My 2 cents regarding Jones - Six more years left after this season. I can see him here for at least three of those years.

1) Need his 9.5M cap hit to help reach the floor for a few years until some big $$$ are paid out for 98 and hopefully some other kids.

2) Need him to eat some minutes instead of overburdening the next wave of propsects such as Allen, DelMastro, Kaiser. Except for KK, the organization has shown they are not rushing any of the D prospects.

3) Hawks aren't going anywhere for a few years anyway so his average play won't be detrimental to making the playoffs.

4) His actual salary drops to "only" 7.5M per season for the last 3 years of the contract. That may make him easier to move, but I expect the Hawks would still have to retain 1/2 the cap hit in any trade.

As pointed out by others, his attitude and "leadership" or lack thereof, may cause KD to launch him sooner. Also, if say the Hawks select 4th or 5th this summer and pick Levshunov, Jones' days would be numbered, probably three years or so, to open up a RD spot

YEP....Blackhawks TV or whatever she is marketing it as showed Davidson working the phones, and had him on speaker as he broke the news to Kane, and then showed Kane heading out of the hotel.

SO yeah....this narrative of how meatballs should boo him just because.....not a chance. Outside of Jordan, Kane will go down 2nd in regards to impact to the city and his personal/team accomplishments on the ice.

Yes, did he have some off ice issues? Sure.....but again, lets all remember you put social media, and a video camera in EVERYONE's hands and lets see how guys in older decades are remembered, etc. Athletes today are living in a bubble and yes are compsenated for it, but wouldn't shock me if more guys started going the Toews route and going off the grid.

Also, Toews wasn't welcomed back either, so could he have sour grapes as well? Something to consider......
- SteveRain

(frank)in A, right on Rainer.

I could tell on tv that the crowd reaction was awesome even though they didn't show all of it. To your point, they did it up big for Bobby Hull and Chris Chelios so sure, why not for Kane. I might even buy a ticket for that game just to see it.

In the video when Kane said he's excited for what could happen (going to the Rags) he sounded and looked like his dog just died. Whole thing seemed really cold.
I know, it's a business bla bla bla. And I'm pretty sure he didn't have to pay for the ride and flight. Still think it's horsepoop showing him on video like that. (frank)ing bullpoop.
- 6628

The mid 80s-mid 90s were my Hawks sweet spot as a kid. Soon to be 45......I get some people don't like the sweater retirements.....but to me.....when I think of 28 I think of Larmer....30 Belfour.....27...roenick....and when others wear it, it just doesnt sit right with me. Personal issue for sure, but all the success, all the money the Wirtz family made selling merchandise and/or getting sponsors because of these players, the least they could do is honor these guys. I give Seabrook A TON of credit for reaching out to Chelios to ask about wearing his number...didnt have to, but man.....what a class act move from a kid at that point who knew the history and made it right by Chelios. To the point Chelios recalled it Sunday....just a great nugget there.

If you want to dig in on hall fame credentials being a MUST, then you cant bend the rules for Magnusson who I know the older generation loves...but you need to pick a lane.

Larmer and Roenick should be up there. Period.

The best part of the whole day was watching our son see these guys and put a face to names I tell him about. I mean JR cried on national TV when the Hawks won....think he isn't a Hawk for life? Yeah, is he a controversial with his mouth? Absolutely is and has been that way forever. That's what makes him great...he doesnt' spew BS cliches.

i really look forward to Kane, Keith, and Toews having their numbers retired. I am not sure if Seabrook gets his, he should.....likely not for Sharp or Crawford or Hammer......but I just hope the Hawks realize these things need to happen in a timely manner and not procrastinate.

Lets look at this way.....remember when Mark Prior was complaining about his elbow in 2004 and later on.....Cubs ran every test know to man on him and I think they landed on some outlandish conclusion to suffice Mark and his camp's mantra it was physical?

Again, I know you and I will split hairs on this....but he's had a few concussions, he's got some long covid/sickness thing happening....if he hasn't been able to overcome it mentally over the last 2 years, I just don't see how out of no where it happens unless he can be convinced he's healthy.....mind over body is a powerful thing and I don't pushback on those who quietly question if Toews is making a mountain out of a moehel (see what I did there... ) when it comes to his own health. It may just come down to JT doesn't trust his body and can't overcome this mental block.

Again, just found it interesting if he was taking a year off.....why not show up to your buddy's first game back, your old team's honoring of a franchise icon, and hanging with what has been described his canadian brothers in seabrook, sharp, and keith....AND...his ex linemate in Hossa? Only conclusion I can think of is JT didn't want to answer questions about himself and that's his choice....but man, that was a tough look. Makes me believe moving forward anyone thinking you;ll JT around this team when it's official he's retired...is sorely mistaken.
- SteveRain

IMO #19 is retired and just hasnt made it official publicly, for whatever reason. What has he got to play for - the room he keeps his trophies and medals is full and there is probably $75 - $100M in his bank account. Unlike guys like Kane, Crosby and a few others he isnt going to be an NHL lifer with nothing else to do. Maybe he wants to climb Mt.Everest or travel the world. Maybe he doesnt want to answer questions about Kyle Beach or Q or Bowman. Maybe he got married and hs wife hates hockey.

I just hope his health is fine = he had quite a few concussions over the years going all the way back to his junior years. And I do know he was unable to attend a charity event in the city about a year ago.

The mid 80s-mid 90s were my Hawks sweet spot as a kid. Soon to be 45......I get some people don't like the sweater retirements.....but to me.....when I think of 28 I think of Larmer....30 Belfour.....27...roenick....and when others wear it, it just doesnt sit right with me. Personal issue for sure, but all the success, all the money the Wirtz family made selling merchandise and/or getting sponsors because of these players, the least they could do is honor these guys. I give Seabrook A TON of credit for reaching out to Chelios to ask about wearing his number...didnt have to, but man.....what a class act move from a kid at that point who knew the history and made it right by Chelios. To the point Chelios recalled it Sunday....just a great nugget there.

If you want to dig in on hall fame credentials being a MUST, then you cant bend the rules for Magnusson who I know the older generation loves...but you need to pick a lane.

Larmer and Roenick should be up there. Period.

The best part of the whole day was watching our son see these guys and put a face to names I tell him about. I mean JR cried on national TV when the Hawks won....think he isn't a Hawk for life? Yeah, is he a controversial with his mouth? Absolutely is and has been that way forever. That's what makes him great...he doesnt' spew BS cliches.

i really look forward to Kane, Keith, and Toews having their numbers retired. I am not sure if Seabrook gets his, he should.....likely not for Sharp or Crawford or Hammer......but I just hope the Hawks realize these things need to happen in a timely manner and not procrastinate.
- SteveRain

JR would be just a puddle when/if they bring him up to the microphone. He couldn't complete a full sentence without tearing up. And Larmer should be in the Hall of Fame as well as having his tarp retired. There's a lot more players that should be honored. Not sure that all the numbers can be retired though. But something like the Ring of Honor thing that some teams are doing seems like it might be a good thing.

IMO #19 is retired and just hasnt made it official publicly, for whatever reason. What has he got to play for - the room he keeps his trophies and medals is full and there is probably $75 - $100M in his bank account. Unlike guys like Kane, Crosby and a few others he isnt going to be an NHL lifer with nothing else to do. Maybe he wants to climb Mt.Everest or travel the world. Maybe he doesnt want to answer questions about Kyle Beach or Q or Bowman. Maybe he got married and hs wife hates hockey.

I just hope his health is fine = he had quite a few concussions over the years going all the way back to his junior years. And I do know he was unable to attend a charity event in the city about a year ago.
- RickJ

I agree Rick....he's done.

I hope his health is fine as well, I still sport my 2008 Toews jersey when I go to games. Everyone responds differently. Just hope he's healthy and we as fans, selfishly, get to see him again when they honor him.

JR would be just a puddle when/if they bring him up to the microphone. He couldn't complete a full sentence without tearing up. And Larmer should be in the Hall of Fame as well as having his tarp retired. There's a lot more players that should be honored. Not sure that all the numbers can be retired though. But something like the Ring of Honor thing that some teams are doing seems like it might be a good thing.
- 6628

Well said......it's why I love OVechkin. reminds of Roenick where he has high end skill but if you skate with your head down he will run your @ss over without thinking twice regardless of the name on the back.

Lets look at this way.....remember when Mark Prior was complaining about his elbow in 2004 and later on.....Cubs ran every test know to man on him and I think they landed on some outlandish conclusion to suffice Mark and his camp's mantra it was physical?

Again, I know you and I will split hairs on this....but he's had a few concussions, he's got some long covid/sickness thing happening....if he hasn't been able to overcome it mentally over the last 2 years, I just don't see how out of no where it happens unless he can be convinced he's healthy.....mind over body is a powerful thing and I don't pushback on those who quietly question if Toews is making a mountain out of a moehel (see what I did there... ) when it comes to his own health. It may just come down to JT doesn't trust his body and can't overcome this mental block.

Again, just found it interesting if he was taking a year off.....why not show up to your buddy's first game back, your old team's honoring of a franchise icon, and hanging with what has been described his canadian brothers in seabrook, sharp, and keith....AND...his ex linemate in Hossa? Only conclusion I can think of is JT didn't want to answer questions about himself and that's his choice....but man, that was a tough look. Makes me believe moving forward anyone thinking you;ll JT around this team when it's official he's retired...is sorely mistaken.
- SteveRain

That's all good. I misunderstood what you were objecting to. I thought you were doubting the truth of the report that Toews was taking the year off due to health and were instead pinning it on some riff he had with the Hawks.

IMO #19 is retired and just hasnt made it official publicly, for whatever reason. What has he got to play for - the room he keeps his trophies and medals is full and there is probably $75 - $100M in his bank account. Unlike guys like Kane, Crosby and a few others he isnt going to be an NHL lifer with nothing else to do. Maybe he wants to climb Mt.Everest or travel the world. Maybe he doesnt want to answer questions about Kyle Beach or Q or Bowman. Maybe he got married and hs wife hates hockey.

I just hope his health is fine = he had quite a few concussions over the years going all the way back to his junior years. And I do know he was unable to attend a charity event in the city about a year ago.
- RickJ

Toews has always had interests, ideas and opinions about more than hockey. He is fluent in French and English and I understand, unlike most hockey players, he’s a pretty bright guy. He played to the best of his abilities, I’d argue exceeding his natural talents. I think you’re right Rick, I don’t see him as a lifer. I’d be surprised if he gets involved in management or coaching. But it wouldn’t surprise me to hear his name again doing something unrelated. I too am curious as to why he doesn’t just retire? He never seemed to follow the spotlight so maybe he’s waiting to announce his retirement when other things will over shadow it? Whatever the case I’m glad he was a Blackhawk and I’m happy he won two Olympic Gold medals for Canada.

Toews has always had interests, ideas and opinions about more than hockey. He is fluent in French and English and I understand, unlike most hockey players, he’s a pretty bright guy. He played to the best of his abilities, I’d argue exceeding his natural talents. I think you’re right Rick, I don’t see him as a lifer. I’d be surprised if he gets involved in management or coaching. But it wouldn’t surprise me to hear his name again doing something unrelated. I too am curious as to why he doesn’t just retire? He never seemed to follow the spotlight so maybe he’s waiting to announce his retirement when other things will over shadow it? Whatever the case I’m glad he was a Blackhawk and I’m happy he won two Olympic Gold medals for Canada.
- paulr

Could depend on insurance. He might be getting disability payments for his autoimmune that might stop if he retires as a hockey player?

Toews has always had ideas and opinions about more than hockey. He is fluent in French and English and I understand, unlike most hockey players, he’s a pretty bright guy. He played to the best of his abilities, I’d argue exceeding his natural talents. I think you’re right Rick, I don’t see him as a lifer. I’d be surprised if he gets involved in management or coaching. But it wouldn’t surprise me to hear his name again doing something unrelated. I too am curious as to why he doesn’t just retire? He never seemed to follow the spotlight so maybe he’s waiting to announce his retirement when other things will over shadow it? Whatever the case I’m glad he was a Blackhawk and I’m happy he won two Olympic Gold medals for Canada.
- paulr

Compared to many of the stars of the game, Johnny definitely was not the most naturally talented. Certainly cant compare him to Lemieux or Gretzky or McDavid or Forsberg or Dionne. But what #19 knew how to do was win and to be the leader of a great team that was commited to winning. He was 20 or 21 when the Hawks made him Captain. He will go to the HOF as a winner with an awesome resume that isnt necessarily statistical.

Have never glorified goals and assists with NHL players - I will take the likes of Toews, Bergeron, Bryan Trottier, Ron Francis all day long because with those guys winning as a team mattered most.

Do you honestly believe that?
- SteveRain

Yes I believe it 100%

Compared to many of the stars of the game, Johnny definitely was not the most naturally talented. Certainly cant compare him to Lemieux or Gretzky or McDavid or Forsberg or Dionne. But what #19 knew how to do was win and to be the leader of a great team that was commited to winning. He was 20 or 21 when the Hawks made him Captain. He will go to the HOF as a winner with an awesome resume that isnt necessarily statistical.

Have never glorified goals and assists with NHL players - I will take the likes of Toews, Bergeron, Bryan Trottier, Ron Francis all day long because with those guys winning as a team mattered most.
- RickJ

Couldn’t be summed up better Rick.

Compared to many of the stars of the game, Johnny definitely was not the most naturally talented. Certainly cant compare him to Lemieux or Gretzky or McDavid or Forsberg or Dionne. But what #19 knew how to do was win and to be the leader of a great team that was commited to winning. He was 20 or 21 when the Hawks made him Captain. He will go to the HOF as a winner with an awesome resume that isnt necessarily statistical.

Have never glorified goals and assists with NHL players - I will take the likes of Toews, Bergeron, Bryan Trottier, Ron Francis all day long because with those guys winning as a team mattered most.
- RickJ

I vividly recall a SI article about a NHL executive who was quoted.....

"Kane may win scoring titles, but Toews will win you stanley cups"

Now....Kane also knew how to win, and no stage was EVER too large for him, and the Hawks were damn lucky that none of the core was a no show when the lights shined brightiest. History shows us that always isn't the case.

YEP....Blackhawks TV or whatever she is marketing it as showed Davidson working the phones, and had him on speaker as he broke the news to Kane, and then showed Kane heading out of the hotel.

SO yeah....this narrative of how meatballs should boo him just because.....not a chance. Outside of Jordan, Kane will go down 2nd in regards to impact to the city and his personal/team accomplishments on the ice.

Yes, did he have some off ice issues? Sure.....but again, lets all remember you put social media, and a video camera in EVERYONE's hands and lets see how guys in older decades are remembered, etc. Athletes today are living in a bubble and yes are compsenated for it, but wouldn't shock me if more guys started going the Toews route and going off the grid.

Also, Toews wasn't welcomed back either, so could he have sour grapes as well? Something to consider......
- SteveRain

Kane's in the top 5, but Walter Payton would like to respectfully disagree as to who is #2. The NFL named their freaking 'Man of The Year' award after him.

Kane's in the top 5, but Walter Payton would like to respectfully disagree as to who is #2. The NFL named their freaking 'Man of The Year' award after him.
- scottak

What about Mr. Cub, or is he ancient history?

What about Mr. Cub, or is he ancient history?
- LAHawk

Ernie is definitely up there.

What about Mr. Cub, or is he ancient history?
- LAHawk

No chance on Ernie Banks.

Walter....is correct. So Kane would be #3

(frank)in A, right on Rainer.
- 6628

Umm, no Hockey is a "small sport." Walter Payton, Richard Butkus, half the '85 Bears team, Ernie Banks, Ron Santo... There are many more before Kane.

Umm, no Hockey is a "small sport." Walter Payton, Richard Butkus, half the '85 Bears team, Ernie Banks, Ron Santo... There are many more before Kane.

- rpeters01

Payton? Sure.....

In terms of accomplishments on a personal and team level? Not a chance in hell anyone else on your list sniffs Kane. Including "half the 85 bears" who outside of 1 superbowl can go down as the city's largest disppointment next to the 1969 Cubs, 1984/1989/2003/2004/2008 Cubbs in regards to choking......

The biggest joke in Chicago sports is Bears weather. Suited them great considering outside of the Saints, and a 7-9 historically bad Seahawks team....they choke at home in Bears weather year after year, and it all started with those same 85 Bears trying to repeat and having Joe GIbbs skins run a train on them back to back years...and then the mecca of cold weather....San Francisco come here in 89 and wax them again.

Sorry.....85 bears while great, are flash in the pan. LIke the 2005 Sox and 2016 Cubs.

It looks like the Stars have acquired Tanev from Calgary. The return seems to be a 2nd, a prospect and a conditional pick.

Why do people keep ignoring that Toews said he is taking a year off of hockey to see if he can get his body back together?
- Chunk

Yeah I don't think his body was in the UC for the Chelios affair.