They could've afforded Oduya if they just move sharp for picks. I think they wanted Oduya and Daley but couldn't move Bickell to clear space for Oduya. Daley in the bottom pairing providing offense from the back end would've been gravy. They didn't want to rely on 4 d men again like the year prior. Master plan failed when Bickell couldn't be moved. That's my theory anywAy.
- bhawks2241

How was Oduya's playoff again?

three points, and the only defender with a lower TOI was Jordie Benn

where they in the final?

Just read that Scott Powers thinks Panarin can end up getting a six year, $40 mil deal. Figured he would get at least $6 mil/season.
- 93Joe

Then find some team that wants him at that rate and get something for him...

Then find some team that wants him at that rate and get something for him...
- wiz1901

More and more I am starting to think this is a real possibility-- trading Panarin high-- and get a solid player or 2 and some picks that solidify the next couple years--

Could trading Panarin be the eye brow raising move hinted by some here?

Would the Hawks still be on the hook for his bonus money from last season?

More and more I am starting to think this is a real possibility-- trading Panarin high-- and get a solid player or 2 and some picks that solidify the next couple years--

Could trading Panarin be the eye brow raising move hinted by some here?

Would the Hawks still be on the hook for his bonus money from last season?
- jb3333

Perhaps, although I believe JJ among others have all said that extending him is the Hawks first priority right now

Edit: I also don't know that trading him this offseason makes sense money wise. Possibly next when he's an RFA but right now even with his bonuses I don't think you're going to get a player even remotely close to replacing him/his output for the amount he costs. Especially when 5 v 5 scoring is what needs improvement

Is the question "How much does Crawford matter over Darling?

Then the answer is a lot, and bye Scottie you are on your way to Las Vegas...
- wiz1901

I think the question is much closer to "How much does Crawford matter over Darling+ the additions in a crawford trade+the added cap space going forward"

In that sense I think it'd be a lot closer whiz

One thing that cannot be ignored is the significant drop off in 5 on 5 play and team D. This team has holes to fill, especially at the LW spot. If we think Kempny is going to be ok in a top 4 role, then we have to focus back on the forwards. With the expansion team/s coming, I dont think we can wait on moving a say, CC. Can Darling be a starter? Looks that way. If moving CC brings back say a top 6 LW, then that helps the over all team play. When this team is dialed in with its puck possession style, it helps the D and the goaltender.

The way this team wins is predicated on its puck possession ability. Fix that, and the other issues will get cleaned up as well. The loss of Sharp and then Saad really messed up this teams ability to play its possession style game. Two guy with skill, hands and speed. They left and we never really recovered. If Im Bowman, then Im looking for that speed/skill guy who can step in two a top 6 role on the left side. Would there be a drop off from CC to Darling? Sure. Growing pains? Sure.

But unless we can get back to being a force 5 on 5? Dunno...
- z1990z

YES! I liked the return for Saad but the need another top 6 LW was really apparent and solved by Ladd, who isn't coming back. Richard Freaking Panik (ever since JJ referred to him that way my mind thinks that's his full name) maybe could play that role but would probably better on the 3rd or 4th lines. I really liked the Ladd-Kruger-Hossa line in the last couple of games of this year's playoffs. Anyway, LW is definitely a gap. Trading Panarin seems counter-productive.

Yeah, I'm hoping Kempny fill the 4th d-man role but that's a pretty big leap. I'd rather have him on the bottom two with TVR (not sure if they play same or opposite sides) and get some NHL experience in the top 4.

It seems the likely tradable assets are Crawford, Seabrook, TT, and maybe Kane. I'd hate to see any of them go, especially 88, but the first three I could tolerate if it meant putting a top Cup contender on the ice next season.

Then find some team that wants him at that rate and get something for him...
- wiz1901

Wouldn't an offer sheet garnish a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pick?

Could be mistaken, but I could see the Hawks getting an adequate return. Problem is then we are short another LW. Keep and extend the Breadman Stan!

If he comes back next year with a 20-30 goal season, you bet he will get that kind of money. All things considered, trying to keep him does not look good. Thats why I try to move CC now for another skilled winger we can develop/hang on to.
- z1990z

A lot depends on the cap: a couple of years with no/little increase - or even a decline - could put a damper on a lot of offer sheets.

Perhaps, although I believe JJ among others have all said that extending him is the Hawks first priority right now

Edit: I also don't know that trading him this offseason makes sense money wise. Possibly next when he's an RFA but right now even with his bonuses I don't think you're going to get a player even remotely close to replacing him/his output for the amount he costs. Especially when 5 v 5 scoring is what needs improvement
- maria_wyeth

I believe that was said about Saad on here many times ,and we seen how that worked out . I agree moving him next year would make more sense .

I wonder in hindsight if the Hawks would rather have Saad at 6M or Panarin at slightly higher?

Love what Panarin brings-- BUT I would take Saad--
- jb3333

I wouldn't take Saad at 6M. He's not worth that. I'll take the Breadman over Saad.

How was Oduya's playoff again?

three points, and the only defender with a lower TOI was Jordie Benn

where they in the final?
- wiz1901

Oduya's value could never be higher that it was here. This was the perfect situation for him. Points don't matter when it comes to Oduya, though. He was part of the shutdown pair here. We all felt safe when he and Hammer were sent out to get it done. I don't see how he maxes his value in Dallas in that environment.

YES! I liked the return for Saad but the need another top 6 LW was really apparent and solved by Ladd, who isn't coming back. Richard Freaking Panik (ever since JJ referred to him that way my mind thinks that's his full name) maybe could play that role but would probably better on the 3rd or 4th lines. I really liked the Ladd-Kruger-Hossa line in the last couple of games of this year's playoffs. Anyway, LW is definitely a gap. Trading Panarin seems counter-productive.

Yeah, I'm hoping Kempny fill the 4th d-man role but that's a pretty big leap. I'd rather have him on the bottom two with TVR (not sure if they play same or opposite sides) and get some NHL experience in the top 4.

It seems the likely tradable assets are Crawford, Seabrook, TT, and maybe Kane. I'd hate to see any of them go, especially 88, but the first three I could tolerate if it meant putting a top Cup contender on the ice next season.
- matt_ahrens

TT is the only tradeable asset on your list, as the others all require consent, and none will return equivalent talent in exchange.

I don't know and with all due respect, but Panarin is worth the 6 mill at 6years. Just too much drive and upside. Unless they swap him for a top 3 pick to alleviate the cap implications. That kid is all world. Also believe Bickell is buried for one more year while Shaw is sacrificed or given a one year "wait for us" deal like Kruger. Crawford to either Calgary or Toronto in a deal that we will all regret. Hail the cap.

What about a Crawford and TT for Neuvirth, Raffl and a Philly defensive prospect? Would be about $3.5 mil coming back to us. Add another Czech guy (Neuvirth) to help with Kempny. Probably a pipe-dream scenario.

Perhaps, although I believe JJ among others have all said that extending him is the Hawks first priority right now

Edit: I also don't know that trading him this offseason makes sense money wise. Possibly next when he's an RFA but right now even with his bonuses I don't think you're going to get a player even remotely close to replacing him/his output for the amount he costs. Especially when 5 v 5 scoring is what needs improvement
- maria_wyeth

If you aren't planning on paying him what he could get, Wouldn't keeping him this year at his current rate, and then getting the picks from losing him to an offer sheet make more sense?

If it is 6 mil, isn't that a 1,2,and 3, maybe someone pays him more?

Either way I guess, if you can trade his rights and get a top 6 and a top 4 I guess that's better.

I just don't see how you can move him and TT this year at their numbers with the cap situation where it is. You won't find equal replacements for those two at combined 1.7 mil, you just won't.

A lot depends on the cap: a couple of years with no/little increase - or even a decline - could put a damper on a lot of offer sheets.
- StLBravesFan

Well if that's the case, wouldn't the hawks be in a better negotiating position for a bridge deal?

How was Oduya's playoff again?

three points, and the only defender with a lower TOI was Jordie Benn

where they in the final?
- wiz1901

Loaded question. How good are the Stars top defenders compared to the 'Hawks #2, 4 & 7? Not even close. JO fit the 'Hawks system likely a glove.

Well if that's the case, wouldn't the hawks be in a better negotiating position for a bridge deal?
- vabeachbear

I would think so.

Well if that's the case, wouldn't the hawks be in a better negotiating position for a bridge deal?
- vabeachbear

The last time we tried to go over a bridge, it was a Saad day.

Before I start, my heart goes out to the folks impacted by what happened in Florida this morning.

1.) No one loves Crawford as much as I do, but the writing is on the wall. He took 1.5 million than he should of and the Hawks can't afford that much tied up in a goalie. You need defense and we really have only 3 defensemen that I trust. Crawford for the longest time has been considered by some of the Blackhawk nation as average as best. While I've never agreed with this at all, Crawford has never been a fan favorite. So, getting rid of him right now, while bad, won't be as devastating as losing Saad/ Sharp/ etc.

2.) The only way we trade Bickell is to package him with someone. People didn't want Bickell when he was free, remember? But if you really are packaging him with someone for example, Crawford, you need make sure it's worth it. You have to find a team that can afford it and are in a position to take both of them in knowing that one of them is a dud. Nothing against Bickell as a person, but jesus that contract. Crawford by himself isn't going to get rid of Bickell. That's why I think that TT is gone. Get rid of TT now while he still looks like he might be an top 6 player.

3.) When you lose Crawford, TT, and Bickell (or buy him out), you pay for Shaw and Panaria when you have too. Also, you can make my dream come true and bring back Brian Campbell at let's say, 2.0 for 2 year. You sign Rozisal for the same price because you just can't quit him and you call it a day.

4.) Bottom line, they need Shaw. They need Panaria signed to a friendly deal quickly because the kid is going to be a superstar. I love Crawford, but I see no other way.

Perhaps, although I believe JJ among others have all said that extending him is the Hawks first priority right now

Edit: I also don't know that trading him this offseason makes sense money wise. Possibly next when he's an RFA but right now even with his bonuses I don't think you're going to get a player even remotely close to replacing him/his output for the amount he costs. Especially when 5 v 5 scoring is what needs improvement
- maria_wyeth

For the record-- I don't advocate trading any of the core guys-- or Panarin-- heck I'm still kinda sore about losing Big Buff and Saad-- 2 significant big body skilled players the Hawks have yet to replace-- Losing Sharp was clearly unavoidable-- maybe he returns later to retire on a cap friendly deal with the Hawks-- I anticipate that 2, 7, 19, 88 and maybe 4 never wear another jersey outside of the Indianhead-- retire here numbers in the rafters and -- statues-- ??

But the fact is something has to give due to the cap implications and some crippling contracts given out by Bowman-- not referring to the large core contracts-- but the lesser deals that erode cap space-- and don't pan out well in 29 - 5 -- so it goes and we wait to see the first domino to fall--

Bickell -- TT -- Crawford -- Shaw -- ??

Trading TT would be a mistake that this whole team would regret ,he will not be moved as the team knows he is their 2nd line center of the future . And will be given every chance to move there this year . He brings so much that casual fans just don't seem to see . Crow does look like he may be the odd man out , but not this year . Buy out Bickell open up money for Shaw .No sense rushing out to sign Parrian he is still relativity cheap right now .If they can't get a deal for him next year he walks UFA brings back a nice bunch of picks that will be needed in the future . NOT much happening this off season is my bet ..

Trading TT would be a mistake that this whole team would regret ,he will not be moved as the team knows he is their 2nd line center of the future . And will be given every chance to move there this year . He brings so much that casual fans just don't seem to see . Crow does look like he may be the odd man out , but not this year . Buy out Bickell open up money for Shaw .No sense rushing out to sign Parrian he is still relativity cheap right now .If they can't get a deal for him next year he walks UFA brings back a nice bunch of picks that will be needed in the future . NOT much happening this off season is my bet ..
- oldduffman

Don´t know about that but trading him this summer doesn´t solve any cap problems Hawks are facing. And if they aren´t getting something good back he shouldn´t be throw in just to get rid of Bickell´s contract.

Any word on Vesey? Play him with Toews and that is possibly one hole filled

Any word on Vesey? Play him with Toews and that is possibly one hole filled
- ikeane

All I know is he has wanted to wear the B since he was a kid....
the kid will make the same money no matter where he signs, but probably, like Kevin Hayes, wants to play sooner than later.

Playing for the home crowd comes with a bit of pressure...ask Eddie O.