Robin Lehner Tweets Image of New Mask
Gorgeous – and a strong message. Love it!
#SameHere is an expression which means: I’ve faced challenges in life too. Those challenges have affected my mental health. It’s a sign that we hope will unite the world to once and for all, normalize how universal this topic is. pic.twitter.com/gWsuDIwkMR
— Robin Lehner (@RobinLehner) August 13, 2019
Looks great what a great sign
I wish we could get a look from the top – can’t tell what the artwork is.
We’ll get busy here soon. Hockey is coming and I for one don’t believe Bowman is settled on his roster yet.
I sure miss hockey.
Nice to have you back Tab – looking forward to your future blogs
IMO the conversation on this blog is the most civil and thoughtful I’ve seen amongst Hawk blogs
Welcome back! Can’t wait for hockey to start back up. Just renewed Centre Ice
I’m pulling for Lehner – I’m impressed with his courage and candor regarding his challenges and sincerely hope he has a long successful NHL career either in CHI or elsewhere
Wrap agree how do you not pull for the guy.
Not alot going on until pre season starts so thought I would post something kind of out there. Any thoughts on playing Boqvist at wing? The blue lined is pretty jammed with signed money this year which is a good thing. I watched some of the camp videos and there is some serious vision and puck handling talent there, would this be better served on the wing? How good of a defensive defensman is he? I think we are better off with him making the roster than not but is it at defense?
re: Boqvist playing at wing: NO.
re: 7s contract impacting the Hawks ability to keep DeBrincat and Strome – $11M comes off the books between Crawford & Lehner in 12 months. Also, the Expansion Draft won’t be held until 2021, so Seabrook is here for at least 2 seasons unless they buy him out (which is a real option if some of these kids develop well). The Blackhawks should have roughly $20M to sign a #1 goaltender, DeBrincat + Strome next summer.
If the Blackhawks want to keep DeBrincat & Strome and the players aren’t asking for market-setting contracts there shouldn’t be reason for significant concern with either of them.
Or the league or players opt out this fall, and come up with a new CBA and offer a compliance buyout.
Knox, London and the Hawks actually had the conversation about Boqvist playing forward. The Hawks wanted him as a D.
I get the sense Dale Hunter didn’t like Boqvist. He cut his minutes in the playoffs after the team got a lead. And only brought him back after they were down but it was too late.
With that said, Boqvist is a right shot. The Hawks have 3 total right shots under contract in the entire organization. Murphy and Seabrook being the other 2. If his D needs time, keep him in Rockford.
The Lehner signing was absolute piracy by Stan.
Getting the heir apparent to Corey Crawford, to pretty much ease into the #1 job as workhorse for 2020-2021 & beyond, was beyond sneaky.
Agreed time will settle the Beaudin vs Veleno argument, Iceman you may be right in the end who knows.
Still think theres a good chance ltir plays a role in Seabrooks final years.
The compliance buyout was a one time thing for recapture penalties imposed after contracts signed because teams with those contracts were no longer compliant with new rules. May happen again but all contracts since are compliant with league wants, so not sure what reason there would be to do it again.
The compliance or amnesty buyout was a one time buyout for contracts signed before September 2012. The Hawks used their buyouts on Steve Montador and Rostislav Olesz. Neither of those contracts had recapture ramifications. Teams could use them however they wanted. Buffalo if I recall was saying they’d trade for a player to use one of theirs if they got a first round pick back.
Yes thats right teams had choice over how they wanted to use the compliance buyouts. The reason was a trade off on the recapture penalties as we’ve mentioned in our posts. That said i see no reason why they would do it again, though.
Agree on several points here;
-Don’t think Stan is completely settled for the opener
-Can see Seabrook wanting to retire a Hawk so some sort of LTIR in the last year or two
-Absolute steal to get Lehner. Cleans up a mess after next season with Crow potentially moving on and gives us an option assuming 2020 is a success for Lehner
-what a difference a year makes. Last summer we were dying for news. This summer has been a full one.
-goal for the year, PO. Hopefully win a series and come back ready for 2021 for a serious challenge
Totally agree Hawk One. Get into the playoffs and see what happens.
Dach and Boqvist appear to be on parallel tracks at different positions. Both likely poised to be on the roster for good in 2020-21.
I too doubt that Stan will ride Erik G. All year and let him walk for nothing.
A better bet is that he’s moved at the trade deadline when there are few sellers and lots of buyers. The question becomes who can fill his slot offensively from within ?
Also, if the Hawks are in playoff contention would they move a piece like Gustafson for the future ? To me, the best case scenario is we move Gustafson for a 1st rounder at the deadline, then have somebody who is able to be a power play specialist from late February on. By then it might be Boqvist.
I think how well Keith and Gus fill the no.1 pairing role as the season goes on will have a big impact on Gus decision. If they are the clear top pairing and thriving, it’s doubtful Bowman jeopardizes that at tdl and heading into stretch run and playoffs. May be willing to let him walk or make his rights part of a trade just prior to draft or something. If they struggle in that role and Colliton is forced to try other combos there, then most likely Gus us moved if return is there that Bowman feels good about. Hard to see where he fits salary wise beyond this season though right now, but things could change i guess.
I don’t see it as a who will fill Gus’s role as much as when they feel is the right time for Boqvist to do it.
I’m in the trade Gus sooner camp.
Personally I think the value of a great power play is less than the value of a great penalty kill. The best Hawks teams over the course of the “dynasty” have been the ones that were near the league lead in penalty killing. I think only one of those teams was good at the PP.
My point. I think Gus does not have a lot of value to a team trying to make the playoffs, but would have more value to a team in the playoffs looking to improve. His low cap hit for the year would make it easier for a team looking to add a PP specialist on defense. His value at the trade deadline lessens, I think, because he is a true rental who will probably get a decent payday next year. I think the Hawks would be best served moving him before the season started.
Ian. It’s tricky. Gus is the pp quarterback who has great chemistry with Kane. But I sure would hate to lose in the first round of the playoffs then watch Gus leave for nothing.
It amazes me that not one Hawks Reporter has asked Stan about Gus’s future in one of his lengthy media scrums.
For as exciting as it is to envision Boqvist performing his offensive game for the Hawks sooner than later – it’s important to remember that 2 days ago Boqvist was still 18 – having turned 19 yesterday. If he had been born 3 weeks later he would have been in the 2019 draft – so from that perspective it’s almost like he would go from just being drafted to the NHL – not many d-men do that. If he’s ready for the NHL now – fine, I don’t think he should have to play in Rockford no matter what, but I think a year in Rockford would be a good stepping stone from Juniors to the NHL and would be a good thing for his development.
I think the Hawks will hang on to Gus for the time being – the objective is the playoffs and hopefully he can help to meet that objective
If at the TDL they deem Boquist to be ready then I could see them moving Gus but if they think Boquist is best served finishing the year in RKF it wouldn’t surprise me at all if they keep Gus for the full year and let him walk
Lots of teams do it and it’s not a bad strategy although it’s a calculated risk – sure it looks bad if that team goes out in the first round but if you have a deep run then it looks good
It’ll be up to Stan to figure out where the team is at come TDL and where Boquist and Gus are at and act accordingly – I see it as a fluid situation – nothing has been decided yet IMO
The fact the Hawks have no one else on the right side in Rockford may play into things. Also, with him just turning 19 and the amount of bonuses in his contract. It might be tempting to let it slide. Or at the very least see how he does against professionals. Prove he belongs in real games that matter. Not just training camp.
Pounce! Bayyybayyyyy!
Imagine Stan would have drafted a goalie for the future like Crawford was by Tallon during his current 10 year tenure as a GM, maybe that 5million per year would be spent on a top winger instead of a goalie who may or may not prove he is better than last season under the Trotz system. All those dmen he drafted, Joki gone, Boqvist an obvious offensive talent but an adventure on defence and undersized, Beaudin still has not made the Canadian Junior team in 2 years even though he was a 1st round pick….Mitchell seems solid… So, let’s see if Joe Veleno, Evan Bouchard, or Oliver Walstrom all in Bowman’s grasp have better careers than Stan’s picks.
Let’s hope so.
Hull65 said:
“So, let’s see if Joe Veleno, Evan Bouchard, or Oliver Walstrom all in Bowman’s grasp have better careers than Stan’s picks.
Let’s hope so.”
Pretty revealing he hates Stan so much he would rather other prospects do better than Stan’s picks. Hatred of Stan stronger than love of Hawks. Weird.
youtube.com/watch?v=IkQ5oARNxLU
Are you related to Tallon or something. Bowman almost brought 3 Cups and Tallon has 1. So it cant be, who brought more. Only a, Tallon would have won 5 Cups instead of the 4 we did with both guys, counting 2014. If you just like having a mean team with size and hits and grits, ok.
This smaller sized D thing is the new wave of future, as long as you have enough size and grit to round off the roster balance wise. Teams would skate circles around BOS LA ANA and those kind of teams now. Thats why BOS transitioned, like we are now and became good again. They got faster not kept the full roster of size.
Hull opinion is fine but at least tell the truth, it’s well known at 2003 draft Tallon was still in broadcast booth and not in front office until late fall, Bowman on the other hand was a special assissmtant to the Gm at that point and actually had some input into who was picked.
Hull65, officially now a troll. Here’s the thing, I think Hull65 knows hockey, better than most and better than myself. Occasionally, I enjoy Hull65’s insight. Though, what’s the purpose and value of this most recent post on a Blackhawks fan site? It would be one thing if it came from a rival team looking to generate some “interesting” banter, yet from a guy who claims to be a Hawks fan is weird, to borrow the word.
Here’s a suggestion: continue being an agitator, though offer data or 3rd party analysis to support whatever agitation you’d like. A contrarian point of view can be fun, but you’ve got to up your game.
Re: Hull65 – irrational hatred of Stan and irrational love of Tallon plus wilful ignorance of facts equals not worth responding to
I feel bad, in a way, I try not to talk about refs and suspensions, too much and when not appropriate, other wise you have to, some times. Not too often though.
There’s a reasonably good chance that Dach does go back to junior for another year and if that’s the case I’ve been thinking about possible lines
how about?
Saad-Toews – Kane
DCat – Strome – Shaw
Nylander – Kampf – Kubalik
Smith – Carpenter – Caggiula
Kampf is not ideal IMO as 3C but there should be some improvement in his O game this year and his defensive game is solid – Smith could play 3C and then it would be
Nylander – Smith – Kubalik
Caggiula – Kampf – Carpenter
Two points worth noting with these two bottom 6 scenarios
1) they both lack the skill and creativity that Dach would bring
2) Perlini is still in tough to make the line up except as 13th FW – maybe he takes Kubalik’s or Nylander’s spot with a strong camp (if he signs)
I think that over the last year Stan has done well on trades and UFAs. I’m not sure we we needed to add both Maatta and De Haan and (like everyone) I hate the Joki trade, but for the most part (and with help from Yotes and Oil) he has done well. I really like the Lehner deal.
I didn’t like the drafts though. He could have had Byram and Dobson or Bouchard as as close as it gets to a guaranteed top pairing for years to come. I think he really missed on that. And even though he couldn’t have those guys and Dach, he could have had them and Veleno as a solid middle 6 center.
I think it’s entirely fair to put a lot of weight on the picks. These were rare opportunities to select cornerstones for years to come. With enough cap space you can buy an okay team through free agency (which is likely what we got this summer), but the high end talent to really contend comes at the top of the draft. In that sense, where the 2018/19 first rounders are a year from now will tell a lot.
Not going agasint anyones likes and not likes. I do not think it makes any difference in who we picked or could have, because I think there all going to be good.
Only Dach or Byram head to head, of being one of the best Elite players in league when prime yrs. They both are then that doesnt matter who we picked.
Each team picked their guy and unless someone is a dud then theres no difference. Just a preference in who we like better and what guys are better people, not just good players.
Blackhawks are special in the way we would rather have a good dude, then a pre madonna like Hayes, even when both players are about same, quality hockey wise.
I like Dach better because he looks like a cool dude. When I see Byram he looks a pretty boy or a brat.
I hope that Lehner has a good yr because he has had some bad ones. Strome has to prove that last yr was no fluke. If all goes right , hawks will have a good yr. Not sold on Beaudin pick either. He didn’t make the Canadian jr team for two yrs now, so that sends a red flag. Also he is small like Boqvist and I don’t think you need 2 of that type. Say what you want about the game going to a faster game, but the playoffs are a fast and very physical game and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. The players are not only faster but bigger as well
Wrap, with 20 and 65 in 1st and 2nd lines, that leaves two open sports for 3rd and 4th, with 91 15 64 40 there.
20/65 19 88
12 17 65/?
20/? 15 8
91 64 40
Tab and others who do you think or what position, if Bowman not done yet before season.
I think both Byram and Dach could be very good players – if one turns out better than the other we’ll just have to wait and see
I’m going to go on record right now as saying that Boquist will have a more impactful career than Bouchard (having seen them both play for London)
Dobson – idk enough about – maybe he’s a Norris trophy winner of the future maybe he’s not – no one knows
Veleno IMO will likely be an average centre and Beaudin an average D man – a wash – not too worried about him not making Canadian Jrs – lots of good players don’t and he’s not a star after all
65 19 88
12 17 11?
20 15 8
91 64 40
Think if 91 can fit somewhere good on three lines, then a 15 64 40 is your ideal 4th checking line.
Wasnt Debrincat not on juniors to?
Mo – I think Nylander makes the team out of camp
I don’t think they trade Joki for him and not give him a chance to play at least enough regular season NHL games to show whether he belongs or not
Wrap if Nylander wins a spot great, if doesn’t hopefully the politics of his trade isn’t a putting him on the roster. Last season obviously winning wasn’t a priority and questionable roster decisions showed that, but this season best chance to win should be no.1.
Mo still think a depth Dman for the right bottom 6 body could still happen.
Dobson played 40 mins a game in memorial cup leading his 2nd different team in 2 years to a title. Ryoun Noranda went out and acquired him for that reason after watching him play a key role for Acadie Bathursts title run the year before, he with no doubt is the real deal, and quite possibly will be mentioned as the steal of last seasons draft at no.12. He reminds you of the great players the bigger the game, the better he plays. Doesn’t build his stock on stats against questioable opposition.
With 91 15 64 40 already, that would mean 20 and 65 on 1st and 2nd line, unless 8 is there. Who are or what kind you thinking, a scoring 3rd line player.
With 20 and 65 as options but they might be with 19 88 12 17. We have
91 15 ?
? 64 22
8 and 92 are options, but what kind of 3rd line player would be the type were looking for, if thats what were adding. Who or what kind would most ideal.
Another two way player like 65 and 15 or a DEF FW like 64 and 22.
Whats really nice is having 4 lines we can trust and roll. So there are soooo many options for different times called upon, its not even funny. We can roll whos hot.
Mo was thinking more like a Dahlstrom or Koekkoek for a forward who might play against heavy hitting teams and sit against more skilled teams type of deal.
If Dach goes back to juniors, 20 and 65 fill out top 6 spots. Maybe then see Kubalik and Nylander if he makes it with Kampf in the middle for a speedy skilled 3rd line that can play defense too. An added gritty winger could slot in there for Nylander in certain ganes.
We prob trade 11 then, hes got the size.
8-19-88
12-17-20
91-15-65
57-22-64
If Dach is up, put him at 2rw. Bump Saad to 3lw. And Caggiula to 4lw.
Rusty – remind me who 57 is. Entwistle?
Entwistle 37 , Quenbeville 47. Assume its Wedin as he wore that number in Europe. Didn’t realize they gave it to him.
I don’t think they’ve given it to him yet. But they did say he would be given an opportunity for a bottom 6 role.
Personally, I’d let Nylander show hes improved and healthy. The hope is hes a top 6 winger. Would giving him 4th line minutes help him? Or would it be more beneficial to give him top line minutes in Rockford.
On Wedin “He brings a high level of compete to the rink every night and plays a very smart, if not overly flashy, game. Don’t look for highlight reel plays from him. You’ll most likely find him set up in the right position on the ice, both offensively and defensively”
re: “we prob trade [number/last name]” – you’ll find that there’s no way to try to put together a mock roster for opening night without saying “crap, I forgot to include someone” and realizing the Blackhawks have WAY too many bodies for spots on the bench. Either the org REALLY wants to stack Rockford for a Calder Cup run or there are more moves coming between now and Opening Night.
Also remember: there are a LOT of RFAs not signed. Still. Perlini being one of them.
Never thought of that angle Tab, but making a run for playoffs this season with veteran Nhl roster and letting the youth learn to win together in Rfd not a bad idea. Future players like Delia and Lankinen in goal, Beaudin, Krys, Carlson Kurashev, Entwistle, Hagel, Johnson, Hakkaranien etc grow together with a winning season in Rfd. Plus a sprinkling of players who can move up and down through the year, like Boqvist, Nylander, Sikura, Highmore and some more veteran guys. Wedin, Saarela, Quennville, Holm, Nilsson, Forton and most certainly Versteeg to bring leadership and quite likely to spend time there.
Another thought on that there are no european clauses that will be used if someone not on roster either this season. Nylander gas not used his the last 3 seasons, Kubalik indicated he would not return if demoted, so 1st season in awhile thats not in play too. Holm negotiated a substantial Ahl salary in lieu of those clauses it would appear.
Saying both sides optimistic Perlini deal be done in next few days.
Less than 3 weeks until Traverse City when we’ll be able to see our prospects play competitive games – won’t that be better than week after week of summertime banter.
ER – can’t wait!
Holy where did the last 4 wks go. I stopped looking at calendar mid july.
I haven’t seen an announcement on the Hawks’ roster for Traverse City. I hope all the main prospects go, although I don’t think the college guys will be there because they will have started classes by then. But still – Dach, Boqvist, Kurashev, Entwistle, Beaudin should headline the Hawks’ roster. It will be great to watch them against other team’s top prospects. Can’t wait.
EB likely some of this years other picks be there too. Teply, Basse, and Moberg should be there. European leagues started so not likely anybody playing there from there either. Last years roster announced on August 29th, so should be out soon.
I’m fairly excited to see what Moberg turns into. Switched from forward to D recently, but his offensive numbers are impressive. Was on a really bad team.
Say by mid season the top 2 defensive pairs are Keith- Gus and Dehaan-Boqvist.
With 2 if Seabrook, Murphy and Maatta being shutdown pairing, with one of them either traded or out with injuries for rest of year or most of it.
Not sure why you’d trade Murphy.
Don’t know how you trade Seabrook…midseason.
Said either or not do both.
That does raise a good point though, if between Gus, Boqvist and Mitchhell they will be manning 2 of the 3 right side spots going forward. How will the transiti9n process play out for as far Murphy and Seabrook go and what the impact will be.
I just don’t see Murphy going anywhere. He had a solid year last year, has good size, is one of the few right handed d-men in the system and has a reasonable contract. I also would be surprised if Boquist doesn’t play a good part of the year in Rockford to show he can handle the defensive duties at the pro level. That being said there clearly are too many defensemen both at the NHL and AHL levels. DeHaan starting the year on IR solves part of the problem but it seems clear SB has one or more deals still to make.
I think Dahlstrom gets moved before the season starts or is claimed off waivers
MS you may be right about Boqvist, though it sounds like Collitons defensive system is designed to be more friendly to a player like Boqvist vs Hunters system in London, Collitons stresses more positioning and stick work, that take precedent over physical play. That may make an easier transition to pros for him and part of reason he isn’t going back there and why a Bouchard thrived with Hunter so much.
Wrap agree something like that may happen.
Ian – I read that unless Bouchard blows people away in camp he will likely start in the AHL to improve his defense. Oilers (like the Hawks) are under a lot of pressure to improve this year.
If the top 10 forwards are some combination : Toews, Kane, Strome, d-Cat, Saad, Shaw, Cagguila, Pelini, Kubalik, Kampf, that leaves Carpenter at 11 ( because Stan did not sign him to sit ) and a precious few spots left.
Skill guys like D. Sikura, Nylander and Sarella might have to wait their chance to get a scoring line, because I highly doubt those guys are in the mix for the 4th line. Moreso guys like Quennville and Wedin would seem to have a better shot to fill the 4th line roles.
Craig, you forgot Smith. I don’t think they bury him.
Ms can see that, Bouchard plays an offensive game, doesn’t have the elite speed and skill of some, so depends on size and strentgh alot, so needing some time to fill out and learn how defend bigger, faster players in Nhl be a curve no doubt.
Agree Smith brought in to play not sit, to start the year anyways, that may change as time goes on.
Right you are Rusty. I forgot Smith. No way they brought him in to sit.
Precious few spots available. Colliton and Stan want a competitive camp in which it’s hard to make the Hawks.
I’m eager to get to September and to see who wants it the most and seizes the opportunity.
Craig until we get a feel of how Colliton is looking at who will fill 3/4C roles, it’s hard to say how the bottom lines look or who is the wings on 1st 2 lines.
Kampf definitely in running for one spot, Smith good on fos but seems to play lw better. Carpenter played rw in Vegas, so not sure he projects there. Shaw can play C but ideally ge seems to be a more effective winger. Is a Saarela in that picture maybe or somebody else not mentioned.
Could go with Dach and Strome as 2/3 Cs.
Question if your Bowman looking at Strome who may be asking for 5.5m- 6m or better a year next summer, would you want to split up 12 and 17 this year and see if he can earn a his contract without Debrincat. Maybe put 12 with 10 and 88 for a bit and create a different look on 2nd and 3rd lines with Strome and Dach or somebody else.
Ian. Bowman in an interview I heard about a month back after the Nylander deal, talked about how happy he was with the “pairs “ they have established. He of course mentioned Toews and Kane then, Strome and deBrincat together. Seeing that Strome and D-Cat have great chemistry on the ice and are best friends off the ice, I would imagine they will play together often until they hit a slump then possibly some line juggling from there.
You make a good point about Shaw. He will likely be out there a lot in the final 10 minutes of close games, trying to grind out face offs and tight checking. I would expect similar for Carpenter and to some degree Zack Smith.
Obviously Colliton will Send guys out based on the score and situation.
The ideas of “pairs” is intriguing, but only if it’s more organic than manufactured. Cat and Strome are a natural pairing but I’m not sure I would put Toews and Kane in that same category. They obviously can and have played very well together as they showed last season with career scoring years for both, but they have both played very well apart from each other too. With the two of them it seems to be more a case of that Kane is so elite that he can play with just about anyone and make that a “pair”.
Another factor worth considering is the pending new deals for Cat and Strome. Not to overtly try to stifle their scoring numbers, because that would obviously hurt the chances for team success, but if they 3rd line minutes it may hold their scoring numbers down just a bit which could matter at contract negotiation. This get’s into the debate on stacked lines versus spreading out the offense but maybe if things break the right way in terms of players playing well, maybe the top-9 could be something like this with pairs being Saad-Toews, Kane-Dach, and Cat-Strome.
Saad-Toews-Kubalik
Nylander-Dach-Kane
Cat-Strome-Shaw
Like those lines EB, but because of potential bonuses impacting the caphit at start of season, Having all 3 of Dach, Kubalik and Strome in lineup to start would add roughly another .6m to daily hit. Not sure that space is expendable at start of season but maybe after some bonuses eliminated that could happen and allow some Ahl time for Nylander.
Craig yes i heard those comments also, just throwing it out there. As far as whats best for team, Debrincat has shown he can bring offense with different linemates, if they prove to be an effective together, defensively and offensively, then yes keep them together. Keeping together because both have good offensive numbers alone may not be best though.
Interesting comments – here’s the way I see the FWs if I can borrow Craig’s methodology
Of the 12 spots available for FWs I think these players will be amongst the those 12
Toews, Kane, DCat, Strome, Shaw, Saad, Smith, Carpenter
That leaves 4 spots open IMO (plus as many as 2 extras) – there’s no guarantee that Kampf, Caggiula, Perlini or Kubalik is a top 12 FW – they may all be but they need to prove it and players like Dach and Nylander or even Wedin, Quennville, Sarella will have their opportunities
Should be highly competitive because I don’t think Stan and JC are looking to play favourites with those on the bubble (and that includes Kampf IMO) – I think they’ll reward those that earn it at training camp and pre-season
Dcat and Strome are going to have to prove they are responsible defensively to get true 2nd line minutes. I believe JC is going to demand a much stronger defensive effort and now that he has guys like Smith, Carpenter and Shaw he will have the ability to reward or penalize guys with ice time (not really an option last year). Dcat is someone who works very hard at improving his game so I expect him to take a nice step forward on his defensive assignments this year. If he doesn’t, ice time in the 3rd period could be limited in games where we are protecting a lead. As stated by others the competition that we have this year is going to give JC options he didn’t have a year ago.
“MS you may be right about Boqvist, though it sounds like Collitons defensive system is designed to be more friendly to a player like Boqvist vs Hunters system in London, Collitons stresses more positioning and stick work, that take precedent over physical play. That may make an easier transition to pros for him and part of reason he isn’t going back there and why a Bouchard thrived with Hunter so much.
Wrap agree something like that may happen.”
This is another good point, in why small medium sized Defensemen that are good skaters fast skilled are good players in the new NHL and not just the bigger sized Defensemen. Having a team system that those kind of players are key to have to make system work most ideal.
J. Erickson-Ek received $1.4 Million today from Minnesota today.
Perlini has played more games, scored more goals and points than him at this point.
I’m thinking Perlini signs for 1-year at $1.75 Million.
Trade Perlini, Caggiula, Quenneville and a Rockford left D for Puljujarvi.
I like your thinking Rusty – sending multiple players for Puljujarvi
How about Perlini, Dahlstrom and a 2nd or 3rd?
I’m not sure why we would trade Perlini for Puljujarvi. Perlini is the better player, or at least that what he has shown so far, and Puljujarvi is in the same situation Perlini’s in – RFA waiting to be resigned who will want the same type of contract Perlini wants.
Too many fringe forward prospects. He’s got size and speed like Perlini. Not as shy as Perlini physically however. He’s a playmaker, unlike Perlini.
I’m not high on Perlini’s overall game. He scores goals in bunches. But a lot of those goals seemed to be breakaways…where he was at the blue line while everyone else was playing D and the puck squirts out.
Caggiula plays a gritty yet valuable overall game, but with the additions of Carpenter, Shaw, and Smith…how much grit is really needed? Really you could interchange Kampf and Caggiula. I went with Caggiula because Kampf can play Center. Caggiula can as well …but really hasn’t.
Once you remove Caggiula you’re able to insert a Saarela, Wedin, Sikura type player into his spot. Production wise, probably not a big drop off if any. For arguments sake say Perlini and Pool party want the same contract. Its a cap reduction because you removed Caggiula.
You buy Dach time to mature as a center if that’s what you think he is.
You remove Quenneville from the logjam, as well as the possibility of losing him on waivers. Throwing in a left D prospects alleviates some of that logjam.
Perhaps Quenneville and Gilbert with Perlini that would be enough you can keep Caggiula. Id be for that, I just don’t think Holland let’s go of him that easily. I think he thinks Puljujarvi was terribly mismanaged and still has potential to prove he was the number 4 pick for a reason.
Stir crazy? Absolutely
Like ER pairings for scoring lines. I would say 12 17 on 3rd line would get them more points then being the 2nd. Playing against worse competition depending on other teams matchups. When Dach is ready, 1st 40 games, 2nd 40 games, black ace, he will be ready at some point and those pairings is ideal.
For now, until Dach Nylander or other are ready, you have to think 15 64 22 91 are in. They are established players, for yrs.
From read somewhere, 64 plays center way better then LW RW. So if 15 plays LW better and 22 plays RW better, then that would make sense. Even though 65 plays RW better, hes still good at center, not sure if 64 is at that, and maybe for 15 and 22 to.
That when Dach and others are ready or emerge, going with most ideal checking line, 91 and 65 would be top 9. I like 65 at center for 3rd line unless with 19 88. 8 is a interesting player, who I think is better then 24. So where does he fit.
? 19 88
12 17 ?
20 65 ?
15 64 22
How about you pay Perlini 3yrs 6mil with payouts at 1.5 2.0 2.5. This way you are showing him you think he is good but wanting him to prove he is good. If he does not do well could be easier to flip because he is still under control for 2yrs.
Because the Hawks can’t afford a 2m aav deal right now. Total salary divided by years is your cap hit.
I’m not sure they can even afford to sign him to a 1-year $1.5M deal. The $3.3M cap space is with only 10 forwards on the roster. I doubt Stan wants to go into the season with less than $1M left in the kitty for in-season moves.
Yeah you would think if Perlini signed for close to 2m caphit or aav, there is a corresponding move made to deal with cap space. Maybe he is moved easier after signed himself or something else. I know Bowman was high on Cagguila since coming out of Ncaa, but kinda have to wonder does reacquiring 65 make him expendable now, plus that save having to deal with his rfa arbitration status after this season.
While Perlini certainly has more potential for a higher ceiling than Caggiula – Caggiula will give you what is expected on a game to game basis whereas Perlini hasn’t shown the consistency that can be counted on from game to game. Which is more valuable? Is it better to have Caggiula provide consistent bottom-6 play for 82 games or to have Perlini be great for 20 games and lousy for the other 60?
I think the system Colliton wants to use may be a factor in whether or not Perlini is signed because I think the system requires the players on the ice to play more as a 5-man unit than as 5 freelancers and Perlini seems to be more of a freelancer than a guy who is capable of playing effectively in a structured system.
What if Caggiula and Perlini were the 13th and 14th FWs – then that’s the sort of depth successful Hawk teams of the past have had
Rotate them in – keeps everyone on their toes and makes players like Kubalik and Nylander (if he’s in CHI) play hard every night plus they’re great injury replacements
Although having said that I’m not sure the Hawks can make 2 extra FWs work cap wise
If it did come down to a choice between Perlini and Cagguila, the question is what do you want more Cagguila’s floor or Perlini potential ceiling. If they feel Perlini’s ceiling is worth it, then moving Cagguila could make sense. Remember Nylander reports on his play and lits expect him to be top 6 to start season.
Can’t see both being pressbox forwards with their caphits and limited capspace.
Here are the details:
$3.3M cap space with 10 forwards (Kane, Toews, Saad, Shaw, Smith, Caggiula, Carpenter, Kampf, Strome, DeBrincat), 8 D-men (Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, deHaan, Maatta, Gustafsson, Koekkoek, Dahlstrom) and the 2 goalies.
1. Send Dahlstrom ($850K) to Rockford – cap space = $4.2M
2. Set aside $1M for in-season moves – cap space = $3.2M
3. Promote Kubalik ($925K) – cap space = $2.2M
4. Promote Dach ($925K) – cap space = $1.3M
That leaves the roster with 12 forwards, 7 d-men and 2 goalies and it leaves only $1.3M to sign Perlini or another guy to give the roster 13 forwards.
4.
Thanks for the breakdown ER
It would seem the Hawks have 3 spots open in the top 9 (after 19, 88, 20, 12, 17 , 65) to be fought over by probably 4 players realistically – Kubalik, Dach, Nylander and Perlini
If Perlini wins a spot then either Dach goes back to junior or one of the others to RKF -probably Nylander
If Perlini comes in 4th perhaps he’s traded to make room for all of the other 3
Wrap if Nylander, Kubalik and Dach in the lineup added to Strome and Debrincar thats just 6.7m in potential performance bonuses. Over 6.15m counts against cap as long as they can be achieved, so that is another .6m capspace gone, unlikely all 3 open season with Blackhawks.
If Dehaan not ready and is on ltir first month or 2 that buys some time to figure out who they want and carry a little extra cap until they do. If not more moves likely coming, if they don’t want to sign Perlini why qualify him, coulda let him walk. Must want him signed to play, could move him seems less likely now though.
Hawks want him…just at their price. He was qualified at a little over 900k. Perlini could have signed, but why would he when comparables start at 600k more. He’s still an asset.
My guess is Dach plays games first and he stays or juniors, then Nylander gets games after that and he stays or back to Rockford. Kubalik I see is in right off the bat.
64 91 8 are in depending on 92 77 11
Haan is good for timing of 77 92 getting games. Then go from there.
Could have problem of 77 92 and others being good and ready. Even if its 2nd 40 games and on.
Do not mean stats, we could could see a much different team this yr from core. Its the first time we have had a full roster or depth since 2015. We were good in 16 17 but not fast. The core guys and new core guy know this. We could see a very exciting season and be primed for a few yrs.
Its going to be night and day from last few yrs. Shawzer is going to be huge.
If they give Dach a look, why not have Perlini and Saad as 3rd line wingers and have Shaw and Dach both take shifts at 3C and on right wing with 12 and 17. See how he looks both spots, likely leaves Kubalik on left with 19 and 88. The 4th line have 91, 22, 15 and 64 rotate on it give you option of sitting Perlini or Kubakik too plus minor injury coverage with lots of ability to play up the lineup with them 4 until things sorted out.
Still have to make cap work however they do it when injuries happen, if no more moves or ltir involved.
Ian – the bonus situation complicates things
However if Nylander, Kubalik and Dach all deserve to be on the roster (meaning they’re legitimately earned it) I think the Hawks will find a way to make it happen by trading someone
That could be Caggiula or Perlini or even Kampf
Seems unlikely all 3 earn it though – more likely that only one of Dach or Nylander is on opening day roster – I think Kubalik makes it
If Dach plays the full season here and ends up with 11g and 23a… would you have wished they sent him back?
If that’s the stat line are people not furious at Bowman for passing on other players?
Kotkaniemi- 11g 23a- 34pts
Nolan Patrick- 13g 17a- 30pts
Dubois- sent back
Is Dach an Eichel? Or a Strome? Strome was sent back…twice. Granted everyone is different. But history says unless the player was called “generational” (a term thrown around WAY too often), it’s probably best to send him back. Its not like there aren’t aspects in his game he can’t improve on. I’m fine with him on the roster, provided he actually earned it and it’s not forcing him in the lineup because someone’s seat is getting warm. The list is endless on guys that were thrown to the wolves too soon.
If Dach isn’t here, I like Saad with 12 and 17. His 2 way game is needed with the other 2 somewhat lacking.
Nylander needs to put up numbers and show consistency for me to put him on the big club.
Yeah Wrap it’s kinda double edged, end of season you have to deal with overages and whats earned. Start of season its how much potential to earn them you gotta deal with. If Dehaan does end up on ltir, it basically makes it alot easier as roster decisions on Dach etc be done with plenty of capspace and could do whatever moves needed after that to allow Dehaan to return to lineup. Bonuses wouldn”t impact wuth the ltir room, all 3 and even Boqvist could play during ltir usage and if Dach goes back to juniors before Dehaan returns then bonus potential limit becomes all become a moot point. Only what is earned to go as overages a concern.
Think they hope Dach makes the roster, he gets a legitimate opportunity to show belongs. This team is looking to improve on pk and defensively, if he can help there putting a number on goals and assists might not be so important.
Asking for a point of clarity here;
Perlini has not yet signed, but on the official Blackhawks site he is listed as being on the team roster.
On Capfriendly he’s also listed as being on the roster, but with no dollar amount since he’s a RFA.
Is he technically still under contract from last year, with that expiring in a near future date?
How does this work? Thanks!
The Hawks gave him a “qualifying offer” meaning he is still their asset. If they didn’t give him the qualifying offer, I believe he would have become a UFA free to sign with another team. The current status is (1) he can accept and sign the qualifying offer, or (2) agree to a negotiated offer (supposedly pending), or (3) hold out. I believe if he holds out past some date in December he would not be eligible to play in the NHL this season. A 4th option would be to play overseas but I’m not sure if the Hawks would have to agree to let him do that.
The Blackhawks since they qualified still own his rights and is a restricted free agent. The qualifying offer Perlini declined was a minimum of 105% of the prior year. Something like 906k. Had the Hawks not sent the qualifying offer his way, he would have been an unrestricted free agent.
December 1st is the deadline to play in the NHL. The Hawks own his NHL rights. He can play in Europe if he wants, but most max salaries are roughly 250k, doubt he does that. As soon as he signs an NHL deal, European leagues with an NHL transfer agreement must allow him to come over. Essentially, every league except the KHL.
Also if he holds out and doesn’t sign this year, he still remains a rfa next summer who’s rights would still belong to Blackhawks.it doesn’t give him ufa status to hold out
Thanks folks for all of the info. Much appreciated. I knew that a few of you would know how this all works.
Interesting that Al McIsaac in his interview with Pat Boyle on Boyle’s podcast, specifically mentions John Quenneville as somebody they acquired to upgrade the Hawks bottom 6.
Craig think he could mean an upgrade on Hayden for same caphit, when he plays. Could see him could play a role as 13th or 14th part time bottom6 role like Hayden.
Agree. McIsaac also mentioned what we’ve heard all summer, the Hawks do NOT want to play run and gun hockey. He said their signings on defense (deHaan, Maatta) and in free agency ( Carpenter, Lehner ) were designed to reduce the goals against and improve their penalty kill. This obviously is not earth shattering but we’ve now heard the same mantra from Colliton, from Bowman and from McIsaac.
Gosh these long off-seasons are getting old.
40 days
AUG went flying by by not talking about how much longer it was.
Craig, just imagine if we didnt get the lottery top 3 pick and make that many good moves.
True that. The Hockey News picked us to finish 6th in the Central and miss the playoffs. Wow. In other words this is a Show Us year for the Hawks.
One other note about the MacIsaac Interview. He said Colliton and Stan Bowman collaborate on every single decision and are in complete lock step. This is interesting on two levels :
#1 the was never the case with Q. The trades of Hjalmarsson and Panerin sent Q fleeing for the exit in 2017 and skipping the first round of the draft.
#2 if this team fails, McDonough will send Both Stan and Colliton packing. They are now a package deal. This is the team they both want.
If Stan goes so should McDonough.
Agree Craig and have said before Bowman won’t hire next coach unless Colliton is successful and they move up. Agree McDonough should go to if they aren’t successful.
Picking them 6th, thats why first 20 games really is important this season. With a tough late November and December, coupled with a February with 11 of 14 games 9n the road. Only leaves maybe a shortened January with 10 day break to make up ground before tdl and be in position for playoff run.
Teams starting the year off overseas, tend to get off to slow starts, so hope that trend is reversed.
Also agree with the need for a fast start – this why I think there’ll be favours to players in training camp – you either earn your way onto the roster or you’re not on the NHL roster
It’s going to be very interesting- probably at one surprise player makes it IMO
Sorry- no favours to players
Ian, what could be good is playing better in 2nd 40 games like last yr, once we get more used to system. Not just a more normal sch. like last yr.
Playing those long road trips brings team together in ways we need and want. That might not have the best record but bring team together, the real step in the direction to winning in playoffs this yr and coming yrs. We need that before the team takes it to another level as a team.
This has nothing to do with your saying first 20 games. No matter what the record is throughout the 82 games, being in the hardest division, since 2010, some teams that look ahead or behind might be there or ahead in last 12 games. Look at last yr hoe COL started good then collapsed then ‘played’ again. What STL and CHI did in 2nd 40 games. While NAS and WIN, the two top 3 teams in league did good in first 30-40 games then sat for 40 games at +15 the whole 2nd 40 games. Just that this division can have some harmonica action going on the whole 82 games.
This division could be an entire conference. Take top 7 teams from east and our division are equal.
As a Hawks fan, I look at the coming season more optimistically than non-Hawks fans do, naturally. If I were to try to look at the Hawks’ chances to make the playoffs without my Hawks’ rose colored glasses on I would place them 6th in the division too. But as a Hawks’ fan I know something most of the pundits from other locales don’t know, or don’t give much credence to – and that is the attention paid this off season to improving the goals against. The optimism comes not only from the personnel acquired but equally, if not more important from the new system Colliton wants to employ.
I kind of hang my hat on the hope that Colliton’s “man and a half” system delivers the hoped for results – less goals ending up in our net and a positive goal differential. If for what ever reason the system doesn’t succeed, then 6th place in the central may be the best we can expect, but if it does succeed than there’s hope the Hawks under Colliton’s plan can emulate what the Islanders under Trotz did last season which was improve from one of the worst defensive team in 2017/18 to one of the best in 2018/19. Now, Colliton has yet to prove he can coach a team like Trotz – but that’s my hope.
Wrap my thoughts exactly.
Mo definitely after tdl is favorable for a good stretch run, just saying from mid November until tdl is going to be trying, they need to stay in good position for March and quick start is likely big part if it.
EB i’m hoping Collitons system helps to successfully bring this roster of young and old together, putting them all on same page.
I think we already did, after game 30 when we made the roster adjustments. Since then, reguradless of sch.-being normal in 2nd 40 games, we were a 25-15 team. That is the kind of team we are, without any hot stretchs or easier sch BS talk. The thing to remember is in the hardest division in hockey, the last 10-12 yrs, this yr like last yr 6th place in this division is equal to 3, 4th place in every other division.
Not saying were going to be 1 or 2 seed, this yr, but we were a good team after roster adjustments last yr and added this many good players to the group. The thing to rememeber is we didnt just add good players or have a good 2nd 40 games. We made the roster from 1/2 to 3/4 with the roster adjustments around game 30 last yr. Then this summer we took that 3 qtr full roster to a full roster.
That means we are allowed to compete on an even playing field. We have 4 lines and 6 NHL Defensemen. We didnt have that on OFF or DEF last two yrs. That is a huge difference.
I think we learn more about team this yr then last two yrs because you cant go by, Anything, from the last two yrs because we were playing with half a roster. The core guys had to wait until we could reload again, to play with a full roster again. now we have, That, and that is what it takes to win. A team, which is a full roster.
With a, full roster, Collitans system should work but still has to have the right kind of players to do it. I would love to see this new system flying and then we get some wicked hockey again. We started this whole fast style for the league and got rewarded with a dynasty for doing it that way. Now most teams tried to copy us.
Its our turn again, to set the pace you control the race, with another new concept system wise. I like what were doing for that, but need it to work well to win.
Run and gun hockey is fun as long as your players play it better than the opposing players. The Hawks don’t have the advantage in talent they used to have where they could just out overwhelm their opponent – but they still have enough offensive difference makers to be a competitive team if they can keep the other guys from scoring. I believe in pick a lane and then stay in that lane. The Hawks have to focus first on securing the puck defensively before transitioning to offense and that is going to be a big challenge to many of the Hawks players who instinctively lean to the offensive side of the puck. It’s probably going to be a work in progress well into the season but hopefully it pays off in the end and the early season bumps in the road don’t doom the season.
Yea it cant be just for this yr. This season is to prepare us, with new system, to be ready for the coming seasons with 77 and Horsemen, the wave of young players. We can win this yr but were a better team 21 and on. However we do this yr, and I think we can be a team on the verge of being a top team, we need to take next step.
Team system wise and full 5 man units wise. Once we do that, where there.
Yeah should be good year, got the high ceiling possibillities in Dach, Kubalik, Boqvist and Nylander who might help top 4 or 6, the lunch bucket trade pickups and fa signings, bolster D and pk all good.
Got a new coaches and system that should make a positive difference, can’t wait. Great talking hockey all summer but we’re spinning the wheels big time lately.
Yes Yes. Time to take a break for a mth and party the 2nd half of summer. I do summer to 9/21 or 10/1. Then your fresh for training camp scrimmages season playoffs.
Sign Perlini
Sage advice from the fan of the serial woman beater.
How much would you pay him?
Eklund rumor dart landed on the Hawks and he’s “reporting” the Hawks are in negotiations with Florida for a trade to acquire Mike Hoffman. I gave him a click to see what he’s yapping about and it’s the usual general trade rumor nonsense with no details.
But … I’ll add a little of my trade rumor nonsense and say it’s going to be Seabrook for Hoffman … ah huh.
Hockeybuzz hogwash.
@ER, Interesting rumor. Has anyone correctly predicted a move the Hawks have made recently? I think the Andrew Ladd trade is probably the only one I can think of that was reported on and actually happened. Bowman keeps his cards close to his vest…
If this rumor had legs though, I would think Saad was the likely counterpart for Hoffman… Comparable cap hits, Hawks may want to move on from Saad. Though would Q really want Saad again? The Panthers would have to take back salary for the Hawks to acquire Hoffman, not sure who Florida would want back other than Saad to make this work…
Miro … this is what the summer does to me … I’m reduced to discussing Eklund rumors … :=)
lol.
Miro, I did for Shawzer. Thats the only one. Oh yeah, the lottery top 3 pick, I went with us getting the 2nd or 3rd pick. Craig did to.
Your right usually noone guesses what Bowman and crew are doing for trades ufas. I mean think about it, going back to hands. noone had us getting hands and look how good that guy did, like Bicks.
Very thorough grading of the Hawks prospects on the Athletic. I am surprised at how high Corey Pronman is on Alex Nylander. He raves about his talent. He called his 12 game stint with Buffalo last season impressive.
I am more convinced that Stan is looking to strike lightning in a bottle, he obviously loves Nylander’s ceiling.
A bit of scoop. I talked with my guy who gave me the heads up about the Anisimov deal. I asked him about Gustafson specifically. He responded : they have other guys they have to sign.
Hmmm. Obviously Strome and d-Cat, but I found it interesting that he made no mention of wanting or planning to keep Gustafson.
Thanks for the tip Craig although not unexpected – how do you keep Gus at say about $5 million plus DCat and Strome and Kubalik and Lehner (if he stays)?
I just don’t see the room for him cap wise especially with Boqvist almost certainly being ready to step into Gus’ role by 20-21 at a fraction of the cost
Read the Pronman piece on Hawks farm system in the Athletic and was pleasantly surprised regarding his positive take on Nylander although Pronman was higher on the Hawks end of that trade went it went down than most others
I hope he’s right about Alex
Wonder if Holm signing was to allow a little more wiggle room to get Perlini deal done. At $225,000 less tha Koekkoek for a pressbox.no. 7 role. Koekkoek seemingly by contract not someone Bowman feels tied too. That could get them in at 1.8 or 1.9m for Perlini, right under cap limit for opening day with a 23 man roster. If current 10 fwds are as thought, 19, 88, 20, 65, 15, 91, 12, 17, 64 and 22. Nylander if what Craig says is right and one of Dach or Kubalik plus Perlini as other 3 fwds. Go with 8 d if Dehaan not quite ready.
Be 27.4m for 8 D, 11m 2 goalies and 43m for 13 fwds. Koekkoek likely not clear waivrs as somebody who can handle 3rd pair mins with diamond in rough potential, so trade more likely. Holm can go down when Dehaan ready. Cross other bridges as/if they happen.
Look at Florida cap situation, they couldn’t handle Saad for Hoffman straight up let alone retain salary or consider Seabrook, i realize that last comnent was in jest.
Last I read about Perlini, Hawks liked him at 1m. Perlini’s camp wanted 1.5m
Good thoughts and info. The way Bowman and crew are doing it now, that we can do it. Load up to the salary cap and go with full roster plus extras.
I just want to make sure we do not have any left overs for players bonuses so we can do same thing for 21 season and on.
Prob be a trade and sign keep everyone else. We can make a trade during 1st 40 games and add a deadline player.
Then if 56 is not staying more then short term, then I would rather get something for him then that. I am not saying were winning this yr but only way we can is with 56 offense. I do say we win again, one or two more, in the 5 coming yrs. So I am looking at that and not just this yr, for max assets.
We have enough young wave coming and Defensemen then fine lets keep 56 and just keep loading with that young wave. We can do it.
Hope your right on Perlini numbers, just have to think if that’s the case, suprising its not over and done.
Gus will be no surprise if he isn’t resigned all things considered.
Ian,
Beuvilliar from the Islanders received $2.1 Million tonight. His numbers are comparable to Perlini’s. It’s his second contract, much like Perlini’s.
This bodes well for Perlini. He’s going to get at least $1.5
Agree Craig, don’t see him signing under 1.5m. A Saad, Shaw, Perlini 3rd line looks to have some promise.