If you look at the centers in western conference teams like Kings, Sharks, Ducks, Blues etc. all have big centers (at least one). I think Kesler should be Hawks number one target. Plekanec is good but don´t know if 5´10 sized skill player is the ultimate need? Or maybe then you could add size in wing.. Any chance to get Brayden Schenn from Flyers or Martin Hanzal from Coyotes?

But the way Stan and his crew has operated makes you think that they drop from Kesler sweeps as soon as bidding war starts. I´m not holding my breath for big trades but Stan is forced to make some room not later than next summer. And I don´t think we are going to see any major deals before Toews and Kane have signed their extensions.
- MjulQvist

Schenn is a natural center. Kind of a log jam in Philly there. And Saad is better than Hanzel by a lot.

Pinned in his own zone dragging an out of gas Zeus and disinterested Sharp around.

Amazing how he exploded when paired with guys who went to the net, created space and won board battles.

Give him a center and Saad on the other side and I am very confident he puts +100 points up and is probably the MVP.
- fattybeef

I think he and Saad and whatever center not named Zus is in between them should make for a pretty exciting line this season.

Hoping for a real 2C and doesn't have to be Kesler. Shaw as plan B is ok I guess but would rather see him on the third line with Smith and Kruger or Morin and Kruger.

After Kane, Toews and Hossa I think Saad is the most important forward. For the long term I would much rather have Saad over Sharp. I think Saad's emergence into the top 6 has made Sharp expendable if one of the core needs to be dealt to create cap space.
- DarthKane

That's a bingo in my book.

Does anybody really think that Stan is going to let Saad go anywhere?

Does anybody really think that Stan is going to let Saad go anywhere?
- PuckAndSticks

Nope.

After Kane, Toews and Hossa I think Saad is the most important forward. For the long term I would much rather have Saad over Sharp. I think Saad's emergence into the top 6 has made Sharp expendable if one of the core needs to be dealt to create cap space.
- DarthKane

This!

Not only to create cap space but get some return in trade. If Sharp doesn't land you 2C maybe a defenseman or bigger winger who can skate and hit. It also frees up some cap space to potentially do another deal to get a 2C.

When you have a large part of payroll tied up in 4 core fwds, ideally I think more than one of them should be a center.

On this date in 2010 Kane scores in overtime of game 6 to give us our first Cup since 1961. That was a truly amazing day.

I just think his game is on the flank not up the middle. Other issue is Kane (and Q for Kane) prefers a Lefty C.
- John Jaeckel

If sharp has a shoulder issue he might be better off at center. More contact along the boards for a wing, but face offs can take a toll as well. I totally agree about a right wing (like Hossa) needing a left handed center. Not sure how much it matters with Kane as he is all over the place.

On this date in 2010 Kane scores in overtime of game 6 to give us our first Cup since 1961. That was a truly amazing day.
- DarthKane

Schenn is a natural center. Kind of a log jam in Philly there. And Saad is better than Hanzel by a lot.
- fattybeef

Yes I know. Don´t know why you said so. I wasn´t suggesting trading Saad for Hanzal and was more of bringing options for 2C in Schenn and Hanzal.

Hanzal shoots left and has some mean side in his game. He had 40 points in 65 games last year. Also 200 hits, 54,5% in faceoffs and big 6´6 230 frame. Wouldn´t mind as a second line center between Saad and Kane.

That's why I never understood why fans are always scared off by NTC. If a team approaches you and asks you to waive it why wouldn't you do it versus stay somewhere you aren't wanted.
- golfbard

It keeps teams from sending you to the NHL equivalent of Sacramento.

If sharp has a shoulder issue he might be better off at center. More contact along the boards for a wing, but face offs can take a toll as well. I totally agree about a right wing (like Hossa) needing a left handed center. Not sure how much it matters with Kane as he is all over the place.
- 6628

No shoulder issue...just bad.

Yes I know. Don´t know why you said so. I wasn´t suggesting trading Saad for Hanzal and was more of bringing options for 2C in Schenn and Hanzal.

Hanzal shoots left and has some mean side in his game. He had 40 points in 65 games last year. Also 200 hits, 54,5% in faceoffs and big 6´6 230 frame. Wouldn´t mind as a second line center between Saad and Kane.
- MjulQvist

Agreed, but I don't think he'd be available.

No shoulder issue...just bad.
- Ogilthorpe2

Yup this just proves he was plain bad in the playoffs. No way he has a bum shoulder and take BP.

Eli, humor me. If McNeil were to come up and replace Bollig next season what would be the downside, besides experience?

Yes he is
- Tanuki

Well, evidently Kane doesn't care that much. Haha

Eli, humor me. If McNeil were to come up and replace Bollig next season what would be the downside, besides experience?
- Canardhawk

I don't think the organization is looking to replace Bollig, at least not next season.

Eli, humor me. If McNeil were to come up and replace Bollig next season what would be the downside, besides experience?
- Canardhawk

No fisticuffs...if you consider that to be a downside.

On this date in 2010 Kane scores in overtime of game 6 to give us our first Cup since 1961. That was a truly amazing day.
- DarthKane

...And then I proceeded to get completely wasted, passed out in my work clothes, woke up and booked a flight to Chicago for the parade.

On this date in 2010 Kane scores in overtime of game 6 to give us our first Cup since 1961. That was a truly amazing day.
- DarthKane

I don't think the organization is looking to replace Bollig, at least not next season.
- DarthKane

Maybe not, but why not?

No fisticuffs...if you consider that to be a downside.
- Ogilthorpe2

If he's physical and can use his body effectively, then I'm okay with that.

When will we know the actual cap number for next year?

...And then I proceeded to get completely wasted, passed out in my work clothes, woke up and booked a flight to Chicago for the parade.
- eburgio

Missed it. Was so glad they wrapped it up in Game 6. My wife and I went up to MTL that weekend.

I doubt I would have had a problem finding a bar with the game on ; just made things easier but it meant we missed the parade.

Did you watch GOT last night?

Missed it. Was so glad they wrapped it up in Game 6. My wife and I went up to MTL that weekend.

I doubt I would have had a problem finding a bar with the game on ; just made things easier but it meant we missed the parade.

Did you watch GOT last night?
- HawkintheD

That parade was a poop show...

I did watch GoT. An episode without Danaerys is an episode lost for me. Otherwise pretty good!