It's great they want to make moves to bolster the team. What is the logic in giving up Bickell, Frolik, any combo of prospects and picks for a guy you may only have for 40 games or so? If they want expiring contracts then it is basically a rental.

If it becomes a bigger deal, then maybe but we shall see...

Although Sutton has gotten himself into some trouble this year, he's surprisingly mobile with the puck and very effective at moving it up the zone, out of harms way. I have a lot more respect for the guy after seeing him play a lot more with Edmonton this year. He's been a difference maker for the Oilers defense this year when he's been in the lineup.

I think any team that is making a serious push could use him as a stabilizing force on the backend. Plus we all know that penalties are just not called the same in the playoffs. I think he'd be a perfect, physical 5/6 for your team and likely wouldn't cost a boat load.
- Routs

He's a Douglas Murray type. Rather have him out there than Scott or Lepisto.

I am totally prepared to be underwhelmed by whatever defenseman Stan brings in. Stan's trade history is to get a guy who "in theory" can fill the slot needed but "in reality is a lower tiered guy.

Montador "in theory" could provide some top 4 minutes but "in reality" is a 3rd line defenseman.

Morrison"in theory" can play the second line pivot. "In reality" he's older, past his prime, and better suited for the 4th line ( which I think is fine.)

Frolik "in theory' could be the left handed center for Hossa. "in reality" he's the biggest bust of the season and deserves his spot in the pressbox or fourth line duty.

I don't know. As long as it's not Hal Gill I guess I'll be okay with whoever Stan brings in. Simply because it sounds like there isn't a real 2nd line defenseman to be had. At least at something reasonable.

So Theo Peckham will come here, maybe a Brett Lebda, (it's almost always someone nobody discusses. Anyone suggest Brendan Morrison?) ad we'll meet up on this board and say "Perhaps...."
- yahoodi

You're harshing the mellow man.

Although Sutton has gotten himself into some trouble this year, he's surprisingly mobile with the puck and very effective at moving it up the zone, out of harms way. I have a lot more respect for the guy after seeing him play a lot more with Edmonton this year. He's been a difference maker for the Oilers defense this year when he's been in the lineup.

I think any team that is making a serious push could use him as a stabilizing force on the backend. Plus we all know that penalties are just not called the same in the playoffs. I think he'd be a perfect, physical 5/6 for your team and likely wouldn't cost a boat load.
- Routs

Interesting take on Big Andy....he would be a good 5/6 depth guy, but we NEED A 4....Sarich would fill that bill better IMHO.

Also, good piece on TSN about Morrison making his debut in his hometown. The piece highlighted the fact that Morrison's season ended last year on a clean hit by Hjammer, but as Brendan was being helped off the ice, someone from the Hawks bench was heckling him. Morrison said the guy he thinks was yapping is no longer with the Hawks.

Whodunnit? Kopy, Skille, Brouwer, Dowell, Pisani, Turco? I'd wager it was Kopy.

He's a Douglas Murray type. Rather have him out there than Scott or Lepisto.
- RickJ

Except Sutton is higher up on the NHL list....His next uh ohh could be a an 8-10 game sit down.

Found this article:

http://www.rantsports.com/chicago-black ... ke-schenn/

At 3.6 a year, would Hammer and prospects be enough to get it done? Rather seen Schenn on the 2nd pairing than Hammer. To balance salaries I think this is a fairly even swap cap wise. Questions is can the Leafs and Hawks be good trading partners? Maybe they bite on Bickell?

I know this does not add to the second pairing, but can't see the Leafs taking picks and prospects for Schenn. Thinking Hammer is replaced by schenn and then maybe Oduya gets added from the Jets...slow day at work, what can I say?

I am totally prepared to be underwhelmed by whatever defenseman Stan brings in. Stan's trade history is to get a guy who "in theory" can fill the slot needed but "in reality is a lower tiered guy.

Montador "in theory" could provide some top 4 minutes but "in reality" is a 3rd line defenseman.

Morrison"in theory" can play the second line pivot. "In reality" he's older, past his prime, and better suited for the 4th line ( which I think is fine.)

Frolik "in theory' could be the left handed center for Hossa. "in reality" he's the biggest bust of the season and deserves his spot in the pressbox or fourth line duty.

I don't know. As long as it's not Hal Gill I guess I'll be okay with whoever Stan brings in. Simply because it sounds like there isn't a real 2nd line defenseman to be had. At least at something reasonable.

So Theo Peckham will come here, maybe a Brett Lebda, (it's almost always someone nobody discusses. Anyone suggest Brendan Morrison?) ad we'll meet up on this board and say "Perhaps...."
- yahoodi

This comment is a thread buster....You are making too much sense!

While getting a physical defensemen is important, what about trying to fill some of the void left by Brian Campbell? I understand the amount of cap he took up, but after watching this team night in and night out I can honestly say the loss of Soupy has been detrimental to the backend. People forget, he was a nice person to have mentor and teach a young Nick Leddy the fast, puck moving Dman style. Is there anyone in those teams listed in the blog that are shopping a player like that? Matt Gilroy in Tampa Bay peaks my intrest as well.

Sutton is a big nasty dude, but he's a plodder and a marked man who is a 5 minute major waiting to happen.

Sarich and Hjammer would be an ideal 3-4. I personally believe that when you have a left and right shot combined in a d pairing, it makes for easier passing and outletting. But i'm not sure if Hjammer prefers left defense which would favor his forehand or does he play left defense? Ditto with Sarich.
- philco28

And if Sarich could teach Hammer to loosen up and trough his body more that would be one tough shut down pair.

Found this article:

http://www.rantsports.com/chicago-black ... ke-schenn/

At 3.6 a year, would Hammer and prospects be enough to get it done? Rather seen Schenn on the 2nd pairing than Hammer. To balance salaries I think this is a fairly even swap cap wise. Questions is can the Leafs and Hawks be good trading partners? Maybe they bite on Bickell?

I know this does not add to the second pairing, but can't see the Leafs taking picks and prospects for Schenn. Thinking Hammer is replaced by schenn and then maybe Oduya gets added from the Jets...slow day at work, what can I say?
- ikeane

Move gets you nowhere. You have a guy doing a great job in Hammer, assuming Shenn gives you anymore (I do like right shot pair for Leddy, hate that off wing d guy) but to mix up the pot like that...with acclimation period needed. Just not gonna happen.Not worth the headache...

Move gets you nowhere. You have a guy doing a great job in Hammer, assuming Shenn gives you anymore (I do like right shot pair for Leddy, hate that off wing d guy) but to mix up the pot like that...with acclimation period needed. Just not gonna happen.Not worth the headache...
- TrueGrit

I know it is a lateral move, but to me it adds a second coming of Seabrook on the second pairing and a physicality that has been lacking.

Found this article:

http://www.rantsports.com/chicago-black ... ke-schenn/

At 3.6 a year, would Hammer and prospects be enough to get it done? Rather seen Schenn on the 2nd pairing than Hammer. To balance salaries I think this is a fairly even swap cap wise. Questions is can the Leafs and Hawks be good trading partners? Maybe they bite on Bickell?

I know this does not add to the second pairing, but can't see the Leafs taking picks and prospects for Schenn. Thinking Hammer is replaced by schenn and then maybe Oduya gets added from the Jets...slow day at work, what can I say?
- ikeane

The Leafs have traded with Bowman since he became the GM and that's not the issue....The issue is the Leafs need ready made NHL players who help them now. The Hawks only have a couple of those types they can trade now.

Basically, if Burke would rather have Hammer than Schenn why wouldn't the Hawks feel the same way?

Bowman will have trouble making one meaningful trade and your scenario involves more than one deal.

I am totally prepared to be underwhelmed by whatever defenseman Stan brings in. Stan's trade history is to get a guy who "in theory" can fill the slot needed but "in reality is a lower tiered guy.

Montador "in theory" could provide some top 4 minutes but "in reality" is a 3rd line defenseman.

Morrison"in theory" can play the second line pivot. "In reality" he's older, past his prime, and better suited for the 4th line ( which I think is fine.)

Frolik "in theory' could be the left handed center for Hossa. "in reality" he's the biggest bust of the season and deserves his spot in the pressbox or fourth line duty.

I don't know. As long as it's not Hal Gill I guess I'll be okay with whoever Stan brings in. Simply because it sounds like there isn't a real 2nd line defenseman to be had. At least at something reasonable.

So Theo Peckham will come here, maybe a Brett Lebda, (it's almost always someone nobody discusses. Anyone suggest Brendan Morrison?) ad we'll meet up on this board and say "Perhaps...."
- yahoodi

He seems to go for under the radar who the f*ck is that guy trades. Who saw Cam Barker getting traded for Johnson and Leddy. And who saw Chris Campoli coming, most didn't even know who he was. They have all been some what solid pick ups though especially for the price.

And if Sarich could teach Hammer to loosen up and trough his body more that would be one tough shut down pair.
- cowboytony

Hell yeah they would.

I am totally prepared to be underwhelmed by whatever defenseman Stan brings in. Stan's trade history is to get a guy who "in theory" can fill the slot needed but "in reality is a lower tiered guy.

Montador "in theory" could provide some top 4 minutes but "in reality" is a 3rd line defenseman.

Morrison"in theory" can play the second line pivot. "In reality" he's older, past his prime, and better suited for the 4th line ( which I think is fine.)

Frolik "in theory' could be the left handed center for Hossa. "in reality" he's the biggest bust of the season and deserves his spot in the pressbox or fourth line duty.

I don't know. As long as it's not Hal Gill I guess I'll be okay with whoever Stan brings in. Simply because it sounds like there isn't a real 2nd line defenseman to be had. At least at something reasonable.

So Theo Peckham will come here, maybe a Brett Lebda, (it's almost always someone nobody discusses. Anyone suggest Brendan Morrison?) ad we'll meet up on this board and say "Perhaps...."
- yahoodi

While I am a Bruins fan first, I also really like the Hawks and follow as I can. Trust me, you DO NOT want to trust Montador with that responsibility in the playoffs. While he is not terrible, that's just a mistake. 5/6 guy at best.

Funny side note, go see Oilers article today. Compare comments to ours and it seems both sides are willing to overpay the other for a trade. Just love the irony.

I like Peckham or Sutton?

I am totally prepared to be underwhelmed by whatever defenseman Stan brings in. Stan's trade history is to get a guy who "in theory" can fill the slot needed but "in reality is a lower tiered guy.

Montador "in theory" could provide some top 4 minutes but "in reality" is a 3rd line defenseman.

Morrison"in theory" can play the second line pivot. "In reality" he's older, past his prime, and better suited for the 4th line ( which I think is fine.)

Frolik "in theory' could be the left handed center for Hossa. "in reality" he's the biggest bust of the season and deserves his spot in the pressbox or fourth line duty.

I don't know. As long as it's not Hal Gill I guess I'll be okay with whoever Stan brings in. Simply because it sounds like there isn't a real 2nd line defenseman to be had. At least at something reasonable.

So Theo Peckham will come here, maybe a Brett Lebda, (it's almost always someone nobody discusses. Anyone suggest Brendan Morrison?) ad we'll meet up on this board and say "Perhaps...."
- yahoodi

Shockingly, I am 100% in agreement with you.

For the xth time our beloved GM has put his foot in his mouth by proclaiming that the cap room, which he NEVER had before, would enable him to ADD pieces to IMPROVE this team IN season. Now, if JJ is right and this team has to dump salary to take on salary, then for the 3rd or 4th time...Stanley has made a complete and total ASS out of himself. That can't be ignored. In fact it's embarassing, and somebody in the press on 2/27 better bring that up.

Lets face it....This team needs a lot more then a Brendan Morrison or a physical d man. Maybe they get lucky with Morrison, but odds are...they don't. They still wouldn't have a 2nd line center for Hossa and Sharp. You still lack the size on your bottom line to wear down opponents in a 7 game series. You still are having Leddy play top 4 minutes, which as the season wears on....and fatigue sets in, is extremely alarming. Kid is good, and could be great, but right now he's making a helluva lot of mistakes that are a costing this team games/points. What happens in the playoffs when guys are running at him and hitting him NON stop?

I still contend that if realistically, this team abides by the "one goal" philosphy, then any prospect/pick/etc is fair game to make a splash to put this team REALISTICALLY in a spot to compete for their 2nd cup in 3 years. Hoping/praying that a refreshed core (not really anymore since the depth sucks), or a healthy core (again, not really as that's a HUGE risk to take) can make up for a lack of depth is a collosal mistake by those in hockey operations.

I'm not writing this season off, by any means...because the west is wide open, but this team needs more then a "tweak".

Bowman's legacy is right now..time for him to live up to his father's name.

The oliers blogger offered up a list of oilers dmen that could be had for Frolik.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=41753

Nice recognition of JJs blog too. I am the most appealed by his suggestion of Peckham and a 2nd for Frolik. I think I'd rather have him than Sutton. Too many variables invloved with Sutton (suspension history...is he the second coming of Carbomb?, slower skater, etc). Peckham's deal also expires this summer
http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=5776

Thoughts?

How to scout Bryan Bickell...Look anywhere but the opposing team's net.

While I am a Bruins fan first, I also really like the Hawks and follow as I can. Trust me, you DO NOT want to trust Montador with that responsibility in the playoffs. While he is not terrible, that's just a mistake. 5/6 guy at best.
- glove_was_stuck

I feel comfortable with Monty as a #6. Most teams don't have a #6 much better than him, but he needs a very solid #5 out there with him.

Shockingly, I am 100% in agreement with you.

For the xth time our beloved GM has put his foot in his mouth by proclaiming that the cap room, which he NEVER had before, would enable him to ADD pieces to IMPROVE this team IN season. Now, if JJ is right and this team has to dump salary to take on salary, then for the 3rd or 4th time...Stanley has made a complete and total ASS out of himself. That can't be ignored. In fact it's embarassing, and somebody in the press on 2/27 better bring that up.

Lets face it....This team needs a lot more then a Brendan Morrison or a physical d man. Maybe they get lucky with Morrison, but odds are...they don't. They still wouldn't have a 2nd line center for Hossa and Sharp. You still lack the size on your bottom line to wear down opponents in a 7 game series. You still are having Leddy play top 4 minutes, which as the season wears on....and fatigue sets in, is extremely alarming. Kid is good, and could be great, but right now he's making a helluva lot of mistakes that are a costing this team games/points. What happens in the playoffs when guys are running at him and hitting him NON stop?

I still contend that if realistically, this team abides by the "one goal" philosphy, then any prospect/pick/etc is fair game to make a splash to put this team REALISTICALLY in a spot to compete for their 2nd cup in 3 years. Hoping/praying that a refreshed core (not really anymore since the depth sucks), or a healthy core (again, not really as that's a HUGE risk to take) can make up for a lack of depth is a collosal mistake by those in hockey operations.

I'm not writing this season off, by any means...because the west is wide open, but this team needs more then a "tweak".

Bowman's legacy is right now..time for him to live up to his father's name.
- SteveRain

Not to be a wiener, but really man. I know many of you want to add pieces, so this does not apply to you, but for others who want the big BANG maybe your problem is not in management, but in your Core's ability to produce and or lead.

I have said it 100 times here, lay out your roster 1 thru 20 and show me 3 teams that have more talent 1 - 10?

Effort and focus is what is needed on this team. Yes defensive depth as well. Another forward or 2. But to go on and cry cuz you are not gonna pry getlzaff for bickell or Jack Johnson for Frolik does not make our GM an idiot.

Geez.....We are in the nitty gritty right now. These small pieces and some good fortune are what all contenders are after right now.

Found this article:

http://www.rantsports.com/chicago-black ... ke-schenn/

At 3.6 a year, would Hammer and prospects be enough to get it done? Rather seen Schenn on the 2nd pairing than Hammer. To balance salaries I think this is a fairly even swap cap wise. Questions is can the Leafs and Hawks be good trading partners? Maybe they bite on Bickell?

I know this does not add to the second pairing, but can't see the Leafs taking picks and prospects for Schenn. Thinking Hammer is replaced by schenn and then maybe Oduya gets added from the Jets...slow day at work, what can I say?
- ikeane

Just can't wait to get rid of #4 eh? Tune in tonight and tomorrow to watch the Leafs play the Penguins with Schenn playing in their bottom pairing. A 5th overall draft pick and all for only $3.6M/year. Tough kid who can throw some checks but has real trouble with lateral speed and makes many coverage mistakes in his own zone. With that contract all I would give for him is prospects and maybe a 2nd.

Just can't wait to get rid of #4 eh? Tune in tonight and tomorrow to watch the Leafs play the Penguins with Schenn playing in their bottom pairing. A 5th overall draft pick and all for only $3.6M/year. Tough kid who can throw some checks but has real trouble with lateral speed and makes many coverage mistakes in his own zone. With that contract all I would give for him is prospects and maybe a 2nd.
- RickJ

Agreed Rick. That's why I thought Burke was going to get a steal with the Schenn for JVR rumours. If those were legit, take that deal all the way to the bank Leaf fans.

Shockingly, I am 100% in agreement with you.

For the xth time our beloved GM has put his foot in his mouth by proclaiming that the cap room, which he NEVER had before, would enable him to ADD pieces to IMPROVE this team IN season. Now, if JJ is right and this team has to dump salary to take on salary, then for the 3rd or 4th time...Stanley has made a complete and total ASS out of himself. That can't be ignored. In fact it's embarassing, and somebody in the press on 2/27 better bring that up.

Lets face it....This team needs a lot more then a Brendan Morrison or a physical d man. Maybe they get lucky with Morrison, but odds are...they don't. They still wouldn't have a 2nd line center for Hossa and Sharp. You still lack the size on your bottom line to wear down opponents in a 7 game series. You still are having Leddy play top 4 minutes, which as the season wears on....and fatigue sets in, is extremely alarming. Kid is good, and could be great, but right now he's making a helluva lot of mistakes that are a costing this team games/points. What happens in the playoffs when guys are running at him and hitting him NON stop?

I still contend that if realistically, this team abides by the "one goal" philosphy, then any prospect/pick/etc is fair game to make a splash to put this team REALISTICALLY in a spot to compete for their 2nd cup in 3 years. Hoping/praying that a refreshed core (not really anymore since the depth sucks), or a healthy core (again, not really as that's a HUGE risk to take) can make up for a lack of depth is a collosal mistake by those in hockey operations.

I'm not writing this season off, by any means...because the west is wide open, but this team needs more then a "tweak".

Bowman's legacy is right now..time for him to live up to his father's name.
- SteveRain

I agree with everything above. This is a team that may need to make a blockbuster to wake the players within the organization up. Is this team a playoff team? Absolutely! But there is a difference between a playoff team and a contender, and a serious move is whats going to make that step for this team. Stan Bowman may have inherited one of the best teams in the the last ten to fifteen years, and I will guarentee as well as put my life on it that if that Cup team could have stayed together for two more years it would have meant two more stanley cups. There is not one team in the league that had the depth to play a seven game series against that team. Bowman needs to use that team as a blue print. Find players that can play an Andrew Ladd style, find players with the ability to play PK PP and even strength on a top 3 line like versteeg. Bowman doesnt seem to have the fire, emotion necassary to bring a cup back here. He wants to put inexpensive bandages all over the roster and is not dedicated to roll the dice.

The oliers blogger offered up a list of oilers dmen that could be had for Frolik.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=41753

Nice recognition of JJs blog too. I am the most appealed by his suggestion of Peckham and a 2nd for Frolik. I think I'd rather have him than Sutton. Too many variables invloved with Sutton (suspension history...is he the second coming of Carbomb?, slower skater, etc). Peckham's deal also expires this summer
http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=5776

Thoughts?
- ikeane

Theo Peckham is a dog who you trade for a 5th or 6th round pick, not Frolik unless its a total salary dump. Has some size and plays tough but no real talent that you would be looking to add in an NHL defenceman.