Ha. I know.

The Ward thing is a little like Kunitz playing. Q is going to lean on those veterans.

Also, the Forsberg thing is a little more complicated. I've mentioned this before and Scott and Mark talked about it on the Athletic podcast this week - if Forsberg comes in and shines... his stock goes up and there is more of a possibility that he's claimed on waivers.

As it stands now, his value is low based on his mediocre season last year. If he doesn't play a game he should slip through waivers in a couple weeks when Crawford is slated to come back.
- Justin Lowe

Justin, I get what you are saying but are they biting off their nose to spite their face per se. They are in a stretch now where the schedule is light, so, if Crawford is really coming back on 10/18 or there about, it is not inconceivable for Ward to start in every game until then as there are no back-to-backs.

With Ward starting you are more or less conceding that the offense is going to need 4 goals minimum to win you a game. I just don't see him stepping up and having a 30+ save sub 3 GA game anymore, especially with the current state of the defense.

In effect if they are not playing, or even trying Forsberg, they are saying that they value him enough to try and sneak thru waivers at possibly the cost of a win or two.

Questions are: Do they hold Forsberg out of a game in which Ward is a sieve for the same reason of not exposing him? Do they value Forsberg enough that they don't try and sneak him thru waivers and instead find a way to waive Ward or place Ward on IR with some injury?

Lastly, I have not checked recently, but what is the state of goaltending in the league in terms of starters/backups? How many teams need a backup or are dressing a player maybe not NHL ready yet, that coul/would put Forsberg on their roster for 30 days minimum.?

I haven to wonder if they weren't just up front with him about his playing time. i.e. assuming the theory on keeping him "under the radar".
- breadbag

I hope the same behind closed doors conversation was held with Panarin. We're going to trade you, not because you are bad, we like you a lot, but we need an old piece back, but in 2 years, we will give you a long and comfortable contract.

I hope the same behind closed doors conversation was held with Panarin. We're going to trade you, not because you are bad, we like you a lot, but we need an old piece back, but in 2 years, we will give you a long and comfortable contract.
- I Am The Breadman

Dreaming.

I don't think Stan has ever shown the ability to play the "long game"

Dreaming.

I don't think Stan has ever shown the ability to play the "long game"
- TheTrob

I know, I feel if the silent conversation wasn't held with him, it might not have been with Berg either.
I'm probably comparing apples to oranges, but both involve Bowman. Not good.

Kunitz is fine out there on the 3rd line, but why not use the guy on the PP. He was great on the PP with Crosby, and was good down low and in front of the net. At least put him on the 2cd unit.

So you are the Right Fielder
- TheTrob

Or the right field foul pole.

I know that this has been discussed, but I just don't get the Ward signing, or more correctly stated, I don't get the NMC they gave Ward. Was there a clamoring among teams to sign Cam Ward? I would guess not given his pedestrian numbers over the last 7 years. On top of the NMC you gave him $3mil, again I would find it hard to believe there were teams lined up to pay him that. Fine, he took a 1 year deal, I am guessing there are a number of FA goalies out there with NHL experience and numbers as good if not better than Ward willing to take an NHL spot for $1-$2mil.


I get that the Hawks didn't want to start the season with the unknown goaltending situation they played with for 2/3 of last season. While they like Forsberg, Delia, etc. they were not comfortable in any of them being the starter and workhorse. Maybe, regardless of what they said publicly, they expected Crawford to be out longer, so Ward and Forsberg could split the net until Crow came back and then one of them could be dropped/waived.

With all of the turnover and many new players, I think the Hawks should have less days off and practice more as the kids are young and still need to learn more.

Or at least assign days off for the established vets or make them voluntary but I would everyone or the majority goes to voluntary practices. The more they play, the more they learn with practice, the more excited they can be.

Seems like they had too many days off last year and they didn't give a poop.

Free Agent goalies Stan could have signed:

Khudobin $2.5M x 2
Bernier $3M x 3
Lehner $1.5M x 1
Mrazek $1.5M x 1
Hutchinson $1.5M x 1

Justin, I get what you are saying but are they biting off their nose to spite their face per se. They are in a stretch now where the schedule is light, so, if Crawford is really coming back on 10/18 or there about, it is not inconceivable for Ward to start in every game until then as there are no back-to-backs.

With Ward starting you are more or less conceding that the offense is going to need 4 goals minimum to win you a game. I just don't see him stepping up and having a 30+ save sub 3 GA game anymore, especially with the current state of the defense.

In effect if they are not playing, or even trying Forsberg, they are saying that they value him enough to try and sneak thru waivers at possibly the cost of a win or two.

Questions are: Do they hold Forsberg out of a game in which Ward is a sieve for the same reason of not exposing him? Do they value Forsberg enough that they don't try and sneak him thru waivers and instead find a way to waive Ward or place Ward on IR with some injury?

Lastly, I have not checked recently, but what is the state of goaltending in the league in terms of starters/backups? How many teams need a backup or are dressing a player maybe not NHL ready yet, that coul/would put Forsberg on their roster for 30 days minimum.?
- TheTrob

For your goaltender question. A lot of teams are good and set, starters and back-ups (15, so half of the league) I know nothing about who is developing where, please keep that in mind. Plus, this will also be my subjective comments, others can argue or agree. I'm just trying to get the legwork started for you.

For teams that suck in net, Stl and Buf. Allen looks bad almost all of the time.

Need help: Edm, Wsh*, Det (Howard isn't that good but they do have Bernier) so I think they need help, Lak, Nyr, Pit, Cal, Min, Win, Mtl, Van*, Tor* (we saw a bad Sparks, might not be that bad, and Car* (Darling is injured, needs to be better.) There are a lot of chances for Berg to get snatched up.

IMO I would think GM's know what Forsberg is, an nhl backup with the potential of being a solid starting goalie. So this narrative of not playing him don't buy it the league knows what's going on. As much as I would hate to lose Forsberg if bowman thinks he will be claimed then trade him for help in the bottom six as far as speed skill and scoring for now or for the future.

Free Agent goalies Stan could have signed:

Khudobin $2.5M x 2
Bernier $3M x 3
Lehner $1.5M x 1
Mrazek $1.5M x 1
Hutchinson $1.5M x 1
- scottak

God I would have loved to have signed Khudobin. If we are looking beyond Crow, I would think he would give us a lot to think about. I know we have a lot of goalie prospects, but he could have been the top with Berg, Delia, and Nalimov. Not a bad problem having too many good goaltenders.

Free Agent goalies Stan could have signed:

Khudobin $2.5M x 2
Bernier $3M x 3
Lehner $1.5M x 1
Mrazek $1.5M x 1
Hutchinson $1.5M x 1
- scottak

I'm not a Cam Ward guy, but the question for me is, did those other guys want to play here? The price tag to sign them might have been higher in Chicago, because they wanted to be elsewhere.

Guys like Kudobin/Bernier wanted more than one year which may have been deal breakers. The rest aren't really worth signing compared to what we already have. Mrazek especially, is the one I would not want. Not a great goalie and very inconsistent.

I wouldn't have signed Ward if it were me, but I think they went with Ward because he has experience, and they are okay with him as a backup, knowing Crawford was on track to be back.

Kunitz is fine out there on the 3rd line, but why not use the guy on the PP. He was great on the PP with Crosby, and was good down low and in front of the net. At least put him on the 2cd unit.
- Boisy12

Finally, Somebody on here that thinks and just doesn't gripe. I agree totally and would put Anisimov on the first PP unit in front of the net. Then figure out who does it better, and leave him there. I also don't think the Hawks are going anywhere unless they find a checking line that can hold down the other team's top line. Toews will be worn out by December from having to do it, and every time they won the cup they had a dedicated checking line

The team is not in a position to miss the playoffs again. I can see Fortin being showcased. Highmore was in a lot of discussion as a possible roster spot out of camp so it doesnt make sense to see Fortin other than a possible package for a bigger move. I'm still a bit perplexed that Stan wasnt involved in getting Connor Carrick from Toronto. Price was a 7th round pick, he is young and a great skater and would have been a nice piece for the second pairing.

Great piece, Justin.

I'm excited for Fortin, but I also hope Davidson gets his first game in as well.

No matter how hard I hoped and prayed Kunitz would sit, it was Johnson. Damn.

I wouldn't be against trading Rutta right now, but what would the return at this point be: mid-low draft pick for space and a regular rotation of d going? Maybe for another forward, bottom 6?
- I Am The Breadman

Any Rutta trade would be to get rid of his too large contract and would be a recognition that he is not part of the answer. As a fan it is hard to watch him always be out of position and never engaging any opposing player. Rutta on the PK is a freakin’ disaster. However, Ulf and Bowman seem to think he is something special charting him higher than Gus (bigger contract) and Forsling (sent to AHL last year).

I'm not a Cam Ward guy, but the question for me is, did those other guys want to play here? The price tag to sign them might have been higher in Chicago, because they wanted to be elsewhere.

Guys like Kudobin/Bernier wanted more than one year which may have been deal breakers. The rest aren't really worth signing compared to what we already have. Mrazek especially, is the one I would not want. Not a great goalie and very inconsistent.

I wouldn't have signed Ward if it were me, but I think they went with Ward because he has experience, and they are okay with him as a backup, knowing Crawford was on track to be back.
- breadbag

Your first point is what I've been saying for a while, Chicago isn't destination Stanley Cup anymore. Years played a big factor in signing. Mainly because Bowman has had good talks with Nalimov and told him he needs to be in net for the team. If you sign a goalie long term over what you have developing in the khl, it sends a bad message.

I know that this has been discussed, but I just don't get the Ward signing, or more correctly stated, I don't get the NMC they gave Ward. Was there a clamoring among teams to sign Cam Ward? I would guess not given his pedestrian numbers over the last 7 years. On top of the NMC you gave him $3mil, again I would find it hard to believe there were teams lined up to pay him that. Fine, he took a 1 year deal, I am guessing there are a number of FA goalies out there with NHL experience and numbers as good if not better than Ward willing to take an NHL spot for $1-$2mil.


I get that the Hawks didn't want to start the season with the unknown goaltending situation they played with for 2/3 of last season. While they like Forsberg, Delia, etc. they were not comfortable in any of them being the starter and workhorse. Maybe, regardless of what they said publicly, they expected Crawford to be out longer, so Ward and Forsberg could split the net until Crow came back and then one of them could be dropped/waived.
- TheTrob

I find the signing of Ward indefensible. There was absolutely nothing to indicate that he would be a solution. When I say this I mean as a #1 or a #2. The analysis should have went beyond “well he is a veteran” and should have been “is he any good?” For me it should have been “any plan but Ward.”

Free Agent goalies Stan could have signed:

Khudobin $2.5M x 2
Bernier $3M x 3
Lehner $1.5M x 1
Mrazek $1.5M x 1
Hutchinson $1.5M x 1
- scottak

In the previous blog there was a complaint that Stan signs people for too long, specifically two years instead of one. I doubt people would be too happy with signing Khudobin and Bernier for more than one year.

Lehner, Mrazek and Hutchinson are just not that good. Of the group I wouldn't mind Hutchinson, but for one year there's not a notable difference between him and Ward.

With Crawford as the #1 and assuming he''' return to full health most of the bigger name free agent goalies won't sign here. Just look at who the backup goalies have been in the past years - Forsberg (plus others), Darling, Raanta, Emery, Turco. None were prime goalies or even prime back-ups at the time. Some used their time with the Hawks to improve their game and sign a bigger contract afterwards, but they weren't "must haves" when they came to the team.

In the previous blog there was a complaint that Stan signs people for too long, specifically two years instead of one. I doubt people would be too happy with signing Khudobin and Bernier for more than one year.

Lehner, Mrazek and Hutchinson are just not that good. Of the group I wouldn't mind Hutchinson, but for one year there's not a notable difference between him and Ward.

With Crawford as the #1 and assuming he''' return to full health most of the bigger name free agent goalies won't sign here. Just look at who the backup goalies have been in the past years - Forsberg (plus others), Darling, Raanta, Emery, Turco. None were prime goalies or even prime back-ups at the time. Some used their time with the Hawks to improve their game and sign a bigger contract afterwards, but they weren't "must haves" when they came to the team.
- DarthKane

Dr. House says, "Everybody lies," for the hockey board, its, "Everybody complains." Myself included.

Oh I bet Q throws Forsberg in the net tonight ,after sitting for 2 weeks .Even after a better pre season then Ward old Q decides it better to start Wardy .
I said from the start Frosberg should have played game 1 . Starting Ward 3 in a row and back to back was just stupid .I did not like the idea of Forsberg starting the home opener after sitting for more the a week ,but once that was kind of decided ,to back out after Ward was just OK was a real slap in the face to the kid .

I Am glad the team is building a new feel in the room ,and That Johnny and the other core are leading the way .Were is Q for all this probably reading the racing forms and going to the track .I hope Q does not wreck the Chemistry again by his insane line blending and benching and sitting young players for minor miss steps ..

Justin - nice points. Fortin better be one of those players who somehow excells at the higher level of competition - as injuries or not he has NOT excelled at the AHL level. Four goals and 1 play-off game with no points.

In the previous blog there was a complaint that Stan signs people for too long, specifically two years instead of one. I doubt people would be too happy with signing Khudobin and Bernier for more than one year.

Lehner, Mrazek and Hutchinson are just not that good. Of the group I wouldn't mind Hutchinson, but for one year there's not a notable difference between him and Ward.

With Crawford as the #1 and assuming he''' return to full health most of the bigger name free agent goalies won't sign here. Just look at who the backup goalies have been in the past years - Forsberg (plus others), Darling, Raanta, Emery, Turco. None were prime goalies or even prime back-ups at the time. Some used their time with the Hawks to improve their game and sign a bigger contract afterwards, but they weren't "must haves" when they came to the team.
- DarthKane

CC is one hit to the head of having his career ended. Plus, he’s only signed through next year.

If he goes down this year, the season is done, nether Ward nor ‘Berg are backstopping the hawks to the playoffs.

If you sign Khudobin, you’re set for this year & next, and have a possible #1 past next season.

Anyone in the system now is, at best, a crap shoot.

The other option is to sign a big name FA after next year. CC will be 35 when his current contract ends. How many more good years will he have remaining then?

CC is one hit to the head of having his career ended. Plus, he’s only signed through next year.

If he goes down this year, the season is done, nether Ward nor ‘Berg are backstopping the hawks to the playoffs.

If you sign Khudobin, you’re set for this year & next, and have a possible #1 past next season.

Anyone in the system now is, at best, a crap shoot.

The other option is to sign a big name FA after next year. CC will be 35 when his current contract ends. How many more good years will he have remaining then?
- scottak

It's almost like you read my posts above haha. Glad we're in agreement.

CC is one hit to the head of having his career ended. Plus, he’s only signed through next year.

If he goes down this year, the season is done, nether Ward nor ‘Berg are backstopping the hawks to the playoffs.

If you sign Khudobin, you’re set for this year & next, and have a possible #1 past next season.

Anyone in the system now is, at best, a crap shoot.

The other option is to sign a big name FA after next year. CC will be 35 when his current contract ends. How many more good years will he have remaining then?
- scottak

Every player is one hit to the head from having their career end. So they should all play scared or not play at all now?