He'll ask for a release from a 2-year $2.1MM deal?

Unlikely - but he'll be "loaned" to some team (like Huet was), with Rocky picking up the difference between what his European salary will be and the total contract.

Hawks have to eat $100K in cap space, tho....
- StLBravesFan

Rundblad could terminate his contract like Damien Brunner. The Hawks could play hardball and tell him the AHL is the only option to see what he will do. Going to Europe appears to be his desire and not necessarily the team's.

A loan is more likely but not a given.

I don't know that he is or isn't a character guy but Daley has played in the Hawk division since this regime has been here. Hard to believe management didn't have a pretty good book on Daley.

Could just be the Hawks had to take him, whether they wanted him or not, to move Sharp money, just don't know.
- Mr Ricochet

Good point. If so, Nill completely OWNED Stan in that deal.

Sage, tred or anyone do you know for sure how much Runblad going overseas effects his cap hit?
- Mr Ricochet

This is why I hope for termination. Cap hit would be entirely gone. If he is loaned to Europe I believe they still get the same $950k they would get for sending him to Rockford. It also may depend on his contract language whether he is paid or not. Per CBA....

"11.19 Loan to Clubs Outside North America. The SPC of any Player may contain a clause that provides that, in the event his NHL Club Loans the Player to a club outside the NHL, during the period of such Loan, the Player shall have the option to be Loaned to a club of his choice outside North America. The clause may relieve the NHL Club of the obligation to pay the Player his Paragraph 1 Salary for the duration of such Loan if such relief is expressly stated in the provision, but the NHL Club shall otherwise be responsible for all other payments due to the Player by the NHL Club pursuant to his SPC. Such clause shall be subject to any applicable Player Transfer Agreement between the NHL and a hockey federation and/or the IIHF in effect, at the time of the Loan. The Player shall be permitted to make financial arrangements for compensation and other benefits with the club outside North America for the duration of the Loan, which financial compensation and benefits shall not be included in Averaged Club Salary, Actual Club Salary, League-wide Player Compensation or the Players' Share. The Club shall be required to provide to the NHL and the NHLPA in accordance with Exhibit 3 any loan agreement entered into in relation to such Loan by no later than 5:00 p.m. New York time on the day following the day the Club has received the executed loan agreement."

[quote=MexicoHawk]

As for "missing his assignment" by allowing the opposing Centre to skate free after a lost draw, its because sometimes he's trying to do too much, he wanted to make up for his "mistake" (a DZone lost draw) by following the puck...Q will have reminded him to "stay within himself" and to remember his responsibilities...trying to "save the world" isn't one of them...he'll learn.

I raised this concern about Danault and no doubt it's easily correctable.

Thing with Phillip that has really impressed is his JUMP. Dude has great wheels, and even more impressive since he's coming back (I believe) from hip surgery. Credit to him and Goodman and co. for getting him back so STRONG.

Question is, what does Danault's emergence do when Kruger is ready to return ?

And P.S. Toews is THE LAST guy anyone should be worrying about.
- philco28

This question is assuming that Rasmussen does what it takes to stay going forward. He hasn't been getting a ton of ice time as of late. The emergence of Danault could be a huge plus. As someone mentioned on here, having 19-15-24-16 down the middle would be pretty sweet, assuming Danault is here to stay.

This question is assuming that Rasmussen does what it takes to stay going forward. He hasn't been getting a ton of ice time as of late. The emergence of Danault could be a huge plus. As someone mentioned on here, having 19-15-24-16 down the middle would be pretty sweet, assuming Danault is here to stay.
- 333inthe3rd

If Kruger's wrist is 100% in April, his return (healthy and rested) would be a nice boost for this team.

Thanks Mex. As usual tons of great points. But the one bolded is the most interesting to me. Centers NEED finishers. And the Hawks must find them. Whatever options exist MUST be explored. Hell, if we can FIND that player IN HOUSE it means no trade is necessary (unless they really want to beef up the Defense by going after a Top 4 type player, which wouldn't hurt my feelings). I think you win with Defense anyway....
- kwolf68

IMO if Hossa moving to LW is an option, TT deserves the first crack at 1st line RW - not Dano.

Ryan is a great read, but has his opinions that he chooses to back up with analytical stats, which if you ask anyone should be taken as a 'whole set' not just 'singular stat' which is the case a lot of the time. Don't get me wrong, he knows hockey but also has his opinion on things.

Have you ever seen him criticise Sid or Geno? There were definite & still are issues with the offence, but when the puck is there & the goal in front of whoever, you can't blame transition on a missed goal from that point. Add the F turning over the puck or passing badly to each other, there are many issues not related to the D specifically.

Daley has already put points on the board, & made plays that Scuds isn't capable of just through his speed. As I said I have no great expectations for us this season but believe our D will be very good very soon.

Also doesn't really matter what Johnston wants anymore! Sullivans opinion & needs are much more important.

Edit: Our shooting % at the moment is disgraceful, again can the D be blamed for that?
- Aussiepenguin

Ryan has very thoughtful blogs as you say backed up by analytics. I'm an old guy but open to fancy stats but the more I follow them the more I'm not sure. Some fancy stats say Leddy is a top 5 Dman in the NHL triggering/driving an offense. I like the kid but my eyes will never tell me that.

Fancy stats in context supported by the eye test is the way I look at this whole new way of "evaluating".

I'd imagine criticizing Sid is blashemy and IMO Malkin is the single most beastly hockey player on earth, OV/Kane/Benn/Seguin included, when he comes to play or isn't injured. But no, I haven't read him get on those two, but agreed with him on Johnston way back.

This question is assuming that Rasmussen does what it takes to stay going forward. He hasn't been getting a ton of ice time as of late. The emergence of Danault could be a huge plus. As someone mentioned on here, having 19-15-24-16 down the middle would be pretty sweet, assuming Danault is here to stay.
- 333inthe3rd

I thought today that the 4th line with Denault was getting 12-13 minutes and was very effective. Then he's moved to the 3rd line with Desi and that line takes off and Rasmussen is moved to the 4th and it get 6 minutes and ain't too good. Of course he gets Mash or Bickell as a wing.

Right now a Rasmussen line is a weak link. Wonder if we'll see Kero back any time soon?

Pretty much accurate. The Pens have had multiple issues so far but things seem to be turning around. Crosby has finally started to look like himself again.

Still the D is a concern. Just like every other team, they'll be looking for a 3 or 4 if they climb back into a playoff spot. Gonna be an expensive year at the deadline because so many teams want the same thing.
- madmike71

Yea a little breath of fresh air and light at the end of the tunnel (hopefully) for Pens fans this last little while. .... And it seems Fluery will be back soon although Murray has been lights out and Zatkof very good.

Rough season so far especially with hopes high with Kessel coming over.

Tallon signs a 3 year extension.. Good for Dale and the Cats.
- Mr Ricochet

Uncle Dale should still be the GM here! He has to be doing something right to have that stable load of young talent, The next move which would probably be the best move for that franchise would be to get the hell out of Florida and move into a hockey market like Quebec. Even though it is met with much resistance to some, being impartial , Stan Bowman is no where near Dale Tallon when it comes to taking a franchise in shambles and being able to build it into a winner, Dale has did it in one city and I think it will follow suit in a second city, and a franchise move to hockey crazed Quebec will speed up the process with additional resources. Stan Bowman walked into a great situation here, other than the Panerin and maybe Vermette move, his grade is about a D when it comes to trades. Plus he has 6guys now navigating him in future moves by committee. Sorry boys , I am a Tallon fan and thought he got the shaft from Daddy Bowman and Mr. Cub . So in the approaching trade deadline season, be careful for what we wish for. Stand Pat, bring up Dano and let him play!

Yea a little breath of fresh air and light at the end of the tunnel (hopefully) for Pens fans this last little while. .... And it seems Fluery will be back soon although Murray has been lights out and Zatkof very good.

Rough season so far especially with hopes high with Kessel coming over.
- Mr Ricochet

Yes agree with you there! Unfortunately potential gets you nothing in the real world & hopefully the team can start 'performing' up to their potential - especially with the next 3 games we have!

Uncle Dale should still be the GM here! He has to be doing something right to have that stable load of young talent, The next move which would probably be the best move for that franchise would be to get the hell out of Florida and move into a hockey market like Quebec. Even though it is met with much resistance to some, being impartial , Stan Bowman is no where near Dale Tallon when it comes to taking a franchise in shambles and being able to build it into a winner, Dale has did it in one city and I think it will follow suit in a second city, and a franchise move to hockey crazed Quebec will speed up the process with additional resources. Stan Bowman walked into a great situation here, other than the Panerin and maybe Vermette move, his grade is about a D when it comes to trades. Plus he has 6guys now navigating him in future moves by committee. Sorry boys , I am a Tallon fan and thought he got the shaft from Daddy Bowman and Mr. Cub . So in the approaching trade deadline season, be careful for what we wish for. Stand Pat, bring up Dano and let him play!
- wonthecup10

Ryan has very thoughtful blogs as you say backed up by analytics. I'm an old guy but open to fancy stats but the more I follow them the more I'm not sure. Some fancy stats say Leddy is a top 5 Dman in the NHL triggering/driving an offense. I like the kid but my eyes will never tell me that.

Fancy stats in context supported by the eye test is the way I look at this whole new way of "evaluating".

I'd imagine criticizing Sid is blashemy and IMO Malkin is the single most beastly hockey player on earth, OV/Kane/Benn/Seguin included, when he comes to play or isn't injured. But no, I haven't read him get on those two, but agreed with him on Johnston way back.
- Mr Ricochet

I won't get into it but my opinion of individual analytical data isn't very high. Team Corsi I can accept but that's as far as I will go before I'll call any Corsi based stat an average at best. It's highly regarded by a lot of people but I've found those same people reject plus minus as a legitimate stat even though Corsi is formulated the same way??

Yes no doubt about Geno, when he's on he is unstoppable. Lately his line has been getting scored on quite a lot which is concerning, but hopefully he can score more!

Long time reader, first time poster. Thought I'd take the 1st day of the year to thank John and most/all posters for feeding my Hawks news cravings these past few years. JJ- keep up the good work and thanks for the time you invest in this pursuit.

Although now an E-coast resident, grew up in Chicago and played hockey as a kid in the 60's, then through HS and club in college (now in old man league just for exersize.) Was looking through some old photos over holiday, and found some personally valuable pics of when I was a kid posing with B.Hull, E. Nesterenko, Stan the Man and some others at the old Northbrook practice facility (where I played pee-wee.) My 19 year old was amused but mostly wondered who were those guys and how good was Bobby, Stan etc.. Made me feel old!

Was a season tix holder back at the barn but moved east for business reasons a couple seasons before they moved out and into the UC. Have had my son (who I coached up until HS), back to see a PO game each of the Cup years so far, and he doesn't know how good he has it being a Hawks fan in this era (did that right as a father!) Incredible to see this age of hockey as a born and bread Hawks fan- enjoy it fellas!

I thought today that the 4th line with Denault was getting 12-13 minutes and was very effective. Then he's moved to the 3rd line with Desi and that line takes off and Rasmussen is moved to the 4th and it get 6 minutes and ain't too good. Of course he gets Mash or Bickell as a wing.

Right now a Rasmussen line is a weak link. Wonder if we'll see Kero back any time soon?
- Mr Ricochet

Or both!!! POOOOOOP!

Garbutt + Rasmussen + ?????

Surely Hartman/Kero/Dano/Hinostroza > Bickell/Mashinter at wing to fill in the ?????? above.

Uncle Dale should still be the GM here! He has to be doing something right to have that stable load of young talent, The next move which would probably be the best move for that franchise would be to get the hell out of Florida and move into a hockey market like Quebec. Even though it is met with much resistance to some, being impartial , Stan Bowman is no where near Dale Tallon when it comes to taking a franchise in shambles and being able to build it into a winner, Dale has did it in one city and I think it will follow suit in a second city, and a franchise move to hockey crazed Quebec will speed up the process with additional resources. Stan Bowman walked into a great situation here, other than the Panerin and maybe Vermette move, his grade is about a D when it comes to trades. Plus he has 6guys now navigating him in future moves by committee. Sorry boys , I am a Tallon fan and thought he got the shaft from Daddy Bowman and Mr. Cub . So in the approaching trade deadline season, be careful for what we wish for. Stand Pat, bring up Dano and let him play!
- wonthecup10

Uncle Dale did a nice job in rebuilding in Chicago - without any cap issues or pressure.

He's doing a nice job in Miami (Sunrise?) against without any cap pressure - Florida has over $6MM in cap space right not.

What would he have been able to do if he had Stan's cap problems - what would Stan have been able to do with Dale's cap space?

And - he hasn't yet been a dramatic success at Miami: one play-off first round exit in five years as GM.

Let's see what happens to this year's team when their 7-game winning streak (which is what they've ridden to their 2nd place standing) ends.

I won't get into it but my opinion of individual analytical data isn't very high. Team Corsi I can accept but that's as far as I will go before I'll call any Corsi based stat an average at best. It's highly regarded by a lot of people but I've found those same people reject plus minus as a legitimate stat even though Corsi is formulated the same way??

Yes no doubt about Geno, when he's on he is unstoppable. Lately his line has been getting scored on quite a lot which is concerning, but hopefully he can score more!
- Aussiepenguin

For me the only stats that matter defensively are legitimate quality scoring chances for the opponent and the 5 guys who are on the ice when these chances occur, doesn't fall on one guy this falls on all 5.

The thing about Scuderi is yes he is old and slow but I would also imagine he is still learning the system.

As for Lazerus' story, i think this team had more than enough bottom six guys to go to war with in the postseason. I think getting a 1LW deepens the lineup and moves someone like Shaw and TT down to the bottom six. Assuming they acquire a 1LW I can see the bottom six being some combo of Kruger, Shaw, Desjardins, Danault, TT, and Rasmussen. Hopefully Bicks is gone and Mashinter a black ace.

Uncle Dale did a nice job in rebuilding in Chicago - without any cap issues or pressure.

He's doing a nice job in Miami (Sunrise?) against without any cap pressure - Florida has over $6MM in cap space right not.

What would he have been able to do if he had Stan's cap problems - what would Stan have been able to do with Dale's cap space?

And - he hasn't yet been a dramatic success at Miami: one play-off first round exit in five years as GM.

Let's see what happens to this year's team when their 7-game winning streak (which is what they've ridden to their 2nd place standing) ends.
- StLBravesFan

I agree, I am happy for Dale,I am 1 who will never waver my loyalty and gratitude to him for helping to make the Hawks relevant again,felthe was the ultimate "hockey Daddy" to some of those young kids in 07-10. I know others like Bowman, but his trade record stinks, I"ll give ya drafting TT and finding Panerin. Just felt he was wronged here after he rebuilt this mess here into a Dynasty. The Bowmans were behind his ousting ,yet some want to annoint SB as the second coming of Christ. I just worry about him making any significant trades at the deadline, look what he Pee'd up for Timmonen for example. I am afraid he will pee up TT or Dano for someone he can't re sign or is past his prime for a run.......Patrick Marleau for example. JMO. That is all. P

I have been talking up Danault for a long time and there was NEVER any doubt he'd be a good NHL player. He has already in short time gotten to where I thought he projected (L3-C). Without him, our team would be in a bit of a mess, but he has stabilized first the fourth line after Krug went down and has now added to our third line. His leadership, character, heart, tenacity and just raw skating talent can't be denied. SOOOO happy we did not move him. He's in Chicago for the next few years. NO ONE projects into L3-C anytime soon, so he's the man.

Oh yea, LOVE ME some #52. While the drafting has been meh over the last few years had we snagged Panarin and Gus in "the draft" that would have been considered major wins.

Scuderi. Another sorry trade. Getting Daley was costly but then you gave him away for a guy Pittsburgh would have probably wanted to just cut anyway. NO WAY the Hawks couldn't have gotten a 6th rounder for him? Another "makes no sense" trade. Scuderi NEVER fit UNLESS it was as a 'backup plan' for Rosy (which it still may be)

Toews bashing. I read the game thread earlier this morning and restricting myself from calling out the absolute morans beating this guy up. The guy has been in Chicago for what 8 years now and has done NOTHING but inspire greatness from his team, helped bring us 3 Cups, been arguably the finest leader the NHL has seen since Mess or Yzerman and has a 2 and a half month stretch where he isn't producing quite at his historic clip and he takes a royal beating? Even comparisons to Bickell were made? This defies logic. LET ME KNOW when Toews gives NO effort, floats, plays like he doesn't care THEN and ONLY then can such asinine comparisons be made. Was sweet to see 19 end that one last night

Forsling. Watched the WJ game and I like him. However, he did get out skated on one of of Canadas goals. Seemed to be coasting. Poor play. However, I liked his instincts a lot, he wasn't afraid of a strong forecheck and had good command on the powerplay for the Swedes. THIS trade may eventually be one of those good ones for Stan. Speaking of Canada...and I love that country, but I had to LMAO at their fans rousing cheering of HUGE hits on Swedes despite having their ass kicked on the scoreboard. This is the meathead mentality I can't stand. Sweden outskated and outplayed them...Canada got in the big hits. Who won? Exactly. Sign me up a Swedish player ANY DAY (as long as his name isn't Rundblad)

Defense. I am STILL not convinced it is as good as last year (minus JO), but I do think it IS deeper. Give me Gus + Rosy any day over kimo + cumiskey or whatever the hell we were running out there last playoffs. Hawks CAN NOT rely on top 4 to play the minutes they did last year.

The only real missing piece right now may be the winger to slide in with 19 and 81. If we can't get that then a top 4 guy to further improve our depth would be an option. Which is harder to get? Adding EITHER would vault the Hawks into the top 3 or 4 candidates in the West (right now we're merely top 8). Get both and the Hawks could be odds on favorite AGAIN. Doubt we can get both and it SOUNDS like L1-LW is the option. However, I STILL BELIEVE Dano or TT could be that guy, though playing the offside seems to be an issue there. Which sounds like a trade could make sense.

Anisimov. While I love to brag about my confidence in Phil Danault, I missed it on Anisimov. I was wrong. He has been the best 2nd center the Hawks have had maybe since when? Sure, he's playing with two video-game esque talents, but he is producing and playing his part. He is on pace for 25 goals, which would be phenomenal.

Darling softies. So what. It happens. I am totally on the Crow wagon and NO he won't be traded this year, but next summer he very much IS a candidate to be moved. The cap isn't going anywhere...and if Saad, Sharp, Ladd, Buff, Niemi, etc...(not to mention Wayne G) can be traded so too can Crow. Though he is an absolute MUST KEEP if the Hawks are to win another Cup this year.

Last note. NHL has had a chance to bury the Hawks and are failing. Be it stand on head goalie performances by Crow, be it the 3v3 gimmick, be it the powerplay..the fact is the Hawks have been floudering, playing inconsistent, shuffling in every player and their cousin to figure out combinations. THIS IS THE TIME the Hawks needed to be dumped into the tank, but alas there they sit....solidly in a playoff spot, still sorting out things, still finding the right chemistry and combinations. Imagine when they do? Could it be around April?
- kwolf68

Scuderi. Another sorry trade. Getting Daley was costly but then you gave him away for a guy Pittsburgh would have probably wanted to just cut anyway. NO WAY the Hawks couldn't have gotten a 6th rounder for him? Another "makes no sense" trade. Scuderi NEVER fit UNLESS it was as a 'backup plan' for Rosy (which it still may be)


In today's NHL when a mistake is made it is best to get out when you can and save as much cap space as possible.

That's exactly what Bowman did and Daley provided no more than Scuderi and took up $1 million more in cap space. To your point about trading Daley for a 6th rounder...That doesn't work either as the net gain would have been over $3 mill in cap space and that doesn't happen these days.

The Hawks don't need Scuderi to be better than Rozsival and he isn't but neither was Daley. Bowman will take a look at what's around and may find a veteran who is better than Scuderi on an expiring contract at the deadline for added depth

Scuderi. Another sorry trade. Getting Daley was costly but then you gave him away for a guy Pittsburgh would have probably wanted to just cut anyway. NO WAY the Hawks couldn't have gotten a 6th rounder for him? Another "makes no sense" trade. Scuderi NEVER fit UNLESS it was as a 'backup plan' for Rosy (which it still may be)


In today's NHL when a mistake is made it is best to get out when you can and save as much cap space as possible.

That's exactly what Bowman did and Daley provided no more than Scuderi and took up $1 million more in cap space. To your point about trading Daley for a 6th rounder...That doesn't work either as the net gain would have been over $3 mill in cap space and that doesn't happen these days.

The Hawks don't need Scuderi to be better than Rozsival and he isn't but neither was Daley. Bowman will take a look at what's around and may find a veteran who is better than Scuderi on an expiring contract at the deadline for added depth
- Al

I agree, seems SB did his proactive best to bail on a trade not working out. He's earned the respect to wait and see what happens. I think they probably told Scuderi just clear the zone and give the other guys a breather. The advanced stats guys are going to yell that Scuderi has the worst possession numbers but that's not what he's here for. Against a weak forechecking team he might be better but that's gravy. I like Scuderi more than Daley, but after watching the two of them I appreciate Rosival a little more than I used to. It would be nice if the two vets could school Gustaffson up a little.

Sorry, double clutched the enter button

IMO if Hossa moving to LW is an option, TT deserves the first crack at 1st line RW - not Dano.
- busmaster

I agree with this Bus. TT has been here, paid his dues a bit, and helped win the Cup last year. Yes, he gets first dibs

Please -no more posts about Scuderi having won 2 cups. There are defencemen who are long dead who have won more.

Ryan has very thoughtful blogs as you say backed up by analytics. I'm an old guy but open to fancy stats but the more I follow them the more I'm not sure. Some fancy stats say Leddy is a top 5 Dman in the NHL triggering/driving an offense. I like the kid but my eyes will never tell me that.

Fancy stats in context supported by the eye test is the way I look at this whole new way of "evaluating".

I'd imagine criticizing Sid is blashemy and IMO Malkin is the single most beastly hockey player on earth, OV/Kane/Benn/Seguin included, when he comes to play or isn't injured. But no, I haven't read him get on those two, but agreed with him on Johnston way back.
- Mr Ricochet

Ryan is great. I am proud to say I helped him get his start here on HB. He both knows the game as a player and as a stat geek. And that's important.

But I agree with you Rico on how stats can be deceiving. Another blogger here has a whole mythology built (and backed up by some "stats" mind you) that Cody Franson is vastly superior to Brent Seabrook. And there is a classic case where stats simply don't hold up to the eye test.

Myself, I definitely will rely on the eye test over stats. Although I have come to use stats more the last couple of years.

That said, and it's why I praise Ryan for knowing the game first and being a stat guy second, there are so many "opinions" out there of people who rely solely on stats because they've never played the game or played in meaningfully. And stats become what they lean on like a drunk uses a lamppost.

Not to pick on one person, but I read a blog last year by someone who often has some good insights, that was titled something that stated that hitting doesn't equal winning in hockey. OK, so if you know me, you know I was interested to read that. The gist of the article was a highly statistical argument for what we have all heard here many times prior and since, that high hit counts generally mean low possession/chasing the puck.

No argument.

But high hit counts are one thing.

A single big hit or series of big hits in a game, or in a playoff series, are often a huge factor in winning. And they can be in a regular season game as well. The article's title, at least, would lead you to believe that hitting is just for "meatheads" and really has no place in what should be more like Disney on Ice.

Which is really just stupid. Anyone who's played meaningful hockey knows: hitting matters big time.

My belief is, if you want to understand hockey, it is best to play it for several years and with as good players and coaches as you can. Failing that, listen to those who have played. Closely. Watch a lot of hockey. And then hold stats up against that. Don't use stats in a vacuum. Even advanced analytics like Corsi, Fenwick, HERO (which I like quite a bit actually, because it outs Corsi into some more useful context).

Oh, and read this thread, haha. There area number of very smart hockey minds on here who I have learned some things from.