Probably look at UFA's Keith Kincaid or Chad Johnson, maybe Ward.
- LAHawk

Lets all give thanks that Lehner was available, because another season of Ward would just be painful to watch.

Lets all give thanks that Lehner was available, because another season of Ward would just be painful to watch.
- TheTrob

Yes but look at the money we would of saved and wouldn't have to trade Anisimov and cause a hole at 3C

It's definitely a mark against him, but from everything I've read and everyone that I've spoken to on the topic, concussions are very individualized. You can have one guy that has one or two and simply can't function at all anymore, and another who can have multiple and "get through it". I don't want to sound like I'm minimizing the effects or seriousness of the condition, but in terms of athletes and how they can function with them, it is not cut and dried. Look no further than Crosby as a guy who many had concerns would not be able to come back, let alone be the player he was/is.
- Chunk

Your spot on. The only difference I'd say is the individual position that they play has its benefits in terms of protecting and resting each player.

IMO with the salary cap according to what's been reported isn't expected to rise significzntly if even at all at least until a new contract is completed with nbc sports.

That means a lot of teams will be forced to make hard decisions and change. IMO that is something else stan has to put into perspective .

Crawford is no different than any other player in the league. All of them are one high/bad hit away from a career ending concussion. There is not one player at the NHL level that has not suffered some form of concussion in his life. Is Crawford more susceptible because he has already suffered a few over the last couple of years? The correct answer can only be....maybe. Looking at known studies, prior concussions do increase the risk of future occurrences, but it is not definitive and not linear. Some players may never have one again, others, even slight contact may cause a occurrence of symptoms.
- TheTrob

All contact sport in general players understand the risk and some never have any serious problems and a few select players have career ending injury.

IMO the NHL salary cap next year will force teams to make hard decisions.


Now with that being a starting point , Crawford hasntmplayed at a elite level in a few years, he is 35 years old and has had 2 concussions , and last year was telling from his speech at the convention that something was seriously wrong, yes he did come back amdmplay but his play wasn't at a elite level and suffered another serious concussions.

Even if you think one of those kids might be ready to bring up , you need a veteran backup who is reliable and can play as a starter if need be.

Stan is on the hot seat if Chicago makes the playoffs and he retainsnhis job , then goes ahead and resigns Crawford knowing his history it's a business and Lehner if he proves he can play my money is on him to be resigned.

Yes but look at the money we would of saved and wouldn't have to trade Anisimov and cause a hole at 3C

- LAHawk

Ansimov was getting moved no matter what . He just didn't fit into Chicago's long term plan. I'm not worried about the 3c role they have options and I believe in their mind Dach is penciled in to make the team and fill that role

All contact sport in general players understand the risk and some never have any serious problems and a few select players have career ending injury.

IMO the NHL salary cap next year will force teams to make hard decisions.


Now with that being a starting point , Crawford hasntmplayed at a elite level in a few years, he is 35 years old and has had 2 concussions , and last year was telling from his speech at the convention that something was seriously wrong, yes he did come back amdmplay but his play wasn't at a elite level and suffered another serious concussions.

Even if you think one of those kids might be ready to bring up , you need a veteran backup who is reliable and can play as a starter if need be.

Stan is on the hot seat if Chicago makes the playoffs and he retainsnhis job , then goes ahead and resigns Crawford knowing his history it's a business and Lehner if he proves he can play my money is on him to be resigned.
- Taylorst1

Doctor Taylor knows more about concussions than the medical profession.

A little summer optimism...

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...-shock-everybody-2019-20/

A little summer optimism...

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...-shock-everybody-2019-20/
- hankscorpio

I agree and think the Hawks are going to be a surprise this year that make us happy.

Ansimov was getting moved no matter what . He just didn't fit into Chicago's long term plan. I'm not worried about the 3c role they have options and I believe in their mind Dach is penciled in to make the team and fill that role
- Taylorst1

I heard Dach had already relegated Toews to the 3rd line centerman.

Doctor Taylor knows more about concussions than the medical profession.
- mohel

Well DUH! That was common knowledge!

I agree and think the Hawks are going to be a surprise this year that make us happy.
- Popsghostly

Havent been as excited for the start of the season since the last playoff season. I know the two years would be rough but this year I think they can make some noise.

Ansimov was getting moved no matter what . He just didn't fit into Chicago's long term plan. I'm not worried about the 3c role they have options and I believe in their mind Dach is penciled in to make the team and fill that role
- Taylorst1

If 3c is your biggest problem you have one heck of a team... I feel your pain trying to reason with the Crow fan club. You'd think he was Bobby Hull.

If 3c is your biggest problem you have one heck of a team... I feel your pain trying to reason with the Crow fan club. You'd think he was Bobby Hull.
- rpeters01

It really is one of his strengths.

It's definitely the dog days of summer for hockey. Lots of spitballing and speculation on the hawks roster . 10 weeks from now the NHL Season officially opens up.

IMO when Chicago surprised everyone and selected Kirby Dach , people where in utter shock, just looking at some recent snippets of his play , Dach looks more and more ready to make the jump this year and will be a huge impact on his development , but also the teams ability to compete.


Most players after kakko and Hughes either were not ready as of now or where still at least 1 year out from even being signed to be on the teams roster or affiliate.



Regarding Crawford, only Chicago's front office knows what's behind the curtain in regards to Crawford's situation and thinking.

As much as I'm a Crawford fan and appreciate what he has accomplished , Crawford is 35 years old, has a history of concussions and hasn't played at a elite level in a few years ,

Even if Crawford stays healthy I don't believe he is the same player he once was and nor after this season would Stan sacrifice any salary or roster spot with a player who has to many negatives .

Crawford IMO ends up in the hawks organization after this year either scouting or as a goalie coach
- Taylorst1

Wasn't Crawford basically the only reason we were in most of the games before he got injured. If anything he's getting better... when he's healthy. And yes, in honor of August 1st, the dog days of NHL summer, I will bring bring it up...Crawford is elite ( when healthy). Sorry to everyone who finds that argument as annoying as I do however in honor of his accomplishments and what I remember I had to say it

Doctor Taylor knows more about concussions than the medical profession.
- mohel

Lol...that is probably not a good sign if the first thing that reminded me of was Ding ding! Paging Dr. Sutton

If 3c is your biggest problem you have one heck of a team... I feel your pain trying to reason with the Crow fan club. You'd think he was Bobby Hull.
- rpeters01

Reason? Lol.

Wasn't Crawford basically the only reason we were in most of the games before he got injured. If anything he's getting better... when he's healthy. And yes, in honor of August 1st, the dog days of NHL summer, I will bring bring it up...Crawford is elite ( when healthy). Sorry to everyone who finds that argument as annoying as I do however in honor of his accomplishments and what I remember I had to say it
- just69sayin

Crawford's save percentage in 17-18 was .929, the highest since he became a regular. But I read right here that he hasn't played at an elite level in several years. It's written with such conviction, though...

https://www.hockey-refere.../players/c/crawfco01.html

I heard Dach had already relegated Toews to the 3rd line centerman.
- paulr

Yes and don't forget a 19 year old All Star. Right Stl. Braves ...I agree with Dr. Taylor that Dach is on the 3rd line centering it and maybe seeing some pp time. We are back to having top tier team problems. I'm excited

I heard Dach had already relegated Toews to the 3rd line centerman.
- paulr

Toews has been a 3C for years.

Crawford's save percentage in 17-18 was .929, the highest since he became a regular. But I read right here that he hasn't played at an elite level in several years. It's written with such conviction, though...

https://www.hockey-refere.../players/c/crawfco01.html
- mohel

It's unfortunate those goals he let in vs AZ in the 2011 playoffs because I think that cemented it for a lot of people. I can't hardly watch the boys with one of my favorite people (my cousin) because every goal Crow let's in no matter how many deflections or traffic in front, the first thing out of my cousin's mouth is "crappy Crawford" drives me nuts. He promised to cut it out forever if Crow won another Cup. Let's just be kind to my cousin and say only Crawford held up his end of that deal. And I will remind anyone else who forgets that the Hawks do not win those last two without having the best goalie

If 3c is your biggest problem you have one heck of a team... I feel your pain trying to reason with the Crow fan club. You'd think he was Bobby Hull.
- rpeters01

I don’t believe any of you can say crow wasn’t one of the best goalies in the last ten years.

I understand it’s a team game but how many cups do the all world pekker renae,Cary price, luewrongo and the mighty king have???????

Has he made mistakes in his personal life ( failing at concert and snowmobiling) sure but he should’ve won the mvp instead of toews.

I don’t believe you any say crow wasn’t one of the best goalies in the last ten years.

I understand it’s a team game but how many cups do the all world pekker renae,Cary price, luewrongo and the mighty king have???????

Has he made mistakes in his personal life ( failing at concert and snowmobiling) sure but he should’ve won the mvp instead of toews.
- Abadseed

You mean instead of Kane, in 2013. Toews won in it 2010, when Crawford was an Icehog.

You mean instead of Kane, in 2013. Toews won in it 2010, when Crawford was an Icehog.
- BDT36

Since when do facts count here??????? Jk my mistake

Since when do facts count here??????? Jk my mistake
- Abadseed

This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact - print the legend.

Crawford's save percentage in 17-18 was .929, the highest since he became a regular. But I read right here that he hasn't played at an elite level in several years. It's written with such conviction, though...

https://www.hockey-refere.../players/c/crawfco01.html
- mohel

He only missed about half the season...