AGRI Biz

In the wake of a flurry of departures in the last couple weeks, there are a lot of Chicago Blackhawks fans that are soiling themselves about replacing the players that have left or will be leaving shortly. During the historic 2009-10 season, the Blackhawks finished the year ranked third in the NHL, scoring 262 goals (3.20/gm). On the other side of the ice, the Hawks allowed 2.48 goals per game, which ...

Everyone knows the Chicago Blackhawks will face some tough decisions with their roster in the coming days/weeks, and while the departure of free agents is easily justified (the Hawks simply cannot afford players like John Madden next year), whenever a fan favorite is traded it's hard to stomach his departure. After an incredible postseason in which he led the entire NHL with five game-winning goals, Dustin Byfuglien is ...

As the 2010 NHL Draft approaches, the trading appears to be picking up. As Jaroslav Halak, Dan Hamhuis and Jason Arnott have already been dealt, the fun appears to be only beginning. As teams look to fill needs or cut payroll, the continuing rumor mill will only grow bigger and faster. How many players will be dealt before the draft even begins? Let's look at a potential deal that could fill needs ...

Six days remain until the beginning of the NHL Draft, but the trading has started with a flurry. On Thursday, the St. Louis Blues dealt forward prospects Lars Eller and Ian Schultz to the Montreal Canadiens for postseason hero, goalie Jaroslav Halak. Then, on Saturday morning, the Philadelphia Flyers dealt defenseman Ryan Parent to the Nashville Predators for the rights to RFA Dan Hamhuis. Later Saturday, the Preds dealt Jason Arnott to ...

When the upcoming NHL Draft arrives, there will be a lot of hungry teenagers hoping to hear their names called. There will also be a lot of general managers hoping to find a jewel late in the draft. These two groups of people will be excited to be in Los Angeles. A third group might not be as excited. There are some players that will undoubtedly be dealt before or during the ...

Chicago Blackhawks' fans know they have an incredible young captain in Jonathan Toews. Having watched him from their seats or through their televisions, they can see that Toews is a special hockey player. But most fans in Chicago, and all over North America, don’t realize that winning the Stanley Cup would likely cement Toews’ Hall of Fame membership at age 22. Yes, I said it. If the Blackhawks win the Stanley ...

In the middle of the Stanley Cup Finals, I looked at a few front-runners for the Conn Smythe Trophy. At that time (after three games), I listed Antti Niemi as the top choice, followed by a handful of players from both teams, including Chris Pronger, Jonathan Toews, and Marian Hossa. Then, Game Five happened. Now we're looking at a championship round in which one goalie has a goals against average in the ...

Three Dog Night once told us that one is the loneliest number. For the Chicago Blackhawks, it is now the most daunting. After a stunning 7-4 win in Game Five of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Blackhawks have an opportunity to win their first Stanley Cup since 1961 on Wednesday night in Philadelphia. The Hawks came out of the dressing room with what was universally considered their best effort of the playoffs, ...

On Saturday night, the Chicago Blackhawks will host a Stanley Cup Finals game for the first time since 1992. In 1992, Jeremy Roenick was scoring goals for the Blackhawks, and Chris Chelios was protecting Eddie “The Eagle” Belfour in net. In 1992, Patrick Kane was still potty training, and Duncan Keith had a full set of his own teeth. In fact, the only consistent reality between 1992 and today is Jaromir Jagr’s hair ! When ...