Hypothetical trade proposal...

Let's assume that the 'Hawks end up with a top-10 pick, and by some good fortune end up with pick #6 or #7 (meaning they beat the odds, but didn't get as "lucky" as the Bulls did back in 2008).

For the sake of this, let's assume that Arizona wins the lottery and has the right to select 1st overall, and they've already got a star D-man they'd like to build around for a long time in OEL, and are open to moving the pick for immediate NHL help/best package.

Would you guys offer up that #6/7 pick + Brandon Saad for the 1st overall pick? Now the value of the 1st overall pick is hard to gauge since it hasn't been moved in 15 years, but I think that in today's game, this would be a ~good~ start.

Now in moving Saad, you're losing your only bonafide, cost-controlled top-six winger outside of Kane. Now keep in mind that even though Saad has struggled this year, he's still valued as a top-six forward on a good contract. Those players obviously have a lot of value in this league (on top of moving an already-high draft pick where you can net yourself a pretty good defensive prospect). But now, obviously, you get a shot at a defensive generational talent to one day replace Duncan Keith.

In my opinion, I absolutely would. Even if it would actually set us back a little bit, I'm of the belief that in order for this team to be successful, they'll need to build from the back and go up in order to contend. We have a decent nucleus with our forward group, but defensively, we are barren with top-pairing talent. Now would be the perfect opportunity for the 'Hawks front-office to make that splash, be innovative, and show that they are prepared for the future.

The Oilers are dying to find a scoring winger that can play with McDavid.

Rumours have surfaced that the Oilers would consider listening on Oscar Klefbom.

It wouldn't be able to happen until the summer, but how would you guys feel about:

CHI trades:
Debrincat
Forsling
+ prospect(s)

EDM trades:
Klefbom
Caggiula



Edmonton gets a talented winger who has proven he can score in the NHL in Debrincat. Oh and the Oilers already know that he can play with McJesus.

They also get a dman back in Forsling to insert into their lineup and grow into a potential top 4 role.

The Hawks get a top 4 defenceman in Klefbom who is under contract @ $4.1M for another 5 years, who would instantly be their #2 dman behind Keith. He's a big body 6'3/215 and is only 24-years old. He has a ton of skill but it appears that Edmonton is looking at all options right now and would consider moving him.

The Hawks would also get Drake Caggiula, who was Nick Schmaltz's linemate for a couple years at Univ. ND.


Thoughts?

#latenighttradeproposals #babywon'tsleep #Hawkswillbebetternextyear #right?

The Oilers are dying to find a scoring winger that can play with McDavid.

Rumours have surfaced that the Oilers would consider listening on Oscar Klefbom.

It wouldn't be able to happen until the summer, but how would you guys feel about:

CHI trades:
Debrincat
Forsling
+ prospect(s)

EDM trades:
Klefbom
Caggiula



Edmonton gets a talented winger who has proven he can score in the NHL in Debrincat. Oh and the Oilers already know that he can play with McJesus.

They also get a dman back in Forsling to insert into their lineup and grow into a potential top 4 role.

The Hawks get a top 4 defenceman in Klefbom who is under contract @ $4.1M for another 5 years, who would instantly be their #2 dman behind Keith. He's a big body 6'3/215 and is only 24-years old. He has a ton of skill but it appears that Edmonton is looking at all options right now and would consider moving him.

The Hawks would also get Drake Caggiula, who was Nick Schmaltz's linemate for a couple years at Univ. ND.


Thoughts?

#latenighttradeproposals #babywon'tsleep #Hawkswillbebetternextyear #right?
- Justin Lowe

Not a bad idea, but I don't think I would move Cat, and think he's an untouchable for the team. I think Cat has more value to this team than he does in trade proposals. Remember, he's only 20 years old and he's on pace for a 30-goal; 50-point campaign in his rookie season.

If I'm the 'Hawks and looking to fill that void of a top-four d-man, I'm putting Saad on the block and seeing what I can get. A Saad-for-Klefbom trade? That might be interesting.

The Oilers are dying to find a scoring winger that can play with McDavid.

Rumours have surfaced that the Oilers would consider listening on Oscar Klefbom.

It wouldn't be able to happen until the summer, but how would you guys feel about:

CHI trades:
Debrincat
Forsling
+ prospect(s)

EDM trades:
Klefbom
Caggiula



Edmonton gets a talented winger who has proven he can score in the NHL in Debrincat. Oh and the Oilers already know that he can play with McJesus.

They also get a dman back in Forsling to insert into their lineup and grow into a potential top 4 role.

The Hawks get a top 4 defenceman in Klefbom who is under contract @ $4.1M for another 5 years, who would instantly be their #2 dman behind Keith. He's a big body 6'3/215 and is only 24-years old. He has a ton of skill but it appears that Edmonton is looking at all options right now and would consider moving him.

The Hawks would also get Drake Caggiula, who was Nick Schmaltz's linemate for a couple years at Univ. ND.


Thoughts?

#latenighttradeproposals #babywon'tsleep #Hawkswillbebetternextyear #right?
- Justin Lowe

Creative trade,I’ll give you that. It would be really hard to deal DeBrincat but that’s what it would cost to get a quality defenseman. I like Klefbom but I think Stan could do better, plus I’m not sold on Caggiula. Ideally, I want to best of both worlds, find a solid young defenseman but keep Schmaltz and Forsling.

My biggest worry about trading a talent like DeBrincat for a defenseman is Q. Right now Q uses DeBrincat properly and he’s a solid contributor. Who knows how Q will play Klefbom. We could end up trading away DeBrincat for another Daley or Murphy. That’s not a chance I’m willing to take.

Try taking your baby for a drive, maybe that will help with the sleep situation.

The Oilers are dying to find a scoring winger that can play with McDavid.

Rumours have surfaced that the Oilers would consider listening on Oscar Klefbom.

It wouldn't be able to happen until the summer, but how would you guys feel about:

CHI trades:
Debrincat
Forsling
+ prospect(s)

EDM trades:
Klefbom
Caggiula



Edmonton gets a talented winger who has proven he can score in the NHL in Debrincat. Oh and the Oilers already know that he can play with McJesus.

They also get a dman back in Forsling to insert into their lineup and grow into a potential top 4 role.

The Hawks get a top 4 defenceman in Klefbom who is under contract @ $4.1M for another 5 years, who would instantly be their #2 dman behind Keith. He's a big body 6'3/215 and is only 24-years old. He has a ton of skill but it appears that Edmonton is looking at all options right now and would consider moving him.

The Hawks would also get Drake Caggiula, who was Nick Schmaltz's linemate for a couple years at Univ. ND.


Thoughts?

#latenighttradeproposals #babywon'tsleep #Hawkswillbebetternextyear #right?
- Justin Lowe

I like it. $4.1m for 5 years for a top 4 defensemen? Yes! I'll take it.

It'd be a win-win. DeBrincat would do well with McDavid, probably much better than he'll do in Chicago, and I think he'll do well in Chicago. But D is a bigger immediate need, IMHO, and probably a tougher hole to fill; at least it has been for the Blackhawks the last few years.

pretty late, Justin, are you on baby duty?

The Oilers are dying to find a scoring winger that can play with McDavid.

Rumours have surfaced that the Oilers would consider listening on Oscar Klefbom.

It wouldn't be able to happen until the summer, but how would you guys feel about:

CHI trades:
Debrincat
Forsling
+ prospect(s)

EDM trades:
Klefbom
Caggiula



Edmonton gets a talented winger who has proven he can score in the NHL in Debrincat. Oh and the Oilers already know that he can play with McJesus.

They also get a dman back in Forsling to insert into their lineup and grow into a potential top 4 role.

The Hawks get a top 4 defenceman in Klefbom who is under contract @ $4.1M for another 5 years, who would instantly be their #2 dman behind Keith. He's a big body 6'3/215 and is only 24-years old. He has a ton of skill but it appears that Edmonton is looking at all options right now and would consider moving him.

The Hawks would also get Drake Caggiula, who was Nick Schmaltz's linemate for a couple years at Univ. ND.


Thoughts?

#latenighttradeproposals #babywon'tsleep #Hawkswillbebetternextyear #right?
- Justin Lowe

I would under no circumstances ever trade Cat. To me he is part of the new core along with Schmaltz.

Speaking of Edmonton I would do a Seabrook for Lucic swap in a heart beat. Lucic is big, nasty, in your face winger that will also put some points on the board. Exactly what the Hawks need. The Hawks also save about $800,000 a year in the trade so you may need to throw in a late pick.

I would under no circumstances ever trade Cat. To me he is part of the new core along with Schmaltz.

Speaking of Edmonton I would do a Seabrook for Lucic swap in a heart beat. Lucic is big, nasty, in your face winger that will also put some points on the board. Exactly what the Hawks need. The Hawks also save about $800,000 a year in the trade so you may need to throw in a late pick.
- scott.jackson

I'd like to keep Cat and agree that Schmaltz should be part of the new core. Gotta give to get so I'm not sure what you'd give up or Edmonton would take for Klefbom..and like Darth mentioned, you have no idea how Q would deploy him at this point.

If EDM would do your second deal, I'd do that too. Might need to throw in Bouma which would be a dealbreaker for me.

The Oilers are dying to find a scoring winger that can play with McDavid.

Rumours have surfaced that the Oilers would consider listening on Oscar Klefbom.

It wouldn't be able to happen until the summer, but how would you guys feel about:

CHI trades:
Debrincat
Forsling
+ prospect(s)

EDM trades:
Klefbom
Caggiula



Edmonton gets a talented winger who has proven he can score in the NHL in Debrincat. Oh and the Oilers already know that he can play with McJesus.

They also get a dman back in Forsling to insert into their lineup and grow into a potential top 4 role.

The Hawks get a top 4 defenceman in Klefbom who is under contract @ $4.1M for another 5 years, who would instantly be their #2 dman behind Keith. He's a big body 6'3/215 and is only 24-years old. He has a ton of skill but it appears that Edmonton is looking at all options right now and would consider moving him.

The Hawks would also get Drake Caggiula, who was Nick Schmaltz's linemate for a couple years at Univ. ND.


Thoughts?

#latenighttradeproposals #babywon'tsleep #Hawkswillbebetternextyear #right?
- Justin Lowe

I watched the complete Oiler/Ducks game last night and did not notice Klefbom as anything special. For Nurse, I would maybe consider this deal.

But for a cap strapped team how can we take on a $4+M contract plus Caggiula
is due a new one as well this summer for 2 players on entry level contracts beyond this year? And we have some of our own RFA's needing new contracts this summer.

GOALTENDING You cannot win in the NHL with AHL goalies, and the Blackhawks are trotting out 2 AHLers now. Stan took a calculated risk not signing a veteran NHL backup (Montoya et.al) and it's cost the team since CC went down. The numbers:

Crawford 16-9-2 2.27 .929
Glass/Forsberg 8-13-6 3.01 .909

For comparison, here's Darling from last year: 18-5-5 2.38 .924

So the 2 AHL goalies are giving up 3/4 of a goal more than CC this year or Darling last year. That's why you lose close games. That's on Stan.

DEFENSE None of the guys brought in, or already here, were able to replace Hjalmarsson. He was the 2nd best defender on the team. Other than Keith and Seabrook, who are still the team's 2 best D, none of the rest bring even close to what Hammer did. Trading away Hammer and replacing him with inferior players? That one is on Stan too.

FORWARDS You are now seeing what a force of nature Marian Hossa was. 25+ goals plus the best defensive winger in the NHL. He is simply irreplaceable, and a future Hall of Famer. Can't blame Stan for this one.

Saad for Panarin. Think this team is having trouble scoring goals and creating in the offensive zone? Wouldn't it be nice at have another sniper to deploy? Don't know what's wrong with Saad, but he's sucked since the 10th game of the year. This one is on Stan.

The young guys should be better next year, but missing the playoffs this year is on Stan. 3 decisions, each made the team worse. Plus the Hossa loss. Too much to overcome.
- scottak

Maybe, but I would put some of it on Q and some on the players as well. As far as Hjammer goes, Hjammer of the last couple years wasn't Hjammer of the several before. The Hawks sold high and I have no issue with that deal. Maybe if Q would just leave Murphy in the lineup.

People here complain all the time about trading guys after their trade value expires and I think waiting another year on Hammer would have assured less of a return.

Hypothetically, even if Crow were healthy and they still had Hammer and Panarin, would you think the arrow is pointed up with this team for this season.

The idea of this team having a couple more kicks at the can was predicated on Toews being Toews til the end of his deal or at least toward the end of the deal; and Seabs playing like a #2 for several more years. Him playing like a 5/6 dman and Toews drop-off doesn't have me confident the Hawks would do much more than maybe make the playoffs (if that) this season even with a healthy Crow and no offseason trades of 4 or 72.

I'm starting to believe you are the real McD. Well written.

But as Al Davis used to say - "Just win baby".
- RickJ

Me too.

Bowman wanted Forsberg because his evaluation was that he was ready for an NHL job having won a championship in the AHL. Unfortunately the Hawks just can't ever seem to win with him in the nets. A very bad goal against last night, but otherwise he and Glass have been OK behind a team that is clearly not very good. I don't know who Bowman could have signed with NHL experience that would be better behind this group of crappy defenceman.
- RickJ

Our goaltending situation would be much improved if we could score some goals. We are simply not scoring so every bad goal against us gets amplified. Our goalies have not been as bad as our inability to score.

Why is it that fans think AA is valued really highly by other teams? A 1st plus more? Never going to happen. Maybe a 2nd. Also you want to trade with a team that may miss out on the play-offs or get beat out early so the pick isn’t really low.
- Z3Hawk

I bet you are the same guy who said "no way Philly can get 2 2nds for Timmo"

Our goaltending situation would be much improved if we could score some goals. We are simply not scoring so every bad goal against us gets amplified. Our goalies have not been as bad as our inability to score.
- 67hawks

If you score less than 3 - as the Hawks have in 29 of the 54 games - you put a lot of pressure on your goalies.

Their record is 7-18-4 in those games.

Their record is 17-4-4 in games they’ve scored 3 or more.

Maybe, but I would put some of it on Q and some on the players as well. As far as Hjammer goes, Hjammer of the last couple years wasn't Hjammer of the several before. The Hawks sold high and I have no issue with that deal. Maybe if Q would just leave Murphy in the lineup.

People here complain all the time about trading guys after their trade value expires and I think waiting another year on Hammer would have assured less of a return.

Hypothetically, even if Crow were healthy and they still had Hammer and Panarin, would you think the arrow is pointed up with this team for this season.

The idea of this team having a couple more kicks at the can was predicated on Toews being Toews til the end of his deal or at least toward the end of the deal; and Seabs playing like a #2 for several more years. Him playing like a 5/6 dman and Toews drop-off doesn't have me confident the Hawks would do much more than maybe make the playoffs (if that) this season even with a healthy Crow and no offseason trades of 4 or 72.
- HawkintheD

IMO there is nobody in the organization that doesn't have some stink on them for how things have unfolded since last year's playoffs. Players under performing; Coaches keeping 8 Dmen to start the season and doing scrambled eggs on the lineup every night; Scouts; Front Office decisions that are really looking poor.

So you feel they sold high on the Hammer deal, but let me ask you - who would you rather have Connor Murphy or Stephen Johns on the blueline? Not only is there is a large salary difference between the 2 but its really very obvious that the coaching staff in Dallas has done a superior job this year with Johns (and Greg Pateryn for that matter who could have been acquired cheap if Stanbo was paying attention). Meanwhile, Murphy flaps in the breeze from night to night wondering if the coach will dress him and where he will play and with whom.

Big picture, it starts with a hockey ops organizational problem in Chicago. Bowman has been bent over a park bench with his pants down by at least 7 or 8 GM's in this league over the past couple of seasons. I don't know who ultimately approves these transactions but it has to stop and will, because the assets have now dwindled as a result of many horrendous trades and subsequent crappy drafting. To look back on a few:

Ron Hextall - Timmonen deal
Garth Snow - Leddy deal
Marc Bergevin - Danault trade
Jim Knill - Sharp trade
Cheveldayoff - Ladd reacquisition
Kekalainen - Saad, Panarin, AA
Ron Francis - high cost of trading TT

There should be many on the hot seat when performance reviews are done come April 15.

Why is it that fans think AA is valued really highly by other teams? A 1st plus more? Never going to happen. Maybe a 2nd. Also you want to trade with a team that may miss out on the play-offs or get beat out early so the pick isn’t really low.
- Z3Hawk

I am having a difficult time with this thinking as well. They are comparing AA's value to other centers in past TDL's with one glaring omission. The other guys were pending UFA's whereas AA still has 3 years beyond the current one left on his contract.
This is not what acquiring teams are looking for at the TDL.

It would be nice if he was on an expiring contract because then, yes, we could be talking 1st round pick.

We gained 1 spot in the draft lottery last night -9th overall now.

I just realized recently that it has been about 10 years since I regularly referenced league standings vs conference wildcard.

We gained 1 spot in the draft lottery last night -9th overall now.

I just realized recently that it has been about 10 years since I regularly referenced league standings vs conference wildcard.
- 67hawks

hey maybe the habs, panthers, and oil go on a run while the hawks continue stuck in reverse...

this board has gone into full trade/draft mode in mid february....

IMO there is nobody in the organization that doesn't have some stink on them for how things have unfolded since last year's playoffs. Players under performing; Coaches keeping 8 Dmen to start the season and doing scrambled eggs on the lineup every night; Scouts; Front Office decisions that are really looking poor.

So you feel they sold high on the Hammer deal, but let me ask you - who would you rather have Connor Murphy or Stephen Johns on the blueline? Not only is there is a large salary difference between the 2 but its really very obvious that the coaching staff in Dallas has done a superior job this year with Johns (and Greg Pateryn for that matter who could have been acquired cheap if Stanbo was paying attention). Meanwhile, Murphy flaps in the breeze from night to night wondering if the coach will dress him and where he will play and with whom.

Big picture, it starts with a hockey ops organizational problem in Chicago. Bowman has been bent over a park bench with his pants down by at least 7 or 8 GM's in this league over the past couple of seasons. I don't know who ultimately approves these transactions but it has to stop and will, because the assets have now dwindled as a result of many horrendous trades and subsequent crappy drafting. To look back on a few:

Ron Hextall - Timmonen deal
Garth Snow - Leddy deal
Marc Bergevin - Danault trade
Jim Knill - Sharp trade
Cheveldayoff - Ladd reacquisition
Kekalainen - Saad, Panarin, AA
Ron Francis - high cost of trading TT

There should be many on the hot seat when performance reviews are done come April 15.
- RickJ

I don't disagree but some of the trades you mention along with the deals given those players were predicated on Core players remaining so. Raise your hand if you saw the fall off in production/ability being so abrupt.

I'll give you the first three deals as bad, the second being the worst IMO. It would have been nice if they'd traded Leddy sooner but it also would have been nice if Oduya had helaed more quickly so the Hawks knew if he'd be part of the lineup or not.

The only real negative to me in the Sharp deal was including Johns. I don't buy that two second rounders were on the table and Stan passed it up to take Daley and Garbage. Daley's performance left something to be desired but so did Q's deployment of him.

I didn't mind the Ladd reacquisition.

I've expressed thoughts about Saad/Panarin/AA and just like Toews and Seabrook's performances looking worse, did you see Saad coming here and providing no offense.

I still think this deal will be fine and Saad's just having a a rough year. We'll see I suppose.

Having to throw TT in to get rid of Bickell's deal sucks but again raise your hand hand if you knew there'd be an announcement a year later that Bickell had been dealing with MS the entire time.

I'm not saying all these trades are good, but just that some aren't as ridiculously stupid as often characterized either.

this board has gone into full trade/draft mode in mid february....
- bogiedoc

It parallels whre I was with the Bears in pre-season.

I agree with this perspective wholeheartedly.

1) Draft well in the next two summers and see if 1-2 are not only sure-fire NHLers but are able to step in sooner rather than later into key roles.
2) Identify who from the 25 and under set are worth building around; jettison those who aren't building blocks for draft picks and/or new prospects.
3) Bank on the current youngsters like Saad, Murphy, Debrincat, Schmaltz, Hayden, etc. to grow and reach their potential.
4) Determine the status of the veterans like Toews and Seabrook in terms of health and see if custom workouts and off-season regimens can get them back on track to be solid contributors.
5) Redefine the core based on 1-4 above.
6) Strive for balance as you said: good mix of speed, skill, and finesse with power, grit, and pushback.

Someone else mentioned it, but I could live with this season and next being growth years (i.e. no playoffs) if it leads to a new wave of championship caliber play for another run of 6-8 seasons starting in 2019-20.

Of course, the veteran core will be older and quite possibly further regressed if they don't right their respective ships so that could play a factor in whether a restock and reload will pay dividends once we hit the 2020's.
- AEL_Fox

Thought this was a good spot to share this about Saad. Like a Hossa this kid's game is sooooo much more than points but at his salary, like Toews and his all around game, he has to contribute points. Scroll down to the beginning of the last paragraph. https://dobberhockey.com/...aad-thoughts-february-10/

IMO there is nobody in the organization that doesn't have some stink on them for how things have unfolded since last year's playoffs. Players under performing; Coaches keeping 8 Dmen to start the season and doing scrambled eggs on the lineup every night; Scouts; Front Office decisions that are really looking poor.

So you feel they sold high on the Hammer deal, but let me ask you - who would you rather have Connor Murphy or Stephen Johns on the blueline? Not only is there is a large salary difference between the 2 but its really very obvious that the coaching staff in Dallas has done a superior job this year with Johns (and Greg Pateryn for that matter who could have been acquired cheap if Stanbo was paying attention). Meanwhile, Murphy flaps in the breeze from night to night wondering if the coach will dress him and where he will play and with whom.

Big picture, it starts with a hockey ops organizational problem in Chicago. Bowman has been bent over a park bench with his pants down by at least 7 or 8 GM's in this league over the past couple of seasons. I don't know who ultimately approves these transactions but it has to stop and will, because the assets have now dwindled as a result of many horrendous trades and subsequent crappy drafting. To look back on a few:

Ron Hextall - Timmonen deal
Garth Snow - Leddy deal
Marc Bergevin - Danault trade
Jim Knill - Sharp trade
Cheveldayoff - Ladd reacquisition
Kekalainen - Saad, Panarin, AA
Ron Francis - high cost of trading TT

There should be many on the hot seat when performance reviews are done come April 15.
- RickJ

+1,000,000,000,000,000
Rick, outstanding post.

To the bolded: yes it does.
And for me, it begins and ends with Q's deployment of assets, his "scheme" that he steadfastly refuses to change/refine based on personnel he has to work with, along with Q's proving a point by in many cases, deploying those assets in a ridiculously insane way to prove a point to Blowman or McDonut or Rocky.

We can go all the way back to the John Scott days and Q's playing of him on D when it was quite clear he didn't fit. At all. Game after game Q deployed him and it was pretty obvious John would have been a pretty good beer league D man. Mashinter, Bollig, Rundblad (that out to get folks' hackles up) with Blowman going out to re-sign Bambi.

How about Q's infatuation with Rozy? Yes, when he 1st arrived, he was still a good, serviceable D man. There's no doubt it was Q's push to get him re-signed even though it was apparent there was maybe 2/32nd tread left on Rozy's tires. And that had something to do w/Leddy being traded (yes, Oduya was injured but you also had IIRC Rozy with a $2.8m contract and Q's refusal to let go).

Q's a very good coach when he has exactly the right pieces but I think as we've seen this year, not so much when he has to figure out a new scheme (still hasn't happened) and some consistency with the lineup. It's no big wonder guys aren't leaving it all out there. Why would you when it's pretty apparent Q has no answers?

You're acting as if McD reinvented the wheel and is a gift to this organization. He is a savvy marketing guy, but back to the original point I was making in that he stepped into a gift wrapped situation and did logical moves that 90% of sports management already had in place at their respective teams and the hawks did not do to their archaic management systems of dollar bill. Having generational teams that went on to win 3 cups is an easy sell in any facet of blackhawk business. As a CPA I would think you would know how a superior product comparative to your competition is a difference maker in any industry, let alone the intensified niche market of professional sports. We can agree to disagree tho and get back to things that matter like potential player movement. Cheers
- WiscoReg

But is shovel face a part of this? Does he interject himself into ANYTHING to do with player personnel? As president does he think there is a problem between the coach and GM's relationship as far as personnel decisions/usage/acquisitions and make recommendations to the owner or does his lack of hockey knowledge not allow him to identify a managerial hockey problem?

This mans #1 duty is to extract every single nickel out of every conceivable source and he's done that in spades but can he oversee a franchise that no longer has overwhelming talent, which he fell into, and is at a crossroads of sorts.........

As you mention it ain't rocket surgery to sell a cup winning team but I'd add it is to sell a team that might be out of the playoffs for a few yrs with a price structure he created that will see tons of empty seats.

There's no way they can give up DeBrincat. He's on pace for 30 in his rookie year and he's only going to get better. His shot and release is lethal and he's got great instincts in finding the open ice. If they are talking about acquiring a young top 4 dman he's already worth more than their 1st rounder this year, which will be two years away minimum. I understand you gotta give to get but diamonds like that don't come around very often. The kids a keeper.

Know why I was brought here? To make money for Rocky Wirtz. Have you seen the difference in franchise value pre-me to today? That's right I'm not going anywhere. This fan base has the luxury of a short memory. We have been so successful that it's our past success that is our greatest enemy. Have there been mis-steps? Absolutely. Show my an organ-i-zation that hasn't and I'll show you one that has won more cups than we have in the past 8 years. It's your right to nitpick past trades and completely ignore the context for them. That is easy trap to fall into, I do it. A fall from the heights we were at was inevitable. The structure of the cap combined with it being basically stagnant is perfectly designed to screw successful teams because players expect to be paid for bringing that success.

All that said there are aspects to this collapse that are not acceptable. There will probably be changes that are more drastic than initially anticipated. But 3 cups in 6 years does buy a certain amount rope. It remains to be seen who gets hung with it.
- John McDonough

Good post, but as mentioned earlier can you oversee/sell a franchise in transition without the overwhelming talent you inherited?