15 Feb 2016 15:45:28
Multiple reports saying that the Blawkawks are looking for a Top 6 LW and and defenseman but only have 2 million in cap space. Possible offer

To CHI: Michalek and Cowen
To TO: Bickell, 2016 1st

Michalek (when healthy) provides some size and scoring, while the Hawks can use Cowen for this years stretch run and then buy him out thereby earning the +750 000 cap bonus to pay Panarin. The Leafs would essentially be buying a late first round pick and could try to reform Bickell next year.

1.) 15 Feb 2016
15 Feb 2016 16:13:08
Sorry, I meant to indicate that the Leafs retain %50 of Michalek's contract this year and next. The deal makes no sense without that

2.) 15 Feb 2016
15 Feb 2016 16:26:47
Go trade. but I would like to see how Cowen developes under Babcocks tutelage

3.) 15 Feb 2016
15 Feb 2016 16:54:57
Cowen is too slow. The cap relief that his contract offers when bought out is valuable to other teams and the return the Leafs could get for him is more valuable than seeing how he develops under Babs.

4.) 15 Feb 2016
15 Feb 2016 18:22:34
Cowan has been suffering from an injury he sustained in the 2012/13 season. The Senators misdiagnosed the severity of the injury and then shut him down for the season so he could have corrective surgery. Once he returned he kept hurting his knee as he needed to compensate for the lack of mobility in his skating.

The rumor is the surgery did not correct the issue and there has been an ongoing problem with his rehab. The team is prepared to work with him through their doctors and sports injury clinic to determine if he needs another surgery to correct his hip problem.
Though thought of as a salary dump to make the Phaneuf trade work, the team believes he has a great upside and can be a contributor once he gets healthy again.
This is one advantage of the money the team is investing in trainers, doctors and physical therapists. I believe that Ottawa is going to regret passing him on to Toronto. Lamoriello stole this kid and I hope they can sort out his ongoing injury issues as he has the potential to be our second pairing "Chara".

5.) 15 Feb 2016
15 Feb 2016 20:00:29
The Leafs have UFA's that would be better fits and easier to fit under the salary cap than Cowen and Michalek. Not to mention that Chicago has Brent Seabrook to resign this offseason, so expiring contracts are even better for the Blackhawks. My point is, why not hang onto guys like Michalek, Greening and Cowen til next years trade deadline. We'll still need players to fill out the roster for next season

6.) 15 Feb 2016
15 Feb 2016 21:57:28
Seabrook has already been signed until 2024. Panarins contract and bonus are a big issue for Chicago this off season. Dumping Bickells 4 mill per, plus adding Cowen's cap bonus is a big deal for Chicago. I think this deal would be win win for both teams, especially with Michalek at only 2 mill per (once again if he is healthy and if the leafs retain 50%). I do not believe that Cowen will be able to recover from his injuries in the long term as his development has already been incredibly set back

7.) 16 Feb 2016
16 Feb 2016 00:47:56
If Chicago wants UFA's we've got a ton. Hope they're desperate enough to overpay;)