Just saying that good organizations open up channels to communicate changes or else dysfunction and disenfranchisement can occur.
- Theo Fox

I know many on these boards aren't going to like this perspective but there is something to be said about the concept of change management.

All organizations change whether because of natural evolution or abrupt shocks to the system such as the pandemic, depressions, etc.

Part of change management is making sure all stakeholders are aware of the changes. They don't have to agree with them but at least need to know that changes are being made and what the plan is.

Another angle is shared governance. Some organizations have avenues for stakeholders to participate in decision making to some degree or other.

Outside of the negotiated impacts of player unions, sports teams don't have shared governance so this is where I don't think it matters really what the players ultimately think. But they at least deserve to know.

Has the Blackhawks management done that with the players or even the coaches? Maybe, maybe not.

Just saying that good organizations open up channels to communicate changes or else dysfunction and disenfranchisement can occur.
- Theo Fox

Well said theo. My biggest concern is rocky wanted to remake the teams image both to the player's and fans his downfall imo was not seeing or not understanding the big picture years down the road . It seems like they lived in a bubble from winning that many details like salaries, contract terms where overlooked .

I know many on these boards aren't going to like this perspective but there is something to be said about the concept of change management.

All organizations change whether because of natural evolution or abrupt shocks to the system such as the pandemic, depressions, etc.

Part of change management is making sure all stakeholders are aware of the changes. They don't have to agree with them but at least need to know that changes are being made and what the plan is.

Another angle is shared governance. Some organizations have avenues for stakeholders to participate in decision making to some degree or other.

Outside of the negotiated impacts of player unions, sports teams don't have shared governance so this is where I don't think it matters really what the players ultimately think. But they at least deserve to know.

Has the Blackhawks management done that with the players or even the coaches? Maybe, maybe not.

Just saying that good organizations open up channels to communicate changes or else dysfunction and disenfranchisement can occur.
- Theo Fox

Well said theo. My biggest concern is rocky wanted to remake the teams image both to the player's and fans his downfall imo was not seeing or not understanding the big picture years down the road . It seems like they lived in a bubble from winning that many details like salaries, contract terms where overlooked .

Obviously I have no idea what the Blackhawks plan is but after looking at their roster now, here's something random they could do:

Sign a couple skilled, younger players to 1-year deals to A) see if they fit on your team or B) flip for picks at TDL.

There is value out there right now and Stan has a little $ avail now.

You could get a steal on guys like Athanasiou, Vesey or Duclair. All young with potential to raise their stock with a good year.

There's room still after moving Saad and not signing Caggiula to insert a couple new faces at forward without blocking the younger players.

That is unless they actually think guys like Philipp Kurashev or Evan Barratt are ready for the NHL (which I really hope they don't rush).


For me... it's all about draft picks and top prospects. That's what Stan should be looking to build up.

Look at those teams currently rebuilding properly:

* Ottawa had 14 or something crazy this year
* Detroit has been averaging 10-12 picks the last 4 years
* LA had 9 picks the last couple of year (with multiple in 1st, 2nd, 3rd rounds)



And yes, I know the Hawks don't have many tradeable assets to acquire a lot of picks and prospects, Stan needs to do what he can and get creative (like possible signing a guy like Athanasiou to a 1-year).

That's what's most frustrating about the Saad move. He was the most attractive asset in terms of skill and contract and Stan didn't get picks and/or high-end prospects (unless you are saying Lindholm is one).

Stan has little margin for error and he's already failing gloriously and this rebuild
has barely begun.


-- END SCENE --

"And Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook aren’t happy about the Crow dismissal and the Saad trade.


Re: Toew's sadness, their macdnesbsm boofreakinghoo, at ten million a year, just do your job.

If not, they all can tell their stories walking.
I will perfectly understand they want to win, just like the long line of GREAT NHL player who have NEVER won....

No one is forcing their hand, just dealing with the reality of a salary cap, no beer and seats sales during a pandemic, and an older core.

And you know what this sounds like an article to stir the pot, too.
- wiz1901

Well i think they are unhappy a team mate has been let go. To me that's a normal reaction.

One of the things that hurt this team was the day they signed Panarin. Yes he was great and that line dominated to get us in the playoffs, unfortunately we weren't deep enough to advance in the playoffs. So the rebuild started 2 years later than it should of.

I'm sure the players earning all that money understand they are the reason so many players had to be shipped out. Hell i don't blame any of them for getting the best deal possible

Obviously I have no idea what the Blackhawks plan is but after looking at their roster now, here's something random they could do:

Sign a couple skilled, younger players to 1-year deals to A) see if they fit on your team or B) flip for picks at TDL.

There is value out there right now and Stan has a little $ avail now.

You could get a steal on guys like Athanasiou, Vesey or Duclair. All young with potential to raise their stock with a good year.

There's room still after moving Saad and not signing Caggiula to insert a couple new faces at forward without blocking the younger players.

That is unless they actually think guys like Philipp Kurashev or Evan Barratt are ready for the NHL (which I really hope they don't rush).


For me... it's all about draft picks and top prospects. That's what Stan should be looking to build up.

Look at those teams currently rebuilding properly:

* Ottawa had 14 or something crazy this year
* Detroit has been averaging 10-12 picks the last 4 years
* LA had 9 picks the last couple of year (with multiple in 1st, 2nd, 3rd rounds)



And yes, I know the Hawks don't have many tradeable assets to acquire a lot of picks and prospects, Stan needs to do what he can and get creative (like possible signing a guy like Athanasiou to a 1-year).

That's what's most frustrating about the Saad move. He was the most attractive asset in terms of skill and contract and Stan didn't get picks and/or high-end prospects (unless you are saying Lindholm is one).

Stan has little margin for error and he's already failing gloriously and this rebuild
has barely begun.


-- END SCENE --
- Tyler Cameron

Tyler well said. If I may add in the rangers imo are truly the most impressive in how they traded off tons of skill and look at them now .

Obviously I have no idea what the Blackhawks plan is but after looking at their roster now, here's something random they could do:

Sign a couple skilled, younger players to 1-year deals to A) see if they fit on your team or B) flip for picks at TDL.

There is value out there right now and Stan has a little $ avail now.

You could get a steal on guys like Athanasiou, Vesey or Duclair. All young with potential to raise their stock with a good year.

There's room still after moving Saad and not signing Caggiula to insert a couple new faces at forward without blocking the younger players.

That is unless they actually think guys like Philipp Kurashev or Evan Barratt are ready for the NHL (which I really hope they don't rush).


For me... it's all about draft picks and top prospects. That's what Stan should be looking to build up.

Look at those teams currently rebuilding properly:

* Ottawa had 14 or something crazy this year
* Detroit has been averaging 10-12 picks the last 4 years
* LA had 9 picks the last couple of year (with multiple in 1st, 2nd, 3rd rounds)



And yes, I know the Hawks don't have many tradeable assets to acquire a lot of picks and prospects, Stan needs to do what he can and get creative (like possible signing a guy like Athanasiou to a 1-year).

That's what's most frustrating about the Saad move. He was the most attractive asset in terms of skill and contract and Stan didn't get picks and/or high-end prospects (unless you are saying Lindholm is one).

Stan has little margin for error and he's already failing gloriously and this rebuild
has barely begun.


-- END SCENE --
- Tyler Cameron

Thinking Simon, Kahun, and Vesey may be targets. Thinking Toffoli is out of the price range.

Obviously I have no idea what the Blackhawks plan is but after looking at their roster now, here's something random they could do:

Sign a couple skilled, younger players to 1-year deals to A) see if they fit on your team or B) flip for picks at TDL.

There is value out there right now and Stan has a little $ avail now.

You could get a steal on guys like Athanasiou, Vesey or Duclair. All young with potential to raise their stock with a good year.

There's room still after moving Saad and not signing Caggiula to insert a couple new faces at forward without blocking the younger players.

That is unless they actually think guys like Philipp Kurashev or Evan Barratt are ready for the NHL (which I really hope they don't rush).


For me... it's all about draft picks and top prospects. That's what Stan should be looking to build up.

Look at those teams currently rebuilding properly:

* Ottawa had 14 or something crazy this year
* Detroit has been averaging 10-12 picks the last 4 years
* LA had 9 picks the last couple of year (with multiple in 1st, 2nd, 3rd rounds)



And yes, I know the Hawks don't have many tradeable assets to acquire a lot of picks and prospects, Stan needs to do what he can and get creative (like possible signing a guy like Athanasiou to a 1-year).

That's what's most frustrating about the Saad move. He was the most attractive asset in terms of skill and contract and Stan didn't get picks and/or high-end prospects (unless you are saying Lindholm is one).

Stan has little margin for error and he's already failing gloriously and this rebuild
has barely begun.


-- END SCENE --
- Tyler Cameron

Those guys are out there for free right now. The league knows what they are as players. There is no hidden potential with any of them. FFS, I saw report that Duclair is looking for 5M.

Maybe Stan is playing the long con with the remaining NMC boys. Piss them off so they ask to be moved?

Lady B, please post that chart again that shows Zadorov is not very good on the PK

Those guys are out there for free right now. The league knows what they are as players. There is no hidden potential with any of them. FFS, I saw report that Duclair is looking for 5M.
- Elbows15

Yeah no way I'm paying these guys much.

But if you got Athanasiou for 1-year, $2.5M, put him on a line with Kane and he starts scoring again like he showed he could do in DET, then you have a real asset to flip.

Same goes for any of those guys.

Not saying I love them, but there's a chance they could bounce back on a "prove it" year.

Tyler well said. If I may add in the rangers imo are truly the most impressive in how they traded off tons of skill and look at them now .
- Taylorst1

Well winning the draft lottery and picking 2nd last year kind of helps

I know many on these boards aren't going to like this perspective but there is something to be said about the concept of change management.

All organizations change whether because of natural evolution or abrupt shocks to the system such as the pandemic, depressions, etc.

Part of change management is making sure all stakeholders are aware of the changes. They don't have to agree with them but at least need to know that changes are being made and what the plan is.

Another angle is shared governance. Some organizations have avenues for stakeholders to participate in decision making to some degree or other.

Outside of the negotiated impacts of player unions, sports teams don't have shared governance so this is where I don't think it matters really what the players ultimately think. But they at least deserve to know.

Has the Blackhawks management done that with the players or even the coaches? Maybe, maybe not.

Just saying that good organizations open up channels to communicate changes or else dysfunction and disenfranchisement can occur.
- Theo Fox

I am one of those that would disagree, to an extent.

Do most of you who think this way, think that other GMs around the league are phoning the highest paid players to tell them about trades they are contemplating or about to go down???

Maybe I'm just naïve, but don't think that is happening, not in the NHL, not in the NFL. You think Theo calls and lets Rizzo, Baez, or Bryant know what they are doing?

Maybe NBA but who watches any of that anymore.

Again, maybe I wrong, just don't see it. I'm mid to upper level in my company, and I can tell you, no one calls to let me know what they decisions they are making.

Well winning the draft lottery and picking 2nd last year kind of helps
- BetweenTheDots

Thank god it was 3rd and not 2nd.

They may have drafted Kakko instead of Dach

Yeah no way I'm paying these guys much.

But if you got Athanasiou for 1-year, $2.5M, put him on a line with Kane and he starts scoring again like he showed he could do in DET, then you have a real asset to flip.

Same goes for any of those guys.

Not saying I love them, but there's a chance they could bounce back on a "prove it" year.
- Tyler Cameron

They won't. If people think Saad wasn't a smart player, Anthanasiou is mutant level. he couldn't produce playing with McDavid, The Kraut and RNH. What makes anyone think he can do it here.

Vesey is what he is. 15-ish goal guy that is decent on the PK

Duclair is well, we have seen what he is.

Again tho. Teams can sign them right now and not have to spend player/pick assets to acquire them.

I think you concept is valid. The players are wrong, tho.

They won't. If people think Saad wasn't a smart player, Anthanasiou is mutant level. he couldn't produce playing with McDavid, The Kraut and RNH. What makes anyone think he can do it here.

Vesey is what he is. 15-ish goal guy that is decent on the PK

Duclair is well, we have seen what he is.

Again tho. Teams can sign them right now and not have to spend player/pick assets to acquire them.

I think you concept is valid. The players are wrong, tho.
- Elbows15

Fair enough.

And it doesn't just have to happen now, Stan could always acquire (better) assets throughout the year.

Regardless, this should be his focus.

Thank god it was 3rd and not 2nd.

They may have drafted Kakko instead of Dach
- vabeachbear

I hear you, and how much better would the Hawks look with the Rangers 1st pick this year?

Obviously I have no idea what the Blackhawks plan is but after looking at their roster now, here's something random they could do:

Sign a couple skilled, younger players to 1-year deals to A) see if they fit on your team or B) flip for picks at TDL.

There is value out there right now and Stan has a little $ avail now.

You could get a steal on guys like Athanasiou, Vesey or Duclair. All young with potential to raise their stock with a good year.

There's room still after moving Saad and not signing Caggiula to insert a couple new faces at forward without blocking the younger players.

That is unless they actually think guys like Philipp Kurashev or Evan Barratt are ready for the NHL (which I really hope they don't rush).


For me... it's all about draft picks and top prospects. That's what Stan should be looking to build up.

Look at those teams currently rebuilding properly:

* Ottawa had 14 or something crazy this year
* Detroit has been averaging 10-12 picks the last 4 years
* LA had 9 picks the last couple of year (with multiple in 1st, 2nd, 3rd rounds)



And yes, I know the Hawks don't have many tradeable assets to acquire a lot of picks and prospects, Stan needs to do what he can and get creative (like possible signing a guy like Athanasiou to a 1-year).

That's what's most frustrating about the Saad move. He was the most attractive asset in terms of skill and contract and Stan didn't get picks and/or high-end prospects (unless you are saying Lindholm is one).

Stan has little margin for error and he's already failing gloriously and this rebuild
has barely begun.


-- END SCENE --
- Tyler Cameron

On August 25, in the midst of the playoffs, Pittsburgh's GM Jim Rutherford traded his 1st and some other pieces to Toronto for Kapanen and other pieces. Cap wise Pittsburgh took on 1.2M.

Since Wiz posted that Saad was the probable piece to the Pens for obtaining Murray, too bad Stan wasn't in the rebuild mode in August instead of trying to sign Crawford.

You think Rutherford would have given a first for Saad especially if the home town boy may have extended with the Pens. Maybe the Hawks had to retain a couple of million or take on a bad contract to get the numbers to work for Pittsburgh, but that #15 pick that Toronto got plus the Hawks' 17th could have turned into Reichel and Mercer - or packaged to move up in the draft.

Fair enough.

And it doesn't just have to happen now, Stan could always acquire (better) assets throughout the year.

Regardless, this should be his focus.
- Tyler Cameron

I keep hoping this trade was a way for Bowman to be a middle man in some trades to pick up draft choices. Take on some salary for picks.

Those guys are out there for free right now. The league knows what they are as players. There is no hidden potential with any of them. FFS, I saw report that Duclair is looking for 5M.
- Elbows15

Duclair decided to go it alone without an agent in negotiations. Ottawa offered him a decent raise but it was well short of the $4M he was looking for (thats the number I heard). IMO he will be very lucky to get an offer for more than 1 year and $2.5M. (He will probably be playing in the Slovakian League for Korunas before he gets another NHL jersey).

Put Strome and Anastathiou in that category too.

And Taylor Hall must be thinking about his decision to turn down the deal that was on the table for him in Jersey.

I keep hoping this trade was a way for Bowman to be a middle man in some trades to pick up draft choices. Take on some salary for picks.
- Elbows15

At least Stanbo was able to resist signing washed up Wayne Simmonds and Zac Begosian like Kyle Dufus of the Maple Loafs did.

Obviously I have no idea what the Blackhawks plan is but after looking at their roster now, here's something random they could do:

Sign a couple skilled, younger players to 1-year deals to A) see if they fit on your team or B) flip for picks at TDL.

There is value out there right now and Stan has a little $ avail now.

You could get a steal on guys like Athanasiou, Vesey or Duclair. All young with potential to raise their stock with a good year.

There's room still after moving Saad and not signing Caggiula to insert a couple new faces at forward without blocking the younger players.

That is unless they actually think guys like Philipp Kurashev or Evan Barratt are ready for the NHL (which I really hope they don't rush).


For me... it's all about draft picks and top prospects. That's what Stan should be looking to build up.

Look at those teams currently rebuilding properly:

* Ottawa had 14 or something crazy this year
* Detroit has been averaging 10-12 picks the last 4 years
* LA had 9 picks the last couple of year (with multiple in 1st, 2nd, 3rd rounds)



And yes, I know the Hawks don't have many tradeable assets to acquire a lot of picks and prospects, Stan needs to do what he can and get creative (like possible signing a guy like Athanasiou to a 1-year).

That's what's most frustrating about the Saad move. He was the most attractive asset in terms of skill and contract and Stan didn't get picks and/or high-end prospects (unless you are saying Lindholm is one).

Stan has little margin for error and he's already failing gloriously and this rebuild
has barely begun.


-- END SCENE --
- Tyler Cameron

Tyler agree to me bowman is not a builder type gm imo. He is a gm on team ready to compete for the cup and make those moves or signings to supplement a contending team to get over the hup and legitimate chance of winning it all.
.

Thinking Simon, Kahun, and Vesey may be targets. Thinking Toffoli is out of the price range.
- ikeane

Gus is still out there. Hawks can sign him. Maybe he'll put up 40 points by the TDL and Stan flips him for a 1st.

Obviously I have no idea what the Blackhawks plan is but after looking at their roster now, here's something random they could do:

Sign a couple skilled, younger players to 1-year deals to A) see if they fit on your team or B) flip for picks at TDL.

There is value out there right now and Stan has a little $ avail now.

You could get a steal on guys like Athanasiou, Vesey or Duclair. All young with potential to raise their stock with a good year.

There's room still after moving Saad and not signing Caggiula to insert a couple new faces at forward without blocking the younger players.

That is unless they actually think guys like Philipp Kurashev or Evan Barratt are ready for the NHL (which I really hope they don't rush).


For me... it's all about draft picks and top prospects. That's what Stan should be looking to build up.

Look at those teams currently rebuilding properly:

* Ottawa had 14 or something crazy this year
* Detroit has been averaging 10-12 picks the last 4 years
* LA had 9 picks the last couple of year (with multiple in 1st, 2nd, 3rd rounds)



And yes, I know the Hawks don't have many tradeable assets to acquire a lot of picks and prospects, Stan needs to do what he can and get creative (like possible signing a guy like Athanasiou to a 1-year).

That's what's most frustrating about the Saad move. He was the most attractive asset in terms of skill and contract and Stan didn't get picks and/or high-end prospects (unless you are saying Lindholm is one).

Stan has little margin for error and he's already failing gloriously and this rebuild
has barely begun.


-- END SCENE --
- Tyler Cameron

Tyler, I fear you're still looking at it from the point of view of what's best for hockey. I'm in my 60's and have been in enough budget meetings that this feels a lot like management has told Stan "cut your budget to x level we don't care what you have to do." Edicts like this happen in companies. Layoffs are not usually in the long term plan.

Hopefully I am WRONG.

PS. All those picks other teams acquired was pre Covid19? IDK.

Trying to make sense of the big picture, think of it this way.

The salary cap is likely flat or minimal increase for two to three years. After that, if things break positively, could increase considerably with new TV deal and expansion.

The general uncertainty due to the pandemic is likely to continue at least in 20-21 and maybe in 21-22.

Other than the Core Four and ADB, the Hawks have $0 committed beyond the next two seasons. And only Seabrook beyond the third season.

The likelihood of retooling on the fly and catching up to the handful of teams poised to contend over the next two or three seasons is minimal.

So, it would seem to make sense for the Hawks to:

A. Position themselves for maximal financial flexibility when the cap eventually pops.

B. Use that time to evaluate what you have in the system and whether they can be part of the next core.

C. Improve odds to draft an elite player or two during the next three drafts.

That said, I cannot fully make sense of the Saad trade in terms of what it accomplishes, as others have pointed out.

I've speculated previously, and it seems more likely now, that the Hawks have been posturing for Keith and Seabrook to ask to be moved.