At the moment, Rundvlad isn't a depth D-man. He is the number 6.
- TTtime

I'm praying to the Hockey Gods for a veteran Depth D signing....and NOT Rosival!

Al, I listened to your interview on NHL radio and it was very good. About Saad though, do you think he's still here if the Hawks lose in rd 1 or rd 2 this past year? I think he very well might be, I think the Anaheim and TB series put him out of reach. As you said, that's those are the consequences of winning.
- dan9189

I think you're point is valid...was thinking the same.
The last two rounds, when determined players with younger legs like Saad and Shaw shined helped. Actually Saad more so, because Shaw was really consistent throughout.

My only reservation would be....

I think Bowman was down the same road with Columbus before so he knew they had a strong interest and also knew who was on his shopping list.

As you brought up the rubber may have met the road if Columbus wasn't as impressed with Saad and they backed off some while Bowman made a 4 yr offer for Bickell like money.

But as soon as Saads's agent knew a team, or two had a 6 year term in mind, Saad was priced out of Bowman's budget.

Saad is overpaid now imo, but if he continues to improve the last 3 years of his contract could be a bargain. .... the Hawks couldn't afford to take that chance.

I think you point is valid...was thinking the same.
The last two rounds, when determined players with younger legs like Saad and Shaw shined helped. Actually Saad more so, because Shaw was really consistent throughout.

My only reservation would be....

I think Bowman was down the same road with Columbus before so he knew they had a strong interest and also knew who was on his shopping list.

As you brought up the rubber may have met the road if Columbus wasn't as impressed with Saad and they backed off some while Bowman made a 4 yr offer for Bickell like money.

But as soon as Saads's agent knew a team, or two had a 6 year term in mind, Saad was priced out of Bowman's budget.

Saad is overpaid now imo, but if he continues to improve the last 3 years of his contract could be a bargain. .... the Hawks couldn't afford to take that chance.
- Al

Yep, I think you said it best.

I think you point is valid...was thinking the same.
The last two rounds, when determined players with younger legs like Saad and Shaw shined helped. Actually Saad more so, because Shaw was really consistent throughout.

My only reservation would be....

I think Bowman was down the same road with Columbus before so he knew they had a strong interest and also knew who was on his shopping list.

As you brought up the rubber may have met the road if Columbus wasn't as impressed with Saad and they backed off some while Bowman made a 4 yr offer for Bickell like money.

But as soon as Saads's agent knew a team, or two had a 6 year term in mind, Saad was priced out of Bowman's budget.

Saad is overpaid now imo, but if he continues to improve the last 3 years of his contract could be a bargain. .... the Hawks couldn't afford to take that chance.
- Al

Yes. Love his style of play and wish him nothing but the best, but that's borderline elite player money/years. I think he has the capability to become elite in the next couple of years, but I'm glad the Hawks didn't break their backs trying to sign him to that kind of contract. In the end, the Hawks got the better deal in that trade.

I think you point is valid...was thinking the same.
The last two rounds, when determined players with younger legs like Saad and Shaw shined helped. Actually Saad more so, because Shaw was really consistent throughout.

My only reservation would be....

I think Bowman was down the same road with Columbus before so he knew they had a strong interest and also knew who was on his shopping list.

As you brought up the rubber may have met the road if Columbus wasn't as impressed with Saad and they backed off some while Bowman made a 4 yr offer for Bickell like money.

But as soon as Saads's agent knew a team, or two had a 6 year term in mind, Saad was priced out of Bowman's budget.

Saad is overpaid now imo, but if he continues to improve the last 3 years of his contract could be a bargain. .... the Hawks couldn't afford to take that chance.
- Al

This biggest thing #'s wise as well is first unit power play time. That could easily bump up his stats by 10-15 points which on paper could infuriate the masses but also justify the $.

This biggest thing #'s wise as well is first unit power play time. That could easily bump up his stats by 10-15 points which on paper could infuriate the masses but also justify the $.
- fattybeef

There's certainly a lot of pressure on Saad now to live up to that contract. It will be interesting to see how he does without the weapons around him that he had in Chicago. Don't get me wrong, there is talent in Columbus, I'm just curious to see how it goes for him, because he will really be a bit more on his own there--which some players break out and flourish in. Definitely hoping the guy does well for himself.

This biggest thing #'s wise as well is first unit power play time. That could easily bump up his stats by 10-15 points which on paper could infuriate the masses but also justify the $.
- fattybeef

Speaking for me personally, I don't want Saad to do poorly at all. Hope he does well. He helped us win 2 Cups. As long as Anisimov and Dano do what many project them to do I could care less what Saad does. He wanted the big payday and the Hawks could not give him his 6 million. When he balked at 5million per year he signed his ticket out of town and I don't begrudge Stan one iota for shipping his ass off.

Speaking for me personally, I don't want Saad to do poorly at all. Hope he does well. He helped us win 2 Cups. As long as Anisimov and Dano do what many project them to do I could care less what Saad does. He wanted the big payday and the Hawks could not give him his 6 million. When he balked at 5million per year he signed his ticket out of town and I don't begrudge Stan one iota for shipping his ass off.
- kwolf68

Exactly. Can't begrudge the kid making a lot more money. Who of us would turn that down? Not me.

Seems like a good kid, and wish him the best, just not against the Hawks.

I don't agree with many of Stan's moves, but he made the correct one in that situation.

Speaking for me personally, I don't want Saad to do poorly at all. Hope he does well. He helped us win 2 Cups. As long as Anisimov and Dano do what many project them to do I could care less what Saad does. He wanted the big payday and the Hawks could not give him his 6 million. When he balked at 5million per year he signed his ticket out of town and I don't begrudge Stan one iota for shipping his ass off.
- kwolf68

Yep. I agree with all of this. That's what I said in my last post, too. I hope he does well for himself, but he certainly wanted the money and not a "home town discount." Hawks couldn't afford that and I'm glad they didn't dismantle the team trying to resign him.

Any particular reason why u think that ??
- Ur Not Me

because there in financial trouble and need another fat contract...

Looking over my own spreadsheet and thinking about trades.

1) Bickell to Calgary for Deryk Engelland in return ($2.9M) -- net loss of $1.1M
2) Versteeg to Montreal for a few picks -- net loss of $2.2M
3) Sign Kruger for $2.5M
4) Baun stays up at $.853M (Q likes him a lot)
5) Assume plugs like Morin and Tropp are traded or buried in Rockford

This is $70.4M, which gives the Hawks $1M in cap space.

Before everyone says Engelland sucks, let's get Russell… Russell had something like 7 points for CGY in the playoffs, even though he was a -9. If I'm Treliving/Burke, I hold onto Russell over Engelland, yet try to move a D-man because of Dougie Hamilton's arrival and Giordano's return from injury.

I think it's this type of deal that might work, even if Calgary isn't the dance partner. The salary differential between Bickell and the return is only $1M, but we get back a depth D, even though he's still kind of expensive… It's still only $.7M more than Rozsival was payed the last two years.

This way, we also keep Shaw.

Speaking for me personally, I don't want Saad to do poorly at all. Hope he does well. He helped us win 2 Cups. As long as Anisimov and Dano do what many project them to do I could care less what Saad does. He wanted the big payday and the Hawks could not give him his 6 million. When he balked at 5million per year he signed his ticket out of town and I don't begrudge Stan one iota for shipping his ass off.
- kwolf68

Spot on...Can't blame the kid for taking the big payday. And I think this is one of Stan's best moves - he moved quickly and quietly. Don't know why they took Tropp and Morin back (salary for CBJ?). Especially Morin who talked his way out of town before. But AA and in particular Dano made it a real good deal.

Still less than thrilled with the Runblad resigning...and losing Oduya's a big hit...
no question the defense is going to need another vet...a TDL move perhaps...

Stan still has some work to do with Bickell and personally hoping Shaw isn't included in any deal. I think Mex put it quite well yesterday in regard to what he brings to the table and its hard to replace. So we'll see what happens here...

Yes. Love his style of play and wish him nothing but the best, but that's borderline elite player money/years. I think he has the capability to become elite in the next couple of years, but I'm glad the Hawks didn't break their backs trying to sign him to that kind of contract. In the end, the Hawks got the better deal in that trade.
- Hank3Henshaw

I do hope Saad does succeed, he's got great speed and strength it's too bad we won't be able to watch him grow as a Hawk, the only way he becomes elite is if he gets better hands usually that's something your blessed with.

I think you point is valid...was thinking the same.
The last two rounds, when determined players with younger legs like Saad and Shaw shined helped. Actually Saad more so, because Shaw was really consistent throughout.

My only reservation would be....

I think Bowman was down the same road with Columbus before so he knew they had a strong interest and also knew who was on his shopping list.

As you brought up the rubber may have met the road if Columbus wasn't as impressed with Saad and they backed off some while Bowman made a 4 yr offer for Bickell like money.

But as soon as Saads's agent knew a team, or two had a 6 year term in mind, Saad was priced out of Bowman's budget.


Saad is overpaid now imo, but if he continues to improve the last 3 years of his contract could be a bargain. .... the Hawks couldn't afford to take that chance.
- Al

Yeah, Al, I agree Saad's timely goals and solid anchor put him on many a team's radar.

Exactly. Can't begrudge the kid making a lot more money. Who of us would turn that down? Not me.
- howiehandles

No.

He really helped win a Cup, so no hard feelings on any of the "departing."

Morin is not part of any cap room issue. Any player can be buried in Rockford, and up to about $950k of their salary comes off the cap. So bury Morin of Garbutt or anyone else unde $950k in Rockford, and they're off the cap. Bury Bickell in Rockfork, and only $950 comes off his cap hit, $3m+ stays on the cap.
- Cmonalready

Yes anyone under a million is not a cap problem. These guys will also come into camp knowing their situation and will be ready to compete. If they don't pan out, waive them. If someone picks them up, then salaries are completely gone. If not, they give us depth from Rockford with no cap consequences.
I believe that Morin has been humbled enough to come into camp with a totally different mindset. I am hoping he surprises (in a good way) because I do like him as a player.

I do agree Bickell is over paid, if the Hawks do get rid of Bickell who is going to fill his shoes.

I'm watching the payoff games again and Bickell was very effective and anytime the opponent was squeezing Kane guess who was skating on the same line as Kane, that's right Bickell, what happened in the Bolts series when Bickell couldn't play they squeezed Kane and were effective doing it. So if Bickell goes I hope that AA can provide the same space for Kane if not we're going to have to win playoff games by 2-1 scores.

Yes anyone under a million is not a cap problem. These guys will also come into camp knowing their situation and will be ready to compete. If they don't pan out, waive them. If someone picks them up, then salaries are completely gone. If not, they give us depth from Rockford with no cap consequences.
I believe that Morin has been humbled enough to come into camp with a totally different mindset. I am hoping he surprises (in a good way) because I do like him as a player.
- 67hawks

Morin is who he is. He is now essentially a fringe-NHLer. The most bizarre thing about that trade with Columbus is picking up two completely useless pieces. Someone explained how CBJ needed to just unload people as they had max contracts, which isn't giving me any confidence Tropp and Morin can "surprise" anyone. I suspect Hartman, Danault assuming they are still here will fly by both of them on the depth chart.

I do agree Bickell is over paid, if the Hawks do get rid of Bickell who is going to fill his shoes.

I'm watching the payoff games again and Bickell was very effective and anytime the opponent was squeezing Kane guess who was skating on the same line as Kane, that's right Bickell, what happened in the Bolts series when Bickell couldn't play they squeezed Kane and were effective doing it. So if Bickell goes I hope that AA can provide the same space for Kane if not we're going to have to win playoff games by 2-1 scores.
- BetweenTheDots

Artem Anisimov will bring NOTHING in the way of physicality compared to Bickell (at least when Bickell is showing effort). Last year Anisimov had 33 hits in 52 games, basically he brings no physicality to the table. I assume the Hawks know this and are not counting on him to be a physical presence.

Artem Anisimov will bring NOTHING in the way of physicality compared to Bickell (at least when Bickell is showing effort). He may be a good player and may fit well with Kane, but he is just a big guy with some skill who doesn't hit. Put it this way, in 52 games last year Anisimov had 33 hits, basically he brings no physicality to the table. I assume the Hawks know this and are not counting on him to be a physical presence.
- kwolf68

Hawks focus on finesse over physicality. I wish they did have some more physical players, but I've come to accept that's just not their MO.

Hawks focus on finesse over physicality. I wish they did have some more physical players, but I've come to accept that's just not their MO.
- Hank3Henshaw

I agree. And it has worked well. Hitting everything in sight and fights are often just for show. Putting pucks into the net is where the Hawks focus their attention.

Artem Anisimov will bring NOTHING in the way of physicality compared to Bickell (at least when Bickell is showing effort). Last year Anisimov had 33 hits in 52 games, basically he brings no physicality to the table. I assume the Hawks know this and are not counting on him to be a physical presence.
- kwolf68

There's more to being physical than hitting.

I don't know boys. Without noone having being moved yet, especially Bickell. I think it is becoming increasingly likely that the Hawks part with or trade the rights for Kruger(in order to move Bickell).

or do they move Crawford?

....something has to give here soon.

Looking over my own spreadsheet and thinking about trades.

1) Bickell to Calgary for Deryk Engelland in return ($2.9M) -- net loss of $1.1M
2) Versteeg to Montreal for a few picks -- net loss of $2.2M
3) Sign Kruger for $2.5M
4) Baun stays up at $.853M (Q likes him a lot)
5) Assume plugs like Morin and Tropp are traded or buried in Rockford

This is $70.4M, which gives the Hawks $1M in cap space.

Before everyone says Engelland sucks, let's get Russell… Russell had something like 7 points for CGY in the playoffs, even though he was a -9. If I'm Treliving/Burke, I hold onto Russell over Engelland, yet try to move a D-man because of Dougie Hamilton's arrival and Giordano's return from injury.

I think it's this type of deal that might work, even if Calgary isn't the dance partner. The salary differential between Bickell and the return is only $1M, but we get back a depth D, even though he's still kind of expensive… It's still only $.7M more than Rozsival was payed the last two years.

This way, we also keep Shaw.
- DMChi2010

If the Engelland deal actually happens I want full credit for being the first to post the idea here (k5). It will mean that Stan read it here and pulled the trigger!

Posting from a tiny phone in the middle of Girona Spain. Too lazy and too hot to fix the underlining thing hahah.