Blackhawks Lineup For Third Preseason Game
The Blackhawks have released the active roster for Wednesday night’s preseason game at the United Center. The three forwards who have stood out over the past two nights – Aleksi Saarela, Alex Nylander and Dominik Kubalik – are listed as being active. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Brandon Saad will make their preseason debuts up front.
On the blue line, Adam Boqvist will get some run with Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Olli Maatta.
Give Kubalik some time with 19/88. Why not, it’s just an ex game.
IceKube
Nylander with 19 and 88 in practice. Back to Saad, Kampf pairing of last year with Kubalik. Keith Boqvist paired up on blueline.
I see several comments about Kampf as a 3c. While he isn’t an offense weapon, our current problem isn’t scoring goals, its preventing them. We need to develop a competent “shut-down” line and I have no problem seeing if he can be the center on that line. He has size, speed and good defensive instincts which is why JC is giving him a shot at that role.
MS agree and seeing how Colliton liked pairing Saad and Kampf together last season, plus reading that Kubalik and Kampf had good chemistry playing together in Czech league, actually makes sense as a possible 3rd line
I would like to see Fortin and Kurashev with Kampf. That could be a shutdown line and always ready to breakout on the counter. Catch them if you can!!
Ian – if Kubalik can be responsible defensively then I think that would be a great combo to try. JC was positive regarding Kubalik’s defense last night so it seems like a possibility. That line would have good size and speed with a couple of wingers that can be dangerous offensively. It seems like Shaw will get a shot with Strome and Dcat and possibly Nylander with Toews and Kane.
Scott Powers’ tweet:
Blackhawks morning skate lineup
Nylander-Toews-Kane
Saad-Kampf-Kubalik
D. Sikura-Highmore-Saarela
Hakkarainen-T. Sikura-Hagel
Keith-Boqvist
Maatta-Seabrook
Gilbert-Holm
Crawford
Gravel
Ms agree, unless somebody makes a big statement, opening night might be.
92 19 88
12 17 65
20 64 8
91 15 22 11
Shaw and Carpenter taking right side draws on their lines. 28 and 57 1st callups
On defense if Holm continues to impress, he starts if Dehaan can’t go
2 56
44/48 7
6 5 either 63 or 68 as 8th drop to 7 after healthy. 27 may factor later.
50 40 in nets of course
Leave about .8m in capspace room,
Dach the game changer there, unknown how they view him for this season.
I don’t think there is going to be much drama with the NHL roster out of camp. The only person who did enough to lay claim to the 12th open forward spot so far was Kubalik and he kind of had an inside track to that position. (yes I know it’s early and a lot can change, but can it really?) The rest of the prospects (Nylander included) looked like, well, prospects. They all flashed moments of skill and promise but they also showed they still needed much work too.
Scott Powers had an interesting little part on Nylander in his article today in the Athletic where he got some insight from a scout friend of his on what Nylander needs to improve on. It basically amounts to, “he can’t walk and chew gum at the same time right now.” He can do one thing really well at a time and struggles to bring multiple skills together at the same time. It’s an interesting read and in retrospect I think is pretty accurate. He is a perfect candidate for a guy who needs to work on that in the AHL. I do not expect to see him figure it out in the next month which is what he would need to do to make the NHL roster out of camp.
I think the 13th forward slot is going to be used as a motivational carrot for the the guys in the AHL and as a stick for the guys on the NHL roster. The carrot is the reward call up for good play in Rockford. The stick is the reminder that if you are not constantly working, there is someone in Rockford waiting to get to the show. If you aren’t working all the time (cough, Perlini, cough) you get compete with the 13th guy for not being the health scratch. No one who should be playing regular minutes is going to be added to the NHL roster as the 13th forward.
I think Perlini gets the first month or so to show he can do the things that JC wants him to do consistently And if not, he becomes the 13th forward more or less permanently. At that point whomever has impressed the most at Rockford gets to audition as the 12th forward in the NHL.
I see that with 22 as center 4th line. 15 22 11/91
Miroslav you may be right, i just see them with the idea where they pretty much see where they want everybody when camp breaks. Think they want to come out fast and win, so don’t see giving many chances to show in game situation. Earn your chances in Rfd or in practice. If somebody is awarded a spot out of camp, it will be with a short leash and new bodies who can help win will be in lineup fairly quick.
Mo Carpenter played RW in Vegas last 2 years, so could play there too, a fo guy from either sude who can play wing or center on 4th line serms to be Collitons wish.
I thought same at first, did Smith play center though. Maybe its because 22 is more comfortable at center then 15 is?
This yr and the coming yrs the core players or top players arnt going to have to score every game to win. We have loads of secondary scoring with guys like Kubalik Shaw others and enegery guys who can score like Smith Hagel others. Just fricken loaded by habing a full roster plus extras.
I read a comment somewhere (may have been here – don’t remember) that with the possibility of Byfuglien retiring (and Myers and Trouba already gone) – it would mean the Jets would be without all 3 of their RD’s from last season, so they may be in the market for a veteran RD – and the poster suggested trading Murphy which would save almost $4M in cap space and open up a spot for Boqvist. Then, I would jetison both Dahlstrom and Koekkoek and add Holm to the d-corps.
Keith-Gustafsson
deHaan-Boqvist
Maatta-Seabrook/Holm
I feel you can’t pay SAAD 6m and have him play 82 games with Kampf, he will score 10 goals…SAAD is a top 6 forward unless he plays with DACH and KUBALIK or NYLANDER on a 3rd line. A shut down line is a 4th line like BOLLAND FROLIC KRUGER or SHAW DESJARDINS KRUGER…So why not develop KAMPF into a 4th liner. Why have SAAD stuck with those two guys on a 3rd line. In fact, SAAD can play with Toews and Kane but if he plays on a 3rd line without Dach at centre then he will score less than 15 goals which would be not great for the HAWKS. Just a thought. Holm has great patience.
EB thought pretty much the same thing, what bothered me though was losing what probably is your best shutdown defemsemam. Plus your helping a team your competing with for the playoffs. Jets in turmoil is good.
Colliton had very high praise for Saad, Kampf, Kubalik line, not saying its a done deal but sounds like they will start off year together.
They seemed to play his system very well, Kampf spporting Dmen doen low, doing the chasing of puck and allowing defensemen to concentrate around the net. Saad and Kubalik playing zone in high areas, giving support when puck on their side and protecting afainst one timers on backside. Toews line did it well too.
Jeys gave Buff a years leave, i expect them to get a big name who is a fa next year in a trade, maybe
Excellent post Ian. So hypothetically that’s the third line.
We know Colliton likes Strome-deCat-Shaw
So Toews and Kane run with Nylander (who has taken a great opportunity and run with it. ) That leaves Smith, Carpenter and Caguglia as your 4th line.
I’ve seen nothing to indicate that the love affair last year with Sikura has continued. In fact the opposite. Quenneville is now hurt, thus hurting his chances.
So I have Perlini as forward number 13 and Wedin as 14.
I agree Hull that 4th line should be shutdown line when we are deep and we are deep again. That 3rd line of 30 64 8 isint just a shutdown line, its more of the 16 36 32 two way shutdown line. While we still have our very good faceoff guy in 22 like 16 was with a 4th line shutdown line in 15 22 ?
Its who we have now and at deadline was when we got 80 and 26 that stacked the lines to have that 3rd line center that then we could stack the 4th that much with 36 in 2013 and 65 in 2015.
Did somebody look at the game last night ?
I read that Crow is back 100% and was solid against the Wings.
Who was the most interesting players to see yesterday ?
JC will bring that team to playoff if everybody play the new system.
I really beleive that JC is the best coach for the Hawks future.
Big Buff still have 2 years with the Jet he is 34 y o. Iff he leave now its 14 millions$ on the table. But staying healty and happy in life ..priceless
92 19 88
12 17 65
20 64 8
15 22 91
11 Weed
Hagel?
Mo, wouldn’t surprise me to see 20, 64, 8 used how Colliton described last year as his matchup line and go up against opposing teams top scoring line. Then have 92, 19, 88 as a high octane line, followed by 12, 17 65 as a 2nd big offensive line that might play more as a 3rd line for matchup purposes. Then have 91 22 15 as a grit line for d zone starts that opposing team top scoring line aren’t on ice for.
Craig wouldn’t surprise me the other 2 lines last night were likely lines we see in Rfd. D. Sikura Highmore Saarela all potential bubble/callup guys. Plus Hagel T. Sikura Hakka good Rfd line.
Be interesting to see how blueline plays out now, Boqvist and Holm both making statements for different roles and what it means for Dahlstrom and Koekkoek short term, then for expected regulars as season moves along maybe.
Hawks 2010-only saw about half to two thirds of game. How Nylander and Boqvist skate, they are part of the new wave of guys that can skatereally well and move body to support space. Matta skates better than I thought, not fast but efficient. Toews, was, as we see in spurts, especially early in the year, quite good.
Hagel may surprise, he’s opportunistic.
Saw most of the game last night
Disagree with poster who said Nylander should start in RKF to learn to walk and chew gum at the same time – he looks to me like he’s ready to be an every day NHL player
I don’t think the Hawks gain anything by keeping his talent in the AHL – he has things to work on but that shouldn’t keep him off the NHL roster IMO
I also like Holm as the 7th D man – maybe could get something for KK and/or Dahlstrom in a trade – in fact there will be times thus year that JC might want to healthy scratch Seabs in favour of the 7th D man – if that were Holm I’d like to see him run the 2nd PP unit – the 2nd unit with 2 and 7 is not very good
Boqvist starting in RKF is fine – but I’d like to see him up when Gus is eventually traded
Toews looked good as did Saarela, Saad and Kubalik
Not a big fan of Kampf as 3C and thought 20 and 8 were somewhat wasted playing with 64 who has no offensive game to speak of – I get that JC likes that line for defensive purposes but with 77 in between those two they could be a defensively responsible line (Dach is good defensively as well) but also dangerous offensively – an ideal 3rd line
It’s hard to watch 64 trying to play in the O zone – nothing positive hardly ever happens – he’s a good 4th liner though
Hopefully they’ve already decided to take Dach to Europe (if he’s recovered) and give him a couple of games there to see if he’s up to the role of 3C. in the NHL
I’m also fine with Perlini rotating in on the 4th line – he could add something of value if he’s skating like he can
@NOONAN96 “Toews, was, as we see in spurts, especially early in the year, quite good.”
Lol Toews hater detected. Toews was excellent all last season. Having a career year and scoring 35 goals is apparently not enough for NOONAN96’s mighty standards.
Toews regained the quickness last season that had he had lost the previous couple seasons and that was the biggest factor in his resurgence. From the couple times I’ve seen him in game action with the scrimmage and game last night – he’s skating as well as he did last season and that is a huge factor in how well the Hawks will play this season. Having Toews being a true #1 center again is vital to the Hawks team success.
Wrap with Kampf’s ability to go against top scoring opposing C, allows Toews to use his offensive game. Colliton did that last season freeing up 19 from some of his defensive responsbilities and he had as stated a career year. Agree Kampf’s offense has not been what you want to see, but wpuld you rather put Toews back to being the defensive zone fo guy instead of using hom for Ozones fos and putting up good numbers offensively. Dach is good but expecting him to match against opposing top scoring Cs, plus be a defensive zone fo guy with decent numbers isn’t going to happen. Who else would you use against opposing top Cs, if you don’t want to limit Toews offensively again because Kane and Nylander aren’t going to be on a line with a C taking bulk of Dzone draws.
I only saw half the game last night but my thoughts on Nylander were similar to Wrap. He clearly displayed NHL skills – he deserves to start the year with the Hawks. As I commented after last years WJC, Boquist’s offensive skills are off the chart. He made that between the legs move look so effortless, not many NHL players could do that. He also has a bigger frame than I remembered so he should be able to continue to add some weight. I don’t know if it will be this year but at some point he will be a star in the league and there will be teams kicking themselves for not drafting him before #8.
Ian – you make a solid point re: Kampf freeing up Toews from the defensive heavy lifting and expecting Dach to do the same at his age and experience might be pre-mature
And I agree with the essential point that we don’t want Toews to be always thinking and playing defence first – we want his offence
However I’m not 100% convinced that Dach centring 20 and 8 couldn’t perform the same function as 64 but do it with more offence as well as capable defence
If a line with 20-77-8 could play vs one of the oppositions top 2 lines and spend a lot of time in the O zone and when they are defending get the puck out cleanly (which I think they are capable of) then they are doing even more than a Kampf centred line could do because with 64 at centre that line will not be spending much time keeping their opponent playing defense
As you say maybe it’s too early for Dach to take this on but on the other hand maybe it’s not – I hope the Hawks at least give him a chance to show whether or not he’s ready
I realize chances are good at this point Dach goes back to the WHL and Kampf is our 3C but until Dach gets a look and proves himself not ready I’ll remain hopeful
Noonan, nice to hear you think Matta can skate plenty good enough.
Wrap, 77 would make that line a beauty. Good idea.
ER, yea you could see Tazer was coming around about mid season before last yr in 2018 when playing with Schmaltz. That was when I saw it in his skating. It did take until that summer and another different adjustment to training that he got it back and it started to pay off. The different training, so he could skate faster and keep the pace, as he always did, with the new younger wave. He transitioned his game, when people said he was weak and falling over by being love tapped by TT, what was really going on was this transition.
MS, you got that right. Teams that liked Bouchard better will be saying, shtt BoQ the man now, that these blue chips are established.
Hater-wow!
Not even close Sven-been on here many years and have pumped his tires in many ways. He is a beast, and always valuable. Some in past have said he was just about done. At his age he has stretches where he dominates and due to fatigue, injury or whatever is less evident at times. (At times he looks like a man against boys, then kind of seems to disappear, but still doing the little things we don’t see) Surely you can see that?
Way off.
Thx ..Wrap and Noonan
I am sure that the change of Coach last season was the best thing that could happend for the Hawks Future, JC is a new kind of Coach ..If Toews and Kane had their best year ever in NHL …may be JC is a bit part of the come back kids. With all the new faces on the team the Hawks can surprise many team specially after 15-25 games to get use to new players and new system.
I would prefer to see Boqvist in Rockford for at least a 40 games and Dash …direct to Whl after a few games with the Hawks to show him the speed of the game and the system he will be in next year.
Why did they played Keith and Seabrook for over 23 mins each yesterday ? ? ? whas it so important ?.i really dont understand …? ?
@NOONAN96 Everyone has stretches when they’re off, even the best of the best. They’re all people, they get tired, they get hurt. Kane had those last season, too. Toews was actually more consistent last season than Kane who had several “off” weeks, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about when you said that Toews “Toews, was, as we see in spurts, especially early in the year, quite good.” He was a beast all year long last season. Even when he wasn’t scoring, he was one of the few players who looked like they actually gave a damn.
Yea there’s o need to have BoQ play 82 games. Have him play a 40/40 and he will benefit more from that then 82, this yr. Get some games in the first 40, like 2 or so.
Powers tweeted this as the Hawks 2nd practice group today – looks pretty revealing
14 forwards and 8 D
Nice to see Wedin included – Holm is not in this group but I don’t think that means he’s not making the Hawks
Forwards
Caggiula
Carpenter
DeBrincat
Kampf
Kane
Kubalik
Nylander
Perlini
Saad
Shaw
Smith
Strome
Toews
Wedin
Defensemen
Dahlstrom
de Haan
Gustafsson
Keith
Koekkoek
Maatta
Murphy
Seabrook
Goalies
Crawford
Lehner
I was at last night’s game, and thought that Toews looked very good. He was involved in some nice chances that didn’t succeed. But, overall, he looked smooth and in control. He also was getting bumped around a bit and fought back later in the game.
Hagel’s probably not going to make the roster, but he showed some grit and was around the puck a lot. His goal was after going to the net and forcing a turnover.
D. Sikura continued to look a bit timid. A nice pass or two but not really active. Wondering what Colliton et al are thinking about his game right now.
Crawford looked good. The goal Detroit got was at the end of a PP and it looked like a hard shot deflected off of him and straight to a guy and Crawford’s right on the wing. One could argue that maybe Crawford should have secured it, but it went right to a guy and Crawford had to try and move post to post to stop a one-timer rocket. AND, it was the only goal he gave up.
Nylander looks pretty smooth out there. Sounds like Colliton is not totally sold on him, and that his game without the puck will determine whether he stays on the roster or not.
All in all, not a bad showing.
Wrap if they open the season with that lineup they’d be about $250,000 over the cap so more than likely a defenseman moved in some way, waived traded etc. If Dehaan not ready right away Wedin may be sent down for a game or 2. Holm getting through waivers might not happem so something might change there yet
Mo your right Carpenter in the middle in practice between 91 and 15. 11 and 57 extras, and 44 and 63 4th pair. Dach and Quenneville still injured be dealt with when they come off ir most likely.
Not even going to try Sven. He was quite good last night.
Ian – for sure something will give – that roster is one over the league maximum I believe of 23 anyway and I don’t think they’ll carry 8 D man regardless
Ian thanks for always posting salary cap 23man with different guys on off. Nice to not have to look that up add subtract with extras.
To know that your stuff is accurate to.
Holy crap would the roster look slim without Kubalik Shaw Smith Hana Matta Lehner. We were 25-15 the 2nd 40 games without this deepness.
Fukking a Right.
Yes that roster is one over maximum. Was thinking in case Dehaan couldn’t go opening night, where regular ir his caphit would count against cap. Dach and Quenneville if still injured, unless listed as part of 23 man roster, which would be unlikely, wouldn’t count against the cap.
Thx Mo no problem jyst enjoy that stuff so i share it. Feels good to be excited about the coming year again, after last 2 or 3 years of trying to convince yourself more or less they could be good.
2008 half roster
2009 game on
2010
2011 played short handed
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 game off
2019 half roster
2020 game on
2021
Actually with Bowman saying how things could change quick on roster to start. De haan could be placed on ir oct 2nd and 7 days would make him eligible to come off it the 9th. 2nd game is the 10th so little switch of Saarela for Wedin and Holm instead of Dahlstrom , both need waivered would allow them to have 23 man roster to Europe with Dehaan on ir.
Hull 65, I felt the same way about Saad playing with Kampf. Saad is going to get frustrated with Kampf as his center. His points will be way down playing on that third line.
When all healthy thinking
20 19 88
12 17 11/57
92/8 77 65
91 15 22 /64
If one player has the puck another player must go to the front of the net and get beat up. The line of 92 19 88 would not fit that thinking because if 19 has the puck I know 88 does not go in front and 92 doesn’t look like he will go in front.
As above lines 19 has the puck 20 goes in front, 20 has it 19 goes in front
17 has 11 goes, 11 has 17 goes
77 has 65 goes, 65 has 77 goes
Leave the shooters snipers on the outside. When they have the puck either of the other two go out in front.
Boys I think 22 is center and since were going multi positional and role we have 15 and 65 for center for a % of the 82 games. Its not only faceoffs and more about position. We are after two guy faceoff guys lines now. What were doing is when some guys are in some guys are different spots roles. Then we have these match up options and what were doing anyways.
As the this season and 21 and on goes along we have done each one several times and have a entourage of Blackhawks 4 line waves. Really 5 lines.
Try to capture the spirit of the whole thing.
If Dach makes the team (more wishful thinking than probable at this point) – top-9 I would like to see:
Nylander-Toews-Kane
Cat-Strome-Shaw
Saad-Dach-Kubalik
If Dach doesn’t make the team and Kampf ends up playing 3C – then switch Shaw and Kubalik and use the Saad-Kampf-Shaw line more as a checking line.
I think it goes to the original idea of the pairs of 19 88 12 17 20 64 15 22. The pairs might and prob adjust, its the players who can play with those pairs is the key.
Sure you could load up 3 at a time, but what fun is that. Having a top 6 like every other NHL team. What separates the top teams, let alone the dunasty teams is stacking the lines.
Did the Re Wings really think they could beat the 2013 Chicago Blackhawks, without getting away with 40 penaltys every game, hooks holds and interferences. That was the only way and a extra two days between games 1 and 2? WTFIS. Exactly, its not is what it what it is, it is horseshit at times. You have to show your the dynasty team of these 20 yrs and we did then. Fukking Flatlanders.
If Colliton goes with the same guys on the first PP unit as last season – Toews, Kane, Cat, Strome and Gustafsson – that leaves Shaw, Nylander, Kubalik for the second PP unit to go with who – Keith and Seabrook?
Good lineup Ebony!
Then 4th line
Smith Kampf (Carpenter) Perlini
And if Nylander or Kubalik have a slow start, Perlini can move up.
My only concern with Nylander Toews Kane line is it forces our captain to think defence first because 88 & 92 our offence first players. Rather see Saad or Perlini start the season there.
Ebony Raptor, I love your D-pairings. Ian, you might know something I don’t but I don’t like a Kampf, Saad, Kubalik line. I want Kubalik on Debrincat’s and Strome’s line because I think Kubalik can be a lefty Debrincat. And I think such a line would be monstrous. I don’t want him stuck with non-playmakers Kampf and Saad. Those two need to be paired with Carpenter to shutdown the other team’s scoring lines and organically transfer to the penalty killing line when needbe. I also like Caggiula with Toews and Kane. With them, he is like a core player – a puck getter for our two best players. Without them, he is just a warm body. Stats bear this out. As for Shaw, he plays best on lines with one other tough guy (aka Zach Smith replacing Domi) plus one skill guy ???? Dach? Saarela? Perlini? Sikura? Nylander? Kurashev? I could name several others, but suffice to say …. Whoever emerges! PS How does one view Icehog games. They will be so fun to watch. Never before has there been such a tight Hawks/Hogs connection. This will be such a curious and potentially successful year.
Like what Colliton is trying to do, having 2 lines that drive the offense and 2 lines that think defense first. Overall defense is where improvement is needed. Having Kampf line playing against top scoring lines, means they are measured by how they keep opponents big guns off the board, bring enough offense to help in support there and allows Toews and Kane to lead the offense with Nylander or whoever ends up sticking there. Saad no longer the high ceiling offensive prospect, more if a dependable high floor 2 way winger now. In another year or so if Dach ready could see him in middle with Kane and Nylander say and Toews move to a line with Saad again to do matchup thing again. I doubted Collitons system but buying into what i’m starting to see now.
Shaw with Strome and Debrincat makes that line complete. Shaw brings what that line lacks, righthand fo guy to help Strome who struggles in that area, offensively he goes to dirty areas in front of net and creates havoc, battles hard for the puck. Things that aren’t playing to other 2 strengths. Defensively the other Centers Toews, Kampf or Carpenter have no problem with Collitons system where the center plays down low in own zone and does alot of board battles for puck and support the D allowing them to protect around net as much as they can. Strome wouldn’t thrive in that role but Shaw does, and Strome and Debrincat can play the finesse type defense in the high areas around blueline, like Kane and Nylander will, more to their strengths.
Hull, Toews thinks about his defense responsibities first, that’s the player he is. Just with Kane he be taking alot of offensive starts and get matchups that allow him alot more offensive opportunity.
No offense! I mean, we are all Hawks fans …. But Nylander deftly batted down a 90 MPH Boquist shot out of the sky as though a child underhanded it to him. Then, approximately three-tenths of a second later went from forehand to backhand. Anyway, the puck was in the net before the goalie even noticed his jockstrap missing. I would not trust this superscout friend with his opinion that a man like this can’t skate and chew gum at the same time. RIDICULOUS! Nylander’s only problem (just like his former Hawk dad and brother Michael) is developing a blue collar work ethic. Even if he doesn’t, he’ll be in the 20’s in goals scored same in assists. Not bad for a guy who is only being counted on as secondary scoring. I really like Colliton as a coach, but I deeply hope that there is balance in his roster considerations. I’d rather (on a scale of 1 to 10) have players who are an 8 at lighting the lamp even if they are only a 6 at mastering Colliton’s system. In other words, let’s not lead the league in defense (unless Crawford and Lehner stand on their heads). Let’s decrease 8-7 games and lead the league in 5-3 wins. Happy Medium? How ‘bout it? In the initial pre-season games I’ve noticed the Hawks exhibiting more natural talent than the opposition, but displaying problems not always being on their “X” at the right time … Like an actor on stage. In time, perhaps the Hawks can be perfect Chess pieces. In the meantime, let’s shed inhibitions and win some games! We have assembled considerable natural talent in this organization.
I like some of what I’ve seen in the Hawks pre-season. I already know we can score. I already know about our old core and believe they are not over-the-hill yet. I like the increase in faceoff wins, blocked shots, and slight increase in hits, but I really want the Hawks to have grit. What the Wild prospects did to Bach should result in a blood bath in the regular season. Dach was potentially a young star and they took that away from our organization. Some Wild players need to pay for this. Yeah, maybe their vets were not involved, but screw that. We need to err on the side of metal.
Brad the retribution could be handled by Rfd and make most of the culprits pay personally. As for your first comment, i think happy medium s what’s hoped for between offense and defense, as the latter lacked far behind last season.
Waiver wire opens around noon today.
Wonder if they try to sneak Holm through on the first big waiver wire rush, then maybe Dahlstrom slides through at end of preseason rush and be able to have both in Rfd having cleared and available for callups.
Ian – maybe so with Holm but after Dahlstrom clears (an if there) then maybe KK is eventually traded and Holm brought back up
I have to see more of Holm play but to me he looks better then either Dahlstrom or KK plus he’s 27 so his development shouldn’t be stunted if he’s the 7th D man
When he does get in the Hawks line up maybe he could QB the 2nd PP unit – the current 2 and 7 combo on PP2 doesn’t really strike fear in opponents hearts
Excellent point about 12 17 65 line. Nylander Kubalik others do not do faceoffs.
I first thought of the 12 17 8 line as a wicked scoring line to. Still were going to be doing more then 4 lines depeneding on whos in for games and matchups. Its not going to be this set the lines and leave them alone for games 20-82 so people can get used to each other.
This is the new age.
Very happy to hear you guys say, Noonan about Maattas skating is plenty good enough and the guys who said allen other about Nylander being a NHL level player skill wise.