RedFX

No relatives, but my own is rapidly approaching... TPBM follows Darren Dreger on Twitter

Keep in mind Versteeg is also a RFA and due a reasonable raise

And I'm wondering what the "real story" is

But it doesn't make sense. Chicago said they weren't going to be overaggressive because of their RFA situation over the next two years. If you're going to sacrifice Havlat, who was BIG part of getting your team out of the gutter, to make sure you have enough for Toews, Kane, and Keith that's understandable (and what was widely the consensus). But why would you then turn around and sign another big name for slightly higher cap hit, but for 12 years? What happens if 6-7 years down the road, Toews and Kane become a Gretzky-Messier duo and they both demand 7-8 million a year? Because you have so much already wrapped up in Hossa (who could easily be passed his prime or injury prone at this time) you may not be able to afford both without having to lose substantial parts of the team. Don't get me wrong, Hossa will be a great contribution to the team. But it doesn't make sense with the strategy Tallon said he had coming in.

I don't get it. If the Kings had his rights, how were we able to offer him a contract?

I never really disliked the guy. The only knock against him I had was that he'd start to show serious development and then he would get injured. He is a solid (not great) scorer and he can possess some good grit when he's healthy. I just don't see a huge need for him though

Bed time

Okay guys, I think some of this stuff is getting out of hand. It's Day 1 of free agency, and already everyone is a.) wanting to chase Kenny out of town, b.) conceding the Central Division and the Cup, or 3.) wanting to sign anyone and anything that might be able to skate. Let's take a deep breath now, and look at things from a healthier perspective. Yes we lost 3 free agents to division rival; But when we look at it a bit more closely, we lost a guy we knew we were going to lose anyway, a backup goalie, and a guy who has yet to go through an NHL season without suffering a major injury. Yes, we lost Hossa, but last I remember we didn't need Hossa to win a cup. We still have Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Cleary, Franzen, Filpulla, Holmstrom...still arguably the best Top 6 in the NHL. We have always been touted as having one of the deepest talent pools in the NHL. In the past, if one of our guys leaves, there's always someone there to take his place. I don't see why this couldn't happen again. Who knows, maybe Hudler gets his chance and becomes a 30 goals a year guy. It's happened before And as far as this season "not looking too good." Again, it's July 2nd. Free agency has been open one day. The freaking schedule hasn't even been released yet. Like I said, we were prepared to lose Hossa, Conklin is replaceable, and Koppy is Koppy. It's not like the entire core of the team just got up and walked away. Even with Hossa gone, we still have a Championship-winning core. Now I'll admit, I don't mind a rumor or two popping up out there. But really? Some of these names are getting ridiculous. The other day, someone actually mentioned Ed Belfour as a possibility. That's right ED BELFOUR. I'm guessing Mike Richter's cap hit was too high? At this point, people are throwing names out there just in hopes of signing anyone. I'm seeing alot of "hunger for a Cup" statements or "last hurrahs" similar to Dallas Drake. Here's the thing, Dallas Drake didn't win just because he had "hunger." He was a grinding, physical presence who was great on the penalty kill and fit into the system. He was given a role and he fulfilled it. A player like Sundin or Shanahan isn't going to give you that same result. Yes, they'll bring in the veteran leadership, but they have different roles than Drake had. These guys would essentially be 4th line guys who would provide secondary scoring...pretty much older Hudlers. They won't provide the grit and the physical energy Drake gave us. Lastly, as far as free agency has been going so far. Alot of the most attractive names out there are gone. But if Kenny's not interested in them, there's obviously a reason. He hasn't been "executive of the year" and made 18 straight playoff appearances all on luck. He makes sure every move he makes is for the good of the team...both long and short term. He won't bring anyone in unless he's positive he can fit in and make the team better. So all in all, let's just take a deep breath. There's still a long way to go before the season starts, so there's no need to lose our heads now.

I said since the season started that if it ever came down to it I'd take Franzen over Hossa. Franzen has proved time and time again that he can step up and score clutch goals.

Well good. Then the players we have can handle that just fine. And last time I checked, you don't win games with fights.

We'd be giving up alot of depth for someone who may or may not be here long term. And that depth become much appreciated in seasons like this where we are battling the cap.

Oz: BBQ at the future inlaws place Danny: I don't think I've ever seen it TPBM still has their favorite stuffed animal from their childhood

The mysterious disease is mysterious Muffin or bagel?

LET'S SIGN ANDERS ERIKSSON, DOUG BROWN, WENDEL CLARK, AND TOMAS SANDSTROM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, why is everyone here continually willing to give up 3/4 of our Cap Space to sign past-their-prime players that don't fit into the system?

Again, I'm not sure where all the animosity is coming from. It's not like it was a major snub. Anyway, Marian made a really unprecedented move for a player of his caliber. And when the Hawks tank again, he's always welcome back

Pahlsson, Larose, and Fiddler are on the top of my wishlist.

Sullivan made 2.5 mil last year and the Preds were offering around the same amount. It would probably take more than 1.5 to get him here

Marian Hossa replaces Martin Havlat. Unfortunately for Hossa, Nik Kronwall has not been replaced. Welcome to the rivalry Hossa

Nothing official yet.

TSN reports Hossa closing in on Blackhawks

Steve Duchesne TBBM was either a cheerleader in High School or dated one

Elk At the pool: Swim or lay out

I don't think he envisioned taking a 50% pay cut.

I hear Doug Brown is available. Let's bring him back too.

Interesting debate. I think the automatic edge right now goes to the Wings; as they've proven they can consistently get to the top with this core. I think Bouwmeester is still unproven. He hasn't really played in any big time games or situations, so it's tough to compare him with Lidstrom or Rafalski in that regard. He'll get his chances in Calgary. No question though Calgary has some good depth there. They need to start getting deeper into the playoffs before they start drawing Wings comparisons though