Thanks...With Block?
- Al

Yes Sir

Pacioretty had a breakout year this season. I seriously doubt the Hawks could get him for either Frolik or Stalberg straight up. Maybe Stalberg, a prospect and a pick could work?
- EKolb13

Max Pacioretty is considered a cornerstone player for the Habs, along with Subban and Price. He's not going anywhere unless the offer is ludicrous.

I guess we'll see what happens in Rockford next season as to what Kyle Beach really is.
- EKolb13

Yes...the fall of 2012 is the most important time of his hockey career 4 sure.

Pacioretty had a breakout year this season. I seriously doubt the Hawks could get him for either Frolik or Stalberg straight up. Maybe Stalberg, a prospect and a pick could work?
- EKolb13

Yeah...I was just spitballing, but I've always like Max's play since he played at Michigan. He's got size, speed, and top 6 skills and a cap hit of only $1.6M or so at 23.

There is also word on Panesar's blog that Gomez may also be bought out.
- EKolb13

Gomez is WASHED UP.

Gomez is WASHED UP.
- philco28

I'm not saying he isn't. Nor am I stating he should come to the Hawks.

I guess I'm just stating the obvious.

To Montreal:
Frolik or Stalberg

To Chicago:
Max Pacioretti
- nelli312

just from an opposing fan looking in I'd say Max is about as untouchable as Price is in Montreal. He offers up something they don't have a lot of, goal scoring on the wing in the form of a big, strong body.

Max Pacioretty is considered a cornerstone player for the Habs, along with Subban and Price. He's not going anywhere unless the offer is ludicrous.
- andru2797

I don't dispute that at all.

There is also word on Panesar's blog that Gomez may also be bought out.
- EKolb13

Gomez is 32 going on 62.

Gomez is 32 going on 62.
- shruew

If that's the case, I wonder if he can fake his way into collecting Social Security?

Meh.

Again you're looking at it through rosy glasses and have absolutely no grasp of the cap situation.

Fact: He stated in numerous interviews he did not like playing forward or in front of the net and did not want to do that for the rest of his career. There is absolutely no argument you can make for that

Fact: The Cup year... and I stress Cup year... Hammer and Campbell were much better players on the blue line. You cannot argue that.

Fact: Salary had to be jettisoned and it is much easier to justify moving a player who has said (see statement one again) he doesn't want to do what the coaching staff wants and what the team needs.

Fact: He has shown up to camp out of shape and overweight more often than not

Fact: He is constantly bemoaned by Jets fans for inconsistent effort and performance as well as suspect blue line play

Stats are irrelevant. For the physical gifts the player has he should be one of the most dominating players in the NHL night in and night out. Not sequestered in the middle of Manitoba playing big fish in a little pond.
- fattybeef

If a case could be made for the proverbial "catch lightning in a bottle" scenario it was Buff ... with the 'Hawks ... in 2010 ... in the playoffs.

In Atlanta at that time Buff was in the right place, at the right time. He was overpaid like so many other players were overpaid the last couple years. Atl made the mistake of giving him money to play D based on the 22-game sample size (2010 playoffs) of him playing wing on the 2010 STANLEY CUP CHAMPION CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS. Had to write those words again !! Watched game 6 AGAIN the other day.

I'm not saying he isn't. Nor am I stating he should come to the Hawks.

I guess I'm just stating the obvious.
- EKolb13

I know bro

As much as I would love to see suter in the Indianhead, I think we need to focus on making moves for Hammer to bring back assets that will help us win now. If we grab Suter then we are going to get rid of Bolland and Hammer to bring in more unproven NHL prospects. We have enough of those. Swing Hammer to Anaheim for Getzlaf and send Frolik with him. Lets start having some bigger bangers up front with Skill. Sign Matt Carle and Joe Corvo for the back end. Corvo will help the Power Play dramatically.

I find the Suter implications intriguing.

I think that with the looming (likely) cap bump, departing contracts (about $7M including Oduya), and plausible trade options (Hammer, Bolland) make this a real possibility - not to mention the intangiles like close-to-home, family history with the organization, Chicago as a whole, other things that might lead to a longer deal with a lower cap hit (assuming the new CBA doesn't abolish those things) .

It seems a bit strange to think that the team would invest another $7M+ into a a #3 defenseman when we just got one off the books. Granted, Suter is a different player than Campbell, and brings a lot of what the 'Hawks lack. However, he's also 27 going into this season - prime years, I know - but I'd be a lot more exited if he were 23 or 25 considering the price tag.

The other side of that coin is, that excessive spending brought a Stanley Cup to Madison Street. Would any 'Hawks fan trade the cup back for the cap hell that followed? I highly, highly doubt it.

Doe Suter gaurantee a cup? Of course not. But he does make the 2012-13 'Hawks a lot closer come October than the roster as it stands. All factors considered, I'd vote for making this the #1 priority (1A being a second line center)

I find the Suter implications intriguing.

I think that with the looming (likely) cap bump, departing contracts (about $7M including Oduya), and plausible trade options (Hammer, Bolland) make this a real possibility - not to mention the intangiles like close-to-home, family history with the organization, Chicago as a whole, other things that might lead to a longer deal with a lower cap hit (assuming the new CBA doesn't abolish those things) .

It seems a bit strange to think that the team would invest another $7M+ into a a #3 defenseman when we just got one off the books. Granted, Suter is a different player than Campbell, and brings a lot of what the 'Hawks lack. However, he's also 27 going into this season - prime years, I know - but I'd be a lot more exited if he were 23 or 25 considering the price tag.

The other side of that coin is, that excessive spending brought a Stanley Cup to Madison Street. Would any 'Hawks fan trade the cup back for the cap hell that followed? I highly, highly doubt it.

Doe Suter gaurantee a cup? Of course not. But he does make the 2012-13 'Hawks a lot closer come October than the roster as it stands. All factors considered, I'd vote for making this the #1 priority (1A being a second line center)
- FredoXV

I That it is, I personally dont think it will happen, but I cant say I will be surprised if it does. Stan is looking for the off season move that is gonna turn him into a hero. A move that's gonna make all of us on this message board bow to him.

I That it is, I personally dont think it will happen, but I cant say I will be surprised if it does. Stan is looking for the off season move that is gonna turn him into a hero. A move that's gonna make all of us on this message board bow to him.
- nickmo2699

I don't think any move he makes will be anything but polarizing.


I expect one major move to in one of the follwing areas: goal, 2nd Line Center, or Defense. The other two ares will be filled with youngsters, bargain vets, or the status quo (goalie).

I'm really hoping for defense, because I think a good multi-talented defenseman (like Suter) helps in nearly all of the areas where the 'Hawks are deficient - physicality, goals allowed, special teams.

I'm probably in the minority, but I'm willing to see what Crawford looks like for another year with a top-tier defense in front of him.

If the D remains static, or with minor veteran improvement, I'd really like to see them find a true 2nd line center that can win faceoffs (and that's not Ryan Getzlaf, folks).


EDIT: My priorties would be as follows: 1.) Game-changing D Man 2.) #2 Center with faceoff prowess #3) New starting goalie.

To clarify, although goalie is #3 on my list (sure some will disagree), I'd still like to see someone brought in with the ability to compete for the #1 job in conjunction with the top two priorities.

They become a likely trade partner I would think...
- ilinkhawk

Price for Hammer

Can we get some Winnepeg/Atlanta fans to weigh in on Andrew Ladd's greatness please? I think almost every person's view of every player on the Hawk cup roster is completely distorted because of the nostalgia surrounding the cup victory. It seems the only thing people can agree on is that Versteeg and Campbell needed to go because they were too soft/error-prone/overpaid. Lets recap what some other fans have had to say this whole year.

Have heard multiple Winnepeg fans say that Ladd was undeserving of the 'C' this year. Played poorly and came down with Dustin Byfuglien-itis for stretches as well. Buff was his typical try 20% of the time player. Brouwer seems about the same as when he was here. Had some good times / followed by invisible times / followed by good times / rinse, repeat. Campbell was the same corner bailing / savvy veteran / puck moving player he was here. Is Ben Eager even in the league anymore? Niemi was shelled by the Blues and looked as soft as putty at times this year.

This cup nostalgia is really making me sick. Lets evaluate players based on what they do...not our bloated self-indulgent perceptions of what they did in the past.
- anawrocki

I agree with this.

But listen, I also get tired of fans who expect players to be all-world every night. It is a tough, competitive game, and players can provide value when they're not on the scoresheet.

Brian Campbell is a #1 defenseman on the right kind of team,and a second pairing guy on others—with obvious strengths and a few weaknesses.

Dustin Byrfuglien is a unique size/talent combination who can be a force within a game or a series, either at defense or at wing. Does he have games or stretches where he's not uber-dominant? Absolutely.

Ladd is a second/third line power forward and a decent leader.

Niemi is an incredibly talented, unorthodox and at times rebound prone goalie who runs (more) hot and cold.

All good players who were great when surrounded with the preponderance of talent on the 2009-10 Blackhawks

Hey JJ,

On the last board where you asked us to be the Hawks GM's I suggested the Hawks make a deal involving Bolland + Hammer to SJ for Big Joe...then go after Suter. Hey, what do I know!!
- SAVOIRFAIRE

Never happen, otherwise yes

Al,

How much of the hype surrounding Morin do you think is due to the fact he was pretty much the return for Buff? Is Stan pumping his tires to keep the illusion that trade was anything other than a salary dump?
- NewToHockey

I talked to a couple of hockey people this year who feel the Hawks belief in him is justified, FWIW

I agree with this.

But listen, I also get tired of fans who expect players to be all-world every night. It is a tough, competitive game, and players can provide value when they're not on the scoresheet.

Brian Campbell is a #1 defenseman on the right kind of team,and a second pairing guy on others—with obvious strengths and a few weaknesses.

Dustin Byrfuglien is a unique size/talent combination who can be a force within a game or a series, either at defense or at wing. Does he have games or stretches where he's not uber-dominant? Absolutely.

Ladd is a second/third line power forward and a decent leader.

Niemi is an incredibly talented, unorthodox and at times rebound prone goalie who runs (more) hot and cold.

All good players who were great when surrounded with the preponderance of talent on the 2009-10 Blackhawks
- John Jaeckel

Of all of the players mentioned here, I'd want Ladd back the most, and by a wide margin.

For what it's worth, the more I see of Morin, the more I get this gut feeling that he's a third line winger with scoring upside.
- EKolb13

He's somewhat like Troy Brouwer. Not as big or as strong. Maybe a little more handy around the net. But tough to slot for some of the same reasons.

Wouldn't the signing of Suter leave no room to improve the top 2 lines?

I talked to a couple of hockey people this year who feel the Hawks belief in him is justified, FWIW
- John Jaeckel

The potential is there, from what I've seen, both on youtube and in person seeing Rockford this year. But what I've seen still falls under potnetial, not NHL readiness.


One thing I do like about him is that he's not afraid to scrap, an aspect of his game I didn't really recognize until this season.

So you're going to trade a stay at home defenseman and your best defensive forward all in the name of getting better defensively?

There's no way in Hell the Hawks are signing Suter. Oh sure, i'm sure they'll be interested. it's good press to be interested. Hell the Hawks were "interested" in a lot of players at the deadline. Jeff Carter, Ales Hemsky, and others. But they're not signing Suter.

First of all, there's the whole outspending other teams thing, and Stan has "outspent" a GM when??????????? Anybody?????? BEULLER?????????? He hasn't. And I doubt he will.

Because the one thing Stan bowman has yet to do, and one of my pet peeves about him, is he NEVER admits mistakes. And signing Suter would be admitting that Brian Campbell was a giant mistake. And while Suter is a better player than Campbell ( albeit not as much as people think.) that's not the point. Stan said the ONLY reason he traded Campbell was that in this day and age, you can't afford to have a 7 million dollar defenseman on your second pair. And now we think he's going to go out and contradict everything he believes?

Again, would love to wind up being all wet about this, but this ain't happening. Just like Jeff Carter was never happening. I'm sure there will be talk. There might even be interest. But money will talk in the end. And unless McD comes down and plays one of his power "whatever it takes" moves, which, given the CBA, I think Suter goes somewhere else and Bowman gives a very disingenuous "we tried" to the media on July 1.
- yahoodi

"Stan" also said Niemi and Hjalmarsson weren't going anywhere. Among other things.
But if you want to take the organization's plans based on what "Stan" says publicly, especially right now, have at it. I also have a bridge I'm trying to sell, if you're interested.