Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 
Forums :: Blog World :: Tyler Cameron: The trip that broke the camel's back
Author Message
Return of the Roar
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Solidly grounded in reality, IL
Joined: 07.27.2009

Feb 14 @ 3:33 PM ET
I'm sorry, but why in the F*** would the Hawks NOT use the cap space they have right now when they're in the playoff mix NOT to use that cap space to improve this team NOW??? especially when the the cap space goes away in the summer?? oh and you can get players at pro-rated deals???

Tank?.... Shoot for a lottery pick?

Give me a break, if Bowman doesn't use this cap space then he should be fired - and I have been the biggest Bowman advocate over the last 10 years - but the man has lost his mind if he doesn't use this cap space....

Out of any bubble team the Blackhawks have the best opportunity to improve the team.... If Bowman can make the right acquisitions The Hawks could contend.... And on the flip-side of the coin I want to see these kids get experience and excel, however the Blackhawks have an opportunity to really stock up with talent and they have the ability to become a real force down the stretch, if they can add a couple of forwards and a couple of defensemen - and they have the space.....

It appears tho that some (not all) Hawks fans want to sell off assets to continue the rebuild another 2-3 years....... NO, NO, NO...... This isn't going to be 1997 all over again.

Look, my point it that the Hawks are in a fantastic position to really put themselves in a position to make a "power move", change the team, add assets and finish the season strong.

- Savard2Secord


Doing nothing is easier to hide behind than decisions you have to defend later.

Honestly, any late season adds would be tough on this team. It took the vets months to mostly adapt to whatever the cluster system is that they play now.

No to mention the "cap space" only exists this year, so your player pool is limited to expiring deals. With goalies to figure out, RFAs to pay or let go, bonuses due...still no wiggle room - for any GM.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Feb 14 @ 3:38 PM ET
I'm sorry, but why in the F*** would the Hawks NOT use the cap space they have right now when they're in the playoff mix NOT to use that cap space to improve this team NOW??? especially when the the cap space goes away in the summer?? oh and you can get players at pro-rated deals???

Tank?.... Shoot for a lottery pick?

Give me a break, if Bowman doesn't use this cap space then he should be fired - and I have been the biggest Bowman advocate over the last 10 years - but the man has lost his mind if he doesn't use this cap space....

Out of any bubble team the Blackhawks have the best opportunity to improve the team.... If Bowman can make the right acquisitions The Hawks could contend.... And on the flip-side of the coin I want to see these kids get experience and excel, however the Blackhawks have an opportunity to really stock up with talent and they have the ability to become a real force down the stretch, if they can add a couple of forwards and a couple of defensemen - and they have the space.....

It appears tho that some (not all) Hawks fans want to sell off assets to continue the rebuild another 2-3 years....... NO, NO, NO...... This isn't going to be 1997 all over again.

Look, my point it that the Hawks are in a fantastic position to really put themselves in a position to make a "power move", change the team, add assets and finish the season strong.

- Savard2Secord



They aren’t adding to the team. They are flawed and have been flawed since game 1 with only a great goalie tandem to mask the issues for spurts. And when said goalies aren’t playing at an elite level they are screwed.

Prepare yourself for the 2/24 deadline. If they aren’t selling as many pieces as they can then that’s a major red flag to me.
mohel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.08.2013

Feb 14 @ 3:39 PM ET
Wow.....this wreaks of laughable stupidy
LOL. Get real !!

- Hawkytalk


Huh?
Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Feb 14 @ 3:40 PM ET
Something else to talk about for everyone with a greater knowledge of the NHL at large than I have: trade proposals submitted to The Athletic - would you do any of them? Which are realistic proposalsl?

The Blackhawks send Erik Gustafsson and David Kampf to Vegas for forward Cody Eakin, a 2020 first-round pick, and a 2021 second-round pick (acquired from St. Louis). Second-rounder is conditional on Gustafsson signing an extension or Vegas winning the Stanley Cup. — Brandon (@StrateWhiteMail)

The Blackhawks send Erik Gustafsson to the Islanders for forward Josh Ho-Sang. — Andreas (@shuttervibe)

The Blackhawks send Erik Gustafsson and Alex Nylander to Toronto for winger Kasperi Kapanen a second-round pick. — Prime (@rushbaby1980)

The Blackhawks send Erik Gustafsson to Carolina for left wing Warren Foegele, find another defenseman in the offseason and sign Foegele. — @agonisti

The Blackhawks send Dylan Strome to Boston for second- and fourth-round picks. — @sikwitit03

The Blackhawks send Brandon Saad (retaining $500,000) to Edmonton for forward Sam Gagner, defensive prospect Dmitri Samorukov, a 2020 second-rounder and a 2021 second-rounder. The 2020 second-rounder would be upgraded to a first-rounder with some “stingy, performance-based” conditions. — Sam (@Roviet_Sussia)

The Blackhawks send Alex Nylander to Edmonton for Jesse Puljujarvi, and Connor Murphy to Toronto for Kasperi Kapanen — Brandon (@bwalk01)
The Blackhawks send Alex Nylander to Edmonton for Jesse Puljujarvi, and send Gustafsson to a contender for a first- or second-rounder. Try to get someone to overpay — Ben (@bkuchler23)
The Blackhawks send Brandon Saad to Edmonton for Jesse Puljujarvi and a second-rounder — @hockey_guy_81

The Blackhawks send Robin Lehner and Dylan Sikura to Carolina for a 2020 first-round pick (whichever of Carolina’s two is better), Jake Bean or Dominik Bokk, and a 2021 second-round pick (which would become a first if Lehner re-signs in Carolina). — Emily (@_emily_gilbert)
A league source said Thursday he believed Lehner could be available at the deadline if the Blackhawks sell. “Lehner is in play,” the source said. “(The Blackhawks) were taking another run at signing him, but …”. -EEK

The Blackhawks send Duncan Keith to Florida for defenseman Mike Matheson, a 2020 second-rounder and a 2020 third-rounder. — Sam (@Roviet_Sussia)

The Blackhawks send Dylan Strome and Alex Nylander to Anaheim for Josh Manson — @chad_reynolds1

- pdx2ord


I wouldn't mind the first one, just based on the principle of taking back an expiring contract and getting more assets. I like Kampf on line 4, but not a huge loss.

I'd like the Gus/Nylander to TOR for Kapanen, but you are essentially going from two guys making about $2M for one guy making over $3M for the next three. Not sure if the numbers would work, but I like the players. I always laugh when people think that brothers on the same team is some kind of draw (either for the players performance or marketing).
Return of the Roar
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Solidly grounded in reality, IL
Joined: 07.27.2009

Feb 14 @ 3:41 PM ET
Well...factually, they won the Cup in 2015 so not quite sure how that rates up there as one of their worst years.

Also, even when they had a plan and were getting there, I don't recall you ever really being on board. The slogan if memory serves has always been hollow for you win or lose...so factually there's that.

- HawkintheD


Since after 2015 is what I meant.

I have always had my reservations about the management team. And I have been clear about why. John's comment in his piece today about Stan and McD being born on third base is really hard to argue with - especially since after the last Cup win this team is on pace for its worst season since then - four years later.

So factually, there is that.

When you add up bad contracts, weak pipeline, poor coaching selection, you clearly see what this group has done since transitioning from caretakers to re-builders.
mohel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.08.2013

Feb 14 @ 3:44 PM ET
Pick it back up and hit yourself in the nuts repeatedly until you can't reproduce.
- GPHawksfan


mohel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.08.2013

Feb 14 @ 3:46 PM ET
I care a lot less about their words than I do about their actions. Stan can get up in front of microphones and BS to his hearts content - it isn't important. What's important are actions with favorable results.
- EbonyRaptor


Agreed.
Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 14 @ 3:46 PM ET
Doing nothing is easier to hide behind than decisions you have to defend later.

Honestly, any late season adds would be tough on this team. It took the vets months to mostly adapt to whatever the cluster system is that they play now.

No to mention the "cap space" only exists this year, so your player pool is limited to expiring deals. With goalies to figure out, RFAs to pay or let go, bonuses due...still no wiggle room - for any GM.

- Return of the Roar


I'll give you that, but only because JC is an inadequate coach, and Bowman I like literally "WTF"....... "I made a huge mistake".....

Crawford or King would be way better,,,,
Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 14 @ 3:48 PM ET
They aren’t adding to the team. They are flawed and have been flawed since game 1 with only a great goalie tandem to mask the issues for spurts. And when said goalies aren’t playing at an elite level they are screwed.

Prepare yourself for the 2/24 deadline. If they aren’t selling as many pieces as they can then that’s a major red flag to me.

- SteveRain


Yea they are flawed but that is why 13 million can make them NOT flawed.
Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Feb 14 @ 3:51 PM ET
Since after 2015 is what I meant.

I have always had my reservations about the management team. And I have been clear about why. John's comment in his piece today about Stan and McD being born on third base is really hard to argue with - especially since after the last Cup win this team is on pace for its worst season since then - four years later.

So factually, there is that.

When you add up bad contracts, weak pipeline, poor coaching selection, you clearly see what this group has done since transitioning from caretakers to re-builders.

- Return of the Roar


You've mentioned this a few times, but do you not consider Dach, Boqvist, Mitchell, Kurashev, Entwhistle, Barratt high end prospects? I realize that Dach and Boqvist are playing right now, but that is more out of necessity than anything else. Who has a better pipeline of talent right now? I'm asking because I don't follow the other teams lower ranks all that much.
Elbows15
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: I was going to do the math on this but I don't think it will help., IL
Joined: 08.04.2013

Feb 14 @ 3:55 PM ET
Well they set the marketing slogan themselves. They get the good and the bad associated with it.

When you set high expectations you are tied to them.

So what has one goal meant since April or 2017?

And have you not noticed the authentic fan propaganda to get people emotionally attached and still showing up?

My personal expectations for this team since 2016 were subtle. Everyone was all excited for 2016-17 playoff run and I was chastised for suggesting they were flawed even though they were “best in the conference” how did that work out?

They have failed to figure out what exactly they want to do. That’s the issue. They are stuck in an ongoing neutral position which hasn’t worked and now it’s time to finally tear it down. They operated in an insane world for 3 years now and it’s not working.

- SteveRain


The goal remains the same. It really isn't that complicated.
HawkintheD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Sick Bay, MI
Joined: 02.22.2012

Feb 14 @ 3:57 PM ET
Since after 2015 is what I meant.

I have always had my reservations about the management team. And I have been clear about why. John's comment in his piece today about Stan and McD being born on third base is really hard to argue with - especially since after the last Cup win this team is on pace for its worst season since then - four years later.

So factually, there is that.

When you add up bad contracts, weak pipeline, poor coaching selection, you clearly see what this group has done since transitioning from caretakers to re-builders.

- Return of the Roar


JJ's been peddling this narrative though since 2012 and I don't find it difficult to argue.

Guess we'll always disagree. 2010, yes. "13 and '15? Hardly. Is it hard to win a Cup or easy to win a Cup?

With the Core that Dale and Mike Smith gifted Stan, shouldn't they theoretically have won all those years or is it just as important to have the depth top to bottom and who supplied that after almost half the team had to be shown the door due to the Cap in 2010.

Seabrook's is the only contract I see as truly being bad. As far as the pipeline, it was ranked 10th at the beginning of the year and recently re-positioned in the Athletic to 12th. Boqvist was listed as a prospect but it was mostly due to Dach earning an everyday spot on the team.

They haven't done much in large part due to the fact that the Core didn't age quite as gracefully as management would have thought.

That's my take, but with some of the recent picks I can also see a path back to contention.
Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 14 @ 3:57 PM ET
Since after 2015 is what I meant.

I have always had my reservations about the management team. And I have been clear about why. John's comment in his piece today about Stan and McD being born on third base is really hard to argue with - especially since after the last Cup win this team is on pace for its worst season since then - four years later.

So factually, there is that.

When you add up bad contracts, weak pipeline, poor coaching selection, you clearly see what this group has done since transitioning from caretakers to re-builders.

- Return of the Roar


2015 finals was a pretty good series..... Pretty sure Keith got the GWG in game 6 and he finally hit the net and scored, lol.....
Elbows15
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: I was going to do the math on this but I don't think it will help., IL
Joined: 08.04.2013

Feb 14 @ 3:58 PM ET
It’s a blog. You and others ridiculed John and i liked John but he also had some points that were valid and some others that the narrative was overplayed. If you or Paul read that link, he’s not entirely off in his line of thinking. Nor is he entirely speaking from a non biased point of view.

Nobody here has a direct line to anyone in the organization. or else they’d be spending their time best suited to help the club. The game of telephone or sources or what have you is overplayed. I don’t see anyone challenging Tyler on his sources like they did John? How does anyone here know Tyler’s said sources are 100% factual or not another circus with the intent to embarrass somebody like some did in years past with John? That’s where this board is heavily divided and these posts go no where.

It’s not necessarily saying your right and he’s wrong. It’s a difference of opinion. He believes in his and you believe in yours.

The elitist attitude that comes off at times is exactly what a radio host in Chicago portrays and his ratings decline every year because of it. What makes you or elbows or Paul or me any more more educated then pe or 6628 or whoever else?

That’s what is driving people off this board. If it doesn’t fit a certain narrative people are shamed and the clique cackles along.

Calling a very good goalie lard ass just because or hoping a guy gets injured is the most immature thing on here. Apparently the said Gm you and others defend to the death like both and have liked smith for awhile according to the hawks themselves.

But he, Smith, sucks.

Same old song and dance each and every blog in the comments section. Nothing new.

- SteveRain


JJ is, was and always will be a giant pud. We know his sources were bullpoop because we were making up the trades and feeding it to him to expose his hypocrisy.

As for the rest of your whine. Smith does suck. Lehner will remain Lard Ass to me and if you don't like it, try a novel concept and ignore it.
Scott1977
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Yorkville, IL
Joined: 08.30.2012

Feb 14 @ 3:58 PM ET
As expected. How can we take seriously your critique of Stan if you're unable to identify who would do the job better? These things are judged in comparison to others doing the job.
- mohel

Hextall sherio couple of proven gm's. I think its just time for a fresh set of eyes and vision going forward.
Scott1977
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Yorkville, IL
Joined: 08.30.2012

Feb 14 @ 4:00 PM ET
As expected. How can we take seriously your critique of Stan if you're unable to identify who would do the job better? These things are judged in comparison to others doing the job.
- mohel

Hextall sherio couple of proven gm's. I think its just time for a fresh set of eyes and vision going forward.
Return of the Roar
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Solidly grounded in reality, IL
Joined: 07.27.2009

Feb 14 @ 4:01 PM ET
You've mentioned this a few times, but do you not consider Dach, Boqvist, Mitchell, Kurashev, Entwhistle, Barratt high end prospects? I realize that Dach and Boqvist are playing right now, but that is more out of necessity than anything else. Who has a better pipeline of talent right now? I'm asking because I don't follow the other teams lower ranks all that much.
- Chunk


So I am not disagreeing that there are some bright spots in the system. That said,
I think both Dach and Boqvist needed lower league development time. I'm not a fan of baptism by fire. But injuries did force their hand a bit.

Mitchell and Barratt could be gems, but neither with any non-collegiate play under their belts yet. Entwhistle - fourth liner - a good one maybe?

But one common thread among all of them - all very recently acquired prospects that came as a result of the team's better draft positioning due to poor NHL standings - who all need real evaluation to see if they can play at the professional level.

Optimistic for them, but jury far from out. Too early.
Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Feb 14 @ 4:03 PM ET
Yea they are flawed but that is why 13 million can make them NOT flawed.
- Savard2Secord


Which UFAs should they take on (that other teams are willing to trade) would take this team from below average to the Playoffs? Take a look on Capfriendly. There are not a lot of options. The guys that teams are willing to get rid of are not going to do it for you. I only see one guy, Taylor Hall, that would be a notable improvement over what we have and something that the other team would be willing to give up (if the rumors are to be trusted).

Not to mention, what do you have to give up to get said players?

Return of the Roar
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Solidly grounded in reality, IL
Joined: 07.27.2009

Feb 14 @ 4:03 PM ET


That's my take, but with some of the recent picks I can also see a path back to contention.

- HawkintheD


I do too - via the tank, better draft picks, and three more years of that. Then when some cap comes off the books they will have FA money to spend again. And hopefully learn lessons on how not to sign players going forward.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Feb 14 @ 4:04 PM ET
JJ is, was and always will be a giant pud. We know his sources were bullpoop because we were making up the trades and feeding it to him to expose his hypocrisy.

As for the rest of your whine. Smith does suck. Lehner will remain Lard Ass to me and if you don't like it, try a novel concept and ignore it.

- Elbows15



Whine? No. Youre just an bumhole. Nothing more or less. Tried be civil for a bit but it’s tiresome. Clique on. Go dm each other and gang up like a bunch of 13 yr old girls.

The sad thing is we lost many great posters who grew tiresome having to explain with rationale detail their opinions because it didn’t fit any of your(s) narrative. And when challenged it resulted in childish attacks.

Clique on.
17SEC
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Limerick, PA
Joined: 09.16.2015

Feb 14 @ 4:06 PM ET
I am late to the party regarding JJ's article and Boudreau's firing.....meanwhile our JV coach remains employed.

Take a step back and just think about the circumstances and timing of firing a legend and the initial hiring of an "in over his head" JC..………………..seriously. What player in the Hawks locker room was on board with the sudden change? Respect is earned.....has Jeremy earned any respect from his players? Honestly, how could he? What's his resume? Anyway I digress....

I coincidently texted a fellow Blackhawks friend on Jan 23rd. Perfect time for Rocky to bounce McD, Stanley and Jeremy during the ASG break. Hire Gallant and give our team a chance to make the playoffs. Only a dream of course.

Now I read JJ's article - lots of truth there (in my amateur opinion). Honestly, this is really really sad to me but I am not optimistic towards the Blackhawks being relevant in the near future. They've had a great, great run but reality now bites.

Anyway, thanks to this great site I am able to vent a little.

Appreciate everyone's contributions and opinions - it's nice to maintain a following of the Blackhawks from Pennsylvania (left Chicago in 1997). Now if we could only beat the Flyers in Philadelphia during the regular season!!! But yes, 6-9-10 was a pretty special day!!!!!
Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Feb 14 @ 4:10 PM ET
So I am not disagreeing that there are some bright spots in the system. That said,
I think both Dach and Boqvist needed lower league development time. I'm not a fan of baptism by fire. But injuries did force their hand a bit.

Mitchell and Barratt could be gems, but neither with any non-collegiate play under their belts yet. Entwhistle - fourth liner - a good one maybe?

But one common thread among all of them - all very recently acquired prospects that came as a result of the team's better draft positioning due to poor NHL standings - who all need real evaluation to see if they can play at the professional level.

Optimistic for them, but jury far from out. Too early.

- Return of the Roar


That is what all prospects are no? So how do we tell who has the better pipeline, or say that the Hawks have a weak one?

Most are recently acquired players who need evaluation in the bigs. And typically, the better players are found at the top of the draft, where the Hawks were not drafting for years. Successful teams almost by definition aren't going to have great prospects by way of where they are drafting. Let alone finding talents like Kane, Keith, or even Toews.

Savard2Secord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Round Lake, IL
Joined: 12.12.2016

Feb 14 @ 4:11 PM ET
Hextall sherio couple of proven gm's. I think its just time for a fresh set of eyes and vision going forward.
- Scott1977





Hextall will be like : "I'll take him behind the woodshed" ... lol
HawkintheD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Sick Bay, MI
Joined: 02.22.2012

Feb 14 @ 4:11 PM ET
I do too - via the tank, better draft picks, and three more years of that. Then when some cap comes off the books they will have FA money to spend again. And hopefully learn lessons on how not to sign players going forward.
- Return of the Roar


You know they won't actually tank but I agree with the rest of it. As much as I enjoyed them playing somewhat meaningful hockey, the recent losing streak should have them selling at the deadline...hopefully.

I don't think it will be a fire sale but I'd like to see if Stan can take advantage of any desperate trade partners at the deadline.
Return of the Roar
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Solidly grounded in reality, IL
Joined: 07.27.2009

Feb 14 @ 4:11 PM ET
That is what all prospects are no? So how do we tell who has the better pipeline, or say that the Hawks have a weak one?

Most are recently acquired players who need evaluation in the bigs. And typically, the better players are found at the top of the draft, where the Hawks were not drafting for years. Successful teams almost by definition aren't going to have great prospects by way of where they are drafting. Let alone finding talents like Kane, Keith, or even Toews.

- Chunk


The ticket back to the top is traveling back to the bottom in a hard cap league. Just like economic cycles - the length of the boom is usually equal to the length of the bust.
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36  Next