I think he missed 15 or 20 games with a facial injury early last season.

And that puke David Backes would never try the stuff he does on Toews with Getzlaf because he would wake up concussed in the 5th rows of seats having swallowed 8 inches of hockey stick.
- RickJ

It was pretty serious ..cuaght a puck right between the eyes I believe.

JJ,

I'd be stunned IF the Hawks traded Sharp in any deal because of his value to them on and off the ice; however, I would not be so surprised if Bolland was part of a deal. Now, before I get jumped on for this from other posters, I am well aware of his playoff history and I'm not advocating that he be traded, even though I think his play up to this point in the season has been a disappointment. I'm just saying that with the signings of McNeil and Daignault, the addition of Shaw for a look see, and hopefully a healthy Kruger added back to the lineup (and that's a big if should he have a bad concussion) it wouldn't surprise me if he was dealt. Not sure what he'd bring in return considering his inflated contract and injury history, but maybe another team looks at his past playoff history and wants him specifically for that purpose or he's just a part in a much bigger deal. The rumors about the Hawks thinking he milked his concussion and his recent radio comments about the Sedins (although some think the Hawks brass didn't force him to somewhat retract that statement which I think is naive), along with his mediocre play could have the Hawks ready to deal him. At this point, it wouldn't surprise me if he keeps his role with the team, but it also wouldn't surprise me if he is dealt, especially if his play doesn't pick up some in the next month.
- RetiredGoalie

See the blog: "Before the Chelsea Dagger crowd goes off on the sacreligious suggestion of dealing Sharp, let me also say this. Sharp is merely an example here— of a top 'core" player not named Toews or Kane."

The larger context was, if the Hawks want to land a major player, that is—at least– what it's going to take. Which is why it likely isn't happening. Also from the blog.

Folks, I believe what John was pointing out was that the whole idea of a big star trade is highly unlikely. And at best would be a wash, so why screw with chemistry etc, unless there are some internal (Flyer like from last year) issues. So now instead of keeping some perspective, the asylum goes full bore idiot and starts with the prospects of trading Sharp or Bolland.

Let me ring the bell folks, what Bolland said about Sedins, his corn flakes or his position on gay marriage is about as relevant to the Hawks as what is on Kane's Ipod play list.

You are not gonna pry a star from someone without giving a star. And you only do that if a change of scenery is what is needed. Or, the outside wild card, is you may get to steal a guy if it is salary dumping for a poor club and they simply want prospects or picks. That scenario would not play out until last minute in my humble opinion.
- TrueGrit

yes, thank you, TG

I think the same thing could be said about Bollig if he was in Chicago.
- EKolb13

Have never seen Bollig play but they may need him eventually to deal with a few of the Blues who push the envelope physically against the Hawks. But that's where the comparison with him and Getzlaf ends.

Have never seen Bollig play but they may need him eventually to deal with a few of the Blues who push the envelope physically against the Hawks. But that's where the comparison with him and Getzlaf ends.
- RickJ

Agreed.

Call me crazy but I look at Columbus the same I way I looked at St. Louis a few years back. If Columbus EVER could get a goaltender, look out. They were banged up early, Mason turded again, and the playoffs will be out of reach for another year.

Calgary has needed to rebuild since the hawks booted them out in 6 games a few years back. They are old.

Murray deserves a lot of criticism for that Ducks team. He put a ton of stock into Hiller who has been OK since becoming their primary goalie. They don't have a lot of depth and are pretty much a 1 line team. Selanne and Koivu pretty much have to ask to be traded to go on the block.
- SteveRain

Horrible defense in front of Mason has destroyed him like Marc Denis before him. Now, yes, they need another goalie. But they have to fix that blueline, too.

When the hell did Rick Nash EVER become a physical presence? I have never seen the guy lay any sort of check on anyone...

Seeing that the 3rd line still is NOT producing consistently, why would you swap out player A for player B for a very minute, if any improvement? Considering this team does NOT a need shakeup of a core guy being dealt, I don't get it. Sharp is 3rd in command in that locker room...make no mistake about it.

Replacing a Rockford shuttle guy with a PROVEN Nhl banger (think Mayers but younger) is exactly what this team needs.

Watch tonight....Flyers are going to pound the living out of Keith, Leddy, and Hammer. I'll put the over/under of goals created by the Flyer forecheck leading to a turnover at 1.5
- SteveRain

Depends on how you define it. As far as puck control against defensive pressure and winning board battles, few are better. And a big reason Canada won gold in 2010 when the great Brian Burke didn't want Dustin Byfuglien on his team in favor of a bunch of smaller, softer players.

Yeah, I don't see physicality as a need in the least bit; rather I was pointing out the hypocrisy of others. Claiming they want to get more physical, yet not wanting to trade 1 of their least physical players (kane/sharp) for a physical player of equal or greater talent. It's absurd.
- anawrocki

How soon you guys forget.

A HUGE part of the reason the 2008-09 and 2009-10 teams went as far as they did: punishing forecheck, opposing defensemen worn down or knocked out of series by Ladd, Brouwer, Byfuglien, Burish, Madden, Eager.

This year's team has Mayers and . . .

(wind whistling through the thread, tumbleweed, then crickets . . .)

The playoffs are a whole different game. This team as presently composed is better for the regular season.

Depends on how you define it. As far as puck control against defensive pressure and winning board battles, few are better. And a big reason Canada won gold in 2010 when the great Brian Burke didn't want Dustin Byfuglien on his team in favor of a bunch of smaller, softer players.
- John Jaeckel

Correct x 2.

Nash would return the Blue Jackets a whole bunch in a trade, the only drawback being his contract. One guy that would want him big time is Dale Hunter in Washington. And I could see Dale Tallon sniffing around with some of the young assets he has collected in Florida.

Have never seen Bollig play but they may need him eventually to deal with a few of the Blues who push the envelope physically against the Hawks. But that's where the comparison with him and Getzlaf ends.
- RickJ

I think the question of whether Bollig can skate a regular shift as a 4th liner is what's holding him back from the NHL right now. I LOVE the kid's heart. And he fights like a warrior. But he is probably marginal as a 5 on 5 NHL'er. We'll see. What I've seen tells me he has the size and skating to be effective as a role player in the league if he can play under control

His fights are a treat to watch. And the more he can therefore establish himself as a viable player, the better he will be.

Correct x 2.

Nash would return the Blue Jackets a whole bunch in a trade, the only drawback being his contract. One guy that would want him big time is Dale Hunter in Washington. And I could see Dale Tallon sniffing around with some of the young assets he has collected in Florida.
- RickJ

Can't trade Nash for prospects unless the team is going to be somewhere in Canada next year.

When the hell did Rick Nash EVER become a physical presence? I have never seen the guy lay any sort of check on anyone...

Seeing that the 3rd line still is NOT producing consistently, why would you swap out player A for player B for a very minute, if any improvement? Considering this team does NOT a need shakeup of a core guy being dealt, I don't get it. Sharp is 3rd in command in that locker room...make no mistake about it.

Replacing a Rockford shuttle guy with a PROVEN Nhl banger (think Mayers but younger) is exactly what this team needs.

Watch tonight....Flyers are going to pound the living out of Keith, Leddy, and Hammer. I'll put the over/under of goals created by the Flyer forecheck leading to a turnover at 1.5
- SteveRain

I would say this is a critical piece to have come playoff time that we do not have right now..

Can't trade Nash for prospects unless the team is going to be somewhere in Canada next year.
- Al

Totally agree, Howson does not HAVE to deal Nash. He should only deal him for great return.

Conversely, Carter might be a much bigger problem than is publicly known and he might have to get rid of him. Someone in the dressing room, by the sound of it, is at serious odds with Arniel. I would guess Carter is invoived. You can replace the coach but the problem likely remains.

Nash is a great talent, but isn't he a major floater? Maybe I am wrong, because I only watch Columbus 6 times a year, but he either has an incredible offensive shift or his line is getting beaten.

Ryan in Anaheim? Now THAT would be a dream, but it would take a bucketload to get him here. Honestly, I'd do Sharp + prospects to get him.

Getzlaf...no, someone said it above, just a more talented Bickell.

I don't see a major trade happening, no one from the core will be moved. The Hawks PR machine would be sent reeling and we know the Hawks love their marketing and PR, can't mess up that apple cart.

Can't wait to see Shaw and Olsen tonight.

How soon you guys forget.

A HUGE part of the reason the 2008-09 and 2009-10 teams went as far as they did: punishing forecheck, opposing defensemen worn down or knocked out of series by Ladd, Brouwer, Byfuglien, Burish, Madden, Eager.

This year's team has Mayers and . . .

(wind whistling through the thread, tumbleweed, then crickets . . .)

The playoffs are a whole different game. This team as presently composed is better for the regular season.
- John Jaeckel

That's a beauty! Had me laughing out loud!!! Sadly, the context of it makes me frustrated about the "softness" of this Hawks team as currently constructed. Lady Bickel...please read!!!

I do like what Olsen said yesterday, about liking to be physical and get under the skin of opposing players. (Like Shaw) My question is, will he abandon this on the Hawks under the direction of poke check first mentality this team seems to follow on defense? I'm interested to see how he plays tonight...

How soon you guys forget.

A HUGE part of the reason the 2008-09 and 2009-10 teams went as far as they did: punishing forecheck, opposing defensemen worn down or knocked out of series by Ladd, Brouwer, Byfuglien, Burish, Madden, Eager.

This year's team has Mayers and . . .

(wind whistling through the thread, tumbleweed, then crickets . . .)

The playoffs are a whole different game. This team as presently composed is better for the regular season.
- John Jaeckel

This....

Any team that throws out Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Seabrook, Keith has a chance.. But why not add the pieces we need to be able to play the any game including a physical one? I haven't seen too many playoff series that aren't extremely physical. To say we are a puck possession team might be true. But that doesn't mean you don't need physical pieces to give yourself the BEST chance to go deep and a have a legit run at the Cup.

Depends on how you define it. As far as puck control against defensive pressure and winning board battles, few are better. And a big reason Canada won gold in 2010 when the great Brian Burke didn't want Dustin Byfuglien on his team in favor of a bunch of smaller, softer players.
- John Jaeckel

Yes...he's a Hossa type player but not somebody who is going to physically punish guys.

Agreed on your post below....Physicality NEEDS To be added. Mayers and that's it.....and they have to smart with his minutes because he'll be the most valuable come playoff time when he's going 1000 mph every shift, causing chaos, etc.

This....

Any team that throws out Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Seabrook, Keith has a chance.. But why not add the pieces we need to be able to play the any game including a physical one? I haven't seen too many playoff series that aren't extremely physical. To say we are a puck possession team might be true. But that doesn't mean you don't need physical pieces to give yourself the BEST chance to go deep and a have a legit run at the Cup.
- ilinkhawk

Thank god....

EXACTLY. And how the hell do you get the puck back to fuel that puck possession game if you can't provide a strong, forecheck?

That's the key...a nice mix of skill, and physical players. Hawks have THE skill, just need more bangers who arent' John Scott type liabilities on the ice.

See, now I know you are busting my balls. Rick Nash is the exact forward everyone on this blog has wanted for eternities. A player who wins board battles, finishes checks, creates turnovers off the forecheck, and his sickening hands and puck possession ability...you ask me when he has been a physical force...the better question is "When HASN'T he?" Has the BEST power move in the NHL arguably. If you haven't seen Rick Nash check anyone, then you have in all likelihood never seen him play. He isn't going to get 200 hits like Troy Brouwer, or smash people into oblivion like Buff when he feels like it, but that doesn't mean he isn't physical, not by ANY STRETCH of the imagination.

Also, chemistry aside, Rick Nash is far more than a minute improvement over Patrick Sharp. In fact, include chemistry if you want, this team is arguably still better with Rick Nash than Patrick Sharp.

Although as you legitimately point out, the likelihood of him being dealt given his status with the team, and his recent extension is quite low. Although, Carter was dealt after a massive extension...nothing is impossible, and I'd be the first person to glorify a trade for Rick Nash if either Sharp or Kane were included.
- anawrocki

yeah, I didn't clarify...I understand Nash has that power like a Hossa does, where he can dominate a shift.

It's all moot...I don't know if the Hawks OR Jackets would want Sharp or kane Or Nash haunting them for years within the division...

Nash is a great talent, but isn't he a major floater? Maybe I am wrong, because I only watch Columbus 6 times a year, but he either has an incredible offensive shift or his line is getting beaten.

Ryan in Anaheim? Now THAT would be a dream, but it would take a bucketload to get him here. Honestly, I'd do Sharp + prospects to get him.

Getzlaf...no, someone said it above, just a more talented Bickell.

I don't see a major trade happening, no one from the core will be moved. The Hawks PR machine would be sent reeling and we know the Hawks love their marketing and PR, can't mess up that apple cart.

Can't wait to see Shaw and Olsen tonight.
- kwolf68

I agree 100%. But I will also say, the Hawks seem to be exploring bigger moves. Which I actually find encouraging.

As the great Leo Burnett once said (this is for yahoodi), "when you reach for stars, you might not get them, but you won't end up with a handful of mud either."

One thing Flyers fans learned... never say a player can't be traded.

One thing Flyers fans learned... never say a player can't be traded.
- Flyers2821

Much more difficult to trade a star player during the season...

I agree 100%. But I will also say, the Hawks seem to be exploring bigger moves. Which I actually find encouraging.

As the great Leo Burnett once said (this is for yahoodi), "when you reach for stars, you might not get them, but you won't end up with a handful of mud either."
- John Jaeckel

Why would it surprise anyone to see a "core" player moved? How many times have we heard that Stan and McD want credit for winnning a cup that's not qualified with "Tallon put the team together"?

Winnipeg is the team with a really good group of defenceman. Would love to get Tobias Enstrom but I think Johnny Oduya just might be the guy available considering he is UFA after this season.
- RickJ

I like Oduya.. but would like someone with more gritt... he only has 31 hits in 38 games... on pace for 66. 9 points

I Thinks one of these two would fit with the hawks.

Francois Beauchemin 78 hit 38 games on pace for 168. 11 points

Shane O'Brien 68 hits 41 games on pace for 136. 13 points

Much more difficult to trade a star player during the season...
- Al

Not sure I agree with that.