We are plenty under the cap, we don't need a 3rd team to get involved just take on a bad contract with short term.
- BetweenTheDots

I don't know what Toews will be worth to a contender, but if he is traded I hope it would be for more than a bad contract.

I don't know what Toews will be worth to a contender, but if he is traded I hope it would be for more than a bad contract.
- boilermaker100

If before the season, you aren't getting much because the team does not know which version of Toews they will get. If he plays like the first half last year (and he is a notoriously slow starter), you won't get much more at the trade deadline. Also, even if the team was playoff contender, there will probably be a slow start (not that anyone expects them to be a good team by any means) with a brand new coach, new systems, a big turnover of the roster etc. I for one do not see a big return for Toews either before or at the deadline.

To me, if he is smart he just plays out the year, he gets his pick of teams and is able to sign an over 35 contract,so that protects the team signing him from cap space if he decides to retire during the contract or is bought out.

If before the season, you aren't getting much because the team does not know which version of Toews they will get. If he plays like the first half last year (and he is a notoriously slow starter), you won't get much more at the trade deadline. Also, even if the team was playoff contender, there will probably be a slow start (not that anyone expects them to be a good team by any means) with a brand new coach, new systems, a big turnover of the roster etc. I for one do not see a big return for Toews either before or at the deadline.

To me, if he is smart he just plays out the year, he gets his pick of teams and is able to sign an over 35 contract,so that protects the team signing him from cap space if he decides to retire during the contract or is bought out.
- LAHawk

This. Not to mention he will have who exactly as his line mates if he is not paired with #88? One thing about #19 historically is he needs viable scoring wingers to rack up points. He can't carry a line offensively on his own.

It may be a better move to deal him sooner if his/the team's intention is to walk. The Hawks may have to take back a bad short-term contract to make the money work, but then they may actually retain an asset. Given his injury history recently, I'm not sure I'd roll the dice on him being healthy, especially given this roster. He is not the type to dog it, and he will be asked to do literally everything for the team to have any chance of winning 1/3 of their games.

Who are the other centers? And Toews chances of playing 60 games are way better than Tyler Johnson playing 30.

Don't watch or follow a team if it bothers you so much
- GPHawksfan

I'm just saying its weird. No need to be combative. Just curious as to why people who play a sport for a living deserve a statue...

I'm just saying its weird. No need to be combative. Just curious as to why people who play a sport for a living deserve a statue...
- fattybeef

So it can be torn down or removed at a later date?

Not at full price. What about at 50% retained? He’s exactly the kind of depth C most contenders are looking for. Faceoff guy, PK, leadership, enough offense to play up a line in a pinch.
- Ogilthorpe2

If I am KD or LR I hope Kane, Toews, T. Johnson, and Domi stay healthy and that Toews plays like he did towards the end of last season. I play Toews and Kane together with Domi or T. Johnson and hope they put up good numbers. Then move all 4 of them at the TDL.

So it can be torn down or removed at a later date?
- LAHawk

Making statues of anybody, let alone sports “Heros” is really kind of silly if you really think about it…same goes for retiring numbers…and also to people getting upset about other people forgetting (or being ignorant of) said retired numbers.

I'm just saying its weird. No need to be combative. Just curious as to why people who play a sport for a living deserve a statue...
- fattybeef

You new here? Combative, is their middle name…it’s kinda what they do.

Anyone else remember when Bryan Trottier was all washed up, and then he won his 5th and 6th Stanley cup on the third line of the Pittsburgh Penguins? If I'm the GM of a team that is close, but lacks depth, Jonathan Toews brains and his compete level have me very interested as a 3rd line C or situational player. Playing less minutes will improve him, too. I think if he can play hard, and well on a crappy team, his value at the deadline will be fine for what the Hawks are trying to do.

Regarding Toews, I still believe he very likely retires when this contract expires. Maybe he gets traded at the deadline somehow for one last chance at a Cup, maybe not, but it sure feels like this is it.

Anyone else remember when Bryan Trottier was all washed up, and then he won his 5th and 6th Stanley cup on the third line of the Pittsburgh Penguins? If I'm the GM of a team that is close, but lacks depth, Jonathan Toews brains and his compete level have me very interested as a 3rd line C or situational player. Playing less minutes will improve him, too. I think if he can play hard, and well on a crappy team, his value at the deadline will be fine for what the Hawks are trying to do.
- Dirk33Graham

Trottier is a good example. Agree with the post. Easier to have more energy when having success.

I don't know what Toews will be worth to a contender, but if he is traded I hope it would be for more than a bad contract.
- boilermaker100

I guess i confused some here, they can retain half is salary, and take on a bad contract, for example if the Caps don't like Strome they can trade him back to us, with a prospect, the Russian would be nice, and 1st round pick. I have a feeling Johnny is going to be pretty good this year.

For the first time that I can recall, Toews has been on the ice in the Summer before August. He really is serious about this being a real return to form. He was humble in the article (that Laz rightfully said was spun for clicks by many other sites), admitting that he would not bring back much value in a trade right now and that his stock around the NHL is way down. His comments did not seem like complaints, just more matter-of-fact reflection on the current situation, both for the team and personally. He sounded optimistic about opportunity to play for Richardson.
- pdx2ord

Thanks interesting. I didn't get to read that one. I know most of us are hoping he can get his game back, but it's hard to be optimistic given his age and the struggles he had getting going last season.

Rangers ink Kakko to a 2 x 2.1M contract.

I guess i confused some here, they can retain half is salary, and take on a bad contract, for example if the Caps don't like Strome they can trade him back to us, with a prospect, the Russian would be nice, and 1st round pick. I have a feeling Johnny is going to be pretty good this year.
- BetweenTheDots

No problem Dots. How's the golf game?

Trottier is a good example. Agree with the post. Easier to have more energy when having success.
- 6628

Trottier was before the salary cap and siting outlier trades are not the norm especially post covid.

Rangers ink Kakko to a 2 x 2.1M contract.
- boilermaker100

I wonder how much the Habs will give Dach. Maybe in this neighborhood given they have very similar stats thus far in their careers.

Trottier was before the salary cap and siting outlier trades are not the norm especially post covid.
- rpeters01

I think you are missing my original point, which I'm ok if you disagree with... I can see both sides. But the point is, I believe Toews still has enough gas to help a contender as a 3rd line center, and a proven winner, even though his best days are behind him. His contract is a non-issue at the deadline as the Hawks will have paid him most of the last 10mm they owe him at that point, and by taking on the remaining salary owed to him, they sweeten their own return in draft. What contender wouldn't take him on as a depth center for a playoff run, when they won't ever have to pay him a dime? He's gotta show that he's still worth it, but I think he is.

I think you are missing my original point, which I'm ok if you disagree with... I can see both sides. But the point is, I believe Toews still has enough gas to help a contender as a 3rd line center, and a proven winner, even though his best days are behind him. His contract is a non-issue at the deadline as the Hawks will have paid him most of the last 10mm they owe him at that point, and by taking on the remaining salary owed to him, they sweeten their own return in draft. What contender wouldn't take him on as a depth center for a playoff run, when they won't ever have to pay him a dime? He's gotta show that he's still worth it, but I think he is.
- Dirk33Graham

The salary is moot right now, his AAV is $10.5, his compensation this year is $6.9M of which $4M is a bonus and was paid on 7/1. He is owed $2.9M this year (less whatever escrow withholds which will go directly to the owners). The cash owed is no issue, his cap hit is.

Right now whoever is in on Kadri is trying to offload cap hit to sign him, but the teams do not want to pay the price to move the cap hit, reason why Kadri is unsigned. It might be difficult to move Toews remaining cap hit if the contending team doesn't have any LTIR to use, they certainly will not be below the cap otherwise.

I think you are missing my original point, which I'm ok if you disagree with... I can see both sides. But the point is, I believe Toews still has enough gas to help a contender as a 3rd line center, and a proven winner, even though his best days are behind him. His contract is a non-issue at the deadline as the Hawks will have paid him most of the last 10mm they owe him at that point, and by taking on the remaining salary owed to him, they sweeten their own return in draft. What contender wouldn't take him on as a depth center for a playoff run, when they won't ever have to pay him a dime? He's gotta show that he's still worth it, but I think he is.
- Dirk33Graham

And after this I'm going to be done. But does anyone remember how Patrick Kane was centered by Artem Anisimov? Didn't matter that Big Artie was a slouch. Kane and Little Artie just did their thing, while Big Artie did some grunt work. Toews can still grunt out a good job as a centerman better than Anisimov on his best day. He doesn't have to win the Selke to help a team win a cup.

I think you are missing my original point, which I'm ok if you disagree with... I can see both sides. But the point is, I believe Toews still has enough gas to help a contender as a 3rd line center, and a proven winner, even though his best days are behind him. His contract is a non-issue at the deadline as the Hawks will have paid him most of the last 10mm they owe him at that point, and by taking on the remaining salary owed to him, they sweeten their own return in draft. What contender wouldn't take him on as a depth center for a playoff run, when they won't ever have to pay him a dime? He's gotta show that he's still worth it, but I think he is.
- Dirk33Graham

If he's sucking wind after one sprint that is kind of a problem.

If I am KD or LR I hope Kane, Toews, T. Johnson, and Domi stay healthy and that Toews plays like he did towards the end of last season. I play Toews and Kane together with Domi or T. Johnson and hope they put up good numbers. Then move all 4 of them at the TDL.
- Ztra

Also, I don't think we should get enamored with Lafferty. If he plays decently, there may be a market for a 4th line high energy grinder type. And he's cost controlled for 1 more year after this at 1.1M. At 27 years old he doesn't fit the rebuilding time line.

I can live with the rebuild, the fire sale, the lingering stench of scandal, and the painful seasons to come, but this…this cannot stand. Somebody better get the (frank) on this pronto.
- Ogilthorpe2

Considering that it literally takes less time than anyone writing even the shortest of posts - it would be a little nice to at least redefine what the minimum of effort actually is anymore.

New blog! A perspective on how the outlook on the 2022-23 season and beyond by captain Jonathan Toews and new head coach Luke Richardson impacts the Blackhawks rebuild designed by general manager Kyle Davidson.

https://bit.ly/3cMEIF9