RFA Qualifying Offers Due Monday
On Monday, the Blackhawks will need to submit qualifying offers to their restricted free agents. Here is the complete list of Chicago RFAs:
- Brandon Saad
- Marcus Kruger
- Joakim Nordstrom
- David Rundblad
- Matt Carey (Rockford)
- Dennis Rasmussen (Rockford)
- Viktor Svedberg (Rockford)
- Mac Carruth (Rockford)
We do not expect all of these players to receive a QO on Monday. Carey and Rasmussen may not be back on a deeper Rockford team that has already signed a few players to AHL contracts this summer.
One must assume Saad would/will accept a bridge contract. Better, but close to the one Toffoli signed.
The Kruger contract is a much more interesting situation in my mind. I’m curious who things shape up with him.
Rundblad is a waste of resources.
Toffoli got a 2 year 6.5 million dollar deal. I’ll take anything close to that for Saad. Toffoli had 49 points this year. Saad 52.
Saad has been more consistent than Toffoli, but I still think thats a good comparable.
I think the decision for the Hawks is do they go short and pay more later for Saad. Or go long and pay more now, but find value in the later years
I’m guessing everyone but Carey & Ranblad receive offers. Although I might let Kruger hit the market to see his value. I can see another team OVER valuing him and the Hawks picking up some draft picks for him. Some idiot GM might sign him for 3 million dollars plus,…crazier things have happened.
fwiw…
I outlined a number of young players who signed recently earlier in the year for the sake of establishing a market for Saad. I think he gets more than Toffoli – and I think he’s proved enough to the Hawks that they want him around long-term. More years = more money… I’m sticking w/ my estimate of 4 years, $18-19M
http://committedindians.com/brandon-saads-pricetag-coming-focus/
Als0, Rundblad for $6-700k might be your 7th defenseman next year. Don’t throw out the possibility…
Of the Rockford guys, they will probably not qualify Rasmussen (somewhere Wall will shed a tear) or Carruth. Svedberg I think they will because he came on toward the end of the year and they know a guy that size is a long term project.
Carey is a tough call. I think they’ll move on but there’s a possibility they’ll want to be more patient with him and hope a light goes on. He was a disappointment this year and was a healthy scratch many times.
For what it’s worth, and supporting what Tab mentioned above regarding Rundblad;
A few days ago, WGN radio was announcing on their news updates that Bowman mentioned names of three players he thought had a good chance to stay – Saad, Kruger and Rundblad. I was a bit surprised to hear that, but with the cap and the dollars Rundblad would collect , it could happen. The organization seems to like him, regardless of his inconsistent play.
Hof- No tears for Ras-Moosen… I think he was ok for Hogs… can’t say the same for Carey…
Ernie: I guess Saad is slightly better than Toffoli, but it doesn’t matter. We’re talking acceptable bridge deal… actual value of player means little. They both would be highly undervalued. Plus they’re similar in their role on the team… the new young guns, future corner pieces. Their teams are similarly cap pressured.
Tab Bamford: Signing a bridge deal has nothing to do with him proving “enough to the Hawks that they want him around long-term”. Like what ? The kings aren’t sold on Toffoli and they might not want him long term ? Also..why would Saad sign a 4 years/16 mln deal ? He’d rather take a 2 year/7 M and then sign a 5+ years/30 M.
He’d get 19 M the next 4 years and be UFA at 30.
SouthSideHawkMan: Kruger is not only a key piece, but also the only Center the Hawks have other than Toews. The idea of picking up some draft picks for him seems rather strange.
As the old saying goes “timing is everything in life” and I think the Kruger situation is made more difficult for the Hawks because nothing, so far as we can tell, has been decided yet in terms of Cap reduction and trades. Assuming the Hawks want to re-sign Kruger, and I would hope they do, do they know they how much room they have and how high they can go and still be able to re-sign Saad? The Kruger qualifying offer may need to be low-balled which makes him an attractive offer sheet candidate for a team only too happy to weaken the Hawks and acquire a very good role player.
This is the consequence of not settling the Sharp, Bickell, Versteeg, trades before the qualifying offers need to be submitted. The Hawks have lost a lot of players over the last 6 seasons and Kruger is not on the top of that list, but I think the Hawks will lose a very valuable depth player, if it comes to that, and one that will have a bigger impact than your “normal 4th line center”.
Hope I’m worrying for nothing …
@ Hof
Don’t the Hawks kinda need Mac Carruth (have never really been a fan) at this stage? Didn’t he also come on towards the end of the year too? The Hawks goaltending isn’t very solid past Darling, especially if Nilsson has zero desire to play in the AHL. Nilsson sounds like 2015 Salak
SSHM,
Yes, goaltending depth is an issue. It remains to be seen if they want to continue to invest in Carruth though. They can sign free agent goaltenders, they might even re-up Leighton. Nilsson is a who knows, they may entice him over but I think he’ll sign in Sweden.
One free agent name to keep an eye on is Ken Appleby, who just went undrafted for the 3rd time and backstopped his team to the Memorial Cup. He was at their prospect camp last year and they just had him in again for a mini camp. A big goalie (6’4) and they like him.
@ DUMDUM
Not to get too goofy with numbers and the RFA structure but Kruger is making 1.4 million now. If the Hawks make him a modest increase of 1.682 million and another team offers say 2.5 million the Hawks would net a 2nd rounder,…if Kruger were to sign with the other team. To take it a step further if an offer is made over 3.3 million for Kruger and he signs elsewhere that team would part with a 1st rounder. So the former is a realist scenario.
It boils down to how much do the Hawks want to pay for a 4th line center they like. I like Kruger as much as the next guy but again he’s a 4th line center. Do the Hawks really want to be paying a 4th line center 2.5 million, and if they pay him over 1.682 million who else does that affect? Make NO mistake the Hawks are counting pennies this year, they just don’t have a lot of extra money available.
If the Saad contract starts with a 4 that’s good sign Kruger comes back, if it starts with a 5 or 6 that’s going to effect other roster players.
Interesting offseason for the Hawks. Deals to retain Saad and Kruger are of course the imperative. But we have to hope that Bowman can at least get a quality 2016 draft pick or good prospect for Sharp. Bickell and Versteeg are pure salary dumps, and we may have to include a prospect to move either of those two. The farm system is bare bones right now…it’s the price to pay for winning 3 Stanley Cups. It would be nice to get a decent piece for Sharp. I won’t lie, I”m nervous about the cap situation until Sharp, Bickell and Versteeg are all gone.
I was also surprised that Bowman said about Runblad, maybe it was just blowing smoke. It seems like Q has not much faith in him, he has had a few years to show something. Maybe it is Bowman holding on to the guy that cost a 2nd rd. pick, but he shouldn’t cost more than 1M, so maybe he is here. Also our stock of right handed D men including Runblad, Pokka, Vanreimsdyk, Johns, Palliota, might be attractive to other teams since right D men seem to be a shortage around the league. Possible to include 1 in a trade of our cap needed trades,might be needed to get it done. And just throwing out a name for a veteran 6-7 D man on the left side which might be a left handed version of Rosival and come cheap would be Carl Brewer, 36 yr old, has already made his money, just saying, might be a fit and all we can offered .
@ Rufus the Hawks minor league system is ranked 8th,…not exactly bare bones.
Marcus Kruger is much more than a 4th line Center. He is the defacto leader of this team’s penalty killing team. He also is an exceptional defensive forward in general, and stout in the face-off circle. Labeling him a “4th line Center” is silly…his importance to the success of this club on the ice extends way beyond that label. The Hawks can’t afford to lose him.
The Hawks minor league system is threadbare right now. Who on earth ranks it #8 ?!? Maybe last year at this time. Fact is the Hawks are also going to graduate Johns, Pokka and Danault very soon to fill gaps. Also, Schmaltz did not have an inspiring year in college and the verdict is out whether he is anything more than a depth guy at this level. Bowman has work to do to replenish this system, but again this is what happens when you win 3 Cups in 6 years.
I don’t much care about rankings from fan sites but the farm is far from threadbare. They are lacking in goaltending prospects for sure but have decent depth and quality at other positions.
It is fair to say the system can be beefed up, however. That’s true with just about any organization.
As for Schmaltz … a guy’s first year in college isn’t a huge tell tale one way or the other. Lots of big time adjusting going on. This year and next will tell a lot more but he is a quality player who should do quite well in the NHL all things being equal.
SouthSideHawkMan
Kruger might be a 4th line C, but he’ll most likely be the second best C on the roster. Enough said. Kruger is key component. Lines no. don’t matter
RTF – No way do I understand your assessment of Schmaltz. Much too dismissive at this point (thanks HOF). I saw him play five or six times and was very much impressed by his vision in the offensive zone. His assist total would have been much higher had he better finishers on the receiving end of his passes. Also believe he was bothered by a wrist injury much of the season.
I am in the middle on Hawks prospect/ranks…
I agree – not much in the net…
D-men, I think the Hawks are way deeper then most teams here… any Elites???
I don’t know for sure – but lot’s of #3-#5’s- imo
Scoring/”Top 6″ guys… looks pretty weak…
BUT- I think they have a lot of good skater’s that can play bottom 6 roles for sure…
Back to this year’s draft… looks like they got a lot of the same type of Forwards… and are just hoping/drafting for one to Pan out like a 20/65… to compliment…
Watched Schmaltz a few times… I like his skills,,, but for me- needs to improve his motor/work ethic… TT- similar, small, w a lot of skill, But TT always moving and “interested” in the play,,, Schmaltz- not so much-imo
@ Rufus
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/team-rankings/
Just admit your comment is WAY off base. Clearly the Hawks lack top 6 forwards in the minors but their defense crop is very good. Pokka & Johns both project as quality defensemen. In case you don’t click on the link here is what they are saying overall.
“Strengths: The recent Stanley Cup winners have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL in terms of depth. Teuvo Teravinen looks like he will be a star in the NHL, and behind him other forwards such as Joakim Nordstrom, Mark McNeill, Phillip Danault, and Ryan Hartman all look ready to contribute at the NHL level. There is some good defensive depth in the system, too, with Michael Paliotta, Stephen Johns, and Trevor van Riemsdyk looking like they can push for NHL jobs next season. In general, the Blackhawks are positioned well for the future, with talented players staggered across various leagues and different stages of development.
Weaknesses: The Blackhawks are lacking in the goaltending department, at least compared to other positions. Antti Raanta and Mac Carruth had respectable seasons at the professional level, but neither looks like a full time starter at the NHL level, at least not yet . Although there is a lot of depth along the blue line, it remains to be seen if any of the Blackhawks defensive prospects will develop into top-pairing, or even top-four defensemen at the NHL level.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Teuvo Teravainen, C; 2. Nick Schmaltz, C; 3. Ville Pokka, D; 4. Mark McNeill, RW; 5. Stephen Johns, D.
Key Additions: Gustav Forsling (Trade – VAN) Key Losses: Klas Dahlbeck (Trade – ARI), Adam Clendening (Trade – VAN)”
Tab or Anyone…
Isn’t it possible that 29 gets LTIR,,, and SB could basically – sign 20/16, ad 3 Rockford D men, Panarin, 42, 2 other Cheap forwards…. while keeping Sharp???
I am not saying this is the Best Option for Hawks… but really- In $$$ – it would actually work (could even move 23- just to have xtra $$$)…
or am I missing the LTIR boat???
I know it would limit the Hawks at TDL… but perhaps- the Hawks can see how the season is going- if not well- Trade 10 (and extort other teams- cuz of timing)…
OR Hawks are playing well… and try to make another run w 10…
Wall you lost me on #29 being LTIR. But Elliot Freidman is tweeting Runblad signed for 2 years at 1 mil each, I guess he’s ours.
Re: Prospects/ranking
Interesting- the Hogs had their best season in quite while… while “losing” all of these “NHL” guys… Pirri, Morin, Hayes,Cden, Dbeck, Stanton in last couple years.
this is further proof- current guys are winning- yet no BIG numbers…
The biggest reason (in my eyes- Defense was really good)… and puck stayed out of the Hogs zone.
I attended several Hogs games last year… the Puck did not stay in the Hogs D zone too long in most of those games… even when the Hogs lost- they usually dominated possession time.
And- I actually like their College Forwards better- Motte, Hino (I know -Hog now) Luke Johnson, Ollofson, Louis, Hayden- better than McNeill, Ross, Danault…
Possible, not likely on 29 going to LTIR.
It seems once a player goes on LTIR for cap purposes like Horton Pronger and Savard. That’s it for their career.While they have legitimate injuries, both sides probably agree they’re done. Bickell I don’t think is anywhere near that point on a personal level and when a player thinks he can play, he’ll play. It would be to much circumvention from the NHL’s standpoint.
Whoa whoa whoa Wall, are you saying possession leads to winning?
If Kruger wants over 2.5 Hawks have to move him. Can’t afford to pay a depth player that much when you have the guys at the top making as much as they do.
And as far as Saad’s contract. The reason that a longer deal would be enticing is because he could have a career ending injury on any shift, or driving home from the grocery store. If he’s guaranteed $20M, he gets $20M regardless.
Also, for LTIR, teams still have to be cap compliant when the player goes on LTIR on the first day of the season.
The only weakness the Hawks have is at the C position. Defense isn’t a problem, wingers ditto.
The Center position is the top, no. 1 priority. What options do they have there ? Teravainen ? That’s not going to fly.
Cody Hodson looks like he’s about to be bought out. Same with Sam Gagner and Mike Richards. Wonder if the Hawks would be interested if the price is right ala Brad Richards.
Hawks have their own business to worry about before it gets to that though.
JS
What Center can the Hawks sign with 2 M or under ? Brian Boyle got 3 years/6 M and he’s older and not that good.
Kruger will get more than 2 M/year. From the Hawks.
My bet: Saad will get 3.5 M on a bridge deal, Kruger will get 2.5 M on a longer deal.
Dumdum – there is a reason that the Lightning’s bottom 6 sucked. Those positions need to be filled by players on ELC’s.
Knowing Q, I’m sure Shaw will be back at C. 19/86/65/16(or Danault). Keep in position for depth move close to TDL.
re: Ernie –
Cody Hodgson – no
Mike Richards – no
Sam Gagner – no
RTF – my label of Kruger as a “4th line center” is correct – that is exactly what he is. That said, the Hawks don’t use the 4th line in the traditional way, but rather more like a traditional 3rd “checking” line. I’m in agreement with you regarding Kruger being more valuable that what the label “4th line center” implies, and also believe it should be a high priority to re-sign him. But, I believe it more important to re-sign Saad and the Cap situation will determine what gets done and who the Hawks lose.
The fact is that the Hawks have several possibilities to replace Kruger, most notably Danault, whereas they have no one to step into Saad’s skates.
The cruel reality of sustained success in the Salary Cap NHL.
JS- 86 is no Center. Neither is Shaw.
Agreed on Shaw, doesn’t stop Q from using him there. Why isn’t 86?
Teravainen is a natural center who has also played wing. He has the defensive awareness to play center, but may not have the physical strength to win many d-zone battles below the goal line. He does have a good stick though and that shouldn’t be overlooked when assessing his ability to do the job as a center. I would rather he spend another year at wing and let him grow into the job at a less pressurized pace, but as it always seems to be the case, the Hawks don’t have enough center options, and thus TT may be pushed into the role a little sooner than many of us would like.
Q has already stated he likes the idea of 86 at center because he has shown defensive responsibility and even if Shaw is better at wing, Q does love him at center and he is decent at the dot.
Runblad will never last the year as he inherits the jersey with the target on it that Oduya wore. You know, the dman that every team runs into the boards every chance they get.
Here’s hoping the season has a lot of young guys getting more ice time than in the past. The goal next year should be to make the playoffs but give 19,88,81,2,4,7 some games off during the season and figure out which young players have what it takes to play with the core in the playoffs.
JS- not exactly… but I am saying the Hogs D men- didn’t allow the puck to be in their own end too long…
My guess the Bolts– Out possessed the puck in games 1-4… and still were tied at 2games …
My “issue” with your “possession” stat… Is it really Measures Shots (and not TIME the puck is actually controlled or “possessed” by the team…. it just assumes if you have more shots– you are out possessing…) unless I am completely missing the boat… also- my other gripe- is “Quality” of shots are not weighted or any more important than a shot from the Blue-line…. so a break-away is the same as point shot– NOT in my book…
Bolts had more “quality” shots than Hawks in game 1, probably more in last 2 minutes of game 4 than Hawks had in entire game… yet lost-
at the end of the day- Stats are telling but don’t always tell the whole story….
but you know this
Saad and hawks are not close on numbers, saads camp is at $4M per hawks offered $2.8M, tomorrow he will be free to talk to teams, Wednesday he can receive offers. If the don’t sign saad they risk having to match an overpriced offer or risk losing saad. Runblad signing was a joke, not trading Bicks, steeger or sharp is dumbfounding! Schmaltz was a freshman, he was on world juniors for team USA , give him time North Dakota usually has great players, ( Google ND NHL alumni) McNeil I don’t think has work ethic to make it! I personally like Sam gagner he was Kane’s center in London, but right now we need saad and Kruger signed oduya announced he will test the market.
Note: if Rundblad hadn’t turned the puck over almost immediately on many of his shifts, he probably could have had more freedom…
to Larry, who is one of a growing group who still doesn’t get it – the Hawks don’t have to be under the cap until opening night. not trading Sharp, Bickell or anyone else until a terribly thin free agent group gets going is far from a deal breaker. Please get used to this idea folks… they’ll go, the Hawks will be fine, and Saad will be here. I’m sure Chicken Little will sell you a bag of falling sky, but we don’t sell that here
also, advocating Sam Gagner is as painfully clueless as anything I’ve seen here in a long time. Congrats!
Did we ever find out who got qualifying offers?
@ Larry
The Hawks offered 2.8 & Saad wanted 4? That’s pretty close and if SB get Saad for 4 million a season for 4 seasons Hawks fans should be EXCITED that’s a great f’ing deal!