Jesse Rogers

  (1:02 PM)

Hi all, welcome to a Blackhawks offseason chat session.Things will pick up in the NHL starting this weekend with the draft in Pitt then free agency on July 1. The Hawks have a full roster basically but can still add and subtract in various ways if they choose to do so...fire away with questions!!

Connie (HK)

Jessie, any talks on the missing associate coach position?? Is Marc Crawford still a potential candidate? Or is he more likely going to go for head coach positions?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:03 PM)

Kind of quiet but I do think Crawford is in the mix if Q can convince him to take a asst job, that is if he doesnt get a head job somewhere...after that, not sure what direction they are going in but will know more after this weekend is my guess

Justin (Chicago)

If the hawks don't address a second line center this offseason we're in trouble. Kruger nor Kane are the answers. I know you like staal but, I really like pavelski. He would fit in great plus he plays good in the playoffs. Thoughts?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:04 PM)

Sure, I like Pavelski but I dont see the Sharks just giving him away, would prob cost you a player thats valuable here right now... and for some reason I HIGHLY doubt they trade him here if he goes..a longshot for a lot of reasons

Sean (Chicago, Illinois )

How was tough guy/grinders Bollig and Carcillo be used now that they will be playing together for the first time? Will they both man the fourth line with Mayers to be a destructive force or will one of them ride shotgun for the Toews and Kane line to add a little grit on the first line?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:06 PM)

If anyone is riding shotgun with the top guys its Carcillo, and Im sure he'll get the chance again. He did for a lot of last year before he got hurt..he has to earn it though..otherwise he gets dropped, which happened as well last season...Bollig is a 4th line guy with mayers

Jesse Rogers

  (1:06 PM)

If anyone is riding shotgun with the top guys its Carcillo, and Im sure he'll get the chance again. He did for a lot of last year before he got hurt..he has to earn it though..otherwise he gets dropped, which happened as well last season...Bollig is a 4th line guy with mayers

Tim (Wicker Park)

If Montador is healthy, what we currently looking at for our 3 pairings and 7th man? 2 & 7, 8

Jesse Rogers

  (1:08 PM)

Well they ended the season with Hammer on the 3rd pair basically but that could be because he was coming off an injury..so 2 and 7...then some combo of oduya/leddy or hammer...then the other guy with montador and olsen is 7...prob should be oduya/hammer then leddy/montador but who knows how it will shake out...but I think we have an idea of the mix...unless montador rides the bench but I dont think so if hes healthy

Bonehead (Hilton Head SC)

Jesse, earlier in a post you referred to Bowman's moves of Campbell & Browyer as salary dumps. Not sure I agree. Campbell has 4 yrs left $7.1M

Jesse Rogers

  (1:09 PM)

You just answered your question...he had a ton left on his contract and they wanted to rid themsleves of it. they basically said as much...def a salary dump..wasnt a hockey trade thats for sure

Vito (Chicago)

Hey Jessie,I was a fan of the Hawks signing dman Shane O'Brien last offseason and it appears he will be available again this year. He may not be a top 4 defensemen, but can provide some size and toughness on a team that is in desperate need of both. What are your thoughts?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:11 PM)

I have no problem with O'Brien but whoever they get isnt going to be a big name UNLESS they move someone out so its bascially the sami lepisto;s of the world...if someone has a choice of teams they will see a D under contract in Chicago and being paid a lot with olsen waiting in the wings..again, unless they clear one out...so we are totally looking at a minor depth move

Jason (Columbus OH)

Please tell me that the Hawks are considering adding one more d-man to the fold? The article sounds like Montador's return means we are done... say it ain't so JR

Jesse Rogers

  (1:13 PM)

As I just wrote here and in similiar manner in that blog they are done if they WANT to be..they can field a team --even a pretty decent one...to add a good to great player it have to come via trade or trade then free agency...I cant tell you, no one can cause everything they do now is out of want and not need so they will pick and choose and mull over deals...might or might not happen...point being there is no edict, "we have to do this or that"

John (Arlington Heights)

Jesse:Does the fact that #8 seed Los Angeles won the Cup over #6 seed New Jersey demonstrate the fact that a lot of winning the Cup is peaking at the right time and a lot of luck? The Hawks loss to Phoenix was tight (5 OT's) just like last year (losing to Vancouver in OT in Game 7). Maybe the Hawks aren't as bad as their first round exits would suggest? Remember, but for the Miracle on Madison goal in Game 5 against Nashville in 2010, the Hawks probably wouldn't have won the Cup that year either.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:15 PM)

There is no way to DISCOUNT your point...it could very well be the one the hawks are making internally and THEY MIGHT NOT BE WRONG...however, you cant play 82 games with avg goaltending and way below avg special teams and expect all to turn around so it was going to catch up with them in my opinion.it happened to early on in the postseason...those weaknesess arent ancillary things like face-offs or taking too many penalties or something..thats the crux of hockey..special teams and goaltending so you can say a run was possible with some breaks but everything equal wasnt going to happen

Jesse Rogers

  (1:15 PM)

There is no way to DISCOUNT your point...it could very well be the one the hawks are making internally and THEY MIGHT NOT BE WRONG...however, you cant play 82 games with avg goaltending and way below avg special teams and expect all to turn around so it was going to catch up with them in my opinion.it happened to early on in the postseason...those weaknesess arent ancillary things like face-offs or taking too many penalties or something..thats the crux of hockey..special teams and goaltending so you can say a run was possible with some breaks but everything equal wasnt going to happen

Chuck (New Haven)

I'm really surprised by how nonchalant Stan Bowman seems about the issues the Hawks had last season and his willingness to make some trades. How does that affect the players? I know he's a big "core" guy and maybe he's trying to instill some confidence in that group but at what cost? Is there any chance he's just trying to play it cool in front of the media but is working to make a big trade or get another big name in Chicago?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:17 PM)

I do think he is trying to play "cool" as you put it..at least in some respects...the players only asked for a net guy on the power play...the forwards will tell you all is good..not sure how the D feels...Im guessing they feel they didnt get enough help from those forwards but I think he knows they could tweak and be better but again, I truly think they believe Oduya for a full year plush shaw etc will make a differnece..

Michael (Glendale Heights, IL)

Is there any chance that the Blackhawks will be trading Kane this weekend during the draft? If they do, I believe it would be idiotic to trade away a young superstar just because of something he did during his off-season. If they do, who would Bowman be looking to get in return for Kane?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:19 PM)

Not doing it. Not sure what this keeps coming up..some public partying doesnt get you traded...neither does a 66 point season necessarily..now, a star for star trade is always possible but a committment to trade him has never been a viable option no matter what people say...has to really be the right deal

Jesse Rogers

  (1:19 PM)

Not doing it. Not sure what this keeps coming up..some public partying doesnt get you traded...neither does a 66 point season necessarily..now, a star for star trade is always possible but a committment to trade him has never been a viable option no matter what people say...has to really be the right deal

Jesse Rogers

  (1:19 PM)

meant to say not sure why this keeps coming up

D'Ricky Kaplan (Ida @ Madison St.)

Jesse,I don't believe the Blackhawks are planning to make any significant moves this offseason. In fact, I think we'll see pretty much the same roster next season. Do you think this group has become "stale"? so to speak?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:22 PM)

Tough call but yes if you push me on it...I wrote early on I would trade Bolland and shake things up that way..also one of those D men..I know yo udont want to panic too much...but 101 points can be attained in diff ways and maybe with some hungrier players, etc. I simply dont know if they are done...I would guess not...I just wonder if Stan has it to pull off a big HOCKEY deal and not just dumping salary...could be star for star or star prospect for whoever...but your pint isnt a bad one...maybe a star for star deal is needed JUST to shake things up...we all could be wrong..maybe they need TWO down postseasons to wake them up..we'll see

Matt (Gurnee)

Jesse, I've heard rumblings that the Hawks specifically McDonough want to make a big splash. With all the talk about Suter and Staal, you mentioned Shea Weber. How likely is it that the Hawks would be willing to make a monster offer to the RFA?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:25 PM)

Ahh..good catch..Ill prob write about this soon..whether its the hawks or anyone else--and I bet the wings are waiting in the wings--weber is the man to get...let others fight over suter...you give up all the compensation you have to to get Weber..he's a 5 out 5 as a defenseman..how many of those become avaulable? suter is a 3.5 or 4 out of 5..not bad...but when the best (or close to it) becomes avail you put that offer sheet down..offer a TON in signing bonus to avoid the CBA mess and you go for it...id be surprised if Det or others dont put that sheet in on july 1...would love to see the hawks do it and sort out the salary issues later! you neve know, if JOhn M wants to make that splash..but its real quiet on that front...and should be..dont want to tip your hand

Jesse Rogers

  (1:25 PM)

Ahh..good catch..Ill prob write about this soon..whether its the hawks or anyone else--and I bet the wings are waiting in the wings--weber is the man to get...let others fight over suter...you give up all the compensation you have to to get Weber..he's a 5 out 5 as a defenseman..how many of those become avaulable? suter is a 3.5 or 4 out of 5..not bad...but when the best (or close to it) becomes avail you put that offer sheet down..offer a TON in signing bonus to avoid the CBA mess and you go for it...id be surprised if Det or others dont put that sheet in on july 1...would love to see the hawks do it and sort out the salary issues later! you neve know, if JOhn M wants to make that splash..but its real quiet on that front...and should be..dont want to tip your hand

Ted (Switzerland)

Sharpie at Center this year? He was great for us there in the cup run and although Kane did a good job there last year I feel we lose some of his skill due to him playing there not to mention a whole lot of draws lost.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:26 PM)

Yeah, I dont like him there but I guess if there is no other choice...look at his plus/minus and production this year at wing..off the charts..thats where he belongs..if the roster is the same I would say its kruger's job to lose..and I think thats the right call at the moment

Cris (Chicago)

Hey Jesse, how vocal are the players about roster changes in the offseason? After the season ended Toews said that each year he tries to be more vocal with coaches and management; do players go to a coach or GM and say we could really use this type of player next season?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:28 PM)

Only the ones wearing a letter who have been around..not a lot though...toews for sure..not sure of others..

Steve (Redondo Beach, CA)

What is a realistic return for Hjalmarsson?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:30 PM)

Its such a tough question since they DONT have to trade him..dont have move his salary..and hes not taking up the spot of some hotshot D-man coming up unless you think Olsen is that..so again, a deal has to really benefit them and maybe it will...Now I would put his chances at returning at less than normal because they are stacked back there and he doesnt necessarily fit their "mold" but again he wont be given away...

Brian (Bartlett)

Are the Hawks content with their starting goalie (Crawford) and backup (Emery) for next season?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:32 PM)

Like most of the roster I think they have no issue going to camp with them but if something better comes their way they will explore..in fact Ive heard SOME exploration into netminding but it isnt like open season they'll take anyone..there were a few calls ,etc. and not to Luongo that ive heard..goalie is a perfect example of the situation they're in...if someone that is for sure an upgrade they will explore otherwise they will stand pat..pretty much logical and makes sesne but especially this year with everyone locked up

Joe Koperski (Lisle)

I am disappointed in the termination of Haviland, What are your thoughts about the coaching staff for next year? I know that Coach Q will be tougher on the players (I heard you on the radio say that) but the PP and PK really need to be fixed

Jesse Rogers

  (1:35 PM)

Two ways to look at it..Q (now) has full authority with 2 coaches he wants there where all will be on the same page and can work better together to get things done OR he has TOO much authority and "yes" guys that wont see the right way to do things since they all think alike. I mean wasnt that why Barry Smith was brought in..as a new voice..Id like to think its the former..Q's been around and working with people you have confidecnce in without people looking over your shoulder should produce the best results..plus, this game evens itself out if there talent is there..I would bet a lot of money AT LEAST one special teams is in the top 10

Trevor (Chicago)

Jesse, What do you think about Malcolm Subban and do you think the Blackhawks should Draft him with their 18th pick?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:36 PM)

They wont draft him at 18..pretty sure of that..i like him as much as anyone but Im no expert on him..

Pete ( Los Angeles)

in your article you wrote recently that the Hawks seemed complacent , which i agree , that hit on Hossa was ridiculous yet no one responded, and I'm not talking about fighting , but something like that should make a team want to really pay them back on the ice, and it seemed like they just stuck their tails between their legs and didnt respond, what can they do to make this team a little more tenacious? if anything

Jesse Rogers

  (1:37 PM)

Boy , thats a good question...as silly as it sounds...fans and media have to keep their feet to the fire..and hope the agony of 2 first round exits sticks in their craw (no pun)...and Toews goes off course

Tim (Chicago )

Who do you see/ what positions will the Blackhawks address in the NHL Entry Draft this weekend?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:40 PM)

There is a few puck moving d-man that fit their style..talking to our espn draft guy..he makes a good case for Brady Skjei..i kind of like Derrick Pouliot..but of course not unlike baseball it can be a crapshoot..but I wouldnt be surprised by one of those names coming here..

Dave (Burlington, Canada)

Waited 49 years...and the way things are unfolding, at least from what I'm NOT hearing, its going to be another 49 years. Jesse, i know they are tight lipped over there...any strong trade rumors at all? The way this team sits..its no where near another shot.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:43 PM)

No, no STRONG trade rumors..which should be a good thing..if they make a big one I bet we/you wont hear it until it happens..they really like to do it under the radar..but im not sure Stan has the gumption to pull one off cause once you do, thats it, you dont kane or whoever back...like I said befofre its about perspective..im sure they feel they are closer than a lot of hawks fans..and being around hockey for a long time..I can tell you I dont know who's right..what if they do fix the special teams? not unheard of...play the same but move up into top 15 in pp and pk..then we're looking at a real good season..but then again, you cant just snap your fingers and get it done. need a net guy! go get J.Staal and now you might have something special!

jim (burbank,il)

Jess,If you could be hawks GM for a day. Who would you try dealing on Hawks roster? and for who would you like in return?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:45 PM)

Read my blog a few weeks ago...I would use Dave Bolland as bait along with top prospects hopefully for a 2nd line center..then move Kruger into that 3rd line..if he cant handle it..there are tons of 3rd line centers avail at the deadline..somewhere sami paulsson perked up...thats what I would do..3rd line center COULD be your one redundant position..besides right wing but thats filled by stars

Nick (Chicago)

Do we see Patrick Kane in a new uniform before the season opener?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:46 PM)

NO

Matt (Gurnee)

Jesse, I'm looking forward to the draft and free agency. How can Bowman be convinced that this team is going to rebound and improve the penalty killing which has taken a nosedive the last two years. When you take the least amount of penalties you should have a high pk success rate. Any players that could be coming in to fix it?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:48 PM)

There are a few out there...but I do think they can do it internally..first, take sharp and hossa and even Bolland off the PK..and please dont tell me about bolland's shorthanded goals..please..thats flukish from year to year and you can make the case hes cheating (like hossa) to get those...Toews would be about the only core guy Id put on the PK..fill it with kruger, mayers, shaw, etc...guys that will lay out..plus you keep those other ones healthy and rested..boom. fixed. as long as hammer doenst screw it up. :)

Bob (Roscoe Village)

Jesse,Assuming the Hawks don't make a deal for a second line center, why is Kane slotted in now versus Sharp? Kane is so much more dynamic on his off wing and Sharp played center during cup season.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:50 PM)

I really think Sharp is also dynamic off the wing to be honest..sharp shooter. sniper, etc. we cant look at that cup run as full evidence..you or I could have played center on that team and gone far...I think it should be a lsat ditch thing and I understood the initial thought of your best playmaker (kane) having the puck in the middle of the ice but you go deeper and its no good..so yes I would put sharp there before kane but Id still look elsewhere

Kevin (Chicago)

What are the Hawks plans with Michael Frolik? He was horrible last year and makes about 2.3 million for the next three years. Why don't we trade him or amnesty him and use his salary cap space on another player like Jordan Stahl.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:52 PM)

Amnesty him? Getting your sports mixed up...why would a team take him if the hawks dont want him? only way would be if he was part of a bigger deal or a team NEEDE his salary to help them get to the floor..so maybe under some unusual cirumstances but no one is making a pure hockey deal for a guy that scored 5 goals making 2.3 million for 2 more years I believe, not 3..and need more than 2.3 in space for staal!

Stache (Chicago, IL)

Bob McKenzie tweeted that the price for Jordan Staal would be low if the Pens are selling, because he is a UFA next season. How much should the Hawks give up, considering these circumstances if he does indeed become "officially" available?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:54 PM)

As I wrote in my blog..Bolland and Saad and a draft...is that too much? maybe..but this guys is 23 and coming into his prime and is HUGE..hes everyhting you would want in an emerging center..granted there are some injuries but still..Im a big fan so I dont mind giving up a lot..including saad...I mean at 23 hes only a few years older than Saad..are we so confident that Saad/Bolland will have better careers than Staal? thats a strecth to believe with saad doing anything at NHL level

Jesse Rogers

  (1:56 PM)

In fact I dont think thats enough...my opinion..could be wrong..staal is a star right? usually want some kind of star back UNLESS its pure salary dump and dont want money back which might be the case with crosby up soon enough...anyway, you get the idea

Paul (Mt. Prospect)

I felt all season long that these guys had the talent..but were not motivated enough, day in day out. No lunch box mentality. I don't see how that is going to change if its the same old gang again, including the same old coach. These guys have tuned the coach OUT. How is Q going to get more?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:57 PM)

Cause its not going to be a country club anymore..and I say that compareitively..hawks have the most days off of any team...pretty short practices..stars get all the ice time on special teams..i think those things change..no matter how self motivated you are..once you get paid, win a cup, olymoic gold, are the toast of the city, SOME hunger goes away...its human nature...have to try and get it back now

Ben (Charleston, IL)

Jesse, do you think that Duncan Keith's excellent play in the world championships means anything towards his improvement next season?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:00 PM)

I have no idea but I wonder why it happened there and not here...there has been something going on with Keith since they won the cup...he just doesnt look "comfortable" then he goes there and lights it up...not even sure its all on him..maybe they arent using him the right way but something up..I know everyone sees it..prob mental im sure...and when he goes over there nad does well it highlights what he did (or didnt do ) here more

Jesse Rogers

  (2:02 PM)

Thats going to do it for today...sorry if I didnt get to your question..tried to answer as many as I could...follow me on twitter @espnchihawks. Ill be at the draft in pitt fri/sat so read the blog for all the news on the draft picks etc. When they said Andrew Shaw's name last year in the 5th round I didnt think twice about him..now ill pay attention all 7 rounds..lol. Thanks again. you can email me at jrogers@espnchicago.com and check out the blog for stuff daily..we'll do it again soon