Going to play in Sweden.
- 93Joe

Was that eve made official? I was rumored, but I hadn't seen anything from him or the team.

Was that eve made official? I was rumored, but I hadn't seen anything from him or the team.
- DarthKane

I hope not... was a good choice to man that #4 C spot.

Was that eve made official? I was rumored, but I hadn't seen anything from him or the team.
- DarthKane

Whoops... Thought that was official. My mistake if it isn't official. Can't really blame him if he does go overseas for more playing time. I was hoping he would be the 4th line center also...

John, in your opinion and experience, do you think the Hawks can trade Crawford and get an "ok" return? I saw that you mentioned Steve Mason in the past... Can Chicago get more than him in a trade?
- 93Joe

Joe, I'm a guy who thinks the best landing spots if they were to move Crawford is CAL or PHI. I think Mason is really underrated as his 5 on 5 save percentage is top 5 over the last 3 years, that's good (he has health issues though). He has one year left at 4.1 mil and you're done with that cap hit.

Moving Crow to Philly saves you 1.9 mil this year and Mason is off the books for the 2017/18 season.

But one of the posters pointed out something I didn't realize. The Flyers have 2-3 kids in the system that look to be NHLers soon (Stolarz-Lyon) and it seems that a 6 mil per #1 that's inked for 4-5 more years isn't the best allocation of money for the Flyers.

Congrats to the Pens organisation.

Crosby and this team were lights out the last 3 months ad the Sharks showed their age in the final.

Fleury gave the organisation the finger last night when he did the shortest skate with the Cup I have ever seen
What a cry baby.

Sullivan was the MVP and if coaches could receive the Conne Smythe he would have.

Is Moose gone?
- z1990z

No, not officially but I've followed Elite Prospects for 10-12 yrs and their transfer rumors are almost always dead on. They have him with Q in his rear view mirror high tailing it back to Sveeeeden.

It all comes down to return, now or later, because next summer, if they intend to keep Panarin, forces hard decisions BEFORE NEXT SUMMER, and on more than just TT (who's is also due a new contract then).
- John Jaeckel

Let me phrase it a different way, what would you give up for TT?

No, no, no.
Stan better give me my kind of players because we're playing my system.
And if the guys he gives me can't come in and play the specific way I want them to play, they are going to sit. A lot.

It doesn't matter if they can skate well. It doesn't matter if they are gritty and can play physical. It doesn't matter if they have skills that might be able to be used in some fashion to win. If I don't get what I want, then they won't play or I will have them traded.

I am very happy for Mike Sullivan. Was he lucky? Yes.
Lucky to get the chance to show if you take the best that guys have to give and figure out how to use those skills to your advantage, you can win.

I doubt anyone in the organ-I-zation learned anything.
- savvyone-1

Mornin' Savvy...I'm with you...Q needs to make the most with what he has. Why you would play Mash over Weise is still mindboggling. How bout running off Brouwer? How bout those special teams? Was Daley the answer? It's debatable, but when you look at what you had out there in that series against the Blues after the top three you'd have to say he certainly was a better option.

But the flip side of that as you well know is the caretaker GM that still thinks BB has trade value. The same guy that held his cards too long in the Sharp deal. The same guy who targeted Kimmo Timonen. The same guy that knew at the parade last year he needed a #4 dman and ran out and resigned his pet Runny before anything else.

I really hope these two can come together this summer and make it work, but I have my doubts. It's a two way street, and its sad because I think we both can agree that had there been more alignment amongst the staff and the FO we could be looking at another Cup or two here in the past stretch. As it appears right now its toxic.

Let me phrase it a different way, what would you give up for TT?
- vabeachbear

Well, I don't run an NHL team that has its own unique set of needs.

But I think, as a for instance, straight up, IF the GM feels he has some legit upside, he could get you a role player, like a bottom six forward and a late first/high second round round pick. But that would be a GM who is pretty high on him.

Joe, I'm a guy who thinks the best landing spots if they were to move Crawford is CAL or PHI. I think Mason is really underrated as his 5 on 5 save percentage is top 5 over the last 3 years, that's good (he has health issues though). He has one year left at 4.1 mil and you're done with that cap hit.

Moving Crow to Philly saves you 1.9 mil this year and Mason is off the books for the 2017/18 season.

But one of the posters pointed out something I didn't realize. The Flyers have 2-3 kids in the system that look to be NHLers soon (Stolarz-Lyon) and it seems that a 6 mil per #1 that's inked for 4-5 more years isn't the best allocation of money for the Flyers.
- Mr Ricochet

This makes a lot of sense to me as well. But I have never heard it as an actual deal that's been discussed, FWIW.

Joe, I'm a guy who thinks the best landing spots if they were to move Crawford is CAL or PHI. I think Mason is really underrated as his 5 on 5 save percentage is top 5 over the last 3 years, that's good (he has health issues though). He has one year left at 4.1 mil and you're done with that cap hit.

Moving Crow to Philly saves you 1.9 mil this year and Mason is off the books for the 2017/18 season.

But one of the posters pointed out something I didn't realize. The Flyers have 2-3 kids in the system that look to be NHLers soon (Stolarz-Lyon) and it seems that a 6 mil per #1 that's inked for 4-5 more years isn't the best allocation of money for the Flyers.
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks Mr. R. I thought, as you did, that Philadelphia would be a pretty good landing spot. They look like they need a goalie who can take that extra step. I also agree that the salary move would make sense... For the Hawks. I was also thinking a CC and TT package for a goalie and one of their good D prospects would make sense, but the more I think, it doesn't because Teravainen is playing in the NHL at a reasonable price.

Daily double, nice post
- 6628

Better than that, the blind hog found an acorn........ Hit the Belmont with a $36.00 winner AND the perfecta, Pens -125 to win the series, Crosby at 6-1 to win the Conn Smyth, Pens to win last night at a -125, Pens to win last night by exactly 2 goals at an ungodly +700 (thank you empty netter). ...If it would have gone 7 I would have cashed another ticket, but I ain't greedy.

I just don't think they'll wait that long. The longer they let it drag on, the more likely it is, he leaves.

I also don't buy that it's a "trade-off" between TT and Panarin. Until TT proves he can play center in the NHL, which he really hasn't, he is a wing, and as such, not remotely in Panarin's league.

IF TT shows he can be an NHL 2C, then there's a "discussion" that can be had where a comparison, I guess, can be made on their value.

Finally, the "reason," if there is one, that you trade TT now is if what you get back fills a need. This team DOES have needs. The higher salaried guys mentioned, including Crawford, might not bring back much as far as filling needs—you're losing a contract and cap hit, and someone else is taking that off your hands.

Doesn't mean CC should be "given away" either, but some of the possible returns I've seen mentioned for him are probably not realistic.
- John Jaeckel

I agree JOhn and lets be honest....if you go back to the end of 2014 and read Scotty's quotes as to why the Hawks lost to LA it was center size. So why would they back track knowing that the formula with smaller centers, doesn't work? They wont. Teuvo's future in the NHL if he ever sniffs the hype, will be RW and right now he is blocked.

Now ....would or should they give him up with Bickell just to save an additional 1.896 million in cap space? I don't think so. I'm NOT the bggest fan of TT but at this time with the cap going up very miniscule you have to gamble he improves.

As far as CC goes, I'm a huge believer in trading from depth and before CC won the cup he had 2 flame outs. 1 he played very well vs Van, and the other he played like complete hell vs Arz. So for everyone saying Darling can't or wont do the same, I beg to differ. Question is, will there be a market for CC SHOULD the hawks look to trade him......

Lastly, I saw Eklund mention something about Malkin wanting out and hawks being in the running........how they make that work, is beyond me.........

Better than that, the blind hog found an acorn........ Hit the Belmont with a $36.00 winner AND the perfecta, Pens -125 to win the series, Crosby at 6-1 to win the Conn Smyth, Pens to win last night at a -125, Pens to win last night by exactly 2 goals at an ungodly +700 (thank you empty netter). ...If it would have gone 7 I would have cashed another ticket, but I ain't greedy.
- Mr Ricochet

greedy ain't gentlemenly

Congrats to the Pens organisation.

Crosby and this team were lights out the last 3 months ad the Sharks showed their age in the final.

Fleury gave the organisation the finger last night when he did the shortest skate with the Cup I have ever seen
What a cry baby.

Sullivan was the MVP and if coaches could receive the Conne Smythe he would have.
- Colbyboy

Speaking of the Pens, the Hawks are one of the early favorites to land Malkin in a trade according to Ek. So we got that going for us, which is nice...

I agree JOhn and lets be honest....if you go back to the end of 2014 and read Scotty's quotes as to why the Hawks lost to LA it was center size. So why would they back track knowing that the formula with smaller centers, doesn't work? They wont. Teuvo's future in the NHL if he ever sniffs the hype, will be RW and right now he is blocked.

Now ....would or should they give him up with Bickell just to save an additional 1.896 million in cap space? I don't think so. I'm NOT the bggest fan of TT but at this time with the cap going up very miniscule you have to gamble he improves.

As far as CC goes, I'm a huge believer in trading from depth and before CC won the cup he had 2 flame outs. 1 he played very well vs Van, and the other he played like complete hell vs Arz. So for everyone saying Darling can't or wont do the same, I beg to differ. Question is, will there be a market for CC SHOULD the hawks look to trade him......

Lastly, I saw Eklund mention something about Malkin wanting out and hawks being in the running........how they make that work, is beyond me.........
- SteveRain

Saw that to Steve and I know it's just a rumor and probably far-fetched from being anything close to reality. That would literally have to be a swap and I think we can all speculate on who that swap would be or it would be a blockbuster of players. Gotta love speculation.

Saw that to Steve and I know it's just a rumor and probably far-fetched from being anything close to reality. That would literally have to be a swap and I think we can all speculate on who that swap would be or it would be a blockbuster of players. Gotta love speculation.
- 93Joe

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.

i'm not a huge analytics guy... but, this was on twitter just a few minutes ago:

Matt Larkin @THNMattLarkin

Past five Cup champions' rankings in score-adjusted Corsi: 2nd, 3rd, 1st, 2nd, 2nd. Tough for even greatest skeptics not to see correlation.

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

I assume you can't give details to position (forward, D, Goalie), but could you allude to what type of trade this would be? As in, Hawks exchange "core" player for role player + pick, or something of that nature?

Now the fun begins......

Wednesday at the very least Bickell's name is entered to be bought out. if we dont' see it, we know the Hawks feel they have a realistic chance at moving him. That's by the far the 1st move that has to happen.

Again, I have no idea how the Hawks and Pens make Malkin work. So I think that little burb ends now.

I have to think Panarin will be as intense a situation as Saad. we have already seen quotes about Panarin commenting on the hawks poor cap situation and I just have to think he's doing the math and trying to figure out how 1. he fits in monetary wise 2. if he gets what is market value what is left around him..... You have to remember guy has played all of 1 season for the Hawks with zero ties to the organization. So why would he take a hometown discount? There are PLENTY of Russian players in the NHL he could go team up with and then become a face of a team compared to riding at least 4th behind 19,88,2. If the Hawks somehow got him below 5 AAV that would be a steal, but I think 5.5 AAV is more realistic.

No, you can't plan for a player going on LTIR. I dont' even know how to address that scenario. Fact is, Hawks have to come to the table and make this very low or stagnant cap number work. No way they get an extra buyout either if it didnt' happen in 2010 when there was minimal cap growth, it isn't happening now.

You can call it negative, you can call it over dramatic, but no question these next 4-6 weeks will loom large in the direction and ability of this franchise to win another cup with this core. TONS of pressure on this front office to balance it out while JM sits in the corner and monitors closely. There are some flaws on this roster that have to be corrected and some decisions on players to maximize return and long term importance to the organization.

i'm not a huge analytics guy... but, this was on twitter just a few minutes ago:

Matt Larkin @THNMattLarkin

Past five Cup champions' rankings in score-adjusted Corsi: 2nd, 3rd, 1st, 2nd, 2nd. Tough for even greatest skeptics not to see correlation.
- jt19

Stan walks into Q's office and timidly slides the score-adjusted Corsi spreadsheet onto his desk showing the Hawks were like 28th with Mashinter in the lineup - and has to run for his life dodging a barrage of practice pucks...

I assume you can't give details to position (forward, D, Goalie), but could you allude to what type of trade this would be? As in, Hawks exchange "core" player for role player + pick, or something of that nature?
- phantasmo

What I wrote is literally all I heard—and that was consistent with what some others have allegedly heard elsewhere

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

Well lets open Pandora's box..........

If July of 2009 taught the NHL and the rest of us anything, never count out this organization to make a splash.

However........Malkin is a 9.5 cap hit until 2021-22. When players like this supposedly become available, you have to call.......

How would you even fit him under? Before even guessing who the Hawks would give up, look at what Pittsburgh's needs are.......I dont' see why they would trade for CC seeing is they have an expensive cup winnign goalie already in Fleury. They would need a F, they would need some help on D.........

Have to figure 19,88 are off limits. However can you have 30.5 million tied into Malkin, Kane, and toews?

Plus, from a D perspective the Hawks really don't have depth to be dealing away a 2,4,7 which you would assume Rutherford would require to get Malkin.

Logically I just don't buy it. You would have to buy out Bickell, dump CC somewhere and take no money back, package 15 and say 7 along with 86 and you are essentially blowing up your team and doing a major retooling. Plus you then have 30.5+Hossa+Hammer+Keith+figure 5.5 for Panarin all tied into 7 guys....so you essentially have the same issue, TONS of money tied into 7 guys and your D depth is scary.......

What I wrote is literally all I heard—and that was consistent with what some others have allegedly heard elsewhere
- John Jaeckel

Very intriguing!

What were the thoughts on the Cup final? The big takeaways for why the Pen won the Cup: 1) speed kills 2) exiting the D zone with speed and 3) great counterpunching on breakouts. Lots of speed/skill from the depth players to complement the top lines

No, no, no.
Stan better give me my kind of players because we're playing my system.
And if the guys he gives me can't come in and play the specific way I want them to play, they are going to sit. A lot.

It doesn't matter if they can skate well. It doesn't matter if they are gritty and can play physical. It doesn't matter if they have skills that might be able to be used in some fashion to win. If I don't get what I want, then they won't play or I will have them traded.

I am very happy for Mike Sullivan. Was he lucky? Yes.
Lucky to get the chance to show if you take the best that guys have to give and figure out how to use those skills to your advantage, you can win.

I doubt anyone in the organ-I-zation learned anything.
- savvyone-1

Have to, just havta tweak systems to put individual players in a position to succeed. ALL players, not just Saad with 19+81, or 72 with 88.

We've all seen TT be much more effective at RW. And with 88+81 at RW how is TT not at least given a string of maybe 10 games at 3RW to see how it goes. And if you have to re-define roles on the 3rd line thereby changing the strategy so be it.

With this rigid cap a team looking to be competitive on a yearly basis has no choice but to be flexible with not only the lines but the system as well. A coach can cover for a lack of speed by dialing in a system to fit the players. If a slower player knows ahead of time where he is supposed to be he can be on his way earlier making him effectively faster than he appears to be. Mike Sullivan is a perfect example of a coach who is up to date. Before the playoffs who thought the Pens defense was better than the Sharks? Not me, that's for sure. And I wasn't a big Daley fan based on what I saw earlier in the year. I'm not even sure how much he helped Pit. But he didn't appear to hurt them. In my opinion the coach was most responsible for their cup win. Sullivan dialed them in perfectly. And I have to laugh every time I think about him coming from the Hawks.