All In…Or You’re Out
Al Cimaglia | Jul 18, 2011 | Comments 70
In case anyone has been stranded on a desert island for the past three years or so, let me bring you up to speed on the Blackhawk’s agenda.
Certain things are the same. Hawk management doesn’t linger, they can cut ties as quickly as any franchise to those who stray.
Players are treated really well and as long as they don’t demand more than they are worth or blaspheme, things will be fine. But if a player believes he is being treated unfairly….He won’t be around long.
There will not be any malcontents.
Whether it is a dispute over salary or playing time, disagreements are not tolerated. Rocky Wirtz and company wants 100% commitment or they will wish you well and say good-bye.
Over the years the list of players turning sour and quickly changing addresses includes Tony Amonte, Eddie Belfour, Chris Chelios, Jeremy Roenick and others.
Troy Brouwer and Chris Campoli may have thought they would have been a Blackhawk for years but both found out differently.
Brouwer and Campoli can be included with those who thought they were either not utilized properly or not paid well enough. So ties were cut and affordable replacements were quickly found.
What is different today is the way salaries are doled out by Blackhawk management.
Dale Tallon may have awarded hefty contracts as if he was using counterfeit money while Stan Bowman is frugal in comparison. Maybe a better description is Bowman tends to be more fiscally responsible, as if his own checking account is the one being drained.
Gone are the days of paying a well traveled, aging, former superstar like Doug Gilmore $6 million per season.
No longer will most players jump from entry level deals to contract of $3 million or more.
There won’t be any big splash signings to earn recognition like Brian Campbell. If a player is the fourth best defender on the roster he won’t be paid millions more than his counterparts.
Salaries will be reflective of a players’ status on the team. A third pairing duo won’t earn in excess of $5 million. Cam Barker and Brent Sopel would agree, and now Campoli does too.
When the Hawks fell to the Vancouver Canucks the season ended and Bowman’s work began. At the top of his to do list was to rebalance the defense. With the emergence of Nick Leddy, Bowman had an issue.
The Hawks had a large portion of the salary cap committed to Campbell, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. In most games there is only sixty minutes of ice time to go around.
In my view Leddy has been penciled in as a top four defenseman, maybe not by October but sooner than later. If Leddy is going to get his share of playing time someone had to go.
My thinking was Hjalamarsson would be the easiest to trade. Plus at $3.5 million per season Hammer would have been a very expensive third pairing defender. The bigger concern was Campbell needed ice time too and his bloated contract was an anchor for future salary cap mobility.
If Leddy was going to play as many or more minutes than Campbell or Hjalmarsson, Bowman knew salary cap space wouldn’t be utilized properly.
Hammer is highly thought of by management and rightly so, plus his salary is locked in through the 2013-2014 season. When the opportunity to trade Campbell presented itself Bowman made it happen and a big issue was resolved.
Then the Hawks defense needed to improve without committing too much in salary to those not considered to be in the top four.
Bowman acted and acquired a swing man in Steve Montador. He didn’t come cheaply but Montador can be a solid #5 and can play more minutes if needed.
Bowman signed a veteran addition to the blueline for $2.75 million per season. Montador was inked through the 2014-2015 season, one year longer than Hjalmarsson, and that was by design.
By signing Montador, Bowman accomplished two things. He improved the defense and provided some stability. Hjalmarsson, Keith, Montador, Seabrook and young Leddy aren’t going anywhere soon.
Campoli’s camp must have taken Bowman’s rhetoric to heart.
A couple of months ago Bowman spoke about Campoli as if he would be in Chicago for years. GM speak can be misleading. Campoli and his agent now realize what seems to be so can quickly change. Campoli felt like he deserved more and Bowman thought differently.
Enter stage left Sami Lepisto, a responsible young defenseman who might have fallen through the cracks. I’m not saying Lepisto is a better defender than Campoli. But Campoli isn’t going to win a Norris Trophy and may never be thought of as an All Star.
Lepisto isn’t a rugged crease clearer but neither was Campoli. Both can skate, are left handed also are about the same age and size. They were drafted in the same year. Campoli was a seventh round draft pick while Lepisto was selected in the third round. In many ways they appear similar.
The most important point is Lepisto is happy to be in Chicago and will probably earn about $1-$1.5 million less than Campoli. A $750,000 salary is more in line with Lepisto’s status on the team.
As expected, the Hawks haven’t sat on millions in cap space but have left themselves in a comfortable position.
With about $61 million committed the Hawks have the flexibility to acquire a top performer later in the season. Also an important point is younger players will now be able to practice with the big club full time. There will be no need for them to be shuttled back in forth from Rockford. Every penny of cap space won’t be as well guarded.
With the Michael Frolik signing the only real concern will be to fill holes with the correct players. There is a possibility a fourth line center could be added but Bowman might not be in a hurry.
It is too early to tell how things will shake out and training camp should be very competitive. If Dave Bolland is the third line center that probably leaves Frolik or Patrick Sharp to be the second line pivot. Currently not everything is etched in stone.
These days Chicago is a great place to play hockey.
But players must be 100% in, or they will be out.
Al’s Shots
I won’t criticize Campoli if he wanted a contract more in line with Montador.
But Montador has a longer resume, having played almost a full season of games before Campoli was even drafted.
Also players realize the CBA could change after this season so they are looking for longer contracts. That said….
Restricted free agents and their agents should know by now taking negotiations through arbitration isn’t always a great idea.
Campoli finds himself in a tough spot if Bowman doesn’t trade his rights.
The Hawks have said no matter what Campoli won’t be back.
For example, if an arbitrator awards Campoli a one year contract at $2.2 million, his ceiling has likely been set.
It is unlikely Campoli will get another franchise to pay him $2.2 million unless there are many teams interested.
As was the case with Antti Niemi, but for different reasons, Campoli really doesn’t have a backstop.
The Hawks would have the ability to match any offer which comes in 10% below the award amount, but another team won’t be afraid of that happening. The Hawks have a crowded blueline and Bowman sounded serious. …Campoli won’t be back.
Campoli is at the mercy of the market. Now he might be paid much less than would have been imagined a short time ago.
After attending a panel discussion at the convention concerning player fitness…
What stood out is the younger players are really working hard in the gym and getting great results.
The fitness level of Ben Smith seems to lead the group.
Although Ted Dent is still the front runner to snag the Ice Hog head coaching job, sometimes favorites lose.
As I have stressed the new Rockford bench boss will have to be a very good teacher.
I will be chatting with the boys from http://www.hockeenight.com/; the podcast will begin tonight at 8:15 CST.
Stop by and listen to some lively Hawk talk with Forklift and CT.
Filed Under: Al Cimaglia • Chicago Blackhawks • Featured • NHL
Just a great blog post, Al. One point that has been reiterated over the last few years is how players around the league might sacrifice to be a part of the Blackhawks’ organization. The irony, I think, is that the players on the roster seem not to have received the memo. If guys like Campoli or Niemi (or even Hammer, to a degree) had realized what playing for Chicago could do for them, they might have been here. Crawford got the memo, received a good contract and will be here for years. Frolik got the memo, same deal.
I think loyalty has to be a two-way street, and I really love the fact that the Hawks won’t be bullied into giving out Tallon-like contracts. That is good for the present and the future of the organization.
Thanks…
I do believe Niemi was a different situation and Hammer had to sign the offer sheet…But the environment here does reward loyalty.
Salaries have increased a great deal over the decades…
But years ago Bill Wirtz was loyal to a fault…Actually to a big fault in some cases.
Now there appears to be more of a blend of responsibility and a reward to those who always put out the effort.
Players have often gotten their own way over the last few years around the league…
Sometimes it appears as if they believe they are in a superior negotiating position and they really are not.
Things are going to balance out…One way or the other.
Campoli might be hoping someone will pay what he wants just to reach the cap floor but chances are much better that he’ll get less than his arb award as you outlined Al.
SB said he made his best offer – let’s say that was 1.75M (a slight bump on his 1.4 salary).
It’s very likely Campoli ends up with a similar contract on a much lesser team than the Hawks and maybe just for 1 year and then has to face being a UFA.
IMO that prospect would seem much rosier if he’d played this year on the Chi. defense.
Each to his own I guess – I’m already liking Sami ‘The Pistol’ – he’s got a good handle!!
Could we see a pairing sometimes of Hammer and Pistol?…lol
Don’t disagree with anything you wrote, but, to be precise, there is actually 120 minutes of ice time to go around on defense, as two defenders (at a time) play three 20 minute periods. I anticipate with the new additions on the blue line, even with Campbell gone, Q will lighten the load of #7 and #2, as I’m sure he would rather them play less and more effectively. The problem is when you had guys like Scott and Boynton, you really don’t want them eating up big minutes and you’re left with few alternatives. Q now has alternatives on the blue line. Campoli must have really overestimated his worth or he didn’t care where he plays next year. As someone else said, for the guy who ended the season with a bad clearing effort to be the last holdout just ain’t right. And when that guy also has zero history with the organization it’s a recipe for a change of address. That said, as unlikely as it is, Bowman could still conceivably sign him as he’s not obligated to do what he says he’s going to do. Such is the nature, sometimes, of negotiations.
… Bowman could still conceivably sign him as he’s not obligated to do what he says he’s going to do…
There are 7 dmen signed now not including Scott and Hendry so whether you look at as 120 minutes or 60 mins…
The blueline is very crowded…And Campoli won’t be back.
If there was any chance Bowman wouldn’t have said anything and would have just let it play out through arbitration…
This time Bowman said what he said for a reason.
Again, Al, not disagreeing, just saying… Also, I believe the chances of Campoli being back are in the .5-1% range, so we’re not in disagreement here. I was simply pointing out that there is nothing “preventing” Bowman from signing Campoli if Campoli’s camp decided to make nice. Bowman could easily make a bigger move using one of his defenseman and a forward, pick and/or prospect to get a top-6 forward, in which case Campoli could become a valuable asset. Again, though, not disagreeing and I appreciate your blog and the effort you consistently put forth to be both informative and fair to the individuals you write about.
You mentioned Hendry: Do you think he may still be signed to a two-way deal for depth purposes or has that ship sailed? It seems to me that you could probably sign him to a two-way for no more than $750K/year and give yourself some additional depth on the back end. I’m not sure if his years of service, etc., would make him subject to re-entry waivers should they decide to start him in Rockford, but if you had that luxury I’d be all for it, guaranteeing that you don’t have to rush a guys like Olsen, et al.
Again, thanks for all of your efforts!
We are not really disagreeing…
My point was ….For whatever reason Bowman chose to make a point Campoli wouldn’t be back.
By doing so the Hawks put a fire sale sign on him for reasons we don’t know and might not trade his rights at all.
I won’t speak for Bowman…I don’t know what went on.
But if I was the GM and thought I was misled by the other side, unless I was offered a very good value I wouldn’t trade the rights.
If a special offer offer came along I would…if not
no. Now Campoli is in a very tight spot.
We can’t say never….You are correct.
But in this case a 1% chance of Campoli returning might be high.
As far as Hendry…
He has limited choices unfortunately.
I would think the Hawks could sign him to a two way contract and have the security of his experience in the system.
That is as long as he can still play…Hendry’s best attribute was his skating.
I haven’t heard anything about Hendry’s progress or lack of…I believe re-entry waivers would apply.
Usually when a player is doing well, word gets out about his progress following surgery.
I haven’t heard anything on Hendry or Olesz.
Thanks for reading.
I read somewhere (espn maybe?) that Hendry’s agent had no contact with the Hawks and they were pretty sure that ship had sailed and he wouldn’t be back here.
But if I was the GM and thought I was misled by the other side, unless I was offered a very good value I wouldn’t trade the rights.
…Al do you hear whispers of bad blood between Campoli’s side and Bowman or is this just a hypothetical on your part?
You seem to be implying that SB wasn’t happy with the integrity of the negotiations
To date Stan hasn’t shown that sort of emotional vengefulness that would lead him to not trade Campoli’s rights.
If he could get anything at all back for Campoli why wouldn’t he? He should – it’s in the Hawks best interests.
IMO if he has issues with Campoli’s side he should park them and do what’s best for the team. No?
…Al do you hear whispers of bad blood between Campoli’s side and Bowman or is this just a hypothetical on your part?..
By his actions my take is Bowman isn’t happy.
I have not heard anything to substantiate my view.
I would have framed my comments differently although the way this unfolded is odd.
Bowman does not act independently….
If he doesn’t trade Campoli’s rights you can draw your own conclusions.
The time to trade his right was around the time they did the same with Kopecky.
So what does this say for Rusty Olesz? He’s paid like a top six winger is he not? Does this mean he gets first crack at top 6 minutes? I think he’s going to get top 6 minutes regardless Him, maybe Stalberg. SOMEONE is going to play on the top 6 that we don’t see coming. The third line is more than likely going to be Bickell-Bolland-Frolik. ( Q clearly likes that line.) and the fourth line looks pretty filled with Carbomb, Mayers, etc. So someone is going to be up there that we ain’t seeing.
Apples and pumpkins…
Olesz was a must do to get Campbell done.
If he earns his status as a $3 mill player,or close to it. he stays in the big city.
If not he could be a regular at the Rockford Cracker Barrel.
We could debate the year the Hawks won the Cup they were short a top six forward…But Q. was able to mix and match nicely.
So there could be a bunch of possibilities.
Including a Ben Smith.
Al, terrific work as always from you. IMHO you have made a very important point in your opening statement about not only how hockey will be played in Chicago, but also throughout the NHL:
“Certain things are the same. (Hawk) management doesn’t linger, they can cut ties as quickly as any franchise to those who stray.
Players are treated really well and as long as they don’t demand more than they are worth or blaspheme, things will be fine. But if a player believes he is being treated unfairly….He won’t be around long.
There will not be any malcontents.
Whether it is a dispute over salary or playing time, disagreements are not tolerated. (Rocky Wirtz and company) want 100% commitment or they will wish you well and say good-bye.”
I have put the Hawk references in parentheses, because you can insert any number of NHL teams/owners into your statement.
What is happening in the Blackhawks organization is also happening around the league.
With the increase in dollars being invested, the quality of players becoming better all the time, and parity more and more of a reality, the line between success and failure becomes finer and finer.
Clearly, there are teams that are not contenders, but among those who are in the mix, the importance of having players who ‘buy in’ to the system is ever more critical.
So if you don’t buy in, you’re out.
Coaching staffs are beefing themselves up with more and more specialized assistants and all kinds of analytical tools, using video and various statistical models, and psychological mentoring, to name a few, that are far more sophisticated than ever.
Gone are the days when a player can just go out and ‘improvise’. Creativity is not necessarily an asset, unless it’s allied to the ‘hockey IQ’ we hear more and more about.
Coaches have a game plan, slots to fill, and roles that are assigned. When players stray from the plan, the team can get blown out in a hurry–as we saw so many times last season, and even in the playoffs.
A shift being 45 seconds, and the incredible speed combined with the exponential violence of the game, mean that execution becomes as important as ‘talent’. As Hawks WGN radio analyst Troy Murray has pointed out on many occasions, the spectator simply doesn’t see just how fast–or brutal–the game REALLY is.
Bowman, Quenneville and Company have basically said they know what they want this year’s team to be, and how they want it to play.
Now that they’ve been able to re-tool instead of having to tear down (as they did last year), the Hawks will now be tasked with carrying out the mission as stated by StanBow and Q.
If this all sounds rather ‘military’ perhaps it’s because NHL hockey is more serious business than ever.
Focusing on an individual player’s past history or particularly plays in a game will become less important than whether that player can function efficiently in his role over the course of a season, and in playoff contests.
The Boston Bruins showed us a textbook example of how a team can win a Championship when it sticks to The Plan.
Of course, great performances by exceptional players, and surprises from ‘unsung heroes’ will be part of that success; but just getting through the 82-game marathon is going to continue to be an accomplishment in itself.
I think the blend of talent, toughness, skill, experience and youth that makes up the team right now, looks like it can do very well next season.
The operative world, as always, is “IF”.
Well said…
Wouldn’t surprise me to see Olesz the odd man out but if they try to send him to Rockford do you think someone might pick him up off waivers just to reach the cap floor?
I suppose Stan could initially send Kruger down (no waivers required) and once the NHL deadline for setting your roster and complying with the cap has past bring Kruger back up and put Olesz on waivers en route to Rockford.
One of Olesz, Kruger or Scott would seem destined to start in Rockford – conservative thinking would say Kruger goes and maybe he does…
I keep hoping that Scott will be the 24th guy on a 23 man roster but …
I would assume that most teams will be at the cap floor by the time Olesz would hit waivers.
No
If I understand the CBA correctly they cant do anything until he passes a physical.
That being said he was a former number 7 who, from what I have heard all second hand, has good hands and is a solid athlete. My guess is they don’t bury him straight away and at least see what the player has to offer. They will do it if pressed but these are legitimate business people running the operation now and they aren’t going to eat several million until they properly evaluate what they have or don’t have.
Would not expect Scott to go anywhere and it isn’t a bad thing if most of the kids start in the AHL.
As I have said …Olesz is like an expensive lotto ticket for Rocky.
If he works out great…If not he can go down to Rockford or at some point be bought out.
If he didn’t have the surgery until April…
We may not see Olesz until after the first snow.
An expensive lotto ticket that was made a little easier to handle with the $35.5M savings in Soupy’s contract…is that what you’re getting at?
i thought I saw that Hendry had been signed by Calgary .
That was Henry not Hendry.
Great blog, Al. One thouht that crossed my mind is that SB’s history with UFAs seems to be in line with what you are saying here. Saying Campoli is gone is a way of getting his message across more explicitly than he did last year with Niemi. Commit to the Indian or leave. It makes sense in the context you offer because it seems that to say this about Campoli would hurt his trade value some.
There is also the fact that last year there is no way Stan could have said this about Niemi. From a PR point of view, he had to tread lightly on what he said about the guy who just backstopped the team to the Cup.
Yep…And there was no need to say anything because everyone pretty much knew the Hawks couldn’t afford Niemi.
This time they had plenty of cap space.
But your point is why they didn’t trade Niemi.
I’m pretty sure everyone in hockey knew they couldn’t afford Niemi once the ruling came down. There couldn’t have been that much demand for him or he wouldn’t have signed for as little as he did last year.
Sure. But my point is Stan is establishing a culture with his signings (or non-signings) that may take some time to establish. Or maybe it will always go that way, depending on the attitude of the FA and SB cares not what is RFA track record is. I like it.
FWIW I see hjammer and monty starting the year together with Leddy and OD as the 3rd. As the year (and Leddy) progresses, Leddy moves up with Hjammer and Monty with either OD or Pistol.
The situations between Nemo & Campoli were totally different.
Part of the reason why Nemo signed for so little was this was after the Arb hearing and the ‘Hawks walking away. FA had already been open a month at the time the ‘Hawks said, “no thanks”.
IMO, Nemo’s agent over-valued his client ($4M Arb number…Really?!) by $1-2M. If he really wanted his client to play in Chicago and if Nemo really wanted to stay, they would have taken the 1-yr deal and then be able to go out as an UFA 7/1/11.
The Hammer OS was signed 7/9, ‘Hawks matched 7/12, Nemo’s Arb hearing wasn’t until 7/26. Nemo & his agent had 2 full weeks to decide to go the 1-yr route for 10-11 and then be an UFA. They tried to squeeze blood out of a turnip & lost.
What is interesting is that the Hawks are going to enter the season with anywhere from $3.6 to $4 mil in cap space because right now they have around $3.1 mil commited but that is with a roster of 24 which you can’t have, so depending on whether it is someone like Scott or Mayers who doesn’t make the roster vs. someone like Smith or Kruger, Stan has $3.6 to $4 mil in his pocket.
What is he going to do with all that money?
Not to mention the fact that at the trading deadline that prorates out to around $8M or so. He could take on one or more large expiring contract with no issue. I don’t think this February we will be hearing the old mantra of “the teams with money don’t have cap space and the teams with cap space don’t have money.” It could lead to an interesting trading deadline.
Just for laughs I went to capgeek to see which big contacts become a UFA in 2012 that might be rental trade bait. The pickings are actually pretty slim in next year’s UFA class in that regard.
At first blush only Shane Doan seems interesting.
Yeah but adding Doan to this team at the deadline would be very interesting
2013 looks like a good year for UFA’s though. Maybe some of those hit the trade market.
Start the rumors!
Unless Leddy regresses he will probably spend more time playing top four minutes this season than bottom pair time.
There was a lot more to the Hawks walking away from Niemi than his agent asking for too much.
My belief is Niemi never got a firm offer from the Hawks for $2 mill or more after the Hammer offer sheet.
The Hawks were caught in a tight spot and they made their choice…And it wasn’t Niemi.
For all who care…And Hawk fans should care…
It looks like Ted Dent will be the new Ice Hog head coach.
No nothing about him – was hoping for Yawney, but oh well. Looks like you can’t go home again.
What’s the book on Dent?
I don’t know much about him…I wish him well.
Yawney had a better resume…He is known as a vg teacher.
But Dent was in the system since Haviland took over from Yawney in Norfolk. ..So the Hawks promoted from within.
It is official….
Ten Dent has been promoted and will be the head coach in Rockford.
Couple things. I like how you mentioned there will be no Rockford Shuffle due to cap constraints this year. That will be huge and I think Leddy will show big improvement because of that, as he was the one who bore the brunt of that last year.
Indeed, StanBow seems to have his salary structure set up by where a player slots on the roster, which of course keeps things on an even keel into the future. In theory it should help a player understand what he can expect to be paid, and not be unrealistic in his demands.
Going off of that thought, I wonder if anyone thinks Bolland is one who may be the only exception to that rule? Is he over paid at 3.375 mil for a 3rd line centerman? I think he may have at the time he signed the contract, but not so much now due to his shut down role and PK prowess…It should also be noted that due to shuffling in the top 6 last year, Bolland was 5th in TOI for forwards at 17:38.
…I think he may have at the time he signed the contract…
Agree, mostly because of his injuries.
… but not so much now due to his shut down role and PK prowess…
Agree again….If you asked the coaches they would say he isn’t overpaid and is very important to the team’s success.
Al, how close are you following the Buffalo situation? They are 2.3 mil over the cap with only 22 guys signed, and without a backup goalie inked. Is the following possible?
Olesz at a salary of 3.125 mil if he were to be sent to Rockford and you added the 24th player on the roster right now who must go down before the season starts counts against the cap, the Hawks could clear 4 mil. Add that to the 3.1 they have in cap space and you now have 7.1 mil in space with 22 players signed!!
Now you slide Roy and his 4 mil per for two years into the #2 center spot and you have 23 players signed AND still have 3.1 in cap space. It also gives you a legitimate top 6 of:
Sharp-Toews-Kane
Brunette-Roy-Hossa
Roy at 4 mil looks a ton better than Olesz at 3.1 mil. Then of course you allow your centerman prospects to season through 2012-2013 as Roy is signed through 2013.
Same number situation basically…
Dubinsky contract situation still not resolved in NY.
Number wise I think it can be done…
Roy will be wanted around the league.
Coming off injuries etc. but still a vg player.
The issue is the Sabres would have to like a package of Hawk prospects more than any others.
On the surface, it seems that would require a 3rd team. ‘Hawks can’t just take on Roy’s money now. They have to move money, upwards of a couple million. Sabres can’t take that much money back, it’d save them only $2M+. So it seems like a 3rd team (Isles ?) would have to be involved. But who’d the ‘Hawks move? Sharp? No way. Bolland? No way. Why move guys who can play centre to get another centre. Frolik? After all the work to re-sign him? Don’t think they believe they are that deep on D to move Hammer. Hammer’s $3.5M is a bargain given the hysteria that happened 3.5 weeks ago.
If Olesz is going to be on the roster then …
Money would have to be moved.
If Olesz is not, then there is $3 mill in cap space.
If Roy is actually available the Sabres will have some choices.
I believe Stan when he says he is done for now. With a glut of forwards and 8 NHL defensemen, he ready to see how things shake out in training camp. I think he and scotty really want Kruger to make the team. Acquiring a center now would change that. I heard Scotty on an interview not Lon ago and kruger was the first name out of his mouth. Scotty loves centers that act as a third defenseman on the back check….ie yzerman, fedorov. Also I think Ben smith has a spot. He was fantastic against van and supposedly is a fitness buff so he will come to camp ready for the NHL. But hey every team has needs at the trading deadline and Stan has shown he certainly is not a stand pat type of guy.
I’d be surprised if Buffalo traded Roy – there are other, less damaging ways I think for them to be cap compliant.
If they do trade him though (or if Dubinsky can be had – also a longshot) I believe Stan would be in on it.
IMO that’s why he’s stashed away a few M$ in cap space – for when an impact player becomes available. However I doubt either of those two are really available.
…b/c if NY or Buff trades either of those guys they’re not really any better than before FA.
Totally agree on the Bowmans wanting Kruger from what I’ve heard, to make the team.
This brings up a point I’ve been making for a while – if Kruger and Smith are on the team whose not?
It’s a dilemma (a nice one) – the easiest thing to do is send Kruger to Rockford in order to get to the 23 man roster limit but I think they want him playing at the NHL level so they can see where they need to fill in by the trade deadline and they think he’s ready.
So if you hypothesize for a moment that Kruger and Smith are in, whose out?
The first question for me is..
Is Olesz going to be healthy enough to participate in training camp?
If not there is one player who won’t be around…
Also roles have to be defined.
Kruger might not stick around as a 4th line player…Maybe Smith could.
There are many variables.
Agreed Al – a lot of variables
If Olesz were to start on IR that would put off any big roster decision until he’s healthy and give the Hawks a little time to evaluate…Kruger for example in real NHL action.
This is where it pays off having your AHL affiliate a few hours down the road.
I don’t see Kruger making the roster unless he is going to be playing most of the games. He is either one of your top 12 and on the ice almost every night, or he is in Rockford playing and improving.
Al and LVC, I found it very interesting that Ken holland is quoted on kuklas korner as saying he tried to get a top 6 forward but they went elsewhere but he has 6 mil in cap space so that if there are holes to fill after 60 games he can do it. I think Stan and Scotty are reading from the same playbook. Cap space at the trade deadline and fill holes through trades then. Also holland said he was pleased to get guys like ericsson miller and eaves under contract because they are about 27 years old and he said you have to have older players, his term, to compete for the Stanley cup. If you look at the hawks ufa signings Stan and Scotty are on board with that as well. It’s pretty clear to me the bowman regime is patterned after what Scotty lived in Detroit.
Agree mostly….
Although $6 mill in cap space is probably more than the Wings would like to have.
$3 mill is a ton of space for a big market team to have at the end of January.
The Hawks are in good shape in taht regard.
The other side of the coin on the cap space situation is the floor. There quite likely will be several teams that come February cannot afford a drop in salary. If a $6M a year player is available, there will be teams that can take on the remainder of that cap hit. Will the team with said $6M player be able to stay above the floor if they move him out?
Another factor to consider is..
Because of being in the last year of the CBA teams don’t receive the same bonus cushion on entry level contracts.
Those EL contracts can add up quickly…
You lost me there. I know pretty much nothing about how the bonuses work.
It’s a proven plan and it has meant players want to play in Det. and now they want to play in Chi. too.
Of course what all the remaining cap space for both teams means is Det. and Chi. will be likely be competing for the same players as they become available during the season – to put them in a better position to compete for the SC.
…and I think Chi. has more to offer in terms of prospects.
Just another factor in what should be a very interesting and entertaining year.
…and winning the Central could be huge for either teams SC aspirations.
Well everything I read says that Detroit has the best prospects in the league. The latest had the Hawks 5th and the wings first. Granted, Detroit also has a reputation for developing great prospects and that factos into it. But Detroit is every bit as loaded as the Hawks. And say someone starts to become available ( My brother already wants to start biding on Jerome Iginla for example.) who do you trust to get the deal done? Stan or Ken Holland. This is no knock on Stan whatsoever. But Ken Holland, I mean, that’s one of if not THE best GM in the game…. and with money and prospects at his disposal….Yikes.
Bidding war on Iginla?
He has two years left at $7 mill per….and the CBA is done after this season.
If need be, and the Hawks wanted to pursue a right wing…Not sure why, maybe injuries…
Shane Doan would make more sense.
I hear you Adam – I guess in true Hawkcentric fashion I forgot that Det. prospects were also very good if not better than Chi’s. Point taken.
As far as Ken vs. Stan of course Holland has the track record but I’ve been impressed with our guy and think he will have a long and successful career as an NHl GM, probably with the Hawks.
So I wouldn’t say it’s a slam dunk that Det. will out GM Chi. over a specific player.
Again it’ll make for a very interesting year.
Khabibulin to jail!
(I hang on to goalies, sorry :)
The Emery story about attending Hawks’training camp makes sense.
The Hawks were vunerable going into the season with only Salak….only 2 NHL games on his resume.
Salak has a one way deal but the Hawks won’t fool around with a very important roster spot.
If Salak is ready he stays, and if Emery or whomever proves better Salak will end up in Rockford.
Hawks still need a journeyman goalie in Rockford. Salak might not even be the best fit there. Hawks seem to want to bring Richards along and he ended up splitting time about 50/50 with Toivonen due to injuries.
If Salak goes down there for ice time they’re likely looking at another 50/50 split which may not be ideal for either side.
Well if Crawford stays healthy and play like last season…
Salak or Emery? could be looking at 15 games.
41 in Rockford could be better.
Now that I think about it more, I’ll agree. I was thinking Alec needed more than 40 games in the AHL, but there are lot more back to back games in their schedule so he’s slated for 40ish anyway.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/08/03/blackhawks-ink-sharp-to-5-year-extension/
Sharp Signed
Not a shock…A little higher than I thought.
But considering his previous contracts and his versatility Sharp was a must sign.