The Hawks, even after their 2010 cap dump, were game 7 in OT in Vancouver from (potentially) making a run to meet Boston in the Finals. In 2012 only Mike Smith's deal with the devil prevented them from going on a long playoff run. What exactly makes you think that losing a few complementary players is the difference between a Stanley Cup championship team and missing the playoffs??
- EnzoD

Smith's flopping and Torres almost ending Hossa's career. Out of all the teams I've hated in the playoffs, PHX is still #1 to me. Wasn't any redeeming qualities to that team.

Remember how terrified we were thinking Hossa was done? Flew back home for the summer, back issues, family concerned about his health. All because of some crap hit. Still sour about it haha.

Let me say first to all:

It is free.
If you want to see what I think about any player, just go to Draftsite.com and click on the player's name.
http://www.draftsite.com/...r/gabriel-carlsson/22579/


I think based on what you see right now, Gabriel Carlsson is clearly a guy taken in the first round.
http://www.draftsite.com/...r/gabriel-carlsson/22579/
The rub is he is better when he doesn't have to skate it out under pressure, as he has been prone to mishandles, poor decison when he tries to do to much over the simple first pass out. He isn't a top quick footed transition guy right now, or maybe ever. Better when he plays within the strengths he has right now. Go read the profile more there.


It is interesting with the swedish defenseman options.

I had Oliver Kylington at one point as my second best defender, top four slot, based on the huge upside because to me he was so similar inskating ability, jump and attack as Ottawa's star offensiveman Eric Karlsson. But what happened quickly after making that initial judgement, because then I saw he seemed to have no hcokey head with which to channel the gifts...he seemed ove ran dover to make the gamble play, and actually looks either irresponsible when in control of the puck or just a kid who has decided as we all did that I am having fun, and crazy wild thing is more fun. He could be back guy for his team and STILL seems to disregard safe over flashy. Imagine the already in my opinion defensively suspect due to his "gambling" Karlsson doing what he does to make plays times FIVE...and that is what Ollie seesm to look like.
So the tale of two defenders.
One big and a bit less flashy in need of developing hsi feet, the other streamlined and ultrs top end skils in all facets except in his repitions on ice or I guess you say in his head.

Can you draft Oliver Kylington and see if smart coaching and develop can grow the game in his hockey IQ? I have a feeling Toronto gambles with their second 24th overall and Babcock does just that.

Yeah and I don't really think of Gabriel Carlsson as a defensive defenseman.

Now Meloche he is an intruiging defensive defenseman I like a lot...I wrote some on him in one of the last blogs here, probably after everybody left for the next blog.

http://www.draftsite.com/...er/nicolas-meloche/21694/
- wiz1901

---
I appreciate the thoughtful response, Wiz.

Going a little further into this, do you HAVE an opinion on any players (at any position) who are NHL-ready in any round who could be fits for this team OVER any current prospects (a la McNeill, Danault, Hartman)? Do you see any that the Hawks might be taking hard looks at?

I love all the armchair GM's... (not saying this in a demeaning way)

It's fun to sit back and watch the what if's, salary guesses, trades, etc. from everyone.. because while it's fun to speculate and hope and wish.. not one of us has any idea as to what's gonna happen.

I think that is what makes these next couple of weeks fun.. watching the speculation of every single one of us.
- CaptainInsano

But when one of the things comes true, they let you know. And if one of my "predictions" comes true... i will blow this up and milk it for days haha.

I know . Kinda want to go back to Comcast but I have the following DVRd....


2010 SCF game 6
2013 SCF game 6

And

Get this....

The 2015 SCF game 6........

And

Game 3 of the 1996 world Cup of Hockey is DVRd from when Uverse did have the NHLN.

So I dont wanna quit them just yet . Currently hate them for not having NHLN. I must have filled out 500 of those channel request things to no avail. I muat be the only one .

http://uversechannels.att.com/
- mrpaulish

you're not.

You may be right but what I said was I did not expect them to take a serious run at the cup next year not that they wouldn't or couldn't. I think they'll need a year to become a serious contender.
- paulr

I dont completely disagree with you there. Realistically I dont expect a Cup, but I do think that even with a re-tooled roster full of youth, they have as good a shot as anyone.

Ultimately, another Cup run will depend on how good our prospects turn out to be (especially Panarin, Johns, Danault), whether we retain Richards/Oduya/Crow, and if we can get Mike Reilly. I watched a few of the USA World Championship games and Jones/Reilly pair was a 2-way force...He looks ready to step in and play with one of our Top 3 D easing the NCAA-NHL transition.

Without Vermette? I doubt the Hawks do win the cup. I'm sure Kane and all Hawk fans will take the cup over the Hart any day and any year.
- paulr

I agree this was a team coaching staff win
- wiz1901

I think it could be an extremely smart move to make a strong effort to keep Vermy if Crawford must be dealt.

Smith's flopping and Torres almost ending Hossa's career. Out of all the teams I've hated in the playoffs, PHX is still #1 to me. Wasn't any redeeming qualities to that team.

Remember how terrified we were thinking Hossa was done? Flew back home for the summer, back issues, family concerned about his health. All because of some crap hit. Still sour about it haha.
- HawksHype

Yes, that hit gave me nightmares until Hossa was cleared for contact. What's crazier to me is that Torres thought it was a "good hockey play".

Yes, that hit gave me nightmares until Hossa was cleared for contact. What's crazier to me is that Torres thought it was a "good hockey play".
- EnzoD

Scum player...

Scum player...
- HawksHype

Karma in the form of 3 tears on the same ACL....

This is my opinion but the best thing to happen to the NHL was the invention of high definition TV. The popularity of hockey will continue to growth because of improvements in television technology
The NHL in my opinion just needs to focus on enforcing the rules of the game to allow it to be played at a fast level
I had a number of friends who watched the stanley cup for the first time this year and they all told me how much they enjoyed it even though they did not totally understand the game
The speed and flow of the game is enjoyable to watch for our
A D D society unlike baseball
Popularity of hockey will continue to grow and revenues should continue to increase plus the fact that the NHL players are likable
- molly2522

The best thing to happen to hockey was it's introcution to non hockey markets in the U.S that allows for roots in unusual markets like California. Now that hockey is played at minor levels in leagues throughout the U.S that will give kids an alternate sport to play and to learn to love. Hi Def was a god send to established hockey fans but I can't see it attracting anyone but a few new fans. Grassroots hockey was and is what will grow hockey and what will continue to make the U.S a hockey force internationally.

Yep....if Eichel were Canadian it would be viewed as great confidence, etc..........
- SteveRain

No , that's not the Canadian way. He would be polite and keep his mouth shut and when he speaks it would be about TEAM. Example: Tazer.

Karma in the form of 3 tears on the same ACL....
- EnzoD

3 tears in the ACL < 3 Stanley Cups

You're right... Karma always works itself out.

I dont completely disagree with you there. Realistically I dont expect a Cup, but I do think that even with a re-tooled roster full of youth, they have as good a shot as anyone.

Ultimately, another Cup run will depend on how good our prospects turn out to be (especially Panarin, Johns, Danault), whether we retain Richards/Oduya/Crow, and if we can get Mike Reilly. I watched a few of the USA World Championship games and Jones/Reilly pair was a 2-way force...He looks ready to step in and play with one of our Top 3 D easing the NCAA-NHL transition.
- EnzoD

If you don't think they have a realistic chance then why are you arguing with me? Because that is basically what i said in the first place.

Assuming he is ok with the changes made by Bowman, my money is the same deal - $2 million.
- stljam

Sounds ok to me.One year at a time as N.Y. is still paying him so no worries there.Signing him for 2 years at 3 may work as well,really loved his contribution this run.

If you don't think they have a realistic chance then why are you arguing with me? Because that is basically what i said in the first place.
- paulr

I said I dont EXPECT a cup(bc the odds of a repeat are so low) but they have as good of a shot as anyone in the NHL. I think next year is wide open, especially given all the player movement that should occur over the next few months. Im just not willing to throw in the towel and call it a "lost season" bc of all the youth. There is enough talented experience to help develop those young guys all year for a long Cup run...

Re: Sharp to Caps potential

- I know for fact the Caps have had interest in Sharp since 2010; not entirely clear if MacLellan is as high on him as McPhee was. That said, MacLellan is more of a risk taker than McPhee and might be motivated to stretch to make a deal work.

- Sharp checks a lot of important boxes for the Caps: secondary scoring, veteran leadership / glue guy, fit in Trotz system, top 6 forward, established winner, good personality fit existing roster.

- There are not a ton of attractive options out there for MacLellan to find a top 6 forward to provide secondary scoring punch. No one with Sharp's resume.

- The big question is what chips can MacLellan use to win the Sharp sweeps? He traded this year's 2 and 3 picks for Glencross (ouch). He has signaled he wants to keep this year's 1 (22nd overall), yet if the Hawks take back pick(s) they will almost certainly want 2015 pick(s). That leaves prospects such as Bowie, Vrana, Carrick. And then 2016 draft pick(s).

Yep...

50% of HRR divided by 30 teams gives you the mid range. Multiple that by 115% and you get the ceiling........unless the players vote on 5% escalator.

Bowman said cap would be around 73-74 million as late as December 8th.....Since then it's dropping and to think his 71.5 or 71 is legit is naïve. It's going to come in less.........I'll be shocked if it doesn't.

What can and hopefully does save the NHL's bacon, is getting a new US TV deal. They need to swallow their pride and take on ESPN2 if they have to and hopefully ABC ponies up big time. Otherwise they are way too reliant on the Canadian dollar.
- SteveRain

This is interesting to consider. To me - it seems like NBC is making a concerted effort to counter the ABC/ESPN product with their NBCSN offerings. When the next U.S. tv deal is negotiated - there may actually be some real competition for it. Last time I believe ESPN pointed to low ratings and tried to low ball the NHL - which prompted the NHL move over to the Versus channel - later evolving into the NBCSN. But honestly, for me as a fan - I hope it stays with NBCSN - because I believe they see it as a cornerstone of their sports programming and give it great coverage. If it went back to ESPN - I fear it would get placed in the "sports other than basketball" file.

Re: Sharp to Caps potential

- I know for fact the Caps have had interest in Sharp since 2010; not entirely clear if MacLellan is as high on him as McPhee was. That said, MacLellan is more of a risk taker than McPhee and might be motivated to stretch to make a deal work.

- Sharp checks a lot of important boxes for the Caps: secondary scoring, veteran leadership / glue guy, fit in Trotz system, top 6 forward, established winner, good personality fit existing roster.

- There are not a ton of attractive options out there for MacLellan to find a top 6 forward to provide secondary scoring punch. No one with Sharp's resume.

- The big question is what chips can MacLellan use to win the Sharp sweeps? He traded this year's 2 and 3 picks for Glencross (ouch). He has signaled he wants to keep this year's 1 (22nd overall), yet if the Hawks take back pick(s) they will almost certainly want 2015 pick(s). That leaves prospects such as Bowie, Vrana, Carrick. And then 2016 draft pick(s).
- gmurban

The problem is Washington doesn't have many picks in this year's draft and their pool of prospects is not that impressive. However, I would probably pull the trigger on sending Patrick Sharp to Washington for Tom Wilson and their 2015 3rd round pick pending what anyone else is offering.

Tom Wilson has good upside.

This is interesting to consider. To me - it seems like NBC is making a concerted effort to counter the ABC/ESPN product with their NBCSN offerings. When the next U.S. tv deal is negotiated - there may actually be some real competition for it. Last time I believe ESPN pointed to low ratings and tried to low ball the NHL - which prompted the NHL move over to the Versus channel - later evolving into the NBCSN. But honestly, for me as a fan - I hope it stays with NBCSN - because I believe they see it as a cornerstone of their sports programming and give it great coverage. If it went back to ESPN - I fear it would get placed in the "sports other than basketball" file.
- Chief4Feathers

I completely agree. ESPN covers hockey and the NHL as much/less than College Baseball/Softball, Women's Soccer, and the National Spelling Bee....they can go shove it and keep talking about Lebron, Tom Brady, and MLB games in April for 50 minutes of their 60minute show

Idk Wiz, I was watching him in the NCAA tourney and in a few national games throughout the year and he didnt look to have the compete level and intensity that 19 does...
- nickmo2699

I'm with you on that completely but as I said earlier my sample size was ridiculously too small to really be able to comment.

The problem is Washington doesn't have many picks in this year's draft and their pool of prospects is not that impressive. However, I would probably pull the trigger on sending Patrick Sharp to Washington for Tom Wilson and their 2015 3rd round pick pending what anyone else is offering.

Tom Wilson has good upside.
- Bjm84

He is what Kyle Beach was supposed to be....

I think its hard to compare 19 and Eichel at those stages because their a bit different players along with the fact 19 is the best player in hockey.

- cmsabres48

Agreed and remember I am trying tp project comparisons, body wise, smarts hands etc. He clearly has been asked to shoulder some weight in the USA program and in college and in the world tourney stage.
He clearly still has bad defensive zone reads, but it really isn't difficult to to see he is elite. They keep asking him to lead carry and score level after the level.
This is not on his profile by me on Draftsite: he leads, evades, surprises you and controls the puck and play with elite feet, and IQ.
I have seen him complared to Modano, Getzlaf and I add Toews only because good both ways already.
Rushed? maybe.

Worthy to be drafted that high. EASY choice.

I not gonna lie I want Tom Wilson too.

I doubt it. Guy played for 2 million last year. It will cost at least that much maybe slightly more. Who's to say another team on the verge of a cup wouldn't offer him the same chance the Hawks did this year?

I also think Richards will wait to see who Bowman boots off the island.
- SteveRain

probs that more than anything

John Jaeckel: Rumors Now Flying
- John Jaeckel

Cool, the last entitled jack@ss to get drafted has 3 cups in 6 years...