What now Chicago?

[Qwikflipz]

As I have said many times, everything depends on what they do with Huet. Either waive him and free up $3.7 mil ($1.875 cap hit for 4 years) or bury him in the minors and get his whole salary off the books. Trading him is going to be tough. They would probably have to include draft picks or prospects and have to pick up some salary in return.

Huet is the whole key to this. Then they only need to deal either Sharp, Bolland or Versteeg after that.

We will probably see a couple of new young guys (Beach,Aliu, Bickell?) in the lineup next year no matter what. The Hawks had no one play for them this year that hadn't played in the NHL before.

I think it's funny how so many people think that Hawks will have a "firesale" on their players. There are other team out there that are going to have some cap trouble also, not as bad as the Hawks but still be in trouble. LOL

Well everyone knew Chicago was in a now or never situation this year. Win the cup now, worry about the future after. It is a big deal, because it is Chicago, the STANLEY CUP CHAMPION (I'll say it again for you to soak it in ) The STANLEY CUP CHAMPION. It isn't like you guys are not going to make the playoffs haha. But even if Huet goes, that puts you at the cap. After that, just got to try to move someone. Campbell may be moved... but it has to be in the other team's favor. We shall see.

[stop__dreaming]

IMO people give too much credit to Niemi. Yes he won a cup and he deserves praise but I don't think he's NEARLY as good as some people hype him up to be.

Agreed. Don't rate Niemi and have have done. The 'Hawks need someone a lot better in net next year to match this/last (which ever way you want to look at it) season, as do my guys.

Dan Ellis is a UFA, I believe. I like him, and probably won't cost a lot either.

[gretzky99]

i still think Chicago will be a very good team - they just won't have any depth to work with. i agree that Huet is the key. i don't think stashing players in the minors is going to work.
now maybe he goes off to Europe but i wouldn't count on it. and i don't see him being dealt as it is unlikely any team would take on his salary.

chicago will be ok, but they will have to trade at least 1-2 guys that they would prefer to keep.

[swats]

Hawks can make it again with their top forwards, Niemi, and their top 2 D-Men who are probably the best pair in the league. Chicago's overall depth is much better than last years Cup winners Pittsburgh. If ever a team could win 2 Cups in a row anymore, look at Chicago.

[Qwikflipz]

Hawks can make it again with their top forwards, Niemi, and their top 2 D-Men who are probably the best pair in the league. Chicago's overall depth is much better than last years Cup winners Pittsburgh. If ever a team could win 2 Cups in a row anymore, look at Chicago.

If they can resign Niemi. Their overall depth is going to be far less than it is now.

[zunato]

Campbell has a limited trade contract. Can only be traded to certain teams. Plus just like Huet they would need to throw in picks or prospects to trade him. And also pick up some salary in the trade.

They will need to trade a player or two, but they'll be alright. Have to remember they had a couple of guys sitting during the playoffs that could play 3rd and 4th line minutes. I have no doubt they'll be ok with the cap next year and not have to gut the team.

Niemi is a RFA, so signing him should be no problem.

[Qwikflipz]

Campbell has a limited trade contract. Can only be traded to certain teams. Plus just like Huet they would need to throw in picks or prospects to trade him. And also pick up some salary in the trade.

They will need to trade a player or two, but they'll be alright. Have to remember they had a couple of guys sitting during the playoffs that could play 3rd and 4th line minutes. I have no doubt they'll be ok with the cap next year and not have to gut the team.

Niemi is a RFA, so signing him should be no problem.

I def think they can bring in some people to round out the 3/4 line. If they move Huet and/or Campbell, they will be better off.

[gretzky99]

my guess is one of sharp or versteeg gets moved and somehow they move sopel. that would free up between $6-$7M. they won't be able to re-sign madden but maybe can keep ladd.

team could look something like this...

hossa-toews-kane $18
versteeg-bolland-buff $9.5
ladd-aliu-kopecky $3.5
eager-fraser-brouwer $3

seabrook-keith $9
campbell-hjalmarsson $8
hendry-richmond/other minor leaguer $1.5

niemi-huet $8

total of $60.5 or so. that's doable and still a very good team. i don't know if they are a clear-cut Cup favorite, but they should be good again and for a few years to come.

[Qwikflipz]

What is the cap right now?

[gretzky99]

it's at $56.8 right now. could go up to $58.8. my numbers aren't exact as there are some estimates in there.