2013 NHL Draft: Names To Watch
The Chicago Blackhawks have drafted very well over the last few years, and a number of recent picks made a significant impact on the team’s Stanley Cup victory. Andrew Shaw and Brandon Saad, both 2011 selections, were key members of the championship roster.
When the 2013 Draft begins on Sunday, the Blackhawks will hold the final pick in the first round. Who are some players they might be targeting? It’s worth noting that the Blackhawks have only selected forwards in the first round of the draft while Stan Bowman has been the team’s general manager.
Let’s take a look at a few names that might shake hands with Blackhawks brass this weekend in New Jersey.
Forwards
William Carrier, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
6-2, 198
DOB: Dec. 20, 1994
Carrier’s final ranking are all over the board. NHL Central Scouting rated him 18th among North American skaters, while The Hockey News ranked him 51st and TSN had him 50th overall. However, NHL.com’s Mike Morreale said the following about Carrier in his final mock draft: “He reminds some scouts of a young Patrice Bergeron with his hard work, face-off acumen, big-play potential and leadership skills.”
Kerby Rychel, LW, Windsor (OHL)
6-1, 205
DOB: Oct. 7, 1994
Rychel might be off the board well before the Hawks’ selection. He was ranked 21st overall in the final draft rankings of both TSN and The Hockey News, and NHL Central Scouting rated him 17th among North American skaters. On TSN’s final rankings, Craig Button said the following about Rychel: “Kerby plays with a passion and purpose that is undeniable. He may not be the most fluid skater but he’s a very effective skater and he gets to where he wants to go. He will play nasty and physical and it makes it very uncomfortable for opponents because he simply doesn’t allow himself to be denied. He has very good hands and can score in multiple ways and will pay the price to score. He plays a rugged style and his line mates will get room and space because he’s constantly taking opponents out of the play. He plays with a single-minded focus on helping the team win.”
Adam Erne, LW, Quebec (QMJHL)
6-0, 210
DOB: April something, 1995
Erne’s bio is similar to Saad’s before the 2011 Draft; he has the body and game to be an effective power forward in the NHL, but his stock has tumbled in some circles leading up to the draft. The Hockey News had him 13th in their final rankings, while TSN had him 20th and NHL Central Scouting had him 26th among North American skaters. Craig Button said Erne “a very strong player. He is smart, aware and understands the situation he is in at any given moment. He skates well and is able to create open ice for himself. Is capable of playing a skill game, a physical game and is very adaptable to the various challenges a game can present. Overall, he’s a player who seems to be a prototypical NHL winger who can produce offensively but play in all situations.”
Michael McCarron, RW, USHL
6-5, 228
DOB: March 7, 1995
McCarron finished ranked 35th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, 27th by The Hockey News and 34th by TSN. He obviously possesses the size Chicago would be looking for in a winger, and Craig Button was complimentary when describing him. “Michael is a massive winger with touch in his hands and the ability to make plays,” Button says on TSN’s draft rankings. “Has good awareness and with the ability to impact the game with his size which carves out some room for himself, he then can make good plays. A very intriguing ‘big body’ winger.”
Defensemen
Mirco Mueller, D, Everett (WHL)
6-3, 176
DOB: March 21, 1995
USA Today’s Kevin Allen has the Blackhawks selecting Mueller in his latest mock draft, and compares him physically to Tampa’s Victor Hedman. He was rated ninth among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, 16th overall by TSN and 18th overall by The Hockey News. NHL.com’s Morreale, who has him coming off the board to Buffalo at 16, said Mueller “is a smooth skater and solid shot blocker and penalty killer. He had 31 points and 57 penalty minutes in 63 games as a rookie in the WHL this season.”
Josh Morrissey, D, Prince Albert (WHL)
6-0, 186
DOB: March 28, 1995
The Hawks were able to see plenty of Morrissey this season while Mark McNeill was his teammate with Prince Albert. NHL.com’s Morreale has the Blackhawks selecting him, noting that “[the] left-shot blueliner enjoys pushing the pace off the transition, making him a perfect fit for the defending Stanley Cup champion. He finished 12th among WHL blueliners with 47 points in 70 games. Morrissey already trains with Chicago’s Duncan Keith in his hometown of Calgary.” He was ranked 28th by TSN, 19th by The Hockey News, 18th by McKeen’s and 27th among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
Ian McCoshen, D, USHL
6-2, 207
DOB: Aug. 5, 1995
McCoshen is another puck-moving defenseman who also possesses some size. He posted 44 points (11 goals, 33 assists) in 53 games this season, and was ranked 26th by The Hockey News, 29th by McKeen’s and 39th by TSN. Craig Button said McCoshen “is a player who builds off the foundation of very good skating. He has mobility and is hard to break down defensively. He can jump into the play and has shown a strong grasp of being a very good two-way defenceman who can excel in multiple situations.”
Who do the “experts” have the Blackhawks selecting in the first round?
Adam Kimelman, NHL.com – William Carrier, LW, Cape Breton
Mike Morreale, NHL.com – Josh Morrissey, D, Prince Albert
Steven Hoffner, NHL.com – Shea Theodore, D, Seattle (WHL)
Craig Button, TSN – Jason Dickinson, LW/RW, Guelph (OHL)
Kevin Allen, USA Today – Mirco Mueller, D, Everett
Chris Peters, CBS Sports – JT Compher, C, USHL
Patrick King, Sportsnet – Ryan Hartman, LW, Plymouth (OHL)
Gare Joyce & Ryan Dixon, Sportsnet – Jimmy Lodge, C, Saginaw (OHL)
Chicago does not have a pick in the second or third rounds of the 2013 Draft; they were dealt to Winnipeg for defenseman Johnny Oduya at the 2012 trade deadline. The Hawks have also traded away two other picks in this year’s draft. Bowman traded San Jose’s fourth round pick back to the Sharks for Michal Handzus at the deadline this season, and traded Ottawa’s seventh round pick to Calgary for minor league goaltender Henrik Karlsson in January.
The 2013 NHL Draft begins at 2 PM CT on Sunday, and will be televised on NBC SportsNet and TSN.
unfortunately sunday will probably be the start of seeing some of the current players go bye. I have to think that Bowman will be looking to get a 2nd round pick which means Bolland, Leddy and others will be made available. Also I think Hossa will be on that list.
How-dee.
I have no idea, really, and as stated previously, absolutely NO “insider” information (- just what I read here and elsewhere). I believe that Hossa will be a Blackhawk for another year or two…unless he decides to retire. He is just too good to move for a 2nd round pick or buy-out. Again, just my opinion.
Hossa will be a blackhawk… I started the “use a Buyout on Hossa thing” a while ago, but that was when i though you can use the buyout whenever. My thought was save it for when it retires 3-4 years from now to sheild his extra cap. Then Tab mentioned it had to be used this offseason or next… so that means he will be a hawk imo.
I like Rychel and Erne, but most of what i’ve seen has them off the board. But then again, I never thought Saad was going to fall into our lap at Pick 42 2-years ago.
I’m very excited/antsy to see which direction we go and do see what trades (if any) get made.
In looking at the salary cap I think Bowman is going to have problems keeping Bolland and at the same time signing Bickell and Kruger. That assumes Bickell will cost 3 m, Kruger 2 m and the goalies/defense 27 million includes keeping Rosie and Leddy with the Goalies at 4m. That would leave trying to trade Bolland for a draft pick. Anyone else see it that way or have a thought on it?
Just adding on what I just posted. With the draft coming up that would mean trading the player that had the Cup winning goal shortly after winning the cup. That would be very distasteful but if your trying to keep Bickell Im not sure what else you can do.
I can understand the Bolland trade rumors. However, I don’t get the Leddy ones. Am I missing something here? Didn’t teams inquire at the deadline about him? Tab, why would Leddy not be a part of the core moving forward!?
I think its because Leddy didn’t play much in the finals and the math is extremely tight if your going to keep Bickell. I was assuming Stalberg and Handzus are gone and heavy utilization of players coming up from Rockford. Rosie made 2m last year I believe so not signing him is an option but he was a key contributor.
The upside of signing Leddy of Rozy is pretty big IMO. Think that would be a big mistake to deal Leddy. There were times this year where he was one of our most consistent D men. And his puck moving ability would be missed.
I agree, when I was looking at this I assumed they would keep Leddy at 2m and Rozy at 2m. Unless I’m missing something that puts more pressure on trading Bolland in order to keep Bickell and Kruger. I could be missing something here and hopefully its not as tight as it looked to me.
Pete… yes, it would be a tough blow to lose a player like Bolland. I like his tenascity. and if he didnt have the injury-prone tag on him, I think I woul keep him AND try to resign Bicks. But we dont reaaly have space under the cap with since Bicks earned himself a nice raise this postseason.
I would imagine 36 will be moved Sunday. Its time for pirri to be pushed up with Danualt and McNeil set to be in rockford. If Pirri doesn’t get it done, then the following year K. Hayes will be finished up at BC and Danault orMcNeil might get their shot depending how they play in the AHL, not to mention that will be the time to bring over Teuvo.
There just isn’t room for 36. If we do keep him for one year it means losing Bicks, Leddy or Krugs and after that one year, hes gone due to all our youngsters anyway. Makes sense get something for him while his stock is about as high as it will be.
As far as Rosy goes, I loved him in the Indianhead, but Stanton or Clendening will get a shot. if we for whatever reason dont sign leddy… then he comes back IMO… but i see us signing Leddy and letting Adam/Ryan fight for the 6th spot.
im thinking
29/19/88
10/Pirri/81
20/65/J. Hayes
67/16/B. Smith
Bollig
*also i expect some Handzus/Madden type player at the deadline for cheap to take FO in the playoffs, and Hayes and Smith will rotate in and out based on who we play and who we need in the lineup.
2/7
8/4
27/Clendening
17
I am not saying they won’t/shouldn’t sign Leddy… but if his Leddy/Agent ask for too much- I can see it as a possibility… Hawks didn’t skate him much last few games- that shows a lot of concern in his progress/lack of- secondly- Clendening is kind of the same type of player ( though not as elite a skater)… games I watched at Rockford when Leddy was there- Clendening looked better! lastly it would open up a little room to try to keep Rosey and add Picks! Actually a decent trade/option based on how much he tries to sign for.
Bolland is your other option for trade/ to cut cap and get picks.
Lastly- the Hoss/back disc… opens up a whole world of ????’s- prior to disc/back – I don’t think of buy out… but now his back might make the call.
Tab- Is there a loophole on- buying out and then resigning player at more friendly cap/contract? Or has the CBA/NHL already planned against that sneaky/loophole???
I would think the resign list would be Bickell, Leddy, Kruger and let everyone else walk. According to capgeek we have just under 2.1 million for those three right now and that is before any buyouts. However, we also have to remember there are a limited number of spaces on the roster and Smith and Bollig (?) are on one way deals next year. I think you take the buyouts of Olzy and Monty to get around 6 mil for the 3 players mentioned above. If Hossa retires and you take the compliance buyout there (instead of one of Olzy or Monty), that is more money, but I don’t think Hossa could live with himself as a hockey player and taking the money and run. I wouldn’t blame him, I just don’t think he would do it. I could potentially see him playing next year and then maybe considering it…but still. If you let the free agents walk away and try to keep the 3 above that I would like, Bolland is your starting 2nd line center.
Leddy is important because if you resign him, you can put him in the top 4 D when you will probably have to trade Oduya to resign Hammer to an extension.
On to the Draft, I just don’t follow the prospects and it seems like such a crap shoot. I like the part about Carrier potentially being a bigger Bergeron, but crap I don’t know. I would think size on D might make sense too.
Hearing that some moves could be made before Friday.
Stan Bowman has done a great job re-tooling this team into a champion!
He will continue to re-tool the hawks within the New cap constraints to keep this team competitive.
There are some challenges, but with the young players in the hawks system and Stan’s ability to find veteran players that can come in and make an impact, I am confident the Chicago Blackhawks will be a very good team for a long, long time!
I look forward to the moves he makes and those he does not make.
Zues, thank you for your help to the cup. Go to a team that can use your leadership.
Bolly, thank you for several years as a loyal Hawk. Your time here is finished.
Stalberg, good luck and stay healthy.
Emery, thank you for your help to the cup. Good luck in your starting role somewhere.
Brookbank, thanks for filling in but we need a draft pick
Bickell/Toews/Kane ($3.0mm for Bicks)
Saad/Sharp/Hossa or exp w/Saad at center as someone suggested
Morin/Shaw/Frolik
Hayes/Kruger/Smith ($1.8mm for Kruger)
Pirri/Carcillo, alternates
Seabrook/Kieth
Oduya/Hammer
Leddy/Rosival (Leddy 1.8mm, Rosival 1.5mm)
Clendening alternate
Crawford/Raanta
This 23 man roster is just under $63mm. Leaves room for bonuses BUT must use Montador and Olzy as buyouts
so we are going to pay Rosey less than Leddy – and Leddy was on the bench while Rosey skates 20 minutes in finals??? That is OPTIMISTIC!!!
as is 29 for #3Mill I say he gets $3.75 +
The Hawks have the money and ability to field another Cup worthy roster…so no one needs to panic or worry at all…signing Bickell at the “new” rate will mean Stahlberg is gone…that’s just the way it is…Stahlberg did not show up in the post season, and Bickell was a Conn Smythe candidate…who do you keep around??? Why do we play the game?
Unless the Hawks were apalled by Leddy’s physical/mental collapse during the playoffs, they will definitley resign him…as Mox said, there were points this season where Leddy was one of our best DMen…he just needs to get stronger physically and mentally. Kruger isn’t going anywhere…
So, what to do with the FAs??? As we said, Stahlberg…gone. Handzus…retirement. Mayers…retirement. Emery…a nice contract with another team. That leaves Rozy…what to do…
Then our existing players under contract…everyone stepped up during the playoffs, except Leddy and Stahlberg, so you don’t WANT to get rid of anyone…but we HAVE TO so a few moves will be made. Dave Bolland has been a very good Hawk…I hate to see Bolly go, but EVERYONE here knows, deep down, that he has to go…Shaw, Kruger, Ben Smith, Danault, McNeil, all do, or will do what Bolland does just as well, for a lot less money and with a lot more health. That leaves Brookbank and Frolik. Brookbank is useless IMO, and if we can trade him and keep Rozy, that would please me to no end. Can Bowman find a trading partner for Brookbank? I love Frolik…he plays the game the way I love, and I would HATE to see him go…but what can you do? It isn’t just a question of his cap hit, its the space he is taking up on the 4th line blocking our prospects from rising up…
Here’s the situation in Rockford…Jeremy Morin, Ryan Stanton, Brandon Pirri, Ben Smith and Jimmy Hayes have played in the AHL long enough…if we don’t promote these kids this season, then we are actually huring their game and chances…they have to be promoted…they have all earned it, and in many cases, have already proved it at the NHL level…so where do they go??? That’s the good news about Stahlberg going, Mayers retiring, and Bolland being traded, it opens up spots…and I have to say, that with both Bollig and Ben Smith on one way contracts starting this season, we don’t have the “space” to keep Frolik…on Defence, the same thing…its time for Stanton now, he can’t be held back any longer…and I don’t believe (especially with our horrific PP problems) that we will be able to hold back Adam Clendening. We NEED room to advance these kids…
So this is what I predict, advocate for October…
Bickell-Toews-Kane (Best line in the NHL)
Sharp-Pirri/LeBlanc-Hossa (Hoss and Sharpie make this work)
Saad-Shaw-Morin (that line will be crazy good)
Smith-Kruger-Hayes/Bollig (Smith and Kruger will be dynamite together)
Seabrook-Keith
Hammer-Oduya
Leddy-Stanton/Clendening/Brookbank
There’s your answer for Roszival…there is NO ROOM for him unless you depart with Leddy, because you believe he will never develop into the kind of DMan we need him to be. Stanton is more than ready to become a very good 3rd pairing DMan…he has to advance. For those that did not watch Rockford this season, by the end of the year, Clendening was like a man amongst boys in Rockford, and he was a ROOKIE…he was on the AHL All star team as a rookie…he set almost every DMan record in Rockford. What else does he need to prove? Plus, when some of you see Clendening this coming fall, you will be surprised…he has no baby fat left…he’s added 15-20 pounds of muscle, he looks like a strong young man.
With the 2nd line Centre, it’s Pirri’s job to lose…and if he loses out, he will be done with this franchise, IMO. I think he is going to succeed. I watched a lot of Pirri this season, and I really liked what I saw…as Mike always says, there is a huge value playing in Rockford for a couple of years…the AHL is a physical, almost chippy league, and Pirri has learned a lot about how to play successfully against the bruin’s style of play. He has also learned to back check and was 3rd on the team this year with a +11 rating (Smith and Clendening were both +17, Stanton was +16, Morin was +2, and Hayes was even). Oh yeah, Pirri also led the AHL in scoring this year, with revolving wingers on his line…he’s ready!
In two years time, this Hawk’s team needs to make more space because likely TT from Finland, Danault, Ross and McNeil in Rockford, and Stephen Johns will all likely be ready to play for the Hawks…so when people here say, even Tab, that we don’t have the ability to replace Hossa, we actually do (and don’t). You can NEVER adequately replace a HOF player, but with this list above coming, and the emergence of Baby Hoss (Saad), we are in great shape to have success.
Bowman has said that Olsey and Monty will be bought out if no one claims them off of waivers (so now no team will claim them…) said this at end of year media meeting per Kuc and Sassone
Stan says no trades imminant, but always possible… Pierre Lebrun has sources saying bolland is on the market.
Stan also confirms buyouts will be on Monty/Olesz.
Lastly, Bowman says we are not letting leddy go.
@wall – regarding sneaky buy-outs, teams can’t resign a player that they’ve bought out. The league is even warning teams that they won’t be allowed to trade a player, so that team can buy him out, and then have the original team re-sign him.
http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/6/26/4466906/nhl-compliance-buyout-loophole-cba
As bad as it will be the hawks have to try and trade Bolland, it sucks but it is what it is. If they can get something for Brookbank you also do that. If you don’t want to have two rookies, there will be vets available. I would think they will try and keep Frolik and trade Carcillo. For what Carcillo brings you can have one of the guys from Rockford fill that spot.
The Leddy contract will be interesting because you never know who might offer him a contract. But to get rid of him now is stupid. This was the first time he’s gone this far in the playoffs and his lack of experience did show. But you can’t discount what he did during the regular season.
Brad- I always enjoy reading your comments…
but I have to respectfully disagree on 2 BIG points
1.) yes 36 is the obvious choice for a trade/cap relief… but the guys you mentioned will not replace 36 even steven- 36 is a rare player in that he can be an agitator/D- stud for long periods of time- but still possesses incredible hands and patience/IQ around the net- THAT has always been his M.O.!!!! I am not disagreeing w/ trade due to Cap and the fact that he is often injured- But the Guy does have a knack/hands that very few have!!! While the guys you mention – may be good- to great in the future… 36 is a rare “character”- did you see him skate w/ Cup after game? Showed no emotion- didn’t smile. All about the game.
2.) Hoss- IMO-he is irreplaceable (as 19)…
Wall, I always look forward to reading your comments…as to Hossa, we agree, but moving forward we have the talent to be okay…
As to Bolland, I disagree…players like Smith and Morin will out produce Bolly in a number of key areas…this is a move that won’t hurt us at all…
Wall & Brad: if fans are looking for a 3C that talks a lot, wins 45-48% of his faceoffs and gets into the other team’s heads quickly, Andrew Shaw has already replaced Dave Bolland. And Shaw won’t make $3M for a few more years.
re: the “new” rumors the Hawks are looking to move Bolland, there’s nothing “new” to the idea that the Hawks would move 36. But now there are some teams that would be intrigued because of the limited amount of time left on his contract, and the Hawks can (have already) replace him internally. I love Bolland’s game, and would love to see him stay in Chicago, but the business of hockey could end his days here. He was asked about the rumors today and was pretty open with his understanding that a 3rd or 4th line guy might change addresses at some point during his career. Here’s hoping, if he is dealt, that he finds a good home somewhere that he can succeed… in the Eastern Conference.
Sr Brad- nice post. Only query I have is pairing Leddy with another young guy. I think he does a lot better when paired with an established veteran… maybe that boosts his confidence or something. But pairing him with Clendening or Stanton might drop his play. However, I love the 2-7 and 4-27 pairings so much that it’s really hard to split them up. That leaves Rosy to pair with Leddy, and the 7th spot is up for grabs.
So what to do with Stanton, Brookbank, Clendening? Right now, there just isn’t room for all of them to advance. We have the deepest blue line, 1 through 7, in the NHL. But we lose Hjalmarsson next year and Oduya the year after. If I’m GM (you all should thank God that I’m not), here’s how the blue line ideally shakes out:
1) Trade Brookbank for any draft picks you can get. We’re low on them this year, and this frees about $600k in net cap space.
2) Re-sign Roszival for one year to be paired with Leddy.
3) Give the #7 spot to Clendening or Stanton (probably Stanton). Hopefully one takes Hammer’s spot next year, and the other takes Oduya’s the following year.
If Clendening or Stanton (or both) appear ready to take a top-4 D-man role in the near future, you trade Hammer or Oduya (or both) and get a MASSIVE return instead of letting them walk via UFA for nothing. For a cup-winning puck mover at a reasonable cap hit, we’ll be rolling in prospects, draft picks, and cap space…
But overall, it’s so awesome to have options and depth… it means we’ll never have to shell out $5M for Dennis Wideman. LOL
Travis I agree with you on Leddy, but we are talking about a 3rd line role and 3rd line minutes…Stanton is a tough, physical, non rattled, stay at home guy…I think he would pair up nicely skating 13-14 minutes a night…Leddy would get PP time as well.
Tab, I agree, hate to see Bolly go, but Shaw/Kruger are already those 3rd/4th line centre guys…and with Danault/McNeil coming, there just isn’t any room.
Trade Bolly and Brookbank this weekend if we can…we have the players in house to win another Cup…
You can’t trade Leddy unless he gets you up into the top 10 of this draft. That’s the only reason to trade him. Roszival was a decent depth dman who quite honestly played bad up until the last series and a half of the playoffs. He served his purpose but he can go if they don’t have the space for him. Tab is on the money, Shaw essentially already replaced Bolland. We need to shed Bolland’s contract and get a pick for him. I think Frolik is another candidate to be moved. He filled his role well but is payed as a 20 goal scorer. Bickell needs to be re-signed but at a discount. I think it could work out. The rest of the UFA’s can move on and they will be replaced by the Rockford crew. That’s why they’re there. With these moves, the Hawks may not repeat but are in fine position moving forward imo.
Names I’m looking at for pick 30: Madison Bowey D, Josh Morrissey D, Robert Hagg D, Zach Nastasiak W/C, JT Compher W/C, Shea Theodore D, or any higher ranked prospect who unexpectedly drops. There’s talk that the Hawks like many other teams are trying to move into the Top 10. Names rumored that the Hawks are high on are: Darnell Nurse D, Seth Jones D, and Jonathan Druin F. This will be difficult to do but stranger things have happened in the draft. The return would likely start with Leddy being the centerpiece and more which may include the 30 pick and/or a highly rated prospect. This draft will be very exciting must-watch tv.
Tab and Brad- I agree 36 could/should move on (cost/injury prone)… and Shaw is a very nice replacement/great kid… but 36 is a unique/rare talent- a guy who can play D/Agitate and has the hands/IQ to make BIG plays- 36 is/was a huge luxury for the Hawks to skate on 3rd/4th line. I am only saying that his talents will be missed/harder to replace than people think (at the same time he has to go so Hawks can keep more pieces).
How many teams in NHL had/have a 4th line D specialist who put up 130 points in 1 year in CHL??? Nonetheless- he is a Luxury the Hawks can probably not afford!
Sr. Brad, yes I do think Rosival will stay here for if he can get 2-3 years at $1.5mm. He is not getting any younger. At this point he will be no more that a 4th Dman AT BEST. He just can not do the minutes required, the injury bug would get him. As a 5 or 6 Dman he is not going to command a big pay day, IMO. Yes, someone may offer him more…..Maybe $2.25 at the MOST, and if I am him…I take it. But I think the role the Hawks have for him…..6th Dman and will be a 7th Dman 20 to 25 games with the Hawks……worth $1.5mm. Trade Brookbank for a pick, he makes $1.25.
Re: Trade of Bolland
Jets have 6 picks in 1st three rounds-
Maybe the Jets can use one of those picks on a personal trainer/nutritionist for Byfuglien!
I think the idea of moving Leddy is likely a huge error and probably depends what type of contract he wants. When Keith was Leddy’s age, he was still in the AHL. The kid already has a ton of experience and when he starts getting more PP time (with a coach that isn’t Kompon) he will put up scary points.
On Bolland- just go back and read comments from the season. Don’t let one decent series in the playoffs make up for how terrible he was all year long.
Looks like Bicks has “offered” a hometown discount. What that will be is anyone’s guess. My guess is 2 years (allows cap to rise), $3.00 to 3.25mm, bonus laden for performance.
What a position to be in. Even if Bicks doesn’t have a great year, he will get some of the credit if Toews and Kand do have good years….who would not want to play in that situation.
In the end, 2 years hence Bickell could ride T & K to a $5 or 6mm contract.
JS- Good one!!!
I heard you signed up for the NHL Package… so You can keep your eyes on Stalberg’s Package – wherever he signs!!! Any truth to that!
36- should go… Injuries/ too much money for half season on bench- but the guy is a gamer when healthy (which isn’t often)
Mike, I’d love to keep Rozy, and as you say, its a perfect home for him as well…he plays 60-65 games, stays fresh, plays reasonable minutes, and then is ready during the playoffs to take on a much bigger role if necessary. I just don’t see the Hawks holding Clendening down in the minors one more year…and if any of you listened to Bowman’s “season end” remarks yesterday, he plainly laid it out there about Clendening…when talking about needing to make changes to make room for emerging talent, if was Clendening’s name that was first out of his lips. Stanton can’t stay down in Rockford another year…and he doesn’t need to…he’s a good NHL DMan right now. So where does Rozy fit?
Wall, I’d love to see Bolly in Winnipeg, its a great spot for him…perhaps the Jets could give us that 3rd rounder we gave them for Oduya…more than a fair swap…Bolly will help the Jets.
Mike, Bickell will give us the hometown discount as you say, and it gives us the money for everyone else, now that Olescz and Montador are gone. Bicks won’t slump…he might not put up 30 plus goals next year, but he will be a force and will dominate in the playoffs again, which is why we have to sign him.
Did anyone here listen to Stahlberg’s initial comments yesterday? He acted very immature and “hurt” by the lack of respect from the Hawks…later in the day, he softened his speech and was much more consiliatory towards the Hawks…even suggesting that he would like to return here…personally, I am sure he is gone, as we “need” the space…this brings the Versteeg deal to its end.
Brad, Unfortunately I am in the dirty southeast and don’t see a lot of local Chicago broadcasts. I hear you loud and clear about Stanton and Clendening. But would another year of them shuffling and getting big minutes in Rockford hurt em much? It is just a shame to let a veteran like that go. All of our “injury” insurance rides on the backs of guys in their early 20s. And what do you do with Brookbank??
I wasn’t aware that Stan has pretty much opted out of this draft selecting 30th and then not again until 121. Here’s my dream out of the draft, Stan trades Bolland, Leddy and his 1st rounder for Seth Jones,….not going to happen but wishful thinking
It is a possibility SSHM…we all have to remember that Adam Clendening is the real deal…when he and Leddy were playing in Rockford at the beginning of the season, during the lockout, Clendening was an AHL rookie, coming straight out of college hockey…and yet he looked like the NHL’er who was picking up valuable playing time, not Leddy…he plays the same style game as Leddy and is the PP QB…if the Hawks feel that Clendening is ready now (and I think he is) then Bowman may very well make a deal like this. Plus, Ryan Stanton is also ready now as that stay at home, 3rd pairing DMan.
In terms of their defensive and physical games, Clendening is STRONG and can play defence, Leddy still isn’t strong, and may never get there defensively if his heart isn’t truly in it…I didn’t see a lot of heart from Leddy during the playoffs.
SSHM and Brad- agreed- while not likely- I like that trade of 8, 36, and let’s throw in 17- for Seth Jones or Druin, or Barkov… I actually like Druin best of the 3- but Jones/Druin really fit the “Type” of player Bowman loves…
and I will 2nd the Brad comment- I went to a few games and Clendening/Stanton were more noticeable than Leddy (that’s not say that 8 doesn’t have more upside- but he is behind in the size/physical area)
Lastly- I still would like anyone to comment on the possibility of a few “buyout guys” signing with a very good team (Ottawa, Habs, Hawks) for cheap… and creating the NHL version of the Miami Heat!!! Did the NHL/CBA think of that?????
Does Lecavalier completely control where/how little he plays for??? Seems like a potential problem!!!
Wall, you are right. There seems to be a huge potential problem here. High paid CBO veterans are not going to play for the lower half of NHL teams. LaCavalier lets say, goes to the Red Wings for $3.5mm. Wings get a $5+mm player under a $7mm CBO contract for half price. The rich will get richer for sure.
That said, he might make the perfect 2cd line center for the Hawks……
re: trading Leddy – no.
Tab here is my opinion on Leddy, he has a huge upside and has shown at times he.can be.a top end NHL talent, but his size will always be a concern. He never showed he could play key minutes this playoff run and the question has to be asked is he better then Clendening? Or is a Clendening Leddy 3rd pair in our future next season?
Shamrock: Leddy goes nowhere.
Wall: Bolland’s not going to be traded to someone in the same division (Winnipeg).
And can we please all shutup about Hossa?
Leddy played big 1st pairing and 2nd pairing minutes this past season, but when the post season started he just did not get into the groove, and that is a concern. But the fact remains, he played great defence for us this year in the regualr season.
Clendening’s frame isn’t much larger than Leddy’s but Clendening is all muscle, Leddy is not. If Leddy is serious about being a top Chicago DMan, he will show up in camp with added muscle.
Josh Morrissey off the board to Winnipeg at 13
Mirco Mueller off the board to San Jose at 18
Kerby Rychel comes off the board to Columbus at 19
Michael McCarron comes off the board to Montreal at 25