(1) I thought his contract ended yesterday - wouldn't the agreement to return to the KHL be between the Hawks and him - not that it matters but...

(2). Would he still ge under contract to the Hawks if he returns to the KHL?
- StLBravesFan

He has another year on his contract with the KHL but it has an out if he makes the NHL roster. If not, he will go back to fulfill that year.

Don't forget about the possibility that Crawford is moved.

Also, I would wager that of the potential Versteeg, Sharp, Bickell, Shaw trades, a roster player and or two would definitely come back. If nothing else, just to make the money work for other teams.

If I am blowman I am looking for depth size and speed to role play and bang, basically what Bickell never was. I would also take a good long look at UFA Carl Soderberg to slot in at 2C. TT is not an NHL center for the Chicago Blackhawks and we don't have anyone else after Richards leaves.
- Bjm84

I was only talking about the forwards, but yes Crawford and Raanta could also be moved.

Agree. Panarin I see as more of a Sharp replacement. Maybe Versteeg. SHaw hopefully goes nowhere. I think we have seen what he does for this team since the last month of the RS. Heart and sole player. If Shaw does go it will because they see Hartman or Ross as his fill in.... I don't think Hartman skates as well as SHaw and haven't seen much of Ross this year.
- tredbrta

Hartman, much like Danault--probably even more so--has a motor that doesn't quit. Not sure how his skating agility stacks up w/ Shaw, but he does get around the rink quite well. Ross could be about ready as well. Both prospects have a bit of a mean streak too. We'll know more about just how ready they and others are in their first AHL post-season appearances with Rockford. Good times!

If anyone hasn't read it yet check out the eulogy for the Blues.

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...ouis-blues-210808537.html

And the Preds eulogy by Fels and the CI boys was simply classic!

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...-predators-205020219.html
- tredbrta

Was this posted on McCann's page yet?

He has another year on his contract with the KHL but it has an out if he makes the NHL roster. If not, he will go back to fulfill that year.
- Elbows15

Interesting, 'Bows. I'd read that his contract was up tomorrow...figured that was why the Hawks were still mum. A lot of info being written...clearly not all of it is correct.

Either way, it does sound like he's coming to Chicago as the situation seems to be closely mimicking other similar signings. The rest will work itself out.

Hawks are second in terms of having the best odds to win the cup, Rangers are first. Not that it means much

I have them meeting in the SCF

The only defensive pair Mike Yeo tries to protect is third pair he even trusts Scandella and Spurgeon more than Suter and Brodin sometimes.

You don't know much about the wild.
- Nharris31

Yeah, well, we'll see who knows what. Follow the money, Wild Boy.

But understand, Timonen will play 10 minutes or less, and he will be sheltered. The bulk of the minutes will go to the Top 4, Rozsival next, followed distantly by Timonen.

Some member of the top 4 will be out there at all times. A top 4 pair probably 40-45 minutes of the game. And I know it's been said—and probably heard outside Chicago with a certain amount of skepticism—but Oduya and Hjalmarsson are like having a second top pair, or a "1B pair," in terms of their ability to go out and stop an opponent's top line. They've done, it, regular season and playoffs, for a few years now.

So, ASSUMING the Hawks' top 4 stays healthy and doesn't run out of gas, there is no clear matchup advantage to Yeo. If there is an injury, whole different story.

If not, then the matchup pressure is on Yeo, because he has to find some way to split up Brodin and Suter (probably) to stop Toews line and Kane's line.

I just don't think Spurgeon and Scandella give him as many options as Hjalmarsson a nd Oduya do for Q. And i don't think the Wild's offensive threats are quite as deep and diverse as the Hawks.
- John Jaeckel

The Wild have been very impressive since the calendar turned on 2015. But playing a regular NHL schedule vs a 7 game series against one team is totally different. They exploited the Blues weaknesses on D and between the pipes. Comparing up and down the roster they were the better side.

Going up against the Hawks requires a different game plan. If Chicago pins them in their own end for long stretches the Wild D will wear down just like the Hawks top 4 will if the Wild can do the same to them.

What always works in the playoffs applies again for the hundredth time - pound the defenceman as much as possible, get in Dubnyk's grill, minimize turnovers and receive excellent goaltending from your own guy.

Agree. Panarin I see as more of a Sharp replacement. Maybe Versteeg. SHaw hopefully goes nowhere. I think we have seen what he does for this team since the last month of the RS. Heart and sole player. If Shaw does go it will because they see Hartman or Ross as his fill in.... I don't think Hartman skates as well as SHaw and haven't seen much of Ross this year.
- tredbrta

Hartman is actually a better skater than Shaw. Looks awkward but he came out of the USDT which puts a premium on skating. Stronger on his skates and I think he might have a better top end speed.

Neither Hartman or Ross can play center. Shaw can. I don't think many can see the improvement in Shaw's game this season. He has become a decent defensive player at center. Much more consistent than he was last season. He gives Q options because he can play anywhere in the line-up in spurts.

Kane vs not Suter is an excellent match-up
- fattybeef

You don't know what Wild Boy knows. Give up. Let the league know, series is over.

Ok be careful what you wish for.

- Nharris31

So what do you know that all the money in Vegas doesn't? Where to get Wild paraphernalia?

Hartman, much like Danault--probably even more so--has a motor that doesn't quit. Not sure how his skating agility stacks up w/ Shaw, but he does get around the rink quite well. Ross could be about ready as well. Both prospects have a bit of a mean streak too. We'll know more about just how ready they and others are in their first AHL post-season appearances with Rockford. Good times!
- grinder10

Hartman looks awkward but he can get where he needs to be. Has a decent set of hands and he is a smart player.

I mentioned in another post that neither Ross and Hartman can play center which Shaw can. And until there is someone on this team not named Toews who is willing to take a beating in front of the net, Shaw will be here.

The only defensive pair Mike Yeo tries to protect is third pair he even trusts Scandella and Spurgeon more than Suter and Brodin sometimes.

You don't know much about the wild.
- Nharris31

Scandella is rounding into a damn good player. I like that SOB even though he plays well against the Hawks.

The Wild have been very impressive since the calendar turned on 2015. But playing a regular NHL schedule vs a 7 game series against one team is totally different. They exploited the Blues weaknesses on D and between the pipes. Comparing up and down the roster they were the better side.

Going up against the Hawks requires a different game plan. If Chicago pins them in their own end for long stretches the Wild D will wear down just like the Hawks top 4 will if the Wild can do the same to them.

What always works in the playoffs applies again for the hundredth time - pound the defenceman as much as possible, get in Dubnyk's grill, minimize turnovers and receive excellent goaltending from your own guy.
- RickJ

Pretty much.

Shaw at wing is a completely different player. Tremendously effective. At center he isn't as good. Nice to have that versatility but yea.

If they can sign this guy then they probably should. Reloading with an adult that has played in a professional league with a high degree of success is a better alternative to rushing a 20 or 21 year old from Rockford in my opinion.

Also, allows them to move some other guys and say "hey we tried really hard and got this dude that everyone thought was going to be awesome so you cant toss us under the bus"

And finally, if they get him and move TT + proven asset for a higher 1st round pick and grab the other Strome then holy balls. Get cheaper, bigger and faster. If it is the delusional world I live in they also move Crow for Thornton straight up and Big Dylan can learn from Jumbo Joe how to play the game like a dominating force.
- fattybeef

Thornton? Please no.

Scandella is rounding into a damn good player. I like that SOB even though he plays well against the Hawks.
- Elbows15

Nice player.

Assuming Oduya and Hjalmarsson are healthy, I just like the match ups for the Hawks versus an ok, not great, group of forwards.

A LOT of people (though I don't think so) think Roman Josi is an equal to or better player than Suter. The Hawks didn't have that many problems with Josi, Weber (for a couple of games), Jones and Ellis. That's a pretty strong blue line.

The Hawks have 2-3 elite offensive talents over two lines, complement them with a Keith, Saad, Sharp, Richards.

Much more pressure on Yeo to match up, goalies notwithstanding.

The question asking for a link was about whether he signed. Not about his highlight reel.

I haven't seen anything official from the team about his signing, just speculation.
- MartiniMan

Don't think he has officially signed yet but all indications are its a done deal MM. Friedman reported it and he usually is spot on.

Hartman looks awkward but he can get where he needs to be. Has a decent set of hands and he is a smart player.

I mentioned in another post that neither Ross and Hartman can play center which Shaw can. And until there is someone on this team not named Toews who is willing to take a beating in front of the net, Shaw will be here.
- Elbows15

Exactly, those are two of the squares he fills that I was alluding to previously. I believe Hartman is a RW, Ross a LW and Shaw is any of the 3 spots right now. Coaches, especially Q, understandibly like the flexibility

The question asking for a link was about whether he signed. Not about his highlight reel.

I haven't seen anything official from the team about his signing, just speculation.
- MartiniMan

He likely can't "officially" sign yet because KHL contracts run through April 30th. However, his U.S. agent did tweet that Panarin has chosen Chicago.

https://twitter.com/Verit...status/593430683852247040

Hartman is actually a better skater than Shaw. Looks awkward but he came out of the USDT which puts a premium on skating. Stronger on his skates and I think he might have a better top end speed.

Neither Hartman or Ross can play center. Shaw can. I don't think many can see the improvement in Shaw's game this season. He has become a decent defensive player at center. Much more consistent than he was last season. He gives Q options because he can play anywhere in the line-up in spurts.
- Elbows15

Thanks on the Hartman eval. Good to know.

Agreed on Shaw. I really think his value to this team is undersold. I hope he plays wing down the road but his ability to flex to center and his heart make him an important player to keep until they have evidence someone else can do the same. They need more Shaws IMO not replacements.

Nice player.

Assuming Oduya and Hjalmarsson are healthy, I just like the match ups for the Hawks versus an ok, not great, group of forwards.

A LOT of people (though I don't think so) think Roman Josi is an equal to or better player than Suter. The Hawks didn't have that many problems with Josi, Weber (for a couple of games), Jones and Ellis. That's a pretty strong blue line.

The Hawks have 2-3 elite offensive talents over two lines, complement them with a Keith, Saad, Sharp, Richards.

Much more pressure on Yeo to match up, goalies notwithstanding.
- John Jaeckel

Here is what the Hawks have that no other team can match. They have at least 5 guys who are among the top 5 at their relative positions.

Toews, duh..lol
Kane
Keith
Seabrook. not many #2 better, if any. Being generous here because I think he is the best. As do many other with better creds than me.
Hjalmarsson. IS there a better # 3 than him?

Now add players who are at the very least among the top 10 in Hossa, Sharp and Crawford.

And oh yeah. when the light shines the brightest, who is better than Kane? Or Toews. Look at the numbers those 2 put up in close out games.

Can they be beat? Sure. The Wild play their system very well and are a tightly structured team that make life miserable. They are also a good possession team that is very good at shot suppression though that has slipped a bit since the arrival of Dubnyk.

Scandella is rounding into a damn good player. I like that SOB even though he plays well against the Hawks.
- Elbows15

Scandella can be a nasty piece of work, much improved player. He is the Chara of the Wild, which means the forwards need to take little a piece of him every time he is on the ice. I nominate Shaw to lead the way in getting under his Italian skin.

Scandella is rounding into a damn good player. I like that SOB even though he plays well against the Hawks.
- Elbows15

All my humble opinion here. I honestly think Scandella is the most improved Wild defender and PROBABLY rates higher than Suter. Suter get's all the press because of his minutes but Scandella does really good work.

I'm no Wild fan but I can appreciate good hockey. Between Scandella, Brodin and Dumba development (and Suter eating minutes), the Wild has two very very good defense pairs. I don't think Yeo needs to split his top pair.

EDITED TO ADD: And I forgot Spurgeon!!!

Thornton? Please no.
- Elbows15

Why not? He is a hall of fame player. Still a solid producer, plays a nasty game that a lot of Hawks fans pine for. Him feeding Hossa or Kane and creating space for them. Wow. Only under contract for two more seasons. Still apparently gives a crap about winning. Lot of good things there. Or they could continue to sit on 6 mildo in the crease. I'm not saying they should absolutely do it but I think that is fun to imagine him in the Hawks line up.

Scandella can be a nasty piece of work, much improved player. He is the Chara of the Wild, which means the forwards need to take little a piece of him every time he is on the ice. I nominate Shaw to lead the way in getting under his Italian skin.
- RickJ

I would take him on the Hawks in a minute , Rick.