Hawks 2010 Off-Season Transactions/Rumors

[roshinaya]

Hawks have signed the norwegian winger Mathis Olimb to a one year two way deal. He played for Västra Frölunda in the SEL posting 9+25 in 55 games. Should be a speedy winger with good hands, but a bit smallish. I bet it's just a depth move.



http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdis ... ?pid=80166" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



doing a forsberg penalty shot in the IIHF WC 2010

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gCz0XxpXOw[/youtube]

 

[phranchk]

Offseason Transactions

First of many I'm sure.

Can't believe Free Agent signing starts in just over 2 weeks.

 

[Ashor-redtribe]

Re: Offseason Transactions

It really saddens me to see this season end, just because the path to the glory land might not be there anymore.

 

[roshinaya]

Re: Offseason Transactions

Good call on making this a catch-all thread for all the Hawks signings. Didn't think of it myself.

 

[Buryit Toews]

Re: Offseason Transactions

Take this for what it's worth, it IS from Hockey Buzz.



http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/John-Jaeckel/How-The-Hawks-Will-Spend-Their-Summer-Vacation/128/28783



INTERESTING PART BOLDED.



It's time to clear the air surrounding one of the more discussed, and easily the most misunderstood, topic in hockey these days: the Blackhawks' cap situation for 2010-11.



In the last few days, I have heard unsubstantiated, knee-jerk opinions on both ends of the spectrum from respected hockey journalists, ranging from "the Hawks cannot repeat" (ridiculous) to "they won't have to part with players like Kris Versteeg" (equally ridiculous).



First, there's a lot of gray in this picture that I don't think anyone, possibly not even the Hawks, the league and the NHLPA, fully understand right now, specifically the impact of Jonathan Toews' Conn Smythe bonus and the rumored signing of Antti Niemi to an extension during the playoffs.



There is some evidence that the Hawks had some cap room left in 2009-10 to play with that was likely consumed by either or both of the above. But, either way, taken together, they all impact the Hawks' cap number for 2010-11, good or bad.



That said, I'm going to lay out roughly where the Hawks will be in 2010-11, where they need to get to cap wise, and some ways I could see them doing it. There are a lot of theories flying about what the Hawks will or should do. Some are good, some aren't. You have to look at some facts and go by how the organization has solved problems in the past.



In a nutshell, and in slightly rough terms, once Nik Hjalmarsson, Andrew Ladd and Antti Niemi are signed, subtracting UFAs John Madden, Ben Eager and Adam Burish form the team, and adding in about 6 players at around $700K a piece (remember this, we'll come back to it), the Blackhawks budget will be about $71 million, roughly $13 million above a rough cap space of $58 million.



13 is the unlucky number. OK, how do you subtract $13 million from this roster?



The salaries I see cut to make this up are Cristobal Huet ($5.625 million) , Brent Sopel ($2.33 million), Ladd (estimated at $2 million) and Versteeg ($3 million).



Here's how, with each player, I could see it happening.



First, Huet. He's gone. But how? Some have suggested sending him to the minors, paying his salary off the cap, and periodically re-entering him so that someone else might pick him up. Sending him to the minors might work, but once that happens, he's gone. Re-entering him is too expensive for what will be a water-tight budget next year and if someone did claim him on re-entry, the Hawks would be on the hook for half his salary (which they also can't afford).



If you send Huet to Rockford, that's the easiest $11 million over two seasons a guy will ever make. Remember, barring a financial miracle, they will not be able to re-enter him. And $11 million is a lot of money. Even to Rocky Wirtz.



Sure, the thought of moving his family to Rockford might be enough to get Huet to pack up and go play in Switzerland or the KHL or just retire. But all the leverage in that situation is Huet's. Not the Hawks'.



The best scenario for all concerned is to deal Huet. Now, before everyone goes off half-cocked here, assume for a minute that a Huet deal does not have to be straight up. Now put a bookmark in this and let's move on to Versteeg.



The Hawks have four forwards making between 3 and 4 million dollars a year whose names are not Hossa, Kane or Toews. And their names are Bolland, Byfuglien, Sharp and Versteeg.



At least one of those guys must go to make the dollars work. There's literally almost no other imaginable way (aside from trading Brian Campbell, which I don't see happening— Campbell's contract is almost untradeable, he has a limited no-trade cause, and his six-week absence at the end of the regular season and the beginning of the playoffs underscored again how valuable he is to this team.



The Hawks hands are tied on Bolland and Sharp. John Madden is very likely going elsewhere as he has turned down a reduced rate contract extension from the Hawks already. Sharp and Bolland are your 2nd and 3rd line centers, and there's no one else in the organization who comes remotely close to filling those roles. And there's no one you can sign or trade for that doesn't put you back in cap hell. Those are the hard facts, folks.



People can say what they like about Dustin Byfuglien, but he has significantly outplayed many $6-7 million a year forwards in the playoffs the last two years. Plus, he can flop back and play a serviceable 4-5 defenseman in a pinch. The Hawks would be insane to deal him for anything less than a small King's Ransom— which they're probably not going to get for him.



That leaves Versteeg. A fast, dynamic player, but also a guy with some holes in his game.



And then there's Ladd. Again, barring some other unforeseen deal, I don't see how the Hawks can keep him. I believe they will extend him a qualifying offer in a couple of weeks with the intent of signing him. But they will then deal him (either before or after actually signing him).



I have heard in the last 48 hours that there is a big market for the young Hawk forwards. How true this is, we'll see. Teams I could see "in the hunt" for these guys include Atlanta (where John Torchetti is rumored to possibly be rejoining Rick Dudley), Florida, Toronto, Columbus, Nashville, Ottawa, the Islanders and the Hurricanes.



But if there is such a market, the Hawks will try to package Huet in the deal. They tried it at the trading deadline, and almost got a team to bite. They will try it again.



Sure, that's a lot of cap hit for a team to take on.



But there are a lot of teams who can swing it. If you're about to trade a veteran goalie or lose one to free agency (like Florida, Dallas or possibly San Jose) then having a guy like Huet as a backup or a "bridge" to a goalie of the future (like Jakob Markstrom in Florida) makes sense— especially if you really want Versteeg and/or Ladd. The departing goalie means cap room.



Or a team can land Versteeg and/or Ladd and just buy Huet out.



Think about it. A 25 year old Kris Versteeg at $3 million a year (plus $1.85 million to buy Huet out) versus a 35 year-old, $5 million a year forward through free agency. It's an interesting choice, at the very least.



Will the Hawks be able to pull it off? I don't know. But they're going to try. Sending Huet to the minors is not the panacea that some think.



But sending Sopel to the minors, on the other hand, makes a ton of sense.



At $2.33 million a year, they likely can re-enter him. He would be a nice injury insurance policy all year next year. And a virtual assistant coach at Rockford. That's why I suspect that's where Sopel's going to end up.



As far as who replaces these guys, don't expect an influx from Rockford. The Hawks are definitely going to the Detroit model of leaving players in the AHL until they are more than ready to play in the NHL.



Instead, I believe the Hawks are going to try to get some bargains from free agency, experienced guys who want a shot at a Cup who are willing to play for less than $1 million a year. We're not talking superstars here, but legitimate third pairing/bottom six guys who can contribute. Some of those guys might be their own UFAs, like Ben Eager or Colin Fraser or Nick Boynton. From Rockford, maybe Bryan Bickell or Jake Dowell joins the team. Forget about Kyle Beach, Akim Aliu or Shawn Lalonde— at least next year.



Again, will it all play out this way? Maybe somewhat, maybe quite a bit, or perhaps not at all. The summer will tell us more.





But all that said: anyone who thinks a team with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, Sharp, Byfuglien, Brouwer, Bolland, Hjalmarsson, Kopecky and Niemi categorically can't compete for a Cup next year is simply not thinking rationally. No one should be saying they will repeat. But to rule them out at this polint is pretty foolish.



FINISHING CHECKS:



Heard Al Cimaglia mention on NHL Radio Mike Haviland's name has been connected to the vacant Devils head coaching job.



Actually, I suggested a year ago that the Devils should look at Havy, a New Jersey native and a successful coach at every level he's worked at. Amazing though, what winning a Stanley Cup will do in terms of creating demand for coaches and players.



Apparently Marian Hossa played through the Finals with a sprained MCL. Further proof of what a tough, heart and soul guy Hossa is, in addition to an elite hockey talent.



I'll be back in the next few days with a special interview on the draft.



Thanks for reading everyone,





JJ



Not sure how much weight we can give this, I haven't seen it anywhere else. Also, Hossa is a warrior! Figured I would post this hear as it has a lot to do with the player movement, we will see what happens. If you want this post out of this thread because it does not contain any OFFICIAL signings then just remove it or move it, thanks!

 

[phranchk]

Re: Offseason Transactions

I don't buy that he's been signed to an extension. His agent has been out talking. One quote from Bill Zito (Niemi's agent)

"I haven't said a word to him yet," said Zito, who like his client, is still living in the moment of victory. "I certainly wasn't going to say anything to him when he was in the playoffs. And now, these guys [had] their parade [yesterday]. There's a time and place to deal with it. But right now I think it's premature."



"You have to make a smart hockey decision," Zito said. "Where does he want to play? Does he want to be part of this thing?



"This city, it's unbelievable now. But he might say 'no.' In fact, he's the kind of guy who might say, 'I don't like it.' "



"The other night, we were all going to dinner and I was like, 'Hey, we're going to one of these Mexican places, do you want to go?'



"Antti says, 'No. Too many people will see me.' "

 

[Tater]

Re: Offseason Transactions

I wonder how he figures this:



"Forget about Kyle Beach, Akim Aliu or Shawn Lalonde— at least next year."

 

[MassHavoc]

Re: Offseason Transactions

[quote name="Tater"]I wonder how he figures this:



"Forget about Kyle Beach, Akim Aliu or Shawn Lalonde— at least next year."[/quote]

Hawks can't afford their Rookie bonus' for 2011-2012! haha

 

[Buryit Toews]

Re: Offseason Transactions

I don't buy the rumored signing either... like you said Zito has been doing a lot of talking, a little too much if you ask me.



I also don't understand how you can rule out any of those guys for next year, especially Beach and/or Lalonde.

 

[Larmer83]

Re: Offseason Transactions

I seem to recall an article by John Jaeckel near mid-season in which he backed the Huet as the goalie to lead the Hawks to the promised land.

Instead, I believe the Hawks are going to try to get some bargains from free agency, experienced guys who want a shot at a Cup who are willing to play for less than $1 million a year. We're not talking superstars here, but legitimate third pairing/bottom six guys who can contribute. Some of those guys might be their own UFAs, like Ben Eager or Colin Fraser or Nick Boynton.

I did not know that Eager and Fraser are UFA's. Wait. They're not.

Or a team can land Versteeg and/or Ladd and just buy Huet out.



Think about it. A 25 year old Kris Versteeg at $3 million a year (plus $1.85 million to buy Huet out) versus a 35 year-old, $5 million a year forward through free agency. It's an interesting choice, at the very least.

Sounds reasonable enough at first glance. However, that 1.85 million is per annum at 4 years or 7.4 million. The deal is effectively Versteeg for 7.4 million. When is Mike Milbury leaving the broadcasting booth for a GM position?

 

[Buryit Toews]

Re: Offseason Transactions

The internet never lies, he has to be right!

 

[jakobeast]

Re: Offseason Transactions

At least that explained some things. I have noticed a lot of hockey pundits talking about Huet to the Rock, Campbell being traded, and Hossa traded. I wonder how those morons that write that get paid. I just don't see the Hawks paying Huet that much to work in Rockford.



Was Huet really that bad? Seriously think about it. Yes, he may be getting paid too much, but he is a fine goalie. The scenario dude painted above about Steeg and Huet makes sense.



I think our UFA's are all gone. Every one of them. I think any RFA that had to be signed last year is gone.



If I were Bowman, I would be happy to be in this kind of trouble, though very stressed. IMO, must sign players are Niemi and Hammer. Hendry I wouldn't mind either, but I don't think that will happen.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Re: Offseason Transactions

[quote name="jakobeast"]At least that explained some things. I have noticed a lot of hockey pundits talking about Huet to the Rock, Campbell being traded, and Hossa traded. I wonder how those morons that write that get paid. I just don't see the Hawks paying Huet that much to work in Rockford.



Was Huet really that bad? Seriously think about it. Yes, he may be getting paid too much, but he is a fine goalie. The scenario dude painted above about Steeg and Huet makes sense.



I think our UFA's are all gone. Every one of them. I think any RFA that had to be signed last year is gone.



If I were Bowman, I would be happy to be in this kind of trouble, though very stressed. IMO, must sign players are Niemi and Hammer. Hendry I wouldn't mind either, but I don't think that will happen.[/quote]



Yea pretty much.

 

[bubbleheadchief]

Re: Offseason Transactions

[quote name="Stu Grimson"]



Yea pretty much.[/quote]

I disagree Stu, only bad stat Huet really had was his save% (.895) everything else was just fine. 26-14-4 (4SO) GAA 2.50, that and an overpaid contract, which was what caused everyone to focus on any mistake he made. How many times did we hear on this site , "For that kind of money he should be making that save."

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Re: Offseason Transactions

[quote name="bubbleheadchief"]

I disagree Stu, only bad stat Huet really had was his save% (.895) everything else was just fine. 26-14-4 (4SO) GAA 2.50, that and an overpaid contract, which was what caused everyone to focus on any mistake he made. How many times did we hear on this site , "For that kind of money he should be making that save."[/quote]



45th in the league for SV%. I know klem doesn't like this stat... but that's over 1,083 shots... TERRIBLE.

 

[jakobeast]

Re: Offseason Transactions

Bubble has it right, Stu. People want perfection for the money he's making. It's just not gonna happen. Huet is a fine goalie, and any team with a goalie need should give him a look. I don't think Steeg and Huet will be packaged together, and even if they are, we would have to take some salary back.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Re: Offseason Transactions

[quote name="jakobeast"]Bubble has it right, Stu. People want perfection for the money he's making. It's just not gonna happen. Huet is a fine goalie, and any team with a goalie need should give him a look. I don't think Steeg and Huet will be packaged together, and even if they are, we would have to take some salary back.[/quote]



.895 SV% on a team with a top 3 defense in the league... not a fine goalie. He'd be run out of this league at this stage in his career if he were on a team with a bad defense.



How many times did the Blackhawks outshoot and score enough goals to win but Huet let in 3-4 goals in under 20 shots?



His GAA is good because of the defense... how come he is 12th in the league in GAA but 45th in SV%? Because he as an individual goaltender is not as good as he used to be.



Unfortunately his tragic flaw is that he's a head case... one bad game/goal and all goes to shit... not exactly the mental make up any team wants in a starting goalie.



He's a great backup no doubt... but no one is going to take him with that contract.

 

[bubbleheadchief]

Re: Offseason Transactions

[quote name="Stu Grimson"]



.895 SV% on a team with a top 3 defense in the league... not a fine goalie. He'd be run out of this league at this stage in his career if he were on a team with a bad defense.



How many times did the Blackhawks outshoot and score enough goals to win but Huet let in 3-4 goals in under 20 shots?



His GAA is good because of the defense... how come he is 12th in the league in GAA but 45th in SV%? Because he as an individual goaltender is not as good as he used to be.



Unfortunately his tragic flaw is that he's a head case... one bad game/goal and all goes to shit... not exactly the mental make up any team wants in a starting goalie.



He's a great backup no doubt... but no one is going to take him with that contract.[/quote]

Looking at just the stats, except for one (which is still only a little over 1 goal per 10 shots, he averaged a tad over 22 shots per game), he does not have bad stats, period. And how many nights did he stand on his head and get absolutely no offensive support?? I am not getting into the "he is a head case" debate, because that is straight up opinion from all of us. Guy got a raw deal from the time he signed the contract here, he could have Brodeur like numbers and he would still get shit al over. For his sake, I hope he does get traded, because as long as he wears the Indianhead he is going to be booed.

 

[PYsebaert]

Re: Hawks sign winger Mathis Olimb

[quote name="roshinaya"]Hawks have signed the norwegian winger Mathis Olimb to a one year two way deal. He played for Västra Frölunda in the SEL posting 9+25 in 55 games. Should be a speedy winger with good hands, but a bit smallish. I bet it's just a depth move.



http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdis ... ?pid=80166



doing a forsberg penalty shot in the IIHF WC 2010

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gCz0XxpXOw[/youtube][/quote]



Maybe Shredder disagree, but I think Olimb was one of few player that played good for Frolunda this year. But his sice is a issue. Hopefully he can learn a thing or two in AHL.

Kruger is a better player and prospect IMO.

 

[jakobeast]

Re: Offseason Transactions

[quote name="Stu Grimson"]



.895 SV% on a team with a top 3 defense in the league... not a fine goalie. He'd be run out of this league at this stage in his career if he were on a team with a bad defense.



How many times did the Blackhawks outshoot and score enough goals to win but Huet let in 3-4 goals in under 20 shots?



His GAA is good because of the defense... how come he is 12th in the league in GAA but 45th in SV%? Because he as an individual goaltender is not as good as he used to be.



Unfortunately his tragic flaw is that he's a head case... one bad game/goal and all goes to shit... not exactly the mental make up any team wants in a starting goalie.



He's a great backup no doubt... but no one is going to take him with that contract.[/quote]



I agree on the headcase thing. I would see one goal get by him and his body language would tell the whole story.



How many times did Niemi get the raw deal when it came to his d-men making a mistake? I am NOT blaming the D here, just using your top 3 defense in the NHL. Both goalies were the recipients of whoopsies made by the D. Dunc getting his skate tied up, Hammer not clearing, pucks bouncing off our D guys, and so on. And that was just the Finals. Shit happens. Neither Niemi nor Huet would have stopped those.



I will admit there were some goals Niemi saved that Huet wouldn't have had a chance on. Most goalies wouldn't have made those saves.



I can't base my like of a goalie on simply his save %. It is a stat, but not a super telling stat, just like +/- doesn't tell the whole story.