Core Player list

[Gunzaan]

Because the way that the Hawks have handled their roster in the last 5-6 years would seem to indicate that they're more concerned with the skaters on the ice as opposed to the man in net. In just a five year span, they've had Khabibulin, Huet, Niemi, Turco, Crawford all as the No. 1 guy.

They just don't seem like the kind of franchise that's going to throw a huge contract at a goalie to lock themselves up for multiple years.

Right after the Cup, when the Sharks sent an offer sheet to Hjalmarsson, it forced the Hawks to either match that offer. When the Hawks did, that pretty much ended any chances of Niemi coming back to town. When the Hawks have a choice, they go for a skater.

This.

Crawford will be gone in two years. The Hawks value paying fowards and their top 3 defenders over having a top 5 goalie. And let's be honest, Crawford is more in the top 10-15 range. I think its reasonable to assume they would rather keep and develop Leddy over Crawford.

 

[Diehardfan]

Come on fellas. I need opinions and insights to further my hockey knowledge. I don't need a pissing match.


(besides, last time I was in a pissing contest, I wrote the emancipation proclamation in cursive, in the snow, and had enough left over to sign the damn thing. I win.)


Back to hockey.


Out of curiosity, I feel like Crawford made "the leap" this year...why do some of you not consider him a core player? Not saying he's not - just trying to understand rationale.

Ahhh, they just like to tease Hawkwriter because he just can't resist any troll bait he comes across.


I think the signing of Antti Raanta spoke volumes as to where the Hawks are with Crawford. They went out last season and picked up Emery...why? Because they weren't positive that Crawford could turn it around. They knew they'd be a good team and if he failed they didn't want to entrust the teams fate to some kid playing in Rockford. The Raanta signing is saying pretty much the same thing. They know Emery will be gone and they're still not sure on Crawford....plus the other side of the coin is that if Crawford does turn into a premier goalie, do they want to pay him the big bucks he'll be looking for in another year?

 

[Gunzaan]

Unless the closing games of this series are like game 4 I think Rask probably wins it no matter what. I am guessing he gets a lot of votes based on what he did earlier, and if the tempo returns to game 1-3 pace, and the Cup Final.

If the Hawks win, Raask isn't going to win the CS. Granted, a member of the losing team has won it before, but only in historically good playoff runs. Raask has been great, but I'm talking about a Guigure (I know that is spelled wrong but too lazy to look it up). Raask really was only sensational against the Penguins.

IF the Hawks win, as of now, I have Sharp, then Crawford, then Keith as CS candidates. Obviously, that is subject to change with a few games to be played. Of course, it will be a mute point if Boston wins.

 

[dabynsky]

If the Hawks win, Raask isn't going to win the CS. Granted, a member of the losing team has won it before, but only in historically good playoff runs. Raask has been great, but I'm talking about a Guigure (I know that is spelled wrong but too lazy to look it up). Raask really was only sensational against the Penguins.

IF the Hawks win, as of now, I have Sharp, then Crawford, then Keith as CS candidates. Obviously, that is subject to change with a few games to be played. Of course, it will be a mute point if Boston wins.

Could be right, but I think Rask gets a lot of sizzle off the Penguins series. I hope to find out very soon.

 

[HawkWriter]

Ahhh, they just like to tease Hawkwriter because he just can't resist any troll bait he comes across.


I think the signing of Antti Raanta spoke volumes as to where the Hawks are with Crawford. They went out last season and picked up Emery...why? Because they weren't positive that Crawford could turn it around. They knew they'd be a good team and if he failed they didn't want to entrust the teams fate to some kid playing in Rockford. The Raanta signing is saying pretty much the same thing. They know Emery will be gone and they're still not sure on Crawford....plus the other side of the coin is that if Crawford does turn into a premier goalie, do they want to pay him the big bucks he'll be looking for in another year?

The way the Blackhawks are built, and with the salary cap going down, they can't afford to pay a goalie those big bucks so it definitely could get interesting in the scenario you bring up. Just doesn't make sense for them. I think Crawford is at $2.6mil and I'd be surprised if we see the Blackhawks go over $3mil with a goalie anytime soon (unless those big buck guys at F/D are gone).

Should be really interesting to see how Antti adjusts to the north american style of hockey next year. I would usually assume that he would start off in the AHL, but because of new cap rules and his cap hit being $1.4mil (1 year deal, RFA after next year) the Blackhawks might actually have him start with the big team next year.

 

[Gunzaan]

The way the Blackhawks are built, and with the salary cap going down, they can't afford to pay a goalie those big bucks so it definitely could get interesting in the scenario you bring up. Just doesn't make sense for them. I think Crawford is at $2.6mil and I'd be surprised if we see the Blackhawks go over $3mil with a goalie anytime soon (unless those big buck guys at F/D are gone).

Should be really interesting to see how Antti adjusts to the north american style of hockey next year. I would usually assume that he would start off in the AHL, but because of new cap rules and his cap hit being $1.4mil (1 year deal, RFA after next year) the Blackhawks might actually have him start with the big team next year.

I completely agree. Since it is only a 1 year deal, I could see him starting the first half of the year in the AHL, then getting some time with the Hawks as the backup halfway through the year, to see if he can do it in the NHL, to see if they want to resign him instead of Crawford. I wish it was a 2-3 year deal, but they are going to have to rush him up to see his worth.

 

[Diehardfan]

The way the Blackhawks are built, and with the salary cap going down, they can't afford to pay a goalie those big bucks so it definitely could get interesting in the scenario you bring up. Just doesn't make sense for them. I think Crawford is at $2.6mil and I'd be surprised if we see the Blackhawks go over $3mil with a goalie anytime soon (unless those big buck guys at F/D are gone).

Should be really interesting to see how Antti adjusts to the north american style of hockey next year. I would usually assume that he would start off in the AHL, but because of new cap rules and his cap hit being $1.4mil (1 year deal, RFA after next year) the Blackhawks might actually have him start with the big team next year.

I can definitely see that happening unless he really stinks up the place in camp & pre-season. I also expect him play quite a bit if he's the real deal like they're saying. Maybe splitting the time with Crawford. They will only keep one of them, they need to decide which.

 

[Diehardfan]

I completely agree. Since it is only a 1 year deal, I could see him starting the first half of the year in the AHL, then getting some time with the Hawks as the backup halfway through the year, to see if he can do it in the NHL, to see if they want to resign him instead of Crawford. I wish it was a 2-3 year deal, but they are going to have to rush him up to see his worth.

I find it very interesting that both of their contracts expire at the same time. You know, this kid isn't coming out of college or the junior leagues. He's been playing professionally in Finland's pro league...so he's got some built in experience. Not NHL, but much more than some kid playing in college. A little competition never hurt anybody....I hope it plays out this way.

 

[HawkWriter]

I find it very interesting that both of their contracts expire at the same time. You know, this kid isn't coming out of college or the junior leagues. He's been playing professionally in Finland's pro league...so he's got some built in experience. Not NHL, but much more than some kid playing in college. A little competition never hurt anybody....I hope it plays out this way.

I think because of his age it is just a coincidence. The Blackhawks were only allowed to sign Antti to a 1 year contract where he would be a RFA the following summer. Same reason why the Blackhawks could only sign LeBlanc to a 1 year deal and he is now a RFA.

It does look like Antti was atleast sign to a two-way deal, so he won't count against the NHL cap hit (I believe, due to only making $70k in AHL) though based on the new buried contract rules

 

[Jntg4]

Fine by me. I post something like that and an idiot throws the thread off. No skin off my back.

The bolded is true, just delete the rest.

 

[Jntg4]

Core: Toews, Kane, Keith, Sharp, Seabrook, Hossa
Could Become Core: Saad, Terravianen

 

[Gunzaan]

The bolded is true, just delete the rest.

Shouldn't you be preparing an article about when the first soccer player comes out as a straight man?

 

[Jntg4]

Shouldn't you be preparing an article about when the first soccer player comes out as a straight man?

, that one was published last week

 

[Chris J]

1. Toews
2. Keith
3. Kane
4. Crawford
5. Seabrook
6. Sharp
7.Hossa
8. Hammer
9. Saad
10. Bickell
11. Rozival


Those are my 11. If they bring back Bickell, then I think 6 foward spots are up for grabs. Kruger should be able to get one but Morin Smith Pirri Hayes and teravainen are all gonna press for spots

 

[Chris J]

Handzus could be back because he will want to win and shouldnt cost much. O and I forgot Shaw to that list. Ill put him at 12

 

[KBIB]

If the Blackhawks are relying on Hayes to replace Bickell, they are in trouble. Hayes does not play as big as Bickell, not even close - regular or postseason Bickell. Toss in the fact that Hayes is poor on his skates compared to Bickell and just about anybody else, and he gets knocked off the puck pretty easily. I'm personally not a fan of J. Hayes as a prospect or his future in the NHL. I do like K. Hayes though as he is already a superior skater compared to his brother. Hayes upside is his size (while he isn't physical, it is still an advantage) and some soft hands around the net.

Where did you make up this projection and just how many games in Rockford did you see to come to this conclusion about Jayes?

Jayes is much, much faster then Bickell and on the same level of skating. Your follyrific notion that Bickell is a better skater is torked every time the guy stumbles over his skates, something he has done once in every playoff game since the Kings series. Bad ice? (snicker)

As for "playing physical", Bickell didn't suddenly turn into a physical player until his contract year, and was questioned repeatedly if he was ever gonna play that style. He did, it just took him until he had to prove he could do it in the NHL until he was getting ready for a nice pay day.

Wait, Jayes is still on his ELC, silly me. His under a million contract works in the Hawks favor instead of throwing a bunch of money at Bickell so he can sleep walk thru years then turn the light on for his next contract.

Classic RubeWriter.



loaf

 

[KBIB]

1. Toews
2. Keith
3. Kane
4. Crawford
5. Seabrook
6. Sharp
7.Hossa
8. Hammer
9. Saad
10. Bickell
11. Rozival


Those are my 11. If they bring back Bickell, then I think 6 foward spots are up for grabs. Kruger should be able to get one but Morin Smith Pirri Hayes and teravainen are all gonna press for spots

Next year?




loaf

 

[HawkWriter]

Where did you make up this projection and just how many games in Rockford did you see to come to this conclusion about Jayes?

Jayes is much, much faster then Bickell and on the same level of skating. Your follyrific notion that Bickell is a better skater is torked every time the guy stumbles over his skates, something he has done once in every playoff game since the Kings series. Bad ice? (snicker)

As for "playing physical", Bickell didn't suddenly turn into a physical player until his contract year, and was questioned repeatedly if he was ever gonna play that style. He did, it just took him until he had to prove he could do it in the NHL until he was getting ready for a nice pay day.

Wait, Jayes is still on his ELC, silly me. His under a million contract works in the Hawks favor instead of throwing a bunch of money at Bickell so he can sleep walk thru years then turn the light on for his next contract.

Classic RubeWriter.



loaf

Rockford and NHL level. You have an opinion that he will replace Bickell just fine, how did you get to that opinion?

Hayes isn't close to the skater Bickell is. No where close in terms of speed, strength on skates, and strength on puck.

Hayes isn't close to the physical level that Bickell is/was even 2 years ago when he was a "ghost" compared to what he is now.

Hayes actually has a cap hit higher than the current one Bickell has. I don't think the Blackhawks should re-sign Bickell at the rate he is going, he is going to get paid by someone.

You continue to show lack of knowledge, impressive homerism, but do quite well with going after the insults.

Enjoy.

 

[Capt. Serious]

according to CapGeek, here are the possible Hawks UFA's after next season:

Bolland- peace out if not somehow traded beforehand.
Carcillo- didn't understand the extension but see ya.
Hammer- hopefully they extend him.
Crawf- 50/50 on him.
Brookstank- it was nice knowing ya...not really.
Bollig- nuff said. dude sucks at hockey.

 

[KBIB]

Rockford and NHL level. You have an opinion that he will replace Bickell just fine, how did you get to that opinion?

And how many games was this, again? The ones against the Wolves? And if that's the case, did you see Jayes playing the body a bit more last year while on the Hogs? I did. Sadly, so right there, you are talking out your ass yet again. This isnt Johnnys, Rube.

Hayes isn't close to the skater Bickell is. No where close in terms of speed, strength on skates, and strength on puck.

Bickell scouting report;
http://forecaster.thehockeynews.com/hockeynews/hockey/player.php?4509
Flaws- average skating ability
Jayes scouting report;
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/jimmy_hayes/
LeWhoops?

Did you know Bickell was known as a hack for his skating before he was drafted while Hayes was regarded as one of the best skating big men in his? Just questions? But don't take my word for it, take Scotty Bowmans;
[video=youtube;zqlG2IF7tbw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqlG2IF7tbw[/video]
(snicker)
Who do I believe, a GM or a guy who says the hockey gods at Johnnys could run a better PP?
choices, choices.....

Hayes isn't close to the physical level that Bickell is/was even 2 years ago when he was a "ghost" compared to what he is now.

Tell that to Rozi. I wont even mention how certain bigger players develop a power game slowly, I mean Bickell is proof enough. But then again, it took Chara four years before he learned to harness the physical side of playing in the NHL. You know that, right?

Hayes actually has a cap hit higher than the current one Bickell has. I don't think the Blackhawks should re-sign Bickell at the rate he is going, he is going to get paid by someone.

But its cheaper then Bickells next year, correct?

You continue to show lack of knowledge, impressive homerism, but do quite well with going after the insults.

Enjoy.

If you are insulted by somebody pointing out your futile posts then you need to start looking into the mirror instead of replying.

I heard they do that at Johnnys, just sayin.



loaf