my recommendation would be to sell, sell, sell. Well, I don't know how much "selling" they can actually do, but there are some pieces there to move. - TC

Mine too. I do think it's good that a lot of guys who figure to be part of the future are playing (Dach and Boqvist mostly), though I'm also hoping to see Mitchell at some point.

If they appear to be out and do sell off pieces and can get anything for Gus, Crow, Maata and Smith I say go for it.

If Lehner hints he's looking for Bobro money, keep Crow and trade him instead.

I like Saad but if a team blows you away with an offer of multiple picks and a good prospect, including a 1st, I think they need to listen.

I get the feeling though the team will continue on the current path and they'll stand pat.
- HawkintheD

If they go into “sell mode” does that in any way dissuade Mitchell from signing?

I like Lehner but I would have his new contract end the same year as Toews, Kane, Keith, and AD (Summer of 2023). At that time they can see where they are at. Seabs would only have one more year at that point. If Lehner wants a longer term or too much money then I would let Lehner walk, sign Crow for a year or two at about $6 mil, and break in Lankinen to see if he can takeover for Crow in a year or two.
- -Doh-

Not directed at you Doh, just a general question. What if Lehner wants to test the market and isn't re-signed for next year AND Cro retires. Next year's goalies would be an untested Lankinen or relatively inexperienced Delia and probably a veteran acquired via trade or free agency. Without knowing the veteran that combination probably would be worse than this year's and could be as worse as the past couple of years while Cro was out with his concussions.

Just another possible problem on Stan's plate.

If they go into “sell mode” does that in any way dissuade Mitchell from signing?
- Ogilthorpe2

I can't see why it would. It would theoretically create more space for him in the lineup and, let's be honest, it's not going to notably affect the product on the ice.

I was of the opinion that if Lehner wants more than about $7 or more than 3 years, 4 tops, he can pound sand. Because, by the time this team is a contender again, he likely won’t be anymore. I’m starting to think now though that they should try to sign him to reasonable $ value and not worry as much about term. As long as it doesn’t include a no trade clause, he should be considered as an asset that could provide competitive value now, and potential future trade value.

Not directed at you Doh, just a general question. What if Lehner wants to test the market and isn't re-signed for next year AND Cro retires. Next year's goalies would be an untested Lankinen or relatively inexperienced Delia and probably a veteran acquired via trade or free agency. Without knowing the veteran that combination probably would be worse than this year's and could be as worse as the past couple of years while Cro was out with his concussions.

Just another possible problem on Stan's plate.
- boilermaker100

Depending on what Lehner's opening proposal is, he likely could go straight to FA. If that is the case, I believe that they will sign an "above average" FA and back him up with either Lankinen or Delia.

I know Theo has stated a number of times that Delia has fallen in the ranks of the Icehog goalies, but Ben Pope has a story on him today that provides some perspective on why. It's something I think we all need to consider/remember when talking about player performance.

Ben Pope‏ @BenPopeCST · 3h3 hours ago

Collin Delia’s autumn was awful.

He had an .863 sv% in AHL. His girlfriend’s unexpected pregnancy carried health concerns. He barely visited his leather shop.

But the past month has brought good baby news, a .936 sv% and a rejuvenated drive for the NHL:

Full article: https://chicago.suntimes....social&utm_source=twitter

I doubt it. I think he is a man of his word. It gives him more opportunity to earn playing time right away (Boqvist RD, Keith LD, Murphy RD, deHaan LD, , Mitchell RD, Seabs,LD, might be ok). Hayes was not guaranteed top 6 minutes in the summer of 2014. The Hawks have some good veterans, some good prospects and young players and they will likely have a pretty decent pick in the upcoming draft. Finally, unlike Hayes, he seems to have a close relationship with Bowman (who just traded his brother).

I can't see why it would. It would theoretically create more space for him in the lineup and, let's be honest, it's not going to notably affect the product on the ice.
- Chunk

If we’re talking about the usual suspects...guys like Smith, Gus, or maybe even Saad, I agree. When you start throwing out bigger names like Keith or even the Wonder Twins...who knows? Kid might have dreams of playing with some of those guys.

I was of the opinion that if Lehner wants more than about $7 or more than 3 years, 4 tops, he can pound sand. Because, by the time this team is a contender again, he likely won’t be anymore. I’m starting to think now though that they should try to sign him. As long as it doesn’t include a no trade clause, he should be considered as an asset that could provide competitive value now, and potential future trade value.
- Ogilthorpe2

I could be wrong, as I can't currently find the statement, but I believe he recently said that he want's some stability and will not be taking discounts. If by stability he meant having a somewhat regular home, my guess is that he will push for a NTC/NMC. That said, who knows.

If we’re talking about the usual suspects...guys like Smith, Gus, or maybe even Saad, I agree. When you start throwing out bigger names like Keith or even the Wonder Twins...who knows? Kid might have dreams of playing with some of those guys.
- Ogilthorpe2

Fair enough. I'm of the opinion that they will not be trading any of the core. I think they all play out their contracts unless they simply get so fed up with the FO coaching staff that they lose their crap and demand a trade out.

Not directed at you Doh, just a general question. What if Lehner wants to test the market and isn't re-signed for next year AND Cro retires. Next year's goalies would be an untested Lankinen or relatively inexperienced Delia and probably a veteran acquired via trade or free agency. Without knowing the veteran that combination probably would be worse than this year's and could be as worse as the past couple of years while Cro was out with his concussions.

Just another possible problem on Stan's plate.
- boilermaker100

I doubt Crow retires when he can make another $6mil for another year or two. If Lehner walks Stan has to gamble on another veteran and Lankinen or Crow and Lankinen. My feeling is that he would bet on Crow and Lankinen.

I was of the opinion that if Lehner wants more than about $7 or more than 3 years, 4 tops, he can pound sand. Because, by the time this team is a contender again, he likely won’t be anymore. I’m starting to think now though that they should try to sign him. As long as it doesn’t include a no trade clause, he should be considered as an asset that could provide competitive value now, and potential future trade value.
- Ogilthorpe2

If Lehner decides he is worth more than the Jawks are going to pay, trade him for picks/prospects and let him go FA. Does not mean he is going to get what he wants in FA anyway, maybe the Hawks can sign him for a more palatable amount.

I was of the opinion that if Lehner wants more than about $7 or more than 3 years, 4 tops, he can pound sand. Because, by the time this team is a contender again, he likely won’t be anymore. I’m starting to think now though that they should try to sign him. As long as it doesn’t include a no trade clause, he should be considered as an asset that could provide competitive value now, and potential future trade value.
- Ogilthorpe2

Good point about not including the NTC or NMC. So there are three factors. Years, cap hit and if he demands one of the restrictive clauses.

If we’re talking about the usual suspects...guys like Smith, Gus, or maybe even Saad, I agree. When you start throwing out bigger names like Keith or even the Wonder Twins...who knows? Kid might have dreams of playing with some of those guys.
- Ogilthorpe2

There's not gonna be that level of sale, imo. I suspect they're looking for a shorter retooling, with less revenue loss for Rocky. So, I think they'll sell off guys they don't see as being "contender" quality in a 2-3 years. The immortals will be around to sell tickets.

I doubt Crow retires when he can make another $6mil for another year or two. If Lehner walks Stan has to gamble on another veteran and Lankinen or Crow and Lankinen. My feeling is that he would bet on Crow and Lankinen.
- -Doh-

Is Crawford really worth 6mi right now? I would be surprised. He has looked like an above average goaltender this eason. Certainly, not elite like Lehner.

I would think 3-4mil is fair value.

If they go into “sell mode” does that in any way dissuade Mitchell from signing?
- Ogilthorpe2

That's a great question.....but look at this way.

If you are Ian Mitchell and you are looking at your ability to play immediately in Chicago....

Keith
DeHaan
Murphy
Seabrook
Boqvist
Maata

That's 6 guys right there...Sure they could trade DeHaan, Maata, Murphy or Keith, and until we hear otherwise you have to assume Seabrook is coming back.

I could be 100% wrong but 1 of the main reasons Kevin hayes went for greener pastures was he wanted to play ASAP. Hawks didnt' have a spot for him.

To me Bowman has to clear more room then just Gustafsson and if he extends Gus he should be fired on the spot. Dead serious on that.

my recommendation would be to sell, sell, sell. Well, I don't know how much "selling" they can actually do, but there are some pieces there to move. - TC

Mine too. I do think it's good that a lot of guys who figure to be part of the future are playing (Dach and Boqvist mostly), though I'm also hoping to see Mitchell at some point.

If they appear to be out and do sell off pieces and can get anything for Gus, Crow, Maata and Smith I say go for it.

If Lehner hints he's looking for Bobro money, keep Crow and trade him instead.

I like Saad but if a team blows you away with an offer of multiple picks and a good prospect, including a 1st, I think they need to listen.

I get the feeling though the team will continue on the current path and they'll stand pat.
- HawkintheD

Part 1 - 110% correct

Part 2 - 11000000000% correct

It'll be more of the same as the continue to try and find a way to be a Playoff team once again while Kane, Toews, and Keith are still around.

He'll looks great in Ranger blue.

Signs with the Av's.

Is Crawford really worth 6mi right now? I would be surprised. He has looked like an above average goaltender this eason. Certainly, not elite like Lehner.

I would think 3-4mil is fair value.
- catrisc

If he has no health issues the rest of the year and strings together a few good games I think someone will pay him $6mil +/- on a short term deal. I doubt the Hawks make him take a pay cut. They would feel a Crow/Lankinen (who is an RFA) at about $8mil is a reasonable price and a reasonable risk for a goalie tandem.

I like Lehner but I would have his new contract end the same year as Toews, Kane, Keith, and AD (Summer of 2023). At that time they can see where they are at. Seabs would only have one more year at that point. If Lehner wants a longer term or too much money then I would let Lehner walk, sign Crow for a year or two at about $6 mil, and break in Lankinen to see if he can takeover for Crow in a year or two.
- -Doh-

$6 for Crow? He'll be lucky to get the $3 we gave Cam Ward.

That's a great question.....but look at this way.

If you are Ian Mitchell and you are looking at your ability to play immediately in Chicago....

Keith
DeHaan
Murphy
Seabrook
Boqvist
Maata

That's 6 guys right there...Sure they could trade DeHaan, Maata, Murphy or Keith, and until we hear otherwise you have to assume Seabrook is coming back.

I could be 100% wrong but 1 of the main reasons Kevin hayes went for greener pastures was he wanted to play ASAP. Hawks didnt' have a spot for him.

To me Bowman has to clear more room then just Gustafsson and if he extends Gus he should be fired on the spot. Dead serious on that.
- SteveRain

Gus needs to be gone yesterday. I wanted them to trade him this offseason and give the job to Boqvist because the ceiling was MUCH higher for him than Gus who we pretty much knew exactly what he was. Plus, the return would have likely been very good coming off a career year.

Maatta is a guy they should be looking to sell off at the deadline to a team in need of Defensive help who might be willing to overpay because they're trying to fix their team to win now.

Seabrook, I don't think you can count on him going into next year. He would have to be penciled in right now for next year because they won't know for a few months how he's recovering and what a timeline might look for him if the plan is still for him to return.

Same goes for de Haan really unfortunately with how many injuries he's had to his shoulder over the years. That's more likely going to be a constant issue the rest of his career.

Only guys you can count on are Keith, Murphy (health concerns from him as well), and Boqvist going into next year (Maatta too if kept; I think more than thing he'd get moved to help clear cap space). So an opening for him to come in and play is there for him to take if he wants it IMO.

If he has no health issues the rest of the year and strings together a few good games I think someone will pay him $6mil +/- on a short term deal. I doubt the Hawks make him take a pay cut. They would feel a Crow/Lankinen (who is an RFA) at about $8mil is a reasonable price and a reasonable risk for a goalie tandem.
- -Doh-

Crow Lankinen won't cost more than $4.

That's a great question.....but look at this way.

If you are Ian Mitchell and you are looking at your ability to play immediately in Chicago....

Keith
DeHaan
Murphy
Seabrook
Boqvist
Maata

That's 6 guys right there...Sure they could trade DeHaan, Maata, Murphy or Keith, and until we hear otherwise you have to assume Seabrook is coming back.

I could be 100% wrong but 1 of the main reasons Kevin hayes went for greener pastures was he wanted to play ASAP. Hawks didnt' have a spot for him.

To me Bowman has to clear more room then just Gustafsson and if he extends Gus he should be fired on the spot. Dead serious on that.
- SteveRain

I think you are overcomplicating this. The Hawks played Gilbert and Boqvist over some of these guys even when healthy. You don't have any idea if/when Seabrook and de Haan will be coming back. If he doesn't sing at the end of this year, then I would be a bit concerned (I believe he has to finish his senior year before becoming an FA), but I think this is more fan conjecture than anything else.

Crow Lankinen won't cost more than $4.
- rpeters01

Remember this post. I will.

Remember this post. I will.
- -Doh-

Got it. What did Sharp sign for, $900?
There's no "if" with Crow's health issues he will always have them like a recovering addict is always an addict. He's not the guy he used to be and Lankinen has no NHL experience.

Got it. What did Sharp sign for, $900?
There's no "if" with Crow's health issues he will always have them like a recovering addict is always an addict. He's not the guy he used to be and Lankinen has no NHL experience.
- rpeters01

Also you have many goalies Crow's age that are playing just as well that are UFA's making much less, Kudhoben, Halak, Greiss Francouz all for less than $3.5 mil. Anderson with Ottawa is making $4.75, but I can see him getting a one year Ward type contract for $3 mil. with a NTC. although he is 37 yo.