2016-17 Blackhawks
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
Ok, I'm just throwing this out for discussion. Crawford is signed for the next three years at $6,000,000 for two years and $5,000,000 for the last year. Cap hit is $6,000,000 for each year. Would it be wise for the Hawks to try and trade him in the offseason and sign Darling as their starting goalie instead of losing him to free agency? Darling is four years younger. It would be a ballsy move, and I can't say I would be against it even though Crawford has been great and it would be sad to see him leave. The alternative seems to be losing Darling for nothing.
I have been thinking the same thing. But we also might get very little back for someone to take the $6M cap hit. It seems like a move to south beach and be reunited with Tallon.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
I don't think its too bad of a hit though to get one of the top goalies in the league still in his prime. I think Crawford's salary is 7th highest among goalies and he would still be locked up for three years. If he was traded, maybe they could get some high draft picks to replace the ones they've traded away the last few years.
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
Isn't Luongo down there? I don't know his contract status but when with Vancouver, it was horrible. Not sure how all that worked out when he was dealt to Florida.
Regarding Crawford: From what I read, he has some sort of modified no trade clause that requires him to submit a list of teams that he will not be traded to upon request from the Blackhawks. Or the list is the teams he would consent to be traded to. Whatever. But he has to submit a list upon request from the Hawks. The Hawks have to find a team that needs a goalie that has plenty of cap space. He has to be protected in the expansion draft so that's why the Hawks signed Glass to they can leave him unprotected in the draft. Otherwise, they'd have to expose Darling. I think.
I did read something today that Montreal may tried to trade Carey Price in the offseason and load up with picks, etc. with the logical replacement being Crawford. Seems way too far fetched to work but who knows.
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
From my eye, Darling has proven to be #1 goalie material so that would make sense to try to deal Crawford and sign Darling. Although, someone may throw 6M at him, in which case the cap implications aren't solved.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
But theoretically you would have picked up either draft picks or players or a combination for Crawford in a trade at least, which is better than just losing Darling for nothing. Interesting situation.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
Wow the Hawks are really playing well. A month ago I though they had no chance to catch the Wild, now they almost have the best record in the conference sewed up. Minnesota has been terrible since their mandatory week off.
Scott Darling traded to Carolina for a 3rd round draft pick.