The Blackhawk sales department is putting on the full court press. I'm getting 2-3 emails a week trying to sell ticket packages, and the 'pre-game locker room experience'.

Today's missive was again offering 5 game packages, plus a new 3 game package, plus single game tix, in case a package isn't 'right for me'. 3 game packages start at $173, single game from $22**, which I assume is standing room.

Wouldn't the $800,000 spent on Gus be better put to use hiring an extra scout or two?
- scottak

Or maybe a better coach?

Delia and Subban both clear waivers.

Delia and Subban both clear waivers.
- Theo Fox

To be honest, I’m surprised Subban cleared. Also, not sure if Ottawa has checked in with Stan in regards to Strome, but if not, that would also be surprising.

Or maybe a better coach?
- Chunk

It's his 9th year as a professional HC. I'm sure he's got it figured out by now.

The Gustafsson signing is baffling. Theo makes some good points that he is a one-trick pony that had never scored close to his 60 pt. season before then or after.

Is he really the type of player the Hawks need right now for a successful season? They had no better options already in camp?

I don't understand it unless Stan reads HB and realizes since he is sending Nylander down that the board will need a whipping boy.
- Rota's Rooter

Until Caleb and Kaynuk are back they wanted a cheap salaried vet instead of Ian Mitchell not ready for primetime.

I really don't think it is more than that.
Pink slip or Rockford demotion in his future.
He proably has a Chicago place, easy to come back for less $.

Stan was confused--thought he was signing Rundblad.
- stanleyhawk

Is Kempney available?

Until Caleb and Kaynuk are back they wanted a cheap salaried vet instead of Ian Mitchell not ready for primetime.

I really don't think it is more than that.
Pink slip or Rockford demotion in his future.
He proably has a Chicago place, easy to co e back for less $.
- wiz1901

Not possible Wiz. Stan's an idiot.

Is Kempney available?
- rpeters01

Looks to be.

Get this. Jimmy Vesey signed for more than Z. Parise, Z. Chara, J. Johnson, and James Neal.

Strome to Ottawa for a 4th
- DarthKane

That's the same as an average 3rd, makes sense.

Gus is a place holder till the injured boys make it back. Gus knows it, Bowman knows it, Colliton knows it...everyone knows it except the people on this board??

Why didn't Bowman sign Kempny....Kempny would want a legitimate chance to play this signing (whoever Stan brought in) was never going to block the path of the guys the Hawks are invested in...so no quality player would take this job knowing full well you'll only get a few game before you get relegated to the press box.

Lastly Gus landed us a 3rd rd pick at the trade deadline in 2020. He's not likely to fetch that high a price again this time around but come the TDL it's entirely possible a team will be looking for a PP specialist and Gus may be their guy. Don't forget the Habs made it to the SCF with Gus playing most of the games....So basically super low risk decent upside. Exactly the kind of thing a good GM should be doing. I'd say Stan may be getting the hang of the job!

Is Kempney available?
- rpeters01

Not at 2.5M.

To be honest, I’m surprised Subban cleared. Also, not sure if Ottawa has checked in with Stan in regards to Strome, but if not, that would also be surprising.
- Angotti

They can still be claimed from Rockford should a need arise for any team. Delia wasn't our best Rockford goalie no surprise there.

Gus is a place holder till the injured boys make it back. Gus knows it, Bowman knows it, Colliton knows it...everyone knows it except the people on this board??

Why didn't Bowman sign Kempny....Kempny would want a legitimate chance to play this signing (whoever Stan brought in) was never going to block the path of the guys the Hawks are invested in...so no quality player would take this job knowing full well you'll only get a few game before you get relegated to the press box.

Lastly Gus landed us a 3rd rd pick at the trade deadline in 2020. He's not likely to fetch that high a price again this time around but come the TDL it's entirely possible a team will be looking for a PP specialist and Gus may be their guy. Don't forget the Habs made it to the SCF with Gus playing most of the games....So basically super low risk decent upside. Exactly the kind of thing a good GM should be doing. I'd say Stan may be getting the hang of the job!
- rventura29

Sure, it's all well and good until Gus makes a blind backhand pass that turns over the puck in the slot and it costs them a game.

He is not good at hockey, and multiple other teams (CLG, MTL, NYI) have taken a look and passed.

Play the kids.

Not at 2.5M.
- boilermaker100

Stan should have brought back Roszival at least he's good at defense. I think Sopel burned his bridges.

They can still be claimed from Rockford should a need arise for any team. Delia wasn't our best Rockford goalie no surprise there.
- rpeters01

I would put Subban with Soderblom at Rockford and bury Delia in Indy.

Sure, it's all well and good until Gus makes a blind backhand pass that turns over the puck in the slot and it costs them a game.

He is not good at hockey, and multiple other teams (CLG, MTL, NYI) have taken a look and passed.

Play the kids.
- scottak

I would be surprised if Gus played many (or any minutes) at all for the Hawks.

Sure, it's all well and good until Gus makes a blind backhand pass that turns over the puck in the slot and it costs them a game.

He is not good at hockey, and multiple other teams (CLG, MTL, NYI) have taken a look and passed.

Play the kids.
- scottak

After watching Mitchell last exhibition game, he is not ready for prime time. Better he gets regular reps in Rockford. When Kalnyuk and C. Jones come back, you won't be seeing Gus playing.

Sure, it's all well and good until Gus makes a blind backhand pass that turns over the puck in the slot and it costs them a game.

He is not good at hockey, and multiple other teams (CLG, MTL, NYI) have taken a look and passed.

Play the kids in Rockford.
- scottak

Fixed.

With ya, right up until that last statement.

Not at 2.5M.
- boilermaker100

Kempny is also skating on one leg now otherwise he would still have an NHL job.

To be honest, I’m surprised Subban cleared. Also, not sure if Ottawa has checked in with Stan in regards to Strome, but if not, that would also be surprising.
- Angotti

I read a report over the weekend that the Blackhawks were in fact one team that the Senators have had conversations with amongst others as well.

Doesn't mean a trade is imminent and doesn't say Strome is involved but the Senators are seeking a center with Colin White out for many months.

I would put Subban with Soderblom at Rockford and bury Delia in Indy.
- LAHawk

I would roll with Subban and Soderblom, then ship Delia somewhere for a 5th rounder or later. Not sure if there are any takers given nobody claimed him on waivers.

Have Morris and Aubrun shuttle between Indy and Rockford.

I would roll with Subban and Soderblom, then ship Delia somewhere for a 5th rounder or later. Not sure if there are any takers given nobody claimed him on waivers.

Have Morris and Aubrun shuttle between Indy and Rockford.
- Theo Fox

Surprised Colorado didn't pick up a goalie, Francouz hurt, can't remember if Kuemper ever played a full season without getting hurt, and Johanson is just not good.

Didn't StanBo acquire the immortal David Rundblad twice? Ah the memories...

I would be surprised if Gus played many (or any minutes) at all for the Hawks.
- Chunk

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
·
1h
Colliton on Gustafsson:

"Nothing’s been promised as far as what exactly his role is going to be, but we do think he can help... We had a need with a couple guys going down and we know he can play."

TBD if he'll play Wednesday. It'll definitely be a smaller role than before.

Ben Pope
@BenPopeCST
·
1h
Colliton on Gustafsson:

"Nothing’s been promised as far as what exactly his role is going to be, but we do think he can help... We had a need with a couple guys going down and we know he can play."

TBD if he'll play Wednesday. It'll definitely be a smaller role than before.
- Chunk

He might also be insurance for when DeHaan breaks down.