What if he's just a good #2? Why do we have to trade him?

You want to subtract Myers (assuming because he makes a lot of money and isn't the best defensemen this earth has ever seen) yet want to sign Stastny ?? Who will get #1 Center money?

So lets use that logic, Stastny isn't Crosby or Toews, a true #1 center so don't sign him
- sbroads24

No but Reinhardt is my number 1. What is Chicago looking for. areally good #2.
Crosby cant win because he doesn't have that chara or doughty. He has a letang which plays the same game as myers neither are shut down

Good write up Mike.
So is anyone going to the draft party?

Not mad at all.
Just tired of everybody thinking its ok to lose.
15 draft is dynamic.
Chicago became really good by stinking and two gms making dumb decisions.
Toews was the third pick. St. Louis took Erik Johnson over Toews.
Chicago never is this good but luck..
On Friday I want big organizational trades.
- hafgod

You've picked on odd time to get impatient. There are a lot of different ways they can go about this. 3.5 years ago NOBODY saw coming what happened with LA. They were just that team with Kopitar and Doughty. Now they are knocking in dynasty territory. You just have to wait and see.

Not mad at all.
Just tired of everybody thinking its ok to lose.
15 draft is dynamic.
Chicago became really good by stinking and two gms making dumb decisions.
Toews was the third pick. St. Louis took Erik Johnson over Toews.
Chicago never is this good but luck..
On Friday I want big organizational trades.
- hafgod

Sure, trading Ehrhoff and taking on a bad contract to get back in the 1st round.

If you are expecting Statsny or Spezza or Kesler you will be disappointed my friend

Not mad at all.
Just tired of everybody thinking its ok to lose.
15 draft is dynamic.
Chicago became really good by stinking and two gms making dumb decisions.
Toews was the third pick. St. Louis took Erik Johnson over Toews.
Chicago never is this good but luck..
On Friday I want big organizational trades.
- hafgod

The only trades, if any, you will see are salary dumps to move up.

We are going to be bad in 14 no matter what changes we make..
- hafgod

Really? Since you want to over pay Free Agents like Callahan and Stastny. What does that get you? 22nd in the league? Out of the major top players available in the 2015 draft.

In regards to your other posts, you need top 4 D that can play big minutes you need more than just 1 stud guy. You need depth and you need specialists that still don't hurt you on the ice. Myers fits that bill. You want immediate change to a roster you don't like, well it doesn't happen, not overnight anyway. There are some decent, good even, pieces on this roster that are just playing out of place. They need to add more top end talent and since that doesn't grow on trees you need to draft them usually speaking at the top of the draft.

No but Reinhardt is my number 1. What is Chicago looking for. areally good #2.
Crosby cant win because he doesn't have that chara or doughty. He has a letang which plays the same game as myers neither are shut down
- hafgod

And what if he busts?

And Pittsburgh's defense played fine. They couldn't score in the 3 straight losses to NY, they lacked depth. Superstars get shut down in every playoffs, Toews had 1 goal half way through the WCF in 2013, yet guys like Bickell, Shaw, Sharp and Hossa stepped up

It's pretty bad which is why there is talk of them moving Sharp
- Stripes77

I know Hawks fans will say they're fine cap wise and they are probably "ok" but truth be told having kane and Toews' contracts up at the same time is a bit troublesome.

The money required to retain both of them will force them to at the very least be conservative on the FA/trade market. Not to mention that they will have to look for a #2C and potentially a replacement for Hossa.

For them to retain both and still be competitive, they'll have to hope that they're willing to take a substantial pay cut, because paying them market value will make it tough to make significant upgrades.

I know Hawks fans will say they're fine cap wise and they are probably "ok" but truth be told having kane and Toews' contracts up at the same time is a bit troublesome.

The money required to retain both of them will force them to at the very least be conservative on the FA/trade market. Not to mention that they will have to look for a #2C and potentially a replacement for Hossa.

For them to retain both and still be competitive, they'll have to hope that they're willing to take a substantial pay cut, because paying them market value will make it tough to make significant upgrades.
- Sabresfan-365

They still have to pay Saad too

Sure, trading Ehrhoff and taking on a bad contract to get back in the 1st round.

If you are expecting Statsny or Spezza or Kesler you will be disappointed my friend
- sbroads24

The biggest name I see Buffalo getting will be July 1st with Moulson. That's even a stretch.

Should be a very interesting night Friday and the days ahead should be just as entertaining.
Fun time to be a Sabre's fan I believe.

I know Hawks fans will say they're fine cap wise and they are probably "ok" but truth be told having kane and Toews' contracts up at the same time is a bit troublesome.

The money required to retain both of them will force them to at the very least be conservative on the FA/trade market. Not to mention that they will have to look for a #2C and potentially a replacement for Hossa.

For them to retain both and still be competitive, they'll have to hope that they're willing to take a substantial pay cut, because paying them market value will make it tough to make significant upgrades.
- Sabresfan-365

I think the Hawk fans think because they are the Hawks and are good both will take the home town discounts. I just don't see it happening with both. That might have a little come to Buffalo Kane but seriously he doesn't seem like the type to take a "discount" at anything.

Should be a very interesting night Friday and the days ahead should be just as entertaining.
Fun time to be a Sabre's fan I believe.
- BuffaloHardHat

There is certainly a lot to talk about.

I can't wait to see what message Murray sends this weekend.

I think the Hawk fans think because they are the Hawks and are good both will take the home town discounts. I just don't see it happening with both. That might have a little come to Buffalo Kane but seriously he doesn't seem like the type to take a "discount" at anything.
- Stripes77

Neither do I, but even if they did this would have to be more than just a "haricut", they'd both have to leave some serious money on the table long term.

Like Sbroads just mentioned, my original analysis didn't include things like having to re-sign significant RFA's like Saad as well.

Needles to say, they're going to have to be creative these next 2 years.

Should be a very interesting night Friday and the days ahead should be just as entertaining.
Fun time to be a Sabre's fan I believe.
- BuffaloHardHat

And I will be at the Bisons game with my phone

I think the Hawk fans think because they are the Hawks and are good both will take the home town discounts. I just don't see it happening with both. That might have a little come to Buffalo Kane but seriously he doesn't seem like the type to take a "discount" at anything.
- Stripes77

I wouldn't be shocked to see Toews milk the Blackhawks for all they're worth either. I know he sounds like the win over money type, but remember, he was front and center of the "entitled little brat" brigade during the last lockout.

There is certainly a lot to talk about.

I can't wait to see what message Murray sends this weekend.
- thatsapickle

The past few years with
Darcy in control you pretty much expected a Mcdonalds happy meal. This year with TM I'm expecting 7 course meal !!!

And I will be at the Bisons game with my phone
- cabin

How are the Bisons doing Cab?
I've been so busy that I haven't even paid any attention to them.

Neither do I, but even if they did this would have to be more than just a "haricut", they'd both have to leave some serious money on the table long term.

Like Sbroads just mentioned, my original analysis didn't include things like having to re-sign significant RFA's like Saad as well.

Needles to say, they're going to have to be creative these next 2 years.
- Sabresfan-365

IMO they have to decide whether to be a contender for the next couple years, and continually having to trade guys because of the cap like Hjalmarsson or Saad or Bickell just to keep Kane, Toews, and Crawford. Or do they move on from Kane or Toews and keep the depth they currently have

How are the Bisons doing Cab?
I've been so busy that I haven't even paid any attention to them.
- BuffaloHardHat

I have no freaking idea hat.. I'm part of the Zombie crew . We are hosting the game. Stop by for a beer

Neither do I, but even if they did this would have to be more than just a "haricut", they'd both have to leave some serious money on the table long term.

Like Sbroads just mentioned, my original analysis didn't include things like having to re-sign significant RFA's like Saad as well.

Needles to say, they're going to have to be creative these next 2 years.
- Sabresfan-365

If they played for different teams each player would get 9 million per year for 8 years (I believe that's the max term it could be 7 but I don't remember). That's 72 million a piece. But to get both of them signed it would be my guess 7.5 million per 60 million a piece. I DO NOT see both if either one of them leaving 12 million on the table.

IMO they have to decide whether to be a contender for the next couple years, and continually having to trade guys because of the cap like Hjalmarsson or Saad or Bickell just to keep Kane, Toews, and Crawford. Or do they move on from Kane or Toews and keep the depth they currently have
- sbroads24

But can they continue to contend like that? People often forget that after the 1st post stanley cup fire sale, The Hawks organization was a bit of mess and lacked serious depth, Kane's numbers reflected it as well.

On the other hand, it'll be a tough sell for the Hawks organization to its fans that moving on from one or both of them is in their best interest. They may have to vilify someone like Kane by playing the whole "well we wanted him here but his heart was in Buffalo" or something like that.

IMO they have to decide whether to be a contender for the next couple years, and continually having to trade guys because of the cap like Hjalmarsson or Saad or Bickell just to keep Kane, Toews, and Crawford. Or do they move on from Kane or Toews and keep the depth they currently have
- sbroads24

I think the answer is the former without much thought. You can almost always find good depth if you know where to look. The same can't be said for franchise cornerstones.

If they played for different teams each player would get 9 million per year for 8 years (I believe that's the max term it could be 7 but I don't remember). That's 72 million a piece. But to get both of them signed it would be my guess 7.5 million per 60 million a piece. I DO NOT see both if either one of them leaving 12 million on the table.
- Stripes77

My gut feeling is they make Toews priority one and scapegoat Kane (see previous post) and use the money they save their to keep up the great depth they have. Could be wrong but it's definitely possible.

But can they continue to contend like that? People often forget that after the 1st post stanley cup fire sale, The Hawks organization was a bit of mess and lacked serious depth, Kane's numbers reflected it as well.

On the other hand, it'll be a tough sell for the Hawks organization to its fans that moving on from one or both of them is in their best interest. They may have to vilify someone like Kane by playing the whole "well we wanted him here but his heart was in Buffalo" or something like that.
- Sabresfan-365

Yet they ended up with another cup 3 years later. Sure, there will be some growing pains, but replacing the wall is much easier than replacing the foundation.