So, JJ said that a possible trade Stan could have gotten rid of Bickell would be to package him with Danault. I will admit that I have not see much of Danault other than his cup of coffee this season with the Hawks and his hard hit on the Devils Zubrus in his first shift as a pro. However, would being able to keep Shaw and Oduya be worth giving up on Danault or this there more upside to him that I may have saw when he was up with the Hawks for a few games? Again, I am not sure what if potential upside is so I would like to see what Danault could be in a couple years.
- spudrock512

that was Hartman

Don't agree. Shaw is a solid depth player who plays a good role on this team but he is replacable. Moreover, his style of play does not bode well for the longevity of his career.

If it takes Shaw to move Bickell, you pull the trigger.
- Bjm84

A solid depth player... who just happened to score more total points than Brandon Saad in this year's playoffs.

There is plenty of snark in yours and mexco's posts. Disagree with what Stan actually does tho, not dissect what he doesn't do per an Internet rumor
- Confederate

Discount every report and rumor then. Were there more or less teams with more roster spots open and available cap space just a few weeks ago? When was the buyout deadline on Bickell? What cost them Oduya?

This is a completely different scenario from Saad. Stan pulled that off well. Maybe even a win.

Oduya/Bickell is a loss.

that was Hartman
- flappymcgee303

Your right, that was a hell of a hit, though. I guess that is why I was thinking the move wouldn't be tough to make.

My Bad!!!

Discount every report and rumor then. Were there more or less teams with more roster spots open and available cap space just a few weeks ago? When was the buyout deadline on Bickell? What cost them Oduya?

This is a completely different scenario from Saad. Stan pulled that off well. Maybe even a win.

Oduya/Bickell is a loss.
- tredbrta

Bickell was a loss the minute the ink dried on the contract. Fact: Many, many teams would have gladly singed him to that deal at the time. Fact: Many, many posters and fans would have ripped Stan for letting him go if he had.

Today's interview...

Hawks talk with Paul Edmonds-Oduya signing-Seabrook extension, Saad and Sharp trades and more...
TSN 1290 Winnipeg @TSN1290Radio
Podcast: @AlCimaglia discussed the #Blackhawks off-season on today's #RonaRoundtable with
http://t.co/BLiD5YbRlw

Anyone else surprised Oduya didn't sign for more than 2 years and at least $4 mill per??
- Al

Great job, Al! Loved the interview and thought your were spot on.

A solid depth player... who just happened to score more total points than Brandon Saad in this year's playoffs.
- Volodya

His biggest impact, IMO, is in front of the opposition's goalie. 5'10" 180lbs and he battles the trees, and WINS! Not only does he screen the goalie better than almost anyone since Tomas Holmstrom, but he has tons of deflections and tips for goals as well. I love what he brings, and I'm sure 29 other NHL GMs would LOVE to have the Mutt...that is why he is being asked for in a bickell salary dump deal, bc he has real value....

Yep, Stan chose to put winning this coming season first in his decisions. Let's not forget that the first rumours about Erhoff being interested in taking a Cap friendly deal with CHI came right BEFORE the Sharp trade to DAL. And while everyone is happy to rip Bowman for the DAL deal now being Oduya, Sharp and Johns for Daley and Garbutt, how would it look if this deal was done to create enough money to re-sign Kruger and sign Erhoff??? Daley, Garbutt, Kruger and Erhoff...not bad.
- MexicoHawk

Adding Erhoff and Krueger will redeem it some. Neither have happened. Obviously, the ultimate redemption will be the result seen on the ice in October and what the playoffs bring. I am not demanding a repeat to call these moves wins.

Every time I see it I wonder if the poster actually watched the playoffs. Shaw is all heart.
- tredbrta

And pretty damn productive besides...

Yep, Stan chose to put winning this coming season first in his decisions. Let's not forget that the first rumours about Erhoff being interested in taking a Cap friendly deal with CHI came right BEFORE the Sharp trade to DAL. And while everyone is happy to rip Bowman for the DAL deal now being Oduya, Sharp and Johns for Daley and Garbutt, how would it look if this deal was done to create enough money to re-sign Kruger and sign Erhoff??? Daley, Garbutt, Kruger and Erhoff...not bad.
- MexicoHawk

Actually, once the cap hell is broken for 2015/16, I think the problem is smaller for 16/17. I dont feel he mortgaged the future for this coming year at all (not that you're saying he did, Mex).

Every current player we're discussing for this year has the same cap number next year except for three: Seabs, Steeg and Shaw. Steeg, even if he stays this year, is assumed to be gone next year. That cuts $1.3m (his $2.2m less a $900k rockford replacement). Seabs is at $5.8m. Assume he signs for $7m, that eats up the cap saved from losing Steeg. Shaw is at $2m now, I assume an extension is around that figure...maybe $2.5, but thats a rounding error.

So they can field the same exact team next year at same cost.

EXCEPT...bonuses. Probably $3m in bonuses, mostly about $2.5 to Panarin. They've got to fit that into the numbers for 2016/17.

If the cap goes up by $3, they're probably good. If no cap increase, they probably lose Craw (or Daley, I suppose).

Either way, quick math indicates the cap problem next year is $3-5m, versus the $10+m problem that had to be solved this year.

Maybe I'm missing it but what happened to Eli? I don't think I seen him much the last couple of Blogs
- ikeane

Same with Ogi??

Great job, Al! Loved the interview and thought your were spot on.
- Chicago_Sean

Thanks

Again with the trade Crawford chatter.

No way Q and the front office enter next season with the following goal tenders at the top of the depth chart...

Darling
Leighton
Visentin

Only way CC is traded is if the return includes a very good NHL calibre goaler, but how much will he be compensated?

And how many teams want, or can afford a 6M cap hit?
- ArlingtonRob

Agreed. The Dynamic shifted a lot with the Raanta/Nillsen trades. No depth now outside of the NHL.

Any word on Erhroff JJ/ Mexico?

That window closed June 30th. Other than moving him, it's LTIR.
- blackhawk24

I know. They should have determined the market and made a decision by then. That would have been decisive and cut $3m in cap. Pressure reduced. Maybe better off in other deals. May have shifted the entire look of the summer.

That said, as long as it started with the Cup, the rest is just filler.

Yes Mex, he sure seems to be stubborn.
Why else, then, would a guy double down on an already bad bet in the form of David Rundblad by re-upping him for $1M on a 1-way???

To prove to himself that he was right in giving up a 2nd for him?
That $1M is precious and why throw it away on a player that should never see NHL ice ever again?

Could that same attitude have been the reason Stan turned down the 1st Dallas offer?
- savvyone-1

Hey Savvy, how's your summer going? Spot on here...but careful the Stan Bowman Thought Police will go nuts at any thought of Stan being wrong on anything...

So, instead of getting a high draft pick for Sharp, we traded Daley for Oduya. Sharp for kaput. Gave away Stephen Johns and saved less than 2 million.
- hocktock

If Daley was traded for Oduya, then Daley must now be an unrestricted free agent! I guess we end up with neither of them.

Bickell was a loss the minute the ink dried on the contract. Fact: Many, many teams would have gladly singed him to that deal at the time. Fact: Many, many posters and fans would have ripped Stan for letting him go if he had.
- furso27

Very true. Would have loved to see the Kings carrying him at $5m plus per year (reportedly what they were willing to pay)... There were also reports Stan had a deal with Bickell at half that before the playoffs and procrastinated again. This is all woulda coulda shoulda.

Right now, the fact is Stan is not dealing with Bickell and it is costing.

Speaking of the Stars, does anyone know the outcome with Richard Peverley and what he is up to since his heart issue?
- Hank3Henshaw

He's a UFA as of July 1. I don't think he's been cleared medically to try to continue playing, but I might have missed that news if he has.

Everyone needs to realize that well paid veterans just aren't valuable trade chips. The fact is for every player you can trade for, there's a similar player you can sign as a FA. Not true with a Saad, or Dano, those are valuable pieces based on their production measured against their contract status.

But the Hawks got very little for Sharp because the other teams choices were trading for him or signing a similar player as a FA.

Face it, the Hawks just weren't going to get anything for Sharp with guys like Kessell, ROR, etc on the FA market. And even less for the damaged goods of Bickell

So the end result of whatever Stan ends up with for a roster, no matter how you grade each individual move, is a team that will be younger, more cost controlled, more versatile. Good job.

Forget the individual moves. Bottom line, Stan got:
1. A D replacement for Oduya that is a little younger, little cheaper. For all those who liked Oduya better, recognize that the Hawks FO disagrees. Stan had the choice of Oduya or Daley, and chose Daley.
2. A 2C for years to come at what looks like a very decent price ($4.5m going forward). Again, no matter what we nincompoops think about Anisimov, Stan and the front office clearly wanted Anisimov. Younger, cost controlled, upside.
3. Dano, who everyone is liking a lot. Maybe not Saad, but I believe most of us Hawks fans are now thinking that was a shrewd pickup. And again, younger, cost controlled, upside.
4. In Garbutt, a very cost controlled grit player with some skill. Might not be an all-star, but at $800k, very important to the team, as you cant fill all the $800k roster spots with 8 from Rockford.
5. In Anisimov, Thikonen, some players to help Panarin along. Subtle part of the moves, but sets up Panarin for acclimation and success.

Sharp was gone. Bicks was gone. For the stuff above, so far the cost has been Johns and Saad (an expensive Saad). boy, I sure hope he doesn't need to add Shaw to this cost".

Very strong work by Stan.

Hey Savvy, how's your summer going? Spot on here...but careful the Stan Bowman Thought Police will go nuts at any thought of Stan being wrong on anything...
- DK002

DK, it's been pretty good, hopefully yours as well. After all, we ARE the SC champs so that's been a nice "salve" to put on any salary cap wounds that are inflicted.

Yes, I know all about posting things that don't exactly hold the company line.

Considering Saad's demands, Stan IMO did a great job of getting valuable assets and saving $ over what our best offer ($5M/5yrs) would have cost us. Sorry to see another young, very good player go, but I also understand pro careers are short and unforseen things happen, so I wish Saad the best.

I just don't and maybe never will get Stan's fascination with Rundblad. For me, a guy has to be a + skater and that is something Rundblad is not and will never be. Very little quickness, no acceleration to speak of and certainly very average speed. Put that into the bag with his need of finding the Wizard so he can get a heart. Don't think it is ever happening.

I am intrigued by Daley and will withhold judgment on him until I've seen him firsthand after going through camp and presumably having the staff tell him what they expect. Physical talent sure seems to be there, so if he can fit into what Q wants and expects, I think he could fill Oduya's skates.

I haven't posted much because I'm honestly waiting for the smoke to clear -- and based on what Stan did with Leddy, I'm not sure we are not in for the same ride here this summer. I hope not but ultimately, it is all tolerable because we did come away with the CUP this year. I'm not a kool aid drinker, maker and server by any stretch, just willing to let the dust settle before I get my shorts in a real knot.

Bowman is a very good to excellent GM, pretty much EVERYONE on this board agrees with this...he has made a few bad decisions, but always under very difficult circumstances. His is one of the hardest jobs out there...sports or not...and he has the support of all Hawk fans!
- MexicoHawk

The depth and complexity of the cap issues faced by Stan B are really beyond the grasp most all of us on this board. As fans , we simply are dealing with fragments of data and are unable to separate the wheat from the chaff on the topic since its not clear what is rumor and what is fact.

I can only say that I'm sincerely impressed by the intelligent solutions he's been able to devise. Perfect? No. But I'm not sure there is a NHL g.m. that could have done better. I only wonder what part Scottie B plays in the process. When assessing potential new acquisitions what a priceless resource to draw upon.

Mex nice job and thx for providing some of the best info on the topic I've been able to find anywhere.

DK, it's been pretty good, hopefully yours as well. After all, we ARE the SC champs so that's been a nice "salve" to put on any salary cap wounds that are inflicted.

Yes, I know all about posting things that don't exactly hold the company line.

Considering Saad's demands, Stan IMO did a great job of getting valuable assets and saving $ over what our best offer ($5M/5yrs) would have cost us. Sorry to see another young, very good player go, but I also understand pro careers are short and unforseen things happen, so I wish Saad the best.

I just don't and maybe never will get Stan's fascination with Rundblad. For me, a guy has to be a + skater and that is something Rundblad is not and will never be. Very little quickness, no acceleration to speak of and certainly very average speed. Put that into the bag with his need of finding the Wizard so he can get a heart. Don't think it is ever happening.

I am intrigued by Daley and will withhold judgment on him until I've seen him firsthand after going through camp and presumably having the staff tell him what they expect. Physical talent sure seems to be there, so if he can fit into what Q wants and expects, I think he could fill Oduya's skates.

I haven't posted much because I'm honestly waiting for the smoke to clear -- and based on what Stan did with Leddy, I'm not sure we are not in for the same ride here this summer. I hope not but ultimately, it is all tolerable because we did come away with the CUP this year. I'm not a kool aid drinker, maker and server by any stretch, just willing to let the dust settle before I get my shorts in a real knot.



- savvyone-1

This. Every word.

Only thing I can see is Texas does't have state income tax, so he gets a bit more $$ in his pocket.
- JRoenick97

Based on Illinois state tax rates, he would save on Illinois taxes 3.75% X $4,000,000 = $150,000.

BUT - that $150,000 would be deductible on his Federal taxes, which would save him $58,000.

His net savings, then, by being in a state with -0- state income taxes would be about $95,000.

I don't know the NY state taxes, if his alternative was Buffalo.

I haven't once heard anyone asking for Bickell and pick, they want players and/or top prospects. Even the Hawks 1st round pick is going to be similar to an early 2nd round selection, so not tons of value. All the Hawks have been asking for is Bickell for a late round pick, it should be a SIMPLE process. Perhaps a team asks the Hawks to take back $500,000 to $1 million for the remaining 2 years on his contract, but again, not complicated stuff. The fact that it has been difficult till this point is because GMs smelled blood and a time factor, by moving on from Oduya, it will help a little, but teams still know that Bickell has to be traded. The trick is getting more than one team interested. Yesterday Bowman actually fielded inquiries from three teams, which is a step in the right direction.
- MexicoHawk

I am just wondering why Oduya only took a 2 year deal and a low salary ? Could it be Oduya is keeping is options open to come back to the Hawks?