Puck Daddy on John Madden

by SamFels on Jul 1, 2009 9:59 PM CDT

I asked Puck Daddy, Greg Wyshynski, from Yahoo's Hockey blog, and one of the bigger Devil fans around, to tell Hawks fans what they're getting in John Madden.

When you think about the kind of checking center the Chicago Blackhawks should have, it's pretty much John Madden. Tenacious player. Total rink rat whose ass-hauling over the years has kept him in the League and eventually turned him into one of the best shutdown guys in the it. He'll Commit To the Indian.

That said, there are concerns. He overstayed his welcome in Jersey, and the dynamic duo of Madden/Pandolfo wasn't as dynamic as the years when they gave Jagr night terrors. His offensive output dipped -- just awful at converting the chances he had. But I suppose the fact he had them was something for a checking center.

You overpaid for one year of a fourth liner with two Stanley Cup rings. But if he regains his form from two years ago, you're going to love him.

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I already forgot the numbers

but why him over Pahlse?

I’m just not getting some of these signings as they seem to be looking at players as individuals and not as team members. It’s still a team sport. And to me, the Hawks were all about being a team.

If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning

by Trixietrx on Jul 1, 2009 10:41 PM CDT reply actions

True

But maybe they are going to trade Buff, so they figured they didn’t have to give Pahlse a Million more to keep him moving.

SHOOOOOOOT IT!!!! Anon

by burpchelischili on Jul 1, 2009 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Not that I Hate Buff, but little Wiggum has left the building, and now I need someone new to pick on.
So… Tag, Buffs it!

SHOOOOOOOT IT!!!! Anon

by burpchelischili on Jul 1, 2009 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Years...

Madden probably was picked as a backup option to Pahlse after he got a 3 year deal, which the ‘Hawks definitely weren’t going to commit to right now.

by asglass on Jul 1, 2009 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions

ok

so, burp, you really think they’re going to trade Buff?

And glass, I can see the years, but surely that cap hit would have been worth it, trade Buff for example ;) ? I mean, won’t they have to find someone else next year for the position? I thought the numbers at least for this year were comparable for the two, but I could be mistaken.

If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning

by Trixietrx on Jul 1, 2009 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe the idea is that in 2010

the position goes to Kyle Beach.

by Lost In NC on Jul 1, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions

true

You could be right. I think anyway this roster slot went is really ok and a close call. I just hope DT made the right decision for the chemistry of the team.

by asglass on Jul 1, 2009 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Probably not

But there are people looking for players like Buff was in the playoffs.

Of course, WE are looking for a player like Buff in the playoffs…

SHOOOOOOOT IT!!!! Anon

by burpchelischili on Jul 2, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions

“Tenacious player. Total rink rat whose ass-hauling over the years has kept him in the League and eventually turned him into one of the best shutdown guys in the it. He’ll Commit To the Indian.”

uh….yes, please!

by HawkInExile on Jul 1, 2009 11:42 PM CDT reply actions

plus, he’s a Michigan man…should counteract the negative aura brought to the UC by Duncan Keith and his foul spartan stench…

Official BYB Juju Consultant...now accepting rally creature applications!

by ahtrap on Jul 1, 2009 11:48 PM CDT reply actions

if the hawks can bottle that “foul stench”, sign me up for a gallon of it. he seems to be playing pretty decent hockey from what i can tell.

by lumberjack7 on Jul 2, 2009 1:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Well, if this part is true

“That said, there are concerns. He overstayed his welcome in Jersey, and the dynamic duo of Madden/Pandolfo wasn’t as dynamic as the years when they gave Jagr night terrors. "

Maybe he just needs a new panda to play with?

by NKLHD on Jul 2, 2009 12:07 AM CDT reply actions

This is one of the best unnoticed signings of the 1st day of FA!

John Madden is a winner no matter how you slice it and was a major part of the Devils 3 trips to the Finals in 2000, 2001, and 2003 (2 Cups). He a defensive forward, checking you into the ice stud and will do whatever it takes to win and that he has done a lot of over his career and is an essential piece to this-hopefully- Stanley Cup puzzle! Love this deal, great job Tallon for Madden’s workethic will rub off on all of the young Hawks and give them much needed experience.

It's never about the eventual destination, but rather the long journey and its challenging obstacles that are presented and what it takes to overcome them, that makes the taste of success all the more worthwhile!!!

by hawks61 on Jul 2, 2009 7:05 PM CDT reply actions