He's is going to be a free agent, he COULD sign anywhere no trade necessary, you just need the $ and Cap space...if you mean fair price asa UFA if he wants money, he very well WILL have to leave because they are gonna feel the Cap squeeze with all the young forwards they know they have fo reward.

You think Duncan Keith wants to go to Winnipeg to close it out for the big Finn Patrik Laine, who in the last two days has heard his name bandied about phone calls?
- wiz1901

DO. NOT. TRADE. DUNCAN. KEITH.

Line would be a nice add, but the Hawks don’t have the assets to get him.

Remember Tallon talking about Tony like they just got a Hall of Famer?
- wiz1901

Yes, I remember that. Tallon was also over the moon after free agency period in 2005 after the lockout when he signed Khabibulin, Barnaby, Brown, Lapointe, Aucoin, and Cullimore. He thought he made out like a bandit, especially with Khabibulin.

Tallon grossly miscalculated how the rules changes would impact the game to make it a faster league than one predicated on grinders.

Welcome aboard Theo!
I know it's before the stated time period but any blog on this subject has to start with the Lou Brock hockey trade of all time: Esposito and Hodge!
- rpeters01

Thanks, rpeters!

Although that was before my time (I was born in the 70s), definitely heard about that trade.

DO. NOT. TRADE. DUNCAN. KEITH.

Line would be a nice add, but the Hawks don’t have the assets to get him.
- DarthKane

Maybe you could move Keith but not next season. We need him with an influx of kids moving in. Although Keith maybe he could get traded, you won't get much for him in two years. Teams are going to be wary taking on big contracts. Even if Keith is nearing end of his contract in two years.

Maybe you could move Keith but not next season. We need him with an influx of kids moving in. Although Keith maybe he could get traded, you won't get much for him in two years. Teams are going to be wary taking on big contracts. Even if Keith is nearing end of his contract in two years.
- jhawk59

DO. NOT. TRADE. DUNCAN. KEITH.

Hey Theo... very excited to read more of your work.

I’m particularly looking forward to reading more about the prospect pipeline. I’m not overly enthusiastic about the Hawks prospects, they haven’t done a good job transitioning talent from Rockford to the NHL. There’s a couple prospects who have potential but I don’t think they have any locks to make the jump next season.
- DarthKane

Thanks, Darth!

The prospect pipeline is trending in a stronger direction but still has some glaring holes like top 6 forwards, blueliners who are defensive specialists, and goalies who are projectable as starters.

Hey Theo... very excited to read more of your work.

I’m particularly looking forward to reading more about the prospect pipeline. I’m not overly enthusiastic about the Hawks prospects, they haven’t done a good job transitioning talent from Rockford to the NHL. There’s a couple prospects who have potential but I don’t think they have any locks to make the jump next season.
- DarthKane

FYI, between now and the start of training camp, I have a few prospects blogs on tap to stir conversation:

Top 10 forward prospects
Top 10 defensemen prospects
Top goalie prospects
Draftees to consider at the 17th spot
Draft recap
IceHogs lineup projection
Training camp dark horses

All this on top of regular Blackhawks talk like game previews, game recaps, trade chatter, trends, TDL, etc.

Hey Wiz,

Just thinking if Avalanche goes game seven you know both teams have come out hard. Wondering if Dallas first line will stand out.

Thinking about each member if they put their top three together - Radulov, Benn, Seguin

So in a redraft and looking at their future, you take Seguin or T Hall

He's is going to be a free agent, he COULD sign anywhere no trade necessary, you just need the $ and Cap space...if you mean fair price asa UFA if he wants money, he very well WILL have to leave because they are gonna feel the Cap squeeze with all the young forwards they know they have fo reward.

You think Duncan Keith wants to go to Winnipeg to close it out for the big Finn Patrik Laine, who in the last two days has heard his name bandied about phone calls?
- wiz1901

Based on the past couple of drafts, if the Hawks wanted to move up 3-5 spots it would cost them their 1st round plus a 2nd round pick.

Canucks win 2-1 to stave off elimination. Demko was solid in his NHL playoff debut.

Yes, I remember that. Tallon was also over the moon after free agency period in 2005 after the lockout when he signed Khabibulin, Barnaby, Brown, Lapointe, Aucoin, and Cullimore. He thought he made out like a bandit, especially with Khabibulin.

Tallon grossly miscalculated how the rules changes would impact the game to make it a faster league than one predicated on grinders.
- Theo Fox

I remember Tallon saying "I F'd up" towards the end of the first year with those players.

Thanks, Darth!

The prospect pipeline is trending in a stronger direction but still has some glaring holes like top 6 forwards, blueliners who are defensive specialists, and goalies who are projectable as starters.
- Theo Fox

Sadly - I'm in the camp that thinks those "glaring holes" are the Grand Canyon. I'm afraid by the time those holes are filled Kane, Toews and surely Keith will be done. Another problem which has become a huge problem seldom discussed is top young players (hopefully Dach, Boqvist become those) are no longer signing bridge contracts. I think it's basically impossible to build a team fast enough before you cap out due to your first few high paid young players. See Toronto and Edmonton to name two.

Hey Wiz,

Just thinking if Avalanche goes game seven you know both teams have come out hard. Wondering if Dallas first line will stand out.

Thinking about each member if they put their top three together - Radulov, Benn, Seguin

So in a redraft and looking at their future, you take Seguin or T Hall
- jhawk59

Seguin.

I only have convenient memory to build my case, and Taylor Hall, for want of a multiyear multi-dollar deal, he certainly showed little chemistry with the Coyote core, and NO additional addition of dominance to his resume....

Sadly - I'm in the camp that thinks those "glaring holes" are the Grand Canyon. I'm afraid by the time those holes are filled Kane, Toews and surely Keith will be done. Another problem which has become a huge problem seldom discussed is top young players (hopefully Dach, Boqvist become those) are no longer signing bridge contracts. I think it's basically impossible to build a team fast enough before you cap out due to your first few high paid young players. See Toronto and Edmonton to name two.
- rpeters01

There is truth to your perspective.

Another perspective to consider is the refresh of management and how they want to proceed with the franchise.

This direction may not necessarily see the timeline of reaching the holy grail again as centered solely on the ticking clocks of the core.

As for no more bridge deals for elite players, we'll see how the pandemic's impact on team and league finances plays a role in possibly recalibrating back to strategic sequencing of contracts and salaries.

If there is no recalibration, the quantum leap from ELC to huge pay day will be problematic as you pointed out.

The Lalonde reference has put Ogi in your corner forever.

Tho, he traded him a million times.

Good work, Theo.

Moreau and Dupont were 2 I always lamented getting away.
- Elbows15

Well, to be fair, not really him, just his rights

Thanks, rpeters!

Although that was before my time (I was born in the 70s), definitely heard about that trade.
- Theo Fox

I was born in the 60's but didn't start following hockey til the early '70s. Along with Stan, Pit Martin was one of my favorite players. Ignorance is bliss.

There is truth to your perspective.

Another perspective to consider is the refresh of management and how they want to proceed with the franchise.

This direction may not necessarily see the timeline of reaching the holy grail again as centered solely on the ticking clocks of the core.

As for no more bridge deals for elite players, we'll see how the pandemic's impact on team and league finances plays a role in possibly recalibrating back to strategic sequencing of contracts and salaries.

If there is no recalibration, the quantum leap from ELC to huge pay day will be problematic as you pointed out.
- Theo Fox

I think the stagnant Cap is going to force a number of players to take bridge deals, given the number of teams that really don't have much if any Cap room.

On another note, regarding the prospects, the Athletic is down to #15 in their countdown with the Hawks yet to make an appearance.

Based on how they're doing it, I'd suspect the Hawks crack at least the top 10.

DO. NOT. TRADE. DUNCAN. KEITH.
- DarthKane

Cap hit makes him untradable. Besides, who would want a 37yo has been?

Cap hit makes him untradable. Besides, who would want a 37yo has been?
- Beaver-Warrior

there are going to be teams that are less concerned with AAV and more concerned with cash going out. his AAV is 5.5 but his actually cash paid is 2.1 per year for his last 3 years so if they send a contract back he would have value. Maybe a recent one that is front loaded. IE one that AAV $3-$4 but the actually cash is $5.

DO. NOT. TRADE. DUNCAN. KEITH.
- DarthKane

I agree Darth, but why the yelling, its not like we are 1 piece away, we are several, but those several pieces have to grow up

Ok,I'm making a few prediction.
Crawford re-signs---2years 4m a year
Strome is traded to Buffalo or Detroit
Kubilik signs 2 years 3.250/3.500
Drake not sign
Backup will be somebody in our organization.
Smith bought out
Matta traded to mtl,or Anihiem.
Shaw retires .

I am glad someone is reading my profiles...that was a lot of work.

Thanks!
- wiz1901

Many people read the profiles , Now I'm hooked on the Holloway kid !! because of you WIZ!! Thanks

Ok,I'm making a few prediction.
Crawford re-signs---2years 4m a year
Strome is traded to Buffalo or Detroit
Kubilik signs 2 years 3.250/3.500
Drake not sign
Backup will be somebody in our organization.
Smith bought out
Matta traded to mtl,or Anihiem.
Shaw retires .
- Tatoo

I would only do a 1 year deal with Craw, Jordan did 1 year deals. with his history we cannot have another guy sepnd the whole season on LTIR next 21-22 shaw will probably already be on it. I would not buy out smith. we are going to have a even harder time being under the cap next year. shaw is not walking away this year. he wants to get paid.

Congrats Theo ! I've always enjoyed your insight and knowledge along with friendly advice. I look forward to reading your thoughts and fun facts.

what about Keith and Cat for Laine? jets are short on D. then then move strome and Matta for sam bennett and hanifin.