It could easily be McNeill or someone else in that spot as well.
- EKB13

Not a Hartman fan Eli? Or you aren't ready to deem him NHL ready?

Baun also signed a 1-way deal for cheap cheap, so he's got a shot too.

Not a Hartman fan Eli? Or you aren't ready to deem him NHL ready?

Baun also signed a 1-way deal for cheap cheap, so he's got a shot too.
- TyCamScore

Baun will get a shot, you're correct there. However, Baun has his warts, just like McNeill, Hartman, Motte, et al.

I love Hartman. However, Hartman still has a year left on his ELC, and is waiver exempt - unlike McNeill and Baun. Additionally, Hartman has to stop taking bad penalties and chirping refs. Those antics won't fly with Q in Chicago.

Not a Hartman fan Eli? Or you aren't ready to deem him NHL ready?

Baun also signed a 1-way deal for cheap cheap, so he's got a shot too.
- TyCamScore

I think there will be a good battle for some of the youngsters. Baun, McNeill, Hartman, Lundberg and Kero will all be contenders for a spot with the big club. My money is on Kero to make it (amongst others)

I think there will be a good battle for some of the youngsters. Baun, McNeill, Hartman, Lundberg and Kero will all be contenders for a spot with the big club. My money is on Kero to make it (amongst others)
- DarthKane

Possible, but I have a feeling that it might be McNeill - provided he's still in the organization when September rolls around. His waiver status, as well as the what he can bring to the team on the 4th line edges out a few others on paper. At least for now.

That doesn't mean that one of the other Hogs might bring something better when training camp opens up.

here is a look at the Hawks for next year from the outside. Fun read from TSN/Scott Cullen Off-Season Game Plan: Chicago

If the Blackhawks are going to pay Marcus Kruger more than $3-million per season for the next three years, they surely have to expect more production than he delivered in 2015-2016. Admittedly, no goals and four assists in 41 games is an extremely low bar, but Kruger does have 26 and 28-point seasons in his career and a little bit of scoring would make his price tag more palatable.

Brent Seabrook had quite a season, tallying a career-high 14 goals and 49 points, but really struggled when it comes to shot differentials. Among 63 defencemen to play at least 1250 5-on-5 minutes, Seabrook had the worst relative possession stats. While some of that can be blamed on partners, some of it has to fall on Seabrook, too.

Over the past four seasons, only three goaltenders (minimum 150 games played) have a better save percentage than Corey Crawford’s .922, so he’s hanging in good company. It’s not unreasonable to wonder whether the Blackhawks need to spend $6-million on their starting goaltender, but he’s been a core piece of the last two Cups.

Ideally, the Blackhawks would be able to find a first-line winger to replace Andrew Ladd, but that doesn’t appear financially feasible, so it would be helpful to add some cheap talent up front – Brad Boyes, P. A. Parenteau, Lee Stempniak and perhaps Sam Gagner could be some reasonable options.

here is a look at the Hawks for next year from the outside. Fun read from TSN/Scott Cullen Off-Season Game Plan: Chicago

If the Blackhawks are going to pay Marcus Kruger more than $3-million per season for the next three years, they surely have to expect more production than he delivered in 2015-2016. Admittedly, no goals and four assists in 41 games is an extremely low bar, but Kruger does have 26 and 28-point seasons in his career and a little bit of scoring would make his price tag more palatable.

Brent Seabrook had quite a season, tallying a career-high 14 goals and 49 points, but really struggled when it comes to shot differentials. Among 63 defencemen to play at least 1250 5-on-5 minutes, Seabrook had the worst relative possession stats. While some of that can be blamed on partners, some of it has to fall on Seabrook, too.

Over the past four seasons, only three goaltenders (minimum 150 games played) have a better save percentage than Corey Crawford’s .922, so he’s hanging in good company. It’s not unreasonable to wonder whether the Blackhawks need to spend $6-million on their starting goaltender, but he’s been a core piece of the last two Cups.

Ideally, the Blackhawks would be able to find a first-line winger to replace Andrew Ladd, but that doesn’t appear financially feasible, so it would be helpful to add some cheap talent up front – Brad Boyes, P. A. Parenteau, Lee Stempniak and perhaps Sam Gagner could be some reasonable options.
- Mr Ricochet

I think rest and rehab (Kruger and Seabrook ) will do wonders . Crow has been core ,and his playoff work speaks for it self .I think Parian may be the odd man out if he wants a giant payday albeit deserved . If he signs for a big number 6 or 7 million may be a boat load of 1st picks . Maybe snag us Ty Smith or Jack Hughes and more .All for a guy we could not sign and gave up nothing to get ..

Possible, but I have a feeling that it might be McNeill - provided he's still in the organization when September rolls around. His waiver status, as well as the what he can bring to the team on the 4th line edges out a few others on paper. At least for now.

That doesn't mean that one of the other Hogs might bring something better when training camp opens up.
- EKB13

Eli, do you think McNeill can turn into a solid PK guy for the Hawks and maybe become a "contributing" 3rd liner?

Eli, do you think McNeill can turn into a solid PK guy for the Hawks and maybe become a "contributing" 3rd liner?
- 93Joe

McNeill has been on Dent's top PK units for the past three seasons. Additionally, he can take draws if need be. Honestly, if McNeill makes the team, he'll be a 4th line RW to start.

here is a look at the Hawks for next year from the outside. Fun read from TSN/Scott Cullen Off-Season Game Plan: Chicago

If the Blackhawks are going to pay Marcus Kruger more than $3-million per season for the next three years, they surely have to expect more production than he delivered in 2015-2016. Admittedly, no goals and four assists in 41 games is an extremely low bar, but Kruger does have 26 and 28-point seasons in his career and a little bit of scoring would make his price tag more palatable.

Brent Seabrook had quite a season, tallying a career-high 14 goals and 49 points, but really struggled when it comes to shot differentials. Among 63 defencemen to play at least 1250 5-on-5 minutes, Seabrook had the worst relative possession stats. While some of that can be blamed on partners, some of it has to fall on Seabrook, too.

Over the past four seasons, only three goaltenders (minimum 150 games played) have a better save percentage than Corey Crawford’s .922, so he’s hanging in good company. It’s not unreasonable to wonder whether the Blackhawks need to spend $6-million on their starting goaltender, but he’s been a core piece of the last two Cups.

Ideally, the Blackhawks would be able to find a first-line winger to replace Andrew Ladd, but that doesn’t appear financially feasible, so it would be helpful to add some cheap talent up front – Brad Boyes, P. A. Parenteau, Lee Stempniak and perhaps Sam Gagner could be some reasonable options.
- Mr Ricochet

Interesting take. Looking forward to the next week to see what slides down the chute at 1901 W Madison. A lot of Ducks farting in shallow water from Malkin possibly being Chicago bound to some of these dream line up cards filled in with players Bowman is taking fliers on who will probably turn out to be more Matt Carey's and Drew LeBlanc's than they will be Artemi Panerin type counted on being important pieces.
Here the kid from Sweden, everyone is salivating over his one scrap. There ain't no tough gunslingers that come out of Sweden, lot of female dog slapping there in that one.The first time that kid even thinks of challenging one of these NHL tough guys hell get his ass handed to him on a plate.
That last paragraph, I think Jonathen Toews will have ALOT to say on that one.I am sure he has already let it be known that he won't tolerate another season of step an fetches filling in on his line, I think JJ is on to something when he says some one big coming in and someone big going out, ya think the CAPTIAN might have a say there. So maybe the D gets solved another way, maybe there is a UFA out there that we aren't even thinking about who they like but SB got to re shape the structure first to fit the doe in. As much asI have been tough on Bowman for a few moves, maybe, he has a master plan that entails a dip for a bit ,then another run of sustained success.We shall see very soon!

McNeill has been on Dent's top PK units for the past three seasons. Additionally, he can take draws if need be. Honestly, if McNeill makes the team, he'll be a 4th line RW to start.
- EKB13

Thanks. I guessed he would start there or on the 3rd depending on what happens this offseason. Maybe the Hawks plan on moving Desi and looking to go with a PK of Kruger, Toews, Hossa, Anisimov, Lundberg (if he makes the team), McNeill (if he makes the team). Lot of questions to be answered this offseason.

Any talk of Panarin getting a $6.5m/yr contract bugs me. Hawks need to stop paying 100-110% of the player's value. In order to win more cups, we need some players that are bargains. Hammer is a bargain at $4.1m. Darling at $600k. Shaw at $2m. Dunc is a bargain.

But Kane and Toews are paid at full price. Craw at full price. Bickell got a contract at 100-110% of his full value at the time. Seabs and Krug just got contracts at 100-110% of full price.

This has gotta stop.

I love Panarin. But if he gets $6.5m, he's just another player at 100-110%.
$5m is a much nicer number for the Breadman. At least until he plays a 2nd year like this one.
- Cmonalready

I actually agree 200% with the above.

I've spoken with other Hawk fans about these signings and most of the people I alk with think that 88, 19, 50, 7, 22, etc all "deserved" their 100% full price value. But that's a very selfish way of looking at themselves VERSUS the successful continuity of this franchise year over year!

In hindsight, if they all took 10% LESS money per year, the Hawks would be in a GREAT position going forward on signing their own core and new core players going forward.

We also probably would not have had too trade Saad, Sharpie, Oduya, Richards, etc.

Greed is not good! Unless those players don't care that much about hoisting another Cup. All they care about is getting good tee times and buying rounds in the 19th hole!

I guess?

I still think fatigue had alot to do with the fall off in team D. It doesnt help that Q ran roughly a 3 line team and rolled guys like Mash out there. Q is still the wild card here with this team. Stan can make the roster adjustments, but Q needs to refocus and put guys where they belong.
- z1990z

I gotta believe Q will turn on the blender a lot more during the regular season and will have a better idea of what will work during the playoffs and what won't. The plan he had in his back pocket - creating that 3rd line with Ladd, Kruger, and Hossa - worked but he waited too long to pull it out.

Will JUST say THIS:

The rumor I have heard, and others have heard independently, is that a very surprising name could be leaving and a very surprising name coming.

Have I heard anything about Malkin being one of those names to this point? No.
- John Jaeckel

Is it a name that has been discussed on this board in the past? At one point or another the following have been discussed at length: Kane, Crawford, Seabrook, TT.

That leaves the Captain (I think not), Hossa (doubtful with his contract,) Keith (also has contract challenges,) Hammer, Panarin, Kruger, Shaw and AA. (Yes, I know some of them have been mentioned here from time to time.)

Hmm.

Predictions with or without a few apples wagered? Biiiiiiiiiiig difference. Don't bet Hawk games, no fun swearing at the home team.

I had WSH winning it all at 4-1. Ticket on the floor.

Had NSH over ANA at 2-1. Ticket cashed.

STL over DAL at -120? Ticket cashed.

STL-DAL series to go 6. Ticket on Floor.

TB over Detroilet at -130. Ticket cashed.

STL over SJ at even money? Ticket on floor.

When TB was down 3-2 to PITT took TB to win the cup at like 12-1. (couldn't pass up the value) Ticket on floor.

Start of the Finals PITT to win the cup at a -125. Ticket cashed.

The series would go 7 at 2-1. Ticket on floor.

Crosby for Conn Smyth at 6-1. Ticket cashed.

Malkin to win Conn Smyth at 9-1. Ticket on floor.

Bunch of games along the way. So this genius will take the above all day long even though my cup winner was WSH at the start and I took em cuz they had a nice rugged defense that was a mixture of speed/skill/grit/vets and the 2nd best goalie on earth.
- Mr Ricochet

So like I said at the beginning of the playoffs Pittsburgh was in very very few "genius's" top 5. Even the Bovada Las Vegas board did not have Pittsburgh in the top 5 when the playoffs started. I doubt you would have either.

Per Dreger Twitter at 9:18
Expect the Anaheim Ducks to announce the return of Randy Carlyle as head coach tomorrow.

On the day the Blackhawks Cap subtracted Sharp I stated my reservations about Daley's game in his own end.
So Steve and company you can place me on the side of the basket with the sour grapes, but I have been consistent.

Doncha' wish, though, there was a real insider on this blog, not pretenders, who could tell you why Daley went out the room?

We can surmise a decision was made that it was a last year on a contract they wanted no part of, or that it was salary savings to make room for the playoff trade acquisitions...

I don't think there is a player to be named later or additional 2nd rounder attached to the Penquin's Cup win.
But, is there s o m e t h i n g ?

Just gotta say the for years I collated and kept the Scott Cullen next year team previews / game plans until now because the not so friendly to non canadian TSN users and the format make it a pain to do...

(If you don't believe me, i will gladly send anyone an entire off season of a year as proof...)

Cullen gets it wrong as many times as he gets it right.

Kruger plays the style he plays so we can win.

Does the time Duncan Keith as out impact the stats on Seabrookj?

...and anybody and i mean ANYBODY want the horsepoop he has listed as fill ins?

I like to read those things but don't hang my hat on them...

Do we know how the Hawks voted? Do we know what the final vote tally was?
- Mr Ricochet

I think almost every big market team fell in line...
The point made to them is this will never be a true major sport without being more than a 12-15 team league. So to get franchise values up, a chance at a really sweet TV contract etc....The smaller markets had to be involved. Unfortunately the franchise values haven't skyrocketed and the huge TV deal has not happened yet either.

Per Dreger Twitter at 9:18
Expect the Anaheim Ducks to announce the return of Randy Carlyle as head coach tomorrow.
- Marlowe

Heard similar ....Murray needs experience.

I actually agree 200% with the above.

I've spoken with other Hawk fans about these signings and most of the people I alk with think that 88, 19, 50, 7, 22, etc all "deserved" their 100% full price value. But that's a very selfish way of looking at themselves VERSUS the successful continuity of this franchise year over year!

In hindsight, if they all took 10% LESS money per year, the Hawks would be in a GREAT position going forward on signing their own core and new core players going forward.

We also probably would not have had too trade Saad, Sharpie, Oduya, Richards, etc.

Greed is not good! Unless those players don't care that much about hoisting another Cup. All they care about is getting good tee times and buying rounds in the 19th hole!

I guess?
- NYNicky

I remember latrell sprewell claiming it would be hard to feed his family with his new 6.5 mil salary. I think greed reigns supreme. Greedy executives throwing money at players. Players and agents demanding huge contracts. The hockey news a couple of years ago did a cartoon on this. In my opinion the players cannot gripe that there are no quality linemates when they are taking up 10.5 cap space, 6.8, 6, etc etc etc.

Having said that Bowman will wok his magic and make it work.

Agreed the sour grapes routine on a past player gets old.....

He was a round peg in a square hole here, found a team that could utilize all his skills and he won.....Congrats to him, and sounds like he was a HUGE part of that room based on his story, his mom, and Crosby's take on it last night.

I guess Trevor Daley is now public enemy #1 around here, so I'm sure Kevin Hayes will be happy to hear that.......
- SteveRain

Still think even with his roundness he was better than the #'s 5 and 6 hawks iced in the playoffs

Just read Pitts blog and it's amazing how almost every move they made this year and a few last year has worked out so well. Just incredible Kessel, Daley, Boninio, Cullen, Haglen, the rookies they brought up ect. Since the Hawks cup last year I can'tthink of any move (except breadman of coarse) that has made the Hawks stronger. I know a lot was because of the cap. I don'tsee any big moves this summer I think we have to hope for Iis getting extremely lucky signing cheap F A and RFA teams let walk.

Read somewhere, CSN I believe, Hawks are second favorite to win the cup, hmmmmm

Obviously those people who decided that, (Vegas?) aren't posters on this board?

Or is it a fools bet..................................................

Its a trap!

I remember latrell sprewell claiming it would be hard to feed his family with his new 6.5 mil salary. I think greed reigns supreme. Greedy executives throwing money at players. Players and agents demanding huge contracts. The hockey news a couple of years ago did a cartoon on this. In my opinion the players cannot gripe that there are no quality linemates when they are taking up 10.5 cap space, 6.8, 6, etc etc etc.

Having said that Bowman will wok his magic and make it work.
- ikeane

Agree

Still think even with his roundness he was better than the #'s 5 and 6 hawks iced in the playoffs
- vabeachbear

I agree ,never thought he was that bad .But boy did he get roasted on here , and Q did not seem to trust him at all . Congratulations to Mr Daily and the rest of penguins on a fine playoff ,they were the better team .