Blackhawks Trade Brandon Bollig
The Blackhawks traded forward Brandon Bollig to the Calgary Flames for the 83rd overall selection in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft.
Moving Bollig saves the Blackhawks $1.25M against the cap for the next three years.
Whoo hooo!!!
No Zus and no Bollig – who are we going to bitch about next year? It was nice to see Q say that he expects Morin to move up the ladder – looks like he will get a real shot. I still believe more salary will be moved out such as Oduya and I wouldn’t be surprised if we resign Regin.
Ok, now will everyone can stop crabbing about Bollig. The fellow made the NHL and wore wore the Indian Head jersey. He deserves a modicum of respect and our best wishes in Calgary. Calgary is a good fit for him, with B. Burke and all, and he should see some good ice time,…. And so it ends.
We are now cap compliant. This could, (stress:COULD) be the team that we I’ve next season.
I’ve = ice
I expect Rosival to go before the season starts also.
Bowman trades Scott for a 5th & Bollig for a 3rd.
Franking Magic Baby.
Look out here comes Ras-MOOSE.
Brandon Bollig for a 3rd. Wow! Of course Brian Burke is who takes him. Its funny watching all the commentators mock Burke for his infatuation with truculence.
I was told this last night that CGY was interested in Bollig, and said to my wife as we went to bed, too good to be true…what a way to wake up on Saturday morning!!!
As I said here in my season review piece last week, this season was an ANOMALY for Bowman. The Hawks had a real chance at repeating and he went for it…he asked Q what he wanted, and thus resigned Zus (probably against his better judgement), resigned Bollig (knowing full well he could trade him later with that deal) and then watched while his coach kept EIGHT veteran DMen out of camp (which cost us Ryan Stanton) and promoted the inexperienced, Defensive minded Nordstrom over Morin.
He then promoted Pirri and Morin so that they could fill our voids. And it worked while Zus and Bickell were injured, but once they came back, it was clear that Q wasn’t going to skate them in favour of Zus and Bollig, so Morin got sent down and Pirri was traded. Then Bowman went out and traded for Versteeg and then Regin to fill out our depth and give Q options for the 2nd line Centre position.
But Q never warmed to these moves…Versteeg was brought in (Bowman’s words) to play mostly 3rd line and help with PK…Q played Versteeg everywhere BUT the 3rd line (which was supposed to be Shaw centring Bickell and Steeger) and didn’t use him on the PK and only got PP time late in the season when our PP became an embarrassment (AGAIN!). As for Regin, Q started him for the first week, and then increasingly cut his opportunities until Toews and Kane were injured. When Regin was given that chance again, like Morin, he shone on a line with Bickell and Morin, only to find himself (like Morin) in civvies during the playoffs. When Regin was given a chance (because Zus and Bollig were awful), he did really well…and not just with his skating, but with crashing the net and taking the body…but when it counted, like Morin, he was taken back out of the playoff lineup in favour of guys who weren’t given more than 3 minutes of playing time!!!
You can speculate what you want, but Bowman, the players and us fans were HOSED by Q and his HORRID roster choices and lineups for the playoffs (and really all season). This is why I said that Bowman would TAKE BACK control of the Hawks destiny from a coach with a win now at all costs mentality. And don’t give me any of this “well he used Kruger, Shaw and Saad as rookies”, HE HAD NO OTHER CHOICES when he did this…and that’s why Bowman has done what he has done thus far this offseason.
The lineup card belongs to the HC, but the direction of the franchise must be run by the GM who is not only responsible for winning now, but ensuring there isn’t a massive drop off (see MOST teams) in the future by developing from within. So far this offseason, everything Bowman has done and said is designed balancing winning now and ensuring the future. And the trade of Bollig with the immediate dropping of Zus (while we are still uncertain of players like Regin and BB) should tell all of us what Bowman’s thoughts were during the playoffs. Twice now, SCOTTY Bowman has said this off season that they Hawks were beaten by LA because they had more depth than us, especially down the middle. They were able to roll 4 lines and we often were reduced down to 2. The Bowman’s are ensuring this won’t happen again!
MS, I don’t know how much time who have spent on this board, but for most of the past 4 years (prior to this past one), most everyone here complimented the Hawks on being such a superior team…not a lot of “bitching” at all…there have always been concerns about our 2nd line Centre situation, but we won 2 Cups in 4 years!!! This past season was different as all of us were aware that the Hawks were going for the repeat…and as the season played out you could see the mistakes that Q was making with regards to not giving our depth enough chances and riding guys like Zus and Bollig who ended being restricted in the playoffs because their play was so bad. Hence the “bitching”…all of this unfolded in front of our collective eyes, and it was frustrating to watch…in all 3 of our playoff series, we struggled at the beginning as Q started each series with his Zusapolooza lineup, and then only made changes when we became desperate. Down 3-1 to the Kings, Smith is elevated to the 3rd line, Shaw goes to the 2nd line, and we win 2 in a row, and had a 2 goal lead, at home, in game 7 before losing it on a fluke goal.
Addition by subtraction…the Hawks just got A LOT BETTER today as now Zus and Bollig are both GONE…2 guys that Q rode, and NO ONE could understand why. And as for Q making “positive comments” about Morin playing more this season, he has to, Bowman just took away his excuses for NOT playing Morin.
Bollig did change his game and improve his skating by a large degree between two years ago and this past season. I’ll bet Calgary likes the fact that he seems to be intent on working on being a better player. I was surprised a little bit that he was dealt even up for an 83rd pick, but I suppose it makes sense if anything just to make more room for other wingers to get opportunities and to shed a bit of cap space. The Hawks lose some physicality, but Bollig could also be frustrating with some of the “bad” penalties he would get. Best wishes to him in Calgary.
Perhaps this is like the movie moneyball where the GM had to trade a player to stop the manager from screwing up the lineup. The key for Bowman is to only allow skilled players on the roster so Q can’t mess up the lineup. So the fans screamed about Handzus and Bollig and their both gone right away. Sounds like the Bowman agreed with the fans after all.
Once Bollig settles in CGY, I will be watching for his “tell-all” book about Q’s sexual exploits…
This is like Xmas eve for me. I’m just pulling for the big gift being long-term extensions for Kane and Toews on July 1st.
I’d say more about Bollig, but I’ll leave it at this: I did not feel that he contributed to the Hawks in any positive way that I could see, either statistically or otherwise. Glad to see he’s moved onto a team that values his play.
I know Bollig was the whipping boy on this blog the past two years but his improvement from last year to this year was outstanding (considering from where he started, not necessarily where he finished). It will be sad to see him go but hopefully he finds a nice niche in Calgary. The worst part was that Bollig was made aware of the trade in his newly bought three bedroom condo.
Now that Bollig is gone, though, our lineup will be more balanced but the Hawks definitely need an enforcer in the AHL that can shuttle to and fro Chicago. Who’s going to play when we visit St. Louis and Reaves and Lapierre and co. are cheapshotting Seabrook?
To Sr. Brad and others who follow the Icehogs closely-
Do you know of anyone who can perform this role? Is Ross or someone that guy? Is there anyone?
Bollig did an admirable for the Hawks. But he made too much money and presumably Morin can fill the 12th forward role a little better and a little cheaper.
In this thread and countless others, I’ve seen a lot of Q bashing, and talk of Bowman having to struggle over how the organization’s roster makeup conflicts with how the head coach uses said roster. If this is really, truly, honestly such a big problem, then why is Q still here? Coaches have been let go before because the couldn’t take a team from point A to point B. If a coach is really an impediment for a team to stay at “point B”, wouldn’t the GM have the ability with Wirtz et al to go for more of a GM’s “toadie” to keep the “One Goal” slogan a reality? If there is really that much contention between the head coach and the front office, and the two are in a battle for control of the franchise and its outcome season after season, would PR etc. really keep the front office from making a change? I’m not an insider, just a fan. But the posts would make one thing that there is a war going on. If Q is gone, the place is still gonna sell out. Toews and Kane et al will still be around. The team will still be one of the strongest in the NHL. I like Q, and am not advocating his dismissal. But if there’s such a struggle, why ain’t he out the door? Not intending to PO anyone…just wondering.
@frolik brad mashinter will be that guy.
Ethan- thanks. I just saw Bowman say the same thing but I really don’t know anything about him.
Great job SB trading Bollig. We are now a much better team without him. 4th line will be good next year without Bollig hindering it and Q will have more confidence in his 4th line without Bollig.
Big Indian – I wonder the same thing. Q frustrated m with his lineup choices but when people bring up this “conflict” with SB – I wonder why if you are the boss why not take charge. As to Bollig, he did serve a purpose during the season keeping the goons from other teams honest. He was not a good choice in the playoffs when we had players sitting that could have played and been more productive than 5 minutes a game.
If we go into next season with the team we have we will be right there again I believe.
I would love to pick up a real established 2C but if Smith or Shaw gets that chance between Saad and Kane, I am good with that. Either one creates space with net front presence. TT could get a shot at 3C between Bickell and Shaw/Smith. The “Moose” with 16/ 42/11 would make up a 4th line that would still be interesting. I would love for this season to be about developing a team that would be ready and rested for the playoffs.
Brad- Love the book comment…
RTF- are you coming around on Morin – perhaps???
I always agreed with you on Pirri… 37- was never a long term Hawks… But I do think Morin has game… AND can actually play higher than a 3rd/4th line… but Time will tell… for Mo, it’s not drive, shot, it is “something” that doesn’t show up on camera while watching the game that Q sees… and doesn’t like… Moreover, many here actually pull out all of this Corsi stuff and back Morin… so besides “my eye test” Morin seems to be a player… We will see. AND like it or not… in 2 years (w 19/88 hit coming)- Mo just might be the “Sharp” replacement!!!
Bollig was improved, a big body that played with discipline most of the time. Hawks are a light team, lots of sticks and skates and skill but SIZE is important in the playoffs. During the year not so much, i will miss him, he and Bicks brought some Attitude and Physical Presence to the game. La Kings are a good example of physical play, clean and tuff in the corners and when they dump and chase they go in hard to the body “not poke check on puck.” Hawks gotta make some moves . . . soon! Bigger moves than this!
Big mistake. Bollig is only player in Hawks jersey that had a respect from goons like Reaves or Rousell. Without him they have a free pass to beat Kane, Toews or wheather they want to oblivion. Hawks are smaller and softer again.
Didn´t Bowman sayed after the seazon that he want to make Hawks harder and get some help on center? I see the opossite.
No one was intimidated by bollig. he made some clutch plays in last year’s playoffs but he isn’t worth the cap hit. He’s improving, but I believe we’ve all seen that he’s on his ceiling asymptote after this most recent playoff run. I think Bowman doesn’t go after Q because: 2 rings, and the team is still riding high. He has much more to lose from gambling on another coach than sticking with Q but taking away his options to mess up the lineup. Besides, SB knows he’s amassing great talent and when the chips are down Q turns on the line blender so that things tend to work out anyway. Big mistake? For real – freeing up cap space for K/T, roster space for the cheaper Rooks, forcing Q’s intransigent hand? This is not a mistake. This is John Scott: The Legend Continues.
Don’t think for a second that a GM and Coach not seeing eye to eye on the talent or the roster is an unusual thing…its not. It happens all the time in every sport…why? Because a coach’s job is the most tenuous of things…they HAVE TO have a win now mentality if they plan on surviving, so this kind of tete de tete between Q and the Bowmans is normal. There are simply varying degrees of it. Last year Bowman gave Q WAY TOO MUCH lee way with the roster, and this year he is tightening it back up…how do you think Bowman got Q to play Saad? Remember, game 1 in the 2012/13 season Saad was a healthy scratch and Dan Carcillo was playing on the first line with Toews and Hossa (and some fans laugh when I mention Morin on the 1st line?). Saad could have easily have been the Jeremy Morin of 2012/13 if not for Carcillo’s injury. Q gave Kruger a chance because he didn’t have many other options and he was auditioning for a 4th line centre role with a history of defence…and Shaw got a chance because what we had wasn’t working and Shaw was the kind of throw back player that Q likes.
As for firing Q, its tough for a GM to make a major change when things are working, no matter how dysfunctionally…the devil you know, right? Also, Bowman would have to explain a lot about the dysfunctionality of the situation to the press if he fired a certain HOF coach with 2 Cup wins…So Bowman’s hands are tied too…so you walk the fine line and fight the battles that you have to fight…this is how most professional relationships work.
But remember this about Q, without the CHI job, people would NOT be talking about him as a HOF coach…not even close…this job defined his coaching career so he needs to remember, he holds the keys to a car he does NOT own.
Shaacul, clearly Bowman completely disagrees with you, and he’s one of the most respected GMs in sports. This garbage about needing an enforcer is OVER. If some idiot like Reeves runs at one of our guys, what are you going to do? Retaliate? Bollig didn’t retaliate ONCE IN 2 SEASONS, so your argument goes right out the window. If there’s a scuffle on the ice, Bickell, Shaw, Morin, Seabrook and Keith can all help out. But let’s face it, we are a team that doesn’t fight…the only fights we have are Bollig getting beat up by another goon and Psycho Tazer punching the daylights out of Thornton. We don’t need another goon…didn’t any of you watch Morin over the last 3 weeks of the regular season? Every time there was some pushing and shoving he was right there in someone’s face…the kid is strong and tough, so is Shaw, so is Bickell…and when Garret Ross comes up, so is he. We are SO MUCH BETTER with Bollig and Zus gone…now they can be replaced by guys who can take regular shifts during the playoffs, and that’s all that matters.
And one other thing, watch how well Bollig does next season in CGY WITHOUT Kruger and Smith…you’ll see your progression (or lack thereof) then.
So Bollig went for a 14 draft choice and not a 15…..either way, good to shed that salary. For #83 overall I think SB simply said, hey my bad.
Brad – My comment on the bitching was a joke as we all seemed to get our fill of popping off on Zus and Bollig. Although these were two very high character guys who gave all they had for the Hawks they clearly were major liabilities come playoff time. As many have said here we must improve the depth and expect more contributions from the bottom six. Although LA had stronger depth throughout the lineup it was only a year ago that they were concerned about the strength of their D after Doughty. My point is that the competition in the West is extremely tight with six or more teams capable of winning the conference. I don’t think the lack of a big name 2c will spell doom as long as that 2c is not Zus. The difference will be small things – injuries, goalie getting hot, unexpected contributions from role players (see Toffoli and Pearson for LA). Personally I expect to see Morin step up now that he will be given a real opportunity. I also hope we get to see Dahlbeck as he would improve our size on the backline and hopefully can grow into Hammer 2.0 as a steady presence. On a final note I can’t understand all the shots at Q. Has anyone heard of any of the coaches hired recently… not exactly big names. Q has earned the right to make any decision he wants and I think we are very lucky to have him.
Brad, you said what i said, albeit in more garrulous fashion. Strong points, just the same.
I’m a season ticket holder. In the multiple gatherings I have been to over the last 5 years where both GM and coach have been present I have NEVER, repeat NEVER, seen any discord between Bowman and Q. In fact they act like they quite close.
And riddle me this Brad…why has there NEVER been an article written by the late Tim Sassone, or Chris Kuc, or any other scribe in this city talking about a rift between Bowman and Q? Or that they aren’t on the same page?
The answer is because you are full of crap.
Some excellent points MS…the points about Q are this…he played Zus and Bollig when he had MUCH better options available with his roster which he chose not to use fully…and here’s the clincher, when he did drop or remove Zus WE WON. Remember MS, with Pirri and Morin in the lineup, either together or alone, we were an .850 hockey team, with Zus (including the playoffs which was over 60 games) we were 4 games below .500…and everyone got to see during the playoffs what happened when Zus skated as our 2nd line Centre instead of Ben Smith or Andrew Shaw…who were the 2 players during the playoffs with the WORST +/- and Corsi #’s?????????
None other than Zus and Bollig…Jeremy Morin, BTW, led the Hawks with Corsi and Shot % this year. Now if you think that Q is entitled to f$ck around with our SC chances, hey, you are free to think however you want, I would just disagree. And Bowman’s actions immediately this offseason concur with all that I have said and have been saying for a year.
Wow, ruffie, there has been lots written about the POTENTIAL discord between them and within the Hawks Upper Mgt hierarchy…LOTS…do you know how to use the goggly thing?
As for no major blowups or big quotes? That’s not how Bowman runs things…but remember this, going into the strike shortened 2012-13 season, Bowman made it EMBARRASSINGLY clear to the world that the problem was not the Hawks personnel, and it was up to the coaches to figure things out and have functioning S Ts…and there was tons written about it, even on here. Selective memory there ruffie?
And if you are a season ticket holder for the Hawks (which I doubt), just let me know your seat and section…I will be glad to come by and introduce myself next season.
Rufus: My buddy has a high-up connection to the Hawks organization and he’s been telling me about this rift between SB and Q for years.
I agree with Brad. There’s frequently tension between the GM and coach. The coach isn’t satisfied with the team he’s been given and blames the GM. The GM thinks the coach isn’t using the players he got well enough, so he blames the coach.
I´m sorry but I can remember how did Reaves played agains the Hawks before and after Bollig. Ask Kane. I still remember what did Torres to Hossa, that was beginning of Bolligs era. I don´t say that he´s a superstar, or best in the league in his job, but he was the best we got.
According to Bowman Mashinter can be call up into similar position, I don´t have problem with that, maybe not as good fighter as is Bollig but still better than most and maybe even offensive upsite compate to Bollig. Don´t need to play 82 games next season, maybe 35-45 season games can be enough.
What kind of game does Johns from ND have?
How far away is he from making it to the show?
Can he add some of the physicality along with some offensive prowess?
Johns is a big player who has a physical game. Is he ready now? Not sure; very little pro experience after 4 good years at Notre Dame. I’m excited to see him in training camp, though. Dahlbeck also a good option on the blue line next year.
So now that Bollig is gone who is going to hit an opponents head with so much force that his head goes thru the glass so that a Blackhawk fan can remove his helmet whilst another Blackhawk fan pours beer on his head? Eh? Huh? Who? You see, Bollig was not that bad and your gonna miss him! So now when we play in Calgary we will become the victims…think about that.
Bollig got ahold of Q’s hard drive last summer.
As for bowman, he isn’t absolved of blame. He is Q’s superior — and Q ordered him to re-sign Bollig to absurd multi yr contract? And Q ordered him to get versteeg? And Q ordered him to re-sign zus? If these 1000% facts are true (these moves made ordered by Q), then shame on bowman 1000%. It’s nice he is able to rid himself of players like bollig and Scott, but the GM signs and acquires the players. Based on re-sign bollig, he had to overpay smith by 250k. Cap $ is cap $.
Maybe Q is friends w/ Calgary hierarchy and after all mightier of imbibing and the like w/ them, they woke up and thought bollig is 2nd coming of Ignila. Bollig will be out of the league before the end of his contract. Sr Brad’s pertinent points re bollig are spot on. I hope bollig proves us all wrong — highly unlikely. @ least he has Q and/or bowman to thank for pocketing good bank.
Mining man,
I was at that game and the game before as well (cal). The CAL game I was sitting in the 2nd row a couple 3 seats from right where that happened. The helmet thing looked funny but the beer pour by that lady was no class.
When it comes from Bollig with hits he should hit clean. As long as its not like Wiz after we traded him he took a panzy hit at Seabs right in the head. Cheap Bastard.
PS. In the interests of fairness to bowman, he is the one who traded for morin. If morin plays (Q are you going to comply?) 15 mins a game and stays healthy, he will easily score @ least 25 goals. Bowman will be proven correct in not bringing in Kessler.
Bollig was on the ice when Torres hit Hossa. Bollig was on the bench when Orpik hit Toews. Bollig is on the ice when Marcus Kruger is boarded every game. Give. It. Up.
I kind of feel like the 69m cap will work wonders for Bowman being able to force the team he wants on to Q. Have to love that Burke still values people that want to fight in today’s NHL. Calgary is looking quite promising!
Geez you guys …lighten up, thats hockey comedy, not for serious discussion….now then, if we somehow manage to get Grabovski, well he’s a biter…as in bites guys…just ask any Habs fan….weird or what….could be our secret weapon! ( its true but please don’t take this as a serious, of course he could always play soccer).
Grabo is a biter??? Is that a “Walking Dead” reference – Governor?
Two down ( 26,52)… two to go ( 23, 32)… 32 is a tough one to move though… still the highest paid player per minute!!!
Bolig was what he is…..a 4th liner with little upside. Yes, with more minutes he could score 10 goals a season for the Flames. Problem is he will be a minus player. So Bowman made a bad contract with Bolig and got little for him. The Bolig “era” is over, let’s move on.
Wall, Versteeg was one of our best forwards in December/January before his play began to decline…that has to be because of the knee…Steeger said that he didn’t get to train last summer fully because of the knee, so he’s heading home to get back into shape and to have that knee at 100%…if that’s the case, you have to think that Steeger will return to his usual self…the odd dangerous pass aside, Steeger has a ton to offer the Hawks when healthy…so at $2.2 million, healthy, he’s a good addition to the team.
As for Rozy, that was not a smart move by Bowman giving him a 2 year deal…the wheels fell off Rozy’s game last year…but what the Hawks might do, is use Rozy as that 6th/7th DMan with Dahlbeck/Clendening, playing him about 40 games and using him as D coach to the younger players…I think the Hawks can live with that…because as you say, Bowman’s good, but there’s no way he can move Rozy’s contract…right? Is there?
IMO, Mashinter is a career AHL player. There things about his game I like, but he doesn’t possess the hockey IQ or skating ability to play 10-12 NHL minutes a night without getting burned…in 47 games with the Hogs this season, he did well…he was used a lot as “protection” for the Broadhurts (along with Ross), and as such scored quite a few goals (14 in 47 games is very good) but was a -8, over a stretch where even the Broadhurst brothers (the 2 weakest D forwards in Rockford) were plus players. Hockey is played over 200′ and Mashinter’s game is not a 200′ game, and he’s been in the minors for 5 years. Bowman can bring him to camp, but there is no way he should win any ice time over Morin or Nordstrom who can really skate the NHL game.
23 & 32 cap hits will cover Grabos & Brookbanks (split time with Dalbeck). Unless we trade 27/8 for Nielsen.
It might be better to go with 27/8/Grabo, then to go with 8/32/Nielson
At some point in the season Teuvo will be ready and then we really will have quality depth.
I think it should not be a big problem to trade Rozy – has 2.2 mil. cap hit, but just 1.75 mil. salary in 2014-15.
Clendening, Dahlback, Johns and Rundblad can fight for 6th and 7th DMan, with Rundblad making the roster worst as 7th DMan (guess Bowman will not want to loose him on waivers).
Blackhawks don’t need to make many changes this summer, should use 1 more year for players (incl. prospects) evaluation before tricky next off-season, when new deals for Kane, Toews and Saad will kick in.
They will need to make a decision about Seabrook, Oduya, Leddy and Rundblad after next season…