The top UFA, Rantenen, Marner etc. are very unlikely to sign in Chicago strictly because they’ll want to play on a contender. But I don’t see why the next level of UFAs won’t?
- paulr

Agree. They’ve got money to spend and it’s just as green as everyone else’s. Ehlers, Boeser? Would think some others would be in play.

Hopefully they eat the last year of Brodie’s salary and you have a blue line of Vlasic, Murphy, KK, EDM, Crevier, Kaiser, Allan next year.

Maybe they sign a RHD but you have to figure Lev is possibly up at some point next year and maybe Rinzel too.

Don’t be surprised if Jones plays well in Florida. He will be utilized as a second pairing defenseman, he is unlikely to get close to the minutes he had in Chicago and I’m sure he’ll stop pouting and try harder in both ends of the ice. Good for him but I’m happy he’s no longer on the team. I never thought KD would get any return for him. It’s very possible Knight becomes the Hawks’ goalie of the future. And with the additional first round pick Davidson has the capital with Toronto and or Florida’s first round picks plus a prospect to make a move on a young NHL forward or to get another top four or five pick in the upcoming draft to try to get two of the top draft picks. Then try to offersheet an RFA forward and perhaps sign a second tier UFA forward and the team should look significantly better next season.

Now who, if anyone, do the Hawks move at the TDL?
- paulr

I won't be surprised if he plays well for Florida, but the fans will experience and be frustrated with his unforced errors. You're probably right they'll play him for 20 minutes a night which is where he should really be at.

As far as the Blackhawks are concerned i really like the Knight trade, a big question mark we have is the goalie position. With Jimmy waite and Knight aboard if things work out this may be our goalie for the next however many years. Hopefully Soda is this year's version instead of last year's.

I'm fine with KD not making anymore moves until the start of next season.

I think we agree i would like one young up and coming top 6 forward to be traded for or offer sheeted, or 2 more vets in FA like Teuvo and Bert.

They just found a taker for Jones and retaining less than $3M in salary. Idk if they can retain on another player but if Mrazek clears he’d make a great Ice Hog.
- HawkintheD

They are not able to retain on any other players- they are at the max (3 -McCabe, Rantannen, Jones). They would need to find another team to work with to retain on Mrazek for this and next year. Would probably cost more than they would receive in compensation but would not have 4 goalies under contract.

Now who, if anyone, do the Hawks move at the TDL?
- paulr

Maroon and maybe Donato. Waive Mrazek

What's really nice about this deal is KD got a young up and coming asset, oh and we'll throw in a 1st round pick since you are retaining cash.

The more i think about this deal, it was a fantastic move for this franchise.

Well the Jones chapter is closed with Chicago. People said his contract was immovable. People said he had no value in trade. People said KD would have to retain 50%. People said Chicago would have to add sweetner. Looks like he had more value than people thought.

Well the Jones chapter is closed with Chicago. People said his contract was immovable. People said he had no value in trade. People said KD would have to retain 50%. People said Chicago would have to add sweetner. Looks like he had more value than people thought.
- breadbag

As i always say in these situations, every other team doesn't have to agree there's value, just one does

And thank God there was one

As i always say in these situations, every other team doesn't have to agree there's value, just one does

And thank God there was one

- vabeachbear

I agree, i know they have rankings of the best teams 24 and younger, i have to believe after this trade and the draft in the summer they will be ranked at the top. In my humble opinion its a good place to be for a rebuilding team.

Can't wait for the kids to start filtering into the Rock and the NHL.

Personally i believe Jones was a weight on this team, i think he just treated it like a job.

I agree, i know they have rankings of the best teams 24 and younger, i have to believe after this trade and the draft in the summer they will be ranked at the top. In my humble opinion its a good place to be for a rebuilding team.

Can't wait for the kids to start filtering into the Rock and the NHL.

Personally i believe Jones was a weight on this team, i think he just treated it like a job.
- BetweenTheDots

It is interesting they strung together a 3 game win streak with no Jones and then put up a 6 spot and win right after he’s traded.

We’ll likely never know but to your point sure seems that way.

I think Jones will do very well in Florida. He is very laid back. But that team has a few fiery players that the Hawks do not have. He might feed off that. He is a follower and not a leader. Also being on the 2nd pairing will be a better match for his skill and effort level.

When I look at what the Hawks are lacking the first thing that jumps out at me is the lack of feistiness and emotion. A player like Hagel or Shaw. Even Versteeg.

Also general mean spiritness. Seabrook, Keith, Brower, Eager, Bolland, Rosival, Carcillo, Hartman.

I hesitate to bring up Tessier, but his quote about the team needing a heart transplant is not too awfully wrong right now. It sounds like a few prospect in the system bring the vinegar and swagger. We will see.

I think Jones will do very well in Florida. He is very laid back. But that team has a few fiery players that the Hawks do not have. He might feed off that. He is a follower and not a leader. Also being on the 2nd pairing will be a better match for his skill and effort level.

When I look at what the Hawks are lacking the first thing that jumps out at me is the lack of feistiness and emotion. A player like Hagel or Shaw. Even Versteeg.

Also general mean spiritness. Seabrook, Keith, Brower, Eager, Bolland, Rosival, Carcillo, Hartman.

I hesitate to bring up Tessier, but his quote about the team needing a heart transplant is not too awfully wrong right now. It sounds like a few prospect in the system bring the vinegar and swagger. We will see.
- Ztra

Keep your eyes on Dach, Slaggert, Nazar (to an extent) and Lev (when he finally comes up). I don't think you'll have the same feeling after watch those guys play for a while.

It is interesting they strung together a 3 game win streak with no Jones and then put up a 6 spot and win right after he’s traded.

We’ll likely never know but to your point sure seems that way.
- HawkintheD

The main thing I thought the Hawks would be missing with Jones gone is carrying the puck up ice, and generating pressure/offense in the Ozone. I've been pleasantly surprised with del Mastro, but Kaiser showed he's got some really good instincts. He takes a bit too much risk sometimes, but it's not egregious. If he can find a way to play consistently, he would be really good.

I've said this before, but Vlasic needs to get back to being a defensive monster. He's trying to do way too much and it's hurting his overall game. He's also not good on the PP. Let him excel in his strengths. Him being a taller version of Hammer is perfectly ok. They have plenty of dynamic offense generators coming up soon.

What's really nice about this deal is KD got a young up and coming asset, oh and we'll throw in a 1st round pick since you are retaining cash.

The more i think about this deal, it was a fantastic move for this franchise.
- BetweenTheDots

It was a great move...they only had to retain 2.5 for the next 5 years and have zero LT contracts on the books outside of Bertuzzi/Vlassic and Teuvo.

They got a young goalie who with a fresh start hopefully finds the consistency he has shown flashes of becoming.....and they got another 1st round pick.

The biggest thing is here is addition by subtraction. Good riddance to Jones. I laughed out loud when Zito praised his leadership.....you'll see Bill, you will see.

Now you have PLENTY of assets if you want to go b D energy and get 2 top 4, 1st round picks OR possibly put out an offer sheet to a RFA that makes sense. YOu also have 38 million in cap space for this upcoming summer and as of today....85 million for next summer.

Again, another good move but now Davidson needs to explore all other options by Friday and figure out how he's landing at least 1 bonafide top 3 F to skate with Bedard and allow Nazar/Bertuzzi/Teuvo to slot in accordingly.

If they trade Murphy by Friday, send somebody to do a wellness check....

The main thing I thought the Hawks would be missing with Jones gone is carrying the puck up ice, and generating pressure/offense in the Ozone. I've been pleasantly surprised with del Mastro, but Kaiser showed he's got some really good instincts. He takes a bit too much risk sometimes, but it's not egregious. If he can find a way to play consistently, he would be really good.

I've said this before, but Vlasic needs to get back to being a defensive monster. He's trying to do way too much and it's hurting his overall game. He's also not good on the PP. Let him excel in his strengths. Him being a taller version of Hammer is perfectly ok. They have plenty of dynamic offense generators coming up soon.
- Chunk

Well said...agreed on Vlassic and felt he has regressed a bit lately based on trying to do too much. If he ends up being a top pair Hammer style d men to pair with Artie or rinzel I am perfectly ok with it.

They have a TON of d men prospects and these last 20 games is a great audition for them here as well as possibly needing to dangle 1 along with picks in a bigger hockey trade.

So glad we have 1 less veteran D men on this team. Let the kids play, learn, and gain meaningful experience.

They are not able to retain on any other players- they are at the max (3 -McCabe, Rantannen, Jones). They would need to find another team to work with to retain on Mrazek for this and next year. Would probably cost more than they would receive in compensation but would not have 4 goalies under contract.
- Revco38

McCabe and Rantanen come off the retained salaries at the end of the season. They could move Mrazek during the offseason and retain half his salary for 1 year.

Of,they can find a 3rd team to be involved in a trade before the deadline,give them a 2nd or 3rd round pick to eat half of Mrazek's salary for the remainder of this season and all of next season

Keep your eyes on Dach, Slaggert, Nazar (to an extent) and Lev (when he finally comes up). I don't think you'll have the same feeling after watch those guys play for a while.
- Chunk

Nazar reminds me of a smarter hockey IQ Versteeg.

Idiot Trouba cheap shots Slaggert and the 1st guy in the pile is Nazar. Kid is finding his game and that shift in the 2nd when he single handedly had 3-4 grade A chances is fun to watch. Confidence is growing where he realizes he belongs.

It was a great move...they only had to retain 2.5 for the next 5 years and have zero LT contracts on the books outside of Bertuzzi/Vlassic and Teuvo.

They got a young goalie who with a fresh start hopefully finds the consistency he has shown flashes of becoming.....and they got another 1st round pick.

The biggest thing is here is addition by subtraction. Good riddance to Jones. I laughed out loud when Zito praised his leadership.....you'll see Bill, you will see.

Now you have PLENTY of assets if you want to go b D energy and get 2 top 4, 1st round picks OR possibly put out an offer sheet to a RFA that makes sense. YOu also have 38 million in cap space for this upcoming summer and as of today....85 million for next summer.

Again, another good move but now Davidson needs to explore all other options by Friday and figure out how he's landing at least 1 bonafide top 3 F to skate with Bedard and allow Nazar/Bertuzzi/Teuvo to slot in accordingly.

If they trade Murphy by Friday, send somebody to do a wellness check....
- SteveRain

Wow…so you’re thinking it’s possible for KFC to walk on water and part the Red Sea all in one week. I was surprised he was able to deal Jones in season but am glad he did.

I think them finding a player to pair with Bedard does happen in the offseason. Also think Nazar is a legit top 6 fwd but not sure how they’ll use him if they can acquire some more talent in the offseason.

I’d also be surprised if they move Murphy with him and Crevier being the only RHD’s. I know there’s Lev and Rinzel but I doubt they want to rush either.

Nazar reminds me of a smarter hockey IQ Versteeg.

Idiot Trouba cheap shots Slaggert and the 1st guy in the pile is Nazar. Kid is finding his game and that shift in the 2nd when he single handedly had 3-4 grade A chances is fun to watch. Confidence is growing where he realizes he belongs.
- SteveRain

Yeah, I liked the game each of the kids on that line had. Now all the Hawks have to do is find someone remotely competent to play with Bedard. Bertuzzi is fine if he doesn't have to carry the puck or do the heavy lifting. If he can just wreak havoc and sit in front of the crease, he's really valuable. Having a good hockey player on Bedards other wing is the key.

Wow…so you’re thinking it’s possible for him to walk on water and part the Red Sea all in one week. I was surprised he was able to deal Jones in season but am glad he did.

I think them finding a player to pair with Bedard does happen in the offseason. Also think Nazar is a legit top 6 fwd but not sure how they’ll use him if they can acquire some more talent in the offseason.

I’d also be surprised if they move Murphy with him and Crevier being the only RHD’s. I know there’s Lev and Rinzel but I doubt they want to rush either.
- HawkintheD

LT plan of acquiring a F.....especially if Ratenen tells the the Canes "no" on an extension. NO idea where that is but guessing he doesn't sign LT. They are going to have to overpay an UFA to get him them here. No question about it...Either with AAV or term. Hopefully not both.

Murphy is playing as well as he can, so wouldn't be shocked to see some team calling and the Hawks broker a 3rd team to retain salary remainder of this year and next. See what that return could be....and then call up another kid for the last 20+ games.

Think him and Donato are the likely 2 to go before Friday. Maybe Craig Smith.

Wow…so you’re thinking it’s possible for KFC to walk on water and part the Red Sea all in one week. I was surprised he was able to deal Jones in season but am glad he did.

I think them finding a player to pair with Bedard does happen in the offseason. Also think Nazar is a legit top 6 fwd but not sure how they’ll use him if they can acquire some more talent in the offseason.

I’d also be surprised if they move Murphy with him and Crevier being the only RHD’s. I know there’s Lev and Rinzel but I doubt they want to rush either.
- HawkintheD

Unless the Hawks get blown away with an offer, Murphy isn't going anywhere now. He's steady, a good defenseman (regardless of what people here say), and a good vet for the kids to learn from. If he moves Murphy, KD will simply have to replace him in the offseason. They are losing Martinez, and buying out Brodie (and possibly Brossoit). There is no way they start the next season with Vlasic being the "vet" back there.

Unless the Hawks get blown away with an offer, Murphy isn't going anywhere now. He's steady, a good defenseman (regardless of what people here say), and a good vet for the kids to learn from. If he moves Murphy, KD will simply have to replace him in the offseason. They are losing Martinez, and buying out Brodie (and possibly Brossoit). There is no way they start the next season with Vlasic being the "vet" back there.
- Chunk

Lately I'm starting to just hope Murphy can play out his contract (stay healthy). He has had a really great season.

Lately I'm starting to just hope Murphy can play out his contract (stay healthy). He has had a really great season.
- breadbag

I'm sure no one really wants to hear it, but since he arrived the Hawks have either been as good or better (xGF%) with him on the ice than without him. I think if they can keep him in and give the kids more leash next year, it will be best for everyone.

Nazar reminds me of a smarter hockey IQ Versteeg.

Idiot Trouba cheap shots Slaggert and the 1st guy in the pile is Nazar. Kid is finding his game and that shift in the 2nd when he single handedly had 3-4 grade A chances is fun to watch. Confidence is growing where he realizes he belongs.
- SteveRain

He reminds me of Marchand minus the dbag. He’s feisty and gets under the other team’s skin. He’s trying to draw penalties. He’s fearless. Trouba and Gudas are nasty big Dmen. He didn’t back down from either last night. He also is relentless in trying to attack the net.

Absolute pest.

His offense is going to come as he gets used to the NHL.

Kid could wear an A one day too.

Mrazek
Does he have any trade value?
How much is his "goals against" suffering from Sorensen's shift to a more aggressive offensive scheme for his defenders and forwards. He has had a few off games since the first of the year. But the team defense in front of him is a big reason. Soder is giving up more goals too.
I think $4.25 mil is probably too much for a back up and his contract has another full year after this year. If there is an injury or some team does not like their #2 goalie, they could pick him up for the stretch run for a 4th or 5th round pick and then buy him out in the summer for next to nothing.
Of course Hawks can buy him out this summer for next to nothing too.

Mrazek
Does he have any trade value?
How much is his "goals against" suffering from Sorensen's shift to a more aggressive offensive scheme for his defenders and forwards. He has had a few off games since the first of the year. But the team defense in front of him is a big reason. Soder is giving up more goals too.
I think $4.25 mil is probably too much for a back up and his contract has another full year after this year. If there is an injury or some team does not like their #2 goalie, they could pick him up for the stretch run for a 4th or 5th round pick and then buy him out in the summer for next to nothing.
Of course Hawks can buy him out this summer for next to nothing too.
- Ztra

Well, FLA only has one goalie with the big team right now...