[A] Blackhawks Sign Sheldon Brookbank

[Ton]

Brookbank had three goals, 11 assists and was a plus-11 in with the Anaheim Ducks last season and hopes to help solve some of the issues on the penalty-kill, an area the Blackhawks had struggled in last season by finishing 27th overall in the NHL.



"I’m just kind of a steady defenseman," Brookbank said. "You kind of know what you’re getting out of me — not anything really too flashy. I pride myself on just making a good first pass and trying to play hard and stick up for my teammates."



"The Hawks were a team that I kind of hoped would have some interest in me," Brookbank said. "They’ve really got a good young team with a lot of potential and they’re proven winners. I’m happy to join them and try to help get back there.



"They have a lot of ’D’ here (and) I was told I’d be in the kind of 5-6 range," Brookbank added. "I hope to play every day."



Brookbank participated in 8 fights last season while compiling a total of 72 PIM.



"It’s not something I necessarily go looking for all the time, but I’m just the kind of guy when I play I get into some confrontations here and there," Brookbank said.



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[Chief Walking Stick]

One of John Scott's victims.

 

[Ashor-redtribe]

have no idea who he is. sounds like a good golfer.

 

[Ton]

Compared to all the money thrown around, this is a great deal. Lets see how much someone like Salvador gets, then laugh because we filled the same need with $1.25M. I'm not sure I quite understand the uproar over this move around Chicago. It's not great but it's not bad either.



Typical Bowman move I suppose, people want the big fish and Bowman has never provided that. I'm glad he's staying out of the bidding war.



$4.6M for Garrison? $3.6M for Souray? $1.5M for Rome? $3.5M for Allen? Money is flowing like crazy. I think we got a good deal for a 5-6. Even if Brookbank turns out to be our #7, that's still pretty cheap.

 

[bookjones]

Compared to all the money thrown around, this is a great deal. Lets see how much someone like Salvador gets, then laugh because we filled the same need with $1.25M. I'm not sure I quite understand the uproar over this move around Chicago. It's not great but it's not bad either.



Typical Bowman move I suppose, people want the big fish and Bowman has never provided that. I'm glad he's staying out of the bidding war.



$4.6M for Garrison? $3.6M for Souray? $1.5M for Rome? $3.5M for Allen? Money is flowing like crazy. I think we got a good deal for a 5-6. Even if Brookbank turns out to be our #7, that's still pretty cheap.

I have had zero problems with this signing since it was announced yesterday. At the time in Chat, all I could vaguely recall was that he was a pretty steady stay at home d-man. Then I checked his stats and that pretty much bore out. Perfectly serviceable, affordable, and more importantly NOT a fucking hockey relic.

 

[Ton]

I remember when he played for Nashville's affiliate, Milwaukee Admirals. He's tough as nails. He could be a decent 5-6 but honestly I can see him dropping down the depth chart to 7th d-man.

 

[Ashor-redtribe]

well lets see who else if any we get. Im not saying go on a spending spree, but there is still a need.

 

[Variable]

Slow, slow, slow.



Slow.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Slow, slow, slow.



Slow.

Not as slow as Scott or O'Donnell so still technically an upgrade.

 

[Variable]

Scott is in a league of his own,but O'Donnel and Brookbank? In the same ball park.

 

[CLWolf81]

Scott is in a league of his own,but O'Donnel and Brookbank? In the same ball park.

O'Donell is more balanced but is more offensively focused and is a dinosaur, Brookbank can hit and defend, not to mention he's much younger. Huge upgrade.



In other words, Stan gave us our wish.... a d-man who can defend, can stand up for himself and teammates (even though Scott kicked his ass), and isnt headed for a convalescent home anytime soon. In my eyes, I'm not a fan of him, but he fulfills the need for a steady 6 that we need. I'll live with that for now.



Stan loves him because he's cheap. Enough said.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

O'Donell is more balanced but is more offensively focused and is a dinosaur, Brookbank can hit and defend, not to mention he's much younger. Huge upgrade.



In other words, Stan gave us our wish.... a d-man who can defend, can stand up for himself (even though Scott kicked his ass), and isnt headed for a convalescent home anytime soon. Stan loves him because he's cheap. Enough said.

How do you feel about Parros departing from the Ducks?



Gotta love that guy...

 

[CLWolf81]

How do you feel about Parros departing from the Ducks?



Gotta love that guy...

Huge loss.... its more huge a loss for Anaheim than anyone realizes.... Sure, they got Brad Staubitz, but he'll never replace the 'Stache. The only benefit of that deal is the fact Staubitz can skate, lol



For Florida, huge morale booster.

 

[LordKOTL]

I like. Cheap, Would have been #2 in hits, a right handed shot, and plays the PK.



Not a earth-shattering acquitision, but if anything the team needs soldiers, not generals.

 

[CLWolf81]

Considering what other D-men signed for, I certainly don't mind the amount. $1.25M a year is a hell of a lot better than what most other players have signed for elsewhere.

 

[MassHavoc]

First folks are disappointed, then they are ok with it at the price and position, then they are disappointed that this is all Stan did, then they are ok because he didn't do anything stupid. haha. Fun times.

 

[Shantz My Pants]

First folks are disappointed, then they are ok with it at the price and position, then they are disappointed that this is all Stan did, then they are ok because he didn't do anything stupid. haha. Fun times.

I've been quite tempted to just stay off all boards in general with the constant bitching.



IMO, it's a great signing. He's not even close to an O'Donnell. The guy played over 15 minutes a game, was on the PK and is willing to block shots and play physical in his own end. He's not a top 4 defenseman, but he's not a #7 either. He's the perfect price and talent wise for your #5 or #6 dman.



The fact that he's physical makes this defense better already. The Hawks gave the opposition way too many easy looks and were not protecting the "house" at all. The other team was able to take the puck to the net with ease. Who was going to stop them? Leddy? Keith? Hammer? With Brookbank, he's going to help make it difficult on the shooters on the other team. He's going to be willing to stand them up, take away their lanes, make it difficult for them to get there shots off. Outside of Seabs, the Hawks lacked that and I guarantee this signing will help on team defense.

 

[R K]

reminds me of a younger Sopel but more skilled. Very good depth move IMO and just what this defense needed. Blocking shots, physical, and a PKer.



And Trev you should stay off the boards. For our sanity.

 

[Shantz My Pants]

reminds me of a younger Sopel but more skilled. Very good depth move IMO and just what this defense needed. Blocking shots, physical, and a PKer.



And Trev you should stay off the boards. For our sanity.

Pot meet Kettle.

 

[Samurai]

First folks are disappointed, then they are ok with it at the price and position, then they are disappointed that this is all Stan did, then they are ok because he didn't do anything stupid. haha. Fun times.

'Tis a might schizophrenic. I have a feeling all of our medications are merely placebos. Being part of the control group sucks.