Off-season Will Make (or Break) Dynasty; Big Buff Gone

[N3]

Totally agree. But I still think he brings more than buff because of his hustle and defense.

I dont think it was ever a question of Buff or Versteeg, I was always under the impression it was Sharp or Versteeg.

I could live without either one, as it was pointed out Buff does not play his hardest during the regular season. Bickell may not be able to replicate what Buff does,but he would bring an extra level of hustle with him.

 

[GrinderBall41]

Kopecky sucked all year? Wrong.

He was pretty damn good in the Olympics & after it into the playoffs.

sucked for the whole regular season, I meant. He got hot at the end of the reg season and the end of the playoffs, but he was a healthy scratch earlier in the playoffs too.

 

[N3]

sucked for the whole regular season, I meant. He got hot at the end of the reg season and the end of the playoffs, but he was a healthy scratch earlier in the playoffs too.

Kopy was a new man after the Olympics.

He was also the odd man out in some situations, because of the teams we faced. Vancouver we needed guys like Burish and Eager out there to lay the lumber and to be instigators. When he got time to play in the Playoff's he didnt really disappoint.

 

[GrinderBall41]

Kopy was a new man after the Olympics.

He was also the odd man out in some situations, because of the teams we faced. Vancouver we needed guys like Burish and Eager out there to lay the lumber and to be instigators. When he got time to play in the Playoff's he didnt really disappoint.

Yeah he definitely stood out in the Cup finals. I just dont see him doing that for a full season. I hope im wrong.

 

[DMelt36]

The main reason Kopecky is on the team is his friendship with Hossa. Bringing Kopecky on board helped get Hossa on the team. I wouldn't underestimate Hossa's desire to keep his buddy in town, and I think that could be enough.

 

[Captain Iago]

You're right because Buff was so amazing in the regular season.

I didn't know the organization's #1 goal is to attain president trophies.

 

[DMelt36]

I didn't know the organization's #1 goal is to attain president trophies.

I'd put my money on Troy Brouwer being able to fill in for Buff in next year's playoffs.

Brouwer was playing well til the unfortunate sickness with his dad ... I think he could fill in for Buff quite nicely in 2010-11.

 

[Captain Iago]

I hope so, but I don't think so. I don't think he's strong enough (physically and mentally) to fill in nicely for Buf.

 

[Capt. Serious]

Kopy was a new man after the Olympics.

He was also the odd man out in some situations, because of the teams we faced. Vancouver we needed guys like Burish and Eager out there to lay the lumber and to be instigators. When he got time to play in the Playoff's he didnt really disappoint.

Exactly right. There was alot of hate for Kopy beforehand.

:smoke:

 

[GrinderBall41]

Im 100% sure that one of Brouwer, Bickell, Kopy, Skille or Beach can replace Buff's production. Just not sure which one will step up. My moneys on Brouwer.

As far as Campbell, I think we will keep him around for 1 more year and then trade him, with a wealth of talent about a year away in the minors.

 

[Savoir_Faire_18]

Filling Buffs production would not be difficult... it is the space that concerns the most. He is a big body, that clearly causes teams many issues.

 

[Captain Iago]

Filling Buffs production would not be difficult... it is the space that concerns the most. He is a big body, that clearly causes teams many issues.

This is what I was referring to, in clearer words.

 

[southern_cross_116]

Pretty good article- I could see the Hawks retaining Boynton for a one year deal if he is willing to take what he got last season as a depth move.

 

[Diehardfan]

Here's an article from a real interesting hockey site. Two guys tossing the Hawks salary cap problems back n forth. One guy actually thinks Huet is movable...hmmm, not sure Im buying that one. :smh:

Debating Chicago's Salary Cap Situation -- NHL FanHouse

 

[omc1969]

Great read !
Unfortunately someone has to go. I just hope it's a wise decision when it happens.

 

[Capt. Serious]

The team isn't run by idiots. No need to worry.

 

[DontToewsMeBro]

amen

 

[tbo41fan]

The main reason Kopecky is on the team is his friendship with Hossa. Bringing Kopecky on board helped get Hossa on the team. I wouldn't underestimate Hossa's desire to keep his buddy in town, and I think that could be enough.

yep i agree....if kopecky can play the way he did after the olympics, he will be so valuable.

Im 100% sure that one of Brouwer, Bickell, Kopy, Skille or Beach can replace Buff's production. Just not sure which one will step up. My moneys on Brouwer.

As far as Campbell, I think we will keep him around for 1 more year and then trade him, with a wealth of talent about a year away in the minors.

I agree with brouwer being able to step it up for buffs abscence. Lalonde is basically campbell so if we lose campbell after next season, it wont be too bad

The team isn't run by idiots. No need to worry.

Yep...they must have a plan...theyve known about this situation for awile