Blackhawks, Arizona Make 7-Player Deal
On Wednesday afternoon the Chicago Blackhawks made a major trade. Finally.
Chicago sends forward Vinnie Hinostroza, defenseman Jordan Oesterle, a 3rd round pick in 2019 and the contract of effectively-retired forward Marian Hossa to Arizona for forwards Marcus Kruger, MacKenzie Entwistle, Jordan Maletta, defenseman Andrew Campbell and a 2019 5th round draft pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.
The Blackhawks are trading $7.425M in NHL cap space (before Hossa goes on LTIR) for $2.775 in used NHL cap space.
#Blackhawks have $8.5 million in cap space following Marian Hossa and Vinnie Hinostroza trade.
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) July 12, 2018
Entwistle, who turns 19 on Saturday, was originally a 3rd round pick (#69 overall) by Arizona in the 2017 NHL Draft. He is listed at 6-3 and 175 pounds and is a right-handed shot. He scored 13 goals with 25 assists with Hamilton in the OHL last season. He is likely the most important player in this deal for the Hawks. Entwistle is not yet signed to an entry-level contract.
Kruger is a familiar face for Chicago fans. Now 28, Kruger has one year left on a contract with a $2.775M cap hit.
Campbell is a 30-year-old defenseman who was originally selected in the 3rd round (#74 overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft by the LA Kings. Listed at 6-4 and 206 pounds he’s a left-handed shot who has appeared in 42 games in the ten years since he was drafted. He has a $650,000 cap hit at the NHL level (which is highly unlikely).
Maletta, 23, is a career AHL veteran. He appeared in 29 AHL games last year between Cleveland and Tuscon. He has a $792,500 at the NHL level (which is highly unlikely).
Hinostroza, 24, was originally a 6th round pick by the Hawks in 2012. He posted 25 points in 50 games with the NHL club last season and has scored 13 goals with 26 assists in 106 games in his career.
He had two years left on his contract with a $1.5M cap hit.
Oesterle is losing a numbers game in Chicago. He was a surprise last season and was effective as a bottom-pair defenseman. He carries a $650k cap hit.
Hossa will be remembered as arguably the greatest free agent signing in Blackhawks history. Hossa had three years left on his contract that has a $5.275M cap hit (but only $1M in actual salary being paid out).
"Today is another example of the leadership Marian has displayed as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks organization."
Thank you, Marian Hossa! pic.twitter.com/C4FRUeeLyP
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 12, 2018
Can’t wait to see how Bowman blows the extra cap space. Maybe use it on performance bonuses for Seabrook.
Got Hossa contract moved, faceoff concern addressed and a big bruising winger with potential for future. I like it.
I guess the cost of doing buisness. Hate to lose Vinnie. Was really looking forward to seeing him for a whole season. Losing hossa’s deal is the big positive here going forward. Getting Kruger back, is ok. Can win a face off to help toews in the d-end. Help on the pk. Can’t score worth a damn.
The prospect is a bit interesting.
Hopefully more is in store.
Have to think AA and maybe a roster defenceman is going now for some Defensive help. Unless Saad for Faulk happens.
I have it from a credible source that WE are now in the Karlsson sweepstakes!
So how much cap does Stan have to work with right now?
As Paul Harvey would say, ”And now for the rest of the story”
What about a return of Panarin, Tab?
Essentially Hino and Oesterle for Kruger and lots more cap space. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.
Mox right now little over 8.5m with 18 if 23 on roster. He could no problem if AA moved have in the vicinity 0f 10m to 11m for a couple of spots if he chooses to. Just next years rfas the concern.
My instant reaction is to like this (and I am not a Stan fan). We lose the albatross contract and really only give up Hino who I totally admire as a plucky little warrior, but I think gets overrated by a lot of guys here.
Adios Oesterle. Don’t forget to lay out the welcome mat in front of the crease for us.
And as for Karlsson, I don’t think so. Our future is at least 2-3 years out and we just drafted 4 defenseman in rounds 1 and 2. We also are still atop the league with 7,19,20, and 88 accounting for something like 42% of the payroll so a big NO on Karlsson at 11+ million.
Current cap space is $8.5M but that’s not all available to get a big ticket player because they have only 9 forwards and 6 d-men on the roster. They will need some of that cap space for 4 or 5 more forwards and 1 or 2 more d-men. Realistically they have probably $5M – $6M to spend on someone not currently under contract with the Hawks.
Entwistle had a great playoffs with the Bulldogs
Moving Hossa’s contract is huge. It gives Stan $5.5M more to make off season moves – not only this summer but next summer and the summer after that. Getting $5.5M on LTIR the day after the season starts is better than nothing but really means Stan can’t use that $5.5M for off season moves.
The Hawks gave up a 3rd round pick next year but got AZ’s 2017 3rd round pick so that’s more or less a wash. Maybe Entwistle turns out to be a player?
Apologize in advance as I know this has been asked a million times. Seabrook’s NMC, does he have to approve a trade for us to move forward or is any move a non conversation?
OOPS – hard to keep up with the moving parts today. The Cap Space is now up to $9.3M because Forsberg was sent to Rockford. Hawks now down to 2 goalies – CC and CW.
@MOX
Supposedly $8.5 million in cap space right now.
Save all the cap money you can cause Panarin not signing with jackets and if the tank. Look for jackets to maybe move him at trade dead line. Or we go after him guns a blazing at end of the season! That gives us best of both worlds Saad Panarin! Kaners stay in contact with the bread man please. I want bowman to pocket Hossa cash just for this reason !!! And I don’t think the jackets perform like last year. For get Karlsson ! But I rather William Karlsson instead.
Get Skinner and Faulk for AA and Rutta
Just read on another blog (but don’t have confirmation) that Kruger had surgery two weeks ago to repair a sports hernia. It was also mentioned the recovery time required means he probably goes on LTIR after the season starts for up to 2-3 months.
Oh geez … found a link from a May 4th article that states Kruger had sports hernia surgery the previous month (April) – not “two weeks ago” like my earlier post stated.
https://www.tsn.ca/coyotes-f-kruger-played-with-sports-hernia-1.1076048
Kruger comes off books at end of season helps too as probably at least 2 to 3 m in bonuses to deal with. Ltir for 2 or 3 months doesn’t help cap wise, but makes a roster spot for a young player to get look out of camp.
Aside from getting rid of Hossa cap hit for the next 3 years (that is good), what is worse, Kruger for one year at his cap hit and he has an awakening or Oesterle the turnstile?
As we all saw, Q obsessed w Oesterle. Worst case Kruger $1M cap hit this season, and we lose Hinostroza but don’t have to be concerned re Q obsession w Oesterle.
Verdict: Bowman plus.
Has Kruger won a faceoff since 2015?
The Kruger from the last few seasons isn’t the same player as he was prior to that. If he played like he used to he would be the answer to having a second face off guy and a solid PK’er. But, odds are he’ll never be that guy again. The good news is he has only 1 season left on his overpaid contract. We’ll see.
Kruger coming back is laughable but the real move is moving Hossa contract. Good ridance to Osterle and losing Hino isn’t a huge deal. Sounds like Entwistle only the important piece coming back which is also fine. Sucks losing a 3rd rounder and I hate saying there is a good chance the Hawks finish worse then the yotes next year so it moves them back in the 5th round also.
The bigger question becomes what’s the next move? Are the Hawks now in on EK65 or does Stan have his eyes on Faulk and Skinner? Or does Stan just sit on his cap space and wait?
Is a sports hernia just like any other hernia except that you’re showing it off?
Or is sports just oozing out of you? :) Sorry, always wanted to ask that.
For reasons mentioned above, I do not think we are even close to being able to absorb Karlsson, and after looking at his putrid +/- from last year, I don’t want him
The Draft Party, isint over yet.
Kruger says he will be good to go for training camp. Injury slowed him all last year but playing didn’t cause permanent damage.
I have the original scouting report on Entwistle. This may very well be a steal for the Blackhawks. If this kid is given time with Rockford, he may get his confidence back, fill out, and be a two-way force.
The Hossa salary dump is the biggest upside, currently.
Kruger coming back after his surgery…no big rush.
Now, is Panarin a deal in the making? Will Stan go after Karlsson? Is Anisimov on the clock to be moved?
Interesting times. Stay tuned.
https://thehockeywriters.com/mackenzie-entwistle-2017-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/
Bowman not going to address media until prospect camp, says he’s probably not done yet. Pacioretty talk interesting as Habs looking for center help and maybe a defensemen with Weber out for a bit.
ER, That’s right.
Craig, you said it.
I love Entwistle’s bass solo in “My Generation.” I think this kid has real potential…
I love the people who no matter what we do think its bad, not good enough or something. Basically have no faith or belief in team/organization.
That is pathetic.
https://twitter.com/TheFourthPeriod/status/1017490740459556869?s=09
Panarin > Pacieretty. Any chance we can get him back???
For as nice as it would be to get Panarin back, I don’t think the Hawks should go that route (even if Panarin wants to) because he is going to want more than the Hawks can afford. We’re not even 24 hours out from under an almost decade of Cap hell and the thought of going right back into the same cap strapped situation should dissuade all Hawks fans from hoping the Hawks get Panarin back.
Rumors are flying about possibly the Hawks being the 3rd team in Karlsson trade to TB. Guesses are the Hawks get Stralman (1-year remaining on $4.5M) and possibly a young player like Anthony Cirelli. All just guesses at this point but Stralman would be a pretty good 1-year placeholder to play with Keith and Cirelli is a nice speedy centerman (played with DeBrincat at Erie a couple years ago).
Off season is fun again!!!!
Trading 15 caphit. Well have plenty of space to sign Bread. As a ufa, not trade so we can get him for free. Pac Man or Mr. Skin are good players.
Hoss caphit wont go un noticed, whether its this summer, next summer or summer after that. Its drafting 4 and getting 81 for free as a ufa is what it takes. Were half way there with stocking D at the draft party.
This is for Hoss.
Perry.
Theres a reason the bearing sea salutes certain boats man.
Morrison, Thanks for the shout out.
I absolutely love this deal !
Toews-Schmaltz-Anisimov-Kruger at Center (for now)
Campbell will likely be the veteran steady defenseman that Colliton will need with all the kids on defense. He no doubt will wear a letter.
Malletta gives Colliton some size.
Oesterle = meh. You can find a bunch of these type of guys in the “A”
So Hinostroza and a 3rd rounder for Cap Space, a 5th rounder & a legitimate prospect in Entwistle. Done !!!
Now Stan is free to make “hockey trades”. Fantastic.
First of all hats off to Hoss for waiving his NMC so the Hawks could do this – it’s quite a trick to loved by all of hockey both as a player and as a person
Sounds like Rocky will bring him back when his contract is up which is exactly what he should do
As for the trade – love it. I said at the end of last year I couldn’t see where Hino fit – I never liked him as top 6, maybe 3rd line but I think we’ve got others who can fill this roles
Good riddance Oesterle – I don’t blame Q completely because for a 10 – 15 games it looked like he might be something but I think other teams figured him out – he couldn’t handle a physical forecheck
Entwistle looks promising – so there’s that – and Kruger’s has one year left on his deal and probably doesn’t get re-signed – no biggie
Getting rid gof the Hossa contract for Hino and getting back a solid prospect is a good deal
Trade comes down to this:
Hawks give up: 3rd round pick and Hino (bottom six contributor)
Hawks receive: mega cap space and promising prospect Entwistle.
What’s not to like?
@ EB
Interesting, I’d be ok with Stralman for a year. That gives the Hawks another NHL top 4 player dman in the mix. Stralman is usually near the top of the list for (+/-) although playing on Tampa with Hedman has a lot to do with those numbers. It’s not the worst move in the world. He’s leaps and bounds better than Manning.
First I wish Hino nothing but success the local kid has done a nice job I hope he plays well in Phx and scores himself another NHL contract.
Its only July 12th but the roster is starting to take shape. I feeling like with the bonus money Kuhun was paid he is going to be a factor, probably somewhere on the third line. I HATE to say it but with Hino gone, it feels like Chris Kunitz is going to get those 1st line minutes with Saad and Toews. Let’s hope he can put up some pts and get flipped at the deadline. He is 38 after all yikes! What a wasted roster spot.
(((Actually stupid me, Stan, OF COURSE, gave Kunitz an NMC seriously WTF)))
The 2nd line that makes the most sense is all American line of Cat, Schmaltz, Kane
Let’s assume Anisimov isn’t moved he centers Kuhun and Sikura on the 3rd line and then Kruger is going to hold down the 4th center spot as long as he’s healthy and Q is still the coach, and then its a cast of characters looking for their chance;
Ejdsell, Martinsen, Hayden, Fortin maybe?
As for the problematic blueline that hasn’t been fixed, if the Hawks line up Left/Right
Keith/Murphy-urgh
Manning/Rutta-Yikes
Seabroke/Gus-PLEASE HELP!
It’s still a last place team with a healthy Crow
if somehow SB brings in Stralman to ease TB’s cap space on an EK trade and Pacioretty for AA plus I would sleep easy until September
You and alot more people would sleep easy until September. Lol
This prospect Entwistle looks very interesting. Excellent skater with size and very strong defensive skills. Hurt by catching mono in his draft year. Looking forward to hear how he looks at the prospect camp.
I saw a lot of mock lineups with Hino on the top line with Toews and Saad – I never agreed with it. Hino has speed and plays with heart but he’s never shown he can be a top-6 finisher. I know it’s premature to pencil Sikura into the top-6 but he has more top-6 potential than Hino had. Maybe the odds are better that he finishes the season in the top-6 than he plays top-6 right out of the gate. I wish Hino well but I doubt the Hawks are going to miss him.
kunitz approached the blackhawks about playing here and not the other way around. His wife is from chicago
Let patches go to Florida get Bjugstad, move Schmaltz to wing
SSHM I was thinking more
Keith-Rutta
Forsling-Murphy
Seabrook-Manning/Gus
I really hope the rumor is true that the Hawks are looking to be the third team in the Ottawa-TB deal that gets Karlsson for TB. Wouldn’t it be very cool if somehow the Hawks got J.T.Miller in the deal. He’s signed for 4 more years at $5.25M which is pricey but he would step right into the 2C role – he’s skates well, has good size, wins faceoffs, and can score. Then trade Anisimov+ for a d-man. How about something like:
To TB: Anisimov (3-years $4.55M), Mitchell, 2020 2nd round pick
To CHI: J.T. Miller (4-years $5.25M), Anton Stralman (1-year $4.5M)
TB gets $5.2M in cap space which gives them enough space to acquire Karlsson.
The Hawks get a 2C for 4 years and a 1-year placeholder top-4 d-man until Joker or Boqvist steps in.
This is probably a far fetched trade proposal … but tis the (off) season for dreaming.
Stan, Whatever you do with cap space please no max Pacioretty. On the back nine and a notorious no show in the playoffs. Panarin is an elite talent.
7th place in this division in hockey is better then 16th place in league. Problem is theres only 5 from any division.
Good thing were 3 seed last yr, without 2 ahl goalies/with Crow.
Whatever people think/we are, it doesn’t matter. We wont be the deep we want/and will be until 20/21 seasons anyways so theres no whining about it now.
It should be all salute and good job done for getting us ready for the yrs that count. When were deep again.
It almost wants me to gag/spit up how bad people think were are.
If we were really that bad/or going to be in this yr coming up, why not trade Wirtz hes got value, trade some seats from the rink, they must be worth more then a top5 checking line center in the league. by all means.
Just like people thought we couldn trade 81 caphit, because no teams want to help the dynasty team of the salary cap era.
We would have to give soooo much to even be able to do it.
Get fleeced.
It happened.
Suck on thaaaat!
And this, the top organization in hockey, isint done yet.
These guys arnt looking for only this yr.
believe it or not.
Long term.
BAD intentions.
Take it easy Mo, it’s weird that some people have to make a problem out of every solution. Definitely a step in the right direction. Little early to talk about defence pairs until see who will be there for sure. I feel there is very good chance Jokiharju is with them to start the season, if he is it isn’t to sit in press box.
One other thing this could allow, is if Crawford is unable to play a full season, he can be put on ltir now and his cap room used to acquire a starting goalie during season.
Delete those post. They are the 2-7am kind of posts. We ve been drinking since 2.
Whistler- like his stats in Tourney’s …
seems to be in the “Shaw” mold- over-achiever type….
skates well
Kruger was a true warrior back in the day… classic “mudder” on the walls
But- Kampf is better now… faster/more skilled… and still learning NHL game
Really opens door for Kampf or Edjsell to play 2nd o r 3rd Center… and Move AA out… before the season… or at TDL – if Hawks are sucking… might even get more for AA
I’ll give Bowman credit for moving the Hossa contract. Sorry to see Hino go, but Kahun is likely as good. They need a legitimate top 3 defenseman. While the situation has improved with the cap space, the Hawks where they are right now, are still not a playoff team.
I know. God to keep me in check. Just get a little defensive after celebrating for 9 hrs then read that stuff. In the right place, between 2-7 am posts are defensive and funny at times.
Good vibes is what I like.
Sorry south/others, just cant stand any negative with a 100% positive trade.
Pacioretty-please no–there is a reason Montreal wants to trade him.
29–30 at the start of the NHL year and coming off a bad year-he’s trending skill wise in the wrong direction as far as speed goes.
Skinner better option at 26 but was way down in points and went from -3 to -27 in one year. He can skate and people think he’s small but he’s strong lower half. (200 lbs)
A good day today.
1st line: Saad Schmaltz Kane (Coach Q needs to keep them together the entire season)
2nd line: Kunitz Toews Debrincat
3rd line: Sikura Ainismov Hayden
4th line: Edjsell Kempf Kahun
Unfortunately, this is the weakest roster for any upcoming season the Hawks have had in the last 12 years.
Bowman has gone a little overboard with drafting dmen the last 3 years with none in the NHL yet. Yes, 1 or 2 will contribute one day. But, if we look at our impact prospects up front, especially on the wing, we are extrremely weak. Sikura and Debrincat are nice players but are not blue chip prospects like a HOSSA or like a Laine or a young James Neil / Evander Kane.
Cap space freed up is a very good thing in that the present Hawks roster has some large holes that need to be filled on the offensive and defensive side of the ice. Given the present age of Toews, Kane, Keith Seabrook, Crawford, I think the time is now to get the players needed to make this team a contender. How good are those core guys going to be in 2-3 years compared with right now when the younger guys coming in are supposed to be hitting their stride?
I believe Panarin would be happy to take less money to play in Chicago than many think. He and Kane had a very special chemistry on the ice, which in itself would positively change the offensive dynamics of the Hawks. I hope Stan can find a way to get Bread Man back here where he really wants to play.
A solid top 4 d man is also needed. I don’t know where that guy comes from, but the Hawks will need to give something to get something.
The present Hawks roster barring some crazy positive player performance surprises once the season gets rolling is as thin as we have seen since pre Kane/Toews. The Hawks brass know season ticket holders have started to bail. The waiting list is finally getting tapped this off season. I was almost one of those guys to not renew, but said what the hell and ponied up or another season. When it’s often hard to get face value for your tickets with games you can’t attend, that is not a good sign regarding fan base attitudes.
This team needs more talented players that are difference makers.
Lets Go Hawks!
Phil, well put.
The first paragraph sums up what the crux of the dilemma is for the Hawks. The problem is 3 of those five guys will be 33, 34 and 35 during or before the season with one a big question mark at this point. Do you play it smart or go for it to further complicate the financial bind that has been created and perhaps put some current or future players and contracts in jeopardy? Yet it’s very hard to waste Toews and Kane.
Your last line about difference makers is the key-add ageing difference makers to make an average club better or be flexible to do the right things in 3 to 5 years? I’m glad those decisions aren’t mine but often they are done by GM/Presidents to aid/keep their job in the short run.
If – big IF – Panarin takes less than market value (Kucherov got $9.5M so Panarin is probably looking at $9.0M), and it’s low enough to not put the Hawks in Cap hell again (lose Seabrook’s contract?) – then I would love to get Panarin back. But, I would wait until next summer when he hits UFA and can get him for “nothing” rather than paying through the nose to trade with CLB. Tank this season and get a lottery draft pick (Jack Hughes?) and then go get Breadman back. Optimistically thinking – by then Jokiharju and Sikura will have successful rookie seasons under their belts, Boqvist will be ready join the Hawks and the transition to the top-4 of the future will have started. The Hawks trade Anisimov as part of the OTT-TB Karlsson trade and somehow end up with T. Raddysh. Yeah … that will work.
Panarin-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Hughes-Raddysh
Saad-Schmaltz-Sikura
Kahun-Kampf-Hayden
Keith-Jokiharju
Forsling-Boqvist
Gustafsson-Murphy
Crawford
Delia/Peeters
All the speculation as to line and D-men combinations is extremely premature. One more trade, maybe two, likely to transpire this summer.
There are a lot of young forwards and D-men as well who have a shot to make the team this season and thereafter. Unfortunately, a draft choice’s status (i.e. 1st Round pick) and a player’s salary (i.e. Murphy) seem to be factors in slotting players into positions on the team. This wasn’t the case a few years ago — for example, Hjalmmerson & Shaw were lower round picks who established themselves. They would have never been projected to play important and consistent roles on the team. In the same respect, a player like Highmore was a free agent. He plays a sound game, has speed, an offensive skillset, and can move up and down the lineup, even killing penalties. Who’s to say he isn’t already or won’t be a better player than some of the other “highly touted” younger forwards (i.e. Sikura, no one can state for certain if he will be a successful player or not, although based upon Q’s relationship w/ his family and the Hawks’ obsession to sign him, he certainly is in the driver’s seat right now).
Lastly, Q was never a Hinostroza supporter; it pained him to compliment him post-games. It is smart of Bowman to clean house of all players Q has his “issues/fetishes” with. On the other hand, bringing in players like Kruger who Q is obsessed with in a positive way is a concern.
Being the 3rd team in a Karlsson to Tampa trade likely means bringing in a team to take Bobby Ryan, Ottawa want him to go with Karlsson so don’t want to go there if that’s why.
Kruger was brought back to address faceoffs and lack of a true shutdown center. Kampf doesn’t seem to have offensive numbers for a no. 3 either so not sure where he fits as center, unless he finds offensive game.
Ian- Regarding Kampf:
imo – Kampf has way more offense than Kruger… while both have great effort and go to “the dirty areas” – Kampf’s size gives him the advantage… Kampf skates as well as 16…. Kampf moves puck up and sneaky Touch passes – to quicker wings- bodes well – if actually played with better/quicker guys (like a Kane)
Kampf’s Face-off #’s where actually pretty good– and seemed to get better
The ONLY big advantage Kruger has in D/Checking role (and it is BIG advantage)
Is Kruger – has great ability to “muck/Tie ” up play on boards– which is a great asset – when he is employed Versus Superior 1st line types… to simply Kill play/eat time… BUT- Kruger’s days/ are probably numbered on this skill- due to the beating/pounding he takes doing it.
I think the Hino trade was a favor to him, he was looking at less ice time, now he goes to a team where he will get a better shot at more ice time, win-win for him & Hawks.
Troubling news out of Slovakia: Hossa has been seen leaving a medical facility that specializes in radical stem cell & immunization therapies…. Comeback…???
satire/
Even though Krugs isint 57% faceoffs anymore/wrist, hes still around 50 and that’s better then 45-50 and a reliable 50%.
PK and defensive zoon starts are huge for 19.
A potted plant has more offense than Kruger … and I love Kruger … just sayin.
Wall… I have to agree Kampf would be my choice as well. At least a little offence is good.
Kruger is not the player he once was or Phoenix would not be trading him.
Kruger had 1 goal in 48 games last year. To me he has to totally shut everyone down
unless you are trying for a zero, zero tie.
……sad about Hossa leaving….end of the greatest era in Blackhawk history…..I would say let’s roll the dice with Max Pacioretty!……
if being the 3rd team in EK sweepstakes means taking Bobby Ryan then no thanks
Frankly OTT should stop trying to include him in the EK deal and focus on maximizing the return for EK instead – this trade could set the Sens on the right course for the next decade but trying to slide Ryan’s deal in there as well is bad form IMO
@ER you pay that plant in front of the net you’re bound to get a few goals on deflections alone ; )
oops – ‘pot that plant’ not ‘pay that plant’
sorry
I’m perfectly fine with committing the bottom six forward slots to all young players (that would have meant Duclair as well v. Kunitz, but we know that was another player Q not fond of), but Ben Smith would have been a far better addition to the team in the same role that Kruger is going to play. He signed in Europe for 3 years, likely good coin, but one would think he would have taken a one-way deal for the minimum or slightly above to play in the NHL. Smith also appeared to be on Q’s good side.
Anyway, no big deal.
Kruger’s inclusion in the deal negates the benefit of moving Hossa’s contract in year 1. If he can’t play, and last year he was AHL caliber, that is a huge negative to this deal.
My understanding is that there is an insurance clause that covers 80% of Hossa’s salary, so actual cash outlay for Ariz will only be $200,000 per year of his $1 million salary.
Hino’s speed is formidable, and with little ice time he averaged .5 pts per game last year, and was locked in at $1.5 million for two years. That’s exactly the kind of depth player with speed and skill and upside of youth that this team needs more of.
That’s Teuvo, Johns, and Hino this team has had to move out due to trying to move salary on current players. It would be nice if we could reverse this trend and take advantage of a Tampa Bay or Toronto to get a good piece for basically nothing for a change.
Panarin:
– would blow-up the budget
– has not (as far as I know) expressed a preference for returning here
– would not take a discount
– would not put us over the hump
– will turn 29 in just over 2 years
– will not be allowed to walk for nothing by CBJ
Chat away – why not, that’s what fans do, but he is not coming back.
Nothingburger.
Panarin hits UFA July 1, 2019 – so unless Panarin re-signs with CLB – they will watch him “walk for nothing”.
But, I agree Panarin will probably not take a discount to play for the Hawks, at least not enough of a discount to make it feasible for the Hawks.
Wall no arguments on what Kampf does better, its just as you said he doesn’t meet the shutdown checking requirements. As a 3rd center he is no where near the offence that AA would likely bring. If Toews and Kruger are taking 75% of the draws and likely all the important ones save icings where can’t change. Do you want to basically offensively challenge 2 lines for a small percentage of draws. Maybe an Ejdsell would offer more there.
If Kruger struggles then Kampf would be 4th by default.
Agree on Panarin, he’s 88 lite with worse defensive acumen.
Question – didn’t Kunitz play with 89 in Pitt when he recovered to his old self?
Maybe the same can happen with 19?
Panarin will get closer to $10 mil than $8 on his next deal – agree he’s not taking a discount
agree with HereIsMike that the Hawks should be looking to take advantage of cap strapped teams – this is why I like the idea of them being 3rd team for TB in EK trade and scoop up a good player from TB for less than market value
KUDOS to BOWMAN for getting out from under the DEAD WEIGHT of Hossa’s contract TALLON saddled him with. Not as impressive as winning 2 STANLEY CUPS after the TALLON-CAMPBELL CONTRACT DISASTER ROSTER MELTDOWN but a positive move nonetheless.
promising pre-2017 draft analysis on Entwhisle
This analyst sees him as an NHL centre and predicts will be an NHL player
https://thehockeywriters.com/mackenzie-entwistle-2017-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/
Wraparound – I went back and looked Entwhisle was actually rated higher by The Hockey News than Jokiharju and Ian Mitchell for the 2017 draft.
Hmmm, so 2nd round value and his game is improving. Nice addition ! I hope he attends prospect camp next week.
Also, the angst I’m seeing by some other Hawks faithful about the trade is mind-boggling.
Stan’s hands were almost completely tied until the season opener by the Hossa contract. Now we are free of that albatross.
Yes we moved Hinostroza. I could care less about Oesterle.
Suddenly this off-season has potential to be a positive one. Two days ago, that was not nearly the case.
Craig saw it said that Bkackhawks announced Entwistle be at prospect camp.
Sorry but this is another Stan throwing away a great kid in Hino just to unload Hoss`s burden . Hino is an energetic ,speed man . What we get back??? Oh yeah an over paid broke down , shit point producing Kruger ,and a complete unknown who will be benched and bitch slapped by Q .
Stan just can`t help himself bringing back old Hawks from the glory years ,this is more than a bad trend ,.,.it`s all Stanley knows .
If Stan burdens us with a 5 -7 million dollar cap hit player signed to 5 years plus we are fucked . I don`t care who it is ,.,.,.,we need to grow ,develop and draft . Just stop it Stan!
Lots of good posts.
Craig, like to hear good things on prospect. Another good prospect coming from the Buckeru and Mitchell draft.
Wall, Krugs and Kampf, like 16 and 67.
Unlike some I haven’t bailed on the idea of a 4th cup sometime with 19, 2 and 88
On which side of that issue a fan is will largely determine what you think SB should be doing.
As I see it SB is positioning himself to add an impact player (which IMO Hino wasn’t or will ever be) this summer – that player may be on an expiring contract which would be OK but he may also be on a longer deal or signed to an extension and for the right player I’d be OK with that
He’s signed some older UFAs (Ward, Kunitz) who on their own aren’t that exciting but will come off the books in 1 year giving the younger players the Hawks will need around the ‘old’ core more time to develop and himself a little more cap $ for next summer
He’s now freed up cap room for this summer by trading Hossa to improve the on ice talent, hopefully to make the playoffs this year and by the following year hopefully contend for a SC again
I think that has to be their plan roughly and I think it’s the right plan
So far I’m fine with SB’s off season – the big test is now what will he do with the cap $ from the Hossa trade
Please NO MAX PACIORETTY.
Jordyhawk is exactly right about Panarin. Hawks will not blow the budget on him and CBJ will never let him walk for nothing. No more wasted discussion about him.
Hino is fast but needs to learn how to finish better. The Hawks are loaded with small players, so trading him is a good thing. And yes, please no declining Pacioretty.
This is going to be a tough year, but the pipeline is getting stronger. We will likely miss the playoffs next year. Another good draft will put us in a strong position, starting in 2-3 years. We must have the goalie situation nailed down by then. But the dilemma: Kane, Toews, and Keith are not getting any younger.
Hino was nice but so was Ken Yaremchuck and Dennis Cyr. Great move by Stan. Now is the time to use the cap space for expiring contracts. Maybe get a Simmons from Philly. Max is only one year also.
If we are the third wheel for Ottawa and Tampa can Ottawa keep half of Bobby Ryan 7.25 and then Tampa keep half of the 3.625 then get Ryan for 1.81 aav for the next 4 yrs? Same with Duchene. If not Stralman or Girardi will do.
My move will be Skinner and Faulk from Carolina. After that wait for next off season when Toronto is going to need help signing people.
The shoes feel good now that they are on someone else’s foot.
Hawktalk…. Hino is a bottom six at best and is hardly a big loss. Sikura and Kahun are both more talented. Also people complain about too many small players ( smurfs) yet we get a solid prospect that’s 6’3” at 19 years old (in a couple of days) and could be that power forward the Hawks need. Entwistke May be the best player in the trade and we free up the Cap space and Kruger is ONLY 1 year. Also Oesterle was a waste of space as well this is a win win
Just following the rumors I feel like the asking price is too high on Faulk and Skinner so the Hawks are moving on. I have no doubt that if the Hawks want Patches he can be had. It doesn’t solve anything on the blue line but certainly gives them more of an offensive punch.
I really like the ideas of hoarking a good player from another top team when they cant keep everybody.
Get a top6 player this summer and hoark a good player as well. Next summer is a big add, like 81 was.
Morrison has simplified it all for us–we need to just keep HOARKING, HOARKING, HOARKING players.
Keep in mind that most of Stan’s trades come as somewhat of a surprise. A lot of the rumors are a smokescreen. All the beat writers had him trading pick #27 to Carolina for immediate help in Justin Faulk. Instead they went with Beaudin and kept the pick.
Most had the Hossa contract going to Ottawa.
How many columns said look for the Hawks to sign Chris Kunitz and Brandon Manning on 7/1. ?
So it’s tough to predict what’s going to happen. I know this. The Hawks got somebody to take the Hossa contract, that’s a huge positive.
I confess, I am a little worried about the sudden change of direction by the Hawks. In less than 12 months, we have lost young, fast skaters like Hartman, Duclair, Jurco, and Hinostroza for slower (some older) skaters like Kunitz, Kruger, Edjsell and Schroeder? It is true that our prospects on the wings are non existent. But, I thought giving a younger Kampf a shot at 4th line centre was worth looking at. But, I guess Kruger was an Arizona problem and Hossa’s contract Chicago’s problem.
I am one who does not trust Stan’s ability to make good hockey trades and thus I worry about these Panarin and Pacioretty rumours. Apart from the original Nick Leddy trade with Minnesota, his record is below par. I hope Toews does not land in Montreal!
I wouldn’t say the Hawks “prospects on the wing are non existent”, but it is pretty thin. Sikura is their best prospect and has a legit chance to be a top-9 winger, if not eventually a top-6 guy, and he skates and plays fast. After him it’s a bunch of guys with warts and/or fading chances and a bunch of unknown Euro’s. We kinda know what we have in Hayden, Kampf and Highmore because we’ve seen them play in the NHL and all of them are serviceable to some extent but none of them project into the top-6 and probably not the top-9. Louis is quick as can be but makes DeBrincat look big, Fortin has decent size, skills and speed but hasn’t progressed since he wowed at prospect camp in 2016. Kahun and Nilsson are unknowns on American ice. And the rest of the wingers are just a bunch of guys. The center prospects aren’t much better.
Forwards recently drafted like Wise, Nordgren, Soderlund and a couple Russians show promise but they’re no sure thing.
Hey Stan, don’t trade draft pick for short term players (Skinner/Pacioretty) – you need to restock the forward prospect pool.
Bouma/17, I am not saying throw under bus.
Push, shove. Hoark.
I want moar. I want moar.
We were thin on FW, drafted FW for a couple yrs,
Then thin on centers, drafted centers for a couple yrs,
Then we’re thin on top4 D guys, drafted D for last two yrs,
We prob go to drafting FW with size next drafts,
We only get two 1st picks not often, 2011 and 2018 the drafts after not being able to keep everyone/when being stacked.
Craig, that’s basically always the way Bowman and crew do trades. So someone here could think outside the media and dreaming box to figure who/s players well add this summer. That’s a good research there.
Goldenbladz ,my 14 year old daughter is the same size as Sikura ,158 lbs ,.,.,you kidding me ! Hino gave it every shift ,got dirty and played a great board,cycle game .
Who else we got bringing that ? Hayden ?,oh yeah he`s in Q`s shit house as well . Stan is spinning his wheels , this has been his m.o. for the last 3 years . Stan has not even come close to rebuilding our D end .,keep up the great work Stan flounder Bowman .
Wait and see what he blows our little cap space on .
I agree, I think Bowman has failed in drafting prospects in the first 3 rounds of every draft which is where the percentage of NHLers with impact come from. Their picks are odd and they seem disconnected from other scouts around the NHL. We all knew that Hossa at some point was going to retire. And when we traded away Saad after 2015, we needed another 6’3″ winger with size, speed and skill. Instead, we have opted for a ton of defenseman like Gilbert, Hillman, Mitchell and smallish forwards like Louis, Hinostroza, Debrincat, Sikura and now Wise. I was also one that was hoping for Walhstrom. Yes, we are extremely thin on the wings and trusting Bowman with a trade is not a great idea. This roster is defintely weaker than last year. I think it is time to move on from this GM and his staff. But, I would keep Toews, Kane, Seabrook and Keith! They are not the problem. They deserve to end their careers in Chicago.
Hawktalk… I agree on your earlier post… trade is similar to Bickell and Sweetener TT…
Hino- is a very solid offensive/speed player… who if played in “right situations/lines” … puts up 50 points +… imo- in right situations
Like TT- Hino has his short comings… TT/Hino- need to play in systems/teams… that fit their style… TT- shined for Finland in Jr. Elite tourneys… which I watched a lot of… the Jr. Finns – played a lot like Pittsburgh… really move puck North and up and “Puck Possession” wasn’t really as important…
Re: Trade… Time will tell on this Entwistle kid… What I read (and more important to me– is- he has over-achieved in Playoffs/and U18 stud tourneys) … so I am hopeful that he can actually turn into a nice player.
IF Entwistle- does NOT pan out… This is another Stan fail– like Bickell/TT…
We also- have to see what SB is able to add here- w/ Cap space… but on surface – losing – Hino- is a fail- especially when u consider his Cap hit
How is this roster weaker then last yr.
Every rookie and first yr league guys will be better.
Crow, night and day.
By making no moves, this roster is way better just with Crow and 75% or more of players not having off yrs for them.
Plus we’re going to add a top6FW and top4D this summer and next summer. That is the significant adds we need, though, which gets us 81 and 4 spots back. Then we’re talking.
Rumor out if Carolina is Schmaltz and a 1st rounder for Faulk. I’m good with that, the Hawks Blueline needs a lot of work. Faulk fills alot of those holes. Obviously Schmaltz is a good player but so is Faulk.
Wall – cautiously optimistic on Entwhistle too – let’s see how he does at prospects camp but liking what I read about him
but can’t agree on losing Hino to lose the Hossa contract as a fail – to me it’s a win for opening up the cap space
You can judge what SB does with the cap space (when he does) as a fail if that’s the way you see it but as a stand alone transaction this trade is a win for Hawks IMO
We’ve got Sikura, Kahun to replace Hino and already small perimeter players in Kane and D Cat so as useful as Hino may have been (3rd line tops) SB did well to deal from area of strength (ie. small perimeter players)
Now we have some flexibility to add a more impactful player then Hino
My $.02
Please , just say NO to drugs,.,.,i mean Faulk ,he has been a minus every year in the league ,mind you playing for Carolina ,still ,his style of play will NOT fit Q`s brain set .
Who want`s a cap hit like that riding the pine in Q`s house of dogs . Please Stan leave Faulk out of the picture . Add a steady stay at home ,calming mature ,cheap D man . Who fits that mould ? Wall you got any answers ? Think out side the box here Stan .
Plus/minus isn’t a legitimate stat to judge somebody by. I would be fine with Faulk for the right price. Don’t want to give up somebody who can a big piece for the Blackhawks alot of years though. Hino wasn’t likely going to be a major player with Blackhawks as much as i liked his play, so ok with that but not giving up Saad or Schmaltz who can be top 6 forwards on this team for next 10 years for a someone to bridge a couple year gap on blueline.
Heard Chris Tanev was available, whats the thoughts on him. Don’t know alot about him little i saw seems reliable and moves the puck good.
It’s not just a huge positive trade cap space, it’s also huge to bank space during the 186days prorated space is gained for covering past due and this yrs player bonuses.
In terms of a caphit for players people donot like, it’s up to 1.025m from .925m and starting next yr up to 1.075m to be in Rockford.
Faulk is not a Bridge the Gap kinda player ,if he were to come i am sure he would want a multi year deal ,.,. I know he is not the answer .
Tanev making 4 million a year and seems to be broken down at times .
There is absolutely no way we trade Schmaltz and a first for Faulk. Schmaltz isn’t going anywhere in the next few years – he is easily the most skilled of all the young guys and his ceiling is very high.
Schmaltz is a legitimate 1st line centre offensively. He has tremendous playing making ability. I enjoy watching him play and so does Kane!
Many teams, including the Canes and Montreal Canadians, are interested in him. I truly hope Stan stays put and keeps Schmaltz. Faulk is someone we do not need. We drafted 3 of the last 4 dmen who are right handed shots? He is a minus player so unless you trade him for Murphy, then I suggest we stay away from him. I think Bowman and his pro scouts need to make hockey trades. I am willing to trade Ian Mitchell for another top prospect from another team that plays left wing, for example. Trade prospects for prospects of need?
Ok thought maybe Tanev could play a Hammer type role but maybe leave it alone. Trading Mitchell at this point in time could be like jumping off a 50ft. bridge tied to a 51 ft bungy cord. Too early to tell if he will be the keeper of the bunch. Know what you got first, before trading the high end Dmen prospects is my thoughts.
Schmaltz stay longg time.
That’s like Frank the Tanks pledge class with rope and cinder blocks.
Agree with MS: No way does even a dumb GM trade Schmaltz and a 1st rounder for Faulk. I wouldn’t trade Schmaltz straight up for Faulk. He is the most successful piece selected by Bowman, one to rebuild around.
It wouldn’t surprise me if the Blackhawks are going full rebuild and take on salary from tampa along with draft picks/prospects much like the Blackhawks were doing in going for a cup.
I wouldn’t mind trading for one good player this summer, keeping 20/12/8/last two drafts top prospects, for other prospects/picks.
Then next summer get another good player that’s ufa for free. No assests traded for ufas.
That way we are adding/getting back 81 and 4. By doing a full retool.
Were back in 2yrs, as young guys come in each yr. Year and yr
Hawktalk I doubt Sikura is 150 anything now and he will easily replace Hino but I agree with you totally on Faulk. In no way should the Hawks get him and definitely not for Schmaltz alone or him and a 1st is lunacy. Also agree on Tanev he is a good D man but has had a lot of injuries and can’t play a full season. We should be keeping all four of Mitchell, Boquist, Joker and Beaudin
The Hawks are not trading Nick Schmaltz. Carolina is not in a position of strength. Their new owner and GM want to change the culture and rid themselves of guys who have been there like Skinner and Faulk. Skinner is soon to be a UFA AND he’s not a $6 Million player. Faulk is overpaid at $4.8 plus he does not defend well. Pass on both.
Pacioretty on the other hand is a legitimate 60 point forward. But again he’s soon to be UFA and everybody knows Bergevin is trying to dump him. Absolutely no reason to overpay or getting into a bidding war.
I think we’d be better off trading with Tampa for Anton Stralman so as to allow they to acquire Karlsson. Again, Stan would be in a position of strength in that Yzerman wants Karlsson and so dumping Stralman is a means to an end and would mean Stan would have to give up very little to accommodate Yzerman.
All of this is now theoretically in play thanks to the Hossa deal. Amazing !
Totally agree with MS and others about Schmaltz and First Rounder for Faulk-wow please lord no!
GMs love first rounders and Schmaltz is an important piece-do we need to give every young player with hockey skill/upside away?
150 , 175 or 210 pounds– who cares -can they play and do they compete/play hard every shift?
Morrison – get a life. Your posts are beyond moronic. This blog has degenerated into a landing place for blowhards and fools. Yes, that’s you, too, Makita, and your misspelled CAP-heavy bullshit. Never thought I’d long for a Rufus post. Oh, can I do a lineup, too? Here’s mine:
Kane Kruger Keith Kunitz
Schmaltz Seabrook Saad Sikura
Toews
Murphy Manning
No one on defense and an empty net.
How’d I do guys?? Is that a great line up???
Fuck warts on the Savanna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just saying what the rumors are. The Canes are looking for a center, they have zero interest any defensive prospect. Obviously this is a counter to the Hawks not wanting to move Saad. Also the Hawks/Canes will need to sign Schmaltz. If the Hawks pass on Faulk Hawks fans can look forward to another year of a pathetic power play with absolutely no one who can QB the PP for another season. At minimum Faulk can do that. I think some are selling Faulks talents way short.
Craig, I like that type of move.
Hoark a guy from TB.
South, Faulk is fast and a really good passer.
Bowman and crew usually do not listen to others.
Most trades/moves are from right field and are good deals.
Definitely maybe going to be a creative.
In the next two wks well really see the results from Hoss contract trade.
@ Craig – acquiring Stralman would be at the top of my list as well
Obviously Stevie Y has to be willing to part with him but if he is and SB swoops in (without giving any young stars like Schmaltz or DCat) that’s a home run IMO – if you could be sure of extending Stralman you might even give up a 1st rounder
Tony in LA – Rufus is that you? Thanks for that fine positive contribution. Come back soon.
No comment about Tony in LA . I hope Stan stays calm and makes a good hockey trade and keep Schmaltz who I think is his best ever draft pick.
Phil/AJ/JS/MS/you guys, who do you think would be good to get for a top6 and top4 D. This summer and next summer.
When I think of upgrading the blue line for the Blackhawks, I don’t think of flash and big names. I think primarily of staying in position, not making unforced errors, and the ability to get the puck out of the zone. This is what will benefit the team defense and the goalie who has to contend with all of the skill that the NHL throws at him. The lack of decent, basic defensive play majorly hurt the Blackhawks this past season (albeit with substandard goal play at times). But, the goalie has to be given a chance. I hope the evaluators do a thorough job of looking at the skill sets that will really help the team out. Being physical is good. Being physical and as a result, out of position, is not.
Schmaltz is a great passer but needs to lose the “pass first” mentality. When he does that consistently he’s going to make another jump up in his game. IMO he’s just too valuable to consider trading at his age and upside.
Go Blackhawks!
Another way to improve your team defense is to acquire elite shutdown forwards.
If Kruger is healthy, he is an excellent addition for a team that struggles to defend and possess the puck. I don’t care that he doesn’t score. That’s not where we need help.
Now we might only need 1 top 4 D instead of 2 to be defensively competent. Also taking some matchup pressure off Toews might help him resurge as well. God knows we need him.
Still need 2 impact players and good health to have a prayer next year. But so far so good. Really curious to see what happens next.
Stralman’s name has been mentioned as possibly being a top-4 d-man the Hawks might acquire and I would be all for that providing it doesn’t require losing DeBrincat, Schmaltz, Saad, Boqvist, Jokiharju, Beaudin or Mitchell – everyone else is up for negotiation. It would be different if Stralman had 4 years left on his $4.5M contract but he has only 1 year left so 1 year of Stralman is not worth any of the Hawks best young players/prospects.
If a couple of guys like Murphy, Forsling, Jokiharju and Gus are able to take their play to tbe next level defence could show a big improvement. Finding a legit partner for Keith either within or acquisition will go a long way to improving defence. Having some solid shutdown forwards to help is a plus too and of course, Crawford.
DEAREST TONY IN LA,
The name is spelled MIKITA, dear sir. I am NOT a CIRCULAR SAW. If my use of CAPS for EMPHASIS has triggered you, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY APOLOGIZE. My intention is not to BELITTLE or OFFEND. Merely to LIFT UP and PRAISE BOWMAN, the FINEST GM of recent SPORTS HISTORY, and blow the LID off of TALLON, that SNEAKY, CONNIVING, BACKSTABBING, yet simultaneously CLUELESS, INCOMPETENT SUBHUMAN TRAITOR to the INDIAN HEAD SWEATER. Now I shall TAKE MY LEAVE of this page, so that I might SOMBERLY REFLECT on my ACTIONS and how they AFFECT OTHERS.
Travis – That is a great point. I thought the Caps forwards were outstanding defensively which covered for a defense that was not great. Our forwards have a lot of room for improvement on the defensive side of the puck. The loss of Hossa was a huge blow in this area.
That post looks like the back of a tshirt add.
Indian/Travis, that’s a good points.
Ian, every rookie and first yr league guys are going to get better, just because. 38 looke worse because he had such a good rookie yr. Every guy we had last yr did not do that, so everyone will be better. Going to be sweet to see some of them get better for real/level.
Weve been getting better for certain positions as well. Kampf is a little better then Kero/Rasmoose. Kutniz is a little better then Bollig/Mashinter/Bouma. When we can weve been increasing the talent there, little by little. harder to play against. Now Krugs is back home. Same with the Defenseman, increasing the 3rd pair talent. Now we need to do the 1st or 2nd pair when we have opportunity.
Emery is with Montador now.
Interesting … I just check Capfriendly and noticed the Hawks cap space went down from what its been the last few days – $9.3M to $5.5M. My first thought was they made a trade but it turns out they brought up 5 forwards to their roster – Hayden, Kampf, Ejdsell, Schroeder and Tyler Sikura. So the roster now has 14 forwards, 6 d-men and CC and CW.
Something is afoot …
Yeah, very sad news about Emery. RIP Ray.
Remember that time in CAL when he had like 55 saves and we tied the game. Won in OT.
Some of the saves were soo good in that game, from the onslaught, the puck went flying to the side boards.
the capitals heavily relied on the board icing method; they would shoot the puck hard off the opposite side boards so it would go down the rink very far and come short of icing. They relied on this very heavily in particular in the Stanley Cup final
Danault got 3m.
ER, wonder what that tells. Those guys are 27 and 26.
Good point Recliner with the small speedsters on this team now, might be good way to utilize them. EB wonder why they would do that, shows how much cap space there if just wanting to add one more anyways. As far as trades go if your roster or non roster, status shouldn’t have any bearing in off season.
Someone mentioned on another board that CapFriendly does that periodically to better represent the usable cap space. Probably none of the moves shown at Capfriendly really were official moves. I’n fact they moved Forsberg to the AHL roster a couple weeks ago without him actually going through waivers – so it wasn’t a real official move.
In other words it doesn’t indicate anything is afoot or about to happen. Oops – my bad.
R.I.P Ray Emery , great character player .
Spoke with a contact this weekend. Hawks are elated with moving Hossa’s contract.
Expect only prospects camp stuff this week. Also, Stan and company really looking forward to next years free agent class. Expect only stop gap moves to get through this year but next July is what they have their eye on.
Sad news about Ray Emery. There are great memories of his time with the Blackhawks. Rest In Peace.
EB its not AHL this time of year, 23man roster and non roster. Training camp when players are cut is when they are sent to minors, direct if exempt or clearing waivers then demoted.
Yes very sad to hear about Emery.
Theres more and better ufas next summer. Some will sign, there are a lot who say there not singing already though. Feed us the B R E A D.
Then we could keep AA for longer. AA would get more at deadline. Another 1st.
Sorry Mo i`m gluten intolerant and Absolutely no Bread for me .
Just freeking stop it with the bringing guys back to the club . Bread is dead ,he will never win a cup because he is sooooooo one dimensional ,leave him to rot where he is . Rick Nash is another one dimensional guy who`s name i have seen on these forums ,.,.that type of playing style is selfish ,one dimensional and not needed in our dressing room .
Saw a rumour on what I consider (for a rumour site) a relatively credible site that CHI and CAR now discussing both Skinner and Faulk to the Hawks with Saad being the key piece going to CAR
This makes the most sense to me of the various CHI/CAR rumours – I think you have to look hard at giving up Saad to get both CAR players
The question would be what else would fill out the trade from CHI to go along with Saad? A prospect and draft pick – nothing too high say Chad Khrys or Soderlund and a 2nd?
or perhaps a lower roster player like Ruuta or Gus?
I could see this kind of deal happening whatever the final mix of players/picks/prospects
Craig, I hope your contact is correct about looking forward to free agency next summer and doing nothing but a stop gap measure this summer. If they can pick up Stralman for 1 season without giving up much – great but other than that I think Stan should bank that $5.4M cap space and either use it at the TDL if the Hawks are in contention or save it to pay bonuses that hopefully guys like Schmaltz, DeBrincat, Sikura and other may earn with good play this season. Don’t empty the cash drawer on something not needed and then need to dip into the 2019/20 cap to pay 2018/19 bonuses.
Use the 2018/19 season to give Schmaltz and DeBrincat time to continue to grow their game. Give Sikura and Hayden every opportunity to find their niche in the NHL. See what we have in Ejdsell, Kahun, Nilsson, Jokiharju and see if Forsling is ready to take the next step. The Hawks have lots of developing players and question marks and the 2018/19 season is the perfect time to play them and make an assessment for moving into the 2019/20 season.
Sometimes the best deal is the one you don’t make. Here’s hoping Stan feels that way at this time.
I’m all for the hawks staying the course and saving their money long term till next year.
Would love to see the hawks role with their current players. As painful as it might be this year to go through.
The Hawks have lots of developing players and question marks and the 2018/19 season is the perfect time to play them and make an assessment for moving into the 2019/20 season.
Exactly! Well said.
There may not be alot of money to spend next season after signing rfas and leaving room to extend Debrincat for following year. AA could be moved but unless Crawford stays healthy and comes back on a 35+ deal or something a goalie will be needed the followinv year too. It appears next year, to sign a backup goalie and a high priced skater may be more than will be doable. No bonus overages would help but thats no given and still likely limited ufa room. Trades may be the best route for a year or two.
RIP Ray Emery. 35 is too young.
Craig N
Yes- next year’s UFA market looks way more enticing… and better/more quality forwards to chose from… (but –there ain’t no HOSSA in that group)
and let’s hope one or two of these Young Buck D prospects pan out…
In 2 years’s— How much worse and slower will Seabrook/Keith/Toews all be???
It will probably be too late… unless- one of the BIG 3 contracts are shipped off- between now and then… and odds of that are – pretty low in my mind…
Of course- Lose-4 -Hughes…. could change all of that in 2019 draft!!!!
Hawk, as much as I like Bread, I wanted the Saader trade. I am down with both, like you be better to have the elite two way player/81/20. Just as we have enough of them.
Rick Nash. Fuck no. He belongs in NY. That’s the place for those kind of players. For show, money and no Cups. I hear Hayes like that a lot.
2/19/88/50 will still be good/or as good for 5-6 yrs. Seabs sure. EDM got top pick/top 3 pick what 6 yrs in a row, there still not a top 10 team. We could trade 7 contract by time younger wave guys need higher contracts.
Wrap, that’s a tuff deal. I would find another way to get Faulk or top4 D. Keep 20.
Iam, thinking we trade 15/7 and so on when we need to get younger guys to 4-6m range. Cap should go up, no bonuses, retained caphit guy trades.
The better core guys have more then 2yrs in them. The young guys cant be that many yrs away. It feels a little tight now, shell find the spot.
I’m going to closely watch Alexandre Fortin as much as possible this summer. He’s got great speed and has the hands to make plays at top speed. He’s got decent size at 6’1″ / 187 and still only 21 years old. Fortin has the physical attributes to be a top-9 player in the NHL but aside from a few injuries that slowed him – he just hasn’t been able to play with confidence and consequently hasn’t played well enough to stay in the lineup last season in Rockford. He’s still go 2 years on his ELC so it’s not a make or break year for him but he needs to step it up and make progress this year, if for no other reason than his own confidence.
The 2021 lockout season might help the older guys. They wont have to play 82 games. Be like another 40-50 game season.
Dusting off my crystal ball I’m looking into what the future holds for the Chicago Blackhawks defensive corps in the 2022/23 season. They are one of the best d-corps in the league with the way the NHL has evolved into a speed and skill game. All 6 starters are very good to elite skaters that give the Hawks a 5-man attack regardless with d-pair is on the ice. An added bonus is 5 of the 6 were drafted and developed by the Hawks. Without further ado, here is your 2022/23 d-corps:
Forsling-Boqvist
Beaudin-Jokiharju
Carlsson-Mitchell
Well be loaded on D.
Sort of like how NAS did it.
Keith obviously the no.1 guy on left and they feel from Gus, Forsling, Manning maybe Hillman and Dahlstrom the 2nd and 3rd are there. Guys like Carlsson, Tuulola, Gilbert and Snuggerud will go to minors and try to show they are in that conversati9n too.
On right side Seabrook is a fixture on 2nd pair, and Jokiharju likely gets a look at 3rd pair to start season, maybe why Manning was signed to ve a veteran stay at home 3rd pair guy for him. Rutta is insurance if he isn’t ready and Raddysh good depth. Murphy was brought in to be a top pair guy and if they are looking to acquire somebody for there, it seems to say they don’t feel he will be and would seem to be expendable in an over crowded spot.
Mo i still say there could be a plan in 2 years time to move 7s contract, maybe around expansion draft somehow with retained salary.
Excited to check out the prospect camp this week, if anyone is attending today please drop a few comments. Thanks
RIP Razor, so sad
Anyone see info- on when Players/prospects will be practicing?
Usually- they split up into 2-3 teams — so u can follow certain players at different times of the day… I am NOT seeing that info this year…
Anyone?
Wall said starts at 1 pm today and pretty sure it was saying 1 to 5 today until thursday. Not sure how theur divieed up tho.
Ian, that could be smart timing. So if we had to trade a prospect/player with 7 contract it might be one where we wouldn’t be able to protect. So be a good time to do that, then some team that should suck for 5 or more yrs steal established player.
That’s seems smart time to do that.
Mo in 2 years Seabrooks actual salary starts trending down making it more affordable fo budget teams. Even if they ate 40% of his salary, a caphit of 2.75m for 4 years. That would clear 4.1m for 4 yrs and give Dcats raise for his bridge deal.
Thinking Seattle would be a good fit, for alot of reasons. They would have a name defenceman who could give leadership and be a mentor to their young Dmen on the team. He would only cost them an average of about 2.4m a year in real salary and his hit be 4.125m to help against books. If injuries take him out last couple if years, the insurance and ltir be help to them too. Under that type of deal a mininum of sweetening should be needed and liveable for Bowman.
Only problem with that theory is that after Las Vegas, Seattle is going to be looking to compete right away, not suck and have an overpaid vet teaching young guys how to be a pro while on his way out of the league.
In the old days I’d agree with you but not anymore. And $650 million should get you more than that anyways….
After this season the next 4 year (YIKES) of Seabroke’s base salary moves from 4 million to 1 million but then back up to 4 million and then back down to 2.5 million. its not that affordable at 4 million, unfortunately. Not sure how the signing bonus are paid or if they have already been paid? Honestly, it’s not going to matter because the league is going to end up locking out again for a new CBA and will likely wipe out some of this bonus heavy salaries. Brent Seabroke makes sense in Seattle, let hope he goes there.
Sure.
One thing is, with the salary cap going back up enough for a two yr increase and going up the next couple yrs as well. There wont be this transitions yrs for the league, which waterdowned the top 5 teams and some of the top 10 teams (teams 6-10) to the point where PIT snuck two in and the expansion team did not have to play against the competition/real top 5 or so teams. On any yr before the last 2/3 yrs, those teams do not get to conference finals.
With cap going back up, hopefully well see real top 5 teams again. Only TB and NAS, WIN is close are legit top 5 teams. Theres a reason why PIOT could not compete against the top teams since 2009. Once every top team lost enough of their rosters/cap then they do good.
Things went as good as they could ever for Vegas. Salary cap transition yrs, Pixie dust and all. That wont happen again, like that. More teams are watered down for this expansion draft, so they prob donot get as many established players as Vegas did.
What would be nice to see is the two expansion teams battling to see who better between the two.
What is nice is those, entire team fullof 2nd and 3rd line FW and 2nd pair D rosters, teams is they should knock out LA and ANA every yr, until those teams wake up and smell the speed skill league is taking over.
Seattle not going to be the impact team that VGK are. GM s are more tuned in and won’t give them the same gifts in draft a ton of draft picks and their top line players not to take other players. They will be better than normal expansion teams but in all likelyhood have some building to do to get to contender status. Also VGK had a very low cap as will Seattle so taking a salary caphit likely be helpful.
SSHM on July 1st 2020 there is a 4m signing bonus due, if moved after that Blackhawks would pay it. Leaving 16.5m owed over last 4 yrs. at 60 %, would leave 9.9m which is an average of 2.475m a year in actual sakary. 60% of caphit is 4.125m for their books.
Seabs in Seattle is cool. In Vancouver not cool.
Looking at all the videos from prospect camp posted by Scott Powers has me juiced. Powers has posted more videos of Jokiharju than anyone else (it seems) and he looks really good. Course it’s against other prospects so it needs to be kept in perspective but it’s still exciting to see him making nice plays and skating well. There were a couple with Jokiharju playing with Hillman defending against a couple different pairs of forwards. Hillman looked pretty good too. Fortin and Wise were featured on a couple of Powers’ vids too and both look pretty good. Fortin hasn’t lost any of the speed he showed before. There was one play were he blew around a defender and crashed the net.
Boqvist and Beaudin got in a couple vids yesterday but didn’t see them today.
Wise could be good.
We really had a wicked draft.
If no moves are made for a dman there are 4 rfa that could be tendered as Hammer was with Niemi. Trouba, Nurse, Hanifin and Skjei. Thinking 12mil for 4yrs.
Powers has an article where he interviews the coach of each of the Hawks 2018 draft pick. Wise’s coach talks him up pretty good and think he has a chance to be a Gallagher or Marchand type player.
Gotta big question here ,.,.,What gain was it for the Yotes to take Hossa in this trade ?
The Yotes are bottom feeding scuz bags ,why in the freek would they piss away that kinda cash .
Bettmans bottom trolling turds ,
JR, Brandon Montour with Ducks is another possibility to qualify too.
Or offer sheet i meant.
Once again I will say this !!!! Panarin again refused to sign with jackets and said he does not want to live or play career in Columbus!!!!! Jackets said they won’t trade him but if this teams is failing by trade dead line they will try to get something out of it !!!!!!! That’s when BS can make amends for trading Kaners wing man. For the cry baby Toews Guy Saad !BS must pocket that Cap cash and let his moves play out till that point!!!!! Jackets said they have tried everything to sign him and his agent said he won’t !!! Hello. Wake up guys. He’s a very doable move at dead line for the push into playoffs. That should be the only thing BS should be thinking about instead of picking up another maybe what if player ! This team not going to be nothing more than a competitive team so let it play out ! Worse case he’s free agent at end of year. Stash the cash. Foolish to think otherwise
Stan recently was talking about this roster saying he “liked” the roster make up. 1st as the GM it’s his roster of course he likes it. 2nd he seems content to sit on the cap space. Sounds like he tired to make moves but no takers. Truth is the Hawks prospects don’t have a lot of value around the league. CAR & MTL both want Schmaltz and SB doesn’t want to part with him. It sure seems like this is the roster going forward. Let’s hope for SB and Joel sake some of these core guys find their lost steps otherwise this is going to be another LONG season.
Cap Friendly is showing with about 5.4m in cap space now, it would accrue up to 25.4m cap space at tradeline. Meaning they have room at that point to add whoever and how many Bowman wishes, if the price can be met.
This roster can keep in the playoff hunt if that is the route that Bowman goes. Not give up anymore prospects until they get a chance to show what they can do.
Hawktalk, the incentive for AZ to take on Hossa’s contract is they must feel Hinostroza is a better player than Entwistle and they are willing to pay Hossa $1M for 3 years to get that player swap. They must be able to project their cap space requirements for the next 3 years and figure Hossa’s $5.5M cap hit won’t hurt them.
With all due respect to all your comments on our defensive prospects, I think we have forgotten how weak our offence was all year especially on the wings (apart from Kane and Debrincat). When you lose a 6’3″ Hossa and replace him by Debrincat or Sikura or Kahun, we will not scare anyone in the west. Have the Hawks forgotten about the speed and size of the Jets, the Sharks, the Kings, the Preds and the Knights?
Jack wise is another smallish forward at 5’10”? And Calgary got bigger with James Neil and the Sharks with Evander Kane. We need Saad but we need more thus maybe making a hockey trade, prospect for prospect would fill that need at left or right wing. Hayden and Entwhistle are honest 4th line players at best in the NHL. For example, trade Ian Mitchell or Beaudin for a top prospect on the wing from another team with size, speed and skill. Kane is our only impact player but he is not a Hossa.
Trades arnt always what they seem.
When we traded a 2nd for Rundy, it wasn’t just for getting Rundy. It was for good trade relations. We got 80, not another team. Same with Hammer. Hoss contract.
It isint always what it seems.
I am sure we make playoffs, as long as Crow plays more then 20 games and we do not have as many guy on roster have off yrs or suck for how good they really are.
We do have a long season again. That might be another blessing, as we will get another Boqvist quality kind of player. Then were really talking about being loaded in 2/3 yrs.
I would bet the first paragraph and I do not bet. Its a win win notmatter how people look at the 19 season.
I am going to enjoy watching how good and many good prospects we have from last two drafts.
Were going to good again and deep on D. Beauty.
Watching the Stan media scrum, it’s obvious to me that he is not going to be hoodwinked by guys like Bergevin and Don Waddell.
No on Schmaltz. No on Debrincat. Those are two guys teams ask about.
Will he make a move before training camp ? Not likely. I think the one exception is Panerin. Stan seems pretty steadfast in the prospects we have and he’s obviously committed to the draft and develop process. I applaud that whole heartedly.
I think what SB is also saying is teams like MTL and CAR are asking too much
He may indeed be willing to make a trade but not for what they’re asking and the EK trade talks are holding up D man trades – TB may make an offer for Faulk for instance if they don’t get EK so CAR is going to wait for the EK trade to happen unless someone overpays
Pacioretty may now play in MTL til the TDL – and that’s probably the right thing to do from MTL’s POV – they’ll probably get the most return then
Nothing’s happening with Stralman because nothing’s happening with EK – so we wait
Stan really isn’t giving us anything hew here – he’s willing to trade if it makes sense but right now it doesn’t make sense because other teams are in a holding pattern
Maybe we will see Anisimov centering Kane and Dxat to try to recapture the magic they had with Panarin. Schmaltz on a wing with Saad and Toews would be ok.
Still think they’ll fet a Dman at some point.
I caught about an hour of Tuesday early PC session…
Really wished I could see the “other Group”… cuz- this session was missing-
Mitchell
Boquist
Nordgren
Krys
Beaudin
Kurashev
and based on tiny highlites from Monday practice… ( 20 second clips)
I was really impressed with:
Krys and Beaudin’s abilities to check and stay with their men.
Boquist- looked a little weak/soft with contact… but you could surely see the speed/agility/Panarin-like edge-work taking puck to net– WOW!!!
First off– really hard to make “scouting report” from the drills/type/short amount of time… so I won’t
Observations:
Hillman- best/composed defender in shutting down /staying with His guys
Joker- very soft hands in receiving passes/quickly making passes
Still not impressed with skating… I thought he got beat a few times… unless he has exceptional IQ/reading skills – I don’t think he is ready for the Show… but perhaps-
Joker–is like D-Cat last year… who was average looking in drills- and then dominated “game play”- with IQ/anticipation skills… we will see
Wise- was BY FAR the most noticeable Forward… quick/sweet hands/accurate shot release– really stood out
Another standout/and surprise– the Hakarainnen kid… really impressed me… agile skater/quick/showed good compete… I could see this kid making NHL someday… which is a bold statement considering Draft round selected
Nilsson- looked decent- more polished ( of course way older than most there)
Entwistle- has a really Hard wrist shot/ accurate shot… didn’t seem to have best handling skills while carrying puck
Fortin– is still a ++ skater… let’s hope he can make some progress
Hull65… Wise another smallish forward? he isn’t even 20 and already close to 200lbs who cares about height.
MTL and Car were indeed asking too much and no one was biting so maybe the prices drop…who knows. I’m glad Stan didn’t move Schmaltz, Dcat or Saad.
From the clips I saw it looks like Wise has top 6 skill potential and Beaudin had great mobility, coverage and active stick.
Hillman is a keeper D-man. Just give him #4 jersey, comes from the same cloth. Lots of steady D-man have worn that for the Hawks — Jarrett, Carney, Hammer.
It was an utter waste to draft two D-man in the 1st Round w/ the glaring need for a steady 2/3 Center. I will pound it to my grave failing to draft Veleno will turn out to be a big mistake. What was so wrong w/ Bolland as a 2nd Round pick significantly contributing to not only two Stanley Cups, but helping to change the culture of the Hawks (2008-09 season, coming back from the dead in ’11 Vancouver series, etc…)?
It takes more than just pure hockey skillset to form championship and championship caliber teams. Prior to the draft, the Hawks already possessed a gazillion young D-men w/ great potential; one would think if Bowman was so high on all or most of them, he wouldn’t feel the need to draft not only one, but two D-men in the 1st Round.
Once again, after Toews, how do we all like the Hawks’ centers? This is Hawks’ weakest position, Schmaltz & Anisimov both suck at faceoffs, they are both (for different reasons) best suited to play wings. Kruger is a band-aid at best (assuming he regains his Cup season forms). The Rockford centers (Kampf, Johnson, etc…) are average at best, and that’s being kind. Edjsell appears to be a wing as well.
Center was and remains a position of great need in both the short and long term.
P.S. I agree w/ taking Wise; they would have had Veleno & Wise, virtually a lock one of them — if not both — pan out into contributing, reliable centers.
Anyway….
Sure.
We can’t get it all, at once. I like having 4 good prospects like that instead of 2.
Is Wise a center. Danault could come back in a trade.
Every yr we were cup worthy 09-15, we added a good face/center at deadline, 11 was summer, so we did not have them on the 23 man during the season.
We need them and a Big fast skilled FW. Maybe we pick one up rfa arbitration or other ways wise.
Doing it that way would be good to. 2 centers instead of 1.
There must be a reason and we trade Danault so he must it be worried about it.
Funny Wise wearing 24 like Danault.
Nykander from Leafs, they can’t keep everybody. Showed promise on faceoffs last season to go with rest of his skill.
That’s another top elite kind of player that will be available.
One of TOR top 4 elite players will be available or they’ll lose 5 other players.
Just because of Tavares.
Crow back in CHI training. Anyone verify this.
Hakkarainen– He reminded me a lot of Danault… seemed quicker to the puck, with a higher compete level than all other guys… (although no direct board battle drills at Camp)
Watching Danault several times in Rockford… the Kid was leaps and bounds more compete/speed to the board/battles… than all other Hogs
Cool. I like that.
Cheers for detailed inormation on the guys you scouted.
Iceman-I agree but they went that route and we need to hope Wise makes up for not taking Velano. Mistakes, or smart decisions will be judged in a few years.
If Crow does make the majority of the games (45 to 55) and on his game this is a playoff contender. If one of Toews, Kane, Crawford and to a lesser extend Keith has an important injury then no they aren’t. This team can’t lose a key piece due to the lack of skilled depth.
Are they a top 6 team if all goes well? Not sure I would bet that. Pittsburg, Tampa, Washington, Winnipeg, Nashville, Toronto, Boston …. Are they better than New Jersey, Columbus, Las Vegas, Florida, Anaheim or a team like Calgary or San Jose?
Tough sledding.
Unless people think we can win Cup, this yr. Any injury or something like that is a good thing. We get another Boqvist quality prospect on a yr were in transition.
DET sucks. Now PIT sucks.
It should be TB and NAS time. WAS is stable. WIN, TOR and BOS on rise. CHI coming, 2 yrs.
SJ seems stage to.
We’re better or same as those others.
Saying Athanasiou may be available as Red Wings need room to sign Larkin. 3m yr caphit 2 yrs left on contract still an rfa when its up. Play either wing and top 6 talent.
Ian, maybe we can hoark a good player from one of these teams.
You see thing on Crow.
Yeah sounds from Bowmans comments on Crawford.
Athanasiou can fly and for those that worry about size he’s got good size.
Is the Athan a LW.
Ok I see.
LW
He’s a 20-20 guy.
Those guys are usually gritty in a way. Goal scorer.
Iceman, I understand your (our) frustration with passing on Veleno. From what I read, Beaudin is a great skater and puck mover, and the organization believes he has higher upside than Veleno. The Hawks weren’t the only team to pass on him. Despite the several D-men selected in recent years, none can yet be rated as 1st or 2nd pairing. The Hawks have so many needs, so they might as well draft what they think is best available. Also, when the defense starts to gel, they can always trade a prospect for up-front help. If Beaudin eventually becomes a top 4, then mission accomplished.
Time will tell if the Hawks made a mistake drafting Beaudin over Veleno after they had already used their top two 2017 picks on PMD’s (Joki/Mitchell) and then took Boqvist. However, all three of those guys are RD’s – Beaudin is LD. So from the perspective of top-4 prospects, he’s the only LD unless Forsling steps up.
Its good to think like Original. We need more then one spot filled. So does it really matter. Theres a good shot at all 4 are top pair or top4 Defenseman. They are that’s not a bad thing. Then we just do what NAS did, trade a top4 for a really good top6 center straight up.
We can finetune 23man later, when were deep again.
Lets get deep again first.
I rally not interested in routing against veLeno just to feel like we got the better player. Just going for Beaudin, who was drafted higher then Buckeru and Mitchell, to develop into a top 4.
Then its a beauty.
Noonan, I respect what you think for top 10 teams in league. I just think what I do for who is.
To me PIT was by far the worst team that won and almost as bad a team as NJ and NYR were since 2007 ANA yrs prior. Just have no respect for them.
Otherwise your spot on for who the top 10 or so teams are. I think were close, even though were a last place team on a yr with Crow for only 20 games.
Is FLR going to be good. Didn’t they trade 3 or their top 6 FW to Vegas.
Even though I do not like NAS. TB and NAS deserved to win on recent yrs and I donot like when teams win when donot deserve to and see TB and such not win when they have the best roster.
Peace.
Were looking good for building up the spots needed by not taking any short cuts, paying our dues at once and loading through draft the right way.
Were going to creep up on the league once these guys get established.
Ebony, great point top two picks last year also D-men. That’s the same position four top picks in a row last two drafts. On top of the gazillion other D-men in the hopper, not to mention if necessary Keith & Seabrook not movable w/out permission.
The only possible benefit to having so many up and coming D-men is that some of them can be used as trade assets sooner and later to secure forward help and/or a top goalie if Crawford can’t play any longer.
Not sure if any of the gazillion are top4.
Those 4 could all be top 4. 2 top pair and 2 top 4players.
The quality is different.
An argument can be made that every Duncan Keith needs a Seabrook, every Karlsson needs a Methot. Thus, we cannot imagine 4 similiar players like Boqvist, Mitchell, Beaudin and Joku being on the team at the same time. All smallish, offensive and not great defensively. This is why I thought Evan Bouchard or Dobson would have been a nice compliment for the future pairings. Sorry, Bowman made another mistake here. And letting Walhstrom and Veleno slip by is another iffy decision.
Hull65, you are right about the 4 little d-men with similar offensive skills. I would have taken Dobson, who is a better skater than Bouchard. Beaudin may become a very good pick, but it’s hard to argue not to take a desperately-needed quality C like Veleno.
Hull65, you may be right. NHL history is on your side. There may still be a need for a Keith to have a Seabrook. But there’s also evidence the game is changing toward more of a speed/skill game where size is less vital to success. Maybe the league isn’t to the point where a team can be a legit Cup contender with a d-corps comprised of all Keith’s and no Seabrook’s, just yet, but an argument can be made that it could be trending that way. Maybe like the 09/10 Hawks blazed the trail of attack and puck possession offense, the 22/23 Hawks will blaze the trail of attack puck moving defense. While that sounds a little nutty based of past paradigms, the league has all but eliminated fighting and are working on minimizing interference and hooking which are designed to speed the game up and make it more exciting for casual fans to be attracted to the game. Most people love offense and skillful plays and the Hawks future d-corps will fit hand in glove with what is shaping up to be the new paradigm of NHL play.
Regarding Veleno – maybe he’s all that and a slice of bread – we’ll see. But maybe the Hawks lucked out and had the vitally needed “C” fall into their lap by the name of Jake Wise.
ER some interesting thoughts on the trends in hockey-it makes some sense that ‘athleticism’ is in in all the sports (quickness, agility, hand-eye etc) My gut says that it will eventually be a combination of size and speed that rules in the NHL–much like the 310 pound lineman that runs at sub 5 sec. 40 yard dash or the guard in the NBA that is 6 ft. 9 and looks well, like LeBron. There will probably be a ‘period’ where 5 ft. 7 and 6 ft. are meshed until some team finds three, four or five guys that are much bigger and can fly.
Still a big space in sports, especially hockey, for the ‘intangibles’ like ability to think on the ice, combination of confidence and grounding and getting along with others, that may not be your best buddy. Wise seems to have those intangible plus’ as well.
I like Wise.
I’m not sure if there is a lot of wisdom in having a lot of similar players in the pipeline as prospects, but I do know that 1) not all prospects pan out so having redundancies is not bad and 2) having redundant prospects can allow a team to trade for a more established player to fill a need.
Now I am not advocating trading these guys or drafting only smallish, fleet of foot defenseman, but by stockpiling this type of defenseman in the system the Hawks now have a strength they can draw from down the road.
I would rather have Wahlstrom, Veleno & Wise then the two D-men and Wise. After drafting two D-men the 1st two picks last season as Ebony stated, and so many others (Mitchell, Krys, etc…. x infinity) in the pipeline, give me a potential solid sniper and steady center to slot in sooner than later (those two will be NHL ready before the two D-man picked this year).
All this tells me is Bowman doesn’t trust that the vast majority of the gazillion young D-men already in the pipeline will make a difference at the NHL level. The majority of the young (freshly drafted or very soon thereafter on NHL teams) difference makers in the NHL the last few years are forwards; the D-man in Boston is an exception. It would take me too long to go thru each team to list them.
To those lamenting that the Hawks did not choose Valeno with either of their first round picks, what am I missing? The guy is projected to be a middle 6 forward. That means his ceiling is 2c, but he probably ends up in a third line role. Shouldn’t a 1st round pick at least project to a top 6 role? Both Hawks 1st round picks project to be top 2 defenseman, so isn’t the value better for a pick that projects a ceiling of top pair/line rather than middle pair/line?
The Bolland comparisons make even less sense to me because I always saw Bolland as a bust for the Hawks. He was drafted in the 2nd round with the hopes that his offense production in the OHL would transfer to the NHL and he could solidify the # 2 center position. After his ELC andRFA deals expired he was paid to be the #2C for the Hawks but he never was able to fulfill that promise. Maybe injuries derailed his career, but his offense never matured to be top 6 production. His best work was as a #3 center for the Hawks, but that is just too low for a 2nd round pick, no?
I look at it another way, the Hawks having Bolland when he was at his best would not have put them over the top last year. Having a solid 3rd line center may have helped the PK and team defense a little, but it would not have overcome the lack of talent on D, the power play or the inconsistent 5 on 5 goal scoring.
I’m not trying to pick a fight, I just want to understand why all the love for picking a Bolland-esque player in the first round when Bolland was a 2nd round pick that ultimately didn’t live up to his expectations for the Hawks?
Miroslav has hit on something. Is a first round pick supposed to project to be a top-6 / top-4 player or is that the wrong measuring stick? Of course not all draft years have 30+ players who meet that criteria but it the decision is between a d-man with top pair ceiling and middle pair floor versus a forward with 2nd line ceiling and 3rd line floor – doesn’t the d-man rate higher? There’s the argument of area of need versus best player available but top-4 d-man is certainly an area of need.
Jokiharju is going get a chance this year, Mitchell maybe next and this years 2 top picks in a couple of years. In 2 years should have 2 high skilled pairs and a good shutdown pair, Murphy and Hillman or Keith maybe his role by then. If will is there to do it, Seabrooks contract can be moved by then. Worst case too many young Dman develop and they have to be moved for picks or forward prospects.
Seeing what there this year and using cap space to add during season if it makes sense withiut morgaging future may best way to go.
Thank you Miroslav the picks in the first round should be projected top 6 forwards or top 4 D which they did. I agree with some that Dobson would have been nice over Boquist but I’m ok with that selection.
Those pining for Veleno have any of you actually watched his games? I have and he is a good player but nothing I’m upset about not drafting. He was over-hyped with exceptional status in the Q but really hasn’t progressed to elite status. He plays a lot like schmaltz but without the elite speed of Schmaltz. He is a good puck possession player, good in the corners and along the wall and good puck handler. he is also a good passer/vision. His shot is not a strength and average wheels. When I say average the agility is fine its the breakaway speed Schmaltz has is not there.
Also this draft was all about the Dmen and was mentioned many times and very weak for Centres and the 2019 draft is supposed to be loaded with centres, so it all depends on best players available.
I have never seen Wise play but like what I hear about him and he may end up better than Veleno.
Josh Leivo is somebody Bowman maybe could look at. Decent size 6’2″ & 210 lb winger, 25 yrs. old, put up good numbers in juniors but never found his spot withs Leafs. Wouldn’t cost alot, with Leafs looking for some defensive depth a deal could be doable. Type of winger on left side with Kane and Schmaltz may be able to put up good numbers or be a good depth player at least. I more year on a $925,000 contract and still an rfa next year. Probably not in Leafs plans, not in a major way anyways and be a low cost high reward potential.
Ebony… There should be no argument regarding drafting needs VS best player.
Unless the difference between the two is very minimal.
You should draft the best player available with the biggest upside every time
A lot of posters tabbed Hartman, picked at 30, a success for being a first rounder who in time found a job with us. Danault, picked at 26, was always projected as a bottom 6 player (remember the Kruger replacement meme). He seems to be doing pretty well.
Suddenly though, everyone picked in the first round has to have top 6 potential? Or just maybe this is just a spin to rationalize Stan’s obsession for drafting undersized PMDs. Give me a break.
Miroslav, I like your words. That is what I was trying to say. We can trade like NAS did if you have too many D and not enough top6, when you need that top6 center.
We pick 4 FW last yr and this draft, so with Wise we have 5 good FW. Instead of 4 good D and Wise these last 2 drafts. OK.
Would you like to have a team like EDM and TOR, have really good FW and no Defense. or Would you like to have a team like NAS. Roster makeup.
Panarin sets dead line Sept 13. Won’t sign a contract extension once training camp starts. Hello SB. Save your xtra cap loot. And write down possibilities to do a trade. This will right the organization as a serious contender for cup instantly. Breadman is the fix
Jordy, I don’t think all guys drafted in the 1st round need to have top-6 / top-4 potential because many/most draft years don’t have that many (31) guys who grade out to that level. BUT the comparison among available players at a draft position is still valid and I believe Beaudin has a higher d-man ceiling than Veleno’s ceiling at forward.
Putting this out there for all of u. What players or and draft piks would u put on table to pull off a Panarin trade and knowing he needs a contract extension before year end. With amount on a new contract salary amount for let’s say 3 years or more
You all now have a chance to show us if u got the chance to play GM ! Your all GM’s for this question what if
Will Chris Chelios be part of the coaching staff this time next year?
Morrison, you are a complete moron and have ruined this blog. The fact that you think your “respect” matters to who has or will win is beyond hilarious. Your inane babble and sad and pathetic attempts at commenting have ruined this site. You know nothing about hockey, yet seemingly everything about being the most vocal moron in the room. The fact is Pittsburgh won two in a row and this season the two wrist teams of each conference made. Tampa, Boston, Winnipeg and Nashville best each other up so badly that two garbage teams snuck into the final. It happens. You, on the other hand, are an idiot. Frog soup babay!!!!!! You clown.
Morrison, everyone is entitled to their opinion and my opinion is I like you and think you add to the conversation. I don’t always agree with you but that’s part of the deal of a comments section. Keep on keepin on brotha.
Slammer, I think most people, including me, think Panarin is a better player than anyone on the Hawks except Kane. Therefore, if salary cap was not a consideration I would trade anyONE except Kane for him. But salary cap is a factor and if Panarin is going to command around $9M, I don’t think the Hawks current salary structure would work. Assuming Schmaltz will get $5.5M on his next deal so in theory if you trade Schmaltz for Panarin you only need to come up with another $3.5M to afford Panarin. But, that $3.5M will be needed to re-up DCat the following summer so if signing Panarin results in losing Schmaltz and DCat – then I wouldn’t do it because Panarin isn’t worth losing both of them.
In my previous post I used the word “trade” to mean exchanging players on the roster – not trading with CLB to acquire Panarin this summer. Trading with CLB to acquire Panarin now doesn’t make sense to me when you can just wait until he hits UFA next summer and not have to spend assets to get him. All indications are that Panarin want to play on one of the coast teams so he probably doesn’t want to come back to the Hawks.
Nobody posting on here owns this site, if you don’t like what people say don’t read it. No need for personal attacks.
Slammer i wouldn’t trade the future for Panarin as EB said if he becomes a free agent and signs you have him locked in and lose no one and a trade leaves too much to chance of not resigning.
Recliner thats a good thought about Chelios if they move on him.
Slammer, also if you compound Panarins raise, Schmaltz’s bridge with what could be a significant bonus overage if cap space used up along with other signings it spell firesale again. I wouldn’t look at a trade like that before tradeline when you acquire only a fraction of caphit if it makes sense to do so then.
Sounds like what a Flatlander would say.
ER, people know who have been posting here longer/yrs, then those NIB posts. Those posts are amusing now.
There is a reason why Sr. Brad, Rufus, Mining Man, Ernie and others do not anymore. I give credit Wall credit for sticking it out. Come back and post Ernie.
Theres not much going on in these mths, so comments are strange sometimes. Who cares.
Just because people say things like that. I will post for more yrs now, then I would have.
@jordyhawk, perhaps expecting a top 6 player for all 31 first round picks is an overreach… Here is a TSN article that evaluates the average value of each of the first round picks that probably speaks to what you are saying:
https://www.tsn.ca/statistically-speaking-nhl-draft-pick-value-1.786131
It appears that they did a weighted evaluation of every player drafted from 1990-2013 and gave them a weighted score from 1-10 based on their career achievements. 10 being Generational talent and 1 being the lowest with 10 or fewer NHL games played in their career.
Spots 27-30 ranged from around 4 (3.96) to 3.5 (3.48) which gravitates between “Fringe NHL’er and very Good Minor Leaguer”
So perhaps I was overstating the value of that pick (27th pick) by saying that one should expect top 6 production from them. But I still don’t understand the love for a player who is being favorably compared to Bolland…
Keep on posting Mo and just ignore that stuff.
Jordyhawk don’t think a 1st pick has to project to any potential specifically. Wgen you have a somebody who us top 4 defense potential vs bottom 6 forward most likely, thats an easy choice for me and agree with the one Bownan made there.
I also don’t always agree with Mo but he has the right to speak his mind as I believe most of us are from North America where we have the right to say what is on our minds-as long as it is for the most part respectful in tone, so who is being the moronic?
For those pining for Joe Veleno. The video of Prospects Camp is pretty eye popping, this Jake Wise kid is a fantastic talent. He plays Center. Evan Barrett looks like a steal from last years draft who backchecks like a wild man. He plays Center.
#goldenblaz, thank you for the eye test on Veleno. Craig Button on draft night loved the Nic Beaudin pick by the Hawks and he views every prospect he ranks at least 4 times.
If you watch Prospects Camp, the thing that jumps out is the quickness that this camp has emphasized. Boqvist, Mitchell, Jokiharju, Krys all look lightning quick in pivoting and moving the puck. That’s the direction the team is going. To me it’s fascinating and exciting. Beaudin is in that group as well.
Miro, the concept of what your saying seems right way to go by. The numbers do not have to exact to it. Grading curve. Wonder what the numbers are for more recent yrs, like when younger players started being a bigger % of total players in league.
I do not see the trend of all 6 smallish defencemen for any future NHL team. Just look at who was on defence for Vegas and the Caps? Who won the CUP? And Tampa forwards were still too small to advance to the cup final. Size, skill and speed made the Hawks and the recent CUP winners tough to play against. You need balance up front and on defence. I think 2 dmen and 2 forwards the last 2 years in the draft would have created prospect depth for the organization.
Hull65 it doesn’t have to be 6 small dman in the lineup. Hillman and Murphy to me are solid bigger size prospects for a shutdown pair. Having 2 small skilled pairs needs a few extra drafted to allow for development. Hopefully there is a return on too many reaching their potential.
Hull65 – spot on.
Craig – agree as to Wise, no disrespect as to Veleno though. As Hull states, balance the selections based on need and talent. The Hawks are much deeper in the pipeline w/ D-men prospects than centers, and nothing is for certain.
Just to chime in on Mo – no problem here – keep it coming, you never personally attack anyone so you’re entitled to your opinion
On Hawks D – having a lot of smallish highly skilled PMD coming up is not a problem
If they all look like they can play in the NHL and you feel you have other needs (wherever in the line – up) then you trade one or more of these PMD for your needs
When drafting always take the best player – I have no problem with Beaudin over Veleno and all the Hawks similar D prospects – if they all pan out then that’s a good problem to have
I also have a hard time seeing where Panarin would fit in with Hawks cap wise – I bet he gets closer to $10 as a UFA which I think would make it very hard for the Hawks to ice a contending team
That’s why he was traded in the first place
To clarify – I’m not opposed to having players with size – having a player with speed and size is the best case. But if I had to decide between a player with good speed but not good size and a player with good size but not good speed, I pick the speedy player. So then the question becomes do I do that every time – would I want a full roster of players with good speed but not good size … and my answer is maybe not today but I wouldn’t be surprised if I would in a few years if the speed/skill trend continues.
The Hawks are live streaming today’s scrimmage at 9:30 am Chicago time
This from CB twitter
Can’t make it to the scrimmage in person? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Watch the action LIVE at 9:30 a.m. on Twitter, Facebook and the Official #Blackhawks App!
@Ian: you brought up Veleno (I didn’t), but everything I read about him said he projects as a second or third line center and now you’re calling him a “bottom six forward” — strikes me as more spin. You’re just proving my point about rationalizing Stan’s picks.
@Miroslav: thanks for link. Interesting article.
Don’t wreck our show, you hoser.
E.R. – Good points & I agree the “perfect” player has speed & size… Hard to come by tho.
Lets extend this speedy player thought out…
If you have a team of smallish speed burners, they will scare the “he-double toothpicks” out of coaches & d-men…
I agree there is a weakness in the physical board battles with the smaller players, but their speed is important, the speedy guys will win most races to the puck negating the physical battles (but not completely I agree).
Speed causes the other team to play back for fear of getting burned, it opens up the ice & creates coverage havoc.
But what about intimidation & big hits? Watch a HS hockey game (I ref’d many) way too often a player goes for the “big hit” (with the puck there for the taking) a selfish act that takes him out of the play thus allowing a glorious scoring opportunity which in most instances ends up in the back of their net…
Hockey is not football where you can tackle people, hockey is speed & finesse.
IMHO speed can negate size… Apparently the Hawks feel the same way…
https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/c1b5ec49-1979-465b-bab8-d85c075cd669
Hockey is not football where you can tackle people, hockey is speed & finesse.
Someone needs to tell the refs/league from the last couple yrs that.
Jordyhawk coukd have said Beaudin could be top pair guy too, not top 4 as reports say that about him too. So don’t see the point of your post accusing me of spinning it.
Why is it always a “Bob” that makes the dumbest comments? Typically its always a good idea to spell check when you decide to trash on someone else. Furthermore, Morrison actually adds to the conversation.
But I digress. No, you dont go after Panarin. The cap probably won’t increase again because there wont be a big jump in hockey related revenue like there was this year because of Vegas. At least not until Seattle comes to town. And even then, he’ll want 8 figures. Toronto is lauded for the Tavares signing. I wouldnt have done that deal either because of their salary structure and who’s going to need new paper. Hawks just got out of cap hell and need to resign Schmaltz and Sikura and Debrincat the following year.
They have 2 4lc in Kruger and Kampf. Anisimov if healthy has value. But health is a concern, and hes one of the guys whos game doesn’t mesh wuth the rest of the team. At this stage its probably too late to do anything with. But, I wonder if they can swing a deal for Duchene.
I caught most of the scrimmage on BHTV, at least until it cut out about 5 mins into the 2nd period, which was 4 on 4.
I give the 1st star to Boqvist by a fair amount. It’s going to be fun watching him get even better over the next few years.
Fortin looked fast. He has elite speed. Such a smooth skater – looks effortless.
Mitchell caught my eye a couple times too.
Hopefully it will be available to watch again, and hopefully the last part of the 2nd period is on the recording.
Nice shot of Razor carrying the Cup on Blackhawks twitter page (apologize for redundancy if this has already been mentioned).
https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/1020029012113018886
Saw a lot of the scrimmage except 2nd period when there were tech problems
Boquist is gonna be a star – that’s my prediction – he was always dangerous, the comparison to EK is valid in style, he’s everywhere effortlessly and looked like the best player on the ice
Of course he needs to be stronger but don’t forget he was probably the youngest player there – not turning 18 for another month
Generally all the highly touted D men showed well including Joki, Beaudin, Mitchell
Amongst forwards I agree with ER Fortin stood out – making things happen, good speed, hands , awareness and I though Entwistle also had a good game – also with size and hands in close
Did Entwistle look good enough to offer an elc to and have a shot at the NHL this year.
Apparently I missed more of the scrimmage than I originally thought, thinking there were only (2) 15-minute periods sith the 2nd period being 4 on 4. There was a 3rd period and shootout that I missed also so basically I missed most of the game – LOL.
So far tape of the game is not showing up on BHTV for a re-watch – hopefully it gets posted later.
Boqvist– skates and dangles with puck– very similar to Panarin in style/edgework…
the kid has obvious talent there…
Has real- big balls- jumping up into plays- where forwards normally go… like Hedman/ and D man for Nashville
BUT- imo- could use some “seasoning”… cuz- I could see some Big boys- NOT being happy with his “style” and trying to take his head off- while dangling thru 2-3 guys at a time… Panarin- is/was much older/wiser- perfecting his dangling/when and where-to
Ian- Entwistle- has very heavy accurate wrister… he needs to work on handling puck while skating… but- I like him so far… puts on 15 lbs… and could be somebody
Liked little of what I saw from Kurashev
Read- Hillman- didn’t need to play (which makes me think– He is Q’s new TvR)
and is in Top 7…. I commented earlier- Hillman- looked best out of all D men I watched in 1/2 of PCamp practice
Wise- wasn’t that noticeable
Fortin and Soderlund– were most noticeable forwards- in 15-20 minutes I viewed
Boqvist- on another level skating/and dangling… I just hope- he has 6th sense like Kane… and knows when to duck/dodge… or TT- knows when to go limp to avoid heavy/dirty contact
Ernies back yeah baby!
They need to have a replay of every thing from camp.
Is it just me, or does Schmaltz not add any value as a center? I keep reading he’s going to be re-signed in the 5.5-6.5m range next year. That’s crazy to me for a guy that maybe wins 40% of his draws. Unless they move him to wing, I think they should package him up and ship him out for a Faulk/Skinner package or Pacioretty. Just doesn’t make sense to me to extend that at that amount if the plan is to keep him in the pivot.
Mox Mcdavid wins just over 40% of his draws and makes 12.5m. With Toews and Kruger takibg 75% of the draws, Schmaltz taking draws is not what he is paid for.
Mox- Schmaltz- is way younger and better than Patches and Skinner…
No deal
Is Schmaltz -ideal Center- no… but do Hawks want to get older AND slower???
Don’t get the negative opinion on Schmaltz. He improved dramatically from his first season. He almost doubled his point total from his rookie season and even more importantly made a big step forward on shooting when it’s the right play instead of deferring to make a pass. He still has some work to do but it was much better last season as evidenced by his goal/assist ratio – 21/31 last season versus 6/22 his rookie season. He’s one of the best back checking takeaway guys in the league and his defense to offense transition is outstanding. He’s still a work in progress but he’s only 22 which means he won’t hit his theoretical peak for several years yet. We finally got a 1st rounder that’s playing like a 1st rounder and some people want to trade him away because he isn’t “perfect”.
I found a “periscope” that had the 3rd period, OT and shootout.
1st Star: Boqvist. The 17 year old kid is special. Can’t wait to see him as a 23 year old. Mercy!
2nd Star(s): Fortin and Maksimovich – listed together because they both have speed to burn and were noticeable almost every time they were on the ice.
3rd Star(s): a bunch of guys were noticeable a lot – Beaudin, Krys, Mitchell, Coughlin, Entwistle, and Soderlund.
I didn’t notice Jokiharju and Wise very often.
On Entwhistle – I think he’s another year away
A year in the A then hopefully can play NHL minutes
I think Fortin is going to challenge at camp – he looked strong – should be interesting
Good to see Fortin’s name in the mix again, sounds like Fortin, Jokiharju, Hillman and Nilsson best chance of players at camp to be on roster out of training camp or some of them could be high on the call up list.
Nilsson didn’t play today and Powers reported he went back to Sweden.
I’m surprised Kahun didn’t participate in prospect camp. I know he’s older (23) but so is Nilsson (24) and he was there. Would have been nice to see what we have in him.
Wrap-
Entwhistle just turned 19 a few days ago so he should be back with Hamilton in the ‘O’?, and would be eligible to play for Canada Juniors if selected.
He will be at the summer showcase.
Some of the, older guys/or certain wording, might know there good enough at this point and not playing as hard like the others. In the way that the guys that are going full throttle and getting that extra are the ones looking good/standing out more like that.
Why some guys are needing to play or looking like Saader/certain others did in ahl during the lockout.
Whats moar exciting is that these groups of young players prospects are going to be a big part of the team being deep again. Not just a group of good young/players guys.
Regarding Kahun not being at prospect camp…in 2015 Panarin wasnt there either. If memory serves, he may have been dealing with an injury however. I would say Kahun not being there tells you they didnt want him showing everyone up and perhaps they tentatively have him penciled in on the big club…not unlike Panarin was.
Agreed. Stan says Kahun has a chance to be a “special player”. They do not view him as a prospect but more so a finished product who is NHL ready.
Looks like Boqvist is going to be special. Mitchell is a Stud. Jokiharju is close.
Left side : Krys is better than advertised. Beaudin is going to play in the top 4.
Advantage Hillman with Tuulola, Carlsson, Gilbert trying to squeeze in.
In the meantime, Carl Dahlstrom better have a great camps or risk being labeled as a ”tweener “.
I know the organization still is very high on Forsling. He needs to have a good camp though because the cavalry is coming.
Ernie, hope you’re right about Kahun. I’m not sure what to expect from Kahun. He was a smaller fish in a smaller pond whereas Panarin was a bigger fish in a bigger pond his last season in the KHL. For the Hawks to be better than expected this season, they need some things to go their way and an unexpected thing like Kahun stepping into a prominent role with the Hawks would be a welcome surprise.
Lookiñg at schedule anybody acquired on feb.28 trade deadline it will only be 20% of the cap hit that will acquured for rest of season. Meaning a 6m caphit will only require 1.2 m in cap space at deadline.
Noonan – thanks for that info on Entwhistle – I do remember now about him maybe playing WJC
Maybe he’ll make the jump after another year in the O a la Dcat or more likely another year after that in the AHL
On Kahun – I suspect he has a roster spot to lose – I don’t think they would structure his contract with all the bonuses as they did if they didn’t feel he had a very good chance at an NHL job this year
I’m hoping Kahun can play 3rd line minutes this year – that would be a big win for the Hawks right there
Schmaltz is an untouchable in my opinion and if you look at his numbers last year, he produced more as a centre then playing on his off wing. Q needs to stick with him at centre and with Kane for 82 games. No more merry go rounds with players playing all over the place. Young players need to be in a position to succeed not fail. Many players played out of position all year both on offence and defence. Ask Vinny, Patrick Sharp, or ex-Hawk Teuvo, what they thought of Coach Q’s habits. He was also convinced that Murphy was better playing left while he shot right???
To be clear about smallish players, I admire Kane, Martin St-Louis, or Kucherov type players but these guys are all-stars. I believe you cannot dress more than 2-3 in your line up! I fear with Debrincat, Kahun, Sikura, Soderlund, and all those smallish dmen, we will be too light to compete for 82 games especially on the road. We can trade one of the dmen for a forward prospect to find balance. Being fast and skilled is great but having size as well makes it really hard to play against. The Stanley CUP Champions of the last decade are proof of that. I hope Fortin can find his scoring touch but I guess there was a reason why he was never drafted.
I think some of you guys underestimate how important faceoffs are. Schmaltz is atrocious on the dot. That’s a problem moving forward if he doesn’t get bette.
Agree on Kahun been saying since a bit they gave him those bonuses for a reason and not done lightly. Him and Dylan Sikura maybe make a good 2/3 of a 3rd line.
Entwistle probably better off in OHL next year, just noticed he has already played 3 seasons there and wondered how his progression looked.
Ian, yea that’s a good point. Not adding a large amount of ufas leaves plenty of room for younger guys to gain and drink pots of coffee. Then we can add basically anyone we want, and lets not trade important assets to do so/unless its a longterm player, at the prorated cap hit. Trading 81 contract is huge, we can pay off bonuses and this yrs bonuses, also bank space for 20%/155 of 186 days.
Given to limited opportunities and Cap space hell the past few years, the Hawks seem to be in relatively decent shape. Cup contenders, maybe not. Prospects are just that, prospects. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. But there will be excitement in the UC the next few years that was not there last year.
I am ok with trading one of the D prospects for a FW. Would rather do it when were deep again, have too many good defenseman, and established. Not when their prospects. Do the trade like the timing when NAS did it. An established D guy for an established top6 FW center, not a prospect FW.
That’s what I just thought. Its possible one of those 4 donot become top pair and 2nd pair Defenseman. That’s why I wat to their established because if only 3 of them are that good we need the 3. 4 start wheeling and dealing for that top6 FW center, an established one/for sure.
BTW, If Schmaltz gets paper at $6mm from any team outside the Central, I’d take the draft picks. I can see the Hawks signing him for 2 years @ 4.5 max
MOX….. Trading Schmaltz, Chicago’s best young player would be dumb.
Just like trading Teuvo was dumb. All young players have flaws.
Every player could be better in some aspect of there game.
I find it mind boggling that some fans always want to trade the teams best
young players. The core is getting old so who is going to replace the
old core? Let me help, guys just Schmaltz.
Sorry… Guys just LIKE Schmaltz
With Forsling we could have 5 top par/top4 D not counting Dunks. That’s what.
I like Schmaktz too so hope he stays, as he seems to be part of the future.
If Entwistle isn’t signed to an elc by next june 1st, my take is he goes back into draft next year and not ufa due to his age. So a decision will have to be made by then. Seeing the the length of his junior schedule probably make it hard to sign at end of season to play a few games.
The ‘cap’ crunch has produced the ‘what young piece’ can we move to help-I agree that eventually you have to trust those young talented pieces, and Schmaltz is talented-to be the next generation. Too much talent has left this team at the expense of the old core and if possible the focus needs to be on the next wave.
That being said there may be a need to trade one of the many young ‘upside’ D to help get rid of a contract like #7. Then through the draft and a trade you get a Walhstrom type shooter and a center.
But there should be 5 or 6 untouchables going forward. That’s the center of this team for the future.
Remember last summer when some picture of Schmaltz was on the internet where he looked like a 98 lb weakling and comment sections across the Hawks blogosphere were abuzz with criticisms of Schmaltz not caring enough to work out in the off season. Some Hawks fans were incensed that he looked like a soft little boy instead of the chiseled man he was supposed to be “by now”. Maybe for some that was a first impression of Schmaltz’ commitment to improve and the sour taste still subconsciously lingers.
But then he played his first full season in the NHL and the improvement in his game was demonstrably very good. He almost doubled his point total and played a much better all around game, even to the point of being one of the league’s best back checking puck hawks.
Schmaltz is still a work in progress. He hasn’t hit his peak in some aspects of his game nor in physical maturity. And my not for another couple years seeing as he’s still only 22. But if he comes close to the same level of improvement this coming season as he did between his first and second season – we’ll be sitting here next summer being very thankful Stan didn’t trade him.
Noonan agree got to get the next core in place. Sadd, Schmaltz and Debrincat may be 3 of ’em. Defense seems to be starting to take shape and a couple of possible goalies in Peeters and Gravel, still 3 or 4 years away yet though. More depth there and add some more pieces to come.
Thats what i mean Mo sit on cap space and see what the currebt roster has to give, what your bonuses are going to be etc. Then at deadline do what makes sense without the salarycap being a worry.
Offer sheet compensation for a 6m player is a 1st and a 3rd.
1st round picks have an 80% chance of making it to the NHL. 3rd round picks have a 30% chance. Most likely any offer sheet would be a late 1st round pick and those percentages are probably worse yet. So in 4 or 5 years you might have Mark Mcneil and Klas Dahlbeck… or you can have a 27 year old 60pt center.
Schmaltz is a very good defender. He and Saad are both in the top 10 in takeaways per game. If he can get just a little better at the dot, you could have a special player.
If the contract is 6 years with term. Take that every day of the week. Dont be foolish.
Every team desires a speedy puck moving d-man.
The Hawks have a surplus.
They are like CD’s in the bank…. As they mature they become valuable trading chips….
Ernie agree if Schmaltz who said improving on faceoffs was a priority this offseason, progresses there, would be great. He will never be a top faceoff guy in this league but enough that its not a liabilty be enough. With Toews, Kruger and Kampf to handle the bulk now, Wise and Entwistle are a couple of prospects being mentioned as strong faceoff guys for the future. Plus some decent guys on draws in Rockford like Johnson and Highmore to name a couple if they are able to go to next level, makes it look like that may not as big an issue.
Not sure where I read it but Kahun is supposed to be a 50%+ faceoff guy. Also not sure how his stats in the DEL will translate to the NHL – but maybe there’s a guy who can be counted on to win faceoffs.
I (kinda) kidded around on another blog that if Kahun proves good enough to play in the NHL, then maybe he should lineup at RW with Saad and Toews so he can take faceoffs those times when Toews inevitably gets tossed.
I knew just adding to it.
Remember to every yr we were deep enough to win Cup 6 of 8 yrs 2009-2016/minus 11 and 12. We got a goo faceoff guy at deadline/11 was summer. So we can just follow the same path with that.
The Leafs have Tavares, Mathews, Kadri and Moore
Caps had Kuznetsov, Backstrom, Eller , and Beagle
Hawks have Toews, Schmaltz, Anisimov, and Kruger.
Where it gets a little suspect for Chicago is on the wing? Kapanen for Joki! Unless the Leafs are willing to trade Nylander.
20 8 88
14 19 12
? 15 ?
? 16 40
Hull65 thats where i say Bowman is making the right decisions and deserves credit in seeing what this roster has. Will Crawford, Toews,Saad and Keith bounce back and have big years. Can a couple of the young dmen take it to next level, will young forwards be a major impact on the roster or not.
If they can give him a strong yes, then he has ability without strangling the team capwise for years to make the needed adds. If its just another year of building for future, he hasn’t put team in cap hell with big ufa signings or mortgaged the prospects and future in trades, alls good going forward. Time will tell but seems like the right approach.
People jumping to the retard’s defense. This is why everyone hates all of you front running Hawks fans. Bunch of clowns. Enjoy shitcago you fat morons. Ernie, you must be as dumb as the tard. Fucking losers that no less than zero about hockey. Shitcago. Hahaha
Know. Awesome autocorrect feature Tab, you fat turd.
“Duuuurrrrrrrrrrr we has the best team. We soooooo much better than everyone else. Give it one more season and we will win. Durrrrrrrrrrr”. Whiny idiots.
@Bob
Your a loser
Lashing out is evidence of a problem. On some level it’s probably cathartic and better it’s with harmless words on the internet than some other type of release valve. It shall pass.
True enough EB better releasing here than walking into a school with a few loaded guns. Obviously Bob is unstable.
I got a good deal on those boys.
Am I the only person who thought Keith last year was like “screw this I’m not skating hard, we’re not doing anything this season”
Bob is one of those guys that just loves to be a troll. When in reality hes just a frustrated loser that has to take continual hyper aggressive hate shits to make himself feel better about being him.
@Recliner – whether it was conscious on Keith’s part or unconscious he did seem less than fully engaged on many nights
Seems to me he did a similar thing in 2011 after the first Cup – IIRC he was pretty bad that year, again with a seemingly similar attitude
I’m a big Duncs fan but no doubt his attitude sucked last year IMO
Here’s hoping he was embarrassed enough by his performance to make amends this year
It’s hard for me to be critical as I’ve worked/work in the mental health field. Please seek out some help. None of this does any good for you or to others.
Tough for both Keith and Seabrook to go from Oduya and the Hammer to Osterle, Murphy, Forsling, Rutta etc….
They were left stranded with AHL talent every night. I think reuniting Keith and Seabrook this year would allow them to pace themselves and allow the others to find their own pairings and chemistry.
Good post Hull65. I was told last week, by a contact, that Keith and Seabrook are going to be a pair from day one. This is common knowledge throughout the organization.
One other thing to keep in mind. If, as I am led to believe, Stan wants Panerin back, that might be why Anisimov is going to be around.
Don’t get me wrong, they LOVE Schmaltz, but if they can reunite the best line in hockey from 2016-17, it’s easier to do by reacquiring one piece, AP than trying to mix and match.
The Hawks are going to be all in on free agency next July. They are ELATED the Hossa contract is gone.
I do think that, he didn’t play as he could. I respect it though. Hes not dumb and knows without 4 it would take a yr or to be worth it. Crow.
Kaner said it a little after season about this season. Hes like well see. These guys know. I do not think Dunks lost a step, he just didn’t care/better word bother. You could several times he wanted to go back fast like usual sand said fuck it. Not saying hes as fast as prime of prime yrs, just that I think he can go faster then last yr/even yr before when turning and going back fast/adjust a little.
He used to/when he wants to get in your face, then guy dumps puck/pushes it forward or carrys it, Dunks just fast to get back. I cant explain it good, kind of like a yo yo. Maverick, I m pulling em in closer.
More faster players last two yrs and he can adjust to this. He can go harder, just wasn’t worth it last yr or so.
Sort of like Dunks in first 4 games agasint VAN, then watch his intense to go game5 to OT game7.
Bread Man for free, again.
20/19/8
72/15/88
Then the young guys start to come in.
That’s creative if it was the plan along. Trade to Saader back, which we get 15 for free. Then sign Bread as a ufa and get Saader for free, by nit having Bread for two yrs. While along the way those two yrs, getting a high top pick.
Creative.
Mo, I’m not sure I can go along with your “creative” theory about trading Panarin a couple years ago with an eye on getting him back in free agency for “free”. Maybe the thought crossed their mind but I doubt it rose to the level of “plan”.
But I do give some credence to Keith not busting his hump the last couple seasons because he (and the other core players) knew the team wasn’t a contender so their motivation was less because of that. If that is true, won’t it be the same this season? We’ll see.
I would love to sign Panarin as a free agent next summer but I don’t think it’s realistic based on salary cap and the rumors he wants to play in a big coastal city.
Recliner your dead on with Keith, others seemed to quit on last year after Crawford went down too. If you recall Wirtz’s interview after the season he agreed with rewarding the core players witb big contracts but said now they have to earn them. So Bowman sitting on cap space with ability to moves has done his job now its up to the players to make this team better and earn their salary. I saud before next season it’s time for the core shit or get off the pot and it looks like that is what is happening, if the core don’t produce this year, some will be moved.
A couple schools of thought on how to use your top players in constructing a lineup is to load up the top two lines or spread out the top players over the top three lines. Assuming a team has (6) top-6 players – would the top three lines be 3-3-0 or 2-2-2? In the Hawks case they have (5) top-6 players – Toews, Kane, Saad, Schmaltz, and DeBrincat. Let’s assume Sikura proved to be a top-6 talent and play this out. In the two lineups here – “x” represents a non top-6 player.
3-3-0 lineup:
Saad-Toews-Sikura
DeBrincat-Schmaltz-Kane
x-x-x
2-2-2 lineup:
Saad-Toews-x
DeBrincat-x-Kane
x-Schmaltz-Sikura
Which do you prefer?
I would load the 3rd line/or 4th if 3rd is for bumslaying. with the top 3 checking line players. Whoever would be most 3 ideal guys from who we have.
Knutz/Krugs/Kampf
Then do your top 6
The 3d line should have some good youngsters/dynamic players still
Craig thats not surprising that Keith and Seabrook start the year off together as top pair if nobody acquired before then. Murphy and Manning likely be the shutdown pair, hopefully filling a void that wasn’t there last year. Then Jokiharju with either Gus or Forsling for 3rd pair that is given the Ozone starts, as that seems to be where they want Jokiharju wuth his elite offensive and skating skills.
He would be an automatic upgrade on pp and is gstting praise for his work last season at becoming adept in the defensice part of the his game that needed work. Rutta gives depth on rightside.
Craig – Glad to hear that the Hawks may be planning to have 2 -7 together
I was thinking just that – it makes sense and I thought they played well together at the end of last year
Powers had several vids on his Twitter timeline from prospect camp where Hillman and Jokiharju were playing together on 2-on-2 drills … make of that what you will.
Keith-Seabrook
Manning-Murphy
Hillman-Jokiharju
Start Joki on the third pairing to ease his transition to the NHL – let him prove he’s ready for a bigger role or possibly he needs time in Rockford.
Just read where Kayumov’s agent said he wants to come over next summer. Shalunov saying he’ll be here in 2020-21 season for 1 yr as rfa and then ufa after 1st season. He is a 6’4″ 212 lb top 6 winger who will 27 in 2020.
The 21 season is a lockout, what would that do to Shalunov contract/things. Doesn’t matter hes 27 matter what.
I’m pretty sure Shalunov has been playing center in the KHL and there are rumbling he may try to break out of his KHL contract to come over this season. Nothing confirmed on that but interesting to think about.
If (big IF) Shalunov were to come over and be able to play center, maybe Stan would be able to package Anisimov up in a trade to acquire a d-man. Or, if Shalunov doesn’t pass muster with Q to play center – he could be a top-9 winger. Shalunov is 6’4″ and 215 lbs, skates very well and has pretty good offensive skill. He would be a welcome addition in the lineup.
Doesn’t sound like there is any move to void his contract right now but sometimes players terminate them suddenly.
Mo its not an elc so doesn’t have to play to be ufa, he could sign for 20-21 season and if season cancelled he would be fa on july 1st 2021 or if he doesn’t sign Blackhawks maintain his rights as long as he stays in khl.
Sounds like he wants a season to showcase, then be an ufa and land a big contract.
Maybe stoppage threat might entice him to come next year to have a full year for sure, although he has gone on record saying he would never terminate his khl contract, for what it’s worth.
Anybody wanting to sign Shalunov after 20-21 season would if has yet to sign nhl contract have to trade for his rights. The rfa compensation clauses woukd no longer apply.
EB my idea is he would be an excellent option to play on wing with Kane and Schmaltz.
Theres one of your FW with size and skill. That doesn’t have to develop.
Ian, I’m holding out hope that DeBrincat and Kane play together. They are the 2 best offensive players on the team with elite vision/IQ, passing and shooting and I think they could have more success together than apart, similar to Panarin/Kane. I’m not suggesting DeBrincat is as good as Panarin or can duplicate what Panarin did because Panarin is the far superior skater and made plays possible with his skating that DeBrincat can’t do. But in terms of offensive chemistry and playing at the same offensive IQ level – DeBrincat is the best LW for Kane. Neither needs the other to be an effective points producer but together they may capture that same kind of magic Panarin and Kane had.
I posted a hypothetical earlier asking if a 3-3-0 or 2-2-2 top-9 is preferable. I prefer the 2-2-2 lineup with the Hawks top-6 players distributed across the top-3 lines. With DeBrincat and Kane on the same line, I would not have Schmaltz be their center. i would have Anisimov be their center as neither Kane or DeBrincat rely on speed to be effective so Anisimov is not going to be an anchor and will in fact work well with them doing what he does best which is drive the net and stay there. If Shalunov shows up – then try him between DeBrincat and Kane,
Elaborating on the 2-2-2 format, I would spread out the top-6 players thusly:
Saad-Toews-X
DeBrincat-X-Kane
X-Schmaltz-Sikura
Who are the “X” players? Anisimov is one. Maybe Kahun? Maybe Fortin at some point later in the year. Maybe Shalunov if he plays for the Hawks this season (allowing Stan to trade Anisimov?)
Saad-Toews-Kahun
DeBrincat-Shalunov-Kane
Fortin-Schmaltz-Sikura
Just spitballing/dreaming.
Fortin was pretty lackluster in Rockford. So not sure why we think he can improve that dramatically. Sure he got better as the season progressed…but I don’t think it’s enough to warrant a spot in the lineup opening night. Start in Rockford. Regarding Shalunov, after he turns 27 is he not a UFA? Been people talking about Gusev and how the Knights haven’t signed him and him becoming UFA. He’s an afterthought.
Saad-Toews-Sikura
Debrincat-Schmaltz-Kane
Kunitz-Anisimov-Kahun
Ejdsell-Kruger-Kampf
How bad would it be if Kampf took Anisimov’s spot between Kunitz and Kahun. A guy named Kampf on the KKK line. Media would go nuts.
Tab you have to get back to work, these guys are beating this post to death. We now have them thinking players just mailed it in last year and the Panarin trade was just a big conspiracy by Boman. Please something new!!!!!
A free exchange of ideas. Ain’t the internet grand!
Ernie – I agree with your first two lines – the 2nd line may be small but I think it’s definitely worth a try
I like a fourth line of Kunitz – Kruger – Hayden
That leaves the 3rd line maybe Edjsell – Ansimov – Kahun
Kampf and Martinsens can challenge for bottom 6 minutes or if The Edje or Kahun need to start in RFD
Ernie not sure of your point but i said Shalunov according to his agent plans on coming over in 20-21 season as An rfa when he is 27 to allow him to be an ufa after his 1st season. He can’t become a ufa at 28 without signing for at least one year first, he has said he wouldn’t terminate current khl contract up in April 20. He may want to play a year to showcase for a contract also.
Ejdsell and Kahun have European assugnment clauses, so either with Blackhawks to start season or back there. Won’t be in Rockford first part of season anyways. Jokiharju too will go back to whl for season if not on nhl roster. Unless there is still a decision pending regarding his eligibiluty for ahl.
Ernie, I had a KKK line without Kahun as the 4th line/checking line a few posts earlier. That’s good.
ER, that’s what we use instagram for. Vince Vaughn’s patent exchangeagram.
Doesn’t mean they will go back to Europe. With what we know of Kahun and how he’s thought of by the people that matter, it’s probably there in case it turns into a Shipachyev situation. And Ejdsell probably showed enough in the AHL playoffs that he’s worth keeping with the big club.
Regarding Shalunov…I had read speculation on other boards that Gusev could be a UFA…after more reading, that’s technically true. But the draft rights stay with the team. He just wouldn’t have to sign an ELC after age 27. Shalunov has 2 more years on his deal. Which would bring him to 27 and still ELC eligible. If he stayed another year in Russia he wouldn’t have to sign an ELC…but his bargaining power still wouldn’t be great as he can only sign with 1 team.
A lot can happen in 2 years. And after 9/1/19 the NHL can opt out of the CBA….and the PA can opt out shortly after. I’m not holding my breath on him. He couldn’t even make the Russian Olympic team without NHL players…after Plotnikov and Nichushkin weren’t allowed to participate either. He may have had an injury during that span though.
With as crowded as the AHL D is…I’d be surprised if they tried an Alex Nylander with Jokiharju. Unless people are moved. Look what it did for the Sabres by putting Nylander there. 27 points in 51 games. Another Grigorenko. Like David Branch says, prospects don’t sour by an extra year…but they certainly can get ruined by jumping too soon. Marner turned out OK.
With TOR getting Tavares which one of Nylander or Marner are they not keeping. Its not Matthews. or Do they get rid of, how many others above 1m.
Is Nylander signing this summer.
Ernie Shslunov is a rfa until he is 27, he doesn’t sign an elc after 24yrs old so that is out of picture. Good thing because be no more performance bonuses, that changed in last cba. Yes he would have to play a year before being an ufa.
I wish i could hear final decision on whether Jokiharju is ahl eligible or not. I believe if he is, he would the first time somebody was allowed to after playing in chl and having signed with a team there and played with them before signing elc. Others i know of chose to forgo juniors and were playing europe and came over as teens without last team playing for was a chl team.
Kahun could pass on Europe if he isn’t signed with a europe team. If he is its out of his hands, comes under league agreements then.
I guess Sonny Milano is as close as i can find to wgat i mean about Jokiharju, but he was drafted before he played in chl so that excluded him. Jokiharju was announced as a winterhawk at draft.
Maybe Alex Nylander is the example, thought it was William they referring to.
Rumblings (and these are probably just rumblings) has Matthews going before Marner-but it lets everyone know that Marner is the one they really like at least compared to Nylander.
Marner will be the heart and soul of that team in a few years.
I thought I read in a Powers piece that even though Kahun has a Euro clause he would be willing to play in the A
…and I also thought Powers said that Portland wouldn’t contest Joki playing in the A if it came to that
Not 100% sure on either of those – maybe I’ll try to double check
Just re-read a recent Powers piece in The Athletic and indeed he says that wouldn’t expect Kahun to exercise his Euro clause – if the Hawks decide he needs time in the A he would play there
Not sure about Joki – I thought it was in the same article but its not so I’m not sure where that situation stands re: where he plays if not with the Hawks (although I think chance are very good he at least starts with the Hawks)
William Nylander never played in the CHL. Alex Nylander played for AIK in Sweden in 14/15 (3 games). He was drafted by Mississauga in the OHL. He was loaned to the Steelhead by AIK in 15/16. He was drafted by the Sabres in 2016 after his year in Mississauga. He then played for Rochester in the AHL for the 16/17 season.
The difference between the two, and it may be immaterial is that Alex Nylander played professional games for AIK. While Jokiharju only played on Tappara’s junior team. Technically he had a pro contract with Tappara. But he never played pro games prior to being drafted unlike Nylander. Those 3 games are the only difference between the situations I can tell.
Good info Ernie – hopefully as you say it’s immaterial anyway
Ian/Ernie, donot talk it about too much people will think its nauseating. Ohh my shit.
No, good information its worth reading every word to know/acknowledge how it works or what it means for our players/team.
Yeah thats right and why i didn’t see connection. Seems like the wrong way to me, if you committ to a team loopholes shouldn’t let them out of it. Wrap Kahun can’t be tied to a league over there and it be his choice, so that would sound right. I don’t subscribe to athletic.
This thread is an alltime classic.
378 posts keep it rolling.
379 :=)
I hope HOSSA returns to Chicago and helps them with some scouting in Slovakia. The Hawks without Hossa were not the same. Finding a player with his size, speed and skill should be a priority for Bowman this year in a trade or next year in the draft.
By the time were deep again. We ll get someone like Hoss. Theres only one real 81 in the league and in the history of Hockey, like 99.
We do need to get a FW with that style to have with who we have coming for speed.