Sharks sign CHI's Hjalmarsson to offer sheet

Big Ev wrote:Bowman's gonna match it, as per everyone on twitter.

Big Ev wrote:Some are saying that Sharp may be shopped instead. Who knows at this point.

Insert "Sharp to the Sens" comment here.

shabbs wrote:Man... Chi should just take the compensation and worry about their remaining cap issues... matching puts them back into cap hell.

SpezDispenser wrote:

shabbs wrote:Man... Chi should just take the compensation and worry about their remaining cap issues... matching puts them back into cap hell.

Back into cap hell?

SpezDispenser wrote:

CockRoche wrote:
I am looking at things a bit differently than you I guess here.

In my opinion, if I were making decisions for the Blackhawks, I would most likely match the offer sheet to Hjalmarsson.

Here's my reasoning and thought process.

Try to get Niemi signed if you can to a contract in the 1.5 to 2 million range. If you can't get him under contract you are at the mercy of his arbitration hearing where if the award is too high, you have to let him walk.

Chicago has goaltender Corey Crawford waiting in thw wings and some feel is already a better goalie than Niemi anyway.

I don't think Niemi wants to play in Chicago, so let's say he is as good as gone as I don't think a contract will be signed prior to arbitration either. Once the hearing is over, the Stanley Cup ring may ensure Niemi gets a raise to steep for Chicago's cap nightmare.

So, I have Hjalmarsson to solidify my Top 4 D and Crawford as tender. Way better in my mind to have that scenario than to have Niemi in net with #4, 5, and 6 defenseman by the names of John Scott, Jordan Hendry and Brian Connelly.

To me this decision is:
a solid Top 4 D and a rookie goalie
versus/or
only 3 D and Niemi in the pipes.

I choose the deeper D.

Depending on what you do with Hjarl, you can sign a solid defender for 2.5 million tops. A Sutton type guy who can provide some nice defense and a big body back there - and won't need more than a 2 year deal. Or you can come out of it with a 1st and a 3rd and make a trade for a sturdy defender.

3.5 might be worth it down the road, but I think that's a hefty price for him right now. I'm not sure what to think though, some Chicago fans love him, some are so-so on him.

SpezDispenser wrote:

Big Ev wrote:Bowman's gonna match it, as per everyone on twitter.

Bye bye Campbell then for sure. Where before there might have been a chance to keep him, there won't be anymore.

marakh wrote:HEard on the radio, don't remember which station but they said Chi is shopping Campbell.
After matching the offer sheet for Hjalmarsson. It's pretty clear they are ready to either bury Huet in the Minors or buy him out.

Hoags wrote:I wonder who's gonna take Campbell at that Titanic-sized salary cap hit.

SpezDispenser wrote:Yeah, I'd make a move for one of the UFA goalies - like Turco - I'm not a fan of Turco at all, but if he can play another year or 2, it'll be in Chicago.

I'd EASILY let Niemi go before Sharp or Bolland. I love those two guys, what great strength down the middle.

Flo The Action wrote:

Hoags wrote:I wonder who's gonna take Campbell at that Titanic-sized salary cap hit.

i think the biggest problem with campbell is which team he's willing to waive to go to...
could theCBJ be interested? they need a D-man of his caliber. would he want to go there? i doubt it...

Cap'n Clutch wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:Yeah, I'd make a move for one of the UFA goalies - like Turco - I'm not a fan of Turco at all, but if he can play another year or 2, it'll be in Chicago.

I'd EASILY let Niemi go before Sharp or Bolland. I love those two guys, what great strength down the middle.

Someone will pay for Niemi. I agree with you. Let Niemi walk if he wants too much money. He was okay to good this year from what I saw. His cup ring as a starter will drive his price up and good for him but he's not worth it IMO.