Lets look at the roster

top 6 (5) - Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Saad.......who can be switched with Bickel

Bottom 6 - Bickel, Shaw, Versteeg, Smith, Bollig, Kruger, Morin, Nordstrom....

Assuming Nordstrom is the Hawk I-90 RFD guy.....

Versteeg is a huge variable.....if he comes back 100% he makes the third line stronger. So Bickel and Versteeg are your wings and Kruger is your 3C if Shaw is bumped up......

Versteeg not healthy......Shaw/Morin/Smith are your forwards on the other side side.


4th line with Versteeg healthy is ......Bollig/4C/Smith with Morin as the extra forward.........so the possibility is to add a 4C through FA or a trade.....

4th line with an unheathy Versteeg......Bollig/4C/Smith or Morin

SO with this scenario you need a 4C either way......like a Madden type.

Go back to the 2C......do we get a big name or get a guy who can win FO's, distribute the puck, and play within the system......plus the ability to play on the checking line. Things to consider....
- UnnamedSource

So to play within the system, he has to be able to skate and defend as well as distribute and win face-offs, but he's not a 2C? Who is this magical center you describe?

I will grant you, maybe Dominc Moore? Maybe but he is far from an elite or even good set-up guy? Marcus Kruger fits that, sort of, but he's your third line C? Who plays with Kane and sets him up? You have one center in your top 6 and one in your bottom 6, and some guys who can fill in. Small guys who aren't great on draws.

Remember? The guys who got consumed by the Kings. But you won't listen to me. So go read what Scotty Bowman told LeBrun last week. Or does he not know what he's talking about?

Those who do not learn from history, because they're talking and not listening, are doomed to repeat it.

Here's the other thing, Shecky, Toews would love to have a solid two-way center man to take some pressure off him in 5 on 5 and special team situations. He would love it.

Quiet, but I have a feeling stuff is going on, we'll see tomorrow
- John Jaeckel

the kevin hayes predicament has been a bit troubling bc he seems to be a perfect complement to the Hawks forward group and yet for some inexplicable reason he doesnt seem to want to play with Toews and/or Kane....other than the likely wait in Rockford for at least 1 season what could possibly be keeping this kid from signing with the Hawks??

I always loved Forsberg. Even when he was at the end of his career, I hoped the Hawks would sign him, just so I could have a Forsberg jersey.

Pretty solid class going in.
- InvisibleOrange

My favorite player of all-time

the kevin hayes predicament has been a bit troubling bc he seems to be a perfect complement to the Hawks forward group and yet for some inexplicable reason he doesnt seem to want to play with Toews and/or Kane....other than the likely wait in Rockford for at least 1 season what could possibly be keeping this kid from signing with the Hawks??
- EnzoD

Seems like KHayes wants a quicker route to the NHL . See Ben SMith comments this week. Good riddence to KHayes..

Who ever signs KHAYES forefits a 2nd round pick to the Hawks right ? This draft or next years draft ?
- mrpaulish

I think the way it works now is Hayes has to be offered a contract by the Hawks, reject it, and then the team receives a 2nd round pick a compensation from the league in the same spot he was drafted in the 1st. No compensation from the team that signs him as a FA.

Seems like KHayes wants a quicker route to the NHL . See Ben SMith comments this week. Good riddence to KHayes..
- mrpaulish

he would be smart to improve his game in the AHL and I still think that the allure of winning and being part of the amazing team the Hawks have will get him to sign...Bowman just needs to convince him that he "has a shot" out of camp

Seems like KHayes wants a quicker route to the NHL . See Ben SMith comments this week. Good riddence to KHayes..
- mrpaulish

Yep. The dumb part is that if he were in such a hurry, he could have spent last year in Rock Vegas...

Schenn was just extended in Philly, so those of you who kept mentioning his name, time to move on.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=455547
- Revco38

Sign and trade

he would be smart to improve his game in the AHL and I still think that the allure of winning and being part of the amazing team the Hawks have will get him to sign...Bowman just needs to convince him that he "has a shot" out of camp
- EnzoD

Play devil's advocate. KHayes sees a great team and isn't confident in his own ability to crack the lineup. He is 22 or 23, knows he has a limited career length, wants to start making the NHL money now. Even if that is with a non contender it is a financially sound position.

What is it these guys make on ELC's if they are in the minors - 10%? Unless they have a Raanta like deal these guys are facing tough choices relatively speaking (still getting paid to play a game - better off than most grads in this economy).

Hayes doesn't want to wait until Bickell or Smith's age to get to the NHL. Not sure that is the best choice for his development but I can see the reasoning behind it.

New Blog Up!

2 years, $2.5 million cap hit. That's pretty reasonable.
- EKolb13

Starting point for Saad's next deal. Does anyone else feel like Toews, Kane, AND Saad's new contracts will all be announced at the same time? Just like they did with Keith, Toews, and Kane five years ago.