Crawford Still Not 100%

[The Comish]

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/nhl...cid=spartanntp

This part concerned me the most:

Crawford and the Blackhawks remain tight-lipped about what sidelined the goaltender for the last part of the year. He declined to provide any specifics Friday, and also knocked away a question about his current activity level.
"I'm not going to get into what I'm doing right now," he said. "Treatments are going well and we're making small steps and I'm getting a little better. It's a process. It has been a process since I left in December."

Combine this with the fact they signed Cam Ward and I'm very concerned about Crawford's return.

[ericdaoust]

I own Crawford in one league and added Ward this summer. Either way I'll have the Blackhawks' starter. Might be a rough year goaltending-wise...

[havanablast21]

Hockey gods were on my side. Hi manged to trade Crow for Andersen last year when Crow was one of the best in the league and Andy was suffering his usual October Woes. I kinda feel bad for the OGM. But when I won, I quickly forgot about him. Lol

[hockeymanG23]

This lack of information on Crawford has been becoming more concerning all the time. At least he and the team still have optimism that he can get over whatever it is.

Hockey gods were on my side. Hi manged to trade Crow for Andersen last year when Crow was one of the best in the league and Andy was suffering his usual October Woes. I kinda feel bad for the OGM. But when I won, I quickly forgot about him. Lol

Dodged a bullet AND landed a great starter, couldn't have worked out better

[parky777]

This almost sounds like a “break bad news to them gently” scenario.

[BlackhawksFan]

As a Blackhawks fan, the lack of insight into the situation, as well as the recovery time is quite disconcerting.

[Daydream Nation]

As a Blackhawks fan, the lack of insight into the situation, as well as the recovery time is quite disconcerting.

It's a real shitshow. Bowman and Q both say that they expect Crawford to be ready for camp and then Crawford says he's still not 100%. It's so clear that the team is selling hope and optimism since every Hawks fan knows that this is a lottery team without Crawford. But hey get your convention tickets and buy your 8-game ticket package or however many they are. The Hawks have seen their local cable ratings sink and have flown through their season ticket waiting list over the last year. Bad times are headed to Chicago.

[AngelicAssassin0]

They could always re sign Jeff Glass. Or Steve Mason. Or (gulp) Ondrej Pavelec.

Aren't there also a couple G's who might need to be exposed to waivers in OCT who might be useful to back up ward I guess if Crow isn't ready.
Thinking Toronto for sure. If McBackup keeps his job doesn't Pickard get exposed? Couple others?

[ericdaoust]

They could always re sign Jeff Glass. Or Steve Mason. Or (gulp) Ondrej Pavelec.

Chicago already has Anton Forsberg to serve as backup if Crawford isn't ready.

[AngelicAssassin0]

Chicago already has Anton Forsberg to serve as backup if Crawford isn't ready.

Yeah I know. But i don't like him, lol. In that case though maybe they should play him. Less teams my Jets have to worry about the better.

[Dennis]

Aren't there also a couple G's who might need to be exposed to waivers in OCT who might be useful to back up ward I guess if Crow isn't ready.
Thinking Toronto for sure. If McBackup keeps his job doesn't Pickard get exposed? Couple others?

I've had the feeling Winnipeg has this plan and will be claiming someone come October, as much as I hope Brossoit keeps the backup job. But yes, Toronto will have to expose 2 of McElhinney, Sparks, and Pickard unless they want to roster 3 goalies. I'd guess they keep Sparks since he would be the likeliest to be claimed.

Also, Chicago will have to waive Forsberg once/if Crawford is ready, LA has Budaj, NJ has Lack, Florida has Hutchinson, Minny has Hammond or Stalock. I'm probably forgetting a couple of guys as well.

[AngelicAssassin0]

I've had the feeling Winnipeg has this plan and will be claiming someone come October, as much as I hope Brossoit keeps the backup job. But yes, Toronto will have to expose 2 of McElhinney, Sparks, and Pickard unless they want to roster 3 goalies. I'd guess they keep Sparks since he would be the likeliest to be claimed.

Also, Chicago will have to waive Forsberg once/if Crawford is ready, LA has Budaj, NJ has Lack, Florida has Hutchinson, Minny has Hammond or Stalock. I'm probably forgetting a couple of guys as well.

Berube in Columbus maybe, Coreau?, Niemi, who should be waived, lol, montoya?,

[loco man]

I own Crawford in one league and added Ward this summer. Either way I'll have the Blackhawks' starter. Might be a rough year goaltending-wise...

So what to make of Ward? My league is wins and losses only, so for me its always more of a team stat. Chicago is still solid enough to pile up wins so does this make ward a top 15 tender? Kinda surprised how little fanfare that signing got, given the circumstances. Gotta figure he at least starts the year as #1. Theres real value there.

Think I just talked myself into grabbing him off the wire.

[Eskimo Brother]

So what to make of Ward? My league is wins and losses only, so for me its always more of a team stat. Chicago is still solid enough to pile up wins so does this make ward a top 15 tender? Kinda surprised how little fanfare that signing got, given the circumstances. Gotta figure he at least starts the year as #1. Theres real value there.

Think I just talked myself into grabbing him off the wire.

Chicago is not a solid team, Ward is not a good goalie, and if Crawford is around, Ward won't get the majority of the starts.
I don't have much faith in Ward, but he does have some upside if Crawford isn't available.

[loco man]

Chicago is still a bubble playoff team at worst. Assuming Crawford isn't ready to start the year, Ward takes the reigns for weeks maybe months maybe the season. I think being Chicago's starter makes him a decent #2 tender in deeper leagues.

Luckily, my league seems as down on him as most, so I can see how things play out.