiple teams and choose the Hawks' organization. Whether they work out or not remains to be seen but these are the type of players you want in your organization. They want the challenge. Give me these kids every day of the week.

No thanks on the second option. Spent an entire weekend cleaning up damage from rather nasty virus a couple of years ago. Still want to throat punch someone over that pointless fun.
- grinder10

Seriously grinder. You need to have Adlbock Plus installed. It stops all that crap.

I agree Minny. I just don't get why it is so hard for people to grasp that he had the opportunity to choose where he wanted to play and exercised it. To constantly blame SB is just wanting to put the blame on something they perceive to the issue.

Meanwhile, the same guy has landed 7 of the most coveted undrafted FA in the last 2 seasons. Leblanc, Carey, Raanta, TVR, Baun, Kero and Panarin. Every one of these players were being wooed by multiple teams and choose the Hawks' organization. Whether they work out or not remains to be seen but these are the type of players you want in your organization. They want the challenge. Give me these kids every day of the week.
- Elbows15

Yep for sure, and they're better for it--both personally and professionally. Players don't benefit from being rushed or over-hyped/given something they've not yet earned, nor does the team. Most recent example that comes to mind is EDM, but there are others. Hawks were guilty of looking for saviors a few years back. Doesn't work.

From th start of this game, the coach from norway is going to be taking A LOT of notes.

Dozens of different angles and "woulda", "coulda", "shouldas" with this kid.

He made his choice, made more money making that choice, got playing time early with the choice, has been ok this year playing in the NHL making that choice.

At the rate he got paid as a free agent, the Hawks could not have matched it. One might say, well the Hawks could have traded Bickell to make room....but that is ENTIRELY in hindsight.

Honestly, it's done and over with. I hope the kid doesn't develop and makes some more poor decisions like pooping in the Empire State Building elevator or something else classy. lol.

Hawks are loaded folks. Even after the cap casualties this summer, they will still be loaded. Can we move on with the love affair of Panarin instead of talking about one of the Hayes clowns?


- MNHawk

If the Hawks are loaded and didn't need him anyway, why wish him ill will?

RIP Benny King - 76 - soul singer with the Drifters ("There Goes my Baby", "Save the Last Dance for Me", "This Magic Moment", plus) and as a solo ("Spanish Harlem", "Stand By Me", "Don't Play That Song Again").

If the Hawks are loaded and didn't need him anyway, why wish him ill will?
- MnGump

OUT!!

Can you see it online anywhere?
- vabeachbear

http://goatdee.net/

Its a pretty good stream but make sure you have Adblock Plus installed on your computer. Its what I used to watch the forst round when I was in Florida.

If Jimmy was such a huge factor, why didn't Kevin sign with Florida?
- Elbows15

No logical connection

The Hawks' treatment of Jimmy might have caused Kevin to avoid Hawks; it would have no bearing on Florida.

No logical connection

The Hawks' treatment of Jimmy might have caused Kevin to avoid Hawks; it would have no bearing on Florida.
- KingB

Thanks. I don't give a (frank) either way.

OUT!!
- Elbows15

I've worn out my welcome! Dag nabbit!