Is Buff becoming part of the long-term core?

[JTalarico328]

I'm soaking up this playoff run right now, and love this team to death, but on the drive home last night I couldn't help but think about Buff's long term future with this team. He has been absolutely spectacular in both of his postseasons with the Hawks.



Here is my write-up about it... http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago ... -core.html





What do you guys think? Do the Hawks need to find room for a semi long-term contract for Buff?

 

[IceHogsFan]

Buff certainly has his lulls but he does have the skills.



He has been nothing short of superb in last season playoffs as well as this season.

 

[sth]

I say yes he should. As a forward. Now of course there is the obvious question of motivation. During the regular season when he doesn't receive as much playing time he doesn't seem as energized. But I think next year if he is on a line with Toews and Kane they will be a force. I think they should keep him for his playoff skill alone. But he did almost have 20 goals this season.

 

[PatrickSharpRules]

I would think so, but he already got more than he bargained for last contract when you consider the regular season so who knows what were gonna end up giving him with his great play these playoffs.



Either way I've stayed away from thinking about that until the playoffs are over.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4zNpTbTU4U[/youtube]



One of my favorite moments from Buff's career as a Hawk. 260 lbs with that kinda speed is damn scary.​

 

[bubbleheadchief]

I think you have to give serious consideration to keeping Buff. My reason is not just based on the performance he has given through the playoffs to date. It is because he does provide the team the ability, when he is in the line-up, to have a true 2-way player. The only problem is, who goes if you keep him?

Regardless of what happens the rest of the way, as soon as the final whistle blows on their season, some serious decisions have to be made as far as next years roster is concerned.

 

[roshinaya]

[quote name="PatrickSharpRules"]

Either way I've stayed away from thinking about that until the playoffs are over.[/quote]



this. i know the hawks will need to do some tough choices this off-season, but it's all about the here and now, that can wait. buff has been spectacular and i am going to enjoy it all for as long as it lasts.

 

[agenthehe]

won't be the popular answer (especially after last night) but I hope not. His trade value will NEVER get higher than it will this off season, to the point of demanding that whoever takes him takes Huets Salary as well. I know he's played big for 2 weeks this year (as he did for 2 last year) but I think he is not part of the long term core, just not enough consistency out of him and for value in trade (for guys we'd actually move) I think he's the one who should go.

 

[Cornflake]

I've actually always seen him as one of the guys that I didn't want to see move. The hawks teams core should get you to the postseason so if Buff has some off nights in the season it's not as big of a thing. He's built for the postseason and that style of play, the pucks down low, being in front.



I actually think the debate might become more Sharp/Bolland at some point.

 

[the canadian dream]

[quote name="agenthehe"]won't be the popular answer (especially after last night) but I hope not. His trade value will NEVER get higher than it will this off season, to the point of demanding that whoever takes him takes Huets Salary as well. I know he's played big for 2 weeks this year (as he did for 2 last year) but I think he is not part of the long term core, just not enough consistency out of him and for value in trade (for guys we'd actually move) I think he's the one who should go.[/quote]



Not sure if I agree that just because Buffs value is high that it allows the Hawks to shove Huet in a package deal. I don't think other G.M.'s are that gullible. Maybe if the 5.75 million wasn't attached to Huet. But since it is Huet will not be an easy guy to deal. No one wants that cap hit and Buff being in a package won't change that fact.



Again not saying there aren't solutions out there involving Huet but I don't think it's as easy as here is one of our good guys but you have to take this iffy one also. And lets be honest here. As well as Buff has been playing the chemistry with Toews and Kane has played into it a lot. That's not to take anything away from the big guy. He too has made Jonathan and Kanes games good also. It's a give and take relationship with that line. Buff has also been doing it with Bolland as they also look good together when on the ice.



Buff fits well into our roster. It will be a very difficult discussion when his name comes up in trade talks in the off season. It will be a very delicate situation. As of right now the fans are on his side as are the rest of the Hawks. There isn't one guy I want moved off this club (Huet aside...sorry Huet) although I know that is a pipe dream to think this roster will be the same next year.

 

[Rdrhwke]

The man has been a true monster.



Don't see how they can part with him.

 

[IceHogsFan]

Is Buff becoming part of the long-term core?

I think that question has been resolved.

 

[Maiden]

[quote name="IceHogsFan"]

Is Buff becoming part of the long-term core?

I think that question has been resolved.[/quote]



He is slowly becoming this century's Claude Lemieux....playoff hero.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

[quote name="Maiden"]
[quote name="IceHogsFan"]

Is Buff becoming part of the long-term core?

I think that question has been resolved.[/quote]



He is slowly becoming this century's Claude Lemieux....playoff hero.[/quote]



Lets take a trip back in time to Game #82 of the 2008-09 season... Hawks going on to face the Calgary Flames in the Quarterfinals.



Now, Maiden, imagine you saying that then.... what do you think the response would have been?



God I love PLAYOFFS! Buff is AWESOME.

 

[nana]

It's tough to answer a question like this since everyone is on such an emotional high right now.



I like Buff and what he brings, when he brings it, is unique and not easily replaceable. He has had an outstanding postseason and if he can sustain this play somewhat during the regular season, a top line of Kane-Toews-Buff would give teams fits all year long.



I still wouldn't want the team to lose Sharp either. I'm just greedy I guess.

 

[Tater]

[quote name="Maiden"]
[quote name="IceHogsFan"]

Is Buff becoming part of the long-term core?

I think that question has been resolved.[/quote]



He is slowly becoming this century's Claude Lemieux....playoff hero.[/quote]



Except he's not an asshole. Damn, I used to hate that guy.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Sun Times Headline: "Team of Dustiny"

 

[Tim]

Let the team get 4 more wins and see what Rocky's play is in the off season. With the exception of Huet the value of the players are at their highest.

 

[MassHavoc]

I'm going to get destroyed for this, but I still say no. As a matter of fact I'd say trade him now in the off season while his value is so high. He is a great player in the playoffs that's for sure, but he still hasn't convinced me that he is consistent during the season. If you don't have to get rid of him, you don't. But this offseason his value will be sky high because of the playoffs hes having, and his ability to play d and o, so I think you try to package him with Huet or something to move large chucks of salary out, bring up a couple kids, and spend on a good chucnk to solidfy the D. You need what one more lower level one?

 

[LordKOTL]

To be honest, in shedding Salary, Madden and Huet are the no-brainers--and at least Madden is already not on the books next year. One will likley also argue Sopel and Kopecky.



The two we HAVE to resign next year (again, all of this is IMHO), are Hammer and Niemesis--unless the asking price is through the roof.



Thus, who becomes expendable?



The thing about Buff and Sharp is their versatility. Buff can play forward or D as needed, and Sharp can play Center or Wing on the top-2 lines.



Thus, I think Versteeg, as good as he is, might be expendible and the trade-bait.



I think though with the long-term core signings of Kane, Toews, Bolly, Keith, Campbell and Hossa, Buff may not be here long-term unless he replaces one of them (and say what you will, all of them have been huge this playoff run), but I think with our incoming prospects, if we can keep Buff it will do more better than good.