Hell, maybe if he doesn't trade Daley the Hawks go further in the playoffs. Maybe if he trades Daley for LEGIT cap relief this isn't an issue. Quit talking about Daley like he was Bryan Bickell. Daley was a proven 4/5 D-man, who showed up every game and did work. He is well worth more than a washed up has been. Don't tell me THAT'S the best he could get.

We've seen Bowman do this before...while Montreal is getting Jeff Petry for a #2, Bowman is handing out a PAIR of #2s for freaking Kimo Timmonen. That trade alone tells me either Bowman doesn't shop around or lacks a clear handle on the value of some of these stiffs he trades for. And it's that trade that tells me he did similar with Daley (either not gaining true value or getting worked over by another GM).

You want to believe he is wonderful. I see these type of trades and it's painful.

Bowman seems to excel in the under the radar pickups...Oduya, Leddy, maybe even Panik. Nice moves. I admit it. But I also wish the lapdog media in Chicago would ask him WTF was he thinking on some of these other moves.
- kwolf68

No not at all. I was replying to your comment on the Scuderi trade.

I hated the Kimmo trade, the Rundblad trade, and think he waited too long to trade both Leddy and Sharp(I would have traded Sharp the year before and kept Sadd)

I'm on record as saying his trades last TDL put the organization depth back at least 3 years, maybe more. I never, never, ever would have traded Danault.

I didn't think even with ladd they could win last year.

lf you were going into the season with Danault, Dano, TT, Sadd, Johns this would be a completely different team. After this year, it would have to be blown up again, but hey they are used to that.

No, Im no Stan apologist, just try and keep it factual instead of emotional.

Don't live in Chicago ,visited a few times for games . But have been a HAWKS fan since birth in 62 , and been battling the local LEAF WING MONT BOST fans since .Been to the old OLYPIA In Detroit and the Joe to see the HAWKS many times over the years .Not always a pleasant trip ,but always worth it . I don't understand the bitterness at all .This is by far the best time ever to be a HAWKS fan .Sit back and enjoy the ride ,it a privilege many fans never get ..GO HAWKS and Pass the Kool Aid !!!!

- oldduffman

That's a good way to look at it buddy. Hell, pissed off about a god dam sports team? Take a step back and think about those poor people along the coast who's lives will be shattered because of this storm , or other misfortunes n life. I should be happy for the 3cups ! Prolly a little spoiled by those parades ect!

Gotcha. Discussing the performance of our GM is appropriate, but not appropriate.

As far as totality of his work, if you're not capable of analyzing this GM by each "individual brush" then for the sake of honesty you owe much of the credit for the Hawks run on previous General Managers who left Bowman the finest core group of players the NHL has seen in 20 years....

And I am sorry but I do not think his trades for Vermette or Ladd were anything marvelous. He gave up a ton to get them. Just a hockey trade.

I DO LIKE him getting Oduya. That was a great move. I did like getting Leddy for a cone. Awesome move. And he has made other solid moves.

But last year's post-season fail was AS MUCH on Bowman and Q as it was on a tired Seabrook or a kid tossing the puck to the other team in Game 7. That's what the apologists don't get. They like to celebrate Bowman as a genius when he makes a good move, while absolving him of any blame for the dumbpoop he does, because well HE MADE a good move before and he is "responsible" for Cups.

If we can bash Brent Seabrook and Jonathan Toews, then we can bash the suit who counts beans.
- kwolf68

No, apparently you didn't "gotcha" me. The point you missed was that it's not always accurate to evaluate a GM's trades in isolation or as a strictly linear progression where trade-A leads to trade-B which leads to trade-C. Most times there are more moving parts than simple two dimensional moves. Therefore a GMs performance should be judged in total rather than by individual moves.

Seems like we're going to need to revisit this point yet again...

When teams are legitimate Cup contenders - they're rarely if ever going to view trading a player through the optics of the window of greatest value - but rather - holding on to them as long as possible for another shot at the Cup. So, the Hawks were never going to trade Sharp, Leddy, etc., when they could leverage their value to their advantage - but rather after they had to due to cap implications.

We can't have it both ways - enjoying three Cup victories - along with two additional WCF appearances - but then pissing and moaning about how the front office doesn't know when and how to trade players. I think they do for the most part - because there are three banners hanging in the UC as a result.

However, moving forward - it appears that leveraging best value will become more of a priority as this team will be faced with some sort of retooling process in the next 2-3 seasons. Time will tell.

That's a good way to look at it buddy. Hell, pissed off about a god dam sports team? Take a step back and think about those poor people along the coast who's lives will be shattered because of this storm , or other misfortunes n life. I should be happy for the 3cups ! Prolly a little spoiled by those parades ect!
- wonthecup10

With all your energy join me starting this month on the 20 TH at Johnnys icehouse west for a 50 and over skate. It's sponsored by coach Ken
Anyone else reading this that want to join us is welcome

Just a thought, probably not super significant but would Stanislav Galiev be worth claiming from Washington? A changeneral of scenery and a chance to actually play might be good for him. Don't know much about him except that the Caps were so worried about losing him

That's a good way to look at it buddy. Hell, pissed off about a god dam sports team? Take a step back and think about those poor people along the coast who's lives will be shattered because of this storm , or other misfortunes n life. I should be happy for the 3cups ! Prolly a little spoiled by those parades ect!
- wonthecup10

Well said. Keeping in mind that in 2010 it was an overtime win game 6 in Philly on a pretty fluky, though heads up, goal by Kane. Then in 2013 game 6 in Boston, two in 17 seconds. Realistically these series could have gone to game 7 where anything could have happened. Margin of error is so slim in this league. Sometimes good to be lucky and lucky to be good.

That's a good way to look at it buddy. Hell, pissed off about a god dam sports team? Take a step back and think about those poor people along the coast who's lives will be shattered because of this storm , or other misfortunes n life. I should be happy for the 3cups ! Prolly a little spoiled by those parades ect!
- wonthecup10

That is the way to look at man ,it is not always easy . I know I lose it big time during games sometimes , but try to look at the big pitcher (of beer) after the game is over ..

With all your energy join me starting this month on the 20 TH at Johnnys icehouse west for a 50 and over skate. It's sponsored by coach Ken
Anyone else reading this that want to join us is welcome
- molly2522

I'll call ya , I may go back with that group on Sat mornings,great bunch of guys ,lots of fun, pullin the pin the end of nov. with work, 40 years buddy,right out of H.S.,this prolly should be a PM,but ah , what the heck. Im Hopin 1of these kids is the next Larmer or 1of the Sutters, I maybe too hard on the GM, hell ,when ya got a Dad that's won more StanleyCups you're thinking bloodlines and everything should be a go!
Coach Ken, what an amazing guy to be honored to skate with.Ienjoyed it, also enjoyed his time with the oldChicago Warriors at the Stadium back in the early 70's.
Later buddy!

The cupboard was stacked when he took over. I'm sure many GMs could have been able to get credit for at least a couple of Cups. He's made some nice moves in the draft, but at least a few were no brainers that fell to him (Shaw, Saad, and that little guy from the past draft).

I'd love to see what another GM, say Poile, Lombardi, or even Tallon (not ringing the bell for him, just throwing it out there), could have done with that starting group. Let's also not forget, Scotty didn't do so well as GM in Buffalo. Timmonen was a great story, but seriously, 2 #2s? GMs must salivate when they hear "Stan Bowman on line 1." I wonder how much of this falls on him, at least from a talent acquisition standpoint. I'm sure he's played a large part in how they operate, as far as being a professional hockey organization. Maybe Q is in a battle with the Bowmans on some level, and purposely tries to make his life difficult. Q's moves have become increasingly more questionable. While I thought the Dallas price was too high, I also felt both players were guys they could have molded in time. Daley was asked to play a much different game in Dallas, and his agility and skating could have worked out well in time.

I agree with you, and see a team sinking further and further down, and is quite possibly out of the playoffs this year should a significant injury put one of the core out. They're certainly not better than Dallas or Nashville in their own division, if not St Louis and maybe even Minny.
- howiehandles

Maybe you meant Teuvo but I'm not sure how you'd consider Shaw, a guy who was passed over in two drafts and then when he finally was drafted went in the 5th round, a no brainer...in hindsight yes but at the time certianly not.

That would indicate the rest of the GM's in the league have less than no brains I guess?

That is the way to look at man ,it is not always easy . I know I lose it big time during games sometimes , but try to look at the big pitcher (of beer) after the game is over ..
- oldduffman

No not at all. I was replying to your comment on the Scuderi trade.

I hated the Kimmo trade, the Rundblad trade, and think he waited too long to trade both Leddy and Sharp(I would have traded Sharp the year before and kept Sadd)

I'm on record as saying his trades last TDL put the organization depth back at least 3 years, maybe more. I never, never, ever would have traded Danault.

I didn't think even with ladd they could win last year.

lf you were going into the season with Danault, Dano, TT, Sadd, Johns this would be a completely different team. After this year, it would have to be blown up again, but hey they are used to that.

No, Im no Stan apologist, just try and keep it factual instead of emotional.
- vabeachbear

I didn't mind the Kimmo trade except they overpaid slightly. He was definitely a risk - and didn't add much of anything on the ice - but getting him sent the right message to the team, the FO saw a need and tried to fill it now go out and win a Cup. It worked.

Rundblad was a dumb acquisition and a dumber re-sign. Agree on waiting too long to deal Leddy and Sharp, probably could have received a better return but we'll never really know.

Aside from Saad, who was already an established NHLer when he was traded, so far, none of the other youngsters the Blackhawks have let go have turned into anything. Johns looks like he has some potential to stick. Dano and TT are still major question marks. Danault might turn into a bottom six guy but we don't know yet. For a team trying to win cups, the future is always now. I give Stan credit for finding some prospects in the FA market: Panarin, Fortin, Forsling, Kempny, Motte, etc. I'm totally ok with him trading the young guys who aren't contributing yet for veterans who can.

How do we go from being excited about all the young prospect to roasting Stan's GM career because he didn't trade for Yakupov?

I didn't mind the Kimmo trade except they overpaid slightly. He was definitely a risk - and didn't add much of anything on the ice - but getting him sent the right message to the team, the FO saw a need and tried to fill it now go out and win a Cup. It worked.

Rundblad was a dumb acquisition and a dumber re-sign. Agree on waiting too long to deal Leddy and Sharp, probably could have received a better return but we'll never really know.

Aside from Saad, who was already an established NHLer when he was traded, so far, none of the other youngsters the Blackhawks have let go have turned into anything. Johns looks like he has some potential to stick. Dano and TT are still major question marks. Danault might turn into a bottom six guy but we don't know yet. For a team trying to win cups, the future is always now. I give Stan credit for finding some prospects in the FA market: Panarin, Fortin, Forsling, Kempny, Motte, etc. I'm totally ok with him trading the young guys who aren't contributing yet for veterans who can.
- matt_ahrens

Exactly. You win some you lose some. Has every move Bowman's made been gold? No, but it seems the ones people tend to point out are the ones that haven't worked or use hindsight to roast him for things that didn't turn out in the Hawks favor.

I remember Tallon who is often canonized in this place, did some great things but also signed Aucoin, Cullimore, C. Brown, and some others that didn't exactly pan out. He also tied up $11M in goalies' salaries when he signed Huet and couldn't unload Khabby. I can only imagine the calls for Stan's head if he had Crow and Darling at $11M and only one could play any given night.

I saw it again today where someone mentions certain guys falling in the draft and that it's a no brainer that Stan picked them. If so, couldn't the same be said for Toews falling to the 3rd pick where Dale scooped him up and then a year later having the good fortune to win the lottery and pick Kane 1st overall?

But unless my memory is seriously failing me, Mckenzie said on twitter earlier that day that a Chi-Edm trade was in the works. So not sure what your actual point is.

I mean, let's set our egos aside here and apply a little common sense.

Are you seriously saying because Yakupov was traded to St. Louis yesterday that MEANS the Hawks WEREN'T talking to EDM about the same player the previous day? Because if so, then circumstantially at least, your argument fails the logic test.

FACT: Yak WAS "in play."

FACT: EDM was (as reported here—not elsewhere) talking to other teams as well.

FACT: The Hawks have pursued all kinds of "budget" alternatives at wing all offseason (Vesey, Hudler, etc)

So because Mckenzie goes on the radio in Vancouver later that night and says, if I understand it correctly, Chicago has decided to "go with their kids," that means no Chi-EDM trade was discussed, or even close?

Really Wiz? I don't know, maybe I am missing your actual point
- John Jaeckel

I didn't miss Wiz's point at all. In fact, I heard it loud and clear. Nice job, Wiz!

Starting blogs with things like "as first reported here" and taking "victory laps" after throwing darts and having one stick, is amateur journalism at its finest.

Galiev is worth his price (waiver claim). Can play either wing, 525k cap hit. 6'2". If he doesnt work, put him in Rockford

I know his availability is still an unknown and even if he was we don't know if he'd choose the Hawks, but Shipachyov is still a possible option later in the season if the youngsters don't help solidify the lineup. I'd much rather have him than Yakupov, so not bummed at all by the Hawks not being able to trade for him. I know, Shipachyov is a center and we need a winger but that's when you explore shifting Anisimov to wing if that helps to fill a need and balance the lines.

I'm also not concerned that the Blues landed Yakupov. Like every other team, the Blues have their own holes and concerns. Schwartz is injured again and Sobotka decided not to come back to the NHL. And as much as I can't stand him, the Blues also lost a key cog in Backes. Who did they gain? Yakupov and Perron. The Blues will still be a strong team to match up against, but they're not a runaway contender.

Change of topic... The Blues are icing pretty much their full lineup tonight.

Forwards: Patrik Berglund, Kyle Brodziak, Robby Fabbri, Dmitrij Jaskin, Jori Lehtera,David Perron, Ty Rattie, Ryan Reaves, Paul Stastny, Alexander Steen, Vladimir Tarasenko, Scottie Upshall

Defense: Robert Bortuzzo, Jay Bouwmeester, Carl Gunnarsson, Colton Parayko, Alex Pietrangelo, Kevin Shattenkirk

Goalies: Jake Allen, Carter Hutton

I hope nobody jumps off any bridges when the Hawks most likely lose this one, given the fact they are going without most of the core tonight. I hope the youngsters can keep it close and that we see who really wants the roster spots.

Change of topic... The Blues are icing pretty much their full lineup tonight.

Forwards: Patrik Berglund, Kyle Brodziak, Robby Fabbri, Dmitrij Jaskin, Jori Lehtera,David Perron, Ty Rattie, Ryan Reaves, Paul Stastny, Alexander Steen, Vladimir Tarasenko, Scottie Upshall

Defense: Robert Bortuzzo, Jay Bouwmeester, Carl Gunnarsson, Colton Parayko, Alex Pietrangelo, Kevin Shattenkirk

Goalies: Jake Allen, Carter Hutton

I hope nobody jumps off any bridges when the Hawks most likely lose this one, given the fact they are going without most of the core tonight. I hope the youngsters can keep it close and that we see who really wants the roster spots.
- breadbag

Yeah well we'd probably win if we had Yakupov. Damn you Stan!

How do we go from being excited about all the young prospect to roasting Stan's GM career because he didn't trade for Yakupov?
- DarthKane

I for one am still excited about our future and seeing how our prospects will turn out. The Yakupov thing was fun to track while it lasted, but it's just a temporary derailment from the excitement of starting the new season. I may be overly optimistic, but I have faith that some of them will be contributors this year and help solidify the lineup.

I know his availability is still an unknown and even if he was we don't know if he'd choose the Hawks, but Shipachyov is still a possible option later in the season if the youngsters don't help solidify the lineup. I'd much rather have him than Yakupov, so not bummed at all by the Hawks not being able to trade for him. I know, Shipachyov is a center and we need a winger but that's when you explore shifting Anisimov to wing if that helps to fill a need and balance the lines.

I'm also not concerned that the Blues landed Yakupov. Like every other team, the Blues have their own holes and concerns. Schwartz is injured again and Sobotka decided not to come back to the NHL. And as much as I can't stand him, the Blues also lost a key cog in Backes. Who did they gain? Yakupov and Perron. The Blues will still be a strong team to match up against, but they're not a runaway contender.
- AEL_Fox

I was just reading that the Blues are talking about taking their time with Yakupov, which is pretty much the best way to go. He adds some depth and skill to a team, but honestly there are drawbacks. Plus/Minus isn't a stat that can't tell you anything concrete, but Yak is a league worst -88 in the four years he has been in the league. Edmonton has been a basement team, but he was pretty heavily criticized by their coaches and fans for his poor defensive effort.

It don't know how he would have fit in with the Hawks if they had landed him but I certainly understand the intrigue of landing a former 1st overall that has some skills with the puck on his stick. I don't think he will ever live up to the hype, but good to see him get a second chance and a new opportunity.

Who's playing for the Hawks tonight?

Who's playing for the Hawks tonight?
- SimpleJack

Goaltenders
50 Corey Crawford
33 Scott Darling

Defensemen
6 Michal Kempny
17 Ville Pokka
32 Michal Rozsival
42 Gustav Forsling
43 Viktor Svedberg
45 Dillon Fournier
57 Trevor van Riemsdyk

Forwards
8 Nick Schmaltz
11 Andrew Desjardins
14 Richard Panik
15 Artem Anisimov
16 Marcus Kruger
22 Jordin Tootoo
38 Ryan Hartman
41 Mark McNeill
48 Vinnie Hinostroza
53 Brandon Mashinter
64 Tyler Motte
70 Dennis Rasmussen
82 Alexandre Fortin

Change of topic... The Blues are icing pretty much their full lineup tonight.

Forwards: Patrik Berglund, Kyle Brodziak, Robby Fabbri, Dmitrij Jaskin, Jori Lehtera,David Perron, Ty Rattie, Ryan Reaves, Paul Stastny, Alexander Steen, Vladimir Tarasenko, Scottie Upshall

Defense: Robert Bortuzzo, Jay Bouwmeester, Carl Gunnarsson, Colton Parayko, Alex Pietrangelo, Kevin Shattenkirk

Goalies: Jake Allen, Carter Hutton

I hope nobody jumps off any bridges when the Hawks most likely lose this one, given the fact they are going without most of the core tonight. I hope the youngsters can keep it close and that we see who really wants the roster spots.
- breadbag

Quite the opposite,I want to see" who has a set!" , as I am pretty sure so do the coaches, I wouldn't even dress TooToo,that would have to force some of the others to step up when the Blues pull out their open season hunting tactics.

I didn't miss Wiz's point at all. In fact, I heard it loud and clear. Nice job, Wiz!

Starting blogs with things like "as first reported here" and taking "victory laps" after throwing darts and having one stick, is amateur journalism at its finest.
- Katana777

Lighten up Francis