Tyler Cameron: What's the future in net for the Blackhawks?
For years, there has been little doubt between the crease in Chicago. It's been 10 years to be exact; that's how long Corey Crawford has been the anointed #1 for the Blackhawks.

But what (or who) is the future in net?

Corey will serve as a nice stopgap as the core remains very productive and the young guys try to catch up fast enough to create a winning formula. It'll be tough and the outlook is that this team will probably be fighting for a playoff spot next year.

CC will be back. We know the hawks are extremely loyal to their cup winners. I have said for the last 7 years he is their team MVP.

I can see the hawks offering 2 years incentive laden at about 3 mildo base.

Will he get offers from other teams? I don't see why not. I suspect better than what the hawks could/will do. However there is a long list of UFA goalies out there this year.

I can assure you lehner will not be back. With every win the knight accrue he is now definately looking in the 7 mildo plus for 6 or 7 years. I am not even sure the knights can pay him unless they move MAF.

CC will be back. We know the hawks are extremely loyal to their cup winners. I have said for the last 7 years he is their team MVP.

I can see the hawks offering 2 years incentive laden at about 3 mildo base.

Will he get offers from other teams? I don't see why not. I suspect better than what the hawks could/will do. However there is a long list of UFA goalies out there this year.

I can assure you lehner will not be back. With every win the knight accrue he is now definately looking in the 7 mildo plus for 6 or 7 years. I am not even sure the knights can pay him unless they move MAF.
- bogiedoc

The problem with incentives is that they will have to be able to fit them under next years cap - or the cap for 2021-22 - which won’t be any more generous (stuck at $81MM).

Imo sign crow 3 years 3 million per like you said tyler. I m not as high on delia as you are but that is a discussion for another time. Let suppan delia lank battle it out in training camp. Draft another goalie. But i would like to see is hawks trading for georgiev or another option is to trade for Johansson from buffalo. You mentioned him in previous blog.

Big question is who do they expose in the expansion draft next summer? I forgot the rules for the expansion...do they have to expose a goalie?

CC will be back. We know the hawks are extremely loyal to their cup winners. I have said for the last 7 years he is their team MVP.

I can see the hawks offering 2 years incentive laden at about 3 mildo base.

Will he get offers from other teams? I don't see why not. I suspect better than what the hawks could/will do. However there is a long list of UFA goalies out there this year.

I can assure you lehner will not be back. With every win the knight accrue he is now definately looking in the 7 mildo plus for 6 or 7 years. I am not even sure the knights can pay him unless they move MAF.
- bogiedoc

Pretty sure incentive laden contracts are allowed only if the contract is for one year. Typically incentive laden goalie contracts have the incentives kick in at games played milestones such as 10, 20, 30, 40 games. Cro is aware of his injury history and may not go for that and probably will want a guaranteed contract for at least 2 years possibly with the assurance he will not be exposed in the expansion draft so he can stay in Chicago.

He may ask for 2 x 5M. Stan will initially offer 2 x 3M and they will settle at 2 x 4M.

When you think about it both sides have some leverage. Bowman knows Crawford wants to stay in Chicago. The Crawford camp knows the Hawks have no sure fire top goalie in the system and to replace him with a decent UFA goalie would cost at least 5M and longer term. If Stan opts for a journeyman UFA goalie (e.g. Greiss, Talbot, Elliott) that he can get for 2 x 2.5M or 3M, IMO Stan is throwing in the towel on the season.

Big question is who do they expose in the expansion draft next summer? I forgot the rules for the expansion...do they have to expose a goalie?
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Excellent question, it will be Crow, Delia and Lankinen who will be exposed and anyone else that they sign to a pro deal.

I forgot to mention this part in my blog... STAN DO NOT GIVE COREY A FULL NTC.

I know he will and it would be smart from Corey's perspective but it would give them so much more flexibility down the line, incuding the expansion draft.

Big question is who do they expose in the expansion draft next summer? I forgot the rules for the expansion...do they have to expose a goalie?
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Yes they have to expose a goalie who is signed for the 21-22 season. Right now both Delia and Lankinen fit the bill. If Crawford signs a multi-year extension he'll probably want some assurance that he will be protected in order to stay in Chicago.

No guarantee that Delia or Lankinen will be selected by Seattle. I think they have to select three goalies and there may be better choices available.

It has been reported the the Maple Leafs contacted the hawks about their #17 overall picks and told the Hawks, smartly, were not moving it.

I am curious as to what exactly was discussed with Corey Crawford that he publicly said he wants to be the man where he signs.

Could the Hawks have discussed with him the possibility of bringing say a Matt Murray or outsider not part of the Rockford farm system?

It just seems that Corey's comments about being the workhorse were either him still smarting from the Lehner signing and being thrust into a competition or a slight feeling hurt interview.

I beg to ask, does Delia have weaknesses in his game. He was exposed for weaknesses after his first game in the NHL. Sure I get that he is athletic and has a leadership personality but just how good will he be?.

Laakinen showed well in the European championship when he played well as the man in net in Finland's championship in the tournament. There appears to be a qyestion if he is a sure fire starter as for his ceiling yet he is considered as strong back up. When 6628 just now .entwined to keep an eye on Tompkins - alright will do although I am guessung his ceiling is not going to become higher than the others.

Rick just plain dishes them, and I suppose he includes Subban as well.

I am going to just say this: whomever the goaltenders are for Chicago, there has to be one veteran if they want secutity for the position as they challenge for a playoff spot. I would believe 2 yr $3.5 guaranteed first year and 3.0 non guaranteed in year two is the best way to go for both Crawford & Bowman. Whom else as good comes cheaper? If we make playoffs a healthy Crawford is an advantage. I will risk the concussion history but only guarantee one year

Bowman should figure out which of the cast he prefers as a back up, though. Tyler's approach about splitting time between Delia and Laakinen is an affordable approach and helps with savings. I want to resign everyone and if Stan figures out a trade, that is fine with me.

No guarantee that Delia or Lankinen will be selected by Seattle. I think they have to select three goalies and there may be better choices available.
- boilermaker100

But the past expansions have shown the newbies prefer trying to expansion trade younger developing Goalers and in the case of Fleury a guy who had no long term health issues or chinks in the armor.

It very well may end up more about what Crawford demands are and if the team is going to submit to any that may railroad their long term plan for the position.

Yes they have to expose a goalie who is signed for the 21-22 season. Right now both Delia and Lankinen fit the bill. If Crawford signs a multi-year extension he'll probably want some assurance that he will be protected in order to stay in Chicago.

No guarantee that Delia or Lankinen will be selected by Seattle. I think they have to select three goalies and there may be better choices available.
- boilermaker100

Big chance Delia or Lankinen is selected if unprotected imho

It has been reported the the Maple Leafs contacted the hawks about their #17 overall picks and told the Hawks, smartly, were not moving it.

I am curious as to what exactly was discussed with Corey Crawford that he publicly said he wants to be the man where he signs.

Could the Hawks have discussed with him the possibility of bringing say a Matt Murray or outsider not part of the Rockford farm system?

It just seems that Corey's comments about being the workhorse were either him still smarting from the Lehner signing and being thrust into a competition or a slight feeling hurt interview.
- wiz1901

Agree that the Hawks were wise in keeping their 1st round pick. Rutherford selected Kapanen in the 1st round several years ago then traded him to Toronto as part of the Kessler deal. Like Bowman, Rutherford probably likes his former players and over payed to get him back IMO.

Regarding Crawford, maybe it's a negotiating tactic or he's self confident enough to say he can still be the #1 to get a longer than one year contract.

Great blog Ty! Think you pretty much covered all the angles/options for the Hawks.

At this point, I'd be more surprised if Crawford isn't back next year. Not sure how many years/year they will ink him to, but I'm sure part of the deal will be an NTC.

Not just cause, you know...Stanbo, but also I doubt Corey agrees to take less money if the team has the potential to trade him down the line.

I could also see the deal being somewhere between $3-4M.

Here's another thought as to why the Hawks will want Cro back. He's used to the Hawks defensive system and knows to expect a high number of HDSC.

Can you see a new UFC goalie coming in. He'll crack under the pressure.

All of the above in red font of course.

I dont know if all are aware of the fact that the NHL, if the US inability to get a grip of the spread of the virus, the NHL is condsidering NOT having the entire leagues rinks open and start the season with empty seats then advancing to partial attendance with testing etc

They are considering expanding the hub city concept and having a groups of teams lock down together and start with play in limited cities.

Not trying to make this political, but the I think all have to agree that strict bubble has worked so successful BECAUSE the leadership has put the restrictions as paramount; We all know if there was any looser rules or putting the guard down, could close this current playoff, as we have seen in baseball with disproportionate standings due to cancellations.

I applaud the NHL on what they have accomplished so far, and if they see fit to continue to go no fans, just TV and bubbles this idea of bubble city hubs may be how 2020-21 begins.

I beg to ask, does Delia have weaknesses in his game. He was exposed for weaknesses after his first game in the NHL. Sure I get that he is athletic and has a leadership personality but just how good will he be?.

Laakinen showed well in the European championship when he played well as the man in net in Finland's championship in the tournament. There appears to be a qyestion if he is a sure fire starter as for his ceiling yet he is considered as strong back up. When 6628 just now .entwined to keep an eye on Tompkins - alright will do although I am guessung his ceiling is not going to become higher than the others.

Rick just plain dishes them, and I suppose he includes Subban as well.

I am going to just say this: whomever the goaltenders are for Chicago, there has to be one veteran if they want secutity for the position as they challenge for a playoff spot. I would believe 2 yr $3.5 guaranteed first year and 3.0 non guaranteed in year two is the best way to go for both Crawford & Bowman. Whom else as good comes cheaper? If we make playoffs a healthy Crawford is an advantage. I will risk the concussion history but only guarantee one year

Bowman should figure out which of the cast he prefers as a back up, though. Tyler's approach about splitting time between Delia and Laakinen is an affordable approach and helps with savings. I want to resign everyone and if Stan figures out a trade, that is fine with me.
- jhawk59

All NHL contracts are guaranteed.

Great blog Ty! Think you pretty much covered all the angles/options for the Hawks.

At this point, I'd be more surprised if Crawford isn't back next year. Not sure how many years/year they will ink him to, but I'm sure part of the deal will be an NTC.

Not just cause, you know...Stanbo, but also I doubt Corey agrees to take less money if the team has the potential to trade him down the line.

I could also see the deal being somewhere between $3-4M.
- HawkintheD

Stan typically wants to be fair with his players, especially those who have earned it like Crawford. Stan's approach will be test now that the cap will be flat for 2 years. I would expect CC to return as well, 1 or 2 years for $3-$4 million seems about right.

I sound like a broken record (Breadman, do you know what a record is?) but Stan needs to prepare to replace Crawford after the next 2 seasons. I don't have faith in any of the current goaltending prospects to fill the starter role.

If Cro is expecting to play 55-60 games, you will have to let him walk. He isn't going to get that same guarantee from any other team. Also, the trend of the single goalie playing all but 10-12 games a season is just about extinct due to the demands of the position, injury, slumps, etc.

Look at the goaltenders who are playing now:

Carter Hart 43 games (I know the season is shortened but it extrapolates out to 51 games, and he is 20 years old.

Varlamov: 45 games

Halak (backup due to absence by Rask)

Vasalevsky: 52 games but he is making $9.5 Mil. for the next 8 years, probably best goalie in the league right now.

Vegas: Lehner, we all know his story

Vancouver Markstrom 43 games, injury issues

Dallas Khudobin, Bishop injury

Colorado Francouz: Grubauer injury issues, plus they basically split the net.

You also have to figure in, whatever the next season looks like, ti will be a compressed schedule, and there will be less time for rest and recovery.

Stan typically wants to be fair with his players, especially those who have earned it like Crawford. Stan's approach will be test now that the cap will be flat for 2 years. I would expect CC to return as well, 1 or 2 years for $3-$4 million seems about right.

I sound like a broken record (Breadman, do you know what a record is?) but Stan needs to prepare to replace Crawford after the next 2 seasons. I don't have faith in any of the current goaltending prospects to fill the starter role.
- DarthKane

A record is an accomplishment that a person sets that marks them as the best or highest in that particular skillset.

Yes, I know what the other type of record is. I own a couple. Nothing notable though.

Im wondering why most people want to give Crow a 2 or 3 year deal when he is 36 and has gotten hurt every year in the last 3. Its like trading for shaw and giving up a 2nd and 3rd it felt like it was 75% certain injuries would be a problem. I give Crow a 1 year deal and if things work out do another one. smart GM's do this when they have players that have a huge injury concern. if we don't trade for shaw we have a extra 2nd and 3rd and 4 more mil to work with. if he wants 3 years it needs to be with someone that can absorb 3 years or a flat cap on a player that is probably only going to be avlaible 1/2 his games. the number of teams that works for is who?

I dont know if all are aware of the fact that the NHL, if the US inability to get a grip of the spread of the virus, the NHL is condsidering NOT having the entire leagues rinks open and start the season with empty seats then advancing to partial attendance with testing etc

They are considering expanding the hub city concept and having a groups of teams lock down together and start with play in limited cities.

Not trying to make this political, but the I think all have to agree that strict bubble has worked so successful BECAUSE the leadership has put the restrictions as paramount; We all know if there was any looser rules or putting the guard down, could close this current playoff, as we have seen in baseball with disproportionate standings due to cancellations.

I applaud the NHL on what they have accomplished so far, and if they see fit to continue to go no fans, just TV and bubbles this idea of bubble city hubs may be how 2020-21 begins.
- wiz1901

I totally agree. Also kudos to the players, the games are being played at playoff intensity levels. Kudos to the refs and director of player safety for being just as inconsistent as ever. And special kudos to the NHL production team, I think the production has been outstanding.

TBH, I am more worried about the 6 guys in front of the goalie.

I totally agree. Also kudos to the players, the games are being played at playoff intensity levels. Kudos to the refs and director of player safety for being just as inconsistent as ever. And special kudos to the NHL production team, I think the production has been outstanding.
- LAHawk

Not one positive COVID test. Maybe Bettman isn't an idiot.

It has been reported the the Maple Leafs contacted the hawks about their #17 overall picks and told the Hawks, smartly, were not moving it.

I am curious as to what exactly was discussed with Corey Crawford that he publicly said he wants to be the man where he signs.

Could the Hawks have discussed with him the possibility of bringing say a Matt Murray or outsider not part of the Rockford farm system?

It just seems that Corey's comments about being the workhorse were either him still smarting from the Lehner signing and being thrust into a competition or a slight feeling hurt interview.
- wiz1901

Saw that Wiz. Glad Hawks didn't take that trade.

I think Crawford had a tough year with the Lehner addition. He's making it clear he wants them (or another team) to promise he's the guy and his play has backed that up.

Question is... If he wants to be the guy and its not Chicago... where is it?

Buffalo?
Ottawa?
Carolina?

There aren't a lot of good options and numerous uncertainties whereever he goes as the acquiring team won't have the allegiances that the Hawks have.

I think Crawford and the Hawks know this is still a great marriage and will get it done swiftly.