Jesse Rogers

  (1:05 PM)

Hi all, welcome to another Blackhawks off-season chat!

Jesse Rogers

  (1:06 PM)

Prospects camp is done...the convention is over...next up is training camp in mid sept...august is a notoriously quiet month in teh NHL so before you know it sept will be here..dont know if we'll have hockey but first things first..fire away with questions!

Quinn (Chicago)

Will we see any other roster changes from now until training camp in particular any trades?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:08 PM)

Thats the million dollar question..if we do, they will be minor in my opinion...the effort for some big changes was made..they came up short, now they go with what they have unless something falls in their lap...but I dont think there is a HR out there at the right price...at least Im pretty sure the Hawks dont think so...Id say this is the team..give or take 1 move prob at most

Kurt (Arlington Heights)

Will Hammer be traded before the season starts?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:10 PM)

Good question..this would be the one possible move...him or Montador being moved out...I think they could trade Hammer today if they wanted for at least a 2nd or 3rd roud draft pick..maybe a NHL player but Im not sure why they would..you need depth...you need d-man that can play SOME defense...he's at least a 4 or 5...they wont get back anyone that can really help them right now in my opinion so I would say it looks like he wont be traded...I think they were ready to pull the trigger to dump his salary if they signed anyone of significance...in fact I know some deals were on hold (Edm) but it didnt happen so they dont need to dump..

Curt (Chicago)

Very early prediction of end of season standings for the division?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:12 PM)

Sure, why not . I referenced this in my blog yesterday...(go read it!) Ill say St. Louis, Chicago, Nashville (barely), Det., Columbus....think det is going to have some real problems...

Shawn (Iowa)

We all know that this whole Bowman vs. Q thing will reach an impasse...although I don't want it to get to this point...what kind of options are there for replacing Q if Bowman decides to let him go? Who/what would we be looking to bring in (style, pedigree, etc.)?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:15 PM)

It might not. If they win, it wont. If they lose, there will be finger pointing...either literal or not. I cant give you a name...Scotty will have a hand in it so look at his past and his ties, etc. I'm guessing a little bit of a task master with maybe an emphasis on special teams...the task master stuff for sure I think...its hard to know who is great at special teams..the good ones all know how to do it...getting the best out of players is the tough part...lets see how it plays out

Alex (Chicago)

How soon before any of the Hawks prospects at center are ready to contend for a legitimate roster spot, especially at the second line center spot? Assuming that Kruger, does not work out.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:18 PM)

Good question...maybe one more year? This is a little where Bolland is clogging things up...a lot of the time (see the sedins) a talented player (but no sure thing) works his way up the lineup...bolland SHOULD be there now and kruger or whoever goes to third and works his way up there...as long as that player has some def responsibility which most non sure things do, if you know what I mean...but bolland hasnt matured into that player so now Kruger or Mark McNeil has to jump into that 2nd line role..not easy to do again unless youre like a kane type or toews, a top pick...maybe teuvo can do it but thats at least a year if not more away...

Jonathan (Brookfield)

With the Hawks drafting Teravainen, do you think this is perhaps a subtle nudge at Kane to get his act together or that he is on the verge of being "trade-able"?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:19 PM)

100 percent , absolutely, no. Its a coincidence they are the same size...Teuvo is a highly thought of player...youve heard the stories..the flyers has him rated NO. 1 on their board..det. in the top 5...nothing to do with kane...nothing

like me now (love me later)

how's hossa doing?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:20 PM)

Read my blog from the convention about him...hes doing well. he looked good. says hes sympmtom free

Brad (Chicago)

Why send Teravainen back to Finland without first giving him a chance to prove himself at training camp?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:22 PM)

Even his agent and Teuvo himself dont want to rush it..and thats knowing they could get paid now instead of later...I think they feel whatever could look good in the short term will hurt them long term...I think the Hawks were actually less hesitant than Teuvo on this issue...he wasnt even the best in finland last year..he was ok playing with the men..hes only 17...I cant argue with it

Calvin (Westchester)

How's Ben Smith looking and what are your thoughts on him and Brandon Saad competing for a wing spot? I felt like Smith was robbed of the top line minutes he was so successful with during the 2011 playoff run when he was called up last year and then he had the health issues to boot.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:23 PM)

No doubt, injuries set him back...he's going to have to battle for a spot...Saad is the closest to a lock of the propsects...hes def ahead, unless he blows it...hawks talking him up pretty big...I like Smith but might get caught in a numbers game..he cant afford one bad day at camp

Matt (Colorado)

Given are current roster, who starts at 2C? Kane, Kruger, maybe Shaw?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:24 PM)

In my opinion? Kruger. And I think thats the right decision...can always change after one game but thats what I would do...def not shaw...

Patrick (Crystal Lake)

Obviously not an important question, just more curiosity. Have you heard anything as far as the Hawks trying to get the Winter Classic back here? Game at Soldier Field? Wasn't sure if they were interested in trying to get that game again. Your the man Jesse!

Jesse Rogers

  (1:25 PM)

I know they would like to have it but there is a long line of teams and cities who go first..

Hannah (Champaign, IL)

Do you think that Toews and Kane will stay in Chicago after their contracts are up in two years? (This Parise and Suter drama scares me a little.)

Jesse Rogers

  (1:27 PM)

For sure Toews...he's a lifer..no doubt...prob kane too but we know he's a little more in flux..especially if he gets in trouble...lets assume he doesnt...I say he stays but you never know...dont they have 3 years left?

Izzy (NJ)

How much of a impact is a fully healthy Carcillo for the season and playoffs

Jesse Rogers

  (1:28 PM)

Remains to be seen. I wish I knew for sure...partial season told some of the story but I need to see more in a hawks uniform

Cody McCraw (Coal Valley, IL)

Hey Jesse, what are the odds that Montador gets traded this off-season? He seems like the odd man out and there's the concussion issue to think about too. Love your work, keep it up!

Jesse Rogers

  (1:29 PM)

Traded or dumped by Oct is a possibility...no one will want that contract so would have be part of a bigger deal...this was a mistake from the get go...way overpaid..and thats not hindsight!

Henry A (St. Petersburg FL)

other than Luongo is there any other goalie out there that could get picked up by the hawks?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:30 PM)

No one decidely better than Crawford, so no. unless thomas decides to play

Ryan (New Lenox)

Jesse, are there any dark horse prospects to make it to Chicago this year?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:30 PM)

Mark McNeil would be the only one in my opinion...def dark horse

Jeremy Mannshow (Meat District)

Jesse, which 4 d men get PP time to start the year (assuming Q doesn't go with a forward back there)?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:33 PM)

Good question. I like it.but its too easy if you dont have a forward back there...has to be leddy, seabrook, keith and oduya...no hammer, monty, brookbank or olsen....did I miss anyone?

Dane (Avondale)

To go off of Jeremy's question what do you think the pk/pp will look like this year?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:36 PM)

Even better question. PK will look upside down in my opinon...if it doesnt than Q chickened out..pardon my french...pk forwards should be: Toews, Shaw, Kruger, Mayers, Bolland...??Defense should be brookbank, seabrook, hammer, keith..maybe monty if hes in there....pp forwards: toews, sharp, kane, shaw, hossa..?

Brian (Chicago)

Is there any chance we sign Shane Doan?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:36 PM)

Very little...that was always the case

Chris (Joliet)

Given the obscene contracts being handed out, especially for D-men, will StanBo get some redemption for the relative value extensions he's made with guys like Oduya, and even Toews, Kane, and Keith for that matter?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:38 PM)

I suppose you can say that..but its about timing for some guys...he doesnt get redemption for monty thats for sure...Oduya was prob about right...he screwed up with hammer situation..could have paid him a lot less without the offer sheet...some people dont like the keith contract..point is we can make a case against as much as for...

Matt (Clawson, MI)

There have been rumblings about a divide in philosophy between the front office(Bowman) and the coaching staff(Q), do you believe this and how could it affect the season and the organization moving forward?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:39 PM)

Ive been writing about it. Check out my blog from early in summer and several others throughout. Yes, its there...if things go south in-season i think Scotty is going to push for a coaching change and someone (I guess Q) is going to say its about personnell...I think the front office will win out if its in-season...

Andrew (Chicago)

I'd hate to bring up Bobby Lu again, but rumor has it that Leafs are getting Bernier and the Panthers don't want to deal with Gillis' trade demands, so do you think Lu may come here? Maybe Bowman purposefully waited till after the convention to make the move.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:40 PM)

No dont think that. Its never been seriously discussed by Hawks. I know that for a fact.

Xander Smetzer (C-Bus, O-H-I-O)

How happy are the hawks that Rick Nash is out of the central? Or are my beloved Blue Jackets just so over matched that it doesn't matter...and of the three players the Rangers gave up, who gives the hawks the biggest scare?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:40 PM)

Hawks were 6-0 against them with Nash. Enough said

Mike (Chicago)

Are the Hawks sitting out this year's free agency, so they can make a splash in next year's?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:41 PM)

No, they are sitting out because they have missed on some names...after that I dont want semin, I love Doan but not at 7 mil or even close to it..They need a net prescence, convinve Holmstrom to come here, thats what I would do...he wont though

Dan (Chicago)

I think at this point, most people are just plain done with Bowman. So now we have to wait, but how long? Will another 1st round loss be enough for the Hawks and the rest of us to move on or do you think we have to miss the playoffs?

john (chicago)

who are the 3 players that need to take a step up for the team to improve next year? i was thinking crawford, kruger and stalberg

Jesse Rogers

  (1:43 PM)

Obviously Craw is No. 1 but yes on Kruger...if Stalberg repeated his season i think most would be happy...if just craw and kruger take steps, thats huge..Leddy I would put in there ahead of stalberg..so those 3

Ray (Oswego)

Hey Jesse, At what point in time did the Chicago Blackhawks turn into the Chicago CUBhawks. Addition by subtraction, is the thought process of Jim Henry and the Cubs. We'll get better if others in the division get worse. Last time I check it was a 101 pt team that got smoked in the first round. Isn't the goal of an organization to complete again the whole league and not to get into the playoffs by default? McDonough has turned the Blackhawks into a show pony the same way he turned the Cubs in that pony. Blackhawks fans desire more.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:44 PM)

Having some issues with questions posting but looks like they are getting up, just not where I normally see them...

Jesse Rogers

  (1:46 PM)

Anyway, to answer Ray, to be fair i dont think that was their strategy going in...its just worked out this way..and smoked is a hard word to use in a series where 5 of 6 went to OT but I get your point...this is why I have written its such a critical year for the entire staff...Q has his assitsants and marching orders...bowman is going down with the ship with his prospects and similar team to last yr...we'll know DEFINITIVELY where everyone stands after this yr

bob (orland park)

could the hawks have pursued Nash?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:47 PM)

They could have but would have come up short..he wasnt coming here...last thing Columbus wanted was seeing him 6 times a year

Jay (stockyards)

Any chance we see Kane and Crawford traded to buffalo for Myers and Miller? Who else would have to be involved to make it happen?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:47 PM)

Narcotics

STEVE (NORTHBROOK)

Hi Jesse, were the hawks ever in on Ribiero or Staal....It seems like after what Parise just signed for, the hawks should have made a push for staal. I know he wanted to go to carolina, but being second line center on the hawks should have been appealing too....

Jesse Rogers

  (1:48 PM)

I "heard" they did make an offer for Staal...included Bolland and Hammer...pitt wanted olsen but it died because Staal went public with no extension unless he went to carolina...nothing on ribiero..i think that would have been a nice option..not sure why no interest

Matt (Clawson, MI)

Will the power play be better? The hiring of Kompon makes me very worried about another season of frustrating special teams.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:50 PM)

Listen, Ive heard the stuff about Kompon..this is on Q and the players as much as him...LA was 7th in pp a couple years ago..Kompon was there...Hawks have veterans on the pp..they can get it done no matter the coach...the pk is a diff story..if kitchen blows this, then he should go and soon

Aaron (Chicago)

I know theres a lot of discussion about a rift between Q and Bowman, etc. And you've blogged about it and answered questions too, but in your opinion, if the season goes south who should get the boot? Q or Bowman? It seems that Bowman hasnt been able to bring in the type of players Tallon could.

Jesse Rogers

  (1:52 PM)

Been asked that and the easy answer would be to pick one but in relaity HOW it goes south will have a lot to do with it..but my inclination is Q would go...in fact, Im pretty sure of it..usually how it works anyway, right? GM gets to fire and hire at least one coach before he gets it...right or wrong Q is on the hot seat first..again, in season..thats a coaching move you make..not many GMs gets fired in-season unless both GNM ad coach go

chris (boston)

Since a front net presence on the power play turned out to be a huge problem for our power play last year, what is our plan for this upcoming year on the pp?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:53 PM)

Shaw, Shaw, Shaw, Shaw..maybe Monty, maybe Hayes...Toews a little bit...there is no Buff in there

Joe (lombard)

Any chance Brandon Pirri gets playing time with the big club?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:53 PM)

Sure..but he's not a slam sunk or anything..things have to work in his favor..needs a great camp, etc.

Richard Rosario (Chicago)

Can the Hawks win a Stanley Cup with Crawford between the pipes?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:56 PM)

My opinion? yes. But the question is pretty general...could they win it with emery? sure...now what are the percentages? thats a diff story...Heres my deal..last year, in-season if they could have gotten a goalie I would have been for it..but now that we are here..I'm buying into a sophmore slump and a rebound..as Ive stated a bunch of times..its not a physical problem..he's big enough, moves well enough, etc. its mental..not that he didnt need to fix a few things, of course..but mental was his issue..

Steve (St. Louis)

What are the chances of burying Frolik in the minors to make way for a young guy who might actually put some points on the board?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:58 PM)

I mean its possible..his contract isnt the worst thing in the world but he certainly didnt live up to it..btw, another deal--he was an RFA-where the hawks overpaid and I said so at the time!! anyway, he had another decent playoff...guy works hard..hes the type you pull for so maybe things go his way but sure he could be buried...not sure I see it though..heck, im not sure he gets through waivers...which Im sure a lot of fans wouldnt mind...

Henry A (St. Petersburg FL)

Is Sheldon Brookbank really the only deal were going to make?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:58 PM)

Its very posssible

Dane (Avondale)

I heard the PA is about to make their counter-offer...How do you expect/hope the negotiations to go?

Jesse Rogers

  (1:59 PM)

Down to the last minute for sure..maybe later..worst case they are playing by dec. 1 in my opinionwould still suck

Kevin ((Chicago))

If Hammer were to be traded, which teams would be the top candidates to get him?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:00 PM)

edmonton

Chris (Chicago)

Hey Jesse...what would you say is the biggest reason for Bowman not being able to land a big name since Tallon left? Is it more so the salary cap, unwillingness to part with a member of the "core" or the rumor that tensions between the coaching staff and management are putting people off?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:02 PM)

Well until now its prob been the salary cap more than anything...as for free agents there are only a couple each year that are even close to worth it..brad richards was the one last summer..its obvioust parise and suter coordinated the minny thing...being near home, minny having the money for both,etc. as for trades thats an intersting angle...not sure bowman is part of the old boys network as much as he might need to be...he can do deals but to get creative and bold..that remains to be seen..I also think there is a cautious angle to this whole thing...screw it up and the hawks could be a .500 team or worse...

JD (Homer Glen)

Great work week in and week out, Jesse. With alot of young talent in the orginzation right now. shaw, hayes, sadd, etc. How do you see these guys filling in this years roster, mostly bottom six do any crack the top six. Also how does the Hawks 3rd and 4th line match up to those of the LA,Van,Det, and other top contenders in the West. I feel these lines production are a big part of winning the Cup!

Jesse Rogers

  (2:04 PM)

Saad def top 6 if he makes the team..shaw, top 9, hayes more like top 12 or even 12 (bench) ...hawks need more out of bottom two lines...would like to see bolland have that magical huge year that he hasnt had yet...aslo need more out of 4th line, not sure they can get it..mayers is limited and so is bollig, assuming they are both on it..maybe bollig has more offense..got a great shot

Rob (Chicago)

Do you think Bowman has anything else up his sleeve or are going to pretty much stand pat at this point?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:05 PM)

I dont think he has anything up his sleeve at this moment..

Jeremy Mannshow (Meat District)

Jesse, if the Hawks move Hammer or Montador, do you see them going for a defensive prospect in return? Seems like that's the thinnest area in terms of prospects, do you agree?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:06 PM)

No, would be a draft pick or lower level prospect..no top guy or anything...they have olsen and clendening...btw, he could be the darkhorse on defesne..clendening, that is

Steve (St. Louis)

Did the Hawks ever seriously consider putting in an offer sheet on Weber?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:07 PM)

Not that I heard...prob would have been useless..preds absolutely match one in the division, ended up matching anyway

Jeff (Lincoln Square)

Would the Hawks have any interest in Stastny if the Avalanche decided to move him? Our top six would be awfully intimidating (Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Stalberg, Stastny) and the Avs might go for Hammer, Monty and a first rounder.

Jesse Rogers

  (2:08 PM)

Sure..I could see interest...not sure what it would take..and adding monty woudlnt spice up the deal...hammer and a first is pretty good value for sure...plenty would go after him so would take a nice package

Jay (Chicago)

What do you consider a good season? Last year if we go 4-5 instead of the 9 game slide, we finish with 109 pts and on top of the division. 5 of 6 decided in OT in a league of extreme parity. I know we have holes but so do 29 other teams in the league. So was last year a failure in your eyes?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:11 PM)

yes, it was a "failure" as much as 101 point team can be...spceial teams was awful all year and Q did little about it...and craw didnt step up...no one wants to hear this for some reason and I mean on either side of the Q debate...but here is the answer in a nutshell...A GOOD TO GREAT COACH HAD A BAD YEAR...book that. its the answer to the year, at least on the ice...and at least as much as a coach has an affect on the team...its not black and white. "he stinks". "hes the best". more nuance to that

Jesse Rogers

  (2:11 PM)

yes, it was a "failure" as much as 101 point team can be...spceial teams was awful all year and Q did little about it...and craw didnt step up...no one wants to hear this for some reason and I mean on either side of the Q debate...but here is the answer in a nutshell...A GOOD TO GREAT COACH HAD A BAD YEAR...book that. its the answer to the year, at least on the ice...and at least as much as a coach has an affect on the team...its not black and white. "he stinks". "hes the best". more nuance to that

Aaron (Winfield)

Do you think we will have games in October? I'm worried the owners might lock out until December or January.

Jesse Rogers

  (2:13 PM)

They will play before january...league doesnt want to cancel winter classic from what I hear..huge sponsorship thing..marquee event..thats why I say by dec 1

Eric (Chicago)

How much will we be under the cap if no other moves are made before the season starts? I don't buy mid-season pickups. They said that last year and it didn't happen. With selling out every night we should be spending to improve the team.

Jesse Rogers

  (2:15 PM)

About 8 mil or so?? im with you on mid-season..this is why you can wonder about bowman..lots of trying to improve and of course a lot cant get done cause there are many factors invloved but the great GM's get theri coaches what they need

Jesse Rogers

  (2:15 PM)

About 8 mil or so?? im with you on mid-season..this is why you can wonder about bowman..lots of trying to improve and of course a lot cant get done cause there are many factors invloved but the great GM's get theri coaches what they need

Jeremy Mannshow (Meat District)

Jesse, I think St. Louis is a good team, but I expect them to come down to earth this season, and see the Hawks and Blues in a neck and neck race for the division. What do you think?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:16 PM)

I would agree with the neck and neck..not sure they come down too far though

Thomas (Oak Lawn)

Do you see the hawks attempting to sign any restricted free agents?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:16 PM)

No

Shawn Carter (Elk Grove Village, Illinois)

Jesse, how do you feel Phillip Danault has progressed so far after being drafted last summer? How far away are we from seeing him make any sort of impact at the NHL level?

Jesse Rogers

  (2:17 PM)

You know, I havent followed him as much as other guys like Saad and McNeil..hawks spoke highly of him at prospects camp..now i know they speak highly of a lot of players but usually if they have nothing nice to say you hear nothing..so i guess he's progressed but not quite there yet from what I understand

Jeff (Schaumburg)

Can Hammer be coached into being more physical and winning more board battles? He is the most frustrating defender to watch because of his lack of physicality.

Jesse Rogers

  (2:19 PM)

The answer to your question is yes, he can be and should be harder to play against...you still cant play him against other top lines...not that hes paid to do that but you would like him to advance to that level cause he is not providing offense..still decent but could be better

Justin (Fort Myers,FL) [via mobile]

Unlike most people, I love how our Defence looks right now. How do you see the top 7 spots filling out? Im saying it should be Seabrook-keith, Oduya-Hammer, brookbank-leddy, with olsen on the bench, and montador traded for some chinese food.

Jesse Rogers

  (2:21 PM)

Haha. That's cold...Um, its a good question...It would be nice if that 2nd pair could handle things allwoing that 3rd pair to just be solid and grow etc. Im not sure that hammer and oduya are not both 4's at best...its like trying to squeeze 4/5 into 3/4...so leddy could move up and hammer down..i think they like oduya where he is..on a great team I still think oduya is a 5 but most dont have that luxury...but he really is a 4 at best...and so is hammer i think..anyway, youre close if not on it..olsen comes in when needed

Jonathan (Lockport)

Going of Chris's question, net front presence and you mentioned Hayes. Why are we not attempting to make Hayes the next Big Buff with the size??? (playoff run Buff)

Jesse Rogers

  (2:22 PM)

Maybe they will..not sure of their plans though I did ask Q about it at the convention...still a work in progress but I would try it, sure. Not sure if he has the hands..he might

Jesse Rogers

  (2:24 PM)

Thats it for today..hope I got to your question..if not, email me at jrogers@espnchicago.com check out my blog...will take some time off in august then fire it up into sept again...season around the corner, if they play!! follow me on twitter @espnchihawks and as we approach the season tell people about espnchicago.com and the hawks blog...thanks, these were great questions...talk to you soon