Burrows will never be a Blackhawk. Burrows will never, ever be a Blackhawk. Burrows. Blackhawk. Never.

Ok. Back from my safe space.
- tredbrta

Holy poop could you even imagine . LOL . End of the World situation

A multi player deal has been discussed involving youth and age. The issue is the Cap cost to CHI. Vancouver "upped" their end by agreeing to take back more salary on the veteran player. That's all that I can say.
- MexicoHawk

Thanks. Wouldn't mind Horvat coming this way.

Thanks for the updates, JJ.

To me, the real question with some of these rumored LWs is whether or not they are the solution for this season at 1LW. Boedker and Drouin both seem like future answers, which is fine in general, but what is the answer this year?

I'm okay with Shaw playing 1LW this year. He's certainly earned it.

The Jets rumor is certainly a bit odd. Admittedly I haven't watched a lot of Chiarot. What do they project with him?

Regarding dealing Bickell, I would think any deal has to be more attractive than buying out the final year this summer for it to be considered. Same with Scuderi.
- 333inthe3rd

Chiarot would be an interesting project. Showed something last year but has dropped with the rest of the team this season. Would a dman be going back? He can't be waived so it would create a logjam here. He isn't mobile like Gus either so I doubt they would send Gus back down. Would they move TVR back to Chevy or would it be a Scuderi plus deal for Chiarot?

Chariot Height 6.03 -- Weight 222 -- Shoots L plays LS. Played well last year with Buff and has played mostly 3rd line this year. Signed for $850 for this year and next. Would not be a bad addition to pair with TVR. Not sure why Jets move him unless they like some of there prospects better. In the little reading I did he is very much like TVR lucked into a spot on the roster last year ahead of higher rated guys. Played well but the upside is really not there.

Boedker actually reminds me a lot of Patrick Sharp, a young Patrick Sharp, maybe not the pure sniper/scorer Sharpie is/was, but he has that versatility to play all over the ice and sheer speed (more than Sharp ever had).

There was a special chemistry with Saad and JT and Hossa.

And I will just say this, speed kills in hockey. Other teams always had to account for Saad and the stretch, transition pass, and they would have to with Boedker. The Hawks have 3 defensemen who excel at it, and even Rozy is not bad in that regard.

That fear, in turn, opens everything up for the other two guys. Give Toews and Hossa note room to operate and create and only good things happen.
- John Jaeckel

Great analysis John. Thanks for taking the time for this blog. Much appreciated. I think the addition of Boedker ups the speed factor and matchup issues for other teams. And theoretically, the power play would have a bit more 'jump'.

Chariot Height 6.03 -- Weight 222 -- Shoots L plays LS. Played well last year with Buff and has played mostly 3rd line this year. Signed for $850 for this year and next. Would not be a bad addition to pair with TVR. Not sure why Jets move him unless they like some of there prospects better. In the little reading I did he is very much like TVR lucked into a spot on the roster last year ahead of higher rated guys. Played well but the upside is really not there.
- kmw4631

The Jets don't see him as potentially a Top 4 guy, plus they are loaded with prospects, which can be moved around easily to replace such a role. For the Hawks, it would be a strong, steady defender that is COST CONTROLLED. Also, the discussions are for multiple players, not just one.

Also, wait until you see what the Jets get back from both Buff and Ladd.

Thanks so much JJ and everyone else for the info/good posts...

Since JJ started it (WPG) I can now confirm it. The Hawks are talking with the Jets (started during the All Star break) but its for more than just a DMan. Right now its a multi player deal that would involve one active roster player from the Hawks. And JJ is right, there is no discussion between the teams regarding Buff or Ladd...the Hawks would like Ladd, but the EC bidding prices are too high. Look for a move from the Jets relatively soon.

As for folks being concerned about Boedkker's +/- rating, the thing to look at with a player like that is their commitment to defence. Is he just a "hawk" waiting for breakout passes, and the answer is no. He hustles on defence and back checks...and on a line with Toews and Hossa, NO ONE would consider "dogging it" for a second, so IMO its not an issue at all.

As DBH said, Boedkker's speed will open up massive space for both Toews and Hossa with the puck, and that can only help their production.

As for teams asking for Teravainen, I was told the #1 player that teams are calling on is Marko Dano. If the Hawks will part with Dano, they'll get Drouin, and could close on a number of deals around the league.

Also, I have been hesitating saying the particulars about CAR, but Francis and Bowman have kicked the tires on a Jeff Skinner deal, where CAR would be taking back part of his contract. But again, they want Dano and no Bickell. I was told that for Dano Bowman was wanting to add a DMan, but that involved CAR taking back a current roster player. Bowman and Francis have also discussed Staal, Rask and Versteeg. Two notes on Eric Staal, he wants to come to CHI and has agreed to play LW on the Toews line, should the need arise. The issue is his massive Cap hit...so Staal would more than likely become a rental player. Again, it could happen because Francis likes Marko Dano, however, as Wiz said, I just don't see Bowman moving Dano (at all) for anything less than a future roster player.

As JJ mentioned, Bowman currently is in talks with a NUMBER of teams, and with that an even larger number of players. Bowman has a "preferred" short list, but is allowing himself to go in any number of directions should those deals fall apart.

A couple of final notes, VAN has reproached the Hawks yesterday and "upped" their end of deal that would see them acquiring Dano. There's no word from CGY right now, as Treliving has asked ownership for another week to "see" if they can make a playoff push (incredible).

Have a great day everyone!
- MexicoHawk

I think Staal + Toews + Hossa would ruin a lot of teams hopes and dreams and Toews would score a ridiculous amount of goals in the last 30ish games of the regular season. Having to deal with that on top of the PAK line would be hilarious and probably make up for the holes on the blue line.

Toews, AA, Staal, doesn't matter up the middle would be cheating as well.

May be worth it to swing for the fences there. Then get rid of some salary at the end of the year and do a little retooling. Three in a row doesn't seem super realistic and that would be the time to move some core piece if they feel like that is necessary with all the good graces bought from a repeat.

A multi player deal has been discussed involving youth and age. The issue is the Cap cost to CHI. Vancouver "upped" their end by agreeing to take back more salary on the veteran player. That's all that I can say.
- MexicoHawk

Hamhuis or Edler seem to be the most likely as the veteran player.

A multi player deal has been discussed involving youth and age. The issue is the Cap cost to CHI. Vancouver "upped" their end by agreeing to take back more salary on the veteran player. That's all that I can say.
- MexicoHawk

Hi Mexico: Love your stuff.

Please tell me that Jordan Subban is one of those "youth" players that would come to Chicago, because after Pokka (and stop me if I'm wrong here, Eli), the D prospect well is pretty dry.

And this just in...


Bergevin has just contacted the Hawks regarding a specific player. Looking to add talent/youth and give up proven veteran ability.

Things are white hot around the league.

As for teams asking for Teravainen, I was told the #1 player that teams are calling on is Marko Dano. If the Hawks will part with Dano, they'll get Drouin, and could close on a number of deals around the league.
- MexicoHawk

Thanks, again, to you and JJ for the insider scoop. Have to say, if the majority of teams calling want Dano, wouldn't the FO/Q wonder "what are we possibly missing here?" Or, they recognize his talent and it is a matter of him not fitting with Q? Being less productive for us as he is forced to play his offside? Or, just a glut in the FWs and given a "repeat now" mantra, he is seen as most valuable and expendable in a trade made this year?

I think Staal + Toews + Hossa would ruin a lot of teams hopes and dreams and Toews would score a ridiculous amount of goals in the last 30ish games of the regular season. Having to deal with that on top of the PAK line would be hilarious and probably make up for the holes on the blue line.

Toews, AA, Staal, doesn't matter up the middle would be cheating as well.

May be worth it to swing for the fences there. Then get rid of some salary at the end of the year and do a little retooling. Three in a row doesn't seem super realistic and that would be the time to move some core piece if they feel like that is necessary with all the good graces bought from a repeat.
- fattybeef

And remember, had Bowman not stood pat with Zus and Rozy in 2014, the Hawks would already be sitting on "3 in a row" IMO.

100% no on Gusto. That kid is a keeper.
- z1990z

Can NOT afford to move him. Gus is certainly a keeper. I honestly can't believe how good he is playing at this level.

i don't disagree with what you're saying, except....

...for me, if it was reasonable to expect the salary cap to go up next year, than i would be open to it.

i don't think it is reasonable to expect that. It could go up/down/stay the same with the canadian dollar the way it is. so i'm completely against the idea of taking on any bad contracts with term.

i think the leafs should wait to see what next year's cap is actually going to be before making a move like that.
- Tumbleweed

I have read conflicting things about this. Some articles I've read say that the cap cannot go down and at worst would stay the same? and then in other places I'm seeing that going down from the current cap is a possibility. Anyone know the answer?

Personally, I think this guy could be a huge star with the Hawks where he would be surrounded by talent that he has not played with in Arizona—not even close.
- John Jaeckel

C'mon John, you must be forgetting about Shane Doan.

And remember, had Bowman not stood pat with Zus and Rozy in 2014, the Hawks would already be sitting on "3 in a row" IMO.
- MexicoHawk

Yup, but we coulda won with Rosy. The biggest thing I took from the Kings series is the Hawks were badly outmanned in the pivot. It got so bad that eventually Shaw was moved in to center for Saad and Kane I believe....they were quite good the last 3 games of the series and even that the Hawks nearly pulled a comeback. Lots of blame to go around...Hammer (who is wonderful) lost Gaborik on goal 2 in that series. Maybe if Q figures out Shaw to line 2 a bit quicker it doesn't matter.

JJ, Mex, Thanks for answering my question. It is interesting for us "outsiders" to really understand the relationships these GM's have with one another.

Thanks for giving us the information you get,it must be hard to hold some stuff back (because we know you know more than you write about).
- powerenforcer

Thx pe,

The only stuff I really ever hold back is stuff I don't believe to be accurate or requiring secondary validation because it's unusual. Or personal stuff, a lot of which I will never repeat.

A lot of trade/FA stuff I will caveat with "what I'm hearing, one source only," etc to say it might not be 100% accurate.

Hi Mexico: Love your stuff.

Please tell me that Jordan Subban is one of those "youth" players that would come to Chicago, because after Pokka (and stop me if I'm wrong here, Eli), the D prospect well is pretty dry.
- HelloFriend

First, Victor Svedberg had a good game against a very fast COL team in COL Tuesday. You have to believe that under Q's teaching and patience, he's going to make it. Plus, the Hawks are very high on Gustav Forsling...so they are not as "desperate" as some might think. And on top of all that, Bowman is quite capable of signing another "prized" College FA as well who can be "fast-tracked" to the big city.

And this just in...


Bergevin has just contacted the Hawks regarding a specific player. Looking to add talent/youth and give up proven veteran ability.

Things are white hot around the league.
- MexicoHawk

Carnac the Great says: Philip Danault

Just a wild guess and I know Bergy likes him.

Thanks, again, to you and JJ for the insider scoop. Have to say, if the majority of teams calling want Dano, wouldn't the FO/Q wonder "what are we possibly missing here?" Or, they recognize his talent and it is a matter of him not fitting with Q? Being less productive for us as he is forced to play his offside? Or, just a glut in the FWs and given a "repeat now" mantra, he is seen as most valuable and expendable in a trade made this year?
- pdx2ord

They see the "issue" the Hawks have right now. The Hawks are in REPEAT mode, and can't wait around for Dano to "figure it all out" as a top 6 LW. That's why Dano is in Rockford, because there is a GLUT of RWs in CHI and they are "teaching" him to become a LW, not just another NHL player getting 8 shifts a game on the 4th line. There are plenty of GMs who were extremely impressed by Dano in CLB last season, and are prepared to let him role on the right side, right now.

Let me repeat...the Hawks don't dislike or doubt Dano, its just in their eyes there's nowhere to "put" him right now on the big club.

Carnac the Great says: Philip Danault

Just a wild guess and I know Bergy likes him.
- John Jaeckel

Plus, what would acquiring Danault mean to the Francophone fan base that are currently calling for EVERYONE's head??? It's an ugly situation in MTL right now, and NONE OF IT rests at Chevy's doorstep IMO. He's done a good job there.

I think Staal + Toews + Hossa would ruin a lot of teams hopes and dreams and Toews would score a ridiculous amount of goals in the last 30ish games of the regular season. Having to deal with that on top of the PAK line would be hilarious and probably make up for the holes on the blue line.

Toews, AA, Staal, doesn't matter up the middle would be cheating as well.

May be worth it to swing for the fences there. Then get rid of some salary at the end of the year and do a little retooling. Three in a row doesn't seem super realistic and that would be the time to move some core piece if they feel like that is necessary with all the good graces bought from a repeat.
- fattybeef

Count me in on any Staal Deal

Thanks, again, to you and JJ for the insider scoop. Have to say, if the majority of teams calling want Dano, wouldn't the FO/Q wonder "what are we possibly missing here?" Or, they recognize his talent and it is a matter of him not fitting with Q? Being less productive for us as he is forced to play his offside? Or, just a glut in the FWs and given a "repeat now" mantra, he is seen as most valuable and expendable in a trade made this year?
- pdx2ord

They recognize his talent and that he's 20 years old. In some ways, all the success he had down the stretch in Columbus last year may have overbuilt expectations, and mine included.

He has some valuable traits you want in an NHL forward: strength and skill and a GREAT shot. His hands are MUCH better than most fans in Chicago realize, he can dish and guard the puck extremely well. He is not the playmaker or versatile, high hockey sense player TT is, but he will be, in a couple of important ways harder to play against because of his strength and hands combined. A lot of the game is played down low and along the wall and he can be VERY good there. He also shoots the puck slightly better than TT, which is saying a lot. But he does.

He needed to work on his defensive play and the Hawks decided the left side was abetter spot for him. Why? I'm not sure. I have heard it's because they recognized an organizational need on the port side but I suspect there is more to that story than just that. Dunno.

Getting excited over pounding the AVS and saying that the team has "arrived" or whatever seems premature. Colorado is not good. Yay for winning games they should win though.

I also think that most GM's \ front offices in the league aren't completely stupid. Meaning, they aren't going to eat Bickell's deal for free.

It should also be fairly obvious at this point that the Hawks are a 1 line team (scoring wise) and any top 6 talent is going to be an overpay at this point.

And if you further look at the Hawks roster, they are set up right now to run into the playoffs with some combination 2 rookies and two guys who don't look like they are going to be able to offer much outside of "intangibles" and veteran whatever for half of the blue line positions. So any improvement there will "cost."

I wouldn't make a deal with them as a GM unless they had a prospect that really did it for me (TT, Dano, Gus Gus to start). Or they were willing to move a "core" or centerpiece.

Plenty of other teams looking to add that may have more flexibility to eat bad dollars or part with something shinier. Why do the Hawks any favors?
- fattybeef

How about yay for leading the western conference, how about yay for winning 12 in a row, how about yay with winning without your best center couple nights ago, tough crowd I tell you.

Forever in a day the constant complaint was we need a2nd line center, 3 cups later, now we need a #1 LW, it'd be nice but unfortunately they don't grow on trees

Carnac the Great says: Philip Danault

Just a wild guess and I know Bergy likes him.
- John Jaeckel

It makes some sense. I love Danault, but he is slightly redundant when Kruger comes back.