Hi Al! new article today?any juicy rumors?Anyone know when JJ will have some new stuff for us?
- captainserious

New article in the pipeline will be out today.

New article in the pipeline will be out today.
- Al

Nice can't wait!!Good way to start the weekend

The thing about PHX is they were never going to keep up their luck and opportunism. They have played all of 4 good games this postseason...and somehow advanced to the WCF. At some point you have to outplay the other team to hoist the cup...this Coyote team was NEVER capable of that over a 7 game series.
- anawrocki

The Kings were picked by quite a few as WCF or Stanley Cup contenders before the season started... It isn't like they legitimately came out of nowhere, they just happen to be peaking at the right time.
- fattybeef

yes...but they couldn't score and were losing games 1-0 and 2-1. I think they had 8 or 9 1-0 losses. That's crazy.

Are the Blackhawks pursuing Ryan Suter for the wrong reason? + Some CBA thoughts:


Today on My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/M1tSnJ

Are the Blackhawks pursuing Ryan Suter for the wrong reason? + Some CBA thoughts:


Today on My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/M1tSnJ
- Al

Gary Suter comming out of retirement?

Just kidding you Al, I know you meant Ryan.

Gary Suter comming out of retirement?

Just kidding you Al, I know you meant Ryan.
- powerenforcer

I wish u were only kidding...But thanks..

I obviously have a mental block with the Suter's.

Are the Blackhawks pursuing Ryan Suter for the wrong reason? + Some CBA thoughts:


Today on My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/M1tSnJ
- Al

Good read as always Al

But was it me or did you kind of poo poo the Hawks going after Suter?Do you not approve of them going after Suter?Or do you just think it would be wiser to spend the cap room they have on some good role players,and make a trade or two for another good albeit not Suter dman?I always wondered what is your take on what the Hawks should do this offseason?Any preferences?

I wish u were only kidding...But thanks..

I obviously have a mental block with the Suter's.
- Al

I thought it was funny,had a flashback there for a second

I thought it was funny,had a flashback there for a second
- captainserious

I must be having flash backs too...Also there is a glitch with the site concerning all the run on words.


I think Suter is a fine player but...

I find it ironic in some ways the Hawks would commit to another Campbell like contract and...As the article points out is some of the reason to make a splash and blow away the stink of this spring??

If they get Suter he should help a lot but if they spend the $6 mill in other more low key ways and they could improve the defense in that way too.

Good read as always Al

But was it me or did you kind of poo poo the Hawks going after Suter?Do you not approve of them going after Suter?Or do you just think it would be wiser to spend the cap room they have on some good role players,and make a trade or two for another good albeit not Suter dman?I always wondered what is your take on what the Hawks should do this offseason?Any preferences?
- captainserious

To be more specific on rumors I have only heard on Bolland being available and a push for Suter...But it is early.

I think trading Stalberg or Hammer could happen and depending on the Suter signing it might make more sense than trading Bolland.

I must be having flash backs too...Also there is a glitch with the site concerning all the run on words.


I think Suter is a fine player but...

I find it ironic in some ways the Hawks would commit to another Campbell like contract and...As the article points out is some of the reason to make a splash and blow away the stink of this spring.

If they get Suter he should help a lot but if they spend the $6 mill in other more low key ways they should improve the defense also.
- Al

Al sir,no need to apologize for anything,you are the consummate pro,it is a treat reading your stuff...
As far as Suter,I understand what you mean,what is the point of getting Suter when you just got rid of Campbell? I guess the question is how good can they improve the team with cap space they have,and the added space they might have if the cap goes up,and or they trade some players...I know JJ says the Hawks interest in Suter is real,and you have mentioned it too,but what are the plans at forward?Does anyone have a clue as to who or what they are or will be looking at?

To be more specific on rumors I have only heard on Bolland being available and a push for Suter...But it is early.

I think trading Stalberg or Hammer could happen and depending on the Suter signing it might make more sense than trading Bolland.
- Al

Isn't Bolland a Q guy though?Wouldn't he want him here next year?

Al sir,no need to apologize for anything,you are the consummate pro,it is a treat reading your stuff...
As far as Suter,I understand what you mean,what is the point of getting Suter when you just got rid of Campbell? I guess the question is how good can they improve the team with cap space they have,and the added space they might have if the cap goes up,and or they trade some players...I know JJ says the Hawks interest in Suter is real,and you have mentioned it too,but what are the plans at forward?Does anyone have a clue as to who or what they are or will be looking at?
- captainserious

I think JJ is correct on Suter and I have heard the same. That said not sure which way they go on the forwards.

As we move along and things creep closer to Draft week things will heat up.

JJ had a Moss rumor and that one makes sense although he has had injury problems.

In general I have haerd teams will be active and that could trigger a chain reaction.

I doubt if Nash starts the year with the Jackets...SJ looking to shuffle the deck too...Have some issues with NMC's as do others.

Mistakes fixed now as well as much of the word run ons which was a site glitch.

Thanks

still think it's a bad idea to bring in $7m long term contract, whether it be Suter or Nash.
The Hawks don't need one marquee name to get back to the cup. they need 4 or 5 serious players that can be obtained thru FA and trades to make this a more balanced and physical team.

all last season, many begged for a 3/4 BIG dman who could lay the body and clear the crease. Although Suter is a sexy name to drop in....he ain't that guy. Yep, that's what the Hawks need - another $7m dman who can't clear out the front of the net.

the hawks needs size up front and on D - as in 3 or 4 guys - not 1
I see the Hawks still just burning out 4 dmen if they sign Suter cause they won't be able to fix ALL the other issues.

they need 4 or 5 moves and a good GM could pull that off over 1 summer

Leddy is as physical as any D-man on the team not named Seabrook. Of course he's a smurf so when Leddy lays the body on someone it's never going to be anything earth shattering, but he at least tries to play the body fairly regularly which is more than can be said of #2.
- Ogilthorpe2

But #2 sure knows how to use the elbow!

still think it's a bad idea to bring in $7m long term contract, whether it be Suter or Nash.
The Hawks don't need one marquee name to get back to the cup. they need 4 or 5 serious players that can be obtained thru FA and trades to make this a more balanced and physical team.

all last season, many begged for a 3/4 BIG dman who could lay the body and clear the crease. Although Suter is a sexy name to drop in....he ain't that guy. Yep, that's what the Hawks need - another $7m dman who can't clear out the front of the net.

the hawks needs size up front and on D - as in 3 or 4 guys - not 1
I see the Hawks still just burning out 4 dmen if they sign Suter cause they won't be able to fix ALL the other issues.

they need 4 or 5 moves and a good GM could pull that off over 1 summer
- dpard

Today on My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/M1tSnJ

Like I wrote today there are other ways to spend $6 mill+ in cap space.

But for splash purposes Suter would be the one.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

To be more specific on rumors I have only heard on Bolland being available and a push for Suter...But it is early.

I think trading Stalberg or Hammer could happen and depending on the Suter signing it might make more sense than trading Bolland.
- Al

Trading Bolland would be a mistake, he needs to be a Blackhawk for life. If keeping Bolland means losing out on Suter then I'm ok with that. I'd rather have Bolland and Carle/Wideman/Garrison than just Suter.

Today on My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/M1tSnJ

Like I wrote today there are other ways to spend $6 mill+ in cap space.

But for splash purposes Suter would be the one.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

I will also say this: Suter and Campbell's hawk cap hits might—might—be similar. Their TOI might be similar.

But they are very different defensemen, and I would argue Suter brings things to the table that this defense needs more of, versus what Campbell brought.

And all things being equal, in terms of overall ability and impact, Suter>Campbell.

So the valid cap argument aside, there is a very strong hockey argument for Suter. And maybe it would help the Hawks to worry a little less about cost control and more about improving the team this summer.

No one wants to go back to cap hell, but no one can also assume to know all the salary cap factors that will play out, trades, cap increases, etc., in totality.

If the Hawks interest in Suter is as keen as I believe it is, it would be naive to assume they have not at least considered the cost and cap ramifications. Many who post here have seemed to rely on the premise that the Hawks have not considered it and they will just spend the money with no regard for the future.

Please.

The Hawks underspent last summer to give themselves cap room at the deadline. They then added Johnny Oduya, who helped down the stretch but melted down in the playoffs. No help at center, no toughness. Point being, if you have a shot an elite player, to the extent you can probably figure the dollars out later, you go get the player before your rivals do. That's what teams that win Cups do. If you're constantly "saving money" for later, your best shot at winning is later. Maybe much later. More likely never.

Rumor blog coming at 4 Central or so. Lots of chatter.

I don't want to write off Crawford yet either, I've been a big support even back to his Rockford days. Without making a blockbuster deal I don't think there are many replacement options worth it, but Pavalec would be one (IMO). I am looking forward to seeing what Crawdaddy will do next season, if the defense in front of him as improved then I expect he'll play a lot better.
- DarthKane

Josh Harding would be my choice...he's likely gone from Minny.

I will also say this: Suter and Campbell's hawk cap hits might—might—be similar. Their TOI might be similar.

But they are very different defensemen, and I would argue Suter brings things to the table that this defense needs more of, versus what Campbell brought.

And all things being equal, in terms of overall ability and impact, Suter>Campbell.

So the valid cap argument aside, there is a very strong hockey argument for Suter. And maybe it would help the Hawks to worry a little less about cost control and more about improving the team this summer.

No one wants to go back to cap hell, but no one can also assume to know all the salary cap factors that will play out, trades, cap increases, etc., in totality.

If the Hawks interest in Suter is as keen as I believe it is, it would be naive to assume they have not at least considered the cost and cap ramifications. Many who post here have seemed to rely on the premise that the Hawks have not considered it and they will just spend the money with no regard for the future.

Please.

The Hawks underspent last summer to give themselves cap room at the deadline. They then added Johnny Oduya, who helped down the stretch but melted down in the playoffs. No help at center, no toughness. Point being, if you have a shot an elite player, to the extent you can probably figure the dollars out later, you go get the player before your rivals do. That's what teams that win Cups do. If you're constantly "saving money" for later, your best shot at winning is later. Maybe much later. More likely never.
- John Jaeckel

I wasn't for the Campbell salary dump becasue I saw nothing back in return.

I do believe as you do Suter is a better all around player and most likely will be less than a $ 7 mill cap hit.

I do also believe a reason the Hawks will take a big swing is becasue they are looking to make a splash, in a good way.

If you recall I was never a believer in an austerity program...Big market, Cup intended clubs almost always have to spend close to the cap.


As has been written other places and mirrors my belief, big market teams won't be hamstrung by a new CBA....That's not to say the CBA won't change but the big mkt teams aren't going to get hurt more than others.

So I say, take your best shot and hopefully there won't be a work stoppage because as I wrote today that would be a profound mistake.

Josh Harding would be my choice...he's likely gone from Minny.
- hawks2010

I like Harding too, but is he an upgrade over Crawford? Not in my opinion, is Harding an upgrade over Emery, possibly. I don't know if it's worth going after Harding since we already have Crawford and Emery under contract, unless one of them gets dealt and I agree that Harding would be a good replacement.

I like Harding too, but is he an upgrade over Crawford? Not in my opion, is Harding an upgrade over Emery, possibly. I don't know if it's worth going after Harding since we already have Crawford and Emery under contract, unless one of them gets dealt and I agree that Harding would be a good replacement.
- DarthKane

I agree on Harding...

Plus unles a trade happens, whoever comes in as goalie has to be on a two-way contract...And that wouldn't be Harding unless as a last resort.

I will also say this: Suter and Campbell's hawk cap hits might—might—be similar. Their TOI might be similar.

But they are very different defensemen, and I would argue Suter brings things to the table that this defense needs more of, versus what Campbell brought.

And all things being equal, in terms of overall ability and impact, Suter>Campbell.

So the valid cap argument aside, there is a very strong hockey argument for Suter. And maybe it would help the Hawks to worry a little less about cost control and more about improving the team this summer.

No one wants to go back to cap hell, but no one can also assume to know all the salary cap factors that will play out, trades, cap increases, etc., in totality.

If the Hawks interest in Suter is as keen as I believe it is, it would be naive to assume they have not at least considered the cost and cap ramifications. Many who post here have seemed to rely on the premise that the Hawks have not considered it and they will just spend the money with no regard for the future.

Please.

The Hawks underspent last summer to give themselves cap room at the deadline. They then added Johnny Oduya, who helped down the stretch but melted down in the playoffs. No help at center, no toughness. Point being, if you have a shot an elite player, to the extent you can probably figure the dollars out later, you go get the player before your rivals do. That's what teams that win Cups do. If you're constantly "saving money" for later, your best shot at winning is later. Maybe much later. More likely never.
- John Jaeckel

Am I crazy to think they can sign him for closer to 6.2-6.5 (long term of course) than the 7+ that people are talking about?

Definitely on the same page regarding Suter making them better and such