I Don't Want The Real Story, Marty
by SamFels on Jul 2, 2009 2:18 AM CDT
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PrintI have the feeling this could get ugly for Hawks fans, and I don't think that's right. First off, and let me say that once again I'm only parroting what Chris Block has already said at The Third Man In, but this whole twitter thing is just good PR. You can easily get your story, or at least your version of the story, out to the fans, whereas the Hawks have to weigh whether or not they want to go through the rigamorole of a press conference or press release or whatever. You can endear the fans to you with a mere few taps on your Iphone or Crackberry, despite whatever the real truth actually may be. Havlat's agent can put whatever he wants out there, but if Tallon, McD and Co. want to counter it, who do you think is going to come off as the petulant ones?
Here's what I'm guessing is the story behind this all, and I base this off nothing but my own gut feeling: We've heard about extension negotiations since February. I find it hard to fathom that at no point did the Hawks, from then, ever offer anything other than a 1-year deal. It wouldn't take that long, and you wouldn't go running off to give Hossa 12 years if you wouldn't give Havlat two for all this time. I'm guessing the numbers didn't work, or the lowering of the cap hit became complicated, whatever. But when Kronwall knocked Havlat to sleep, and the Hawks had more than a shoulder and groin to consider for his long-term durability, that's when the multi-year offers dried up.
From Havlat's point of view, this would be a total kick to the balls. Here you are, risking your career coming back out for Game 4 for this team and organization when you had no business on the ice, but now you're seeing your long-term future for that organization that you've put it all out on the line for disappear into thin fucking air. You'd be pissed, I'd be livid. That said, it was Marty's decision to play. I'm sure the Hawks would not have balked if Havlat said he couldn't go, maybe the old Hawks would have.
Simply put, the Hawks acted as a business, which is exactly what they should do. They gave the better player, the more durable player, the long-term deal they no longer felt they could trust to Marty. Because this group under Rocky and McD has done its best to act in the classiest manner possible, I doubt this will ever get into a he-said-she-said slap fight. The thought of Havlat rolling into the UC twice a year with a chip on his shoulder gives me nightmares, but the Hawks made the right decision.
That said, I'll miss JHC. Terribly so, in fact. I can remember the moment vividly when I found out he'd been acquired, I was about to get off the plane back from Europe after attending the World Cup in Germany. For me, that was the moment when the Hawks began their turnaround, if ever so slightly. They had acquired a bona fide star in his prime, and I couldn't tell you when that had ever happened in my lifetime. And all for the price of Whiskey-A-Go-Go Mark Bell. Yeah, maybe they gave Marty too much money right then and there, but judging by the contract he signed today and where we were then, certainly not by much.
It was only eight games that year, but fucking God were they electrifying. He couldn't be stopped, except for shitty Dallas ice. Who knows where he might have taken us if healthy. But that was always the "if", wasn't it? However, personally, I've never agreed with any Hawk fan or writer who called Marty soft, lazy, selfish, or a prima donna. He wasn't out with a bruise here, or a slight strain there. He was out with sprained ligaments in his knee, or a shoulder that was basically Monterrey Jack cheese. He always came back too early, and played when he clearly shouldn't have. His second year we all knew that shoulder would go out at a moment's notice, and yet there he was on the ice regardless, when he should've opted for major surgery long ago.
Last year was our reward, those of us who believed we would see the hellspawn of a hockey player again. Those who scream "contract year contract year!", still make me cringe, because Marty gave what he had. Whatever hesitence that may have looked like laziness would be chalked up to the fear that his career might be over any second. But deep down, we knew it couldn't last. That with every goal buried top corner, every pass right on the tape, every move that left opposing d-men looking like they'd just been labotomized, the price went up. And up. It was probably always going to end this way.
So please, Marty, just move on. I know you're hurt -- only mentally this time --, and upset, and very well may feel that you've been cheated out of a Cup, which isn't coming to Minnesota any time soon. But the Hawks made a business decision, and a sound one, and I know you know that. The Hawks will never come out and badmouth you, at least I hope they don't. So if you do truly appreciate us fans, as you say you do, you won't make us get caught in the crossfire.
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Well...
Truth be told I would have preferred the return of Havlat at a relative reasonable contract amount versus the entrance of Hossa with that contract. Havlat really impressed me last season and played a huge role in the development and production of Ladd and Bolland. Hossa has big shoes to fill. Huge shoes in fact. Chemistry is not to be underestimated either.
What I think this will all boil down to is Kris Versteeg eventually being moved. Maybe it doesn’t happen until the season is underway, but it almost has to happen from a playing time and financial perspective.
I love the addition of Madden. He is precisely what this team needs despite his relative futility scoring. I also love the addition of Kopecky given the disappointing loss of Pahlssen. Kopecky will have a definite big role to play.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
200k means that much to you?
Their contracts are essentially the same minus the years and you can take it to the bank that by years 9-12 Hossa will be retiring to the beaches of Slovokia.
FifthFeather.com
by El Duque's Raft on Jul 2, 2009 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions
It's not reality
they are making it up to screw with our fragile little minds.
If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning
Wait......
What’s our free agency beer?
"I can't be held responsible for what I personally tell my goons to do...."- C. Montgomery Burns
What?
You just thought you could take the summer off?
Teachers.. I tell ya, what a bunch of lazy bums.
Second City Hockey - Blackhawks, Beers, Beards & Blasphemy
Yeah thor, you should have been updating with a free agency beer while avoiding work in the office like the rest of us!
http://accordingtwomey.blogspot.com
I don't know,
I could’ve gone for a Free Agency Margarita.
If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning
Well put Sam.
Agreed wholeheartedly. Honestly…I’m not kissing author-ass. I found myself nodding and saying such things as “exactly” and “yep” while reading.
Hopefully we don’t get caught in the crossfire. I think I’ll be plugging my ears saying “la la la la I’m not listening!” While this (hopefully not) back and forth with Marty and Management is going on via Twitter, press releases, interview clips, etc etc etc.
“Here’s what Martin Havlat had to say about leaving Chicago…”
LA LA LA LA I’M NOT LISTENING!
“Hawks GM Dale Tallon had this to say in response…”
AHHHHHH!
"What the hell, let's review it." - Dale Tallon
"They are!" - Pat Foley
"What a farce." - Dale Tallon
Thanks, Marty
I am grateful for all he gave us last year, but I’d rather his name be on a 6-year Minnesota contract than a 6-year Chicago one.
The Hossa deal is actually brilliant…the last 4 years are worth damn near nothing, so Hossa, in effect, gets a 8 year deal worth around $59MM – the last 4 years are only worth about $3.5MM, so they buy that out to stretch $1.75MM over 8 years in cap hit. In the meantime, that $7MM or so for the first 8 only count as a little over $5MM in cap hit.
HOCKEENIGHT.COM...home of FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS and LEAVE IT TO BETTMAN...now with PODCASTING!!!
Is this high school?
I’m really sorry to see Havlat go, and I’m not totally convinced on Hossa yet, but it’s totally unprofessional for Havlat and his agent to get snarky with their Twitter comments about the Hawks. I feel like I’m in the high school cafeteria with the two popular girls sniping at each other about what really happened at Friday night’s party.
I only hope the Hawks don’t respond with any snarkiness of their own.
I’m really anxious for October now. Let’s play some hockey!
The Hawks improved by signing Hossa.
The only thing I disagree with is that the Hawks started their turnaround with the death of Wirtz…morbid thing to say, but its true.
Great post.
I wanted a car, I got a computer
I liked Havlat just as much as anyone. Thought played his balls off during the playoff run and wanted him back. Instead, we locked up Hossa for 12 years and Marty runs off to Minnesota and starts calling people nasty names.
The Hawks have improved that we can say — but Hossa has huge work to do to fill the void Marty has left in the locker room and with the fans.
Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.
I feel like the band is breaking up.
I really feel like the Hawks said a big “Fuck you” to Marty. I know this is a business and you have to keep your feelings out of negotiations but it really seems like they told Marty one thing and did another. I’m very upset it had to end this way especially when we wouldn’t have even gotten through the first round of the playoffs if it wasn’t for Havlat.
On paper Hossa is the better player. However, I saw the way the guys reacted to Wiz leaving. Losing Havlat is going to be upsetting for all the other players on the team. Hossa has this stigma against him after all that’s happened with him the last two years, and I just don’t know if he has the personality to over come something like that.
Wheels on the bus are falling off, falling off
Falling off
Oh MY God! We lost Wiz?? Shit we’ll never win a cup now.
All everyone is hearing is Marty’s side. He’s probably pissed he wan’t offered more than a 1 yr deal. and can you blame Tallon for not offering more? I read somewhere he’s only played ~190 games in the past 4 years…. Not so great plus he’s coming off being “Kronwalled” and who knows how that will effect him this year. Ya he was liked by many, me inlcuded, but i’m sure come preseason next year the players will be over it and welcome Hossa in.
The Hawks paid Havlat $18 Million for three years in which he played 172 games (57 average per year).
Second City Hockey - Blackhawks, Beers, Beards & Blasphemy
Thanks
I may have included the playoff games from this year? Thanks for the info.
SportsGal,
All fun… I know i don’t mean any harm and it’s all said in a joking manner hear. yes it’s a compueter and hard to translate sarcasm. If i MAY speak for some people i think when you were posting about Havlat yesterday and today it comes acorss as you are on a ledge with a gun while on Dipravin. The whole Wiz thing is just carrying on the joke on the WHOLE site about him being the savior. Truly am sorry if you feel like it’s jumping down your throat
Listen, you don’t have to apologize for joking or being sarcastic. I just get really fucking pissed off when people make me sound like an idiot (“We can’t win a cup with out Wiz” blah blah blah) and take my comments out of context. That’s all.
My initial response to a 12 year deal for Hossa (7 of which cost us $5.2M) was so strong because I’m worried about the cap space next year and being able to re-sign our core. I feel there are 4-6 really essential players on the team and all of them are FA (whether restricted or not) next year. Yes, I’m sad Havlat’s gone but I’m not going to kill myself. I’m not Anna fucking Karenina.
Will you fucking people READ instead of jumping down my throat?
I never said we needed Wiz to win. I liked that trade. I’m only bringing up the fact that the players were affected by him not being in the locker room anymore. It was temporary, but it was real. And who’s to say adding Hossa who has been a Finals jinx the past two years is really going to win us a Cup? You and I both won’t know until the season starts.
Less than 24 hours after losing Havlat and gaining Hossa and I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about it. Calm the fuck down if I make one fucking point about chemistry.
This is why I took a break from this site. People take two sentences of what I wrote out of context and proceeds to bash me.
You be the Martyr
I’ll be the Prophet…
I foresee JHCrist on a crutch….
SHOOOOOOOT IT!!!! Anon
by burpchelischili on Jul 2, 2009 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I appreciate what you’re saying, but I would argue that the players need to be professional and just roll with things…These guys know who Hossa is. It’s not like the replacement for JHC was some kid straight out of the WHL. While I’m sure most of them will miss Marty, they must be licking their chops this morning and are excited about the organizations committment to winning a cup, now.
If we're going to use the example of how Wiz shook them up...
it’s only fair to use the counter example of the single biggest shake up this team had to deal with this past year; Savard’s firing.
It was surprising, it was hard, Kaner cried, but I think just about everyone here agrees that it worked out in the end. The team could endure that kind of a shake up and that kind of a change in chemistry… I think we owe them the benefit of the doubt that they will endure this one too.
by Lost In NC on Jul 2, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I understand what you’re saying about team chemistry and all and we do have a young team but I dunno, I’m sure the players would be more affected by a father-figure type coach…say a HOF franchise C getting the axe a week into a season and that turned out ok. Everyone on this team has been in the league for at least 2 years now (aside from Niemi) and just in the past week 53 players have either been traded or signed with a new team, while 60-65 were flipped during the season..most at the deadline last year. In a salary cap sport it’s something that I’m sure they’re all aware of. They are professionals after all.
by Crease Monkey on Jul 2, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I think that’s the exact same baby I photoshopped onto Keenan’s body during the playoffs.
Second City Hockey - Blackhawks, Beers, Beards & Blasphemy
The band may be breaking up
But I think it’s more like we just switched bassists ….
We’re never going to know the true nature of what went on during negotiations over the last couple of months, so it’s useless to speculate. Marty feels burned, which sucks huge, but I look at it this way: we probably could have had Marty for eight years, say, at around 4 or 4.5 million a year; and we got Hossa for 9 or 10 playing years at 5.2.
I think the combination of Hossa’s durability and his better two-way game outweigh Havlat’s final year of tremendous promise and his injury history. This is a safer deal, and one where we won’t be worse off even if Havlat continues to have years like this last one. The boys missed Wiz, ya, but look how quickly Pahlsson was embraced and how massively he contributed. Changing faces is part of the game; these guys won’t even blink when it comes down to the drop of the puck.
and by the way ...
I’ll always think of Havlat as an ex-Hawk, which is something I couldn’t say for Calder, Arnason and the gang.
Loved watching him on the ice the final 2 minutes when we needed something to happen. Hope he finds as warm a welcome in Minny as he did this last year in Chicago.
I was thinking about this last night...
you know, when I couldn’t sleep and was thinking about how much I’m going to miss Havlat.
Next year I’m going to watch Havlat play and think of him fondly as an ex-Hawk. Unlike Aucoin and Calder, where every time we play them I find myself thinking “SOMEONE LAY HIM OUT! HE USED TO BE A HAWK!”
Speaking of which,
Aucoin signed with Phoenix/Hamilton. 1 year. Not sure how much cash.
You and I are gonna live forever
by Original Six on Jul 2, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
As much as I like Havlat
I think there might be a part of me that will want someone to lay him out, and not because I want to see him get laid out. I want to see the ’Hawks front office look like fucking geniuses for not giving him a multi-year deal.
NOW STOP IT RIGHT HERE
Alright, I admit it
there’s a part of me that wanted to make Czech puns after the Kronwall hit.
He will.
As much as I despise their teams (Twins, Wild, etc), you can’t ever fault the MinnYsotans for being fair weather. I’ve been to two Wild games, and a few games in Detroilet. Hockeytown moved a long time ago, and it’s in the Xcel center in downtown Minneapolis. They’ll treat Marty right.
by AirTrafficAJ on Jul 2, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
They traded Wiz at a crucial time during the season so of course its going to affect (effect?) the chemistry more...
This happened during the off season, so i dont think it will make too big of a difference. Sad to see him go, but it had to happen. Imagine if we signed him to a 6 year deal, and 8 games into the season his shoulder fell off. We’d be screaming for Tallons head. Smart hockey move.
Can't blame Havlet for being pissed
We don’t know the rest of the details, but from what we do know it can’t be said the Hawks didn’t try to bring him back, just not on terms he was looking for. Emotionally, it’s hard get excited about the swap of Panda for JHC, especially with Panda’s baggage. Still, Panda is a very legit player and Havlet would have left us with the same cap issues. Panda took the one year bitch deal to get the cup and it didn’t work out. Hopefully he learned from that and is a more mature player because of it. Clearly he wants to win the cup and can probably bring more than JHC did even if he may not be an initial fan favorite. Much as I will miss seeing Havlet do some outrageous shit and score, this deal is growing on me.
There are pluses and minuses to both sides. If I was Havlat, I’d be pissed, but I understand the Hawks as well. I loved Havlat this year, but if he reverts to the injury prone Marty of the last 2 years, everyone will forget about this. Like last year, we shouted for Campbell and got him. This year, Tallon makes a bold move and signs what looks like an upgrade. Not only that, but he re-signs Bolland and then signs a couple of other hard nosed forwards with Stanley Cup experience. I’m rooting for all of them to have great years.
I hate to see Khabby and Marty go, but it’s part of today’s NHL. Sammy, and Matt Walker, i won’t lose a second of sleep over. I am happy to have an organization that is willing to commit to winning and back it up. I don’t always agree with everything they do, like Huet last year, but they are really trying to make the fans happy. For that, I am VERY thankful.
great post
i felt myself agreeing with basically all of it.
Had to wear a holter monitor yesterday
No biggie (checks heart stuff, I’m fine, doc is over – precautious). But I wonder, will it show the heartbreak when I read the news?
I agree with Sportsgal on this. And who knows, Marty may have been willing to take even less to stay in Chicago than what he got from MN.
And for those who think 2010 is our best chance, well, I hope not. I hope to see best chances every year from now on, I want a team I can continue to follow and continue to root for and care about.
If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning
maybe
but he made $6M a year for 3 years from the Hawks on this last contract. Do you really think he was going to take less than $5M a year? Doubtful. So the Hawks are spending $200 more per year than that for a player who is a better all around player with exponentially less injury risks.
by Crease Monkey on Jul 2, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I honestly can’t believe there is this much hand wringing and gnashing of teeth about this. This is a no-brainer.
How, exactly, is a 7yr $5.2M deal a no-brainer when you have to re-sign Kane, Toews and Keith next year for more money and you have $7.5M (and a no trade clause) tied up in Campbell’s shitty contract?
Because you’ve upgraded your top flight right wing, and are now absorbing less of a cap hit. Additionally, it sets a precedent to those three that they’re going to have to make some concessions to keep this team in tact in a salary cap era.
The majority seemed to want Marty back, at approximately that cap number. The Hawks have now upgraded over Havlat. The numbers show that. In this day and age, you have to count on getting value from young, cheap players, so when the time comes to reload, a team needs to shed itself of salaries.
Yes, the Campbell contract is an albatross. But we’ve been over this millions of times. That’s market value for what he does. But he’s been as durable and consistent as any blueliner in the league with a comparable skill set.
The Hawks got the best player available in free agency, at a bargain rate. I don’t know what the fuck else you want.
And if the injury bug came back
to bite Marty in the arse next year, the critical, anti-Hossa-deal people would be screaming at Tallon for not making any noise in the FA market and throwing money and years/relying on the “fragile Havlat, who really only gave us one good year”. And saying things like “Why did we bring him back for that cash and length, and not think about his injury history!? Stupid management!” And if Hossa goes down and Marty grabs 75+ points with MIN, then you can shout “SEE!”. Not to say either will happen, but if one of those scenarios comes true, my money is on the former, not the latter.
We all will miss JHC, duh. But, as it’s been said, this was the way to go. Period. However, if he does come out to rip the Hawk brass, that will chip away at my respect for him. He needs to do his talking on the ice with his play, not his blackberry via Twitter.
"What the hell, let's review it." - Dale Tallon
"They are!" - Pat Foley
"What a farce." - Dale Tallon
I know Hossa is better than Havlat. But I had the sense Havlat would have taken less money for a 3-5yr deal and I can’t help but think it could have helped us keep the core together. And claiming everyone would be pissed at Tallon if Havlat got hurt next season is a bunch of bullshit.
Campbell’s contract is horrible, as is Huet’s and Sopel’s. Has anyone checked to see who would be a free agent next year around the league? Is there ANY chance Tallon could have saved some money and cap space to re-sign Kane, Toews, Keith, Biscuit and pick up a decent player in free agency next year? I bet there is. My biggest concern is with keeping the team good for years to come.
I didn't say
everyone would be pissed at Tallon. We’re a classic “Can’t please everyone” sports town, and there indeed would be idiots chastising Tallon for relying on Havlat to play multiple, full, productive seasons, (again, if) the second he went down. There would be ridiculous comparisons to the Cubs holding onto Mark Prior, the Bears holding onto Grossman, etc etc etc. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
Again, I’m not saying everyone, not even you. But the ludicrous analysis that would be spewed forward by bloggers and sports talk show hosts would be incredible…“What is it with this town and their GMs in holding onto the HOPE that their used-to-be-solid player will come around!?!?!” blah blah blaaaaaaah, it would be endlesssssssssssss.
"What the hell, let's review it." - Dale Tallon
"They are!" - Pat Foley
"What a farce." - Dale Tallon
You know who ISN'T a free agent next year?
Marian Hossa. And he’s not going to be for another 11 seasons after that. We couldn’t lock up Marty for a short term deal, so we locked up Probably-Better-Than-Marty for a long term deal. If the biggest concern is making the team a winner for years to come, having Marian Hossa for 8 solid years is probably the best thing that can be done towards that goal.
Having Hossa with Kane, Toews and a strong defensive core? Yes, the team would be good for years to come.
Hossa w/ no Kane and Toews? Not good.
HawkVision – you’re right about sports radio and Chicago bloggers. They would definitely complain if we had Havlat next year and he got hurt. I also expect them to make similar statements if, god forbid, Hossa gets hurt next year. Or Hossa chokes in the playoffs.
And I certainly
have the same worries as you not being able to squeeze our core in the phone booth that is the salary cap. As well as the possibility of Hossa going down, to which I mentioned earlier, that if either of those scenarios comes true, my money is on Marty going down.
"What the hell, let's review it." - Dale Tallon
"They are!" - Pat Foley
"What a farce." - Dale Tallon
The one saving grace for Kane, Toews and Keith is that they are RFAs. Our cap situation may be F’d, but a lot of the teams with cap space are in markets that can’t afford to pay up to the cap anyhow. To snare any of our 3 guys away from us, they’d have to not only have huge cap space, but they’d have to be a franchise secure enough to give away several draft picks to get them. If anybody knows of such a team out there, I’d be surprised to see it. If the cap does go down, the KTK trio will have to sign lesser contracts basically out of the financial reality of the league. Tallon won’t be able to promise them the money, but he’ll be surrounding them with good players to make it worth their while.
http://accordingtwomey.blogspot.com
The Kings have a ton room right now…something like $14-15M under the cap. Allegedly they made a strong push for Hossa as well. They haven’t even signed a minor FA so they’re in pretty good shape $ wise if they want to make a major move. Supposedly they’re in on Heatley as well but I’m sure they’re trying to pawn off Handzus, Williams or Stoll’s contracts and get a major upgrade. Good young team in a major market…
by Crease Monkey on Jul 2, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
check that
they signed Rob Scuderi today.
by Crease Monkey on Jul 2, 2009 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Didnt know
Thanks McClure,i didnt and never did understand this cap stuff.Now i sort of do.Welcome newbies.
See also the great Fanpost by ingmarWbergman
Kane and Toews salary cap hit is higher than their base salary because of signing bounses…. So their Cap hits for this year and next year seem worse than they are for a future "hit’ in a reality if they sign fo $6 mill a year each the Hawks are only lookiing at about a $5.5 million a year additional hit from what they are already at.
Agreed.
It does seem very feasible. It is a good post. I probably should comment this on it, but whatever.
"What the hell, let's review it." - Dale Tallon
"They are!" - Pat Foley
"What a farce." - Dale Tallon
I know it's like beating a dead horse.
But another spin, what message does this send to Toews, Kane and Keith when it’s time for them to re-sign? Hawks can’t play the loyalty and team work card, they’ve now shown it IS a business.
If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning
But they can play the card
that the front office is committed to putting the best team on the ice that they can, year in and year out.
True.
I’m honestly curious though – will players care more about a Cup or their guaranteed future? Or does one equate to the other?
If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning
If we're the kind of team that gives 12 year contracts
I think that says that we guarantee futures. Campbell and Huet have long term deals, Hossa’s got a long term deal now, when it comes time for the Big 3 to resign, those will also be long term deals. Havlat was the exception… it sucks but it’s how it had to be.
Well oh well, what have we got here?
Another spoiled brat episode from Havlat. Where have I heard this before? Wait a second after he left Ottawa. After the Sens said good-bye to Havlat back in 2006 he decided to rip the Sens management publically through his agent (once again). How did the Sens fair? Only ended up in the Finals, that’s all. Marty is Marty and although he didn’t show it much during his stay in Chicago he has and always will be immature in so many areas and that’s why (apart from his injury woes) I’m glad the Hawks didn’t re-sign him for deep down I think (only speculation) that he resented the fact he was the guy in 2006-2007 and at the start of the 07-08 season and that was taken away from him by Toews and Kane-2 better player I might add.
Hossa is a tank, and an extremely gifted athlete and I’m ecstatic the Hawks got him!!!
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!!!
Like Don Vito Corolone said....
“What’s done is done.”
Can you remember the last time a player was pissed he couldn’t stay in Chicago?
Me either.
We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold.
Wellll.....
Hawks? It’s been a while. But it seems like every year the Cubs and Bears are cutting ties with players that desperately want to stay here — Mike Brown, Mark DeRosa… it’s a long list. Even people who don’t have the best situations on their teams love the city and love the fans.
LaTroy Hawkins & Jacque Jones
say hello
by Crease Monkey on Jul 5, 2009 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions
JJ is a bad example..
because he really sucked
Second City Hockey - Blackhawks, Beers, Beards & Blasphemy
well they both sucked but them sucking wasn’t the question…they both wanted out.
by Crease Monkey on Jul 6, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Love you Marty
And I’ll miss you. Despite your heart, your skill, your desire, I don’t think you were long term deal material. I just don’t. There is absolutely no way you play as many games as Hossa plays over the next 4 years. No chance. Therefore, everything else goes out the window… points, chemistry… whatever. It means nothing if you aren’t on the ice.
Smart money says thank you, and Godspeed.
This sucks!
I think if the Hawks were serious about winning the Cup next year they could have given him a 2 year deal. I thought Tallon said at season’s end that signing Marty was his first priority. I can’t believe he went to Fucking Minnesota! (When a city allows a team to leave, I don’t think they deserve another franchise…and they quite possibly have the worst name in hockey) When Havlat and Handzus arrived, I was so optimistic and then they both go down. Sam is right, those first few games that year mesmerized us but it wasn’t to be…and we’ve got a lot to live up to after last year. Everyone is coming to play against us this year. I’m looking forward to it but it’s going to suck without Havlat. He set the table and easily could have had 10-15 more assists if guys could finish. Some of his passes were so impressive the other guys on the ice weren’t ready for them. Can you imagine him feeding Hossa? I think this is a big mistake. Thanks for the memories Marty, especially in the playoffs and best wishes to you. I hope I’m not seeing shades of the old regime creeping around this organization…ghosts of Wirtz past?
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