You'd likely have 4000 fans in the stands for about the next 4-5 seasons.
- breadbag

It might happen anyway

Yeah but toews is on the decline , sure he picked up his game this year , but ever since he got paid 3 years ago this is his first year he has actually come to play.

IMO I appreciate the loyalty thing but holding onto aging high paid players that are affecting the teams ability to get younger and competitive again doesn't work for most fans and the teams bottom line.

If Chicago had a great shot at Matthews who is 20 years old or keeping toews who is 31 years old the smart move is Matthews. Sure some people will be upset but if this team becomes a competitor again and starts winning all is forgiven.
- Taylorst1

One thing to remember is that the player has to actually sign the offer sheet. So not only do the Hawks need to put the best offer forward, but they have to convince him that Chicago is the best situation. Not an easy sell if all the established pieces are gone. He's already taken TOR out of the doldrums. He may want to go to a team that is closer to winning.

Yeah but if you clear out toews 10.5 million your only talking a difference in salary of 3 million more for a guy who is 10 years younger and on the rise.

That would basically put Chicago in play for years to come .
- Taylorst1

It could easily backfire too. You make the GM look like a snake in the grass for going after Matthews that way and you then need Matthews to carry the team. That puts a lot on his shoulders and there are huge issues if he is hurt. There is a lot of potential given away to make this happen. You could be passing up on the next Matthews or two on their ELC to pay a guy full market value.

It could easily backfire too. You make the GM look like a snake in the grass for going after Matthews that way and you then need Matthews to carry the team. That puts a lot on his shoulders and there are huge issues if he is hurt. There is a lot of potential given away to make this happen. You could be passing up on the next Matthews or two on their ELC to pay a guy full market value.
- breadbag

Philly offer-sheeted Weber and people still make trades with them. I want Matthews on an American team to help bring the sport of hockey up in the States. He is a bonafide star player and could MAYBE even make AZ/TX a hockey market.

And also (frank) the Leafs

Philly offer-sheeted Weber and people still make trades with them. I want Matthews on an American team to help bring the sport of hockey up in the States. He is a bonafide star player and could MAYBE even make AZ/TX a hockey market.

And also (frank) the Leafs
- EnzoD

Lol I agree Matthews is a beast. Chicago has been pooched by a lot of these GMs ,however it's a business.


What would be hilarious if the Islanders get their retribution on Toronto for good winning them and snagging Tavares.

One thing to remember is that the player has to actually sign the offer sheet. So not only do the Hawks need to put the best offer forward, but they have to convince him that Chicago is the best situation. Not an easy sell if all the established pieces are gone. He's already taken TOR out of the doldrums. He may want to go to a team that is closer to winning.
- Chunk

I'm not sure Chicago is light years away. If the right moves are made along with a solid draft this year and next, to go along with all those young promising defenseman Chicago would be right back in the thick of things.

Philly offer-sheeted Weber and people still make trades with them. I want Matthews on an American team to help bring the sport of hockey up in the States. He is a bonafide star player and could MAYBE even make AZ/TX a hockey market.

And also (frank) the Leafs
- EnzoD

Just out of curiosity, do you think where he plays really matters to bringing hockey up in the US? I just read an article that stated that the US has been one of the biggest resurgent areas for sending players to the NHL and more kids are playing in lower levels (I'll try to find and link it). I'm guessing anyone who remotely follows hockey is well aware of where Matthews is from.

I think as long as you have good players that are accessible locally it will draw new eyes.

Lol I agree Matthews is a beast. Chicago has been pooched by a lot of these GMs ,however it's a business.


What would be hilarious if the Islanders get their retribution on Toronto for good winning them and snagging Tavares.
- Taylorst1

Good point, don't forget the San Jose offer sheeted Hjalmarsson, and he actually signed it. We've since done at least one deal with the Sharks (Smith for Desjardins).

Lol I agree Matthews is a beast. Chicago has been pooched by a lot of these GMs ,however it's a business.


What would be hilarious if the Islanders get their retribution on Toronto for good winning them and snagging Tavares.
- Taylorst1

This is what I almost expect will happen.

Just out of curiosity, do you think where he plays really matters to bringing hockey up in the US? I just read an article that stated that the US has been one of the biggest resurgent areas for sending players to the NHL and more kids are playing in lower levels (I'll try to find and link it). I'm guessing anyone who remotely follows hockey is well aware of where Matthews is from.

I think as long as you have good players that are accessible locally it will draw new eyes.
- Chunk

Probably already (or will be soon) the best American Player in the game. I think people seeing US-Born (Arizona of all places!) guys being stars in the NHL will drive more youth players....just look at the boon to Chicago youth hockey in Roenick's days and especially the last 10 years with Patrick Kane. There are already a lot of guys coming out of Chicago in the NHL now and in the next 10+ years there will be even more because of the Hockey Renaissance in Chicago, driven by a US Born Star in Kane.


EDIT: I am proof of this effect as my Dad never played hockey but loved watching Roenick and got me into hockey as a kid.

If Buffalo could trade Pominville/Sobotka/Berglund/Okposo
and get a couple first round picks, they'd have the cap space
for both Skinner and the picks to offer sheet Matthews for sure.
I'd love to be Botterill right now

This off season could be the best in years should any of the
new wave GM's go the offer sheet route.

Dilution of talent will be huge once Seattle joins up.

Panarin might be worth $8 @ 8g 26a but to pay more their
are other options, do you want a playmaker for $8m or
a goal scorer for $8mil, maybe a two way player for $8mil.
- gazza53

Lol Panarin banged in 30-31-27 and has had 77-74-82 point seasons. Maybe not shooting as much this year so far but over a ppg again and his S% hasnt dropped and this is with not Patrick Kane = 10 million.

Comparable player is Phil Kessell who signed for 8 million a few years ago and since the rates go up along with the cap Panarin gets 10.

Lol Panarin banged in 30-31-27 and has had 77-74-82 point seasons. Maybe not shooting as much this year so far but over a ppg again and his S% hasnt dropped and this is with not Patrick Kane = 10 million.

Comparable player is Phil Kessell who signed for 8 million a few years ago and since the rates go up along with the cap Panarin gets 10.
- fattybeef

He gets more than Kucherov??

Good point, don't forget the San Jose offer sheeted Hjalmarsson, and he actually signed it. We've since done at least one deal with the Sharks (Smith for Desjardins).
- ObeseOprah

Good point. Chicago hasn't done much trading with Toronto other than us getting hosed on the Richard Panick deal. If Chicago is going to worry about not upsetting a team because Chicago wants to better it's team and that can't meet that match or has to pony up more cash to retain said asset, it's business .

Just out of curiosity, do you think where he plays really matters to bringing hockey up in the US? I just read an article that stated that the US has been one of the biggest resurgent areas for sending players to the NHL and more kids are playing in lower levels (I'll try to find and link it). I'm guessing anyone who remotely follows hockey is well aware of where Matthews is from.

I think as long as you have good players that are accessible locally it will draw new eyes.
- Chunk

Hockey in the US doesn't need Matthews but he may help a specific team like Arizona sell tickets. As much as I despise him, Bettman has done a great job of building hockey in the States and more importantly doing it through grassroot programs. Had Bettman not kept the Coyotes in Arizona it's likely Matthews would be playing football or baseball today. So many good players are also starting to come from non traditional hockey cities all thanks to Bettman.

Yeah but toews is on the decline , sure he picked up his game this year , but ever since he got paid 3 years ago this is his first year he has actually come to play.

IMO I appreciate the loyalty thing but holding onto aging high paid players that are affecting the teams ability to get younger and competitive again doesn't work for most fans and the teams bottom line.

If Chicago had a great shot at Matthews who is 20 years old or keeping toews who is 31 years old the smart move is Matthews. Sure some people will be upset but if this team becomes a competitor again and starts winning all is forgiven.
- Taylorst1

They have the money to keep both...

Unless he gets a concussion again hes going to be about the same the next 4 years of his career. At 33 maybe not worth 10.5 but also not going to be terrible.

Zero reason to trade Toews or Kane unless they ask for an out.

Which is why Strome providing a solid second option to shave some milage there is key.

Either way they are minimum two years away maybe 3 from running at a cup. And keeping the current core shouldn't inhibit them to re-sign guys in 3 or 4 years as long as they dont do something dumb this summer. And it would be cool and totally possible to win again with the old band.

Lol Panarin banged in 30-31-27 and has had 77-74-82 point seasons. Maybe not shooting as much this year so far but over a ppg again and his S% hasnt dropped and this is with not Patrick Kane = 10 million.

Comparable player is Phil Kessell who signed for 8 million a few years ago and since the rates go up along with the cap Panarin gets 10.
- fattybeef

I see the comps but Breadman at $10 seems to much unless
Matthews/Laine get $13-14mil. Also he's 27 ya not old but
he isn't 21-22.

I see the comps but Breadman at $10 seems to much unless
Matthews/Laine get $13-14mil. Also he's 27 ya not old but
he isn't 21-22.
- gazza53

NYR throws 10 at him like they threw stupid money at a Brad Richards with too many miles.

He gets more than Kucherov??
- EnzoD

Yes.

Lol Panarin banged in 30-31-27 and has had 77-74-82 point seasons. Maybe not shooting as much this year so far but over a ppg again and his S% hasnt dropped and this is with not Patrick Kane = 10 million.

Comparable player is Phil Kessell who signed for 8 million a few years ago and since the rates go up along with the cap Panarin gets 10.
- fattybeef

The problem with signing panarin is he is 27 and who would center him and Kane ? Tell me its not toews or strome? Thats chicagos problem they have no legitimate talent after toews down the middle. Storme is the future . Anisomov won't be here , Kruger will be gone. You have kampf but he is bottom,6 . They need a number 1 young stud center. Toews better days are behind him he is more your number 2 or 3 guy.

Good point. Chicago hasn't done much trading with Toronto other than us getting hosed on the Richard Panick deal. If Chicago is going to worry about not upsetting a team because Chicago wants to better it's team and that can't meet that match or has to pony up more cash to retain said asset, it's business .
- Taylorst1

Maybe you are thinking of another deal? We traded Morin for Panik... I say we easily won that trade.

The problem with signing panarin is he is 27 and who would center him and Kane ? Tell me its not toews or strome? Thats chicagos problem they have no legitimate talent after toews down the middle. Storme is the future . Anisomov won't be here , Kruger will be gone. You have kampf but he is bottom,6 . They need a number 1 young stud center. Toews better days are behind him he is more your number 2 or 3 guy.
- Taylorst1

Then factor in the Hawks really have no defensemen except Keith and some prospects who appear to be blue chippers but are still prospects. I think Acquiring Panarin would be a huge mistake.

They have the money to keep both...

Unless he gets a concussion again hes going to be about the same the next 4 years of his career. At 33 maybe not worth 10.5 but also not going to be terrible.

Zero reason to trade Toews or Kane unless they ask for an out.

Which is why Strome providing a solid second option to shave some milage there is key.

Either way they are minimum two years away maybe 3 from running at a cup. And keeping the current core shouldn't inhibit them to re-sign guys in 3 or 4 years as long as they dont do something dumb this summer. And it would be cool and totally possible to win again with the old band.
- fattybeef

Looking at the big picture as a whole , you have strome still learning but future potential he centers d cat and ?

Toews he centers saad ? And he slides down to a number 2 or 3

So who centers Kane and PANARIN? You see where this is going . Chicago needs a,top center and if you add panarin you still need another top 6 player like a Skinner to play along strome and d cat and who then fills in alongside Toews and saad ? Maybe a guy like stone ? But for Chicago to really fix their issues and roll at least 3 solid lines they need cap space to make a huge splash to fix those areas.

Then factor in the Hawks really have no defensemen except Keith and some prospects who appear to be blue chippers but are still prospects. I think Acquiring Panarin would be a huge mistake.
- paulr

To me, the interest in Panarin screams that they are trying to make Kane happy. I'm against bringing Panarin back simply because it continues the idiotic trend of trying to being past players back to recapture old glory.

You have a pro and amateur scouting department. Make sure they are doing their jobs and build your team up. Ideally, you then have longer periods of time where you are competitive and not squeezed by the cap. Spending $10M+ on one player in FA is not a recipe for sustained success.

PLENTY of people go back to their Ex's....
- EnzoD

yeah Enzo but it's usually for the sex.

Maybe you are thinking of another deal? We traded Morin for Panik... I say we easily won that trade.
- Chunk

Your probably right . However Stans been hosed in every deal he has made.