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Jesse Rogers

  (1:03 PM)

Hey guys Im here. Lets get going with some Hawks talk.

Fred (Orland Park)

I think it was a good idea to have the fathers travel with the team to Phoenix. Your thoughts?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:04 PM)

Hey, this is sports not life and death. If it works in the schedule and they put it in proper perspective I dont have a problem with it. The players really appreciate it and I think it only continues to foster a family atmosphere so why not.

Brooks (Kenilworth, IL)

Jesse, when is Toews back brotha?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:06 PM)

Have a bunch of Toews questions. I cant tell you when he'll be back. No one can. Its different for every player. One day he'll get on the bike and not feel pressure or headaches or whatever. I can tell you people close to him say he is feeling better and the Hawks dont seem overly concerned so Im guessing the doctors have said, "it's not too serious," but other than that even the docs cant say when. Thats how it goes with concussions.

Jeff (Chitown)

Do you think Nick Hjalmarsson and Duncan Keith will be with the Hawks well into the future? Hjalmarsson I believe is really becoming a good player and Duncs as well.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:09 PM)

Yes, I do. They are both up after this year but they are restricted free agents so I think they will.

Corinne (Montreal)

Got any news if Ben Eager will come back in PHX?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:10 PM)

Quenneville said its doubtful They want to get some contact in practice first. That may come today so there's a chance but not a great one.

MattK (Buffalo Grove)

How will Ben Eager's return affect lineups and playing time and I also think he will have a big impact on the road trip. What do you thinkl?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:10 PM)

May not have a huge impact in the next 2 games but he should be rarin to go for the homestand and then the circus trip. They have an opening right now on the 4th line so he slides right in for Hendry..

Steve (Northbrook)

Are the Blackhawks actively looking for a rugged defenseman? Other then Seabrook and Hjarmarson the blue line seems to be pretty suspect moving guys out from in front of the net. With as deep as this team is offensively I think they can afford to trade a top forward like Versteeg and Sopel to get a Robyn Regehr from Calgary or something like that.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:13 PM)

Good question. They are a little thin depth wise there. I wouldnt put it out of the realm of possibility, especially if there is any kind of longer term injury. Hjarmalsson could be that force..he's turning into a good one. Lets see how it goes when Hossa returns. They may not have any needs when at near full health.

Andrew (NYC)

Jesse - Lots of trade rumors roaming around the Internet. Names we've read are Toronto's Tomas Kaberle and Montreal's Carey Price and teams like Carolina perhaps getting involved with something. What have you heard?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:16 PM)

I'm not buying Price. Now, Carolina is interesting but I don't think the Hawks are on the verge of anything. I could be wrong though. The Hawks have become a very quiet organization these days. With past regimes you could gather a lot of info, but not so much now. I just dont see a major trade this early unless there's some big goaltender thing they do but Im doubtful on anything soon.

Joe (Chicago)

I know this is a next off season issue, but do you think Stan Bowman is going to trade anyone so we can keep at least two. If so, who do you think will be traded?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:18 PM)

There's a not a day or week that goes by that I dont get this question. Yes, I think the math dictates to keep keith, Kane, and Toews others will have to go. My guess would be Versteeg, Barker, Sharp, and Buff in that order but this is a fluid situation. A lot will happen between now and then.

Zach (Palos Park)

What line do you think Hossa will be on with the Hawks???

Jesse Rogers

  (1:19 PM)

I'm pretty sure he'll play with Bolland..not sure on the other winger. All depends how the lines are going at that time.

Rick (Berwyn)

When Seabrook was out, Keith and Sopel played well together. Any thoughts as to whether the Hawks may separate Seabrook and Keith?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:20 PM)

I hope not. I absolutely love the pairings as they are. Seabrook and Keith are like twins out there. They KNOW each other. Hjarm covers for Campbell when he goes off the reservation and Sopel and Barker are decent 5 and 6 men. I dont think they'll mess with it

Rick (Hammond, IN)

So do you feel Huet is a good enough goaltender to lead this team to the promise land?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:21 PM)

Yes, I think he is capable. Not off to a great start so I can understand people being worried. Been better lately but its going to get tough now against good teams home and road. He cant carry them but he's capable.

John (Plainfield)

What do you think about Buff being used at the blue line on the power play lately? Personally, I think he's more valuable in front of the net, but do you think the Hawks will continue to use him this way or is this experiment pretty much over?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:24 PM)

I know Buff real well and taking nothing away from him, he just wasn't in love with playing in front of the net. If you're not going to embrace it, do you leave him there or make a change? I do like Kopecky there. He looked more comfortabel in one game than Buff has in 12 or 13. Buff has a great shot. Lets go with him on the blue line and see what happens cause it hasn't been happening this way. Wish it was but it's not.

Jimmy (Chicago)

Was the Bulin Wall really that important to the success of the Hawks power play, I mean that can be the only reason it is so painful to watch. We in the 300's wish they would decline the penalty and just stay 5 on 5.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:26 PM)

Not sure what Bulin had to do with the Hawks power play but you are right, its been brutal. They are simply not showing that "sense of urgency". Too many penalties taken while on the power play indicated some laziness plus there's been no quarterback to take charge. Maybe they just miss Hossa but the 5 on 3's and 6 on 4's have been brutal. Q may have top start benching guys to get the message across. You have to work hard on the pp just like 5 on 5.

Peter (New York, NY)

Jesse, Any way that you see Chelios being called up this season? Possibly to finish his career with the Hawks? Thanks.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:27 PM)

Got this last week. It's doubtful, of course, but because they are thin on D, I would never rule it out. It would take 2 injuries tot he defense for that to be considered.

Patrick (Rock City, MN)

Will the Hawks have to trade salary in order for Marion Hossa to be in the lineup. I do not fully understand the salary cap.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:31 PM)

You're not alone in not understanding the cap but the answer to your question is no. Here's one thing about the cap people dont get: The cap is a cumulative thing for the season not on any one day. In other words..their cap number right now is what they have spent on salaries thru 13 games. At the end of the year they have to be at or below the total cap number around 58 mil. Thats why sending Skille down helps. On those days they did not have to add his salary to the total for that day. So instead of spending 10 million so far they only spent 9.3 or whatever...hope that helps

Noah (Columbus, OH)

How's Hossa doing? When will the madhouse get to see him play? Any updates?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:32 PM)

Still on track for end of November. Maybe the 25 or 26th or right around there. He really doesnt have the power in the shoulder yet. Needs a few more weeks.

Daniel (Moscow, ID)

What do you see as the defining characteristic of this team?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:32 PM)

Simple. Speed and skill.

dan (seattle, wa)

do you think the central division was a little overrated this year or are teams just off to a slow start? I think winning the division is crucial to making a deep playoff run and while we have the lead I feel every team (minus nashville) could make a good run at us.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:35 PM)

Might have been a bit overated. I didnt think Nash would be this bad. Det. is not unexpected though. Its still a decent division but maybe not as good as last year. Remember, 3 teams went to Europe so there was bound to be some issues. I think St. Louis felt it more than anyone.

dan (seattle, wa)

how has kyle beach been looking this year? I felt like he was close to making the team and wonder if he could fill in that agitator tough guy 4th line role while burish is out and eager is questionable

Jesse Rogers

  (1:37 PM)

To be honest, haven't followed him in juniors too close. You have a decent point though. Out of camp the hawks were just too stacked for him to make it. The amount of one way contracts this team has worked against him.

Vinay Sury (Champaign)

Hey Jessie loved your work down the dial with the hawks but my question is What are the prospects of keeping the big four guys playing here for the future and by that i mean Kane Toews Seabrook and Keith

Jesse Rogers

  (1:38 PM)

Im pretty confident Kane, Toews, Keith will be here. I cant tell you what the offseaosn in 2011 is going to look like for seabrook. Theres a chance he doesnt get re-signed..especially if Hjarm is there in waiting as a 1 or 2.

Norman (Syracuse)

I know Campbell's salary is big but I find it hard to believe this team will be the same if they dump it.. their PP in theory might not improve - we saw last year how much of a difference he made there.. plus while he's not great one on one defensively, he gets out of trouble with his skating ability.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:40 PM)

I dont think it matters. Its a huge contract and I dont think teams are clamoring to pick it up. He's played better this year so lets see if it continues.

Ross (Chicago)

What is your opinion of Niemi's play? Do you think he has the ability to be a good starting goaltender?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:41 PM)

Yes, I am buying into him more and more. His agent is a local guy and hes been telling me for a while this guy is the goods. Im going to say yes to your question. I like what I see.

Andy (Milwaukee, WI)

Some people speculate Antti Niemi to be the next best goal tender since Patrick Roy. Do you think that he, in the future, has the potential to be the franchise goalie for the Hawks?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:41 PM)

See last answer!

Vinay Sury (Champaign)

Do you see the hawks making any major deals or is Hossa coming back more or less going to be considered the big move

Jesse Rogers

  (1:43 PM)

I dont see them making a major deal any time soon or if at all. What do they need unless yuou want to change goaltenders.

Rambo (Chi)

Outside of Skille and Bickell, anyone in Rockford making noise?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:45 PM)

I do like Bickell and Brophey. As I said, not much in terms of defense there so hopefully no Hawk injuries. I like how Danny Bois can punch!

Tony Esposito (NHL HALL OF FAME)

Hey just gimme the word and I can get the pads outta the garage .

Jesse Rogers

  (1:45 PM)

Go get 'em.

Ross (Chicago)

Zito is a weird cat, I've met him. Anyway, glad someone else agrees with me on Niemi. I like him a lot.Cheers

Jesse Rogers

  (1:46 PM)

I like Bill Zito cause he bought me lunch a couple years ago but Niemi could be the real deal. I'll give him that much.

Alex (Highland Park)

Who do you think the Hawks MVP has been to this point? I feel that they're playing good team hockey but can't think of any one player who is standing out in my mind.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:48 PM)

I would go with Kane. Hard to pick a defensive player. They would split the vote. On offense, Sharp started out hot but the guy whos had the puck the most and has had created the most chances has been P.Kane. Tough call

Tom (Waukegan)

Hey Jesse, who do you think the Hawks biggest threat in the conference is? Are the Avs for real?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:51 PM)

I love Craig Anderson. Very happy for him but I do not think they are for real. To me, San Jose is still going to be there, even more so than Det. I do like the Kings and think they are for real and I like Columbus as well. Cal and Van are not great matchups for the Hawks but think they are overated. Especially Van.

Vinay Sury (Chambana)

What lines should Joel go with when Hossa gets back in your opinion

Jesse Rogers

  (1:53 PM)

Toews, Kane, SharpBolland, Versteeg, Hossa,Madden, Ladd, BuffEager, Fraser, Kopeckyrotate brouwer in there

matt m (tinley park il)

Jesse, do you think the blackhawks have a realistic shot at the stanley cup this year?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:54 PM)

Finals, yes. Winning it, no. Now having said that, once you're there, you're pretty darn close but I think Pitt repeats and I thought that from day 1.

Andy (Evergreen Park, IL)

Campbell is know for being a defenseman but I find myself seeing more and more him puck handling and taking a gross amount of "prayer" shots on goal. Do you think his approach is a good thing or should he play his defensive role more since he only has one goal on all of his SOG?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:57 PM)

I like the pressure he puts on the other team with that skating ability. What I dont like is the soft play with the puck at times and of course the soft play in his own zone. When he carries it all the way to the other team's goal line, he cant lose it as quick as he has in the past. He needs to be stronger on the puck. I think that can be his problem.

Kevin (Peotone, IL)

One more question on the salary cap. I'm pretty sure that if you are on IR, that your salary doesn't count against the cap - isn't that right?And if that is the case, why didn't they put Toews on IR when we first went down with the concussion? Is there a minimum number of days you must be on IR? That would explain it, but I don't think that's the case.Thoughts?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:58 PM)

I know for sure the "short term IR" is min. 7 days but it does still count against your cap. The longer term one that Burish is on doesnt count.

Hack (Loop)

Jesse,With Hammer being a restricted free agent after this year, what kind of number do you think the hawks will have to throw at him? He doesn't have the offensive skills that get Barker-type money, but overall he is far more valuable.

Jesse Rogers

  (2:00 PM)

Cant answer that now. Have to see how this season goes. If he continues on this path, depending on that +/- i would say between 2-3 mil unless he just has a monster year then it goes up.

Katlyn (Phoenix)

Will there be a morning skate tomorrow in Scottsdale?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:00 PM)

I would imagine so. Almost for sure

James (Chi City)

Do you think by signing Hossa to tha big deal, do you think we will have enough monwy to resign Toews, Kane, and Keith. Because i think their going to be very pricy. So what do you think?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:01 PM)

Again, I think they will IF they move one or two others. Creative math might give them a better fate but there's only so much you can do.

Jesse Rogers

  (2:02 PM)

Thanks for the questions all. You can email me if I didn't get to one at jrogers@espnchicago.comand follow me on twitter @espnchihawkswe'll chat again next wed. at noon