Antti Raanta Picks Chicago
On Monday morning, the Blackhawks have a one-year deal with netminder Antti Raanta.
Raanta, 24, led his team, Assat Pori, to the SM-liiga title with a 1.45 goals-against average and .955 save percentage, winning playoff MVP. He became eligible to sign with an NHL team on June 1, and tweeted that he had made a decision on Friday.
Bob Stauffer of 630 CHED in Edmonton tweeted “If Raanta ends up in Chicago would mirror the Ducks signing a 25 year-old Jonas Hiller out of Davos during ’07 Stanley Cup run.” The Oilers were also in the mix for Raanta.
Corey Crawford has one year remaining on his current contract.
RAANTA HAS SIGNED WITH CHICAGO HAWKS , SORRY FOR EDMONTON : )
No money NO FUNNY : )
He’ll have a year in Rockford and then he can come up once CC’s paper is up. This Bowman clown doesn’t know what he’s doing!
What about him as the backup next year.
I imagine they would prefer to have him starting most games rather than riding the pine.
Only a one year deal seems pretty odd, doesn’t it?
Find it funny that people suggest this guy being the future, and that we should let CC walk when his current contract is up.
I see this a lot like the Viktor Fasth signing in Anaheim. I have no idea on the dollar amount, but the Hawks needed a backup for next year. Emery is going to get more money from somewhere else. The kids are probably still a year away from really competing with Crawford. If anything, I see this as a major vote of confidence for Crawford. The Hawks knew they couldn’t keep Emery and probably aren’t impressed with Karlsson. Additionally, Bowman gets to see this guy for a year. The Hawks are never going to pay big money to a goal tender and if Crawford doesn’t suddenly become Roy, but expects a big pay day, the team may have an heir apparent. Win-win, but there is still hockey to be played in ’12-’13, okay just ’13!
Mox, if CC want’s a Howard like pay day, he’s not going to stay in Chicago.
Re JS – Raanta is 24, so he has to get one year entry level contract. That´s the rules. Niemi got the same contract, one year two-way. He´s smart guy, Hawks are loaded with talent exept of net.
That’s right Shaacul. If its an entry level contract, then at 24, it HAS to be a 1 year deal. He might play some in Rockford, but not for long…he’s too good. I have watched him play and he’s the real deal…super quick…better than Niemi IMO. That means that after next season, when CC is a FA, the bucks will have to come out for Raanta. The Hawks can afford both he and CC if CC’s demands are reasonable…if not, as JS said, CC will be gone…
A great move by Bowman to court the young man…he is a FREAKY good goalie…no kidding, this guy’s amazing to watch…the rich just got richer.
Something everyone needs to keep in mind moving forward is the summer of 2015, when 19 & 88 need new deals.
Whenever you’re considering a new deal for a player that’s currently on the roster, whether it’s Bickell or Stalberg this summer or Crawford next summer, make sure you’ve got $16-18M in available cap space for Toews & Kane.
Ahh, didn’t know about that rule. Definitely makes sense then!
RE Kane and Toews… This is why I wouldn’t be completely shocked if the Hawks only buy out Montador and just eat the money from Rusty. It leaves the option there to buy out Hossa in 2014 to open money for 88 and 19. I know the idea has been rejected repeatedly, but I think they HAVE to consider it. Unless the cap goes up considerably, his contract is going to be brutal in a few years. And with the Hawks having a good chance at winning the Cup this year (and next year), with 3 rings and brain issues it might be time to let him go.
Thrilled to see another talented, Finnish goalie coming up! Whatever the Finns are doing over there, I love, love, love their goalies.
I have to agree JS…as good as Hossa is, after yet another season next year, how do the Hawks justify the money and the years they are attached to that money, as per a cap hit.
We will know this summer…if the Hawks only buy out one of them, then we know why.
As for Bickell, even if it cost $3 million to lock him up, this is what the Hawks have to do…we can’t afford to let go yet another home grown Dustin Byfuglien or Andrew Ladd. He’s a game changer in the playoffs, and that’s what this thing is all about…President’s trophies sell tickets during the season, but they don’t mean much once the playoffs start. People are touting Crawford for our Hart Trophy candidate, how about Bickell or Shaw? We aren’t still playing without them.
Our future is so exciting,T2 Mac Carruth Philip Danault Clendy Broadhurst Saad etc and now this kid.Hawks are not only going to be relevant and competitive in the league.We should be making some more Cup banners for the UC.Thank you Dale Tallon once again.YES this kid is a Monster Goalie,with our Defense Corp Id vote him in for the Calder right now. “Corey Corey Corey” lol yea I’m still jacked from last night at the UC
Ratboy. don’t forget Hinostroza, Calnan, and Ross… wouldn’t be surprised if one of these turn out to be a very good Hawk in 3-4 years…
Re: buyout of Hoss… If the Hawks Brass feels the need to save/free up cap space… I still would rather see the Hawks trade #7 or #2 for Picks and Maybe one up a coming (cheap) Power forward type!!! Hoss is HOF and will still be good as long as his passion/drive is there… if any body on Hawks can play at 40 it’s Hoss…
Secondly, Clendening is “supposed” to be the next PP/defensive QB ???
Yeah Wall, Garret Ross is going to be a good one…as for Hoss, I agree with you…if there is one player that can play into his 40’s its this guy…a very special person…and you can “feel” how Saad is being influenced by him…you are right to call Saad little Hoss. That’s why I believe Saad is going to become a special player, not because he will score 60 goals one season, but because he’s becoming a player that can take over and dominate a hockey game, which really is Hossa’s legacy.
Sounds like a great signing for the organization. The Hawks are very thin in net in the minor leagues. If anyone watched Mac Carruth’s last game for the WinterHawks against Halifax for the championship they could not have been impressed ateast I know I wasnt. Carruth is the top of most Hawks depth’s carts in net and IMO has underwhelmed at this stage(He’s still only 21 so there is plenty of time).
As for Raanta I’m not familar with his scouting report but it doesnt hurt to add depth to the minors. Sounds like best case next season’s backing up Crow worst case he’s starting for Rockford. I know alot of IceHog fans love Hutton but it sounds like Raanta has more of an upside then Carter.
JS how does it feel to be smartest guy on the website?
You mean the world, SSHM? ;)
Wall- I wouldn’t cry if the Hawks moved Seabrook (Keith would). But if the Hawks move Keith they are absolutely insane. He has a pretty reasonable contract and is showing in these WCF how great of a Dman he is.
Whatever happens it will be interesting.
BTW, look up M-A Fleury’s contract if you want a good laugh.
I could see Keith playing to the age of 40, and being in demand too. I would love to see him in Red-White another 10
SSHM, the Raanta signing isn’t some depth move…this guy’s the real deal…the Hawks made this move for 2 reasons…one, because they don’t know what CC and his agent will be like after next season, and Scotty Bowman’s son isn’t going to overpay for a goalie, and two, because the Hawks didn’t want Raanta going to anyone else. His talent is elite…right now…this isn’t some maybe, hopeful signing…there are a number of teams and GMs around the league who were very chocked today over this signing.
That’s why I put etc. There are plenty of other prospects that I like but you never tell if we have another Kyle Beach or2. Halifax sure lit Carruth up but he made some good saves also.I mean it was a Championship game and again hes young.But look at his stats during the season and up until that point.Keith playing until 40,Hossa playing until 40? I’m all for it.Is like to see Toews at 40.But not if we have studs at that position and it stunts their growth.As much as I enjoy those guys I’m for the Hawks to be top of the league as much as possible.If that means getting rid of a 38 yr old washed up “whoever” I’m good with that.
When you’re philosophy is to build from the farm up, you can’t fall in love with your guys for the long haul (paying Hoss until he’s 40 yrs old? Please.) I would be shocked if the Hawks don’t buyout Hossa after 2 more seasons max, he’ll be 36 and his cap hit is $5.25 forever (..and Stan better hold that spot for him as Olesz is only 1 more year at $2.2.) There are too many young guns that are willing to play the relentless backcheck style required of Q’s teams, and Marian should be ready to retire by then of his own accord. Further, as Tab points out, Hawks need his money for 19/88.
No way CC should or will get $5mil+ in his new deal (ala Howard and, ahem, Fleury.) Raanta is a great signing by Hawks and a shrewd move by the Swede, if he’s as good as they say, makes a HUGE difference in our future. Interesting that he’s only 6’/185 when trend is to bigger guys in net (average size guys like Crow, Quick, Niemi are 6-1, 6-2, and the bigger guys like Rask, Renne are 6-3,6-4,6-5….) Anyone know his style and/or seen him play?
I am not sure that 2, 7, 10, 19, 81, 88 are going anywhere. I think 19 is a Hawk for life. I also think that the “Bowman family influence” will guide the future. These players know that keeping a core group of players builds consistently winning teams. I believe 19 and 88 will sign for $16MM or maybe a tad less and allow the team to use the space to keep/get solid pros. I am basing the thought on a $66-70MM cap for 2015.
There is a lot more than hockey salaries involved here. Toews reportedly made $1.5MM in endorsements in 2011. All 6 of the players above have the ability to make sponsor money. Chicago is a big market. Making a commercial in Chicago pays a lot more than say Winnipeg.
@Negzz. I watched a few highlights on Youtube and from the little I saw he has a athletic style not unlike Jonathan Quick. Very quick laterally, controls rebounds. His feet are incredibly fast & he’s really flexible.
Again, with the talk about buying out Hossa, I really don’t see it happening from a financial perspective.
Some folks have said the Hawks would buy out Hossa this summer. And replace him how? This summer he has too much trade value to move, so I don’t see that happening.
Some here have said the Hawks would buy him out next summer. There are a couple fatal flaws with that idea. First, that means one of Olesz/Montador would either be on the NHL roster (100% cap hit), buried (partial cap hit) or bought out w/out the compliance cap relief (partial cap hit) during the 2013-14 season. I cannot see a scenario where having any portion of either of those players counting against the cap in 2013-14 makes any sense at all.
To Negzz comment about buying out Hossa after 2 more seasons, that wouldn’t be part of the compliance provision. The new CBA allows for two (2) total compliance buyouts that can take place during the summer of 2013 or the summer of 2014. Once the 2014-15 season begins, teams aren’t wiping any more money off their books free & clear.
With that being said, however, the new CBA does allow for teams to trade players and retain part of the salary/cap hit.
I don’t see a scenario where the Hawks trade Keith or Seabrook in the next 24 months. To propose that indicates we’ve learned nothing from forcing Nick Leddy to skate top-four minutes with limited AHL experience, and I’m positive the organization doesn’t want to force the same scenario on Adam Clendening. Keith is having a fantastic postseason, and Seabrook is getting better the deeper the Hawks go in the playoffs; that, and the Hawks don’t have someone to replace Seabrook under contract. Again, looking at the top defensive pair for cap relief isn’t a realistic scenario. Sorry.
The Hawks really don’t need to be very creative with the cap this summer anyway. The majority of their team is signed, and the compliance buyouts of Montador and Olesz should provide enough room for Kruger & Leddy to get new deals. I know that I’ve mentioned this a few times before, but we have to keep in mind that Bollig & Ben Smith have one-way contracts next year, so they’ll be on the NHL roster; if the team is going to buy a player out and eat the money this summer, it would be Carcillo. With those two, Morin, Hayes and Pirri should certainly be considered for the NHL roster, and Brookbank is still signed next season so the team would need someone (hopefully Ryan Stanton, maybe Adam Clendening, MAYBE Dylan Olsen) to step in and replace Rozsival as the 6th defenseman. Other than that, the Hawks’ 2013-14 roster could have 3 of 4 lines shifting very similar to what we’re seeing today. Obviously, the biggest potential losses would be Stalberg and Bickell.
Try this roster out. Is Pirri a lock at 2C? Far from it. But this 22-man roster has over $3M in cap space.
http://www.capgeek.com/cap-calculator/roster/19073
Is everyone here nuts? CC has lead this team all year and all playoffs.. Sure he isn’t flashy, but that’s because he is always in the right position. CC is a pedigree goalie, always in the right position so he never has to make a crazy good save. Look at his stats and it tells the story right there. The new guy Raanta is going to be in Rockford all year and maybe get a few games in at the end of the year. Let him play 1 pro game before you think he is the “next big thing”.
As for cap space, not one time have I heard “Rostilav 2.2 mil – Bolland 3.375 mill – HJALMARSSON – 3.5 mill – Frolik 2.33 mill”.
There all good players but lets be realistic, Rostilav is gone and the other 3 are going to need some serious numbers to continue making that kind of numbers.
Point is, it free’s up allot of cash. Rookies are always coming in and out of the lineup, at cheap salary rates. Hawks will hold onto CC, Hossa and Seabrooke. Hard to imagine the “Hawks” without those guys in the lineup.
The issue with the Hossa deal is if he retires before the term is complete or a new CBA is ratified it could turn into a nightmare.
http://www.fearthefin.com/2013/1/8/3849986/why-the-luongo-rule-makes-no-sense
http://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2013/1/8/3850352/nhl-cba-the-luongo-rule-cap-hit-recapture-what-it-means-for-the-red
Tab,
Thanks for the perspective. I think it is interesting that you have Stalberg and Bickell both gone. How things have changed since postseason began…We thought Stalberg might be a priority, but too expensive and we might have to let Bickell go just because he had skills that “could” be made up elsewhere. Now, I think Stalberg is gone just because he is in the dog house and Bickell may have made himself too expensive. I think one thing we could debate is the value of Leddy. Has his relatively poor play at the end of the season (although I think he is picking it up) cost him a hundred thousand or two? Did the Blackhawks intentionally reduce his value by playing him a little less? Do the Blackhawks go to a fourth year for Bickell at a slightly lower annual rate to entice him to stay in Chicago? At least we don’t have to find out for a little while longer.
I don’t think the concern is signing the players this summer, Tab. The bigger issue is with the players that will need new ink in a few years when Hossa isn’t as productive and still a big cap hit. Or, will a 38 year Hossa want to keep lacing it up for a million dollars a year? If he retires early then they have to eat a $5M+ cap penalty.
Knowing Bowman is constantly looking to the future, hard to think he won’t want to keep his options open and save one of the buyouts.
Biggest and best hope- is someone is welling to take a one/two??? time Stanley Cup winner Bolland for 1 year- 3.75mill hit- to add “character/experience”… to an up and coming team… then the Hawks will have some wiggle room to sign 29/and or 25!!!
Re: Crow/Raanta- I looked at some video of Raanta- same thing as previous post- athletic, flexible, but small. Either way- I agree Hawks should never overpay for the Goalie spot… Just like Pitchers in Baseball- very few are worth big $$$ long-term!!!
Better off putting a great team around them! It will be interesting to see who steal Bernier/and for how much next year.
Note: the reason I presented the roster that I did was to show that the Hawks could, in theory, have over $3M in cap space if they wanted to retain Bickell and/or Stalberg using fairly conservative cap numbers for Kruger & Leddy (though Leddy’s may be higher if they opt for a longer-term deal w/ him). That roster also has a couple guys – Frolik & Bolland – that might have played their way out of Chicago (Frolik with increased value, Bolland not so much).
The point is, there is some flexibility here without buying out Hossa, thanks largely to the better organizational depth Bowman has built over the last 3 years. Are there some potential long-term complications w/ Hossa’s deal? Certainly. But those issues are more real in 3-5 years than before Toews & Kane need to get paid in 2015… and the cap will go up before those issues would present themselves.
Also, using CapGeek’s Cap Benefit Recapture Calculator, I wouldn’t necessarily call a Hossa retirement scenario a “nightmare.” If he retires in 2017, his cap penalty would be $4.275M thru the 2020-21 season. You can run thru all of your end-of-the-world scenarios here: http://www.capgeek.com/recapture-calculator/
I’m a fan of the roster you assembled for next season. Even a bigger fan if they can move Bolland and keep Bickell.
I’m slightly concerned on how much money Saad will command in 2015 when his ELC is up. Guy has a pretty scary ceiling.
JS- I am not too concerned about Saad… I think new CBA really helps control younger guys… 2nd- as good as his complete game is- I still think he is a few years from being a consistent 20 goal guy… still has to learn the timing/patience part of the game- that’s why I cried all year to move him down a couple lines most of the year. He does seem to learn at a good pace though.
perfect ex.) Zus waiting out Howard vs. Wings… some guys never learn that.
Everyone should really read the articles Stinky posted. That’s really the only reason we are even discussing buying out Hossa. Personally, I’d keep him around, as he’s great. There are probably ways to get around the rule too. For example, if he ends up with any type of injury in his later years, we could put him on long term injured reserve, like the Flyers did with Pronger.
All that said, I ran through the numbers, and the Hawks should be able to resign Leddy (~$2M), Kruger (~$1.5M), and Bickell (~$3M) while only buying out Montador, and letting Olesz’s deal run its length. They’d then have the second buyout left over for flexibility.
I envision Raanta as the back-up next year, with Emery leaving. Past next year, I’d try to resign Crawford if he’s reasonable with his contract demands, but the Hawks can wait to see how Crawford and Raanta play next year before making any decisions.
Tails: What numbers did you run where those salaries for Bickell, Leddy & Kruger work w/ Olesz still hitting the cap? I don’t see a scenario where that works or makes sense.
Tab- Thanks for the correction, I didn’t realize that the buyout provision was only available in summers of 13-14. That said, I would STILL consider buying out Hoss next summer. After the head trauma of last year (and if the Hawks win another cup this year and/or next), he very well may be ready to go himself.
While I like your Geek roster, you have to add in abackup goalie for approx $1mil, bringing down the available cap in your scenario to $3-ish. In my view, Pirri is not ideally what the Hawks need to add to the roster (another smallish skill type, and I don’t know how he is at dot?), but would personally try to find a true 2C with grit and size that can win faceoffs. Further, you have to find a way to trade Bolly, keep Bickell and say bye bye to Stalberg (sorry JS, you’ll have to find another source for your nite sweats.) I think you keep 4 key Dmen (#2, Seabrook, Hjalm and Leddy), replace Rosy this offseason and then and cut/trade Oduya next summer if you can to bring along the younger D talent.
Big night tonight, LA will be coming HARD at the Hawks.. Should be interesting..
Negzz: Just asking, do you think there is any team who would take Bolland after what we have seen at his price next year. I could envision it only if the Hawks eat some salary, but I could also just see them keeping him and have him try to be a calming presence for the vets in the room (someone they feel they can count on, when they in actuality might not be able to).
Peter- personally, I feel that there would be a few teams that could use Bolland as an experienced player. My top canidates would be NYI, NJ, and (the least preferable cuz it would keep him in the west) PHX.
They all have Cap space and could use a veteran Center to stabalize the roster.
I woundn’t expect anything more than a 7th round pick though, seeing how the value of the trade is strictly the cap space.
I can still have night sweats about Slick Vik if he is on another team, dont’ you worry!
I imagine Tails roster involves a traded Bolland and that is where the space comes from.
Peter- I think it’s a good question and not going to be easy. I defintely do not envision any team giving the Hawks much in value for Bolland (late draft pick?) Maybe Tallon wants him in Fla? Perhaps a team with cap space on the verge that needs some “this is how you do it” grit and vet presence? I also believe the new CBA allows you to trade a player and eat some of his salary, so trading Bolland and freeing up $2mil+ in space (even if you have to eat $1mil+), sounds reasonable to me..
JS- What happens if he goes to the Nucks? or Preds? or Wings? Creates a dilemma- yes?
Florida and Ottawa would be good places for an experienced 3rd-4th line checking Center/36 for 1 yr.
Ottawa looks like they will have some of the deepest $$$ to spend- if that club wants to spend money… they could be very good next year!
Tab, just checked Your Geek roster… I like it… so we have around 3mill to sign/keep Bickell-
But I am confused on buyouts… thought we are allowed only 2 BO’s – how do we also BO Cbomb?
Really Pirri only works w/ two stud Defensive Wingers- so 20/Pirri/81 works…
Hossa would be “slumming” it w/ the kids- but could work!
My proposed buyout of Carcillo would include a cap penalty; there are only 2 compliance, cap-free buyouts, but I don’t see any reason why Carcillo & Bollig both need a roster spot here next year & Bollig has a one-way deal. The cap hit for a traditional buyout of Carcillo would be just over $200k though.
Good articles from Stinky on the CBA buyouts.. So the “special buyout” means the team gets cap relief, still has to pay the player, the player can keep playing elsewhere. Question: Does the team get relief if they cut the player under this provision and he then signs and plays for another team (as in the difference between the salary owed and payed by the new team?) Or does the player get double-dip pay?
Article I recently read projects it’s more likely Hawks would trade Hoss (out of the division) to share the cap hit if/when he retires earlier than his contract.
Tab, I hate to tell you but I don’t think there’s any way in hell that Leddy signs for $1.75 million. The Hawks will be lucky if he’s in the $2.5-2.75 range (see Subban and Del Zotto). That alone cuts the money available for Bickell/Stalberg to less than $3M and that doesn’t include Raanta’s contract (or whoever is the backup).
‘hawks58 – Subban is a Norris candidate. Del Zotto is a 3-4. Leddy has been reduced to a 5.
I think Leddy has a tremendous cap, but to compare him to Subban is just silly.
fwiw, Leddy may be slotted a 5 now but for stretches throughout the season he was the best d-man on the roster. He has shown he can produce, and still, he’s only 22. His skills fit our game well. A steal of a deal to land him too. Would hate to lose him in bidding war. But on topic, love the signing of Antti no.2
Again, let me reiterate, Raanta is NOT some Rockford backup…this guy’s talent is all world…he was signed, brilliantly, by Bowman on a one year entry level deal. This one year is the last year of CC’s contract. There is no coincidence here. Bowman is not going to be backed into corners anymore…he has been here too long now…its his organization. Raanta likely is the future goalie of this team, as Crawford and his agent may very well price themselves right out of Chicago. To those who haven’t watched Raanta play, he looks BIG in net…he doesn’t give shooters a lot to look at…once he commits, then he plays the butterfly while keeping his large upper torso elevated…in fact he reminds me a lot of Quick. His reflexes/movement are simply elite. You don’t play an entire season and playoffs in the Finnish elite league and have a .955 save % by accident or luck. He was the Fins best player at the worlds where he had a .930 save % on that big ice. Get used to his name.
As for next year, there’s no way Bowman will let Bickell go now. He’s become one of our best players during the playoffs game in and game out, and he’s a hitting machine. Plus Bicks is very committed to team defence. We spent 7 years developing this guy and he isn’t going anywhere even if it means losing Stahlberg (who had to be benched to get fired up for the playoffs). To that end Bolland and Frolik will be the ones who “have to go”. Bolland with 2 SC rings will nicely find a home with teams on the cusp of winning, and we should get a 5th round pick in return. Look at what Bowman has got with his 5th round picks??? Kruger, Shaw and Ross…its his best round.
Kruger and Leddy are RFAs and there shouldn’t be a problem in resigning them. Rozy is gone after one season and Clendening and Ryan Stanton will compete with Brookbank for those #5/6/7 DMen positions. Ben Smith, Jeremy Morin, Jimmy Hayes, Brandon Pirri and Bollig all battle for the 3 remaining roster spots. We can afford this, and it allows the Hawk youth to advance, makes us younger, and tougher to play against IMO. There is no way the Bowman allows Bickell and Stahlberg both to walk.
Instead of simply talking buyout for Olesz and Montidor, what is the ability to fit one of them on the roster next year? Especially Montidor. He’s been injured for almost all of his Hawks career. I really dont know his ability. Can they trade Oduya and fit Montidor into 5-6 D slot? Can Olesz fill a spot on 4th line? Seems Carcillo has enough value to be traded for a bag of picks to get him off the payroll without any buyout or penalty.
Here’s how you could keep Olesz buried:
http://www.capgeek.com/cap-calculator/roster/19202
You would need to trade Bolland, or do something similar. I not saying that this is necessarily the way to go, but it’s an option.
Tails, I think (short of Stanton) that roster is exactly what we will see next season…and capable of winning another Cup…good work.