I doubt anybody isn't aware that there was a price long term for winning Cups and paying players for past performance.

I think if you really evaluate Connor Murphy honestly, he is a 5-6 Dman on a very good team. Enthusiastic, physical, good effort player but his speed, mobility and offensive skills are what they are and aren't going to improve much. They had the same type of player in the system in Johns on an ELC. But he was given up in order to send Sharp packing. And then a year later Bowman decides that he wants the same type of player back so he moves Hammer out to do it and absorbs a salary 5X what Johns is making.

Obviously can't prove it, but I happen to think Hammer is a player who would have returned more than Connor Murphy if the GM had shopped in a few more stores around the league. Maybe a good young forward.
- RickJ

Maybe Bowman bought into the numbers like some people do on this blog, honestly I don't know? This trade and the Denault trade didn't make sense to me but maybe there is some long term vision we don't see here? I miss Nik

is about to disembark

The Blackhawks have mailed out renewal information to season ticket holders. There is a four percent average increase for tickets next season.

The Blackhawks have mailed out renewal information to season ticket holders. There is a four percent average increase for tickets next season.
- walleyeb1

Just curious. What is the cost for a pair of season tickets??

Just curious. What is the cost for a pair of season tickets??
- z1990z

Quick, back of the envelope math - for mid range tickets + sales tax: $13500 or $23000 for lower seats

Quick, back of the envelope math - for mid range tickets + sales tax: $13500 or $23000 for lower seats
- pdx2ord

23,000!?!?!??!?!? WTH


That is serious coin.

is about to disembark
- bogiedoc

It already has Bogie, already has

23,000!?!?!??!?!? WTH


That is serious coin.
- z1990z

$260 per ticket for 41 dates...those tickets in the secondary market would fetch $400 or more; for the upcoming ducks game they are selling between $150-210...

It already has Bogie, already has


- savvyone-1

That photo is a perfect example of the Hawks trying to execute a break out from their own zone.

With the "win now" philosophy out of the way, we can and we need to be a lot smarter with the deals we make going forward. It is time to take advantage of other teams.
- 67hawks

Yea man, good point. Hawks should know the drill well being on the other side of the sword. Time to take advantage of other teams' needs.

Yea man, good point. Hawks should know the drill well being on the other side of the sword. Time to take advantage of other teams' needs.
- Mr Ricochet

Time to shed salary. Need picks and prospects. Reload. Be smart about it. Rough 2 or so years but then you are in good shape.

That photo is a perfect example of the Hawks trying to execute a break out from their own zone.
- z1990z

If you look hard Michael Rozsival is in that photo.

He is 2 months away from his 26th birthday so not really that young. What you see now is probably the best you will get from him.

Edit: I just checked Dallas game stats for last couple games. Johns is still getting 3rd pairing minutes -lowest on the team. Are we over-valuing him?
- 67hawks

I should have said NHL experience instead of young. 4 yrs at Notre Dame generally gives you a more polished player at 22-23 instead of a 20 yr old out of jrs. The accepted rule is around 200ish NHL games for a Dman to be developed and Johns is at 130 but as mentioned he's had 4 yrs of NCAA so in theory he shouldn't need all 200 games.

No, I don't think we have him overvalued if you rate him as a 4-5 Dman with some size, mobility, push back and 25ish point upside. ..... Watched the kid in the USHL with Team USA 10 yrs ago and liked him then. Look at the team that yr, a fan might recognize a few of his teammates: http://www.hockeydb.com/i...ons/teams/0065622010.html

I simply can not overrate or exaggerate enough what a "hockey" fan is missing by not going to a Steel game when the NTDP comes thru a few times a yr. That is if you like to see an Eichel, Matthews, Kane, Trouba, Seth Jones, Saad and on and on and on play hockey for 15 bucks.

8-13 in one goal games this year including OT....in years past that would be reversed or better...

since going 3-0-1 to start the season they are 21-22-7..or if you prefer 21 - 29...

If you look hard Michael Rozsival is in that photo.
- RickJ

Good eyes Rick, here he is:

Good eyes Rick, here he is:

- savvyone-1

To be fair, yes Rozy had no wheels. What he did have was heart and was a true warrior. A perfect guy to have in that 6-7 role killing penalties.

Looks like Sharp, Jurco and Forsberg are out tonight while Bouma, Wingels and Glass are in. One of Murphy or Kempny (likely Murphy) will sit as well.

I doubt anybody isn't aware that there was a price long term for winning Cups and paying players for past performance.

I think if you really evaluate Connor Murphy honestly, he is a 5-6 Dman on a very good team. Enthusiastic, physical, good effort player but his speed, mobility and offensive skills are what they are and aren't going to improve much. They had the same type of player in the system in Johns on an ELC. But he was given up in order to send Sharp packing. And then a year later Bowman decides that he wants the same type of player back so he moves Hammer out to do it and absorbs a salary 5X what Johns is making.

Obviously can't prove it, but I happen to think Hammer is a player who would have returned more than Connor Murphy if the GM had shopped in a few more stores around the league. Maybe a good young forward.
- RickJ

But the Hawks were legit cup contenders the yr they moved Johns and he wasn't gonna make the roster that yr. Yes he may have projected to help in 2-3 yrs but not that yr.

And put yourself in StanBows shoes for a minute. This dude has to have PTSD having to move guys like Johns, TTs, Denaults and when a chance comes along to get cost certainty for 4-5 yrs with a Murphy or Saad he can't refuse. I don't blame realizing of course some of that cap hell is his doing but again you can't hit on every move either.

Looks like Sharp, Jurco and Forsberg are out tonight while Bouma, Wingels and Glass are in. One of Murphy or Kempny (likely Murphy) will sit as well.
- DarthKane

I wish he would put that original line up back together and give them 10 games. No changes. Just let them play through it. Ok with Panik gone thats not possible ..

How about

12 19 91
20 8 88
10 15 38
17 64 57

Could care if the 4th line doesnt score. Nobody else is. Go out there hit and create energy for the team.

I wish he would put that original line up back together and give them 10 games. No changes. Just let them play through it.
- z1990z

yes..maybe this doesn't happen to after the TDL...

Time to shed salary. Need picks and prospects. Reload. Be smart about it. Rough 2 or so years but then you are in good shape.
- z1990z

Maybe not so rough 2 yrs, zz....... The club still has Kane and the rest of the billion dollar core although not worth their hit are still NHL players...... Some development of younger players, a shrewd add or two with never before had cap space, Crow back to normal a surprise or two along with a useful draft to help a couple yrs out?

I still say in this flat (earth) cap world it's not how much better you get each yr it's how much less worse. Other teams are or will see what cap hell looks like while the Hawks see some relief in that regard.

To be fair, yes Rozy had no wheels. What he did have was heart and was a true warrior. A perfect guy to have in that 6-7 role killing penalties.
- z1990z

Same with Sopel..... Fans at the UC would scream about these guys, they look slower live, but cup winners have them on the roster. These guys stick their face in front of a puck to block a shot and move it up to a Kaner.

It already has Bogie, already has


- savvyone-1

This looks like an Amish thing. Listened on NPR awhile back how many families get killed in these wagons as they are allowed to travel with no lights or safety belts for the kids.

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

Haha. That was my fault.

That CHI/EDM proposal was a late (late) night thought.

Guess the position the Hawks are in now it's time to see how these young guys finish up and look ahead to what's to come of this team.

A weird year vs. the last 10.

certainly with the right moves and continued development of the under 23 "core" next year could be rebound year: but it requires a resurgent toews and saad and continued excellence from craw and kane

Exhibit A resurgence: Eric Staal

He is 33 and on pace to surpass the amount of goals and points he had last year. Staal is six goals away from having his first 30-goal season since 2010-11 when he scored 33 with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Exhibit B: Crosby
He will be 31 in August, on pace pace for another 80 pt season; 3rd in row after dealing with physical issues and concussions four years ago; may not get 30 goals this year but the guy can still play.