The Blackhawks Should Buy Out Zack Smith
The NHL’s first buyout window opens today and runs through 4 PM CT on Oct. 8. The only player on waivers on Sept. 25 is Ottawa’s Bobby Ryan, the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner.
With that in mind, and being mindful of the salary cap issues coming with a flat cap, the Blackhawks should consider the buyout option.
Chicago currently has 11 forwards under contract for the 2020-21 season from the previous NHL roster. That does not include Pius Suter or Matej Chalupa, both of whom recently signed from Europe with matching $925,000 cap hits.
The Blackhawks have eight defensemen signed thru next year including Ian Mitchell, who most believe will be on the NHL roster.
The Hawks do not have an NHL goaltender under contract for next season. Colin Delia has a $1 million cap hit and would be the most likely to be on the NHL roster if the Blackhawks don’t add at least one, if not two, goaltenders.
Chicago has a few restricted free agents they’ll need to deal with, including Dominik Kubalik, Dylan Strome and Slater Koekkoek. Kubalik is the priority among the Hawks’ RFAs. Malcolm Subban is also restricted this offseason and may be brought back as well.
According to CapFriendly, the Blackhawks have approximately $7.8 million under a cap ceiling of $81.5 million to figure out how to keep Kubalik (and any other RFAs) and fix their goaltending situation.
That isn’t a lot of money.
One way the Blackhawks could create additional cap space would be to use a buyout.
Veteran forward Zack Smith would be an ideal candidate.
Smith recorded four goals and seven assists in 50 games with the Hawks during the 2019-20 regular season. He dealt with back issues while playing and was ultimately ruled done for the year because he required back surgery at the end of February. He won only 46 percent of his limited faceoffs while with the Hawks.
Smith, 32, has one year remaining on his current deal with a $3.25M cap hit. Today, only four Blackhawks forwards have a bigger cap hit next year: Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Alex DeBrincat and Brandon Saad.
If the Blackhawks buy Smith out, he would hit the cap for $1,083,333 for the next two years. That would obviously add a $1,083,333 cap obligation in the 2021-22 season that isn’t currently there, but it would provide the Hawks with $2,166,667 in cap savings in the coming season.
The likelihood that someone takes Smith’s contract without a significant sweetener – draft pick or prospect – is zero. He might retire, but if he opts to attempt a comeback next season he doesn’t bring enough to the table to warrant the cap hit he’s due.
Younger players like Suter, Chalupa, Matthew Highmore and Brandon Hagel have significantly lower cap hits and more upside in the immediate season and into the future to be stuck watching while Smith is on the NHL roster. In a scenario where the Hawks buy Smith out, two of those players could be on the NHL roster in the cap space available via the buyout with room to spare.
Yess I think you are right Hawks should buy him out and get the 2.15 millions available for young kids that we need badly
Hopefully they will trade Maatta with a bonus player
Yep, Smith is a no-brainer. Although I would have no problem sending him to another team along with a draft pick or a prospect (Sikura?) to get him off the books.
What about Andrew Shaw? I don’t see where he fits in next year and he is damaged goods as well. I hate it when Bowman brings back players he has traded away. Rarely do they play as well as their first stint.
In any event, they must keep Kubalik, and to a lesser extent Strome. Losing these guys for nothing would be awful.
Reggie Fleming beat me to the comment about Shaw. At this point his career going forward seems doubtful. He’s been out a long time with the concussion, and it doesn’t make sense for him to be part of the roster, whether Smith is bought out or not.
I didn’t realize we were that tight to the cap. If there isn’t money to re-up CC and we are forced to play Delia, Subban, or some other sieve in front of a notoriously porous team defense it doesn’t bode well. Buying Smith out seems like a good idea, but unless we make a clear-the-deck move or two we’re still just treading water (the situation made me think back to 2011-12 when we had to plug the holes with O’Donnell and Lepisto and John Scott).
There is a lot of money tied up in Debrincat and Saad and will now have to be in Kubalik. I’d love to see Debrincat and Strome moved together, but unless someone hires Chiarelli there is almost zero chance of that. I’d prefer to keep Saad but if it comes down to moving him vs re-upping Kube then maybe he has to go.
Shaw’s buyout numbers aren’t great but it’s probably still a good move. With 2 years remaining at $3.9M/year – the buyout would save $2M in 20/21 and $1M in 21/22 but then add $750K in 22/23 and 23/24.
A much better buyout would be Maatta who makes $4M for 2 more seasons. His buyout would save $3.4M in 20/21 and 21/22 and add only $680K in 22/23 and 23/24.
Is there a limit on the number of buyouts a team can have? If not – buyout Smith, Maatta and Shaw.
Smith is a buyout candidate not sure they do it though. That 7.8m space is with 11 fwds 7d and 1g counted, 7, 65 and Delia counted too. If Maatta traded may give enough room, add another 4.08m to 7.8 gives 11.9m for goalie rfas and Mitchell. Crawford’s decision if he signs for 3.5m plus Mitchell hit is just over 4.4m and leaves 7.5m for rfas caphit, possibly do it. Smith could be waived and if claimed hit gone, if not sent to minors and save 1.o75m caphit this year, be enough to cover replacement hit this year and nothing against cap next year. May do buyout too but may not.
EB Shaw can’t be bought out when he is on ir, unless he agrees to it, doubt that is the case.
I’m with Jordyhawk- you can’t be competitive, especially in the Hawks division, without superior goaltending AND better defence! Who are we kidding if we start the season as we ended- WITHOUT good goaltending! Stan knows who the pilons and liabilities are- let’s make some tough, pragmatic decisions and move on! Go Hawks
Jordy, others the thing is, a Smith buyout costs 1.083 plus a replacement salary takes it back to 2m. Saves 1.25m after that, plus 1.083 against cap next year. Burying him saves about $200,000 this year after replacement salary and costs nothing next year. Moving Maatta 4.o83m and Shaw to ltir 3.9m, nets 6m more cap to work with. Dehaan or Murphy would be similar to Maatta on a trade. Maatta as EB mentioned far and away best buyout numbers. Also may get lucky somebody puts a waiver claim on Smith when he goes through and his 3.25m caphit goes with him.
Lebrun and Friedman are reporting that some teams will not qualify some of their RFAs who are arb eligible thus making them FAs – very interesting
Anthansiou is one name that came up. Montour another but there are others as well and they’ll be younger and cheaper than regular FAs
Deadline for submitting QOs is Oct. 7 – something to monitor
I think the only team interested in Smith would be Ottawa. Can Ottawa draft someone at 28 as good as DCat? I would let DCat go to Ottawa for that pick.
Also think we can put a that Smith has to be included with DCat. Ottawa would be bringing back some veteran leadership and favorite son. They can resign DuClair and have the Dentist Line with DuClair DCat and Smith……DDS Line. (sorry) If we must pay half of Smith contract so be it but don’t think we have to.
That’s like killing 4 birds with one stone. Smith gone, DCat gone, 1st rd pick $9.65o mil cap space.
Stan just ask. Won’t know if you don’t ask
Would be a terrible move to Trade cat to unload Smith for a late first
I’m almost certain the Hwks won’t be trading DCat based on one poor season
He looked much better in the last 2 or so playoff games – I think they’ll give him at least a year to live up to his contract before thinking about trading him
Personally I think he’ll rebound next year
Wrap one rfa i’d like to see them look at is Chandler Stephonson. Vegas will undoubtedly qualify him for 1.05m but he likely wants a raise and they be hard pressed to give him one. Be an ideal 3rd center, physical, hard to play against, give some offense. Plus can fill in wing or center on top 6 and bring something when he does.
Agree Debrincat not going anywhere at this point.
There are reports that teams are calling Ottawa and checking on the availability
of their 4 second round picks.
Unfortunately, as Wraparound stated above, many teams are not going to qualify their RFAs this year. (see Drake Caggiula)
With all the cap space Ottawa has, I would imagine Pierre Dorion just waits to see who exactly is available for free instead of trading draft picks for guys (such as Olli Maatta) that might get bought out OR not qualified.
From last thread
MORRISON
September 23, 2020 at 10:01 pm
Good to see the best team since Blackhawks dynasty 2015 winning like they deserve to win this yr when they should have before and didnt.
DAL jumped on COL and VEG and TB in the first game ‘playing’ and then won 2 of next 3 to be ahead like that to best COL and VEG. Thought they needed to do the same and win 2 of next 3 to win. They didnt get lucky this time with that. Thought that if it was 2-2 its TB yr this yr.
Didnt know felt if DAL would not get lucky this time and win 2 of next 3. That if 2-2 its TB yr. Give DAL credit they beat some good teams again like last yr. Just hard to beat top 3 teams like STL and best team since 2105 Blackhawks, TB.
TB deserves to win after paying dues for 5 yrs. Just like WAS and STL did. Good for the sport. Even though this was just a ‘worlds’ tournament.
Fine to buyout any ‘temp’ ufa players if the retained/prorated caphit isint more then 3 rys from now. No need to have any caphit after next couple yrs for these players. Eat it all now and then we have full amount to use when it matters.
Mo, have to say Tampa being up has alot to do with Kudobin looking average and not playing like he did earlier series. Quite likely if he was best goalie on ice in this series too as he was last 2 series, Stars not Bolts be on verge of winning the cup.
Why did Bowman pick up Smith in the first place? Thankyou Marc Crawford.
Bowman on how to get rid of cap space in three easy moves….Shaw, deHaan, Matta all with term as well.
Bowman picked up these guys to make the playoffs and save his job. Mission accomplished! Sorta. What an impressive playoff run it was.
Stan knows how to look out for Stan!
Ian – VGK doesn’t have elite playmakers like Point, Kucherov and Hedman so everything they threw at Khudobin was predictable as far as where and when the shot was coming
DAL would jam the front of their net and all Khudobin had to do was get in the way of the expected shot and Vegas never changed it up because IMO they are a straight line team – actually too many power forwards – not enough creative players
Khudobin’s come down to earth vs TBL because they move the puck around a lot better then Vegas so he can’t lay in wait for shot knowing where it’s going to come from – when he does do that he can be guilty of being overly aggressive and then he can be caught out of position which Tampa can take advantage of again because they have players who can move the puck around creatively
Could have alot to do with it Wrap, but Khudobin certainly doesn’t appear as sharp save and mistake wise. Be interesting to see if Vegas with all the long term deals stand pat or try to move some to bring in new blood.
I expect Blackhawks clear whatever cap space they need to sign or resign who they want and keep others to try and be competitive and create room for Dach, Boqvist etc. next deals when those contracts expire. Doesn’t feel any major moves coming but time will tell. Maatta and Dehaan addressed defense issues as did Lehner, Smith added physicality and moved Anisimov caphit and gained some space. Nothing lost in those deals and had injuries not derailed them would have been very good moves quite likely. Shaw move hurts, especially heading into draft, hard to defend results.
With a young Defense and too many soft forwards it is imperative that we grab a quality #1 Goalie.As I said in previous posts,they have to find a way to reconstruct this soft team and wasted money sitting on I.R.Smith,Shaw,Seabrook, Strome, Maata,Nylander, and or Carpenter or Kamph should not be here when the regular season begins.A number 1 or 2 D Man,2 Quality Centers and a couple of physical forwards would be a nice start.Toews should be the #3 Center within the next 2 years.
Ian/Wrap, yea I have only seen a little of these games as well as other rounds. Just knew, without knowing, thats what I have been saying the whole time about TB. I didnt expect DAL to do good again like last yr they did they deserve lots of credit from me/there.
In terms of goalie sure not going to get STL goalie or other teams goalie hot very often. More normal is like Nemo did against SJ you can do that for a round maybe two if lucky not 4 though. Need a full team.
My thing on TB is they are the best team since Balcjhakws dynasty 2015, roster wise, for 5 yrs now. They have payed there dues and earned it that way. Even though they are prob one of the worst teams in playoffs before this yr in those 4 yrs, especially for how good they really are. Havnt won anything yet was true for those 4 yrs.
Its TB yr. They blew out BOS (8-1? in those 2 times) a couple yrs ago and when BS didnt have to play TB they got there. BOS and COL next are top 3 teams now/next and whoever joins them. With no salary cap teams the have good core with good enough role can win these 3 yrs or teams like WAS STL TB who have paied there dues and other top teams/up and coming teams cant add because of cap for 3 yrs.
I just want teams that have paid there dues to win and WAS STL TB have. BOS COL have not not for 5 plus yrs of being a top teams they havnt.
I would normally want DAL to win not TB they paid there dues though and I respect/not respect certain things/sayings by people/class or not class/seniority.
After TB wins this yr I would route for DAL and because Sharpy played there and know those players.
Seniority I mean longer not older.
Tim, its that easy to adjsut roster for what we need prob what Ian says for this summer/offseason and then do the rest next 2 summers and be ready for when the young wave is starting prime and younger young wavers are ready to just play.
Its quiet in here lets hear some Morrison Scottish blood.
Safe and Sound.
TB is too much for Dallas.
Getting swept last year forced them to add grit to their lineup.
It is paying off for a very talented squad that kept finding ways to mess it up for four years after 2015.
No longer getting pushed around, they are one victory away from a Cup many thought was one-two years away after 2015.
Morrison and Ian. Some Saturday night scoop, if you are interested.
Craig love to hear it. Corey Perry in ot to force game 6.
Crawford said No. He will not be back.
He will find a team, hope for the best to him. Wonder where Bowman goes from here for a goalie next season.
Was told To expect a very busy week leading up to the draft.
That’s what I know.
Good to hear that the Hawks will have to move on from Crawford.Now let’s get on with the business of constructing a bottom 6 to this team.
question for everyone..Columbus has been mentioned as being uninterested in paying Wennberg 4.9 for the next three years given his decreased goal scoring..he’s an attractive buyout candidate and I wouldn’t be surprised if they do buy him out..would the Hawks have any interest in him at a reduced ”prove it” one or two year deal? He’s big(although not physical), he skates well, likes to head to the net and is tough to knock off the puck..if he took 2.5 for two years, would the Hawks be interested? I think I would be..I’d like to see some size added to the bottom six..I also like a third line full of centers even though I feel Wennberg may be better on a wing..how about these lines?
Saad-Toews-Kubalik
Cat-Strome-Kane
Suter-Dach-Wennberg
Highmore-Kampf-Carpenter
Nylander 13th forward but hopefully plays himself into a top 9 role(this is also contingent on Shaw being moved or buried on ltir to start the year)..
Wennberg,Killorn,and Sergachev in place of Strome,Saad,and Maata would be a great start.1 of the Rangers young Goalies along with Matt Martin and Sam Bennett would reshape this team nicely.
@Craig Nigrelli
Question for me is who will be in net?
Are Blackhawks willing to offer up some decent money to someone on the market?
Delia and Subban are not going to help a young team moving forward. Don’t just use Crawford savings exclusively on non-goalies.
Maybe Crow not staying means we make more of he moves we need to/going to anyways this offseason then we thought. Even though there is a flatlander cap.
Know you guys said why though I still think we could have had Crow at 5 ish because were not using entire cap these 3 yrs, in terms of needing to add everything we need to do all at once. In 3 yrs yes for these 3 yrs no. Unless Bowman is going to add a top pair Defensemen or make some major moves not seeing why we couldnt do Crow at 5m for 1 yr 2 yr.
Big Indian agree without a goalie, upgrading rest is not going anywhere. The ufa list is older goalies mostly, not future types except for Markstrom and Holtby who may likely get long term deals not in Blackhawks price range. A trade for a younger goalie be more likely.
With all the uncertainity around Seabrook, his statement saying he’ll play somewhere next year and front office we’ll see where he fits comments, makes you wonder. After Brian Burkes comnents that the Sens need to find some veteran leadership in the lockerroom, makes you wonder if a deal could happen. His 4m signing bonus already paid, his actual cost this year is only 1m in salary. Ottawa a notorious budget team 23m below cap floor could use his hit and with expansion draft next year would have resources to make a move happen if they wanted or if ltir looks possible last couple of years of his deal then that might interest them too. Never know.
Tim W – As much as I’d love Sergachev in CHI I just don’t see Tampa not signing him
They’ll move other pieces (quite possibly Killorn) to accommodate signing Sergachev
The way he’s played in the playoffs they’d be crazy to allow him to leave – he’s only 22 and already a very good D man
I can’t say I’m surprised Crawford said no, nor can I say I’m terribly disappointed. Crawford won 2 Cups and for that he will always be respected and loved – but, sentiment doesn’t win championships and more times than not contributes to not winning championships. I would have been fine with a $3.5M short term deal but in reality he would only be a stop gap while the Hawks finish the rebuild back to contender status so he wouldn’t be the goalie needed to compete for the Cup in a few years.
I don’t know – maybe do something crazy like take the best forward available at #17 and then take a goalie with every other pick they have and hope to find a diamond in the rough.
Slayer, I like a 3rd line with very good players like that so 77 can be a difference maker like the 29 65 25 line did and later 86 did.
Not that it would be the same wonder how many playoff teams, and I mean the teams that were 1-8 seed not this, drafted there goalie. Of the top teams how many goalie came from trade/ufa. Seems like a few so we might get one from draft though seems like depending on yr we can get a good one from ufa.
DAL got Bishop VEG got two good goalies I mean they are out there.
Ian/other guy who said it to, idea about OTT doing trades like ARI has. If were not keeping Crow/on a 3.5 or nothing thing then like you Seabs comments and organization look to be ready to do what we have been talking about here for a couple yrs. Its time.
Do not have to get a certain positions first just get whats available for decent deals, as many as we can. Then in a couple yrs get what we donot have yet like goalie/and other.
Thing about drafting a goalie other than Askarov,who likely be ready for Nhl in a couple of years, your looking at a 4 to 5 year window at least to be ready for a regular Nhl role. Possible be 3rd round before next goalie drafted, so that indicates usually a long term development window. So need an elite goalie in the meantime regardless if they draft one in 3rd round or not this year. Gravel when interviewed after being released said Bowman said they wanted to have a goalie closer to nhl ready to groom for no. 1, was reason they didn’t give him an elc.
Mo look at who advanced.
Tbl- Vssilevskiy drafted 19th in 1st rd. 5th year became starter.
Stars- Khudobin and Bishop both acquired veterans.
Nyi-Varlimov, Griesse both acquired vets
Vgk- Lehner, Fleury both acquired vets.
Bruins- Halak acquired vet, Rask drafted 21st overall, didn’t stick in Nhl until 6th season.
Flyers- Hart drafted 2nd round, became regular during 4th season.
Vancouver- Markstrom acquired vet. Demko drafted 2nd rd. In 2016, backup in 4th year and became playoff starter due to injury, playing elite in 2020 playoffs.
Avs- Grabaur acquired vet, Franz Cruz undrafted signed 30 yrs old
If you look at recent cup winners.
Blues Binnington drafted in 3rd round 2011 and became starter in 8th season
Caps- Holtby- drafted 1st round, became starter in 6th season
Pens- Murray became starter in 5th or 6th season.
Outside of Askarov any drafted goalies this year not likely be impacting much until later part of the decade.
From that list seems like the better of the better goalies come from first round gems. Just like this Askarov guy.
Maybe we do then trade for a younger goalie thats been developing already for a few yrs and just get someone for these 3 yrs until that goalies ready. Or were looking at doing what NYI DAL did ufa goalie thats more like 27-30 area.
Ian – nice summary. I’m sure we can acquire a decent goalie as your list makes clear. Nice to hear there will be some action leading up to the draft. My gut tells me that Strome and Chad Krys could be two guys on the move.
Looking forward to seeing what moves are made over the next week leading into the draft.
Columbus doesn’t have a 2nd rd pick this year or next year and they have a redundancy at goalie..both are 26, both are reasonably signed for the next two years, and both are starting caliber..Columbus needs cap space to sign their rfa’s includ. Dubois which even if he takes a bridge, is going to cost them..Stan should offer both of our 2nd rd picks(this year and next) for whichever goalie he feels grades out better and solve his goalie problem for the next 5 years..otherwise, because of our cap restraints, we’re going to have to see Mike Smith or Ryan Miller in net for the Hawks every third game while seeing Delia or Subban in net for 45-48 games..gross..talk about setting back the rebuild/retool..
Its no fun to watch or for guys like Kaner though not having top 5-15 goalie helps reload by getting higher draft picks. Its what we did last 3 yrs now without Crow/and if not top 25 goalie ufa were really developing the young wave. I am not looking for a yr like that though another top 5 skill draft player or get lucky again and get a franchise player like 77 could be best thing for Sanley Cup #4 for Tazer and Kaner.
Couple of thoughts, some speculation Devils take Askarov with 7th pick, with 2 other 1st round picks. If they do, maybe won’t want to resign rfa Mackenzie Blackwood a goalie with alot of potential himself. Also with new gm in Florida,that seems to be in win now mode, wonder what his thoughts are on Bobrov locked in for 6 more years and Spencer Knight seemingly blocked, if they would ever part with him for his return potential. Cost alot but put up big numbers last year at Boston College and looks like in another year or 2 be ready for Nhl.
@Ian
Can’t see the panthers moving knight out at all. Same with the devils and Blackwood.
But it never hurts to call
Flower for 3.5mil next 3 years will work. Haula maybe for 3mil. Let our young D play. Seabs and DCat to Ottawa for #28. Athanasiou at 3mil. Maatta for Ghost.
Like those moves there.
Mrfenn92 what would you do as a new. Panthers gm and under pressure to win. Locked into current goalie with total nmc likely untradeable too contract for 6 years and the future goalie ready in 2 maybe 3 years. Decisions have to be made.
Same if Devils pick Askarov, would you sign Blackwood to big raise as a budget concious team.
Hey guys. I have a feeling the Hawks are going to go after Thomas Greiss. I don’t know this for sure. But he would fit the $3.5 Million they have budgeted for goaltending.
Having said that. I have been told this is going to be a busy week.
Be interesting to see where Crow lands and for how much
If it’s much north of $4 million I’d be surprised but good luck to him – he’ll always be a great Hawk and one of my favourites for his clutch performances
@ebonyraptor.
Do not believe anything you hear on Connor Murphy. He is Not going anywhere. And they are still sold on deHaan.
Top 4 next year is :
Keith-Boqvist
DeHaan-Murphy
After that a lot of that is in flux.
Crow to COL think remember someone telling me he bought a house there couple yrs ago.
Craig hope your wrong on Greiss, an almost 35 year old mostly career backup past his prime. Hopefully the oppportunity is used to infuse some youth that can be the future their.
Mo, Avs have Grubauer and Francouz under contract, not sure if they would be interested now or not. The interest at tdl last winter was an injury driven need.
@Ian
Zito is a brand new gm, he’s not under any pressure other then to clean up the defense and add or resign one of his wings.
As far as Blackwood if the devils pick askarov he’s still at most 3 years away.
Bridge deal with Blackwood.
Mrfenn92, Zito’s job may not be in immediate danger but bringing in Hornquist and being mentioned as a serious contender for Krug, seems to show a directive to win. Granted Matheson was one a few bad contracts he inherited and wants rid of. Job security with Panthers as we have seen with Gallant for example is never much to bank on and still doesn’t address Knight being blocked situation.
Devils could go the bridge deal route yes. Point is Schneider under contract for 2 more years and Asksrov if they take him, starring now in Khl the 2nd best hockey league in the world at only 18, is realistically expected to be ready by then. Would a budget concious to enter into that deal or not?
Does Arksrov have real intent on playing in the NHL or could he become a wasted pick by who ever drafts him?
Stape it’s not coming to Nhl that is the issue normally. It’s playing in Ahl that is the problem usually. Very rare the big stars who can develop in Khl and step in and play right away don’t come over. So i doubt getting him here will be a problem, may develop another year or 2 in Khl first though until they feel he is Nhl ready.
Thanks for the good times Corey. Best of luck as you wind down your career.
I can live with Greiss, especially if he is cheap. A veteran goalie would allow us to play the kids on defense next year – all the horsemen. Unfortunately, this information from Craig is a bit unsettling to me:
Top 4 next year is :
Keith-Boqvist
DeHaan-Murphy
I’ve been open about Keith and Boqvist being paired together – pretty much on an island, and I am okay with that (and hope they prove me wrong, but so far the argument isn’t even close). We go nowhere with that pairing as as a top pair. Please prove me wrong.
We should – without a doubt – have more kids up on defense next year. I don’t see Seabrook sitting upstairs as a healthy all season, so really there is only one spot open for play. One isn’t exactly a large influx of young players.
Dach as a 3c on a good team makes sense. Here, he should be a 2c until he proves incapable. JC took the leash off and he responded in the post season, probably JC’s strongest move so far.
Strome as a 2c on this team is a failed project to this point. Maybe in camp you give it another try, but I would suggest that the patience quotient for that experiment be of a bit lower tolerance than the acceptance of Dcat’s defensive efforts. If Strome’s gone – 2c is a done issue win for Dach.
I worry less about the bottom 6 than the defensive 6. Murphy is a keeper. De Haan is unfortunately a fragile player – move him if you can, as much as I appreciate his skill level.
If you are going to go with kids in net – you better fix the defense with something better than 2 and 27 as a top pair, or the kids in net will retire by the All Star break.
I don’t know how we get into this season without a visible plan for a netminder 2 or 3 years from now. If that remains the case – we best have a plan for a top pair defensively, and not someone who is currently in our system and hasn’t played that caliber of defense in the NHL. Bowman has a big challenge right now. It’s his team. He owns the personnel. We should be developing NHL talent in the AHL. Bad contracts have made that less possible to do.
Congrats to Jan Rutta. Another castoff on a potential SC Champion team. We’ve done well developing/evaluating defensemen the past 5 years. NOT. And yet – the board believes we have top pair potential in the system. Please show me the players.
Waiting on the news of JC’s extension.
My prediction of the blue line by the middle of next season (whenever that happens):
Keith-Mitchell
de Haan-Boqvist
Murphy/Maatta-Seabrook/Koekkoek
I believe one of Murphy/Maatta will be dealt and Koekkoek will come back on a cheap deal as the 7th defenseman.
One answer we will know for sure soon is, by next Wednesday Koekkoek will either be resigned , qualified for $925,000 or moved at the draft. Doubt they let him just walk.
Thats funny I was going to post Rutta name other day.
Was going to say other day that when they do 2 games in 2 days its usually a split. Forgot they were game on SA. So this looks like the 3-1 lead TB earned.
25-10
Believe we won game 6 to win 2015 Stanley Cup 2-0 as well.
Rutta Baby!
Best team since 2015, roster wise.
Yes Because Chicago Blackhawks needs to Pick Up John Hayden for Zack Simth and Because Andrew Shaw Needs John Hayden and Have John Hayden wear Number 40 again since Vinnie Hinostroza came back Should John Hayden give Andrew Shaw a Boost and recruit Carson Gicewicz to be the new number 15 for the Chicago Blackhawks he’s a Freshman and get Jake Chelios the son of Chirs Chelios to be the New Number 7 for the Chicago Blackhawks
It’s Freshman Time For Chicago Blackhawks Hockey
Chicago Blackhawks should Throw a Welcome Home Party For Number 40 John Hayden and all Chicago Blackhawks fans wore the Number 40
Chicago Blackhawks should Throw a Welcome Home Party For Number 40 John Hayden and all Chicago Blackhawks fans wore the Number 40 if The Chicago Blackhawks will give John Hayden back his Number 40
4 Line For Chicago Shaw Kampf Hayden
Send Zack Simth to Arizona for John Hayden Back Home To The Chicago Blackhawks Because Andrew Shaw Needs John Hayden all Because John Hayden Needs His Number 40 Back in the Indian Head all the Chicago Blackhawks wants to see Hayden and Shaw 40 and 65
I Think Blackhawks Should trade Zack Simth for John Hayden
and Have John Hayden wear 40 again
Andrew Shaw Needs John Hayden
John Hayden is the Replacement for Zack Simth Chicago Blackhawks should give Number 40 back to John Hayden
Zack Simth leaves Chicago Because he is getting more older
John Hayden Needs to come home to Chicago
Get rid of Zack Simth and Bring Back John Hayden and Give John Hayden his number 40 back in the Indian Head since the last number 40 was Robin Lenher Before Number 30 Malcolm Subban Came to Chicago with his number 30
Chicago Blackhawks do miss John Hayden so bad Before new number 40 Robin Lenher came to Chicago Blackhawks and Put John Hayden as a Chicago Blackhawks Rumor with his number 40 if the Chicago Blackhawks wants to see John Hayden Back Home getting number 40 back in the Indian head to Play with Andrew Shaw
I do think Andrew Shaw Needs John Hayden Because Andrew Shaw is Playing The Waiting game For John Hayden to come back home to Chicago IL wearing number 40 again in the Indian Head
and Keep Dylan Strome
get Freshman Goalie Drew Commesso wear number 50 to be the next Corey Crawford
Futuer Chicago Blackhawks duo are John Hayden And Andrew Shaw The 40 and 65 Show
Go BLACKHAWKS ONE GOAL
Zack Simth Gone and John Hayden in
Chicago Blackhawks should do Nude Blackhawks Legends on ICE