Don't laugh, I have been saying that for a long time. His contract is removed from the cap.
- powerenforcer

I’d guess it wouldn’t change the relationship of his contract to the cap at all - the same recapture would apply.

I’d guess it wouldn’t change the relationship of his contract to the cap at all - the same recapture would apply.
- StLBravesFan

Yes, but, as coach, he would be far more in danger of being fired than retiring early.

Don't laugh, I have been saying that for a long time. His contract is removed from the cap.
- powerenforcer

Don't kid yourself. If Hossa is coaching it will be back in Slovakia. My understanding is that he is back home and not in the states anymore.

I have been saying that the Hawks have either needed a new coach or for Q to finally switch up his systems, especially defensively. Teams have made the adjustment a long time ago. Even back in the 2015 cup winning season it took pure will to win those series and overcome the stagnancy of the system.

Opposition knows how to slow down and shutdown the Hawks now. Zone exits are a problem because the opponent knows all the permutations at this point because they haven't really changed since '09. It's not strictly a defensive talent situation either. Sure, none of the veterans are what they used to be, but they can still be effective D-men with some tweaks. The Pitt defense is a dumpster fire, yet they still manage to find a way to compete by adjusting what they are asking the D to do.

Having Murphy press-boxed on a regular basis is just ridiculous, especially considering the investment in him, he needs to play over Franson. Rutta, Kempney and Forsling all need time to mature and develop, but if you want time for Oesterle then it's Forsling that needs to sit, not Kempney.

Q sitting Murphy is not going to help his cause with Bowman. If the Hawks were winning maybe he has a little more leash with personnel decisions, when they are losing badly it has to peeve Bowman to see Murphy sitting.

If Q needs to go to motivate this team, then you can be assured that the FO will spin it in some way to minimize the perception about Q. If it does happen, and it most likely won't unless things really get out of hand on the losing and standings side, the Hawks will be best served not to dredge up a re-tread like Ruff, Crawford, Sutter, etc. etc. etc. Get a new voice in the room who maybe understands the changes in the way the game is being played lately. Ask yourself why guys like Hitchcock, Trotz, Julien, etc. have not won lately and a guy like Sullivan has been successful. Talent has a lot to do with it, but plenty of other little factors can be the difference.

Don't kid yourself. If Hossa is coaching it will be back in Slovakia. My understanding is that he is back home and not in the states anymore.

I have been saying that the Hawks have either needed a new coach or for Q to finally switch up his systems, especially defensively. Teams have made the adjustment a long time ago. Even back in the 2015 cup winning season it took pure will to win those series and overcome the stagnancy of the system.

Opposition knows how to slow down and shutdown the Hawks now. Zone exits are a problem because the opponent knows all the permutations at this point because they haven't really changed since '09. It's not strictly a defensive talent situation either. Sure, none of the veterans are what they used to be, but they can still be effective D-men with some tweaks. The Pitt defense is a dumpster fire, yet they still manage to find a way to compete by adjusting what they are asking the D to do.

Having Murphy press-boxed on a regular basis is just ridiculous, especially considering the investment in him, he needs to play over Franson. Rutta, Kempney and Forsling all need time to mature and develop, but if you want time for Oesterle then it's Forsling that needs to sit, not Kempney.

Q sitting Murphy is not going to help his cause with Bowman. If the Hawks were winning maybe he has a little more leash with personnel decisions, when they are losing badly it has to peeve Bowman to see Murphy sitting.

If Q needs to go to motivate this team, then you can be assured that the FO will spin it in some way to minimize the perception about Q. If it does happen, and it most likely won't unless things really get out of hand on the losing and standings side, the Hawks will be best served not to dredge up a re-tread like Ruff, Crawford, Sutter, etc. etc. etc. Get a new voice in the room who maybe understands the changes in the way the game is being played lately. Ask yourself why guys like Hitchcock, Trotz, Julien, etc. have not won lately and a guy like Sullivan has been successful. Talent has a lot to do with it, but plenty of other little factors can be the difference.
- TheTrob

Or Seabs...

If Q needs to go to motivate this team, then you can be assured that the FO will spin it in some way to minimize the perception about Q. If it does happen, and it most likely won't unless things really get out of hand on the losing and standings side, the Hawks will be best served not to dredge up a re-tread like Ruff, Crawford, Sutter, etc. etc. etc. Get a new voice in the room who maybe understands the changes in the way the game is being played lately. Ask yourself why guys like Hitchcock, Trotz, Julien, etc. have not won lately and a guy like Sullivan has been successful. Talent has a lot to do with it, but plenty of other little factors can be the difference.
- TheTrob

I'm in the camp that player movement whether Rockford call-ups or trades (i.e. Duchene, E. Kane, etc) are not going to make that big of a difference. Different actors, same play with same ending. The team needs to new motivation (or motivation period) to compete a full 60 minutes no matter who the opponent is and how many days of rest they've had or didn't have. They have the skill and experience, but the hustle and drive plain sucks.

IMHO, a new coach would be a step in the right direction. As for the bolded part, I also agree that the Hawks don't need a top-shelf coach. They need a coach who can light a fire under the team's butt, hold players accountable (veterans and rookies alike), and employ systems that are modern and evolve to how the rest of the league is playing.

Speaking of leadership needing to step up, has Toews or Keith or Seabrook called a closed-door, players-only meeting to ream each other and set everyone straight? My guess is no, but then again, just because we don't know about it doesn't mean such a meeting didn't happen. If it did happen, though, it hasn't worked.

Or Seabs...
- fattybeef

LOL I don't disagree with your assertion that his play has been healthy scratch worthy, but let's be serious here.....Seabs will never be a healthy scratch under Q, IMO.

I'm not ready to buy-in to the narrative that Q is the big problem with this team.

Whenever a team loses or plays poorly, the coach/manager is the first one that "needs to go".

A few years ago, with the same "core" group we have now (minus Hossa), the Hawks were undefeated for 20 straight games. Who got the credit and glory?? rightfully the players.

Today, Q has the same "Core" group, but they're older, (much) slower) and they don't have the bench or second tier players they've had in the past.

Q is famous for having 30--45 minute practices. Should this team practice more? Esp, the power play? ABSOLUTELY. They have a lot of young guys playing new roles.

But to blame Q for Stan's terrible contracts and poor play by those "core" players isn't justified, IMO. (yet)
The "system" that Q runs works great. It's won 3 Cups. But the talent isn't the same today. So either the system needs juggling, or Stan needs to unload some of the contracts he CAN unload--and retool. Or, Q needs to work with what he has--and be content to be a one and done playoff team.

I'm not ready to buy-in to the narrative that Q is the big problem with this team.

Whenever a team loses or plays poorly, the coach/manager is the first one that "needs to go".

A few years ago, with the same "core" group we have now (minus Hossa), the Hawks were undefeated for 20 straight games. Who got the credit and glory?? rightfully the players.

Today, Q has the same "Core" group, but they're older, (much) slower) and they don't have the bench or second tier players they've had in the past.

Q is famous for having 30--45 minute practices. Should this team practice more? Esp, the power play? ABSOLUTELY. They have a lot of young guys playing new roles.

But to blame Q for Stan's terrible contracts and poor play by those "core" players isn't justified, IMO. (yet)
The "system" that Q runs works great. It's won 3 Cups. But the talent isn't the same today. So either the system needs juggling, or Stan needs to unload some of the contracts he CAN unload--and retool. Or, Q needs to work with what he has--and be content to be a one and done playoff team.
- tompo1015

Nah, roster def not as strong as 3 years ago. Not really comparable. Completely different team.

Also they were able to cheat and add a bunch of salary at the end of the year.

Blaming Q for not making an adjustment in terms of the breakouts or not being able to appropriately teach the new players how to execute is def a problem. Three years in a row the same problems. Hidden by Kane doing amazing things and Crow playing out of his mind.

It isn't the only problem because the GM has also thrown around stupid dollars with no movement clauses attached.

Nut sure where you dump salary. What team could eat 10.5 for Toews? And you gotta figure the return for a 3 time cup winner and consistent scorer would be rather untouchable for basically every team. Who has those assets to give that Toews would waive to go to in not a fantasy land?

The idiot in Edmonton may be stupid enough to take Seabrook but couldn't conceivably eat his salary and who they going to give up?

It is a pretty huge fantasy to think that the Hawks are going to shed any of those big deals in order to "rebuild" this year or next. If anything they'll tread water until the next work stoppage so Wirtz can get his buyouts and go from there.

Tyler Motte scored his first goal for the Blue Jackets

I’d guess it wouldn’t change the relationship of his contract to the cap at all - the same recapture would apply.
- StLBravesFan

Coaches salary do not count on the cap, plus technically he wouldn't be retired. The contract is still active, so the union would not have a grievance. You think Bettman was smart enough to cover that?

Don't kid yourself. If Hossa is coaching it will be back in Slovakia. My understanding is that he is back home and not in the states anymore.

I have been saying that the Hawks have either needed a new coach or for Q to finally switch up his systems, especially defensively. Teams have made the adjustment a long time ago. Even back in the 2015 cup winning season it took pure will to win those series and overcome the stagnancy of the system.

Opposition knows how to slow down and shutdown the Hawks now. Zone exits are a problem because the opponent knows all the permutations at this point because they haven't really changed since '09. It's not strictly a defensive talent situation either. Sure, none of the veterans are what they used to be, but they can still be effective D-men with some tweaks. The Pitt defense is a dumpster fire, yet they still manage to find a way to compete by adjusting what they are asking the D to do.

Having Murphy press-boxed on a regular basis is just ridiculous, especially considering the investment in him, he needs to play over Franson. Rutta, Kempney and Forsling all need time to mature and develop, but if you want time for Oesterle then it's Forsling that needs to sit, not Kempney.

Q sitting Murphy is not going to help his cause with Bowman. If the Hawks were winning maybe he has a little more leash with personnel decisions, when they are losing badly it has to peeve Bowman to see Murphy sitting.

If Q needs to go to motivate this team, then you can be assured that the FO will spin it in some way to minimize the perception about Q. If it does happen, and it most likely won't unless things really get out of hand on the losing and standings side, the Hawks will be best served not to dredge up a re-tread like Ruff, Crawford, Sutter, etc. etc. etc. Get a new voice in the room who maybe understands the changes in the way the game is being played lately. Ask yourself why guys like Hitchcock, Trotz, Julien, etc. have not won lately and a guy like Sullivan has been successful. Talent has a lot to do with it, but plenty of other little factors can be the difference.
- TheTrob[/quot


So Murphy has already played 267 games in the NHL. How much more time do you think it takes to show that he is not the same stiff who has been in the league for 4 years now? He is what he is. It was a terrible trade for Chicago and a great trade for the other guys.

I'm in the camp that player movement whether Rockford call-ups or trades (i.e. Duchene, E. Kane, etc) are not going to make that big of a difference. Different actors, same play with same ending. The team needs to new motivation (or motivation period) to compete a full 60 minutes no matter who the opponent is and how many days of rest they've had or didn't have. They have the skill and experience, but the hustle and drive plain sucks.

IMHO, a new coach would be a step in the right direction. As for the bolded part, I also agree that the Hawks don't need a top-shelf coach. They need a coach who can light a fire under the team's butt, hold players accountable (veterans and rookies alike), and employ systems that are modern and evolve to how the rest of the league is playing.

Speaking of leadership needing to step up, has Toews or Keith or Seabrook called a closed-door, players-only meeting to ream each other and set everyone straight? My guess is no, but then again, just because we don't know about it doesn't mean such a meeting didn't happen. If it did happen, though, it hasn't worked.
- AEL_Fox

My fear is that Bowman (maybe) and McDonough (for sure) would hire a head coach who has not really been winniing and is not a new breed of coach. Of course this most likely would not occur until the off season. I do not know the salary and or if anything is guaranteed if Q is fired. My guess would be that's is reassigned to a scouting job.

The question regarding Dineen and maybe Samuelson, is how much input do they have if either was named head coach. Samuelson has not been here long but I am sure he is aware of some of the problems which beset this team. I would guess both would want free reign, which means tough love and tear apart the thinking and method players use on the PP.

I believe that Q would have a shorter shelf life and that McDonough realizes if Stan goes, do does Scotty. I would hope that McDonough realizes a GM gambles sometimes and not all trade acquisitions work out. Look around in all sports: it is true. I do believe, however, that Stan made too many egregious errors and his judgement has to be questioned.

I feel Seabrook would have taken less money for the term he received. And Stan should have realized the increasing trend in speed of game, Seabrook skating style, and wear and tear should have meant higher dollars short term, less years or less years guaranteed. He had two good dmen whom were BOTH APPROACHING HIGH MILEAGE. Stan THEN TRADED HAMMER which is debatable but understandable if you believe hammer takes a lot of abuse and he has around ten years invested in blocking a lot of pucks.

So Stan needs Murphy to eventually become descent.

Stan can decide if one of the ast coaches be elevated but first he needs some good assurance that the new coach will get tough with veterans. The mantra to just win is actually a demand that players show up and are motivated.

So for whatever reason(s) if this abysmal effort/results continue, the first to feel the heat from on top is probably Q. I would approve Q to be reassigned. I have no idea if either ast coach would get tough. A new coach from outside the organization probably would demand free reign

I keep reading stanbow getting mauled on this board about "bad" or "terrible" contracts.

Which ones are so bad and why?

And please place those contract deals in context of when they were done not with in the context of today and make your judgements with impeccable and omniscient hide sight.

Tyler Motte scored his first goal for the Blue Jackets
- SimpleJack

damn that stanbow for trading him...

If some of yall really want a hard ass brought in...


- fattybeef

I may be the only.... but, you dam right! Enough of that stick check perimeter play 5”2 130 pound guys that we have , I think the first thing he would do is take the captain and buy him a goddamn steak dinner and a few milkshakes for starters , no telling what kind of diet that kid is on but he just does not look the same! I would love to see iron Mike, but I don’t think the coach is the problem I think it is some of the players that the general manager has given him, let’s just see if they can work their way out of this for a couple more weeks, if Bowmanstays true to form I would not doubt that he is on the phone Daily trying to get himself another top six winger, and I know we all talk crap about Colorado but I wonder if anybody really is in on the know if there was any serious names swapped, but for Matt Duchenne if they’re looking for Hartman and schmaltz and young defenseman, I would make that trade, you can tell Patrick Kane is getting more pissed by the day playing with different guys all the time, and I will stand by what I said previously, Nick Schmaltz is not built for the NHL, and hopefully he will be wearing a different uniform at some point.

Exactly right. Hawks will have had 3 full days off before this game Wednesday. As a fan, I will be extremely disappointed if they come out with another flat start. After losing 5 of their last 6, it's gut-check time for this team.

Reports that NYR are shopping Chris Kreider. Krieder-Schmaltz-Kane anyone??
- EnzoD

Krieder would be a fine addition, as long as the cost was reasonable. Maybe Anisimov plus something (just not too much).

Edit: I don’t know why but it seems to me like a Krieder for Galchenyuk deal could go down.

I wonder what he could bring back in return....

@DimFilipovic

A name for Vegas to consider: Jean-Francois Berube

A name for all of us to consider: also Jean-Francois Berube

I may be the only.... but, you dam right! Enough of that stick check perimeter play 5”2 130 pound guys that we have , I think the first thing he would do is take the captain and buy him a goddamn steak dinner and a few milkshakes for starters , no telling what kind of diet that kid is on but he just does not look the same! I would love to see iron Mike, but I don’t think the coach is the problem I think it is some of the players that the general manager has given him, let’s just see if they can work their way out of this for a couple more weeks, if Bowmanstays true to form I would not doubt that he is on the phone Daily trying to get himself another top six winger, and I know we all talk crap about Colorado but I wonder if anybody really is in on the know if there was any serious names swapped, but for Matt Duchenne if they’re looking for Hartman and schmaltz and young defenseman, I would make that trade, you can tell Patrick Kane is getting more pissed by the day playing with different guys all the time, and I will stand by what I said previously, Nick Schmaltz is not built for the NHL, and hopefully he will be wearing a different uniform at some point.
- wonthecup10

Iron Mike is coaching the Chinese team in the KHL now. He could come back to the Hawks and bring a couple of the Oriental boys he as been showing some dirty tricks to. Would be entertaining for sure.

Exactly right. Hawks will have had 3 full days off before this game Wednesday. As a fan, I will be extremely disappointed if they come out with another flat start. After losing 5 of their last 6, it's gut-check time for this team.

Reports that NYR are shopping Chris Kreider. Krieder-Schmaltz-Kane anyone??
- EnzoD

Hawks quality of play and record with 3 plus days off over the last 2 years is avg to poor.

Flyers are in on 3 days rest also

Probably both teams forgot how to play; expect a sloppy game

hawks record vs the flyers is gawd awful forever other than 2010 (when it mattered most)

Nah, roster def not as strong as 3 years ago. Not really comparable. Completely different team.

Also they were able to cheat and add a bunch of salary at the end of the year.

Blaming Q for not making an adjustment in terms of the breakouts or not being able to appropriately teach the new players how to execute is def a problem. Three years in a row the same problems. Hidden by Kane doing amazing things and Crow playing out of his mind.

It isn't the only problem because the GM has also thrown around stupid dollars with no movement clauses attached.

Nut sure where you dump salary. What team could eat 10.5 for Toews? And you gotta figure the return for a 3 time cup winner and consistent scorer would be rather untouchable for basically every team. Who has those assets to give that Toews would waive to go to in not a fantasy land?

The idiot in Edmonton may be stupid enough to take Seabrook but couldn't conceivably eat his salary and who they going to give up?

It is a pretty huge fantasy to think that the Hawks are going to shed any of those big deals in order to "rebuild" this year or next. If anything they'll tread water until the next work stoppage so Wirtz can get his buyouts and go from there.
- fattybeef

This is all 200% correct

Don't kid yourself. If Hossa is coaching it will be back in Slovakia. My understanding is that he is back home and not in the states anymore.

I have been saying that the Hawks have either needed a new coach or for Q to finally switch up his systems, especially defensively. Teams have made the adjustment a long time ago. Even back in the 2015 cup winning season it took pure will to win those series and overcome the stagnancy of the system.

Opposition knows how to slow down and shutdown the Hawks now. Zone exits are a problem because the opponent knows all the permutations at this point because they haven't really changed since '09. It's not strictly a defensive talent situation either. Sure, none of the veterans are what they used to be, but they can still be effective D-men with some tweaks. The Pitt defense is a dumpster fire, yet they still manage to find a way to compete by adjusting what they are asking the D to do.

Having Murphy press-boxed on a regular basis is just ridiculous, especially considering the investment in him, he needs to play over Franson. Rutta, Kempney and Forsling all need time to mature and develop, but if you want time for Oesterle then it's Forsling that needs to sit, not Kempney.

Q sitting Murphy is not going to help his cause with Bowman. If the Hawks were winning maybe he has a little more leash with personnel decisions, when they are losing badly it has to peeve Bowman to see Murphy sitting.

If Q needs to go to motivate this team, then you can be assured that the FO will spin it in some way to minimize the perception about Q. If it does happen, and it most likely won't unless things really get out of hand on the losing and standings side, the Hawks will be best served not to dredge up a re-tread like Ruff, Crawford, Sutter, etc. etc. etc. Get a new voice in the room who maybe understands the changes in the way the game is being played lately. Ask yourself why guys like Hitchcock, Trotz, Julien, etc. have not won lately and a guy like Sullivan has been successful. Talent has a lot to do with it, but plenty of other little factors can be the difference.
- TheTrob

Glad another blog shares my sentiment

the Hawks played 2 games so far and lost after having three days off. That never happened in the past. My gut feeling tells me most of our veterans are just not motivated anymore to go all out to win. IMO, tomorrow night's game will tell us if the core has come to the realization that everybody has to bring their "A "game to win. If the players once again play with no emotions after another three days off and 2 practices... You can expect a new head coach will be joining the Hawks soon. Also, if the Hawks keep loosing it might be a good idea to let Kane take over as the teams captain.... Toews cheerleading and on ice performances have evaporated IMO. Giving Kaner the Captain's badge might be good switch for our young players.... because Toews sure hasn't done the job anymore when it comes to get the team motivated to win.

I'm not ready to buy-in to the narrative that Q is the big problem with this team.

Whenever a team loses or plays poorly, the coach/manager is the first one that "needs to go".

A few years ago, with the same "core" group we have now (minus Hossa), the Hawks were undefeated for 20 straight games. Who got the credit and glory?? rightfully the players.

Today, Q has the same "Core" group, but they're older, (much) slower) and they don't have the bench or second tier players they've had in the past.

Q is famous for having 30--45 minute practices. Should this team practice more? Esp, the power play? ABSOLUTELY. They have a lot of young guys playing new roles.

But to blame Q for Stan's terrible contracts and poor play by those "core" players isn't justified, IMO. (yet)
The "system" that Q runs works great. It's won 3 Cups. But the talent isn't the same today. So either the system needs juggling, or Stan needs to unload some of the contracts he CAN unload--and retool. Or, Q needs to work with what he has--and be content to be a one and done playoff team.
- tompo1015

Yeah, all is correct but....
BUT
When times are tough the coach needs to motivate. Or he commands respect. I know Babcock suffered with a bad Leafs team. But he had an opinion and the GM backed him. Panic not too smart. Gone. If he was in Chicgo think he might have a conversation with Keith, saying to get going or be treated with less respect, and much less TOI. Babcock's way or the highway. As close to mt.Tessier as you will see in the NHL today.

I wonder what he could bring back in return....

@DimFilipovic

A name for Vegas to consider: Jean-Francois Berube

A name for all of us to consider: also Jean-Francois Berube
- DarthKane[/quote
You know Berube is in place as their AHL recall should a back up be needed. They would need to be given something worthwhile, an upgrade at some position, perhaps. It's not that Berube is a great prospect and sure, Bowman knows it may not mean too much whom is the third strong goalie when Chicago is not going to make the playoffs. Still....
....Berube was acquired to be the back up, and a quality back up, if Forsberg as not ready. You Don't trade him unless you get something of significance.

I keep reading stanbow getting mauled on this board about "bad" or "terrible" contracts.

Which ones are so bad and why?

And please place those contract deals in context of when they were done not with in the context of today and make your judgements with impeccable and omniscient hide sight.
- bogiedoc

IMHO:

1. Seabrook - I said it at the time, the cap hit was too high and the term way too long. One or the other or both needed to be lower. $6.8m for three years? Fine. $5m for 7 years? Maybe Stan is planning to buy him out when the new CBA kicks in.

2. Anisimov - Stan inked him to an extension a year before he needed to, at a cap hit higher than he deserved, and a term longer than he deserved.

3. Toews & Kane - at the time it seemed like that was where the market was heading and they deserved to be the top two paid players in the league. But it was a risk that the Cap wouldn't rise as he was assuming. Stan was wrong. He owns that.

The ones that weren't, IMHO:
- Kruger - I think he over pay was in return for him playing for $1.5m the year before, he got a premium in return.
- Bickel - he'd probably have gotten more on the open market
- Crawford - His pay is in line with other goaltenders at his level
- Keith - some of the previous years he was a bargain at that cap hit