Thank You, Corey Crawford
UPDATE: The Blackhawks announced Corey Crawford will not return to the club, marking the end of one of the most unique careers in Chicago sports history.
Corey Crawford’s six-year, $36 million contract has officially expired. He will be an unrestricted free agent whenever free agency begins this fall. And, at 35, he doesn’t necessarily have to continue playing. He’s made more than $45 million during his playing career, has a family and a couple championship rings at home. His life and legacy are secured.
But let’s spend a minute talking about the legacy of Corey Crawford.
Crawford was a second round pick in the historic 2003 NHL Draft. He was the second goaltender selected that year; Marc-Andre Fleury went to Pittsburgh with the first overall pick. Crawford lasted until pick number 52.
After two more years with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL, Crawford moved to Norfolk (then the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate) for the 2005-06 season. On January 22, 2006, Crawford made his NHL debut in relief of Adam Munro. He stopped all seven shots he faced in relief that night.
It appeared Crawford would, eventually, be the man in net for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Eventually took four more years.
If we’re honest, it was a business decision that sent Crawford back to the AHL for the 2009-10 season; he outplayed Antti Niemi during the 2009 preseason. But Niemi’s name was engraved on the Cup and he is associated with the team that broke the nearly 50-year championship drought.
When Niemi bounced with everyone else in the summer of 2010, the easy assumption was that Crawford would get the net. And yet Stan Bowman went out and threw a bunch of money at veteran Marty Turco to split starts to begin the season.
In a season of turnover and turmoil after the Blackhawks saw more than half their roster depart and injuries hit many of the best players on the roster, Crawford forced himself into the top slot on the depth chart. He had four shutouts and a .917 save percentage in 57 regular season games.
Turco left after one unremarkable season and was replaced by Ray Emery. Emery was with the Hawks for two years; he and Crawford shared the William M. Jennings Trophy for the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season.
Crawford took his game to another level in the 2013 playoffs. He should have won the Conn Smythe that summer; even Patrick Kane has said as much. After a long, winding road to being an established goaltender in the NHL, Crawford was a champion.
Two years later, Crawford’s name was engraved on the Jennings Trophy alone. And his name was also engraved on the Stanley Cup for a second time.
In the second decade of the 21st century, only two goaltenders – Crawford and Jonathan Quick – won multiple championships. Fleury, the first overall pick in 2003, has three rings but Matt Murray was Pittsburgh’s primary goale in the 2016 postseason.
Only five goaltenders in the history of the NHL have won the Jennings Trophy more than twice: Martin Brodeur (five), Patrick Roy (five), Ed Belfour (four), Dominik Hasek (three) and Brian Hayward (three). Four of those five are in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Only two goaltenders have won more games than Crawford (260) in the history of the Chicago Blackhawks: Tony Esposito (418) and Glenn Hall (276). Those two legends are both in the Hockey Hall of Fame, and their numbers have been retired by the organization.
What’s impressive is considering Crawford is only 16 wins behind Hall; Crawford has appeared in 130 fewer games than the iconic netminder.
Crawford’s 26 shutouts rank seventh in Blackhawks history.
Crawford’s .918 save percentage is the best for any goaltender who appeared in at least 100 games with the Blackhawks.
And yet Crawford is often referred to as the goaltender who benefitted from great teams in front of him. He was “lucky to be in Chicago.” His game had “obvious weak spots” (read: glove side) and he gave up too many soft goals.
Let me be absolutely clear: Corey Crawford is the most taken-for-granted athlete in Chicago sports over the last 20 years. Maybe ever.
After concussions put his career in question over the past couple years, he once again had to fight for his job. Robin Lehner was brought in to split the job with him – indeed, likely to be his replacement. And yet Crawford played well enough to win the job back. Again.
Crawford built a resume that’s worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. He’s been one of the greatest netminders to ever wear the Indian head sweater. And he had to take the long road to get there. Ed Belfour didn’t get much respect as he climbed the ladder and he took it out on everyone around him; Crawford got less respect than Rodney Dangerfield and simply went about his business.
It’s poetic in a way that it was Lehner, in another jersey, that potentially ended Crawford’s tenure in Chicago. Another veteran brought in to take his job away who lost to the steady Crawford.
We’ll find out in the coming weeks and months what the future holds for number 50, but it this is it we tip our cap to a player worthy of being legitimately referred to as a Blackhawks legend.
I imagine Corey Crawford wants to come back to Chicago for a few seasons. And if that’s not in the cards then I’d imagine he’d give his left nut to play for the Montreal Canadians to wind up his career.
“Let me be absolutely clear: Corey Crawford is the most taken-for-granted athlete in Chicago sports over the last 20 years. Maybe ever.”
Truer words have never been spoken.
Hard to imagine the Blackhawks without Crawford but that’s a real possibility next year. Like the Rodney Dangerfield of goalies comparison, because it really does sum up his career. One of the great Blackhawks and should be remembered as such.
The Rodney Dangerfield of the NHL.
I’ve always been a believer in, and a fan of, Crawford. It really sucks that Chicago could be without him next season with no real heir to the net. Lehner could have been that, possibly…but we will never know. It was a great run. Thank you, Corey Crawford!
Nice summary & tribute, Tab!
CC had had a remarkable career- for his own health I’m sure he’ll make the right decision…
Maybe we see Lehner back here again in a Hawks uniform- although we do have some young talent between the pipes in our system.
Stan- try NOT to ‘fudge’ this up!
Tab – One of the best articles ever. Completely agree with your comment of being the most taken for granted athlete. A complete class act.
Good article. Two things that really stand out about CC are his resilience and his physical toughness.
In 2013 against Wings he let in a softy in game 6 to put us down and just when it looked like he was rattled he turned around and slammed the door on them. Against the Bruins he struggled badly with the glove at times, but again, he persevered and for sure should have won Conn Smythe. Sure he let some in, but he never let those get to him and it was pretty clear that our defenders trusted him. His play in 2011 against Canucks really stood out as well.
On the physical play, he is so strong in the blue paint. He battles through so much (given our soft defense he has to) and in those goal mouth scrambles refuses to give in – phenomenal leg strength. Goalies don’t often get called warriors but he sure plays like one.
Mr. Crawford set a high bar for whoever’s comes next. True class is hard to replace.
a money goalie,sure he had a bit of trouble with the glove ,but do has all the greats before him.
Crawford, Keith and Seabrook were all great at one time. We honor their legacy and celebrate what they’ve accomplished but what have we won in the last 5 seasons? It’s time to move on and replace these warriors. They have to give these kids a chance or no young player will want to come here.
A perenial professional who speaks with his actions. A role model that transcends the sport. He makes me proud to be a hawks fan. Thank you Crow.
He was big. He was dependable. It was a goalie win.
Crawford as one of those rare guys who could play at an elite level and not be a complete egomaniac about it. He was always team first. Never was threatened by the presence of another established goaltender on the roster. He only concerned himself with what he could control and left the other stuff alone. An example to us all, take care of what you can control and let the stuff you can’t control take care of itself. I hope this isn’t the last we see of him in a Hawks sweater, but whatever happens, he was one of the best ever.
Hear, Hear Tab. Terrific tribute to one hell of a great goalkeeper. What a pleasure to watch his career evolve. Remember when Crow softies in the PHX series when Hoss was knocked silly by the criminal Torres? At that point we all rightfully wondered if he was up to the task. Crow turned it around though and never looked back. The guy has the heart of a champion. We saw a few amazing gems from Corey in these weird playoffs, and this was even more amazing given that he was not in game shape to start the Oilers series. Go back snd watch those Cup runs in :013 and 2015. Crow was huge yet he never got the credit. He was my choice for MVP For the 2015 run for the Cup. I hope he stays with the Hawks if they can cone up with the right deal for both parties
Corey, Corey, Corey!!!
Let’s Go Hawks!
Ultimately up to him. Crawford has had a wonderful career here and should he resign here I would most certainly be happy. I’m sure many teams would give him a call if he hits free agency. It’s really up to him.
Looking to next season I imagine a more compact gameplay schedule possibly with a shortened season. Wouldn’t surprise me if teams play the same team in the same stadium two games in a row at least for division rivals with the goal of reducing travel. From a travel expense point of view I can imagine not too many complaints from owners. If they did this I’d also be far more likely to travel to a city and catch a game as well….or in this case two.
My point is I would guess there will be more back to back games and therefore more of a need or desire for a backup to play. I know goalies they want to start every game and that’s definitely the mentality to have however what coach wants one goalie dominating starts in a compact season? Just a hunch but the backup goalie will see more action for every team next season.
What next seasons schedule looks like may very well play into Corey Crawford’s decision. I hope he comes back if even for a year. If it wasn’t so hot out yesterday I would have been wearing my 50 CRAWFORD jersey.
Thanks Tab, well said. Crawford deserves more respect for what he’s done.
Very difficult decision coming up for both Crawford and Hawks management: Is Crawford willing to take the dollars that are / will be available?
Thank you Crow!
I am still pissed off that no one stood you for you after that piece of sh@t Milkan took a run at you and dropped his knee into your head. Enjoy being a free agent and I hope it works out the way you would like it. You earned it.
Ok SB, now what? What’s the plan. Delia, Lankinen, Tomkin or Suban. It does not look that appealing. Wonder what Marty is up to.
Corey!!! Thanks for Everything in one Heck of a Crazy year!
Game 5 was a Lights Out Gem.
To be mentioned in the same sentence as Glenn Hall and Tony Espo….. WOW!!!
You proved the tank ain’t Empty! You know we All want you back whenever next season starts. You Da Man!
With no clear cut answer to who our goalie of the future will be keep in mind that in 2016 we had 3 second round picks. The first one was used on Dcat, the second on Chad Krys and the third on Artur Kayumov. Three picks after we picked Krys the Flyers selected Carter Hart. I know you can play this game all day with how draft picks turn out but man that one is painful.
I have not posted in quite some time (Hello and good to see you here today, PHIL). But this is a most special occasion. Corey is indeed unsung and habitually underappreciated. Strange how some guys just don’t seem to get their due (Larmer, Doug Wilson, Tom Lysiak, and – further back – Pat Stapleton, others…). Let’s not let Crow fall off like too many who have gone before. I hope he returns next year, we’ll see. Who can say if he’ll get the nod to the Hall, but we can certainly begin to move toward retiring #50 if in fact he has scrape-prepped his crease for the last time.
Sorry Guys!
Meant Game 4…..just a little ahead of myself.
Nice write up Tab, Crawford and Forte are the 2 most underappreciated athletes in Chicago sports in my opinion
Tab, absolutely fantastic write-up on Crawford! After 2015, Crawford had a steadily worsening team playing in front of him but continued playing at a very high level. Fans have been much too hard on him since 2011 PHX series. All goalies go through rough patches and give up their share of soft goals.
Shutouts are nice but W-L and SV% are more important. Hasek had a higher SV% .922 but played less than 100 games as a Blackhawk. Espo and Belfour both had SV% .906. True, Espo played about 400 more games than Crawford.
Thank you Crow for winning 2 1/2 Cups (including 2014 puck luck).
Watching Crow between the pipes in that sweater was truly a treat. Watching all the net minders during my life here in Chicago, I believe Crawford was the most underrated goalie. Tony O, Bannerman, The Eagle, Pang and the rest were great goalies but without rings with Chicago.
Yes Crawford had a great team in front and the real thing is, the teams that win championships are just that teams.
If Crawford is gone, I will miss #50 if he doesn’t sign back with the Hawks but I will enjoy watching Corey if he still plays.
“Ed Belfour didn’t get much respect as he climbed the ladder and he took it out on everyone around him; Crawford got less respect than Rodney Dangerfield and simply went about his business”.
A-fcking-men.
I loved The Eagle and I love Crow;
I tell people all the time that Crow is Eddie minus the incessant need for acknowledgement & childish antics.
50’s like that old beater car that you love to death because it’s gotten you where you need to go so many times–a little rusty, sometimes the ride isn’t smooth, but, good grief–give it a rest, a wash, shine it up and the engine still runs just fine.
Good on you, Tab. Next to your recap/farewell to Sharpy when he left for Dallas, this is my favorite.
<<>>>
;)
I remember Tony “O”,
Glenn “Mr. GOALIE” Hall, and the greats of the last 6 decades. (Ok I’m an old fart) NOT ONE goal keeper who wore the red sweater ever made as many big time, pressure packed, game saving moves as number 50. Thanks for the memories…Corey…Corey…Corey… Corey
I hope Stan Bowman finds a way to keep a still effective Corey Crawford.
I hope Corey can stay healthy and come back. He has shown he still has it in him and I am pulling for his return. He just had an awesome season, Good luck Corey.
Corey Thanks for Everything,
Always will remember him coming to Toews aid in 2013 WCF when Kings’ tough guy Kyle Clifford and Toews tangled in front of Crawford, while play was headed up ice.
Total team player between the pipes.
On the ice and off.
I do think crow is under rated in chicago, but at the same time.. he has given up some huge weak goals. Hes always been rough up high, and an absolute stud down low. Hard to beat crow without elevating the puck. I was upset when the hawks moved raanta .. whi has become quite the goalie playing in front of worse teams than the blackhawks. I was even more shocked when they traded lehner. Hes got more overall ability and is much more well rounded in net than crawford.. let’s in far fewer weak goals.. and was replaced by crawford even though he was lighting it up.. arguably the only reason the hawks got to where they were this season.. only after that, and a seemingly careless bowman who refused to give lehner 3 years without a discussion of money.. that lehner started to falter. On top of lehner not only being seemingly unfazed by the media like crawford.. lehner was a locker room leader who grew to be really really close with alot of his teammates here in Chicago in such a short amount of time. Really hard to understand the decision making here. And if I’m going to name the most under rated Chicago athlete of all time.. my pick goes to Mark Grace when he played for the cubs. If he wasn’t over shadowed by Sandberg, he was over shadowed by Sosa.. but he was arguably the best clutch hitter the cubs had for over a decade.. a phenomenal first baseman, and led the mlb in doubles over the course of an entire decade. But literally NO ONE talks about him. I have grown to like crawford over the years, but I’m sorry. I just dont see him in that light.
fast fw to 22:52
One favorite of mine is this. I love seeing Crow reaction. Team celebration.
I always admired Corey Crawford. I am a Tampa Bay Lightning fan. I think he beat us in 2015 finals. I just bought his Red Blackhawk Jersey. An underrated modest athlete.
Corey thank you for the memories!
Truly an outstanding athlete.
Great write up Tab. I look forward to the day that Crawford’s number is hung in the rafters at the UC. Whenever that may be. A true champion. If he wishes to continue to play I would enjoy seeing him back with the Blackhawks.
If Crawford wants to continue to play, I certainly hope it’s with the Blackhawks. Only Hawks goalie to win two Cups. That says it all.
He will always be my favorite goalie. I will always remember when he and Scott Darling were on the roster together. What a team!
What AJ typed on the 19th at 7:23…….man o man are u guys confused and you’re all seeming to forget the team we stacked in front of him……dont get me wrong, Crawford made some huge saves for us but the dude was the definition of INCONSISTENT and it’s a shame that NONE of you aside from AJ are typing out this truth that u dont seem to want to admit
And the majority of u seem to forget that Emery and Darling were just as good as Crawford in the ’13 and ’15 seasons
What happened to Emery & Darling after they left the Hawks?
Darling as good as Crawford? Then why didn’t Q put him between the pipes in the Finals? While Crawford continued to earn a starting job, Darling played at an AHL level.
I love Corey ! Best Stanley cup Parade speech ever!!! Great article, i got a little teared up. #thankyoucorey
I first met Corey after a Blackhawks game in the U.C. I had become friends with Johnny Oduya when he was in New Jersey. When he got traded to the Blackhawks we rekindled that friendship. I have three boys and at that time one was 12 and I had twins that were 10. Johnny treated my boys like family and many nights he gave us his two tickets provided to him by the Blackhawks. I’ve had two season tickets since 1979 as well. . We played the Blues one night and Johnny, being Johnny, invited us into the locker room after the game. We waited in the players family lounge for over an hour after the game. Knowing Johnny was a workout fanatic, I knew he was doing his after game workout. Finally as most of the players had met their families and left he popped his head in and said let’s go. We went into an empty locker room through the offices and finally into the Hawks workout room. It’s now over an hour after a long overtime victory which Cory played. We walked in the workout room and ther is but one player working out and he’s drenched. It was Corey Crawford . He had played an N.H.L game in net, went into O.T. and was working out over an hour after the game in his routine that Johnny told me was unbelievable . He stopped, came over and spoke with me and my star struck boys. He was very kind, a true gentleman, we spoke for about ten minutes . I have known a lot of N.H.L. players but he may be the kindest I’ve ever met. Johnny’s work ethic is second to none and he told me no player he ever played with worked as hard as Cory Crawford to be better. I was immidiately awed by Corey’s physique. I remember thinking he’s built more like a linebacker from Notre Dame than an N.H.L goaltender. Every time we saw him after that he would make it a point to set hi to me and more importantly my boys. Yes we were spoiled to watch one of the greatest clutch goaltenders to ever put on an N.H.L. Jersey. My point being Corey worked tirelessly to be the best every day, he waited a long time to be the man and worked hard to keep that title. In my view, being an ex goaltender, his greatest attribute was the reason he was overlooked for his greatness . The man made the most difficult position in sports look easy. He was always in position, always square to the shooter, he almost never kicked a rebound out front. He never made Johnathon Quick type saves because he didn’t have to. That was his genius in net. He made Every player look better, the team has a confidence in him like no other goaltender. They played different, unafraid to make mistakes because Cory always had their back. To this I say Cheers, thanks for the memories. Thanks for the cups. Raise your tost glasses high Chicago. To the man, the legend…. Thanks Cory for all the great memories . Thank you also for being a kind gentle man, a class act. We will miss you dearly.
Love Corey such a great person on top of being a Great Hockey player and greatest goal tender Chicago has seen since Belfour ?? I hope they find a way to keep him here at his second home where he belongs ?
I hope the Hawks can work something out with Crow on a short term deal – he’s obviously still got it and there is no immediate replacement available
His style is reminiscent of Billy Smith – not always the prettiest but a winner, a champion and a warrior – he was also combative, not usually an attribute that great goalies have
Some terrific comments here. Special shout-out to John Ries. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your personal Crow story!
Let’s Go Hawks!
If anyone doesn’t think this man is a Legend is completely insane and have not watched his career. I would argue Crawford put the team on his back as much as Kane and Toews have at times. Legend!!!! all I can say. Please don’t leave……..
What a nice way to start a day, a post that points out the postive
Thanks for the post
To Billy Reay… Emery died in 2018 while swimming and Darling is playing in I think Sweden this year…
How can anyone not be appreciative of what CC has provided up to this point. Just a great career from every way you can look at it. I’m hoping like hell it isn’t over for him in Chicago
When I think about #50, I think about how when most of the media and many fans were fawning over the likes of Quick, Tim Thomas, Ryan Miller, Price, MAF, and Rinne, … when given the chance to go up against them, Corey would be the better player more often than not. He wouldn’t make a big deal about it. Just beat them and move on. Fun to watch.
He will be forever linked to the greatest era in Hawks history. Because he earned it
I’d like to see Corey back for another season or two. But MS had a good point. It will depend on the draft or FA and we all know that if Bowman is still GM … He will screw this up, too. By the way, did you all see the VanStL game last night. Tyler Motte with 2 goals. Another crappy Bowman move.
He doesn’t compare to Hall. When Hall played they had tie games. Hall played in 163 ties. If he won 50% he’d have close to 90 more wins than Crawford.
He doesn’t compare to Hall. When Hall played they had tie games. Hall played in 163 ties. If he won 50% he’d have close to 90 more wins than Crawford.
Not sure why some of you are expecting substantial moves in free agency. Or via trade. Fact is the Hawks have serious salary cap challenges and the pandemic-impacted cap isn’t going up. If Seabrook insists on coming back in 2020-21, then he instantly becomes the most insanely expensive 7th defensemen in the history of the NHL. At his peak, he probably can provide Rosival / Sopel type contribution.
I think Crawford will be back, and Bowman is going to have to find the dollars somehow because there is zero credible plan for goal otherwise.
Strome will be gone. Debrinicat should be gone, but won’t be. Ditto Nylander. So that means Stan is forced into moving Maata and/or deHaan. Which further exasperates an already ugly defense prognosis for next season, where Murphy is by default the best defenseman on the roster.
There won’t be many moves. More rearranging of the deck chairs with the 3rd and 4th lines as Stan opens the doors for middling prospects or cheap journeyman veterans to make the roster.
The draft? You aren’t going to find instant gratification picking #17.
I love Corey and hope he remains a Blackhawk until he decides to retire. Doesn’t get the recognition he deserves but still humble and obviously loved by his teammates.
Moving or buying out Maatta and buying out Zach Smith (remember him?) are probably the easiest moves Stan can make to free up a little cap space
If Strome wants too much I think he’ll be moved but I suspect he’ll take a low $ figure on a 1 or 2 year deal
If Seabrook could be traded that would be huge but I don’t see it happening because Stan would have to include a big sweetener and nobody knows if Seabs can even play at an NHL level anymore
Hopefully CC signs a reasonable deal to stay otherwise we’re probably looking at a UFA goalie which won’t be any cheaper
Shaw is another possible trade candidate but again nobody knows what he can offer coming off a serious concussion so he probably stays which likely means Caggs doesn’t
So in short Mitchell, Suter and Shaw in for Maatta, Nylander and Caggiula and hope for improvement from Dach, Boquist, Strome, DCat and Highmore and a repeat performance from Kubilik plus not too much degradation in 19 and 88 and 50 (if he stays)
Saad may be traded but I doubt it – a dark horse like Kurashev or Morrison may make the team but I also doubt it although they should get playing time as call ups from RKF
Such a well-written article – thank you!
Subjective grammar note/question – the beginning of the eighth paragraph starts with ‘if we’re honest,’. Are the sentences that don’t start with that qualifier rooted in dishonesty? I don’t understood why people (usually when speaking) use the qualifiers ‘to be honest’, ‘I’ll be honest with you’, and the best ‘to be PERFECTLY honest with you’….
ok – I’ll stop now. Thanks again for the splendid article about a Blackhawk legend.
“Most under appreciated player” I Have agreed with the sentiment for a long but have never truly understood WHO unappreciated him? Certainly all of the fans I know love him and believe his was one of the strongest reasons for first ring. So is the “who” the media, nhl “experts”, nhl fans???
Think I know the answer but Ian or Mo would know for sure. If another team takes Seabs (Kraken or Oil) and we retain half. Other team gets Seabs at 3.375 mil the next four years cap hit with only 2.5, 3, 2.5, 2.25 mil actual salary, correct? Think he’s a perfect mentor for a new defense in Seattle and a good mentor for a bad D in Ed. at a cheap cost.
Maybe we take Kassian off their hands, Looks like the Oil soured on him in our play in series. We would still be a the 6.5 cap hit if we do that but we might have a better working part in an area we could use help in.
With the Kraken a sweetener would be needed. How about DCat? That would open some space. Give Athanasiou 8 mil for two years. Maybe Vessy 6 mil for two years.
Still like the L brothers, Lemieux and Lowry.
Wrap/RD, yea unless he retires he stays here for 1/2/3 yr contract. We have the space to do caphit for what he would be ok with. After that when young wave starts rolling and we add elite ufa wise then yea. 50 should be able to play here salary cap/caphit wise for when 2 7 are here. Then in a few yrs its the young wave and adding elite ufa players.
Tab, Thanks. Even though I am hard to read.
Wrap/others, we ll make the moves but donot need to all in one yr/summer. We have three yrs to do it and even though i think we ll be a top 10 team again before three yrs from now it should take about that time to be really quality deep. Like COL is going to now.
Looks like COL can plow through the playoffs. They are taking there team to another level this yr/now. TB is still the best team and it is there yr to win after paying there dues like WAS STL did before winning.
Bowman will do excellent. He did when we could before. The last trhee yrs we couldnt so we added ‘temp’ ufas whats wrong with that. Other then trading Buckaroo because of coachs system he has been preparing us for the young wave as we go along. I know not every move is good but he always fixes it laetr.
In 2010 he took our hit all at once and thats how we reloaded for 2012 2103 2014 2015 the difference is not having 4 81 16/healthy. We add that back and were looking way different. Those guys take time to replace and have to be done ufa wise and when there is space which will be in 3 yrs.
Anyways I know Bowman and crew will get it done because they have before. its just a matter of having the sapce and the timing to add the elite uafs. Its coming in next three yrs. The last three yrs noone could have done any better because by fileding a better roster it would have screwed the pooch out of Bo Dach 21 draft player. Then where would we be for future not good.
Now we are good for future and players like Suter Morrison other will come here to play with 77. Dach is a magnet and he will get a posey here.
A hockey fan who rags on Crawford after the guy wins two Cups, pitches a shutout to win one of them, and has a save percentage somewhere around .915 in money games 5, 6, and 7?
Must not really know hockey to do something like that.
Goaltending…. without it, you got no shot.
I bet the Crawford raggers don’t know who said that.
Thank you Corey for a great career. However, you should have retired 2 years ago or been traded. I think Scott Darling could have developed into the next great Blackhawks goalie. Sometimes twams need to know when it’s time to release players.
Now don’t anyone take a shot at me…but I am a Detroiter and a Red Wing fan….but I respect good players.
So let me say this…your Mr. Crawford has never gotten nor will he ever recieve the respect he deserves in Chicago.
That is sad because the Blackhawk’s would not have been Stanley Cup champs without him ..he was integral to winning and being able to win….yupper you had a bunch of goal scorers…but you played teams that had a bunch of goal scorers…you needed a hard working stopper and that is just what Corey is.
I would be very happy to see him in a Red Wings Jersey at the start of the new season….he’d be respected in Detroit.
PP not sure who said that but remember another i think went, “wins are 80% goaltending, blame for losses are 100% goaltending”. The most important guy on the ice. Unfortunately for Crawford, he didn’t get credit due in the wins and shouldered the blame for losses for sure.
JR very possible Seattle be interested in Seabrook if they want a leader for a young defense and unning under cap floor in early years. Yes if you retain half salary, also retain half the caphit.
Would anybody consider a deal with Sens for Bobby Ryan, where Blackhawks retain half of Seabrooks salary for remaing 4 years and Sen s retain half of Ryans for 2 years left on his. Sens be looking for a leader for their young team coming up and have a spot for him. Ryan give a bigger forward for middle 6 until guys lije Teply, Morrison, Barrett develop.
Interesting idea Ian – I’d do that don’t know if Sens would but maybe
Wrap maybe not straight up but Ryan has been a problem contract for Sens and could limit what else it would take to make it happen at least. Opens a spot on blueline, gives more flexibility with roster. With Ryans caphit off in 2 years, combined with Dach’s current caphit, would bank 4.5m towards Dach’s next contract wuthout impacting rest of roster. Same if this year’s 1st pick, waits a year and starts elc as usually happens, Seabrooks half caphit plus his elc salary almost 4.5m banked for his 2nd contract too. Certainly wortha look
If the Crawford era is, indeed, over, then we owe him our gratitude as fans. However, we should also wish him well with the dirty little secrets that plagued the last few years of his career in Chicago when “injuries” kept him off the ice and unable to support the play of his teammates. Just sayin’…..
Bobby Ryan…. Just what we need another over paid injury proned play that has done nothing in the last four years.
Seriously… do guy really believe Ottawa would take Seabrook?
Ottawa is in a rebuild.
Reports are Bowman ready to buyout Maatta and Smith as we speculated for some time, would allow room for rfas and Crawford to be resigned. Assuming we accept nothing can change and same crew comes back, injuries not withstanding. The forwards would be 19, 88, 77, 20, 12, 17, 8, 65, 92, 91, 36, 64, 22 and Suter, european clause so likely gets a shot on Nhl roster to start. Hagel if Shaw on ltir. 2, 7, 5, 44, 27, 68 and Mitchell and 50 and in house candidates battle for backup. Umique situation hope a little creativeness is used, moving one of 22 or 64 may happen and open a spot or something and get a mid round pick, but hooe to see more.
Noticed Kempny didn’t play last 3 games of series, can’t find anything on injury. Knew he was healthy scratched just before shutdown because he was struggling, just wondering if that was why he was out of lineup when Caps were getting ousted. Should be another team trying to make moves.
Ian,
Eddie Olczyk said and continues to say today….’Goaltending. Without it, you got no shot’,
Thx Crow for giving the Four Feathers a shot.
Wow…Blackhawks…they undervalue Crawford, and give up Lehner for Subban. Not the brightest team out there.
Stape, think the Ryan trade was to lower Seabs 4 yrs to 2 yrs doing that. Not to get a good player.
Haan is good and hurt again although he held up for 2 rounds of playoffs. Yea for longterm we need no injury kind of guys. To get through this bottle neck of caphits who cares because its about laoding young wave.
Well ….one Canadian team left in the quest for the Cup…Tyler Motte playing his ass off and really contributing .
What throw in deal was he involved in ?
Panarin to Columbus 3yrs ago. So if we keep everyone for three years then they would have one great series for themselves.
And not have any top 5 or top 10 draft players. No BoQ Dach 21 top 15 draft player.
That way young wave is not good. That then tehre would be the end of the beginning.
Now were set good for the future with work still left to do to get tehre.
If Strome resigns, which likely does for a low caphit as Craig mentioned. With no arbitration rights, he either signs or holds out like Perlini, not a good idea. Hopefully as Bowman mentioned he committs to becoming more complete 2way center. If does that keeps his fos in high 40s%, that would help his lines possession game and puck retrieval. Skating needs work too but committjrnt to defense would be a big help. Improving possession nos. & scoring chances against has to be the team priority next year. A big test for coaching staff, some will say fire all the players but that isn’t happening.
Cagguila needs 1.5m offer to qualify him, be interesting to see what Bowman, Cagguila likely take Qo, but not sure if gets it or is moved. Can’t see Kubalik not signing but an offer sheet from another team would bring a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks next year, not likely to let it happen though unless price tag is alot higher than expected.
Can see if Smith bought out and Maatta likely traded now. Would think Entwistle or if not quite ready Quenneville to start year, fills that role. Wouldn’t be surprised to see either Koekkoek or Carlsson traded too. Also maybe Carpenter or possibly Kampf moved and Suter start year there.
Makes sense and with that many prospects that are going to be NHL players/even though some will play and not make it-stay. The caphits people donot like will weed out anyways during next trhee yrs. Then its on again. Still need to add needed elite ufa players and we will have the space to do it when were ready to do it.
Ian. Totally agree on Strome. He better tread lightly if he wants to remain a Hawk.
As it stands now, he’s a 3rd line Center on this team. That’s why Stan wants him to get better defensively.
I’ll will be mining for draft information this weekend. Will Askarov slip to 17 ?
Nobody trading top 10 picks. Picks 12-17 would and we move up higher to take goalie if still there around 14.
Goalies like that donot come around often. We can draft a top pair Defensemen ot top 6 FW with top 5-15 picks. We also can get the elite top pair Defensemen or/and FW ufa wise and think that is the way. You basically use 7 caphits for one of them and 50 caphits for the other and draft the goalie. This would be over the next three summers.
Good point Morrison. Was told tonight, the Hawks do NOT expect Askarov to be there at 17. They scoff at the mock drafts.
Were not drafting top 5 skill draft player with top 5 or 9/10 pick then at 17 or move and get that goalie if he is that good. Think abou tit the only way to get top pair Defensemen is draft/top 10 or ufa. Since we drafted 27 77 already and this is 17 or move up 14 area get the goalie. It doesnt com around very often and were not picking top 5 this draft.
Plus we can add a top pair and a top line/2nd line player ufa wise.
We should compile a list of ufa top pair Defensmen that will be 27 28 29 next trhee summers taht are on teams that arnt good that are looking to leave.
Yeah Craig both Wild and Canes with Leafs pick be looking hard at Askarov, maybe Oilers, but not as likely. Interesting to see who drops, with lack of scouting last part of the year, speculatiin is it could be quite different after 1st 3 or 4 picks than we think.
Even though COL is best team in cambell and if peopla think VEG is COL will be for coming yrs. They havnt beat any central teams yet. They cakewalked the pacific last yr and didnt have to play VEG.
Now they donot have starting goalie. They could be screwed.
Transferred from previous thread:
Well, draft position #17 it is then. Thanks for nuttin Montreal. Bill Placzek at Draftsite has the Hawks taking Dylan Holloway – a 6’1? 190lb LW from UofWisconsin. But, who knows how things shake out before it’s the Hawks turn. The Russian goalie Askarov will probably be off the board by #17 and all the position players after 11 or 12 are a notch below the top guys so the Hawks could get a real good player at #17 but he’s probably at least a year away from being ready to help the Hawks.
But, with Pius Suter signing with the Hawks, it is essentially like getting a high draft pick who is ready to step in and play next season. One of the things Placzek said about Suter is he plays a more gritty game than Kahun or Kubalik which bodes well for making the Hawks harder to play against, which is something I think all of us can agree the Hawks need.
And that’s quite possible. The Hawks have Holloway at 16 thru 20. They also really like Connor Zary.
Been banging the drum for Holloway for awhile now..even when I thought we were possibly going to be picking in the 9 spot, I was hoping for Lundell or Holloway..Lundell will be gone well before selection 17, but with teams always looking for defensemen, a few teams in the 12-16 range may reach for the handful of defensemen with a first rd grade on them…I think Holloway could very easily fall into the Hawks hands..personally, I would love a player like this..big, but can skate, good hands, and could play on any line..doesn’t have elite scoring ability, but can help you win hockey games..
One more question for everyone..would the Hawks entertain the idea of doing an offer sheet this year? There’s been a lot of talk about how the Hawks will sign their own players, but I think Stan would be making a mistake if he didn’t look at some teams that are not only pressed against the cap, but have centerpiece players that are coming off of their entry level deals..especially this year, it could be a valuable tool towards improving our team..I’m thinking about the Tampa Bay Lightning specifically…they have zero cap space and have to resign Cirelli and Sergachev..given that they only have three defensemen signed for next year, I’m assuming that they’ll do anything to keep Sergachev..but what about Cirelli?? A $4.2 mil offer sheet only costs the Hawks a 2nd rd pick but it probably can’t be matched by Tampa..and you could free up the funds by trading De Haan..your center depth would then look like this.. Toews-Dach-Cirelli-Strome-Kampf..Obviously Strome doesn’t benefit from playing on the fourth line, but my point is that you can never have too many centers..give Strome a two year bridge and continue to evaluate..and with Toews getting older, even Dach-Cirelli-Strome doesn’t look bad in a few years..they would all be in their mid twenties with Dach being 22..anyhoo, interested to hear what others think…
Slayer are you saying 4.2m for one year or more years for Cirelli”s offer sheet. His market value was probably about 6m before shutdown. So if he signs offer sheet for 4.2m for one year, then next year, your looking at sizeable increase to keep him. If it is for more than a year, then 4.2 likely isn’t enough and Blackhawks don’t have their own 3rd round pick to go higher, which they would need to reaquire. Could be done agree, but trading for and negotiating might be easier, as rfa has to agree to offer eiher way.
As for draft Holl0way would be ideal, just hope they get it right and get a keeper though.
EB agree about being harder to play against. From sound of yesterday, could very well see 19, 88, 12, 17, 8, 20, 92 and 77 all returning n top 9. Leaves one spot to fill, Shaw, Cagguila again or maybe Suter, Kurasev or Sikura. Could be only Kampf and Highmore beyond that return, so some competittion there. Again the ones above and Hagel, Entwistle, Quenneville ir Chalupa fighting for a couple of spots. Blueline maybe Maatta for Mitchell, so sounds like it’s this group will be counted on to do it.
If he’s done in the NHL we’ll gladly take him for the Perth Thunder in the Australian ice hockey league for a few years.
Thats what matters is that we get the right guy and any player that is. When we got Dach people thought what no Byram. Always remember that kids look on his face when we didnt pick him. Now just the first yr you can see Dach might be the top player of that draft like 19 was. Highes Kakko are going to be good Dach could be better.
Same with this draft not getting a top 3 player here same thing get the right guy the player who is going to be. Just like we did with Teravainen when we were 19th. This is slightly different because I think we move up to 12-17 area and take a player we can get there if the player we want is already picked.
For the roster prob not to many changes because were relaoding young wave and arnt going to be top 5 again until then and need to add elite ufas when were ready in three yrs. Until then it sort of doesnt matter. We have the time to see if sdome of these guys will show others wrong when people said against them. Your too small or other things.
Dodnot know anything would imagine Crow retires or stays 1/2/3 yrs at a time for lower caphits then low caphit until then. Hes not blocking any stud goalie coming up like when he Nemo other were on the way. So like the others no need now unless/untill we get an available player that we need for future.
Like adding a top notch player from a team that is in the situation we were in 2010 and cant keep everybody. Full circle.
Ian – I believe you said that Caggiula’s qualifying offer is $1.5m. If so, I expect he will be gone. He is a hard nosed player that gives great effort but cap space will really be at a premium and we will save at least $500k if he is replaced by a rookie (like Entwistle or Hagel).
I also saw that Elliotte Friedman said the Hawks remain interested in Robin Lehner. How about that classless move by Fleury’s agent yesterday. There is no way he pulls that stunt without Fleury being aware of it. That has to impact the Knights locker room.
MS. You are correct on Cagguila. That is almost exactly what I was told this weekend.
Craig – Have you heard anything regarding Seabrook? Is there optimism or pessimism regarding his chances of playing a full time role next year?
MS. I think Stan was being pretty honest this past week when he said the Hawks will see where they are with Seabrook when they get to training camp.
The guys who are good shape are the ones who have signed contracts. Seabrook does have some leverage. He needs to show up and be ready to play hockey.
I can tell you everything has changed with COVID and the flat cap.
Cagguila and Strome are RFAs at a really bad time. Notice that Colliton praised Highmore and Quenneville at the press conference. Why? He likes how how hard they played against Vegas. And oh btw, both are under contract next year for under $800,000 per year.
I’m also curious about Saad’s future. The Hawks are not going to extend him at $6 Million.
Lehner is the Cup winning starting goalie is he going to want to come back to Blackhawks.
No. He wants term and money. Hawks looking to cut costs in goal.
For being the best roster in hockey for 5 yr now TB sucks they havnt ‘played’ since game 3 4 5 agasint WAS. Then no show agasint CLB no show game 1 BOS.
Same with WAS STL they havnt ‘played’ since they both won.
BOS is going to win 4-0 and beat PHI 4-0. COL goalie is out so prob not beating VEG if DAL. VEG is the only team that will actually outwork BOS.
BOS cant lose they win this tournament 16-2 or 3/4.
Players getting hurt with 5 mth layover is real exciting.
Tennis might be more worth while watching then this.
Hockey will be good again next spring. When every team is at full strentgh.
Reports are Lehner has an agreement in principal for 5m/ year for 3 years with VGK. How he performs in playoffs may impact that final number. Fleury likely going after this season either by trade retaining salary or buyout if needed. Wouldn’t count on Lehner coming back, doesn’t seem to be any door for that to happen.
If Nylander and Strome want to put themselves in line for bigger contracts, able to be a big part of making the Blackhawks harder to play against, so to speak, with consistent offense make them alot more of a priority. Obviously Dach will continue to make them tougher for opposition to play against and Boqvist has to make gains there. Guys like Mitchell and Kubalik can help there too.
@ian, yes I was hoping the Hawks would offer Cirelli a two year deal at 4.2 mil per year..and my thought process was that he might accept a two year deal at that price since Tampa can’t pay him much of anything this offseason without some serious reshuffling of their roster..then, after his two year deal is up, the Hawks could work to extend him to a more long term deal..but securing a center of his caliber who is only 22 years old for a second rd pick would be a great move by the Hawks..but you’re right, perhaps trading for him outright and then negotiating with Cirelli directly would be the better course..I just hope the Hawks take a look around the league because this year in particular could offer some real opportunities to improve the roster. Teams like Tampa and Toronto are in real trouble cap wise and with a flat cap, the usual workaround of just trading a pick or a prospect to another team in order to move a contract probably won’t work. Even the few teams with cap space will probably want to preserve some space since the flat cap will be in place for a minimum of two seasons..
Wouldn’t The Flower look good with an Indian Head on his chest in net for 3.5mil for 3yrs. Wishful thinking that Crow would sign for the same.
Morrison,
You had hockey interrupted for 5 months…..count them, 5 months.
Now you’re grousing about the quality after it returns?
‘I once complained cuz I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet.’
Tennis? Really?
Be grateful you can watch the best damn game on the planet played at an elite level.
I think some fans grossly underestimate the salary cap dilemma the Hawks are in right now. And if Seabrook comes back then his salary for being, at best, a Rosival / Sopel type 7th defenseman shall be crippling. Why do you think Bowman has been so busy scouring the globe for mid-20 something international talent that he can sign cheaply and who will be counted upon to plug and play (e.g., Suter).
Figure that a 35 year old broken down Crawford comes back because there really is no other option. God save the queen if he decides to retire because then the Hawks are really screwed. Figure that Strome is sent packing no matter what, because every dollar they can save will be needed. Figure that de Haan and Maata are shopped out of economic necessity too.
I could also see Bowman shopping Saad given the richness of his contract. I wish he would trade Debrincat because I’m well documented as saying this offensive novelty act has no business being on a true playoff contender, but alas Bowman will be stubborn on both Debrincat and his pet project Nylander (who really truly is a disinterested pile of nothingness).
Not going to get instant gratification picking # 17 in the draft. Lets just hope Bowman doesn’t get cute and make a massive drafting mistake like he did with Boqvist.
Who will go…you may not agree, but this is a realistic scenario to stay under the cap, sign some of our RFA’s, and a GK.
Saad – One more year at $6M with a flat cap. He is not worth $6M! He is a decent player, but if we can flip him to EDM for Puljujarvi who is 22, will only cost $1.5M and plays a similar style to Saad, I say we must do it!
Maata – A great playoff series will allow us to trade him. If we were able to get a 3rd rounder for Gustafson, we should be able to get the same return for Maata, and $4M off the books. Plus, Mitchell will take his spot.
Koekoek – SK has done very well since the Gustafson trade, but at $1.5M I would rather play Carlsson or Beaudin and save $750K.
Cagguila – DC is a fighter and a great teammate and decent player, but he also will require a $1.5M cap hit and he has concussion issues. We already have Shaw taking up our de facto concussion protocol/cap hit role. We can’t afford another. Plus, Quenneville will get this spot in the lineup and he’s $750K cheaper, an about the same quality of player.
Crawford – I don’t think he will be back. I just think that we will use half of his cap hit on another keeper, like Thomas Greiss, and save $3M.
Who stays:
Strome – I think the Hawks will opt to keep the 23 year old and hope that he develops into a decent 2nd/3rd line center.
Seabrook – No one is touching that contract. But, if he’s healthy, I want him on our team!
Shaw – If he’s healthy, he’s an asset. If he’s hurt, he should just retire. It’s a win-win for the Hawks, no matter what he chooses to do.
With all of these changes, the Hawks can save up to $7M and by signing Strome to a $2M/year deal, they will have about $5M to improve the team.
Tommy – I think if Crow will take $4-5 per on a 2 year deal he’ll be back – I don’t know if he would get that anywhere else so he might be back
Saad is interesting – I like him but with the flat cap maybe he does get traded
Agree on Maatta, the Drake and possibly Special K although I suspect he stays by accepting his QO
Also don’t forget Smith can be bought out to save some $ on the cap
Perimiter, thats why I said it was stupid to have this tournament. Yes tennis when Nadal Feder is playing is better then this crap.
Its so much fun to watch COL goalie and other players just bow out getting hurt/or being pansys like Rask.
All I am saying is the whole thing is stupid and embarrassing to the sport of hockey. I do though understand the money is needed and that it controls people lives/which I will be no part of. I have higher standards then that.
Anyways this summer is a rec league for all sports and the sports that rec league style are tennis and golf. Resort style stuff which is cool. Like the red oaks show. Peace to not supporting this garbage.
This joke of a tournament I wont ever be grateful for/this is actually worse the the worlds tournament. The Stanley Cup playoffs I am.
West side barn, that prob because the people who arnt are looking past next 3 yrs of caphits. Big picture were in really good position to add 2 or more elite ufa players like Soupy and Hoss. Bowman makes it work. Trust the Bowmans. When they have the players and opportunity they make it work well.
6m or not I am only trading Saader if we add a 1st and then add a similiar FW/player ufa wise. Creative add a 1st and keep the same.
Sounding pretty ungrateful, Morrison.
The NHL toughs it out to compete….like every other pro sport, and you are crabbing.
In times like this, which are challenging all of us, appreciation goes farther than complaints.
Tennis?
What is next?
Ballet?
The Cranberries?
C’mon man.
You post a lot here.
Surely you know the playoffs mean guys get hurt.
Bobby Baun. Patrice Bergeron.
Marian Hossa.
Next man up. Lace em up and let’s go.
Winning the Cup is not for wimps.
It not the same this tournament. Its not the Stanley Cup playoffs. Players getting hurt I mean 5 mth layover is cause is plain ridiculous.
A normal playoffs with the top 8 records in the 80 games playing and every team and player are at full strength for where they should be. Yes I respect that as always.
This I cant and its got nothing to do with no people in the stands.
This isint hockey this is a fashion show.
Hawks would be fools to pay Crawford 4 million per season. (Injury prone and old)
I guess anything is possible with Bowman as the GM it’s not like he has not overpaid in the past.
Players that will probably leave the team . Seabrook probably to Seattle.
Shaw ?
Crawford ?
Saad ?
Smith?
And probably 1-2 Moore D man
And I would not be surprise that the Hawks make a 3-4-5 Players trade.
They want to have a very young fast team next year and bigger.
And maybe move up on the Draft.to 11-12 from 17 .
Players who will likely be gone next year:
One of de Haan/Maatta
Smith
Koekkoek
Dylan Sikura
Players who might be gone:
Saad
Strome
Carpenter
Carlsson
Gilbert
Feel bad for ya Morrison.
Here is the NHL, trying to provide you with a respite, a chance to get away from the Co-Vid madness, both political and medicinal, and you just want to grouse about it.
Guess TV tennis is calling your name.
The rest of us will watch the Stanley Cup playoffs, such as they are..
Like I said, you post quite a bit.
Surely you know the playoffs are, and have always been, a battle of toughness and attrition. You know that, right?
Some teams get real banged up, some don’t.
Co-Vid be damned.
Thank you NHL for a chance to forget about it for a couple hours.
Players w/ >75% chance of being gone:
– de Haan
– Maata
– Koekkoek
– Sikura
– Caggiula
– Strome
Players w/ >50% of being gone:
– Saad
– Carlson
– Carpenter
Players w/ >25% of being gone:
– Crawford
– Gilbert
Players that I absolutely want gone, but who aren’t going anywhere:
– Seabrook
– Debrinicat
– Nylander
Have to agree with PP. Mo you are missing a good playoff. I’m as big as a homer as you are. Once the Hawks were done on to watch others. Watch to see what others have and what we need. Think the only team we had a chance against is Vancouver. Others too big or heavy on the puck.
Go Hawks in 21
Mo it is what it is, all major professional leagues doing what they have to, that stuffs all in the rearview now. Nhl have provided a bubble that is safest place to be, and players providing top flight, high intensity entertainmemt deserve credit and respect. Rask left for family emergency, as he did last winter, would have again regardless of when and where of it. As for not just 8 teams, by that logic Blues would have missed playoffs last year after 60 games, part of why both sides wanted them expanded. Injuries are part of the game, maybe are some because of layoff, but aren’t teams always hurting going into playoffs or stars pkaying less than 100%, how do you say that’s right either then. Both 12 seeds and an 11th advanced, so the difference from 5th to 12th didn’t embarass them, whether we agree or not.
Tab pretty much agree with your take on who goes, would add Cagguila to the maybe’s, especially if there is expectation Shaw plays. With flat cap think Saad’s expiring contract could be an enticing tdl add for a cash strapped team, limited number of teams be interested at draft.
Trades are starting boys and girls. Toronto selling off a little.
Great trade by Toronto, Pittsburgh’s Rutherford has stated he’s not interested in draft picks as long as Crosby and Malkin are still productive. Dubas seized on that, getting a mid-first round pick and a prospect for Kapinen is a lot.
From Crawfords comments, sounds like he expects to return, take below market deal maybe for playing time guarantee, no platoon like this year. Goalies can be found pretty quick sometimes, Murray with Pens only a few regular season games before playoff heroics. Binnington last year number 4 on Blues depth chart at New Years, then Berube gives him a chance. Holtby only a few regular season games then he becomes a no. 1 goalie in playoffs, to name a few. No set rule how a goalie is found as long when time comes he is needed there is one there. Crawford still giving at elite level now so if he is resigned, that’s not a bad thing for now.
Stape – If the Hawks could get Crow at $4 for 2 years say I don’t think that’s foolish at all
If you don’t sign Crow for that then I presume you don’t want Greiss or Talbot for the same price or maybe a million less so then who are you running with in goal? Delia? Subban?
Give me CC at $4 mil per I’m taking it
Thats the thing you want to watch COL win and then there goalie get a 5 mth strain there out. I cannot support a team winning that hasnt pasi there dues like WAS STL did. TB maybe VEG sure. Half of the ‘playoff’ teams arnt in this tournament so its a cakewalk in the east only needing to beat one good team to get to finals.
I know you guys know how much I care about Blackhawks. We saw what it takes to win and acheive a dynasty when there was a loaded full amount of ‘real’ top 5 teams and how hard that was to do 4 in 6 yrs. To see teams win on these waterdowned yrs is really disguised me because its like playing a par 73 corase and setting records then you see Dustin Johnson do it on a par 71.
Theres a difference between that ahrd and waterdowned pansy NFL beer.
Great trade by Toronto
Also thanks for everything cro. Most under appreciated players from the glory years.
Let’s go one year at a time contract wise.
I join you guys on roster moves and other when time is good.
Yes yes. Crow stay and 1 yr at a time for as long as you want.
Crawford will sign with guarantee of playing time. That sounds dumb.
How about if the Hawks can find a young goalie and acually give him a chance to play….you know competition for Crawford and the possibility of finding a goalie of the future. Vegas is doing exactly what Colliton would not let happen. Lehner was given a real shot at becoming the starting goalie….Fleury was guaranteed nothing…
Hawks are going to have a huge problem coming up.
Colliton will not let a younger goalie win the net regardless of how well he is playing as long as Crawford is still in the picture…(Robin Lehner)
The power play can stink to high heaven and Colliton will not take Duncan Keith off of the power play. Why?
Veterans don’t want to use the coaches defensive system….guess what….that’s OK…Our coach is letting the players run the team. Let’s play run and gun the stats will look a lot better say the players…Are the Hawks the only team in the NHL that let players determine the system they will play, or not play.
The Blackhawks if they trade Maatta and buyout Smith and go with current contracted players, would have just over 13m to resign Crawford, Kubalik, Strome and Cagguila. That’s Shaw,Seabrook and Dehaan as active not ltir, icing a full 23man roster.
When Alexis Gravel was told he wasn’t going to be resigned, he said Bowman told him they wanted to develop someone closer to Nhl ready. Does that mean somebody already in organization or a new face to be brought in ?
Start season off with as roster is now,
Saad Toews Kubalik
Shaw Dach Kane
Suter
Dcat Strome Nylander
Quenneville heavy teams
Highmore Kampf Shaw
Suter
Hagel if Shaw on ltir
Lehner allowed 4 goals on 16 shots tonight.
I always had doubts about Lehner with the Hawks,I like him but not with the Hawks.
I don’t think he is a great goalie,and the attitude after leaving the team showed that he was really confused and bitter.
I hope the Hawks will sign a 2 years contract with Crow at 3.5-4 millions/ year
Not more then 2 years regular contract .
Statistics: Use them to fit your needs.
Lehner is probably awaking from an awful night of attempted sleep after having flashbacks to what it was like in Chicago for months. I’ll bet he saw the numbers 2 and 27 on the backs of the Dmen (cough cough) who were leaving the zone and allowed the last goal to take place in a TWO ON ZERO scenario against him. There was at least one other goal and in my opinion 2 that he had NO CHANCE of stopping.
I always love sitting in the stands and listening to the crowd’s smartest fans whine about a goalie not being taken out yet after giving up 3 or 4 goals, usually on the nights when the goalie has been standing on his head. Gotta love those smart fans who can’t figure out that the goalie was the only reason the score was 3-0 or 4-0, and not 7-0 or 8-0.
But….. we all have our ignorances in life.
Nightmares are from seeing hearing things recently he did just hear/see the Blackhawks.
Sounds to me like Crawford comes back. Probably at around $4 mil per. Given that we have NOTHING in goal otherwise, it will be good to have the great veteran back. He’s in his sunset years but still a true quality goaltender. The defense in front of him has been a hot mess and terribly non-physical or intimidating. That’s not likely to improve in 2020-21, with an aging Keith in place who clearly has little use for Colliton. Or the most expensive 7th defenseman in NHL history in the form of Seabrook. Murphy is by default, the best defensemen. And that sums it up. So much is riding on Ian Mitchell. So incredibly much.
I’ll just say this. If I were a betting man, and I’m not, I would bet the house that Strome is gone. Not sure I understand how some of you factor in his presence to your roster construction.
Maybe my eyes have deceived me but I thought Robin Lehner made 22 saves on 26 shots… maybe he allowed 4 goals on the first 16 shots, which could be. I didn’t watch the game so I cannot answer that.
Interesting how some only use part of the fact (the part that suits their opinion) versus using the whole fact that tells the whole story. I guess deception is not technically lying. Sad that people have to use partial facts to get the story out that they want.
Fact was when i checked the score as writing the post, the Canucks just scored their 4th goal and shot count was at 16. As far as an opinion, where do you get that from, i stated the facts when i posted, seems to me it’s others adding something in there to suit their opinions.
LFTBBOTWS, not convinced Strome is part of the future, but haven’t totally wrote him off either. From Bowmans comments to the media, sounds like he could be back. As a Rfa with no arbitration rights he may be forced to take a 1 year deal without much of a raise and show he deserves a bigger deal. Doubt nany teams are willing to give him that raise this offseason or he holds out and kills his arbitration leverage for next year.
Arizona had their 2020 2nd round pick and their 2021 1st round pick taken away for doing player testing before the combine – OUCH! That’s a steep price to pay. Oh well … so sad … not.
They could only get serious about head/face/helmet hits like that then. That proves they can and wont/not yet because they are pathetic on head hits/suspensions.
Just to state the obvious – Lehner is not a young goalie – he’s 29 and was a Vezina finalist last year – he’s not developing he is what he is – a good veteran goalie – younger than Crow sure but not young in hockey terms
I liked Lehner in CHI and if the $ could have worked would be glad to have him as the Hawks #1 but with the Hawks cap situation $7 million or so for Lehner was a bit rich and would be for CC as well
But Crow at $4 mill I’m good with and IMO he’ll be as good as Lehner for the next couple of years – hopefully by then the Hawks have another goalie who can step into the #1 role
Playoff hockey is great. But with Doc’s play by play being 2 full seconds behind it’s kind of hard to watch. What the hell, NBC? Does Doc have EarthLink dial up at his house? How come you can’t fix that.
And in the West we have Pierre McGuire overstating anything and everything, and referencing every small town in Canada that ever had a junior team. He’s got a pretty good love affair going on with Vancouver, except for the 5 minutes after Vegas scores, then he flip flops.
But back to Blackhawks hockey …… I’m kind of hoping they do not get rid of Maata.
I do wish the Nylander era would somehow, somehow, end.
Maata had the better buyout numbers if we need him more then just do Smith and ltir players.
Rumours in Montreal that Bergevin wants to talk with Crawford ,
I don’t think it’s a good idea but who knows ?
Crow said he wants to play more games …
And Danault is not happy on the third line job ….so let’s see how things will develop
And off course not many teams wants Price contract.
Interesting.
Not many means Tallon will take him. COL would.
Hi Big Indian,
Yeah Doc is not the same doing play by play from his home in MI watching a monitor.
He is better live.
Regarding McQuire:
That guy is the worst. For years there have been shut up Pierre t-shirts and tweets and blogs.
NBC finally listened and demoted him.
That guy seems to think we care about obscure references to junior hockey coaches and teams from 1994.
Next game, count how many times he uses the word ‘phenomenal’, the term ‘tower of power’, or uses a gutteral growl-laugh to describe a good play.
You can start a drinking game listening to that guy.
Glad he is off the main stage.
Brian Boucher is 10 times more knowledgeable and less grating.
On a good day I can’t stand Emerick but now during the pandemic with him constantly behind the play he’s unlistenable – actually detracts significantly from the experience of watching the game
McGuire is almost as bad
So glad that for the playoffs anyway I can usually get a Canadian crew – so much better
Kenny Albert is fantastic. He knows all the players who touch the puck, not just guessing because he thinks he sees a certain number. Doc had Strome, Maatta and Quenneville all mixed up.
On Bergevin. He seems to have weakness for the Hawks players. It’s obviously based on his familiarity as Assistant GM. Unfortunately, he seems to have fleeced Stan twice(Denault and the Shaw boomerang trade).
Stan needs to stand firm. Offer Crawford 1-year, $3.5 Million. Period. If he balks let’s him go to the UFA market.
Also, Stan should see what Bergevin would offer for Nik Beaudin. With Carlsson really developing and Kalynuk seemingly an NHL player soon, Bergevin might jump on his availability.
Craig Totally agree 1 year $3.5 million take it or leave it for Crawford.
Bergevin would probably offer Bowan the third round pick that Montreal picked up from the Hawks in the Shaw trade.
Can you just imagine how hard Bergevin must still be laughing at dumping the contract of a totally injury prone named player Andrew Shaw. No sweetener for the Hawks to take Shaws contract… Now I am getting flash backs of the Bickell trade…
miss you Teuvo..
If the Hawks are nominally interested in Crawford, then I’ve got to believe he’d give his left nut to finish his distinguished career playing in his homeland for Montreal. I’m sure he always dreamed of wearing that sweater.
Bowman can’t lowball Crow. There is nothing in goal behind him, and we have neither the cap room or trade capital to make a splashy move at goal.
Agree Stape. Bergevin seized on Shaw’s 19 goal season. Stan thought he was getting the old Shaw back. It was a broken down version. Fleeced.
We live 1 hr/VT ski home from MON and would add a number nameplate to a blank Blackhawks sweater I have and wear it in MON if Crow plays there.
As I mentioned in a previous post Crawford would have waved his no trade contact to go to Colorado at the trade deadline.
Crawford will go for $$ and term and a guarantee that he will be the number one goalie.
Wouldn’t every 35 year old nhl goaltender or any goalie for that matter love a guaranteed number one nhl job?
It will also be interesting to see if Stan can seize on Maatta’s solid showing in the playoffs to move him instead of buying him out.
Ottawa seems like it could really use him and the Sens have a total of six
2nd and 3rd rounders.
Maata is good buyout numbers he should be good enough before this to get a trade for a 2nd or combine another player to get 2nd yes. Smith/other is the players to buyout there numbers are not good so rather not waste it let run on own. Like Beau if other Defensemen are better. 2nds are much better then 3rd so combine the trade for that.
Pay Crow what he wants if its 1/2/3 yrs thats only thing that matters or plan on draft top 5 for next 3 yrs which would be good thing.
Send Vegas Beau for Fluery at 3.5mil. Send Boq with Seabs to Seattle. We have Carlsson Mitchell Regula Kalynuk the 6.4ft guy. Trade from strength was a reason people brought up when we drafted all dmen.
JR, I have to strongly disagree with the notion of losing Boqvist in order to get rid of Seabrook. The loss of Teravainen to get rid of Bickell still stings and Boqvist/Seabrook would be worse because Boqvist just turned 20 earlier this month and has barely scratched the surface of what he could become. The Hawks had enough offensive skill, especially after what Panarin just showed them in his rookie season. Boqvist has the highest ceiling of any of the Hawks young d-men and I think it would be a very bad move to lose him and get nothing but cap space in return.
In researching Cap Friendly, I can only find 3 teams that I could see willing to trade a draft pick to Chicago for Maatta : Los Angeles, Ottawa or Detroit. All 3 need major help on the back end. Maatta souls step in and immediately be in their top 4, just not ours in Chicago. All 3 of those dog teams also have a surplus of picks in rounds 2, 3 and 4.
Hopefully once the calendar flips to September this upcoming week, Stan starts to makes roster decisions leading up to the draft in October.
As far as cap space if ltir comes in to play to start season, that could limit what needs to be done in off season. A roster with nobody on ltir of 20, with 1 goalie, Delia, 7 D and Mitchell starting year in Rfd., plus 12 fwds, pretty well all returning except 17 and 8 not signed, plus Suter for 91 comes around 73.5m with 50 also needing signed. If say Shaw starts on ltir that would leave between 11.5m and 12m to sign Crawford, Kubalik and Strome signs on a low caphit. Which should get it done and allow for moves like Smith and Maatta or Dehaan to be moved in season, when may be more demand and create room on blueline. If Koekkoek moved, which should be easier done at draft, then Mitchell could start year in Nhl but be crowded for playing time.
No other goaltender under control right now seems ready to be clear no.1 and any drafted be a ways off, so no reason not to resign Crawford unless they have a chance to bring in someone who they really like as the future and is ready to be no.1 right away.
Thats it for the salary cap stuff right there we have the room to do it and then make those trades and keep adding to young wave. Good thing we added these additional Defensemen which allow us to be able to trade some of the ones we got before that we thought would be here. Now maybe just 2 of them are here BoQ Mitch and the others are traded and we have these others instead which are same better then them and some have large size where the ones we traded/if trading Beau did not have the size. Someone heard the posts about size thing.
65 is ltir and maybe another move so we can add a good young player from those teams that cant keep everybody. Be creative do it.
Options there the main thing, no need of firesales. Even without ltir and a 23 man roster, still have 10.5m to sign 50, 8 and 17 with a Maatta buyout, just over 11m if he is traded. Just over 9m with a just a Smith buyout or 1om with a trade, so should be doable no problem without any cap adds. Take a little work to try and add some cap to roster.
Doc Emerick not the same calling game from a monitor in his home.
The guy has won multiple Emmys, a lot of them consecutive, so he gets a pass during this Co-Vid mess.
His command of the English language would trip up a college professor.
Kenny Albert is very good. So is that guy Forslund (Forsling?).
Forslund I believe, is the err apparent to Doc when he calls it a career.
Boucher is ten times the analyst McQuire is.
Options in that we can do it many ways so add a good young player from those teams. Then you can buyout Smith/other if needed otherwise I keep those buyout wise because they are not good numbers for that and we can do it more ideal ways. Only if were adding a good player like that then do it. Better to let run out on own to have full usage when we need it more/when young wave is ready.
So far Islanders and Dallas are working very hard in the SCF this year.
Bruins looking finished.
Don’t know in Vancouver can handle Vegas in a long series, but it is 1-1 after 2 games.
Nothing like playoff hockey.
Best thing on TV.
I like to think of myself as a well adjusted “normal” person able to control exigent passions, if not always “in the moment”, then at least those from the past. I’m chagrined, once again, to find I’m not quite the paragon of forgive and forget virtue I imagine myself to be. While this time it may be an insignificant thing it illustrates a weakness of character nonetheless. I speak of my irrational schadenfreude of watching the Vancouver Canucks lose. It’s not merely favoring their opponent for some reason, it’s the joy I get from seeing them lose far and away more than any other team. It seems to me that harboring this hatred for so many years after the Hawks and Canucks were actual on-ice enemies is irrational. All the antagonists are gone from that team except Edler and he was a minor irritant not significant enough to explain the continued enmity.
But, there it is, call me a cretin – no, let me do that – I’m a cretin. But apparently I care less about being a cretin than I do about hating on the Canucks. Sometimes you just have to accept the way you are and I’ll have to be OK with that because I thoroughly enjoyed Vegas curb stomping Vancouver last night and I hope I get to witness more of the same today. Go Vegas, or rather – Fail Vancouver.
Ian you forgot to mention to us how Lehner performed last night.
Watching VGK dominate VAN last night made me a little more optimistic about the Hawks effort vs Vegas – I already felt pretty good about how hard they played vs VGK but seeing the Knights own the Canucks in every way last night gives me even more reason to believe there has been progress this year in CHI
I’m not saying the Hawks are on the verge of Cup contention just that there has been progress – Vegas is a very very good team – a legit Cup contender and it would not surprise me if they won it all (although Tampa might beat them)
They are 4 physically strong and skilled lines deep (compared 1 through 4 with other teams’ lines) although without a true superstar
They have an active and physical blue line and they have a great goalie tandem although Lehner seems perfectly capable of winning it all without MAF’s help and they have a very good and experienced coach – they are the total package minus a superstar
If nothing else the young Hawks learnt a lot of valuable lessons playing playoff hockey against such a quality opponent
Eb,
RU a psych professor in real life?
Can honestly say I never read such deep thought when it came to hating the Canucks…..I always just flat out despised them and still do.
If it wasn’t that little girl Burrows biting and pulling hair, it was Kesler opening his mouth, or it was Bieksa shying away from tough guys but going full throttle after lightweights.
When the Bruins beat them in 2011 I pledged allegiance to the Spoked B as favorite team #2.
Full disclosure, I saw Bobby Orr play. Him and Hodge and Sanderson and all those guys. I always liked them.
I loved them after 2011.
VGK in 5. Is it possible to buy a Canucks voodoo doll?
PP, not a psych professor – just your run of the mill psycho. :=)
This Hawks team isn’t going to win anything next season, it’s time to cut costs and bank as much cap space as possible. Let some of the kids play and if the older veterans don’t agree then make deals. Makes no sense to tie up money in Crawford when you need so much more in other positions.
Earl. You nailed it. Everything is under review based on cost in this pandemic.
Maatta, Strome, Cagguila, Crawford, Koekkoek are all going to be affected.
Fresh info : I was told this weekend, that deHaan will be back not being traded or bought out.
Who doesnt have a VAN doll after pansy tried to hit Duncks in the head. From that Moment on is was on. EVen tough the league pussed out and Dunks to matter into his own hands/because he had to with law then lied to there faces and said no I didnt do that and just like you didnt say it first which is way worse. Flatlander/redcoat territory.
Cant trust the league they wont do anything or what is right so get a 1 game and eye for eye if you hit/or try to hit in head you will be to you and when you need it the most in 2011 your not there when it matters, ya fuuk. Suck on thaaaat! Timing. Donot try to cheap a champion let alone a dynasty warrior.
Theres no deep thought you feel it or you donot. Theres a reason why Big Buff put his finger into that pinks forehead he deserved it. Not like the pansy though who went high and head on Dunks that was flatlander. For Torres he should be close lined by john scott and then let the league get back to me on suspension days. They would still get it wrong for my liking/equal rights wise.
De Haan will not last the season without getting injured again and same goes for Shaw. Terrible moves by Bowman adding dollars plus term for these injury prone players.
If Bowman signs Crawford I predict he will be injured at some point as well.
The hawks could have used the 9th pick in this draft a lot more than beating a useless Edmonton team and then getting destroyed by Vegas
We were once told that if the hawks make the playoffs anything could happen…..
Well it shouldn’t have taken a rocket scientist to know that the hawks were going to get destroyed by the first good team that they played.
I’m still waiting for Mr. Rutherford to tell us how much money he lost on betting for Chicago.
Rebuild now instead of rebuilding after every diehard hawks fan finally realizes the Kane and Towes Stanley Cup window is closed or just be useless for at least the next five years.
Agree with Earl time to let the kids play and forget about trying to trade for vets to try to sneak into the playoffs just to get destroyed.
Always said we want/need top 5 skill draft player again and when we can get them. It was good experience though the 9/10 pick is waaaay better then 17th or 24th cant believe anyone would think otherwise. Look at all world COL without a goalie cant beat a central team with a goalie and without. They re top 3 in the making not yet. So we are where need as many top 5 skill draft player when we wuck 80 game wise thats why they play the games for drafts not for playoff seeds.
Then we go to Florida and we get the money.
I think most of us agree that this is not the time in the Hawks development to trade for vets or sign veteran UFAs – to those who say ‘play the kids’, the kids are already playing (CHI was the youngest team in the playoffs) and there will be more playing next year presumably taking spots from Maatta and Smith, maybe KK and Caggiula
And I don’t see the advantage in playing Delia and/or Subban as your #1 either a) because they’re young or b) because they enable the team to cut costs
As I’ve stated before if CC wants a raise or even $5-6 million per then yes let him walk but a reasonably priced Crow makes the team competitive and that’s what you want (especially as the team brings in all these kids) unless you’re gonna blow it all up and trade 19 and 88 and truly rebuild
And I just don’t think you can (or even should) truly rebuild as long as 19 and 88 are in CHI
Vegas 5, Vancouver 3. JOY!
Wrap agree if just going to sign another vet for similar caphit, Crawford nakes sense. If ask is too high or chance to acquire a goaltender who is the future there then obviously not. A 1 or 2 year deal for Crawford would bank capspace for a future goalie with a live body. Being over 35 Crawford under new rules can retire if injured and cap hit all goes away so that risk is minimal now.
Continued development of young players on rest of roster and an overall improvement/progression of team is what they will be aiming for. Can debate the moving 19, 88, and 2 all day, reality is not likely happening before their contracts expire in 3 years.
If Dehaan was able to withstand the Vegas series physical play, leads to believe he may be able to withstand the season without issues. Craig that seems to point to Maatta or Murphy if any blueline caphit moved in off season. Would say quite likely Shaw starts season on ltir, may try again at some point but gives options of when other moves need to be made if he starts on ltir.
Ian – from all indications it seems Shaw will be ready for training camp whenever that is – not sure we can plan for a roster that includes him being on ltir
Of course it’s hard to know how long Shaw can play without getting injured again or how effective he’ll be if he does play but there is the example of Crawford who suffered two serious concussions close together and was able to return to his prior level of play – a healthy effective Shaw makes the Hawks a better team IMO
Wraparound – I concur with your comments on the Vegas / Van series. I`m not sure if Vegas found another gear after the Hawks series or if the Hawks actually are in fact at least as competitive as Vancouver but I`m a little bit surprised at Vegas` dominance over them so far. Back a few months ago I even liked the idea of the Hawks looking at Markstrom as a free agent acquisition in the offseason however, Vegas has made him look quite pedestrian while our own Corey Crawford clearly was a the difference maker that Markstrom has not been so far. Says even more about Corey Crawford`s play and value to the Hawks to be honest with you.
Eb,
Stayed up late watching VGK-Van.
I figured u were doing happy dance when VGK came back in 3rd period.
I was smiling.
Wrap VGK have 4 big fast lines that can keep pressure on teams. Plus a very good complimentary defense, if they get Lehner signed as a rock in goal for awhile, they will have everybody basically locked up long term. Being exempt from next summers expansion draft won’t need to lose anyone. Stastny may be a casualty next year and need Stephenson reupped this year is all for next few years. With young guys like Krebs and Glass coming up and needing a spot they will be well set for awhile.
See Cap friendly calculated bonus overages and Blackhawks have just over $877,ooo in carryover next year against cap and likely go to just under 1.1m if Kubalik makes year end rookie all star team. Will make things a bit tighter, hoped they would avoid overages but doesn’t look like it.
Looking forward to draft and trade talk.
Wrap agree Shaw would be an asset if healthy, as far as ltir goes if moving caphits or potential ones at the draft or doing buyouts, it’s a moot point, if not alot done to create some space, have to think something else up, like ltir.
Hearing Eddie Olczyk interviewed for vacant GM position in Florida.
No secret he wants a front office job in the NHL.
Isn’t their a local team in need of a President, and also in need of a GM who understands the game, not merely possessing a good last name?
We didnt cover the player bonuses common. I guess we have 3 yrs to get under.
Wrap, we could truly rebuild while keeping 19 88 2. Those guys have to be locks to stay. Point is we could trade other good players 20/others and load up draft/younger good players. Thats why I wanted top 5 skil draft player this draft and maybe another 21 draft. Make some trade like those and get even more.
Then go with that young wave. We are still doing it in a way just depends if were keeping 20 12/others or those guys are big trades for big returns to be even younger. I have no problems with trading them or keeping them just have to know what were doing because 3 yrs and the young wave we have now will be starting to roll and thats when we need to be ready by no matter what way we do it.
WAS paid there dues for 10 plus yrs and finnaly won when salary cap watered down the top 5 teams CHI LA BOS ANA you pick 5th and same with STL they were the 5th best team for all those yrs but couldnt win with the dynasty Blackhawks or LA but they were hard to play agasint ans CHI and LA didnt win on any yr they had to play them.
Point is they deserved it by paying dues. Same now for TB they have paid there dues for 5 yrs so far not 10 plus like those teams but they are the most deserving in that way and they have the best team in hockey since Blackhawks dynasty in 2015. Best team roster wise when I say that.
COL aint ready yet but they are on the verge like BOS was a couple yrs ago to become a top 3 team. BOS got tehre when they didnt have to play TB. A yr ago and this ‘worlds tournament’ TB beat them good. As salary cap takes the top teams rosters down BOS and COL and like Ian said VEG could be good for a few yrs. Not sure how far down TB falls with salary cap stuff but they are the best team/roster wise since 2015.
Anyways like I said in July TB VEG would good for the sport with TB winning as they deserve to like WAS STL did.
Neither STL and BOS will win the Cup this year – I like the sound of that!
Hope Kucherov is Ok – has anyone heard if Stamkos will be back at all in these playoffs?
PP, you know it. I got a little anxious in the 2nd period but then Vegas turned up the volume and Vancouver withered and it was glorious.
So that was last night, but tonight was pretty fun too. I got to see Marchand’s team get eliminated and Perry’s team lose (although Dallas is still in the driver’s seat 3-2 in that series). Marchand and Perry – two guys I can’t stand so always fun to see them lose.
The only series I don’t have any passion for is PHI/NYI. Phily has Kevin Hayes who is a royal pud and New York is … well … New York, but it’s a whole lot of meh to me.
Can we please for the love of God forget the misguided idea of Eddie O in the front office of the Blackhawks. Let him shuffle on down to Florida if its his ambition to serve as a GM.
Looks like Montreal is keenly interested in talking to native sign Crawford. Hawks desperately need to bring him back. He’s been a great member of the organization and there is NOTHING behind him in goal.
Why would Montreal be interested in Crawford?
Look up this years playoff stats for both Crawford and Carey Price and as good as Crawford played in the playoffs his stats were not good. I understand that stats don’t mean everything and that Chicago is not a very good team.
Check out their playoff stats you might be surprised in what you see.
Tick tock Rocky tick tock
Competent GMs do not get caught without a session plan for the goalie position. If Montreal signs Crow the Hawks are screwed and will end up over paying for a FA. Then SB reacts by using one of the young talented players to sweeten a salary dump trade. We have seen this movie before.
Tick tock Rocky tick tock, rid the organization of the GM. Do yourself a favor!
Crow is from there south of there other side of the river. I know a woman nice woman whos boyfriend runs a rink in that town and they know Crow people she talks to his dad. I asked her about stuff and she told me what his dad said when he was having that concussion stuff.
Prob to play near home for retire/few yrs. Crow would rather retire Blackhawks jersey.
The Crow to Montreal talk seems insane. Price has several years left on his contract that pays $10.5m per year. The team has several other holes and I can’t imagine signing a 35 year old goaltender (who says he wants to be the main guy) is high on their radar. Sounds like a classic clickbait rumor.
Regarding Eddie O in Chicago – Rocky said any new hire would not be another old hockey retread. To me that thankfully should kill any Eddie O speculation.
MS – agree on everything
Price almost certainly has a NMC as well and Crawford has already said he wants to stay in CHI
So for CC to end up in MTL Price would have to waive his NMC then some team would want to trade for him and have room for $10.5 M and then Bergevin would have to offer Crow substantial cash ($7 M?) to get him to relocate to MTL
All seems incredibly unlikely
And no Eddie O please – never distinguished himself in PIT and it just seems too homerish bringing the native son back
Do a proper search and hire the best person – period.
Know there are good players at 16-24th picks but man I wanted another top 5 skill draft player. Thats what we need to reload young wave properly. To see BOS get young players with core thats still good like our 19 88/who is better then theres and now COL be next then VAN be after them then NYR be after them then CHI be next in line to have a reloaded young wave.
We need to do it that way.
Mo will definitely still be a good top 6 forward prospect there, wouldn’t say door is shut on Askarov being available at 17, either. Canes and Oilers most in need of a goalie at his projected spot to go, in a win next year mode and may want a quicker solution in goal and want to pick a forward who can help sooner. With lack of scouting opportunity after world juniors may drop him a bit.
MS exactly, Price not going anywhere and good chance Crawford isn’t either. Looking at possession nos tells more of the story of what Crawford faced in the playoffs, not taking anything away from how good Price was too. Crawford if he does happen to sign elsewhere, would be better suited to a team with enough bonus room and needs cap space. Could sign a 1yr 35+ deal or 1m caphit and 1m dollars performance bonus every 5 or 10 games played to makeup his salary. Blackhawks with Dach 2.5m and Boqvist, Mitchell, Nylander and Suter all with potential $850,000 bonus potential would be carrying 5.9m with them on roster, not a stretch and only have could $200,000 push out room roughly to offer, so not really an option for them.
For all you who think Crow is too old and washed up…. Have no good netminder & get rid of your TOTAL DEFENSE by letting him go……WATCH HAWKS NOW… Buy your tix while you can ! Watch HOF KEITH now!!!!!
LMFAOOOOOO
So many great comments. Just want to commend Tab for a fantastic write-up on one of the greatest back-stoppers we have ever had. Crow stood on his head when it most mattered. A fluke bounce likely took away a 3rd Cup. Always coming back from injury, when many, including me, thought he could be finished and continuing to play at a very high level.
Thanks Corey for the greatest run in team history.
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