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Sharks say Niemi was too good to pass up (SportingNews.com)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 4 06:12 PM EDT
It was early August when the Chicago Blackhawks declined to pay Antti Niemi the $2.75 million he was awarded in arbitration. He became an unrestricted free agent, one month after other free-agent goalies had begun their search for starting jobs. Or as his agent put it, it was like selling a big-screen television the day after the Super Bowl. Not the best timing. “But at the same time, he’s a pretty good player,” Niemi’s agent Bill Zito told Sporting News.... Read More »
The Top 2010-2011 Season Norris Trophy Candidates
National News Source:Bleacher Report - Chicago Blackhawks - September 4 06:00 PM EDT
The arguments will continue on which is more important, the goalie or defencemen? This appears to be the defencemen era as a majority of teams are investing an immense amount of that little cap money into their top four defencemen these days. Last year the Chicago Blackhawks invested in Duncan Keith for the next 13 years. To no surprise, Keith brought home the Norris Trophy Award for the most elite defencemen in the 2009-2010 season. Can he bring it back to Chicag... Read More »
Bruins GM assures Marc Savard he won't be traded (SportingNews.com)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 4 01:43 PM EDT
Apparently unsatisfied with the offers he received for Marc Savard, Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli on Friday said he won't be trading the high-priced center. "We told Marc we are not moving him and he is part of the organization," Chiarelli told reporters. Chiarelli acknowledged fielding proposals for Savard, who has become one of the league's top playmakers. Chiarelli broke from his usual policy of not discussing trade rumors, saying he was addressing the Savard... Read More »
New CBA rules: Who came out ahead? (Yahoo! Sports)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 4 10:50 AM EDT
The best news about the Ilya Kovalchuck contract resolution is that we can talk about hockey again.... Read More »
Former NCAA sniper looking for opening (The Ottawa Citizen)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 4 06:10 AM EDT
For any aspiring forward hoping to win a spot with the Ottawa Senators this fall, the numbers will be daunting The team will come to camp with 11 players already guaranteed a job: Daniel Alfredsson, Mike Fisher, Milan Michalek, Jason Spezza, Chris Kelly, Chris Neil, Alex Kovalev, Peter Regin, Nick Folig... Read More »
The Chicago Blackhawks 2010-2011 Season Schedule Series Compilation
National News Source:Bleacher Report - Chicago Blackhawks - September 3 10:21 PM EDT
After completing my series analyzing the Blackhawks new season, I have decided to put it all together in this slide show for easy viewing. Please follow the links to the months covered and reviewed and find out who the Blackhawks play and how well they may end up doing for that particular month.Begin Slideshow... Read More »
What NHL's new math for long-term contracts might look like (Yahoo! Sports)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 3 07:42 PM EDT
As an amendment to the Collective Bargaining Agreement dealing with long-term contracts is finalized,...... Read More »
Puck Headlines: NHL/NHLPA agreement approves Kovalchuk deal (Yahoo! Sports)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 3 02:55 PM EDT
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in...... Read More »
Chicago Blackhawks Celebrity-Am set for 2010 BMW Championship
National News Source:Blackhawks Recent Headlines - September 3 12:18 PM EDT
A group of current and former Blackhawks will participate in this year’s inaugural Chicago Blackhawks Celebrity-Am, presented by CDW, on Monday of BMW Championship week.
Among the 15 Blackhawk participants in the event will be team gener...... Read More »
Suit threatened if Marc Savard contract is voided (SportingNews.com)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 3 03:41 AM EDT
Boston Bruins center Marc Savard has had enough with speculation over whether the NHL might void his seven-year, $28 million contract. His agent, Larry Kelly, on Thursday threatened to sue the league if the deal is rejected. Savard signed his extension last season, at which time the league OK'd it. Now, following fallout from Ilya Kovalchuk's contracts with the New Jersey Devils, the league is poking into several long-term deals to see if they, too, violate terms of the collective bargai... Read More »
'Till Death Do Us Part: The Lifetime Contract In The NHL
National News Source:Bleacher Report - Chicago Blackhawks - September 2 10:26 PM EDT
In light of the ongoing soap opera between the NHL and the New Jersey Devils over the contract status of star forward Ilya Kovalchuk, lets examine the entity that is the lifetime contract.
The thought process of general managers who have succeeded (or in the case of the Devils, attempted) in signing players to these types of contracts is that by signing players to contracts where dollar value declines significantly towards the end of the contract, they're able to reduce said player's salar... Read More »
Chicago Blackhawks Season Preview: April
National News Source:Bleacher Report - Chicago Blackhawks - September 2 07:57 PM EDT
The final month of the NHL season comes in April and the Blackhawks won’t even play a full month's worth of games. Their final regular season game of the month comes on the 10th. Hopefully by then, they will be in a position to get into the playoffs and defend their Stanley Cup title.
The Blackhawks will kick off the month of April on April Fools' Day with a visit to the Columbus Blue Jackets. When these two teams met last season (five times) the Blackhawks gained a 3-2 advantage in those ... Read More »
Correcting the Kovalchuk contract crisis (Yahoo! Sports)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 2 04:28 PM EDT
Yes, it's a mess. But it gives the NHL and NHLPA a chance to hammer out some CBA solutions.... Read More »
Sharks' GM refutes plan was to get Niemi
National News Source:ESPN.com - Chicago Blackhawks Blog - September 2 12:49 PM EDT
San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said that Thursday’s signing of goaltender Antti Niemi was not the end result of an offer sheet Wilson tendered to Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson.
But most knew that when the Blackhawks were forced to match the deal that would pay Hjalmarsson $3.5 million for four years that Chicago – which had serious salary cap problems – would not be able to hold onto Niemi, who helped lead the Hawks to the Stanley Cup title. A... Read More »
Top 25 All-Time Chicago Blackhawks
National News Source:Bleacher Report - Chicago Blackhawks - September 2 12:35 PM EDT
Last year, I looked back into the history of the Chicago Blackhawks, an Original Six franchise, and ranked the top players in the organization's great history. Some of arguably the best players to ever play their position wore the Indian head sweater, but the Blackhawks weren't ever able to get over the hump. For 49 years, Chicago was without the Stanley Cup. But in the spring of 2010, the Blackhawks won it all. So, in honor of the first time the Hawks will begin a season as defending champions ... Read More »
Niemi takes Stanley Cup ring to San Jose (The Canadian Press)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 2 10:40 AM EDT
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose have added a Stanley Cup champion to their goal crease.... Read More »
Niemi decides to sign with Sharks
National News Source:ESPN.com - Chicago Blackhawks Blog - September 2 09:43 AM EDT
CHICAGO -- Former Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Antti Niemi has decided to accept a one-year, $2 million deal with the San Jose Sharks, according to a league source.
Read the entire story.... Read More »
Ilya Kovalchuk Chaos: NHL Gives Players Association Ultimatum
National News Source:Bleacher Report - Chicago Blackhawks - September 2 09:42 AM EDT
On Wednesday afternoon, the NHL's deadline to either accept or reject the New Jersey Devils latest attempt to sign star forward Ilya Kovalchuk was pushed back to Friday at 5 p.m. ET. The reason might lead to a historic series of events that could unfold in the next two days.
In a story first reported by Larry Brooks of the NY Post, the NHL has given the Players' Association an ultimatum that must be agreed upon before the league will accept Kovalchuk's re-worked 15-year, $100M contract. And Kova... Read More »
Antti Niemi joining Sharks (Yahoo! Sports)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 2 06:01 AM EDT
People were screaming god-awful things at former Chicago Blackhawks goalie Antti Niemi in Southern California...... Read More »
NHL's ultimatum: Amend CBA or reject Kovalchuk, Luongo deals? (Yahoo! Sports)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 1 10:53 PM EDT
On Wednesday afternoon, the NHL and NHLPA extended the deadline for approval or rejection of the New Jersey...... Read More »
Ex-Hawks goalie Niemi signs with Sharks
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - September 1 09:09 PM EDT
Former Blackhawks goalie Antti Niemi finally found a new home on Wednesday. Niemi agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with the Hawks' rival San Jose Sharks.... Read More »
NHL Backchecking: Dave Feamster Flips NHL Career for Pizza Profits
National News Source:Bleacher Report - Chicago Blackhawks - September 1 06:44 PM EDT
“What do you do in life? You learn to tie your shoes, then you play hockey.”-Dave Feamster
Dave Feamster sums up his life with that simple, yet brilliant quote.
The youngest of five boys, Feamster grew up in Detroit living and breathing hockey. Every winter, his father would flood their backyard so he and his friends could play.
“Every afternoon after school we’d have a big game,” Feamster recalled. “Everyone in the neighborhood would come over and we’d ... Read More »
Four key questions about Antti Niemi signing with San Jose Sharks (Yahoo! Sports)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 1 05:35 PM EDT
Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet reported via Twitter that Antti Niemi, the Stanley Cup-winning goaltender for the...... Read More »
Niemi's moves makes things interesting
National News Source:ESPN.com - Chicago Blackhawks Blog - September 1 05:25 PM EDT
Movie, television producer, and hockey fan Jerry Bruckheimer might want this script.
And if he -- and hockey fans - want some drama for this upcoming season, Doug Wilson and Antti Niemi just provided some.
According to league sources, Niemi turned down one or more multi-year deals to sign with San Jose for one year at $2 million. There are so many story lines here it’s hard to know where to start.
How about with the fact that Niemi goes to the team he bested in a four-game sweep this past ... Read More »
San Jose Sharks Play Perfect Hand, Get Antti Niemi As Chicago Blackhawks Move On
National News Source:Bleacher Report - Chicago Blackhawks - September 1 04:36 PM EDT
Recently reported by multiple sources has been the free agent signing of former Chicago Blackhawks net-minder, Antti Niemi. San Jose has ended a near month of waiting, in which Niemi was left gasping for reasoning into why a Stanley Cup winning goaltender was without a job.
The Sharks have unofficially signed Niemi to a $2 million contract, which in turn ends up being $750,000 less than the NHL arbitrator awarded him back on July 31st.
Niemi No No... is no more.
The Finnish Fortress... well stil... Read More »
Blackhawks name Steve Poapst assistant coach for AHL’s Rockford IceHogs
National News Source:Blackhawks Recent Headlines - September 1 03:00 PM EDT
Steve Poapst
The Chicago Blackhawks have announced today the hiring of former National Hockey League defenseman Steve Poapst as an assistant coach with the American...... Read More »
Puck Headlines: Alex Ovechkin vs. Vikings; the end of VERSUS? (Yahoo! Sports)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 1 02:51 PM EDT
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in...... Read More »
Can the Chicago Blackhawks Repeat Last Season's Quest for the Cup?
National News Source:Bleacher Report - Chicago Blackhawks - September 1 01:39 PM EDT
Every team wishes to be the next dynasty in sports, comparable to the 90’s Chicago Bulls or New York Yankees, or even the 80’s Edmonton Oilers.
In the NHL today, it is a tad more complex to complete this goal. The last time back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions hoisted the Cup was in 97'-98' by the Detroit Redwings.
The Chicago Blackhawks President John McDonough claims that his team will replicate last season.
With their exciting style of play from last year, and the success of the ent... Read More »
National News Source:ESPN.com - Chicago Blackhawks Blog - September 1 12:44 PM EDT
ESPN Chicago's Jesse Rogers took your questions about Antti Niemi, more potential moves and the Blackhawks' chances at defending their Stanley Cup title during a chat on Wednesday.
Read the chat wrap.... Read More »
Turco aiming to add to Blackhawks' success
National News Source:Blackhawks Recent Headlines - September 1 10:03 AM EDT
Marty Turco puts on the Blackhawks' sweater for the first time Tuesday.
CHICAGO – Sitting behind a microphone and next to his new boss, Marty Turco smiled w...... Read More »
Turco follows in Tony O's footsteps
National News Source:ESPN.com - Chicago Blackhawks Blog - September 1 09:29 AM EDT
CHICAGO -- He shares the same hometown as Tony Esposito, the same family boathouse even, back in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. And until he became a Chicago Blackhawk, Marty Turco wore the same No. 35 as the Hall of Fame goaltender.
He's No. 30 now, a small concession to wear the same jersey as his hero. "You don't think it will all come full circle in your life," Turco said Tuesday.
Read the entire story.
... Read More »
After 27 seasons, Chelios says it's time to go ()
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 1 04:08 AM EDT
Chris Chelios knew the day would come when he finally had to pack in his NHL career.... Read More »
Predators pad defense corps with Aaron Johnson (SportingNews.com)
National News Source:Yahoo! Sports - NHL - Chicago Blackhawks News - September 1 02:39 AM EDT
At 27, defenseman Aaron Johnson has been around the block a few times in the NHL. His latest career turn came Tuesday, when he signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Nashville Predators. The accord, the Nashville Tennessean reports, will pay him $550,000 for NHL time and $105,000 for the Predators' AHL Milwaukee affiliate. Johnson was an unrestricted free agent and should provide veteran depth to the Predators. The team has yet to come to terms with defenseman Cody Franson, a restricted fr... Read More »
Hawks like Pisani's versatility
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - September 1 01:00 AM EDT
Feeling the need to add one more veteran at forward was behind the Blackhawks' thinking when it came to signing free-agent winger Fernando Pisani to a one-year, $500,000 contract.... Read More »
National News Source:ESPN.com - Chicago Blackhawks Blog - August 31 09:38 PM EDT
Training camp is around the corner and the mail is starting to pile up. Here are some answers to your questions:
I know we're not even starting preseason yet, but do you see Brent Seabrook getting a long-term extension this season similar to that of Duncan Keith, or will the Hawks wait until next summer to explore their options? Also, does the current cap situation end this year? If not, how long do you foresee the Blackhawks crunching numbers to field a team? Do the bonuses to Kane and Toews al... Read More »
Call from the Blackhawks all Turco needed to hear
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 31 06:06 PM EDT
When last season ended and Marty Turco knew he would be testing the waters as a free agent, Chicago was his clear-cut No. 1 destination.... Read More »
Chelios finally hangs 'em up after 26 NHL seasons; takes job with Wings
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 31 12:46 PM EDT
Chris Chelios finally is retiring at the age of 48 after 26 NHL seasons and three Stanley Cups. The longest-tenured defenseman in league history made the announcement at a news conference in Detroit on Tuesday.... Read More »
Blackhawks sign Brandon Pirri to three-year contract
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 31 08:53 AM EDT
The Chicago Blackhawks have signed center Brandon Pirri to a three-year contract.
Pirri, 19, led all rookie scorers in the ECAC with 43 points (11G,32A) in 39 contests as a freshman at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute (R.P.I.) during the 2009-10 season. ... Read More »
Blackhawks sign winger Fernando Pisani
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 24 11:03 AM EDT
The Blackhawks have signed right wing and seven-year National Hockey League veteran Fernando Pisani to a one-year contract. Pisani, 33, tallied four goals, four assists, and 10 penalty minutes in 40 regular-season games with the Edmonton Oilers during the 2009-10 campaign.... Read More »
Blackhawks goalie Huet in talks to join Swiss league
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 23 04:52 PM EDT
Cristobal Huet is negotiating a return to Europe and will not play in the NHL this season. According to RDS.ca, the former Blackhawks goalie has signed a one-year contract with Fribourg-Gotteron of the Swiss National League, and the Hawks have agreed to loan his services.... Read More »
Ex-Blackhawk Burish takes Cup on tour of Madison
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 18 02:19 PM EDT
Right winger Adam Burish says he's had such a short offseason he's hardly had time to enjoy the summer. He thinks he'll have time for warm weather this winter after signing with the Dallas Stars following his successful stint in Chicago that ended in a championship.... Read More »
Byfuglien brings Cup to Roseau
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 16 11:47 AM EDT
It was Big Buff's big day in Roseau. Thousands of fans welcomed hometown hero Dustin Byfuglien and the Stanley Cup to one of Minnesota's most hockey-crazy cities Sunday.... Read More »
Blackhawks re-sign D Nick Boynton
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 16 11:12 AM EDT
The Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed defenseman Nick Boynton, a member of the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship team, to a one-year contract.... Read More »
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - August 16 02:03 AM EDT
Ssshhh. Hear that? No? Good. Things are finally quiet this off-season. It’s kind of nice, actually. And speaking of quiet, former Blackhawks goalie Antti Niemi finally talked a bit about his time in Chicago and his future.
In his interview with David Haugh, Niemi expressed his disappointment and said he always believed a deal would get worked out. Reading his quotes, it convinced me further Niemi’s agent, Bill Zito, persuaded Niemi to hold out for more cash and convinced him he... Read More »
Blackhawks' Kane brings Stanley Cup home
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 13 02:51 PM EDT
The Hurricane Deck beneath Niagara Falls was renamed the "HurriKane Deck" Friday in honor of Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane's trip home with the Stanley Cup.
... Read More »
Bob Probert's family to publish player's memoir
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 13 02:00 PM EDT
The family of Bob Probert has decided to proceed with a memoir the longtime NHL enforcer was working on before his death. "Tough Guy" is to published Oct. 26 by HarperCollinsCanada. ... Read More »
Burish to bring Stanley Cup to Madison on Aug. 18
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 12 04:59 PM EDT
Former Wisconsin hockey star and Dallas Stars winger Adam Burish will bring the Stanley Cup to Madison on Wednesday.... Read More »
Hawks' single-game tickets available for sale Monday
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 12 04:43 PM EDT
Single-game tickets for the preseason and regular-season Blackhawks games will go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday.... Read More »
Hawks re-sign Hendry to 1-year deal
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 11 10:53 AM EDT
The Blackhawks have re-signed defenseman Jordan Hendry, a member of the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship team, to a one-year contract.... Read More »
McDonough in Schaumburg: Hawks won't have hangover from Cup
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 10 12:49 PM EDT
All the seemingly endless updates on the travels and travails of the Stanley Cup. News that the Blackhawks organization will be handing out dazzling Stanley Cup rings to everyone from ambassadors such as Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita all the way down to the full-time interns on staff last season.... Read More »
The Blackhawks Off-Season Drama, Seinfeld Style: Part II
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - August 9 02:31 AM EDT
Part of me wishes I had no ammo to write something like this. A calm off-season would’ve been nice. But nothing worth having ever comes easy, right?
Last season, the ‘Hawks signed Marian Hossa to a monster deal and let Martin Havlat walk. They let Nikolai Khabibulin walk and gave the reigns to Cristobal Huet. They even botched the initial offers to their restricted free agents. That led to The Blackhawks’ Off-Season Drama: Seinfeld Style, Part I.
After losing a good chunk of a... Read More »
This Salary Capollozza Issue Is Maddening!
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - August 7 09:29 AM EDT
While this may not be considered ”big” news that I was supposed to cover during Jeff’s hiatus for the weekend, it is news that is causing reactions by some and I’m here to tell you “don’t worry”. Now considering that the biggest concert event of the summer, Lollapalooza is going on in Grant Park, by the time you get home and read this, you’ll be so shit faced that you won’t know that it wasn’t Jeff writing this, but me, Frank Re... Read More »
Wild agree with Madden on 1-year deal
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 6 03:24 PM EDT
The Minnesota Wild say they have agreed to terms with veteran center John Madden on a one-year contract. Terms of the deal announced Friday were not immediately available.... Read More »
Ramblings from your Internet friends
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - August 6 12:15 AM EDT
I’m heading up to Michigan’s U.P. for a camping trip this weekend and distancing myself from anything related to technology. Well, except for the wave runner I’ll be zooming around on.
I wanted to leave you with a link to the Blackhawks Blogsphere Rountable conducted by Second City Hockey’s McClure which includes myself, Forklift from Hockee Night, John from the Fifth Feather and Block from The Third Man In.
If the Blackhawks happen to trade Jonathan Toews while I’... Read More »
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 5 01:01 AM EDT
The Blackhawks signed forwards Evan Brophey, Nathan Davis and Hugh Jessiman, defenseman Jassen Cullimore and goaltender Hannu Toivonen to one-year contracts. ... Read More »
Blackhawks sign five to 1-year deals
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 4 10:57 AM EDT
The Blackhawks have signed forwards Evan Brophey, Nathan Davis and Hugh Jessiman, defenseman Jassen Cullimore, and goaltender Hannu Toivonen to one-year contracts.
... Read More »
Blackhawks sign right winger Igor Makarov
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 3 04:00 PM EDT
The Blackhawks have signed right wing Igor Makarov to a two-year contract. Makarov, 22, tallied five goals, four assists and 61 penalty minutes in 51 regular-season tilts with Moscow Dynamo and St. Petersburg SKA of the Kontinental Hockey League.... Read More »
Reactions on Niemi, Turco from the guys with credentials
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - August 3 03:07 AM EDT
A roundtable discussion with myself, Fifth Feather, Hockee Night, The Third Man In and Second City Hockey will be posted later. After that, I’m done talking about this whole situation for at least a week. It’s starting to drive me insane.
While most of the Blackhawks blogsphere chimed in with positive reactions to the Marty Turco signing and Antti Niemi dumping, some of the mainstream folk seemed to have a different opinion regarding Stan Bowman’s handling of the ‘... Read More »
Turco can handle joining a winner
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 2 08:41 PM EDT
There is at least one area where Marty Turco is a significant upgrade over Antti Niemi in goal for the Blackhawks. Turco is considered one of the best, if not the best, puck handlers in the game among goalies.... Read More »
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 2 03:11 PM EDT
Images of goalie Marty Turco... Read More »
Bowman says NO: Niemi now UFA as Blackhawks go with Marty Turco
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - August 2 02:12 PM EDT
I’ll get right into this.
I thank Antti Niemi for his contributions to the Blackhawks and for back-stopping Chicago’s first Stanley Cup champion since 1961. His ability to forget goals-against and move onto the next play was a welcome relief from the headcase that was Cristobal Huet. Niemi’s quiet demeanor meant zero backlash toward fans or media when they criticized him, making for a somewhat peaceful situation in net compared to the Huet circus throughout most of t... Read More »
Hawks walk away from Niemi, sign Turco
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 2 11:12 AM EDT
The Blackhawks said no to Antti Niemi on Monday. The Hawks decided to walk away from Niemi's $2.75 million arbitration award and quickly signed veteran goalie Marty Turco to a one-year contract.... Read More »
Confirmed: Bye bye Niemi, hello Turco
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - August 2 10:57 AM EDT
Chris Kuc has confirmed the Blackhawks are walking away from Antti Niemi’s contract and have signed Marty Turco to a one-year deal.
More to come.
... Read More »
Could Leddy be the next Housely?
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 1 10:07 PM EDT
Blackhawks senior advisor Scotty Bowman told fans at the convention on Sunday he sees a little bit of Phil Housley in recently signed defenseman Nick Leddy.... Read More »
Hawks' goalie picture could be much clearer today
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - August 1 07:31 PM EDT
To say the Blackhawks' goaltending situation is uncertain would be the understatement of the off-season.... Read More »
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - August 1 05:33 PM EDT
With a decision on Antti Niemi’s $2.75 million arbitrator-awarded salary looming early Monday, Stan Bowman addressed the issue — and it doesn’t sound too promising for Niemi fans.
Bowman didn’t officially tip his hand one way or the other, but the consistency in his comments remained by stating the Blackhawks have numerous options with or without Niemi.
Per Chris Kuc of the Tribune:
“There are always options in every decision,” Bowman said Sunday during a... Read More »
Hawks still have wiggle room on Niemi
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - July 31 06:06 PM EDT
The Blackhawks might have caught their biggest break of the summer Saturday when Antti Niemi's arbitration award came in at $2.75 million.... Read More »
Niemi awarded $2.75 million on one year contract
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - July 31 02:34 PM EDT
In aribitration decision favorable to the Blackhawks, goalie Antti Niemi reportedly has been awarded $2.75 million on a one-year contract.... Read More »
Arbitrator gives Niemi $2.75 million
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - July 31 02:14 PM EDT
It’s decision time for GM Stan Bowman.
After hearing the case between the Blackhawks and goaltender Antti Niemi, the arbitrator ruled Saturday seemingly in favor of Niemi, granting the Finn $2.75 millionfor what would be a one-year contract. Bowman and the ‘Hawks now have 48 hours to accept the figure or walk away and allow Niemi to be an unrestricted free agent.
There’s also a possibility the ‘Hawks could sign the tender and trade Niemi, which may be the best for b... Read More »
Scott knows his role with Blackhawks
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - July 30 10:11 PM EDT
At 6-feet-8 and 260 pounds, newly acquired defenseman John Scott was hard to miss Friday at the start of the third annual Blackhawks convention.... Read More »
Net loss? It's looking more and more like Niemi won't be a Hawk
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - July 30 09:28 PM EDT
It doesn't look good as far as the Blackhawks keeping goalie Antti Niemi. Niemi's arbitration award will be announced today and multiple sources believe the number will end up well past $3 million, perhaps close to $4 million, which the Hawks couldn't fit under the salary cap the way the roster stands today.... Read More »
Blackhawks sign Leddy to three-year deal
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - July 30 08:01 PM EDT
The Blackhawks have signed defenseman Nick Leddy to a three-year contract. Leddy, 19, was acquired by Chicago on in February in a trade with the Minnesota Wild. He was originally selected by the Wild in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft.... Read More »
One year, one Stanley Cup and a whole bunch of fun with Blackhawk Up
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - July 30 03:01 AM EDT
I’ve been thinking of what to write in this first sentence for quite sometime. I realized the reason it’s been so difficult is because I can barely put into words the amount of gratitude I have for all those who have made Blackhawk Up what it’s become.
Today marks the 365th day since Blackhawk Up launched on the FanSided network with me being the sole writer (save for one epic post by Forklift over at Hockee Night when I was on vacation during the Stanley Cup Final). It’... Read More »
Hawks anxious to hear the Niemi news Saturday
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - July 29 08:28 PM EDT
It's going to take a few more days before we find out if Stanley Cup-winning goalie Antti Niemi remains with the Blackhawks.... Read More »
Thrashers sign newly acquired Ladd to 1-year deal
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - July 29 02:28 PM EDT
The Atlanta Thrashers have avoided arbitration with restricted free-agent Andrew Ladd by signing him to a one-year, $2.35 million deal.... Read More »
‘Hawks present negatives on Niemi hoping for positive outcome
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - July 29 12:01 AM EDT
I never understood the two-faced hilarity that is salary arbitration. The Blackhawks will tell a judge all the reasons they feel Antti Niemi shouldn’t be compensated as he sees fit. Conversely, Niemi and his agent will explain why Niemi’s performance to date warrants a top-tier goaltender salary.
The ‘Hawks will attempt to prove why Niemi’s not worth the money, and Niemi’s agent will fight it. Yet the entire time, the Blackhawks want Niemi back wearing the Indian... Read More »
Cup ready to return for Blackhawks Convention
Local News Source:DailyHerald.com > Sports > Chicago Blackhawks - July 28 11:04 PM EDT
We first viewed Lord Stanley's Cup on the ice in Philadelphia. Then the fun began. It arrived at O'Hare International Airport in the wee hours of the morning, with a quick stop in Rosemont.... Read More »
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - July 19 02:36 PM EDT
Just for the record, the 17 years indeed does NOT relate to the amount of time he spent making this decision. It’s the number of years apparently agreed upon by the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk. Holy. Piss.
Remember when the league made a big, gigantic stink over contracts during last season’s free agency period? Marian Hossa’s now-modest 12-year, $62.8 million deal makes the NHL look stupid for even looking into it. Kovalchuk’s deal is reportedly worth upwards ... Read More »
If Niemi’s price is too high for Hawks, which team shells out the cash?
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - July 13 01:52 AM EDT
Capologists and ‘Hawks fans alike busted out the calculators in wake of Niklas Hjalmarsson’s spankin’ new 4-year, $14 million contract thanks to those sore-loser San Jose Sharks. While the past few days may not have rivaled “The Decision,” a la LeBron James, the ‘Hawks considered a looming variable: Keep Hammer, and risk losing Chicago’s first Stanley Cup-winning goaltender in 49 years.
It’s widely speculated Jarslov Halak’s contract w... Read More »
Blackhawks match Sharks’ $14 M offer sheet for Hjalmarsson
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - July 12 05:27 PM EDT
The Blackhawks made it official they will match the San Jose Sharks’ offer sheet for Niklas Hjalmarsson and sign him to a 4-year, $14 million contract. The cap it will be $3.5 million over the next four years.
Antti Niemi’s arbitration date is set for July 29, and we’ll have to see if the ‘Hawks let him walk after the St. Louis Blues gave Jaroslav Halak a monster deal and set the bar pretty high for a goalie of Niemi’s comparable experience.
I’ll ha... Read More »
Sharks ink Hjalmarsson to offer sheet
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - July 9 01:41 PM EDT
TSN.com is reporting Niklas Hjalmarsson signed a 4-year, $14 million offer sheet from the San Jose Sharks. I’m not sure about you, but a $3 million-plus offer is not what I expected — and I doubt the Blackhawks expected it, either.
The Blackhawks have seven days to match the offer sheet. With Antti Niemi awaiting a contract, this may be difficult to swing.
More details as they become available…
... Read More »
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - July 9 12:19 PM EDT
Well, the wedding season is here meaning I am out of town for the weekend attending the first of many this summer. If anyone is attending the prospect camp and would like to share their analysis, shoot me an email to jeffrey.bartl@gmail.com. I’ll post your write-up on the site and credit you however you please.
Have a great weekend!
... Read More »
Head on up to Lake Toews, where the locals bathe in victory
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - July 7 03:07 PM EDT
Go ahead, dive in. You’ll immediately feel like a winner. Let’s just hope the bugs in Manitoba aren’t so big you’ll be naming them John Scott.
Per Puck Daddy, the Canadian province will re-name one of it’s 400 million lakesafter Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews. The damn kid has everything else, might as well give him his own body of water.
As dumb as I think all of this re-naming shit is after athletes for one reason or another, this is a hell of a lot bette... Read More »
Stu Grimson remembers Probert: ‘Bob was both a friend and a foe’
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - July 6 12:13 PM EDT
The tragic passing of former Chicago Blackhawk and legendary enforcer Bob Probert brought out the soft side in some of his fondest sparring partners.
Ken Daneyko referred to Probert as a “teddy bear” off the ice, and Tie Domi has spoken nothing but kind words since learning of Probert’s death. They shared his personal struggles and related to Probert, knowing Probert dropped the gloves far less times to throw fists on the ice than he did to wage wars with himself o... Read More »
Comparing the Blackhawks to the Florida Marlins is downright stupid
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - July 2 01:26 AM EDT
I know. The Blackhawks are 23 days removed from winning the Stanley Cup, and Stan Bowman is crossing faces off the team photo like Ace Ventura. It’s a lot to handle for ‘Hawks fans to see pieces of a championship team sent packing by management for financial reasons.
Nobody wanted to see it, yet everyone expected it. Now, nobody wants to accept it. Well, get over it. Panic all you want, but you knew this was coming — and there may be more, too.
The Atlanta Blackhawks Thras... Read More »
Byfuglien, Eager, Sopel traded to Atlanta for picks
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 23 05:48 PM EDT
Per Jesse Rogers, in the first of what may be many salary cap-related trades, Stan Bowman sent Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel and Ben Eager to the Atlanta Thrashers for a first- and second-round pick.
More details later as they come in, along with analysis.
UPDATE: ‘Hawks receiving the 24th and 54th overall picks in Friday’s draft, plus prospect Jeremy Morin and veteran Marty Reasoner.
ANOTHER UPDATE: ‘Hawks prospect Akim Aliu is included in the deal.
... Read More »
With the 30th pick, the Chicago Blackhawks select…
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 23 01:43 PM EDT
… Tyler Toffoli, C, from the Ottawa 67s of the OHL.
The first-ever FanSided NHL Mock Draft will be posted today on the network’s new general NHL blog, Too Many Men On The Site. Be sure to check it out as you prepare for Friday.
From the start, I hoped Toffoli would last this long — and he also may be there at 30 for the actual NHL Draft. If so, the Blackhawks would be wise to take him for a few different reasons.
Toffoli is a raw talent. I watched him play when the NHL Networ... Read More »
Blackhawks Theater: Jackie Moon as John McDonough
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 16 10:59 AM EDT
NOTE: In every sports-themed movie, each character plays a distinctive role for their fictional squad. Blackhawks Theather will compare those characters and their roles with those of the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. This segment will run each and every day for the next month at 10 a.m. CST. That should keep us all busy up to and throughout the Capocalypse. Enjoy.
Though you won’t see John McDonough wrestling a bear anytime soon, his PR savvy and built-in knowledge to se... Read More »
Blackhawks Theater: Ebby Calvin ‘Nuke’ LaLoosh as Patrick Kane
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 15 10:59 AM EDT
NOTE: In every sports-themed movie, each character plays a distinctive role for their fictional squad. Blackhawks Theather will compare those characters and their roles with those of the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. This segment will run each and every day for the next month at 10 a.m. CST. That should keep us all busy up to and throughout the Capocalypse. Enjoy.
At their age, the amount of talent possessed by each of these wunderkinds stopped people in their tracks to catch a glim... Read More »
PUCKCAST: Blackhawk Up and HOCKEENIGHT get nasty
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 14 01:21 AM EDT
Once again, I appeared on the HOCKEENIGHT PUCKCAST with Forklift and CT to discuss a whole bunch of shit. However, I stayed pretty much silent during Fork’s tales of Cuban beastiality. No joke, he talked about some Cuban guy having sex with animals.
Enjoy.
... Read More »
Thank you readers, followers and those who merely stop in for a glance
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 12 01:45 PM EDT
I just wanted to post a quick thank you to those who have consistently come to Blackhawk Up throughout this season to read my passionate ramblings and continuous use of random four-letter words.
When I started Blackhawk Up in July of last year, I never expected the following I would gather and that the growth of the site would happen so quickly. It’s been less than a year I’ve been swearing at you, and all the kind words through comments, emails, Facebook messages and Twitter re-twe... Read More »
Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, now Make-A-Wish for charity
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 11 09:49 PM EDT
I’ve posted this before, and it deserves more attention. The puck set is beautiful, and the proceeds to go charity. Don’t be cheap. Go get yourself a set.
Hawks Fans Can Celebrate Stanley Cup Title
With Special Commemorative 2-Puck Set with Cases
Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Illinois
Smiling As Hawks End 49-Year Drought
Only 5,000 Special Cup Items Will Be Produced To Raise Funds
For Youngsters Who Have Life-Threatening Illnesses
Chicago– It’s almost like a bunch of ... Read More »
From the heart: Blackhawks bring Stanley Cup back to Chicago
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 10 02:49 PM EDT
Game 4, 1992 Stanley Cup Final. Mario Lemieux saw a 10-year-old boy pressed along the glass during the pre-game skate. Lemieux snatch a puck from the ice, lofted it over the glass into the boy’s tiny hands, winked and skated away.
That boy was me, and since that day my passion for hockey never died. When I saw Lemieux circling the Chicago Stadium ice with the Stanley Cup later that night, I hoped one day I would witness a Blackhawk doing the exact same thing.
Never let anyone tell you... Read More »
They did it. Chicago Blackhawks: 2010 Stanley Cup champions
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 10 02:07 AM EDT
This is all you’re getting from me tonight. I’ll be along tomorrow with a very heart-felt rendition of why this victory is so important to me. I still can’t believe it….
... Read More »
The 4th one is the toughest: Blackhawks-Flyers, Game 6 preview
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 9 12:37 PM EDT
It ends tonight. No more worrying, no more nervousness, no more games at the United Center. I’m ready for the 2009-10 hockey season to be over, and so are the Blackhawks.
Most sports experts will tell us the pressure rests on the ‘Hawks tonight to close out the series in Philadelphia and avoid coming back to Chicago for an always-tense Game 7. Well, forget it. Not only are the Flyers fighting for their season tonight, Q-Stache laid out the blueprint for victory in Game 5. His line ... Read More »
Chicago Tribune gets into Pronger bashing with ‘Chrissy’ poster
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 8 12:09 PM EDT
Never would I have expected to see something like this from the Chicago Tribune. This is New York Post kind of stuff. I can’t remember the last time the Trib so blatently made fun of an opposing player with graphic like this. By no means am I saying this isn’t creative, but even the Chicago blogs haven’t come up with anything like this for him yet.
The above photo is a bit fuzzy when it comes to the writing, so sorry about that. Under ‘Chrissy Pronger,’ it says,... Read More »
Don’t you ever touch my puck: ‘Hawks 7, Flyers 4 — One more, baby.
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 7 02:24 AM EDT
Here’s some humor to start the show:
One more. One. More.
Whoever bought the six cases of 5 Hour Energy the Blackhawks slammed before face-off, promote them and grant them sexual favors. The ‘Hawks started the game flying up and down the ice and had an answer for everything the Flyers threw at them in Sunday’s 7-4, Game 5 victory. It’s back to Philadelphia, and the Stanley Cup will be in the building.
These are the Blackhawks we’ve been waiting to see — sligh... Read More »
Home better be where the heart is: Pregame thoughts as Game 5 looms
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 6 02:09 PM EDT
Following Game 4, myself and McClure of Second City Hockey discussed his optimism and my pessimism for the remainder of the Stanley Cup Final. It ended with McClure giving me a hug.
I’m still not in a good frame of mind. I’ve come to realize fans in Chicago either overreact or don’t react enough when it comes to sports. There’s no in between. Everyone has gone from, “Eh, we’re going to sweep this series and the Flyers have no chance,” to, “OMFG wh... Read More »
Saddle up: Wild Stanley Cup Final continues with Game 4
Blogs Source:Blackhawk Up | A Chicago Blackhawks Blog - June 4 02:41 PM EDT
While I’m still stinging a bit over the Game 3 OT loss, I’ve calmed myself enough to focus on tonight. These Cup finals have been nuts so far — 11 goals in Game 1, two goals in 28 seconds in Game 2, a third-period lead blown in 20 seconds, two reviewed goals and shitty line change in Game 3 …. what the hell could we possibly get in Game 4?
Well, probably much of the same. Both the Blackhawks and Flyers are saying all the right things and letting their play on the ice rel... Read More »
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