John Jaeckel: Rumors Now Flying

First?

Wow. JJ, you don't think they would give Niemi the reins if that scenario pans out, do you? Or do you think the organization feels Darling would benefit from another year in the back up role and slowly ease him into a full time starter.

I know, lot of things have to happen, just curious what you think.

Nice work.

JJ - a few weeks back you teased us by saying after the playoffs you would reveal what your source had told you about the potential locker room issue with Crawford. I'm really interested to hear this even though it would be with the huge caveat of "rumor."

I ask this because it may impact the analysis from the board here as to whether Crawford is movable in the eyes of "the fan" and could provide some backdrop for why the movement rumors get louder regardless of where the cap falls.

Wow - having to simply buy Bickell's contract out? I'm surprised there isn't some sort of market for his services. I'd be disappointed if it really came to that.

Sharp hasn't seemed too upset, or phased at all during any interviews or anything the past few days. Maybe because of the cup excitement. But he sure doesn't seem like someone who is getting moved.

Saw the NHL Network thing following Eichel, McDavid, Noah, etc going into the Hawks and Lightning dressing rooms during the finals and meeting some players. I'm neutral on Eichel as far as demeanor (at least from that piece). And confidence can sometimes be mistaken as arrogance etc.

Wiz,

Did you watch the Frozen Four? Having been there, I left very underwhelmed by Eichel. Good player sure, but not the generational talent I was expecting to see. Frankly, Ghost impressed more in his Frozen Four as did Johnny Hockey. Of course, two games is a CRAZY SMALL sample size but I guess I expected a lot more standing out.

Go with Darling and Raanta, if they do not get it done acquire a proven goalie at the deadline, there will be lots of them but I really believe those two could get it done.

With a $69M cap, taking back salary for Sharp would be pointless. I think, at that point, you take the lower draft pick and no salary. In other words, StanBo is the first guy to blink. I think he has to.

Appreciate what Sharp has given the Hawks. Didnt appreciate his tailing activity in terms of his own end and ability on the PK but nonetheless a warrior in the Indian Head.

Bickell buyout seems reasonable but it will cost us against the cap, if enough teams know that this is the case which they probably do, no one will trade for him.

A Sharp and Crow to Buffalo rumor is an intersting thought. We are looking at 10 million gone in one transaction. Wishful thinking of course. But nonetheless would be very disappointing to see crow go. Toughest part of being a hawks fan

It is very likely in some of these trade scenarios, the Hawks would have to take some salary back.

Please no!!!! BTW what is the salary cap if it were to max out?

Wow - having to simply buy Bickell's contract out? I'm surprised there isn't some sort of market for his services. I'd be disappointed if it really came to that.
- Chief4Feathers

It would be disappointing. But, even if you have to eat $1.5mil, that other $2.5mil can be used for a Desi or Richie or, hell, 2 or 3 rooks that will probably be up next year.

Also, rumblings of the Hawks being a front-runner for Reilly if he doesn't sign with the Jackets which doesn't look likely. And the Hawks are desperate for a lefty on the blue line.

Wow. JJ, you don't think they would give Niemi the reigns if that scenario pans out, do you? Or do you think the organization feels Darling would benefit from another year in the back up role and slowly ease him into a full time starter.

I know, lot of things have to happen, just curious what you think.
- 1mbecker

Just what I'm hearing. I think Niemi's camp has approached the Hawks as a place he'd like to be. I am told the Hawks would look hard at it if they move Crawford.

Why would Toronto want Sharp?

BICKELL

“Very quiet.” The buyout scenario could be a reality.
- John Jaeckel

Does anyone know how a buyout of Bickell will affect the cap?

Think substance abuse

This makes sense. Similar to what I posted yesterday.

There is GROWING concern with a weaker free agency that the top players won't vote in the escalator and that will have a major impact on teams hovering around the cap as it is. That is why Crawford IS the contingency plan. That number comes in lower then anticipated and you will see a lot of balls in motion. Especially if they feel Darling or Raanta, or another cheap veteran goalie can hold the fort and keeping 1-2 Fs vs dealing 1-2 additional fs, and keeping Crawford.

I bet Sharp goes to Washington or Montreal. Montreal could be a tougher sell, but Washington could be THE landing spot. Sharp wants to win probably has a few years left in him, and Washington is close. Florida is NOT close, and getting back to the east coast for Mrs. Sharp may also be a HUGE carrot. I also firmly believe in fairness to Sharp they won't drag this out. Bowman wont give him away but I bet Sharp is gone BEFORE the draft. That allows bowman time to work on dealing Bickell or a lower tiered guy.

I still can't comprehend trading Shaw OR Versteeg. Both are versatile and cheap and when you are front loaded, those guys are EXTREMELY valuable.

See how this all plays out.......

Does anyone know how a buyout of Bickell will affect the cap?
- EKolb13

I'm looking for it now but I thought I read this morning the Hawks would take a $1.5mil hit if they bought him out.

Think substance abuse
- Maggie

Remember the concert injury!!!

If the Hawks have to buyout Bickell they are in tall cotton...As in screwsville.

Nice work.

JJ - a few weeks back you teased us by saying after the playoffs you would reveal what your source had told you about the potential locker room issue with Crawford. I'm really interested to hear this even though it would be with the huge caveat of "rumor."

I ask this because it may impact the analysis from the board here as to whether Crawford is movable in the eyes of "the fan" and could provide some backdrop for why the movement rumors get louder regardless of where the cap falls.
- UCSB616

I don't think it's a locker room thing, at least not that I've heard. I think it's more a case of higher ups having some concerns about his reliability. I'll leave it at that. I also don't think they're huge concerns. But I also hear there is something there.

JJ, I vowed to let Stan Bowman do his job, but, hoping that if Sharp does head to the Caps, that Tom Wilson is one of the pieces coming back this way , gonnabe fun these next couple of weeks boys.

As I understand it, we already used up our buyouts. Buying out Bickell does not give us much cap relief. There may be some relief I think but not the full $4M - not sure how much if any. Any one know for sure?

Eichel has already played against NHLers in the Worlds, so I can see how he could come off that way and he already has the keys to the city of Buffalo who haven't even drafted him yet...