One scenario about Crawford's future in Chicago i will mention here does not have necessarily have legs to it more than a few other scenarios already mentioned or which could be conjured.

I suppose right now Bowman does not know how Crawford's situation turns. That could very well be due to what other transactions occur. It is unlikely Crawford happily signs elsewhere. If I am a GM in another city, I would be wary not only of Crawford's health/injury potential based upon his history, but perhaps moreover concerned that Crawford might up and quit or retire mid way through a season if he is not a Blackhawk

Well it should be expected Crawford strongly prefers to remain a Blackhawk, indeed. Therefore a prudent move by Bowman should be to take care of other transactions with Crawford last or certainly after more pressing needs

Actually I want to segway just a bit about the team's other pressing needs as it relates to Crawford's value playing one or two more seasons here

You and I probably can agree it is a struggle to make playoffs. With Crawford. So you know Crawford is a stop gap measure for one or two seasons. If you need to appease Rocky, then you sign Crawford. This would make the team strongest in net than another one or trio of netminders whom would fill the net if Crawford's Blackhawk career ends after this season has finally ended.

The savings from a team friendly signs (plural as in several players needing new contract) could be the difference in savings which Bowman uses in making a trade or free agent signing.

So is it time for Bowman to see how each of his other current goaltenders grade out at the NHL level

Because if no clear long term number one netminder emerges from his current cast of backups, then any one of them could share net not only next season, but the following season after there is a glut of goaltenders on the market due to expansion.

Bowman would have two seasons to scheme how and where to find a future number one. Bowman saves money for two seasons as his goaltenders would be paid less than Crawford.

Crawford takes a team friendly deal or he is headlights

Conversely you may have another take on the turbulent roster shake up over the next few seasons.
- jhawk59

I disagree that Crawford is married to Chicago. Wasn’t Joe Pavelski never going to leave San Jose, Calgary is desperate for goaltending. I bet they would overpay for 2 years of Crow. He isn’t going to win another cup with the Hawks, might as well go to a team with a chance and/or rake in the cash if he wants to play.

What about Appleton in a package?
- ikeane

Depends on the jets value him

I disagree that Crawford is married to Chicago. Wasn’t Joe Pavelski never going to leave San Jose, Calgary is desperate for goaltending. I bet they would overpay for 2 years of Crow. He isn’t going to win another cup with the Hawks, might as well go to a team with a chance and/or rake in the cash if he wants to play.
- LAHawk

You could be right but i would be surprisrd if he signed with them. Imagine what Crawford private thoughts might be to have Gus providing support? I had thought Riddch was a promising netminder for Calgary. Has he fallen into disfavor? Maybe this team drafts Askarov. Trade Bennet to move up in first tound and take Askarov?

Saad not going anywhere if Stan has to make playoffs to keep his job.
- rpeters01

Saad has been back 3 years. Hawks didn't make the playoffs the first two years and only made it in this year due to the pandemic related play in scenario. What makes you think his presence will guarantee a playoff spot next year? Maybe Stan had some leash here and would be able to make some major changes.

You could be right but i would be surprisrd if he signed with them. Imagine what Crawford private thoughts might be to have Gus providing support? I had thought Riddch was a promising netminder for Calgary. Has he fallen into disfavor? Maybe this team drafts Askarov. Trade Bennet to move up in first tound and take Askarov?
- jhawk59

Maybe Cro will sign with the Flames if he's told they won't re-sign Gus.

Keeping Crawford over Lehner was a big mistake.

Question for Wiz. Who's the top prospect in the 2021 draft? Anyone of Lafrieniere quality? Just thinking ahead.

Keeping Crawford over Lehner was a big mistake.
- Colbyboy

Keeping a goalie that is weak on breakaways and shoot outs and slow on lateral movement and threw his team under the bus when he got pouty was a mistake?

Keeping a goalie that is weak on breakaways and shoot outs and slow on lateral movement and threw his team under the bus when he got pouty was a mistake?
- GPHawksfan

Letting go I meant

Letting go I meant
- GPHawksfan

Weak rebound control could add to the list. Lehner is good when the team in front of him is good. Crow can steal games, as we saw. Lehner isn't like that. He's younger than Crow ... that's about all he's got going for him.

Man what a sweet pass by Barzal

Man what a sweet pass by Barzal
- BetweenTheDots

& an even better finish. I'm glad to watch Philly lose. Honestly, any other team whose trolls come over here. It makes it that much more enjoyable.

Nice empty netter.

& an even better finish. I'm glad to watch Philly lose. Honestly, any other team whose trolls come over here. It makes it that much more enjoyable.
- I Am The Breadman

I guess we won't be hearing from my buddy Bruce tonight

Keeping Crawford over Lehner was a big mistake.
- Colbyboy

They can’t really afford him. Getting assets for him was a blessing in disguise.

I guess we won't be hearing from my buddy Bruce tonight
- BetweenTheDots

Such a shame ...

Saad has been back 3 years. Hawks didn't make the playoffs the first two years and only made it in this year due to the pandemic related play in scenario. What makes you think his presence will guarantee a playoff spot next year? Maybe Stan had some leash here and would be able to make some major changes.
- boilermaker100

His presence doesn’t guarantee a playoff spot, but most here are lamenting that we don’t have many on the team who have size, speed and can cycle the puck (and rightfully so). Get rid of him and you have one (maybe two) guys. That does not make for a good cycle game.

Kind of hard to bring up 17 players.
- rpeters01

Not really. They each have a whole extra facility with minor league players.

I just read JJ’s post mortem. He was notably high on Maatta and basically warned against losing/trading/buying him out. Called him the beat Hawks d-man in the playoffs.

Not really saying right or wrong, but I personally think that’s a stretch. I liked Murphy’s game the best.

I just read JJ’s post mortem. He was notably high on Maatta and basically warned against losing/trading/buying him out. Called him the beat Hawks d-man in the playoffs.

Not really saying right or wrong, but I personally think that’s a stretch. I liked Murphy’s game the best.
- Chunk

I did too.

Varly earning his money!

The Athletic is doing a daily count-down ranking the teams by their players 22 and under.

Washington came in at 31 and the Penguins at 30. I’ll guess that the Hawks come in around 12-14.

Special K isn't improving. He still suck as much as he ever did. Can't win a board battle. He is fundamentally inept. Never has his stick on the ice. He is out of position constantly.
- Elbows15

Disagree completely, not saying he’s a top 4 D man but for the cap hit he had and will receive, he’s held his own as a 5-6 D man

Keeping Crawford over Lehner was a big mistake.
- Colbyboy

I just read JJ’s post mortem. He was notably high on Maatta and basically warned against losing/trading/buying him out. Called him the beat Hawks d-man in the playoffs.

Not really saying right or wrong, but I personally think that’s a stretch. I liked Murphy’s game the best.
- Chunk

That’s five minutes you’ll never get back.