I don't think Stan needs to do anything at the TDL, it would be nice if he did but I wouldn't expect the big moves now. Any bigger trades will likely happen in the off season.

AA will be dealt at his bonus is paid on July 1, His contract becomes much more attractive for a cash strapped team (i.e. lower cash payout than cap hit). Keith is still the team's best d-man and I don't see him going anywhere. I'm fine keeping #2 and #7 long term, the team just needs to find better d-men to decrease their prominence on the team.
- DarthKane

You make some great points. However looking back at past july1st opportunities, Stan dropped the ball due to not having enough cap space to target anyone and loligagged around knowing his priorities where to move Hossa before hand.

I just feel waiting til the summer is not the solution.

Moving anisomov and or Keith, Seabrook now opens up cap space without the any worries of trying to move someone then with free agency opening up.

Everyone keeps saying Chicago is fine with cap space but I'm not sure how with after any small signings and trying to figure out goaltending with Crawford that the situation gets any better to target maybe 2 top 6 forwards or 1 top 6 and maybe a solid 3 c who has size and skill with maybe a 2 year term contract on a younger veteran defenseman

That's a lot they need at minimum.

There is a lot more to the WC then showing up for a game ,having a camera crew follow the team around for a week over Christmas well family and friends are all over the players for their time and tickets . Can't be a normal time for players and even more so for young players who have never experienced anything like that .. Ya but I get it they lost 3 to 2 in OT to rather decent team on a hot streak in their building ,we might well flush the season and call out all the players ..LOL
- oldduffman

i know you are blind to everything wrong with this team now that Q is gone...but news for ya the season is already flushed down down the drain...

oh and give me a break about the trials and tribulations of ticket and seasonal demands...this last game was part of 42 game trend...lousy crappy starts where they get blown off the ice...or have you forgotten all those 1st periods where they fell behind 1 zip, then 2 zip or 3 zip...

There PP was 1for 2 so 50% is pretty non existent
- oldduffman

That first power play was non existent it was God awful and the 2nd one the got lucky because it looked like doggy doo..

You make some great points. However looking back at past july1st opportunities, Stan dropped the ball due to not having enough cap space to target anyone and loligagged around knowing his priorities where to move Hossa before hand.

I just feel waiting til the summer is not the solution.

Moving anisomov and or Keith, Seabrook now opens up cap space without the any worries of trying to move someone then with free agency opening up.

Everyone keeps saying Chicago is fine with cap space but I'm not sure how with after any small signings and trying to figure out goaltending with Crawford that the situation gets any better to target maybe 2 top 6 forwards or 1 top 6 and maybe a solid 3 c who has size and skill with maybe a 2 year term contract on a younger veteran defenseman

That's a lot they need at minimum.
- Taylorst1

If you trade Keith, you will then need another top 4 defensemen, which at todays rate, would not be much different than his $5.5M AAV now, so I don't see how trading him opens up cap space, you would need to use it to replace him. No one is going to take Seabrook unless significant salary is retained, and a prospect goes with it. AA, hopefully we can get a around the 30th-35th pick in the draft

For example Calvin De Haan who everyone wanted Stan to sign got $4.5mil for 4 years. for $1 mil. a year more, I would still take Keith

If you trade Keith, you will then need another top 4 defensemen, which at todays rate, would not be much different than his $5.5M AAV now, so I don't see how trading him opens up cap space, you would need to use it to replace him. No one is going to take Seabrook unless significant salary is retained, and a prospect goes with it. AA, hopefully we can get a around the 30th-35th pick in the draft
- LAHawk

Keith's value is still pretty , theirs been chatter involving montreal and even Columbus interested in Keith.

However that aside , we have a solid pipeline of defenseman. You still have Gus and murphy who at this point with Seabrook if he is still here as some veteran leadership.

The real problem next year if none of these guys are moved is another year paying for 3 goaltenders. I'd be surprised at this point if Crawford comes back , and if he does Stan is going to once again pay 3 million dollars while LTIR Crawford's salary for awhile. That's 3 million that won't be used to target a top 6 .

If you trade Keith, you will then need another top 4 defensemen, which at todays rate, would not be much different than his $5.5M AAV now, so I don't see how trading him opens up cap space, you would need to use it to replace him. No one is going to take Seabrook unless significant salary is retained, and a prospect goes with it. AA, hopefully we can get a around the 30th-35th pick in the draft
- LAHawk

Keith isn't a top 4 defenseman right now. At least he isn't playing like one. I don't think it has to do with anything physical and he's just decided hes going to do what he wants to do on the ice.

Cant see Keith playing safety for Boqvist. He'd run around like a madman and make the kid cover for him like he did to Young Henry. And if he's not going to adjust his game to let the younger and more skilled guys on the right side do their thing then what's the point?

They're going to be rough to watch or at least up and down next year unless they sign Karlsson + 1 top six forward and win the lottery. It's really that simple and if Keith doesn't want to be part of that process (which I personally don't think he does) then moving him to a team he'd agree to go to isn't the worst thing. Its not like he's going to be better 2 years from now.

These guys dont have to retire as Hawks.

Keith's value is still pretty , theirs been chatter involving montreal and even Columbus interested in Keith.

However that aside , we have a solid pipeline of defenseman. You still have Gus and murphy who at this point with Seabrook if he is still here as some veteran leadership.

The real problem next year if none of these guys are moved is another year paying for 3 goaltenders. I'd be surprised at this point if Crawford comes back , and if he does Stan is going to once again pay 3 million dollars while LTIR Crawford's salary for awhile. That's 3 million that won't be used to target a top 6 .
- Taylorst1

Crow only has one year left though so he'd sit on LTIR for the remainder of his contract and they could use that money to sign a long term deal if they were so inclined. The Crawford contract is expiring and the least of their concerns.

the hawks took a beating last night across the board...and spare me the fatigue excuse that was served up by the NBCSN crew.

They just had the Christmas break. 3 days off into the 1/1 game and a travel day to isle game.

Why this team can't start games on time is hitting the absurd end of the spectrum. That first period could easily have been 3-1.

they got (frank)'n out chanced like 25-10. And delia had stop several high quality chances...thats what hawk goalies have to do stop blowouts
- bogiedoc

It's a bad team playing on the road against a good team. What did you expect?

If you trade Keith, you will then need another top 4 defensemen, which at todays rate, would not be much different than his $5.5M AAV now, so I don't see how trading him opens up cap space, you would need to use it to replace him. No one is going to take Seabrook unless significant salary is retained, and a prospect goes with it. AA, hopefully we can get a around the 30th-35th pick in the draft
- LAHawk

the point of trading Keith has little to do with salary (at least from the Hawks perspective) and more about trading a player on the back 9 to a contender in an attempt to secure picks/prospects to build for the future. Unless you think this team is a contender for a Cup in the next 2 years (hint, they won't be), then Keith is a logical trade chip to a team who IS a contender in the next two years, and that team, in an effort to sure up their D with a proven vet champion may pay a nice return.

Seabrook is not movable, because his contract is an albatross (unlike Keith's) and his play has declined at an even greater rate.

Anisimov won't get you a borderline 1/2 pick, he's pedestrian as they come, at best the Hawks could maybe scoop a LOW 2 from someone, but my money is on a third round pick or a lottery ticket prospect.

Crow only has one year left though so he'd sit on LTIR for the remainder of his contract and they could use that money to sign a long term deal if they were so inclined. The Crawford contract is expiring and the least of their concerns.
- fattybeef

Putting Crawford on LTIR doesn’t make any sense financially unless the team is at the cap limit.

Crow only has one year left though so he'd sit on LTIR for the remainder of his contract and they could use that money to sign a long term deal if they were so inclined. The Crawford contract is expiring and the least of their concerns.
- fattybeef

That's not really a solution to a problem. This year dealing with that people could understand but the excuse for next year won't fly. We would have to wait til October to LTIR him way after any chance of having money to address this teams glaring problems and watch another season lost due to poor personnel management.


Let's face facts Keith has checked out , Seabrook is obviously no longer able to play, anisomov is hurt more times than not and when he plays he isn't really that affective and his speed is like watching a guy with a piano on his back.

Keith isn't a top 4 defenseman right now. At least he isn't playing like one. I don't think it has to do with anything physical and he's just decided hes going to do what he wants to do on the ice.

Cant see Keith playing safety for Boqvist. He'd run around like a madman and make the kid cover for him like he did to Young Henry. And if he's not going to adjust his game to let the younger and more skilled guys on the right side do their thing then what's the point?

They're going to be rough to watch or at least up and down next year unless they sign Karlsson + 1 top six forward and win the lottery. It's really that simple and if Keith doesn't want to be part of that process (which I personally don't think he does) then moving him to a team he'd agree to go to isn't the worst thing. Its not like he's going to be better 2 years from now.

These guys dont have to retire as Hawks.
- fattybeef

So if you don't think Keith is a top 4 defensemen right now on this team, what would a playoff contender team think? So what would be the return be for trading a #5 or #6 defensemen? Would you accept a second and third rounder? Would that help accelerate the rebuild? I agree, the Hawks are a couple of years away at least. I also agree you don't have to spend all your playing career with one team. Only one I can remember as a Hawk is #21 (I am including defections to the WHA). Even Gordie Howe didn't finish with Detroit. (except that one last skate). Sorry, I at this moment do not see a trade of Keith that accelerates the rebuild in the next few years.

So if you don't think Keith is a top 4 defensemen right now on this team, what would a playoff contender team think? So what would be the return be for trading a #5 or #6 defensemen? Would you accept a second and third rounder? Would that help accelerate the rebuild? I agree, the Hawks are a couple of years away at least. I also agree you don't have to spend all your playing career with one team. Only one I can remember as a Hawk is #21 (I am including defections to the WHA). Even Gordie Howe didn't finish with Detroit. (except that one last skate). Sorry, I at this moment do not see a trade of Keith that accelerates the rebuild in the next few years.
- LAHawk

The fact Fatty doesn't think Keith is a top 4 anymore doesn't make it so. Keith is STILL a top 4, one playing unmotivated hockey where a change of scenery may reinvigorate him. This is the argument and the analysis that is likely being barbed about in more than 1 front office these days. Obviously, putting guys like Doughty, petroangelo, Hammer, or whoever on the market will also dictate Keith's value, but he is a very valuable player (in my view) for a team making a run toward a Cup, to slot into the top 4.

Keith can still play, he looks like a perfect poster child for "Change of Scenery" and he could bring a good return. If all that's offered is a 3 for him, that team can go piss up a rope.

Putting Crawford on LTIR doesn’t make any sense financially unless the team is at the cap limit.
- walleyeb1

They could be at that limit if they spend this summer.

So if you don't think Keith is a top 4 defensemen right now on this team, what would a playoff contender team think? So what would be the return be for trading a #5 or #6 defensemen? Would you accept a second and third rounder? Would that help accelerate the rebuild? I agree, the Hawks are a couple of years away at least. I also agree you don't have to spend all your playing career with one team. Only one I can remember as a Hawk is #21 (I am including defections to the WHA). Even Gordie Howe didn't finish with Detroit. (except that one last skate). Sorry, I at this moment do not see a trade of Keith that accelerates the rebuild in the next few years.
- LAHawk

He’s a player that’d work for a team like the Avalanche:

Keith Cap hit $5,538,462

Keith salary:

2019/20 $3,500,000

2020/21 $2,650,000

2021/22 $2,100,000

2022/23 $1,500,000

i know you are blind to everything wrong with this team now that Q is gone...but news for ya the season is already flushed down down the drain...

oh and give me a break about the trials and tribulations of ticket and seasonal demands...this last game was part of 42 game trend...lousy crappy starts where they get blown off the ice...or have you forgotten all those 1st periods where they fell behind 1 zip, then 2 zip or 3 zip...
- bogiedoc

I am not blind to anything . I was not blind to Q inept coaching the last 3 years . Guess it would be no problem for you having a camera crew following you around at your job for National TV audience as a 20 21 year old . I guess you forget the more recent history of beating COL twice NAS DAL MINN . This is a young team and will have up and downs . I am fine with that . I am a fan 1st and it not in my DNA to cheer for them to lose for 18% chance to draft some wonder kid ..

That first power play was non existent it was God awful and the 2nd one the got lucky because it looked like doggy doo..
- Taylorst1

the got lucky ..Ok , still 50% and as they say in hockey you have to be good to be lucky and lucky to be good

They could be at that limit if they spend this summer.
- breadbag

They could but the problem is clearing out enough cap space to not only sign your regulars , but to address a backup which means 3 million less on any top 6 free agent.

Stan needs to get serious about rebuilding this team. Why hang onto toews and Kane while they still have a couple of more years to win.

Bring in 2 top 6 guys stone and panarin . Dump saad for some cap relief and picks.

Tanner, rockin it: https://www.hockeybuzz.co...l-injury-record/200/96937

Yesterdays game just looked like a hangover from the Winter Classic which was a 75k plus attendance, outdoors, to traveling two time zones East to play a very good defensive team - they looked like they were skating in mud

Chris Kunitz has a NMC??? Why???
Is Crow on IR?

The fact Fatty doesn't think Keith is a top 4 anymore doesn't make it so. Keith is STILL a top 4, one playing unmotivated hockey where a change of scenery may reinvigorate him. This is the argument and the analysis that is likely being barbed about in more than 1 front office these days. Obviously, putting guys like Doughty, petroangelo, Hammer, or whoever on the market will also dictate Keith's value, but he is a very valuable player (in my view) for a team making a run toward a Cup, to slot into the top 4.

Keith can still play, he looks like a perfect poster child for "Change of Scenery" and he could bring a good return. If all that's offered is a 3 for him, that team can go piss up a rope.
- kwolf68

The Hawks will only move Duncs if he requests it AND the return justifies it.

GMs will nibble around trying to buy cheap but the serious ones with their sights set on a lengthy Cup run will pay up with young players and draft picks. Look for Winnipeg, Toronto, Boston and Vegas to want to add a piece like Keith. The idea of accepting a 2nd or 3rd for him is ridiculous. Even 'No Defence Gus' brings back more than that.

That, the Timonen trade, and Seabrook's contract are the only moves that I really thought were inexcusable. He's had many other moves that were bad, but at least you could see what he was trying to do.
- tvetter

Remember David Rundblad !!

They could but the problem is clearing out enough cap space to not only sign your regulars , but to address a backup which means 3 million less on any top 6 free agent.

Stan needs to get serious about rebuilding this team. Why hang onto toews and Kane while they still have a couple of more years to win.

Bring in 2 top 6 guys stone and panarin . Dump saad for some cap relief and picks.
- Taylorst1

Who do you think they need to clear space to sign? There aren't many RFA that deserve much of a pay bump. Most are too green or just not that good to need much more cash.

Sikura (not really), Kampf (nope), Perlini (no way) , Forsling (meh), Dahlstrom (no), Delia (not yet) ...

Also, you don't have to pay a backup 3 million dollars. Many of the backups in the league make a lot less. The Hawks have some goalies in the pipeline and could go in house for a backup for probably under a million.

With the cap expected to go up, the Hawks can spend some cash, as long as they leave some short term wiggle room for the following year.