Would Anisimov, Schmaltz, Forsling, and a 1st be too much to offer for Duchene? I would do it. Call me crazy.
- SimpleJack

Once you see a young forward CAN play somewhere in your lineup, you WANT that kid to BE YOUR CAP relief.

Can we all agree Schmaltz doesn't play in ANY NHL teams AHL minor pro team, but with the NHL team?


His value is IN that fact.

If you think your youngster CAN'T get better or is going to shuttle back & forth to your AHL team he isn't a true help.

Charlie McAvoy, or Jimmy Vesey, or TB's Brayden Point, or Dylan Larkin, or Calle Jarnkrok, Robbi Fabbri....they all don't get traded, because the fill a need for CAP RELIEF and can float around your line up...

The Hawks are not $3m over the cap with Hossa on LTIR - if they put him on LTIR right now, it would negate any space they are currently over. They also just wouldn't have 0 cap space for the duration of the season.

More likely if they made no more moves (including keeping Kruger) and were going to LTIR him at the start of the season, they would just move some players to the AHL for a short time while they place Hossa on LTIR. For example, they could send down a couple of waiver exempt players (Hayden, Schmaltz) and waive Glass and Rozsival for a day, put Hossa on LTIR the next day - they'd then have almost his full cap hit (minus some $100k) to play with so they could recall the kids + Rozsival if they wanted and still have a lot of space to recall more or trade for someone (now or at TDL).

You can play around with this by using LTIR pro-mode on CapFriendly.
- L_B_R

Well yes, the 'Hawks aren't $3 million over with Hossa on the LTIR, but it doesn't make sense for Stan and Co. to LTIR him now because they would lose any cap flexibility they have in the regular season. It makes sense for Stan to rather have that extra ~$5 million in cap space in the regular season (around the trade deadline) by LTIR Hossa at the start of the regular season rather than now.

Also, it's inevitable that Kruger is traded, the team will be cap compliant that way, and I wouldn't expect much (if any) shuffling to occur unless AA is also moved. You can toy around with sending up/down of different players for cap purposes, but that's neither here nor there. The main point is that eventually when Hossa gets LTIR'd at the start of the season, the team won't be in as much of a crunch as many may think. But right now, technically speaking, they aren't over the cap until the regular season begins (since they can be up to 10% over it during the summer).

Also, I may be crazy ....

but I honestly think that losing (a healthy) Marcus Kruger is going to hurt a lot more than losing the Breadman.

Losing Marcus is really going to be a tough pill to swallow. I'm hopeful Hawk fans remember him for who he was and how integral of a role he played during our cup years rather than the player he was this past season.

Also, I may be crazy ....

but I honestly think that losing (a healthy) Marcus Kruger is going to hurt a lot more than losing the Breadman.

Losing Marcus is really going to be a tough pill to swallow. I'm hopeful Hawk fans remember him for who he was and how integral of a role he played during our cup years rather than the player he was this past season.
- TommyHawk

At least I'm not the only crazy guy out there.

Why? They would get more cap space with Hossa on LTIR for later vs what cap space they might bank over the course of a season with him on it. There's no advantage keeping him off unless they were pretty well under the cap.

Or am I reading your comment wrong? It's after midnight and I've been up since 4AM yesterday lol.
- L_B_R

It's late I'll splain in the morning. But there's a method to my madness.

Kruger/AA is a certainty. 100%. The team is almost $3 mil over the cap. Even with the Hossa LTIR.

I don't think the 'Hawks make any other moves beyond those two wild cards. For the most part, the roster you see now is what you will get come October. I'd expect the hype machine to be fully activated for DeBrincat and Fortin shortly.
- TommyHawk

This is incorrect.

Without Hossa's cap hit, they are almost 2.3 million under the cap.

Also, I may be crazy ....

but I honestly think that losing (a healthy) Marcus Kruger is going to hurt a lot more than losing the Breadman.

Losing Marcus is really going to be a tough pill to swallow. I'm hopeful Hawk fans remember him for who he was and how integral of a role he played during our cup years rather than the player he was this past season.
- TommyHawk

JJ is that you?



It may not be that bad. His replacement may not be the shut down defensive presence but at least he will make the opponent play in their end of the rink every now and then... Maybe even compel their goalie to make a save or two...

The question is more can the Avalanche decide, do they want to trade him, now that the entire league has come up with multi-trade offers, none of which includes all the various pieces they originally said was the asking price.

I am scratching my head now just attempting to figure out what solves Colorado's issues.
At one point I thought it was Hammer, Darling, DeBrincat, a defensive prospect and some other Cap item from the Blackhawks.

I think they would like a young defender in the league playing, and a GOOD forward.

The fact that Duchene has failed as a viable option at the pivot position and the fact that they think he and his salary must go is a problem.

Try and look at it like this:
Does Anisimov and Murphy make Colorado better than keeping Duchene?

And then think about if Duchene (& hit Cap hit) are more valuable than Murphy (and his Cap hit) and Anisimov who might not be the best guy in the dot but plays solids big 2nd line centre?

To me Duchene was a luxury item who would have been out on LW with Toews.

I think Colorado is looking for some team to throw a wet behind the ears defenseman and a first and a reliable young vet...like Boston's Charlie McAvoy, a forward and a first...

I dont see them getting any equal return, so they will be better off keeping him...
- wiz1901

Nobody around the NHL has been or is likely to pay Sakic's current asking price for Duchene. And the fact that Duchene hasn't played very well over the last 2 years sure doesn't help the cause.

Wiz, you're a math teacher, let's consider Sakic's inexperience (or stupidity) as a GM for a minute and what he likely could have done by trading Duchene to the Islanders:

- NYI offered Hamonic (and his $3.8M contract) and a #1 pick in 2018 for Duchene (and his $6M contract). Sakic turned it down, he wanted Matthew Barzal put in the deal, NYI refused).

- if Sakic would have accepted Hamonic and the #1 offer, almost 100% for sure he could have then flipped Hamonic to Calgary for what the Flames paid NYI - a #1 and 2 in 2018 and a #2 in 2019 (and maybe even another average young player on an ELC).

- By going that route, the Avs would have netted two #1 picks and one #2 in 2018 and one #2 in 2019 and got a $6M player off their books - not a bad return for a player like Duchene who's on ice play has been average at best last couple of seasons.

- And tell me, how long will it be before Nathan McKinnon tells his agent to 'get me out of here'?

Nobody around the NHL has been or is likely to pay Sakic's current asking price for Duchene. And the fact that Duchene hasn't played very well over the last 2 years sure doesn't help the cause.

Wiz, you're a math teacher, let's consider Sakic's inexperience (or stupidity) as a GM for a minute and what he likely could have done by trading Duchene to the Islanders:

- NYI offered Hamonic (and his $3.8M contract) and a #1 pick in 2018 for Duchene (and his $6M contract). Sakic turned it down, he wanted Matthew Barzal put in the deal, NYI refused).

- if Sakic would have accepted Hamonic and the #1 offer, almost 100% for sure he could have then flipped Hamonic to Calgary for what the Flames paid NYI - a #1 and 2 in 2018 and a #2 in 2019 (and maybe even another average young player on an ELC).

- By going that route, the Avs would have netted two #1 picks and one #2 in 2018 and one #2 in 2019 and got a $6M player off their books - not a bad return for a player like Duchene who's on ice play has been average at best last couple of seasons.

- And tell me, how long will it be before Nathan McKinnon tells his agent to 'get me out of here'?
- RickJ

two late 1sts and two 2nds is a terrible return to be honest. How does that help the Avalanche? Gonna be another super long rebuild.

two late 1sts and two 2nds is a terrible return to be honest. How does that help the Avalanche? Gonna be another super long rebuild.
- DutchSenators

Yup, the picks don't skate right away for 3-5 years, granted. Trade value- depends on how good you think Duchene is, I think he's a bit overrated. And clearly nobody is willing to pony up skaters who Sakic considers good comparable value. So he could have used some of the picks to acquire some talent from teams who either have cap problems or pending free agents or guys who want out.

The Avs are destined to be doormats for quite awhile.

Also, I may be crazy ....

but I honestly think that losing (a healthy) Marcus Kruger is going to hurt a lot more than losing the Breadman.

Losing Marcus is really going to be a tough pill to swallow. I'm hopeful Hawk fans remember him for who he was and how integral of a role he played during our cup years rather than the player he was this past season.
- TommyHawk

He isn't gone yet

Its free agent eve !! I bet it gets hot today ! Lets go !

Its free agent eve !! I bet it gets hot today ! Lets go !
- mrpaulish

Hope you're right! The waiting is killing me.

Not sure if this has been talked about already..Hossa goes on LTIR only to come back for the playoffs like kaner a couple years ago.

The deal that Calgary and Carolina made yesterday really comes off his Carolina being fleeced. A quality backup and a project defenseman with a 7th round pick for a guy in the ECHL and a sixth round pick. On top of that Carolina is picking up half the salary of lack. For them taking on the almost 2 million in salary, you would think they would get a lot more than moving up one round with a draft pick

Not sure if this has been talked about already..Hossa goes on LTIR only to come back for the playoffs like kaner a couple years ago.
- tneckopulos

Or more like Timonen - as I doubt Hossa will be playing at all during this time -so even if he did he would have pretty much no timing and be completely out of synch.

It isn't easy to do at any level, much less the NHL.

Gord Miller @GMillerTSN 29m
RT @Sz1909_Szemberg: European clubs going down is almost a daily occurrence. We must start paying more attention to financial issues @EHCAl…

With a player like gagner or really anyone. Couldn't the Blackhawks sign a free agent to a small guarantee number and high bonuses worked into it? That way they would avoid the cap problems and if hossa makes it to LTIR, which I expect to happen once the season starts, that becomes a smart way to tap into the free agent pool before it dries up and stay below the cap (once a move is made)

Bob McKenzie‏Verified account @TSNBobMcKenzie 23m23 minutes ago

With apologies to @68Jagr (see last retweets), nine teams have reached out to Patrick Sharp during the UFA "discussion" period.
- Mr Ricochet

Honestly, I think Sharp's agent or publicist is pushing stuff out there. too many people with "tips" that Sharp is in huge demand or in "tip top shape."

Agents do this, and they're doing it now more than ever. It's how they increase their income. Gin up a market for their players, increase "demand," bigger contracts, more money for them.

for example, I think someone in Oshie's camp pushed out the story that the hawks were all over him to get the Caps to chump up big. 99% sure the Hawks were never after Oshie. Fake news.

With a player like gagner or really anyone. Couldn't the Blackhawks sign a free agent to a small guarantee number and high bonuses worked into it? That way they would avoid the cap problems and if hossa makes it to LTIR, which I expect to happen once the season starts, that becomes a smart way to tap into the free agent pool before it dries up and stay below the cap (once a move is made)
- Samwelsey

Hi Sam, welcome.

Only issue is this: the market determines the price. Maybe a couple of years ago, the lure of playing for a Cup definitely in Chicago, might cause a player to forego bigger $$ to sign that type of deal in Chicago.

Hawk fans need to accept that right now at least, that time has passed. The Hawks have not been that team for two years.

The one lure they have is the opportunity to play alongside Kane for a center like Boyle or Gagner or a wing like Marleau. But in any case, it means Anisimov is getting traded most likely, to free up a space and/or cap hit. Now Anisimov brings a return too, so that's not necessarily a bad thing.

But the idea of a significant add in free agency without losing another deal (BEYOND Kruger's) is probably wishful thinking.

Honestly, I think Sharp's agent or publicist is pushing stuff out there. too many people with "tips" that Sharp is in huge demand or in "tip top shape."

Agents do this, and they're doing it now more than ever. It's how they increase their income. Gin up a market for their players, increase "demand," bigger contracts, more money for them.

for example, I think someone in Oshie's camp pushed out the story that the hawks were all over him to get the Caps to chump up big. 99% sure the Hawks were never after Oshie. Fake news.
- John Jaeckel

Just like "No decision yet on Hossa"from the league. Id bet the house that The Blackhawks and the Nhl already know whats going to happen. Just waiting to announce .


Any idea who the Hawks have talked to in the flirt period pre free agency ?

Not sure if this has been talked about already..Hossa goes on LTIR only to come back for the playoffs like kaner a couple years ago.
- tneckopulos

Highly doubtful. I think he's done. The condition is legit, don't see how he "overcomes it" for a few playoff games, and the Hawks get in a lot of trouble with the league if he does.

Hi Sam, welcome.

Only issue is this: the market determines the price. Maybe a couple of years ago, the lure of playing for a Cup definitely in Chicago, might cause a player to forego bigger $$ to sign that type of deal in Chicago.

Hawk fans need to accept that right now at least, that time has passed. The Hawks have not been that team for two years.

The one lure they have is the opportunity to play alongside Kane for a center like Boyle or Gagner or a wing like Marleau. But in any case, it means Anisimov is getting traded most likely, to free up a space and/or cap hit. Now Anisimov brings a return too, so that's not necessarily a bad thing.

But the idea of a significant add in free agency without losing another deal (BEYOND Kruger's) is probably wishful thinking.
- John Jaeckel

IF

this happens we are looking at this happening today.

Honestly, I think Sharp's agent or publicist is pushing stuff out there. too many people with "tips" that Sharp is in huge demand or in "tip top shape."

Agents do this, and they're doing it now more than ever. It's how they increase their income. Gin up a market for their players, increase "demand," bigger contracts, more money for them.

for example, I think someone in Oshie's camp pushed out the story that the hawks were all over him to get the Caps to chump up big. 99% sure the Hawks were never after Oshie. Fake news.
- John Jaeckel

So what you are saying is agents are scum! Real News!

Just like "No decision yet on Hossa"from the league. Id bet the house that The Blackhawks and the Nhl already know whats going to happen. Just waiting to announce .


Any idea who the Hawks have talked to in the flirt period pre free agency ?
- mrpaulish

Definitely Hartnell and Del Zotto and Justin Williams (but that is unlikely to materialize), I believe Gagner, Alzner (also a super longshot), lots of lesser guys like Cramorossa