Chicago Blackhawks

[Daydream Nation]

Agreed. Smith has looked fantastic. Nice to see that he can take some line 2 center responsibilities next season as TT gets some seasoning. Now if only Versteeg could get something going.

[Shake]

Bickell has already hit 50% of his total point production for the 2013-14 season in just 8 playoff games. He's back being beast mode again. This is why he was given that contract.

[Daydream Nation]

Bickell and Hossa were everywhere today. Bickell has a wicked wrist shot! Crawford had another strong game. Can't help to think about all the pundits who were over the Hawks about the Crawford and Bickell contracts. They have both been excellent so far in these playoffs.

Nice to see Saad finally make some nice plays in consecutive games. He seemed invisible against St Louis. That guy has some great wheels and is strong on the puck but he needs to finish more.

Don't exactly know how to value the two wins other than they are wins and I'll take them. Once again, they were outplayed and outshot for large stretches but Minnesota did not capitalize on their opportunities. It seems that the Hawks know they can turn it on and dominate the Wild when they want. Not necessarily the smartest way to play. This should be over in 5.

[neodydan]

What's this in JJ's column on hockeybuzz that Mc Donough and the front office staff are feuding? Hope this is not right. This is an important summer for the Hawks and a scewup could cost the Hawks a chance at another Cup.

[deantime419]

Do the hawks finally nab a second line center this offseason?
Not sure if any of the best ones could be had without including Teuvo or Saad (Kesler/Thornton/Spezza).

[The Guvnah]

Do the hawks finally nab a second line center this offseason?
Not sure if any of the best ones could be had without including Teuvo or Saad (Kesler/Thornton/Spezza).

I doubt it. Teuvo is probably only a year away and he looks to be a pretty good fit for the second line centre job. Of course, anything could happen, but from what we've seen of Stan Bowman, a deal for one of those high-profile guys seems highly unlikely.

[Shake]

Blackhawks vs Capitals in the 2015 Winter Classic.

[Shake]

Here is the Hawks 2014-15 schedule.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/schedulebysea...etwork=&venue=

[Shake]

All signs point to Toews and Kane signing their extensions next Tuesday July 1st! Both are expected to sign on the same day. Get it done Stan!!

Rumors are just that, rumors but be on the look-out for a possible deal involving Sharp. It's possible. Hawks will make some moves. I personally do not think it will be anything substantial but ya never know.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/28263...l#.U6j4h7Erhyg

[Shake]

So we add Brad Richards today and still have to get Toews and Kane to new deals. The Hawks are currently -$2.2m vs the cap. Also Brandon Saad will be due a new contract next year sometime and a nice bump in salary himself. You have to believe no matter what is being said Patrick Sharp is on the move sooner rather than later. They could move Bickell I suppose, but I think we get a far better return moving Sharp.

[Daydream Nation]

Versteeg (2.2 M) and Leddy (2.7 M) are the two that should be on the move IMO. Leddy is a 3rd line dman that is not trusted for heavy playoff minutes. What do you want to sign him for next offseason when he moves into the 2nd line D pairing? Versteeg was sat or saw 4th line minutes by the end of the playoffs. I hear people talking about launching Bickell or Oduya. Really? A top 6, playoff performing forward or a top 4 dman?

And while I was in favor of moving Sharp before, I think you keep him and trade him next offseason when you need the space for 88/19. But if all those rumors are true maybe he has to go.

[Vanek! at the Disco]

That Richards signing was among the best in this year's FA.
Now if the Hawks can just find a way to lock up Kane and Toews for a decent price and get their cap straight they're going to be in great shape for many years to come

[Daydream Nation]

Now if the Hawks can just find a way to lock up Kane and Toews for a decent price and get their cap straight they're going to be in great shape for many years to come

I agree if Toews and Kane sign closer to 10 mil than 12 mil. If they get the 12 mil per in 2015, their depth will be gone. Too many ELCs and cheap vets will be on the team for a couple seasons. 2014-15 is starting to look like 2009-2010. Better win a cup since the team will be gutted afterwords.

[Vanek! at the Disco]

I agree if Toews and Kane sign closer to 10 mil than 12 mil. If they get the 12 mil per in 2015, their depth will be gone. Too many ELCs and cheap vets will be on the team for a couple seasons. 2014-15 is starting to look like 2009-2010. Better win a cup since the team will be gutted afterwords.

Do you really think they're seeking 12mil? Isn't winning championships more important than a few more millions?

[Daydream Nation]

Do you really think they're seeking 12mil? Isn't winning championships more important than a few more millions?

It has been reported that they both asked for 12 M per season contracts.