Stop me if this sounds insane, because it kinda does, but if Matt Cooke clears waivers and gets bought out, wouldn't he make a solid 4th line option at a pretty reasonable price? His cap hit is 2.5 right now, and he might take a cheaper deal for a shot at another cup after being bought out. I hate the guy with a passion, but there's no denying he's a talent when not hurt or suspended.
- Sandus

Not sure he skates well enough anymore....They will try to sign Desjardin on the cheap becasue that line played well late in playoffs.

At 37 years old? I'd pass on him.
- EKolb13

If Hossa and Richards can still play at a reasonable level at roughly the same age, there's no reason not to expect him to be at least an above average checker and plus penalty killer at 37. Hell, how many people have suggested bringing back Roszival, and he's coming off a major injury.

Not sure he skates well enough anymore....They will try to sign Desjardin on the cheap becasue that line played well late in playoffs.
- Al

Does he play too much of the same role as Desjardins to preclude signing him too at a similar number?

If Hossa and Richards can still play at a reasonable level at roughly the same age, there's no reason not to expect him to be at least an above average checker and plus penalty killer at 37. Hell, how many people have suggested bringing back Roszival, and he's coming off a major injury.
- Sandus

As a depth, 7th dman...

Does he play too much of the same role as Desjardins to preclude signing him too at a similar number?
- Sandus

He's still a dirty player and he only played about 29 games this year, if my memory is correct. Doesn't seem to be able to stay healthy anymore, he's breaking down.

As a depth, 7th dman...
- HawkintheD

How is that so far removed from a 12th or 13th forward?

He's still a dirty player and he only played about 29 games this year, if my memory is correct. Doesn't seem to be able to stay healthy anymore, he's breaking down.
- MartiniMan

You could say the same about Carcillo, but at a vet minimum deal he wasn't such bad insurance policy. Cooke has more value at his age than Carcillo ever had.

Does he play too much of the same role as Desjardins to preclude signing him too at a similar number?
- Sandus

They wouldn't want both and Desjardins makes more sense.

You could say the same about Carcillo, but at a vet minimum deal he wasn't such bad insurance policy. Cooke has more value at his age than Carcillo ever had.
- Sandus

Not if he can only play 29 of 82 games. I don't know why you'd want him. Like Carcillo, he's a suspension waiting to happen.

Would rather have a UFA like Jay Beagle as a bottom line guy. At least he can take faceoffs and is good at them (career 54.7%).

They wouldn't want both and Desjardins makes more sense.
- Al

That's fair. I was pretty pleased with Desjardins if they can get him signed for a low hit.

That's fair. I was pretty pleased with Desjardins if they can get him signed for a low hit.
- Sandus

Why sign Cooke when a young guy with some potential could be had for the same money? There are better options out there who are younger and don't have the baggage Cooke brings with him.

They wouldn't want both and Desjardins makes more sense.
- Al

Desjardins can actually play hockey the way Q wants. All things being equal I would much rather have him around than Cooke.

How is that so far removed from a 12th or 13th forward?
- Sandus

So not in the top 6 to protect Toews and Kane?

If Hossa and Richards can still play at a reasonable level at roughly the same age, there's no reason not to expect him to be at least an above average checker and plus penalty killer at 37. Hell, how many people have suggested bringing back Roszival, and he's coming off a major injury.
- Sandus

Bc Hossa and Richards were PPG players or better in their prime and Matt Cooke is a washed up goon?

If we land Tom Wilson and re sign Desi, we have Shaw,let the young guys play, Danault,Hartman,Ross,McNeill ect. For get Cooke and the other old guys who play that style,Wilson plus in house is enough.

We all have this giant jaw boner for Tom Wilson,but why do I sense SB doesn't? He will make the decisions,end of story.

If we land Tom Wilson and re sign Desi, we have Shaw,let the young guys play, Danault,Hartman,Ross,McNeill ect. For get Cooke and the other old guys who play that style,Wilson plus in house is enough.

We all have this giant jaw boner for Tom Wilson,but why do I sense SB doesn't? He will make the decisions,end of story.
- wonthecup10

Bowman gave Bickell $4milx4years so maybe you understate how much StanBo values a Power Forward

The AHL cannot happen. Panarin has a unique contract. If he doesn't make the Hawks, he goes back to the KHL.
- KingB

Not that unique. Fairly common these days. A recent example was Lehtera last year.

I'd peg Johns for a roster spot. Beyond that, I expect Bowman to bring in a vet on the cheap.

Lastly, I wouldn't be shocked if Rundblad is re-upped as the guy who serves as the 7th defenseman. Lord help us if that happens.
- EKolb13

I heard it suggested that Roszival may be back if his recovery is 100%...his potential signing would happen late in the summer after his health is verified.

Not sure where I heard that mentioned...

Personally...I'd just like to move on and find a decent defender with less mileage.

This is Roszival's second major leg injury that I'm aware of...and he was slowing down before his ankle gave out.

Not that unique. Fairly common these days. A recent example was Lehtera last year.
- stljam

I expect the Hawks to give Panarin a very long look even if he struggles...they don't want to see him return to the KHL and succeed somewhere else.

It will be interesting seeing how this plays out.

If Hossa and Richards can still play at a reasonable level at roughly the same age, there's no reason not to expect him to be at least an above average checker and plus penalty killer at 37. Hell, how many people have suggested bringing back Roszival, and he's coming off a major injury.
- Sandus

I have no interest in making Cooke a part of this organization...wouldn't want him if he were 28 yo.

I didn't want Carcillo...and I didn't want John Scott.

No bums on this roster marked by the league as repeat offenders...no thanks.

And you would have who playing the back line ?
- Colbyboy

If I was a Hawks fan, JO would be my preference

Its his choice as I understand it from various sources. He could go back to the KHL if that were to happened. He has stated he wants the challenge of the NHL and is willing to work to get there.
- TTtime

Lindbohm with the Blues had a similar clause but he and Army had a good long chat and Lindbohm chose to start the year in the AHL. You are likely right.

Not if he can only play 29 of 82 games. I don't know why you'd want him. Like Carcillo, he's a suspension waiting to happen.

Would rather have a UFA like Jay Beagle as a bottom line guy. At least he can take faceoffs and is good at them (career 54.7%).
- MartiniMan

Beagle is going to be a very good depth signing for a team imho. Hoping the Blues make him their last forward or someone like him.

Stop me if this sounds insane, because it kinda does, but if Matt Cooke clears waivers and gets bought out, wouldn't he make a solid 4th line option at a pretty reasonable price? His cap hit is 2.5 right now, and he might take a cheaper deal for a shot at another cup after being bought out. I hate the guy with a passion, but there's no denying he's a talent when not hurt or suspended.
- Sandus

no...the hawks have much better to options than this washed up and old cheap shotter HOF guy....

Speculation but the Stars are capable of carrying some very suspect characters like KT and Runblad. Conjecture about "what could've been" but the fact that Vancouver made the Cup finals and Sharp should've finished the Nucks in game 7, I'd say they very easily could've made it that far...even with coaches brunette & ODonnell on the ice lol
- EnzoD[/quote

All true... But that's exactly the Pollyanna type of thinking we should all have learned from those years....

And yeah the top 4 carried the bottom 2 on D but if you're counting on that happening for a full 82 + playoffs... Shame on you.