that's what sucks about being in limbo with Kane and Bickell; other options are drying up
- matt_ahrens

I can share with you now that the Hawks were "in" on Erhoff and CHI was his FIRST choice, but with the Kane matter now, he was likely going to have to wait until AFTER training camp before the Hawks would be able to sign him...thus, the Kings become a good 2nd choice! You are exactly right, these things (Oduya as well) are the result of having your hands tied, which is why Bowman is moving forward with a plan to avoid this from ever happening again.

I can share with you now that the Hawks were "in" on Erhoff and CHI was his FIRST choice, but with the Kane matter now, he was likely going to have to wait until AFTER training camp before the Hawks would be able to sign him...thus, the Kings become a good 2nd choice! You are exactly right, these things (Oduya as well) are the result of having your hands tied, which is why Bowman is moving forward with a plan to avoid this from ever happening again.
- MexicoHawk

Agreed on this and with your previous post. Since the news broke in Buffalo 3 weeks ago, have thought #88 is destined to be a former Blackhawk - at the soonest possible time.

Bowman is really no different than a mid level manager in a corporation who is being ordered to fire his top salesman for conduct detrimental to the company.

Let me make a few remarks about all of the speculation and comments being made. First, a great thanks to JJ for being so talented and credible in the first place to HAVE SOURCES, these are people who wouldn't divulge private information to just anyone on the net...they do so to JJ because they know he is a very good ambassador for not only the Blackhawks, but for Hockey in general!

Now, as to JJ's rumours, I will say this once again, based on the amount of scenarios bantered about inside the offices of NHL GMs you could throw DARTS at the board and hit a discussed scenario! NHL GMs HAVE TO go over scenario after scenario to stay ahead of all that CAN happen at random when you are dealing with a team of 21+ human beings...sh$t happens.

The Canes are looking to move Jeff Skinner's contract, the Hawks are looking to move Bryan Bickell's contract...have they talked? MOST LIKELY YES, and indeed I can confirm that they have. Is a deal imminent between them? NO, there is simply too much up in the air for the Hawks right now. They need to either make a decision about Patrick Kane, or have a decision made for them before they do anything. But with LESS THAN A MONTH to the start of training camp, things are URGENT for the Hawks and they have feelers out EVERYWHERE in the hopes that they can get something done soon. Watch for it, as soon as something concrete is announced in the Kane matter the Hawks will make a move soon after. Right now, besides WPG and CAR, which JJ reported, the Hawks are STILL in contact with PHO, NJ and FLA about Bickell...those discussions a month earlier haven't just "gone away", anything is possible when it comes to Bryan Bickell and every line of conversation is being kept open!

I know for certain that WPG is prepared to deal with the Hawks on TWO different scenarios, one of which would include Bryan Bickell, and they don't really want him, so do the math on what would have to be included. As for the 2nd scenario, it involves Patrick Kane. WPG is one of those destinations that would accept Patrick Kane under the RIGHT circumstances, and they understand that a deal for Kane would likely mean he would miss part of the season! Someone asked yesterday "why would WPG be interested in CC when they have a good NHL prospect in waiting?" Really? You need to even ask this question? Why would Kevin Cheveldayoff still be interested in acquiring more Blackhawk players (like Andrew Ladd and Big Buff)? Gee, I don't know, maybe its because THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, and have been taught by the best coach in hockey? Have Ladd and Buff worked out well in WPG? What would acquiring Corey Crawford (and at the same time moving Pavelec) say to WPG fans? Maybe that we believe we can WIN NOW and Crawford knows a thing or two about winning Stanley Cups? No! The Jets have a 22 year old prospect who is the 2nd coming of Glen Hall...no issues there!

Even Bryan Bickell brings size, physicality, solid 2 way play, and toughness that any team can benefit from...add to the fact that Bickell has been on the roster for THREE Stanley Cups, and was a Conn Smythe finalist for one of them, and he's an ATTRACTIVE player! Certainly he has physical issues and his salary is high, but money can be taken back and there's only 2 years left on his deal, not like FOUR years on Skinner's massive deal!

JJ and I have had some discussions about this, and we both understand that the Hawks are in a tough spot right now, and as the defending Cup champions (and 3 in 6 years) they aren't going to receive any favours from anyone. Patrick Kane's actions (on the verge of his new massive deal set to kick in) were EXACTLY WHAT THE HAWKS DIDN'T NEED! And that statement goes far beyond just the speculation of whether he will be allowed to play or not! Right now, Bowman is going through scenarios where Kane will still be a Hawk but will have to miss part or all of the season, and whether his Cap hit can be removed or not. He is also going through a scenario where he will be ordered to TRADE Kane...and he is going through a scenario where Kane's contract is simply voided and he's released outright, because he can't play in the NHL (at least for a while). Do any of you actually think that Stan Bowman doesn't already have enough on his plate???

What some of you are incredibly still in denial over is the FACT that Kane could be not only suspended by the team or league, but could end up in JAIL! But it goes far, far beyond this discussion alone. Kane is now DAMAGED goods, regardless of how this all plays out. Before this mess, Kane was a young, talented player that showed up during crunch time...one of the most valuable commodities in the league and a player so good, that a few indiscretions could be overlooked. But now, he's a loose cannon and dangerous goods, because he is proving that he's not only dangerous to himself, but to others as well and NO TEAM will accept that without a STRICT and PUBLIC transformation! Kane is going to have to come public with his issues, go through some kind of "accepted" help program and be committed publicly to changing his life around! And believe me, this scenario is necessary in Chicago as well, if the Hawks decide to keep him!

Right now I am certain the Hawks are OPEN to both keeping and trading Kane away. Whether he stays or not will depend upon how the situation with the Police/Law turns out and how Kane decides to handle this. Because regardless of the perceived motives of the young woman involved, this is ALL on Patrick Kane. There have been TWO other incidents with Kane since 2012 that have not made the light of day, but that the Hawks are well aware of. How do you think Rocky and John feel about Kane in this precise moment with their GM already in dire straits with trying to fit a competitive team under the salary cap and two of their best players and perhaps best prospect already traded away??? Thrilled? Happy? Forgiving? Or perhaps angry and frustrated?

Understand the following, this is the "best scenario" for the Hawks with Kane. If Kane manages to avoid any legal charges against him and the Hawks decide to keep him after he agrees to come public with his problem(s) and pledges to change his lifestyle around, the Hawks are ONE more incident with Kane away from NOT BEING ABLE TO TRADE HIM FOR ANY VALUE, ever again! By keeping Kane they would be backing themselves into a corner that doesn't feature a way out...and this is the best scenario to boot. Is that the smart move?

Finally, if the Hawks do move Kane will they get equal value back for him? Of course not, there isn't another Patrick Kane out there! However, at this point, if Kane avoids criminal charges he STILL possesses significant value to a market that needs to win now...and those teams and owners EXIST! And as such, they have to give up value to get value. So to those who think that by trading Kane that the "Cup Days are over" in Chicago, think again. The heart and soul of this team has always been Jonathan Toews and the coaching of Joel Quenneville. As long as the Hawks add contributing pieces in any deal for Kane, they can still compete at the highest level. If the Hawks could trade Kane, for example, for Dustin Byfuglien and a TOP Jets prospect, how badly off would they be? A D core of Keith, Seabrook, Hammer, Buff, Daley and ANYBODY ELSE would be DOMINATING! And because Bowman has done so well in acquiring and developing the likes of Teravainen, Dano and Panarin, how badly off would our offence be when Q's system of offence is based upon forechecking, turnovers, and quick DZone breakouts? So if you choose to spout only "doom and gloom" over a possible Kane trade its only because you choose to...the Hawks can still win without Patrick Kane, but ONLY if there's value for trading him...and potentially there soon could be! And by keeping Kane, the Hawks risk NEVER again being able to trade him for any value...so again, which is the smart move?
- MexicoHawk

Hell of a post Mex, good analysis as usual. As John mentioned, it's impossible to predict what will happen over the next several months. However, the intrigue and possibilities make it sooo damn interesting. How Stan handles this, will be the defining moment of his tenure as GM. He can put to rest the critics of he just managed the team that Talon built, and put his stamp on the Hawks moving forward especially considering the bold trade of Saad earlier.

Moves will have to be made soon, considering the current Cap situation. How massive will the roster makeover be? Also, what marching orders have Wirtz and McD given Bowman? Again, an interesting time awaits.

I can share with you now that the Hawks were "in" on Erhoff and CHI was his FIRST choice, but with the Kane matter now, he was likely going to have to wait until AFTER training camp before the Hawks would be able to sign him...thus, the Kings become a good 2nd choice! You are exactly right, these things (Oduya as well) are the result of having your hands tied, which is why Bowman is moving forward with a plan to avoid this from ever happening again.
- MexicoHawk

Sorry but I just think the Kane situation is an excuse for not signing him.

LA is in a similar situation with voynov and Richards being unresolved.

Ehrhoff off the board... signed a great deal for 1.5M/1 year.

Hawks missed the boat there as they tread water in salary cap hell.

Sometimes I wonder who is a greater procrastinator - me in high school or Stan Bowman now.

Sorry but I just think the Kane situation is an excuse for not signing him.

LA is in a similar situation with voynov and Richards being unresolved.
- KINGS67

The Kings still have almost $5 million left in cap space while the Hawks
have a little more than $200,000 with Kruger left to sign.

Sorry but I just think the Kane situation is an excuse for not signing him.

LA is in a similar situation with voynov and Richards being unresolved.
- KINGS67

Sorry, but it is not an excuse at all. The reason, if true that Ehrhoff's first choice was Chicago (which was probably a best case scenario for him), that the Blackhawks did not sign him earlier is because they did not have the salary room to do so.

Early August rolled around, the Kane incident happened, and suddenly Stan and Co. have to figure out what is going to happen with Kane before shedding salary left, right, and centre, to sign Ehrhoff and Kruger, and any depth signings they may have wanted to make.

LA is not in a similar situation at all, because they have the cap room to make the signing. Chicago does not.

Perhaps this hawks administration remembers how the Fleury and Probert situations eventually worked out. Then Kane keeps making promises to fly right and stay out of the public view. It just could be they have had enough and don't want to deal with this kind of seemingly addictive compulsive personality thing anymore no matter what.

Ever buy a new expensive car and a year later see what else you could have done with the money? The hawks might have buyers remorse about Kane's contract after the latest Kane sideshow. The cap space might look real good to them about now.

Not saying Bowman is perfect, but he has been the best GM in the league for some time. I really doubt he made such an egregious error. I suspect it is more likely he had weak offers because every single team knew he was at a severe disadvantage and he made the best deal he could.
- jfkst1

Disagree, and it's real hard to evaluate him as such because of the hand he inherited in 2009. The best collection of young talent the league had seen in many years—and a cap problem. I think all would agree he's played the hand pretty well. But he's also had some slip-ups. Just hard to say he is and has been the best GM in the league for some time. That is highly debatable.

Other GMs have to build teams into playoff or Cup contenders, Bowman inherited a team that practically coasted it's first Cup the same year.

True, he remolded the roster a bit which led to Cup wins in 2013 and 2015. And he gets credit for that. But the core was already there.

And all the players he dealt or lost in 2010 and 2011 (Byfuglien, Ladd, Campbell, Brouwer, Versteeg, Niemi)? You know what he has to show for ALL those deals in TOTAL today?

(wait for it)

Philip Danault and Gustav Forsling.

No disrespect meant, but you can suspect all you want (as can I), I heard then and since from many high quality sources he definitely had at least one better offer at the draft from the team he eventually made the deal with: Dallas.

When I reported it, there were skeptics. I heard the Hawks rejected Dallas' offer. A DALLAS team official even said then (AFTER the alleged offer was rejected): "we have no interest in Patrick Sharp."

Oh yeah. Right.

Other deals went down, players traded and signed, the Hawks failed to move some salary, and the market eroded.

And Dallas got him for less.

Perhaps this hawks administration remembers how the Fleury and Probert situations eventually worked out. Then Kane keeps making promises to fly right and stay out of the public view. It just could be they have had enough and don't want to deal with this kind of seemingly addictive compulsive personality thing anymore no matter what.

Ever buy a new expensive car and a year later see what else you could have done with the money? The hawks might have buyers remorse about Kane's contract after the latest Kane sideshow. The cap space might look real good to them about now.
- 6628

Almost not fair to lump Probert in there as he ADMITTED he had a problem and got treatment and was sober for much of his stay in Chicago. Guy was sick, but he fought it. Theo . . . ugh . . . but God bless him for what he's doing with his life now.

It ALL comes down to whether the player will take responsibility and address it. I know of one player right now who gets ripped across all the Hawk blogs (I won't say who or what team, but you can guess) who has quietly taken responsibility like a MAN and deserves everyone's respect.

Hell of a post Mex, good analysis as usual. As John mentioned, it's impossible to predict what will happen over the next several months. However, the intrigue and possibilities make it sooo damn interesting. How Stan handles this, will be the defining moment of his tenure as GM. He can put to rest the critics of he just managed the team that Talon built, and put his stamp on the Hawks moving forward especially considering the bold trade of Saad earlier.

Moves will have to be made soon, considering the current Cap situation. How massive will the roster makeover be? Also, what marching orders have Wirtz and McD given Bowman? Again, an interesting time awaits.
- TexasFlood

That's so true, this really has become Stan Bowman's team, if wasn't already.

Ehrhoff off the board... signed a great deal for 1.5M/1 year.

Hawks missed the boat there as they tread water in salary cap hell.

Sometimes I wonder who is a greater procrastinator - me in high school or Stan Bowman now.
- TyCamScore

I think he has more pressing issues he has to deal with now. Hence the anger/frustration with 88. #it'snotprocrastination

Disagree, and it's real hard to evaluate him as such because of the hand he inherited in 2009. The best collection of young talent the league had seen in many years—and a cap problem. I think all would agree he's played the hand pretty well. But he's also had some slip-ups. Just hard to say he is and has been the best GM in the league for some time. That is highly debatable.

Other GMs have to build teams into playoff or Cup contenders, Bowman inherited a team that practically coasted it's first Cup the same year.

True, he remolded the roster a bit which led to Cup wins in 2013 and 2015. And he gets credit for that. But the core was already there.

And all the players he dealt or lost in 2010 and 2011 (Byfuglien, Ladd, Campbell, Brouwer, Versteeg, Niemi)? You know what he has to show for ALL those deals in TOTAL today?

(wait for it)

Philip Danault and Gustav Forsling.

No disrespect meant, but you can suspect all you want (as can I), I heard then and since from many high quality sources he definitely had at least one better offer at the draft from the team he eventually made the deal with: Dallas.

When I reported it, there were skeptics. I heard the Hawks rejected Dallas' offer. A DALLAS team official even said then (AFTER the alleged offer was rejected): "we have no interest in Patrick Sharp."

Oh yeah. Right.

Other deals went down, players traded and signed, the Hawks failed to move some salary, and the market eroded.

And Dallas got him for less.
- John Jaeckel

Bowman hasn't had it ez and overall has been better than average but not as good as some who have had less to work with..

We can all disagree as to what was out there for Sharp but making the deal Bowman did cost the Hawks Oduya and possibly at least on other regular.

Oduya signed for same term left on Daley's deal for about $450k more... By not being able to shed Sharp's salary there were consequence...

So before he can be judged on this summer's dealing the players acquired from Dallas need to be evaluated. Maybe in the end it will all work out but the jury is still out.

Would this deal involve another transaction with the Stars?
- DarthKane

No, not the one I heard of

Sorry, but it is not an excuse at all. The reason, if true that Ehrhoff's first choice was Chicago (which was probably a best case scenario for him), that the Blackhawks did not sign him earlier is because they did not have the salary room to do so.

Early August rolled around, the Kane incident happened, and suddenly Stan and Co. have to figure out what is going to happen with Kane before shedding salary left, right, and centre, to sign Ehrhoff and Kruger, and any depth signings they may have wanted to make.

LA is not in a similar situation at all, because they have the cap room to make the signing. Chicago does not.
- raiger

Kings 5MM isn't really a guarantee because Voynov could be back as well as Richards. DL didn't wait until those are resolved. Playing with fire? Maybe.

BTW Mexico didn't say anything about the cap situation he mentioned the Hawks didn't sign him due to the Kane situation. Which is why I pointed out that's an excuse.

Kane's situation would really have no impact on signing someone, unless they thought Kane's situation would resolve its self before October which it doesn't look like it. The problem is one cap space and two trying to get rid of a contract (which most likely wouldn't be Kane's)


Teams can be over the cap before the season.

Bowman hasn't had it ez and overall has been better than average but not as good as some who have had less to work with..

We can all disagree as to what was out there for Sharp but making the deal Bowman did cost the Hawks Oduya and possibly at least on other regular.

Oduya signed for same term left on Daley's deal for about $450k more... By not being able to shed Sharp's salary there were consequence...

So before he can be judged on this summer's dealing the players acquired from Dallas need to be evaluated. Maybe in the end it will all work out but the jury is still out.
- Al

I have a feeling the Saad deal will end up looking good in hindsight, especially if Dano becomes the kind of player some believe he is capable of being.

I have a feeling the Saad deal will end up looking good in hindsight, especially if Dano becomes the kind of player some believe he is capable of being.
- John Jaeckel

I think Saad's deal has the potential to be a great deal... Even if Saad turns into a true stud. May net two top 6 forwards or two top 9 players.

Interesting because Bowman made a trade and got paid well for not having much leverage at all.

Disagree, and it's real hard to evaluate him as such because of the hand he inherited in 2009. The best collection of young talent the league had seen in many years—and a cap problem. I think all would agree he's played the hand pretty well. But he's also had some slip-ups. Just hard to say he is and has been the best GM in the league for some time. That is highly debatable.

Other GMs have to build teams into playoff or Cup contenders, Bowman inherited a team that practically coasted it's first Cup the same year.

True, he remolded the roster a bit which led to Cup wins in 2013 and 2015. And he gets credit for that. But the core was already there.

And all the players he dealt or lost in 2010 and 2011 (Byfuglien, Ladd, Campbell, Brouwer, Versteeg, Niemi)? You know what he has to show for ALL those deals in TOTAL today?

(wait for it)

Philip Danault and Gustav Forsling.

No disrespect meant, but you can suspect all you want (as can I), I heard then and since from many high quality sources he definitely had at least one better offer at the draft from the team he eventually made the deal with: Dallas.

When I reported it, there were skeptics. I heard the Hawks rejected Dallas' offer. A DALLAS team official even said then (AFTER the alleged offer was rejected): "we have no interest in Patrick Sharp."

Oh yeah. Right.

Other deals went down, players traded and signed, the Hawks failed to move some salary, and the market eroded.

And Dallas got him for less.
- John Jaeckel

Bowman has supplemented the core with great depth and core contracts that made your dynasty possible. Many GMs have failed with strong cores before. He was one of the first to utilize analytics in decisions. Which GM has been better?

In regards to sources, the same source that said Rutherford was getting fired after the season also said the Kessel deal was done hours before anyone else. Unless it is a major reporter with reliable sources, the rumor should be met with skepticism at best.

outstanding insight as usual Mexico. I think my greatest fear is Chicago winds up having to use an out clause like LA did with their two players on the grounds of a moral breach of contract and wines up getting rid of some pretty valuable chips. I can't imagine seeing Winnipeg with Crawford and Chicago with Pavelec in net. if Chicago is able to trade saad and bickell and somehow get back aa, Dano and Skinner Stan should get GM of the year. Mexico and JJ, question for you. What sort of timeframe do you see all of these moves potentially happening? immediate future or closer to camp?

Let me make a few remarks about all of the speculation and comments being made. First, a great thanks to JJ for being so talented and credible in the first place to HAVE SOURCES, these are people who wouldn't divulge private information to just anyone on the net...they do so to JJ because they know he is a very good ambassador for not only the Blackhawks, but for Hockey in general!

Now, as to JJ's rumours, I will say this once again, based on the amount of scenarios bantered about inside the offices of NHL GMs you could throw DARTS at the board and hit a discussed scenario! NHL GMs HAVE TO go over scenario after scenario to stay ahead of all that CAN happen at random when you are dealing with a team of 21+ human beings...sh$t happens.

The Canes are looking to move Jeff Skinner's contract, the Hawks are looking to move Bryan Bickell's contract...have they talked? MOST LIKELY YES, and indeed I can confirm that they have. Is a deal imminent between them? NO, there is simply too much up in the air for the Hawks right now. They need to either make a decision about Patrick Kane, or have a decision made for them before they do anything. But with LESS THAN A MONTH to the start of training camp, things are URGENT for the Hawks and they have feelers out EVERYWHERE in the hopes that they can get something done soon. Watch for it, as soon as something concrete is announced in the Kane matter the Hawks will make a move soon after. Right now, besides WPG and CAR, which JJ reported, the Hawks are STILL in contact with PHO, NJ and FLA about Bickell...those discussions a month earlier haven't just "gone away", anything is possible when it comes to Bryan Bickell and every line of conversation is being kept open!

I know for certain that WPG is prepared to deal with the Hawks on TWO different scenarios, one of which would include Bryan Bickell, and they don't really want him, so do the math on what would have to be included. As for the 2nd scenario, it involves Patrick Kane. WPG is one of those destinations that would accept Patrick Kane under the RIGHT circumstances, and they understand that a deal for Kane would likely mean he would miss part of the season! Someone asked yesterday "why would WPG be interested in CC when they have a good NHL prospect in waiting?" Really? You need to even ask this question? Why would Kevin Cheveldayoff still be interested in acquiring more Blackhawk players (like Andrew Ladd and Big Buff)? Gee, I don't know, maybe its because THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, and have been taught by the best coach in hockey? Have Ladd and Buff worked out well in WPG? What would acquiring Corey Crawford (and at the same time moving Pavelec) say to WPG fans? Maybe that we believe we can WIN NOW and Crawford knows a thing or two about winning Stanley Cups? No! The Jets have a 22 year old prospect who is the 2nd coming of Glen Hall...no issues there!

Even Bryan Bickell brings size, physicality, solid 2 way play, and toughness that any team can benefit from...add to the fact that Bickell has been on the roster for THREE Stanley Cups, and was a Conn Smythe finalist for one of them, and he's an ATTRACTIVE player! Certainly he has physical issues and his salary is high, but money can be taken back and there's only 2 years left on his deal, not like FOUR years on Skinner's massive deal!

JJ and I have had some discussions about this, and we both understand that the Hawks are in a tough spot right now, and as the defending Cup champions (and 3 in 6 years) they aren't going to receive any favours from anyone. Patrick Kane's actions (on the verge of his new massive deal set to kick in) were EXACTLY WHAT THE HAWKS DIDN'T NEED! And that statement goes far beyond just the speculation of whether he will be allowed to play or not! Right now, Bowman is going through scenarios where Kane will still be a Hawk but will have to miss part or all of the season, and whether his Cap hit can be removed or not. He is also going through a scenario where he will be ordered to TRADE Kane...and he is going through a scenario where Kane's contract is simply voided and he's released outright, because he can't play in the NHL (at least for a while). Do any of you actually think that Stan Bowman doesn't already have enough on his plate???

What some of you are incredibly still in denial over is the FACT that Kane could be not only suspended by the team or league, but could end up in JAIL! But it goes far, far beyond this discussion alone. Kane is now DAMAGED goods, regardless of how this all plays out. Before this mess, Kane was a young, talented player that showed up during crunch time...one of the most valuable commodities in the league and a player so good, that a few indiscretions could be overlooked. But now, he's a loose cannon and dangerous goods, because he is proving that he's not only dangerous to himself, but to others as well and NO TEAM will accept that without a STRICT and PUBLIC transformation! Kane is going to have to come public with his issues, go through some kind of "accepted" help program and be committed publicly to changing his life around! And believe me, this scenario is necessary in Chicago as well, if the Hawks decide to keep him!

Right now I am certain the Hawks are OPEN to both keeping and trading Kane away. Whether he stays or not will depend upon how the situation with the Police/Law turns out and how Kane decides to handle this. Because regardless of the perceived motives of the young woman involved, this is ALL on Patrick Kane. There have been TWO other incidents with Kane since 2012 that have not made the light of day, but that the Hawks are well aware of. How do you think Rocky and John feel about Kane in this precise moment with their GM already in dire straits with trying to fit a competitive team under the salary cap and two of their best players and perhaps best prospect already traded away??? Thrilled? Happy? Forgiving? Or perhaps angry and frustrated?

Understand the following, this is the "best scenario" for the Hawks with Kane. If Kane manages to avoid any legal charges against him and the Hawks decide to keep him after he agrees to come public with his problem(s) and pledges to change his lifestyle around, the Hawks are ONE more incident with Kane away from NOT BEING ABLE TO TRADE HIM FOR ANY VALUE, ever again! By keeping Kane they would be backing themselves into a corner that doesn't feature a way out...and this is the best scenario to boot. Is that the smart move?

Finally, if the Hawks do move Kane will they get equal value back for him? Of course not, there isn't another Patrick Kane out there! However, at this point, if Kane avoids criminal charges he STILL possesses significant value to a market that needs to win now...and those teams and owners EXIST! And as such, they have to give up value to get value. So to those who think that by trading Kane that the "Cup Days are over" in Chicago, think again. The heart and soul of this team has always been Jonathan Toews and the coaching of Joel Quenneville. As long as the Hawks add contributing pieces in any deal for Kane, they can still compete at the highest level. If the Hawks could trade Kane, for example, for Dustin Byfuglien and a TOP Jets prospect, how badly off would they be? A D core of Keith, Seabrook, Hammer, Buff, Daley and ANYBODY ELSE would be DOMINATING! And because Bowman has done so well in acquiring and developing the likes of Teravainen, Dano and Panarin, how badly off would our offence be when Q's system of offence is based upon forechecking, turnovers, and quick DZone breakouts? So if you choose to spout only "doom and gloom" over a possible Kane trade its only because you choose to...the Hawks can still win without Patrick Kane, but ONLY if there's value for trading him...and potentially there soon could be! And by keeping Kane, the Hawks risk NEVER again being able to trade him for any value...so again, which is the smart move?
- MexicoHawk

I don't know if you're referring to my comments from yesterday about why the jets would be interested in cc, but let's start first with Chevy. As you're probably aware, Ladd and buff both came when the team relocated from Atlanta. So Chevy didn't. Acquire these players, but rather, he inherented them.

Secondly, I said forget the fact we have the number one tender prospect. Jets are not going to trade for cc, a 6 million hit, when they know they need to sign Ladd, buff is due as well but I think he gets traded.... plus in addition to sign Lowry, schifele and trouba.

The cc to the jets is more wishful thinking to get out of cap hell then reality.

What the club also may have to prepare for is a scenario similar to that of Voynov in LA, that is a legal process that keeps the Hawks from playing Kane or relieving themselves of his cap hit. So, the club, at least until there is some resolution, would be 1 man short and 10 million less on their team cap hit. Talk about handcuffs.

I heard from a friend in professional sports who says that in close circles, Kane is known as a black out drunk. That at certain points in the night, under certain circumstances, he is "high risk". Take it with a grain...just sharing.

Its simply a question of looking up the returns for superstars involved in trades over the last 20 years.... They almost never return equal value... I Won't speak for all organizations but Pittsburgh would not have traded Crosby or Malkin for him before the scandal.... Simply put there both are centers and honestly both are better.... Kessel although not as good as Kane is making 4 million dollars less and Letang/ Maatta are to important for the d.... Now add the scandal to the equation... Unless Chicago is accepting a package of Rob Scuderi, Kunitz and Beau Bennett and eating 3 million per of Kane's contract it not happening. (No one in their right mind would make that deal from Chicago's side).... I assume other teams are in very similar situations considering its late August....Experts no... just seems like common sense considering the facts
- Brianandr1

Lol.
Penguin trades

A General Manager with big enough coconuts could rationalize to himself that trading #88 is the right thing to do just on the basis that his continued off ice conduct issues related to a bad circle of friends, alcohol abuse and possibly other substances (if true and substantiated) will inevitably lead to a decline in on ice performance and increase the frequency of lost games to injury.

Very risky business all the way round for Stanbo and associates.
- RickJ

I think this as well, everything is relative, some say you can win a cup without Kane, maybe, but you have with Kane and you have a formula for it, that's why I think AA was brought here to compliment him.

Seeing what we got in return for Sharp, Leddy and so on over the past 5 years knowing we had to trade these guys did not overwhelmingly go in our favor, many didn't end up going in our favor at all, our best trade was Saad imo.

Highest paid player in the league, legal and integrity issues equals crappy return, or put another way I'll believe it when I see it, skeptical VERY

Disagree. Again, if you don't know the return on a deal for Kane, how can you possibly say that?

You don't know how good Panarin is, for example. I hear whispers this guy is going to be a huge star. Are they right? I don't know. None of us do. How much better will TT get? Because he will. Dano?
- John Jaeckel

Great points, JJ..... we have a number of young players who are on the cusp of possibly turning into really good if not great NHL players. This bodes well for long term success, with or without Kaner.

Bowman has supplemented the core with great depth and core contracts that made your dynasty possible. Many GMs have failed with strong cores before. He was one of the first to utilize analytics in decisions. Which GM has been better?

In regards to sources, the same source that said Rutherford was getting fired after the season also said the Kessel deal was done hours before anyone else. Unless it is a major reporter with reliable sources, the rumor should be met with skepticism at best.
- jfkst1

Define "major reporter." because I think by your definition, my original source on the Sharp to Toronto rumor (including the specifics I reported) would be a "major reporter." A very major reporter. That particular "major reporter" just doesn't go out with trade rumors. Not their thing.

Also, please tell me ONE GM who has inherited a core as good or better than:

Toews,
Kane,
Keith,
Hossa,
Seabrook,
Hjalmarsson,
Sharp

—all in or entering their primes.

Name one.