OK, start with those. Trade Hammer to Edm for Gagner; re-sign Gagner to a 3-4 year deal. Sign Winnik, Hannan and Clark each to 2 year deals. Done. I'd call this a success given what's not transpired thus far.

Sharpie goes back to 1L. Kane/Hossa can alternate 1R/2R. Team finally has their 2C, Bolly stays at 3C. If some punch is needed at 2L, they can put Shaw or Carcillo there occasionally. Monty goes to LTIR, retires or RFD. Bollig and Hayes start in RFD. Huge amount of cap space.

Now the team has a much better defence in front of CC.

CAPGEEK.COM USER GENERATED ROSTER
No Doan
FORWARDS
Patrick Sharp ($5.900m) / Jonathan Toews ($6.300m) / Marian Hossa ($5.275m)
Michael Frolik ($2.333m) / Sam Gagner ($4.500m) / Patrick Kane ($6.300m)
Daniel Winnik ($2.100m) / Dave Bolland ($3.375m) / Viktor Stalberg ($0.875m)
Daniel Carcillo ($0.825m) / Marcus Kruger ($0.900m) / Andrew Shaw ($0.565m)
Bryan Bickell ($0.542m) / Jamal Mayers ($0.650m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Duncan Keith ($5.538m) / Brent Seabrook ($5.800m)
Nick Leddy ($1.117m) / Johnny Oduya ($3.383m)
Scott Hannan ($1.600m) / Sheldon Brookbank ($1.250m)
Brett Clark ($2.500m) /
GOALTENDERS
Corey Crawford ($2.667m)
Ray Emery ($1.150m)
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $70,200,000; CAP PAYROLL: $65,445,128; BONUSES: $375,000
CAP SPACE (23-man roster): $4,754,872
- blackhawk24

I just dont like how ice cream soft that 2nd line is.

No size, no physicality, just speed and finesse. Not a single legit goal scorer on that line who will bury the puck consistently

Interesting that the Hawks aren't on Nash's list - even though he's played here quite a bit and knows the team, the fans, and the building quite well being a division rival. Maybe not a big deal, but couple that w/ the fact that Suter also didn't have the Hawks on his final list (Wild, Wings or back to Nashville) and you can start to piece it together.

This isn't the same destination it was just a short time ago and that reflects quite a bit on the job or lack thereof that the front office is doing. Moving a Lady Byng winner and replacing him w/ crap wasn't quite the move that they had hoped. Adding Gauthier at this point certainly doesn't instill a lot of confidence either.

Arnott was a guy I wanted last summer and he had a productive season w/ the Blues. Wonder if they'll make him an offer before all of their other options dry up?
- DK002

Spot on.

Interesting that the Hawks aren't on Nash's list - even though he's played here quite a bit and knows the team, the fans, and the building quite well being a division rival. Maybe not a big deal, but couple that w/ the fact that Suter also didn't have the Hawks on his final list (Wild, Wings or back to Nashville) and you can start to piece it together.

This isn't the same destination it was just a short time ago and that reflects quite a bit on the job or lack thereof that the front office is doing. Moving a Lady Byng winner and replacing him w/ crap wasn't quite the move that they had hoped. Adding Gauthier at this point certainly doesn't instill a lot of confidence either.

Arnott was a guy I wanted last summer and he had a productive season w/ the Blues. Wonder if they'll make him an offer before all of their other options dry up?
- DK002

+1


In two short years the Hawks go from being a destination team to being a team that most FA's have on their pay no mind list. That says it all about how the front office is perceived around the league now.

Did you just use Sharp and two-way force in the same sentence? You mean Patrick Sharp right??? He of the "I fly my zone every time it looks like we are going to get possession" Patrick Sharp?
- anawrocki

The only reason anyone thinks Sharp is a two way player is because he kills penalties and scores shorties.

I just dont like how ice cream soft that 2nd line is.

No size, no physicality, just speed and finesse. Not a single legit goal scorer on that line who will bury the puck consistently
- FourFeathers773

Carcillo or Shaw can be inserted at 2L at times if necessary. Hoss can also be 2R. While not a big checker, he is a monster with the biscuit.

And what is your roster?

I know most are disappointed in a lack of improvement but I find all the Gauthier hate to be fascinating.

Most Hawk fans didn't know who Norm Maciver was and I'm not saying the position is one to take lightly but...

Gauthier was the GM of the Canadiens not some ECHL club and has enough street cred that he should be able to handle the position he has with the Hawks.

Not a fan of his GM tour of duty in Montreal but the guy has about 30 years experience in hockey.

He was also the Dir. of Player Develop in Montreal before he got a promotion to GM.

So unless he has been fooling a lot of people for a long time I don't see a reason to think Gauthier won't handle his position with the Hawks.

If not, then there will be a group above him that should be questioned....

Lastly I have never spoken with him, so no reason to defend...In case anyone is wondering.

@AlCimaglia

+1


In two short years the Hawks go from being a destination team to being a team that most FA's have on their pay no mind list. That says it all about how the front office is perceived around the league now.
- jhawk159

Were not the Yankees and there is a salary cap. I still feel Chicago is a desirable destination but sometimes family and money are more important. There are teams like Bos, Philly, Tor that have not been able to land any of these guys either. I'm not saying you in particular, but everybody needs to settle down a little.

The only reason anyone thinks Sharp is a two way player is because he kills penalties and scores shorties.
- fattybeef

I fly my zone every time it looks like we are going to get possession" Patrick Sharp?

Q. has a lot to do with that thinking also...

The high forward is always quick to exit and sometimes that will bite you...

Did you just use Sharp and two-way force in the same sentence? You mean Patrick Sharp right??? He of the "I fly my zone every time it looks like we are going to get possession" Patrick Sharp?
- anawrocki

Had the 65th best HARD+ rating for forwards in the league last year, combined with his offensive production, I'd say that makes him an outstanding two way player. And you don't think he is coached that way? For a team that needs space and time to operate there puck possession game? So cool it with the sarcasm chief and use some facts

The only reason anyone thinks Sharp is a two way player is because he kills penalties and scores shorties.
- fattybeef

And the advanced stats say that he is, so there's that.

I know most are disappointed in a lack of improvement but I find all the Gauthier hate to be fascinating.

Most Hawk fans didn't know who Norm Maciver was and I'm not saying the position is one to take lightly but...

Gauthier was the GM of the Canadiens not some ECHL club and has enough street cred that he should be able to handle the position he has with the Hawks.

Not a fan of his GM tour of duty in Montreal but the guy has about 30 years experience in hockey.

He was also the Dir. of Player Develop in Montreal before he got a promotion to GM.

So unless he has been fooling a lot of people for a long time I don't see a reason to think Gauthier won't handle his position with the Hawks.

If not, then there will be a group above him that should be questioned....

Lastly I have never spoken with him, so no reason to defend...In case anyone is wondering.

@AlCimaglia
- Al

well lets be real here Al, most of the people on this site are just pure fans with no connection with the game and have really no idea on the inner workings of a professional sports team. I read this blog everyday and laugh at some of the dumb things people think they know. I am fan of what Stan is doing, hes building from within and thats smart. Why would you want Suter for 10 years, along with Zach, we would be in worse shape cap wise that we were 2 years ago. Stay the course and compete each year, leave room to make a move or two come trade deadline and draft smart, keep it young and have the money to keep your Core we are in great shape. All this trade Keith trade Kane bla bla bla, oh come on Keith is a great defense-man and i suspect he will be stellar this year again. Kane is unbelievable and is only 23 Jesus.

Q. has a lot to do with that thinking also...

The high forward is always quick to exit and sometimes that will be bite you...
- Al

Finally someone who has a slight understanding of the game. The hawks NEED space to be a successful offensive team. The teams that don't need the puck to be successful (Nash, Pho, StL, NYR) all keep their wingers in the zone and crowd the net, and as a result struggle scoring goals. Puck possession teams (CHI, DET, VAN) will have the weak side winger leave the zone every time.

OK, start with those. Trade Hammer to Edm for Gagner; re-sign Gagner to a 3-4 year deal. Sign Winnik, Hannan and Clark each to 2 year deals. Done. I'd call this a success given what's not transpired thus far.

Sharpie goes back to 1L. Kane/Hossa can alternate 1R/2R. Team finally has their 2C, Bolly stays at 3C. If some punch is needed at 2L, they can put Shaw or Carcillo there occasionally. Monty goes to LTIR, retires or RFD. Bollig and Hayes start in RFD. Huge amount of cap space.

Now the team has a much better defence in front of CC.

CAPGEEK.COM USER GENERATED ROSTER
No Doan
FORWARDS
Patrick Sharp ($5.900m) / Jonathan Toews ($6.300m) / Marian Hossa ($5.275m)
Michael Frolik ($2.333m) / Sam Gagner ($4.500m) / Patrick Kane ($6.300m)
Daniel Winnik ($2.100m) / Dave Bolland ($3.375m) / Viktor Stalberg ($0.875m)
Daniel Carcillo ($0.825m) / Marcus Kruger ($0.900m) / Andrew Shaw ($0.565m)
Bryan Bickell ($0.542m) / Jamal Mayers ($0.650m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Duncan Keith ($5.538m) / Brent Seabrook ($5.800m)
Nick Leddy ($1.117m) / Johnny Oduya ($3.383m)
Scott Hannan ($1.600m) / Sheldon Brookbank ($1.250m)
Brett Clark ($2.500m) /
GOALTENDERS
Corey Crawford ($2.667m)
Ray Emery ($1.150m)
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $70,200,000; CAP PAYROLL: $65,445,128; BONUSES: $375,000
CAP SPACE (23-man roster): $4,754,872
- blackhawk24

I would not trade Hjalmarsson unless we picked up another top 4 defenseman somehow. I wouldn't trust Leddy and Oduya as your 2nd pairing

Interesting that the Hawks aren't on Nash's list - even though he's played here quite a bit and knows the team, the fans, and the building quite well being a division rival. Maybe not a big deal, but couple that w/ the fact that Suter also didn't have the Hawks on his final list (Wild, Wings or back to Nashville) and you can start to piece it together.

This isn't the same destination it was just a short time ago and that reflects quite a bit on the job or lack thereof that the front office is doing. Moving a Lady Byng winner and replacing him w/ crap wasn't quite the move that they had hoped. Adding Gauthier at this point certainly doesn't instill a lot of confidence either.

Arnott was a guy I wanted last summer and he had a productive season w/ the Blues. Wonder if they'll make him an offer before all of their other options dry up?
- DK002

Yep 100% agree and to discount the the results of quality free agents signed by Bowman is just asinine.

I'll say it again...the arrogance that broods at the top of this organization is out of control, and when you have your president doing f-ing commercials, and having parades in his hometown with the cup like a conquering hero...we as fans should be VERY alarmed.

You've got an owner claiming he's losing HUGE money yearly on this team...Sorry not buying it. Until he opens his books or somebody gets that information from the NHL and NOT him, I'm not buying it.

The most concerning thing is a GM who thinks a last year's failure of team, left alone, will provide him with different results. That I will never get and injuries happen. THey exposed a team that didn't have the necessary depth to succeed.

What I will find interesting is IF any local media have enough stones to rip this management if they come up empty in the free agency and trade market. Or will it be spin control and another fluff piece on all the HOF prospects Stan has chewing at the bit in Rockford?

Finally someone who has a slight understanding of the game. The hawks NEED space to be a successful offensive team. The teams that don't need the puck to be successful (Nash, Pho, StL, NYR) all keep their wingers in the zone and crowd the net, and as a result struggle scoring goals. Puck possession teams (CHI, DET, VAN) will have the weak side winger leave the zone every time.
- rollpards19

slight understanding of the game

I would hope that is a misuse of words or you haven't been reading my work for the past six years.

There are many people on here with much more than a slight understanding but emotions shade opinions often...

I know most are disappointed in a lack of improvement but I find all the Gauthier hate to be fascinating.

Most Hawk fans didn't know who Norm Maciver was and I'm not saying the position is one to take lightly but...

Gauthier was the GM of the Canadiens not some ECHL club and has enough street cred that he should be able to handle the position he has with the Hawks.

Not a fan of his GM tour of duty in Montreal but the guy has about 30 years experience in hockey.

He was also the Dir. of Player Develop in Montreal before he got a promotion to GM.

So unless he has been fooling a lot of people for a long time I don't see a reason to think Gauthier won't handle his position with the Hawks.

If not, then there will be a group above him that should be questioned....

Lastly I have never spoken with him, so no reason to defend...In case anyone is wondering.

@AlCimaglia
- Al

Well if he can't distinguish talent at the NHL level, why should be willing to give this guy a free pass to do so at the scouting level where you need a sharp eye to give you an advantage over other teams?

Anyone can spot a can't miss talent...It takes a VERY good eye to spot the guy who may not be hyped but will turn out to be a gem...

This is another move orchestrated by Scotty Bowman getting one of his "boys" a job with the Hawks.

Yep 100% agree and to discount the the results of quality free agents signed by Bowman is just asinine.

I'll say it again...the arrogance that broods at the top of this organization is out of control, and when you have your president doing f-ing commercials, and having parades in his hometown with the cup like a conquering hero...we as fans should be VERY alarmed.

You've got an owner claiming he's losing HUGE money yearly on this team...Sorry not buying it. Until he opens his books or somebody gets that information from the NHL and NOT him, I'm not buying it.

The most concerning thing is a GM who thinks a last year's failure of team, left alone, will provide him with different results. That I will never get and injuries happen. THey exposed a team that didn't have the necessary depth to succeed.

What I will find interesting is IF any local media have enough stones to rip this management if they come up empty in the free agency and trade market. Or will it be spin control and another fluff piece on all the HOF prospects Stan has chewing at the bit in Rockford?
- SteveRain

What I will find interesting is IF any local media have enough stones to rip this management if they come up empty in the free agency and trade market.

It's too early to rip but the criticism has already started in some ways.

slight understanding of the game

I would hope that is a misuse of words or you haven't been reading my work for the past six years.

There are many people on here with much more than a slight understanding but emotions shade opinions often...
- Al

Misuse of words or a misinterpretation, I like your work a lot Al and know you have a great understanding of the game. It was just in reference to prior posters making blanketed, emotional statements. Apologies if it came off as anything different.

+1


In two short years the Hawks go from being a destination team to being a team that most FA's have on their pay no mind list. That says it all about how the front office is perceived around the league now.
- jhawk159

You've drawn this conclusion based upon what?

HOLY F*****n S**T, NO MOVEMENT YET!!

What´s holding on, what´s holding on?

Stan got to trade just to make it today, I say "he´s got to trade.."

Well if he can't distinguish talent at the NHL level, why should be willing to give this guy a free pass to do so at the scouting level where you need a sharp eye to give you an advantage over other teams?

Anyone can spot a can't miss talent...It takes a VERY good eye to spot the guy who may not be hyped but will turn out to be a gem...

This is another move orchestrated by Scotty Bowman getting one of his "boys" a job with the Hawks.
- SteveRain

Look up his resume and being a GM in Montreal is a much different position.

When was there a succesful GM in Montreal???

If he fails it isn't becasue a lack of qualification. As long as they don't loose Mark Kelley and other the Hawks should be fine.

That's not a top of the totem pole position...
Look around the NHL, everyone hires one of their boys....Kind of that way in all sports but this boy has been around 30 years.

What I will find interesting is IF any local media have enough stones to rip this management if they come up empty in the free agency and trade market.

It's too early to rip but the criticism has already started in some ways.
- Al

To an extent but I'm not talking about a columnist who never steps foot into the press box at the UC, unless they are in the finals.

I'm talking about a beat guy who will see Bowman, Wirtz, McDonough enough to make it uncomfortable.

That's the difference....When does it NOT become "too early?" The biggest thing to overcome in marketing is negative word of mouth...that happens, and you watch how quickly McDonough springs into action. This team starts getting ripped on the airwaves, and in the paper...watch out.

So far, all they hvae done....is add a younger Sean O"donnell who may or may not even play every night. That's it. Otherwise you have the same team that was too small, too up and down, and too soft mentally and physically to advance in the playoffs.

And the days of 100 pts being some sort of grand achievement is over with. Look at last year's regular season standings....10 of 16 had 100 or more...or damn near 33% of the league...

Misuse of words or a misinterpretation, I like your work a lot Al and know you have a great understanding of the game. It was just in reference to prior posters making blanketed, emotional statements. Apologies if it came off as anything different.
- rollpards19

Not offended, but even those who know the game will have different opinions on players...

Just a lot of bickering on here lately and most of it because people are bored/upset nothing interesting is happening.

Look up his resume and being a GM in Montreal is a much different position.

When was there a succesful GM in Montreal???

If he fails it isn't becasue a lack of qualification. As long as they don't loose Mark Kelley and other the Hawks should be fine.

That's not a top of the totem pole position...
Look around the NHL, everyone hires one of their boys....Kind of that way in all sports but this boy has been around 30 years.
- Al

This is EXACTLY why the Hawks under Bowman haven't been able to make trades. He's not part of that "club", and there are a LOT of teams that hate this organization. Make no mistake about that.

We'll see....is he the best man for this position? That's all I am getting at. Was he THE best hire, because everything I have read about this guy is bad. Just another cook in the kitchen....

Yep 100% agree and to discount the the results of quality free agents signed by Bowman is just asinine.

I'll say it again...the arrogance that broods at the top of this organization is out of control, and when you have your president doing f-ing commercials, and having parades in his hometown with the cup like a conquering hero...we as fans should be VERY alarmed.

You've got an owner claiming he's losing HUGE money yearly on this team...Sorry not buying it. Until he opens his books or somebody gets that information from the NHL and NOT him, I'm not buying it.

The most concerning thing is a GM who thinks a last year's failure of team, left alone, will provide him with different results. That I will never get and injuries happen. THey exposed a team that didn't have the necessary depth to succeed.

What I will find interesting is IF any local media have enough stones to rip this management if they come up empty in the free agency and trade market. Or will it be spin control and another fluff piece on all the HOF prospects Stan has chewing at the bit in Rockford?
- SteveRain

Nice post
I would think this playoffs have show you must be able to play dump and chase hockey. This requires at least one power forward on each line.
Also for balance i think each defensive pairing needs one physical defenseman paired with one puck mover. Maybe if crawford was better at handling the puck the physical defenseman would not be as big an issue but he is not Brodeur
This team may win in the regular season but is not built to succeed in the playoffs