So you guys had the Kane return date pool. How about a Panarin points pool? Wait, let me qualify - a Panarin NHL points pool?
- stljam

I forget who pegged the Kane return date. It sure wasn't me.

So you guys had the Kane return date pool. How about a Panarin points pool? Wait, let me qualify - a Panarin NHL points pool?
- stljam

I think (hope) best case scenario, he could be like TT this year. Start the year in the AHL, get used to the North American ice a bit, come up around the 50-game mark, maybe. So, 15 pts.

Agree. Vet presence needed. No way they go in depending on three first year defenders. That's a recipe for fishing lots of pucks out of the back of your net.
- MartiniMan

I'd peg Johns for a roster spot. Beyond that, I expect Bowman to bring in a vet on the cheap.

Lastly, I wouldn't be shocked if Rundblad is re-upped as the guy who serves as the 7th defenseman. Lord help us if that happens.

There is no guarantee. However, Q recently said he is excited to see what Panarin and Baun can do. Another recent report said Barry Smith, Scotty's right-hand man, was the guy that got Panarin. Last but not least, reportedly Igor Larionov, as in one of the Russian Five that played for Scotty in Det, is Panarin's agent. The intel appears to be solid. BTW - Panarin had on more goal and six more assists than Kovie
- KingB

Nice bit of background, King. Useful info as the small hockey world like "their" guys.

I think (hope) best case scenario, he could be like TT this year. Start the year in the AHL, get used to the North American ice a bit, come up around the 50-game mark, maybe. So, 15 pts.
- MartiniMan

The AHL cannot happen. Panarin has a unique contract. If he doesn't make the Hawks, he goes back to the KHL.

One more thing ....



Tom Wilson
- mrpaulish

Al posted something in one of these threads that made sense. The Hawks don't have much luck, or knowledge to fit them in their system (my words) with Wilson power forward types.

He's right. They gravitate to, and value speed skill, first and foremost. Makes me pessimistic as far as them ever prioritizing a guy like Wilson. But I never stop hoping.

So you guys had the Kane return date pool. How about a Panarin points pool? Wait, let me qualify - a Panarin NHL points pool?
- stljam

Oo another pool for me to win

Was it Paulish who was In charge of that one?

One more thing ....



Tom Wilson
- mrpaulish

You're not quitting with this are you?

Oo another pool for me to win

Was it Paulish who was In charge of that one?
- ehawk

Mr. P usually starts the pools around here. However, don't let that stop you from doing it.

Mr. P usually starts the pools around here. However, don't let that stop you from doing it.
- EKolb13

I'm not organized enough that

I see about 4-5 guys on both offense and defense that are probably close. I have plenty of hope for all of them. But anyone who expects that 2 or 3 are going to step into the lineup next year on each end and suffer no drop off whatsoever? Sorry. No.

Our guys won this year because 1) Their top guys are as good as anyone and when it matters most, they're better. And 2) I'd put those 3rd and (especially) 4th lines up against any other in the league. Swap in a total of 4-6 rookies and that 2nd advantage disappears.

I think it'll be fun to see some of these new guys play and hopefully develop the way we've seen most of "the core" do over the last 10-12 years, and in this cap era, that's the way it's got to happen to sustain success over a decade+.

But the reality is that sometimes you need to have a year or two where you step back and assimilate some new faces. "The core" will keep this team competitive, Yes, but next year will probably be more like the 10-11 & 11-12 teams.

That's a Jekyll hyde back line with three newbies having to eat real minutes.... a bit of a dangerous plan if you ask me.
- stljam

And you would have who playing the back line ?

>The NHL needs to find the right balance between the physicality and clutch & grab of "football on skates" with the no-touch, no-hold style of All-Star games
>Al said it earlier: Flow is what makes and keeps the game exciting -- the creation of scoring chances and odd-man breaks brings people out of their seats
>Flow should be the #1 priority of the on-ice ref crew
>When Bettman went to the 2-ref system, the number of qualified refs did not instantly double (I believe the AHL is so short of qualified refs, some games this year had to be reffed by one ref)
>It wasn't that many years ago that Scotty Bowman and Chris Chelios both voiced concern about all the sagging of the defending team around their net -- eliminating the ability for the offensive team to create plays and keep the on-ice action exciting
>Nice intel on the Coyotes -- my point was that growth in amateur hockey playing does not guarantee NHL attendance growth -- but it sounds like the location was the killer in this case
- SnapitUpstairs

I always think of the 7-8 minute stretch against the Kings last year with no whistles. Yes, more of that, please. I can see the hesitation to call the subtle holds, though. It's a fine line between legit and ticky tack on some of that stuff, and it means a stop in potential flow to call something.

My wife's cousin is married to a guy who plays a lot of amateur hockey. He told me he doesn't care about the NHL, but he loves watching other amateur and minor league games. Is it like playing golf but not caring about the PGA Tour?

The AHL cannot happen. Panarin has a unique contract. If he doesn't make the Hawks, he goes back to the KHL.
- KingB

Its his choice as I understand it from various sources. He could go back to the KHL if that were to happened. He has stated he wants the challenge of the NHL and is willing to work to get there.

I forget who pegged the Kane return date. It sure wasn't me.
- EKolb13

Pretty sure I was at least three weeks off myself. Crazy magic healing juice.

I see about 4-5 guys on both offense and defense that are probably close. I have plenty of hope for all of them. But anyone who expects that 2 or 3 are going to step into the lineup next year on each end and suffer no drop off whatsoever? Sorry. No.

Our guys won this year because 1) Their top guys are as good as anyone and when it matters most, they're better. And 2) I'd put those 3rd and (especially) 4th lines up against any other in the league. Swap in a total of 4-6 rookies and that 2nd advantage disappears.

I think it'll be fun to see some of these new guys play and hopefully develop the way we've seen most of "the core" do over the last 10-12 years, and in this cap era, that's the way it's got to happen to sustain success over a decade+.

But the reality is that sometimes you need to have a year or two where you step back and assimilate some new faces. "The core" will keep this team competitive, Yes, but next year will probably be more like the 10-11 & 11-12 teams.
- Mr.McGiblets

Which were teams very close to making a deep playoff run for the cup....Vancouver lost game 7 of SCF and Phoenix lost in the WCF and we dominated Phx....

Definitely need better reffing and a strategy overhaul.

What makes Bettman think that people in the Miami area, and some other southern locals, will flock to hockey when then don't go to baseball games, U of Miami football games, etc? There's a reason that LA has not had an NFL team for years.

Dallas can't compete with HS football on Friday night, college football on Saturday and the NFL on Sunday.
- KingB

Big issue in Dallas....There the Friday night games in the beginning of the year don't draw well at all. Almost every place wants weekend home games and does better on those days but not so in Dallas for much of the year.

Which were teams very close to making a deep playoff run for the cup....Vancouver lost game 7 of SCF and Phoenix lost in the WCF and we dominated Phx....
- EnzoD

Maybe the '11-'12 team could have gone deep in the playoffs. The '10-'11 team wouldn't have gone all that deep with the likes of Brunette, O'Donnell, and Pisani on the roster.

Agree. Vet presence needed. No way they go in depending on three first year defenders. That's a recipe for fishing lots of pucks out of the back of your net.
- MartiniMan

If they have to trade Crawford and go with Darling and Raanta, they are going to be picking the puck out of the back of the net anyway. Let them all have some growing pains together.

Bringing in vets like Niemi, please no, and Anderson isn't going make them contenders in anyway. Anderson doesn't really save much cap wise and Niemi is trending in the wrong direction. Let a team like the Oilers regret signing him for 4-5M for 2-3 years.

It could be a huge off season for McNeill. I read something from Chris Block awhile back about prospect entering the last year of their ELC and their movement out of the organization. He seems to have all the tools to be a NHL player. Hope they have some patience. Its also on him to show them reasons for patience though.
- TTtime

They pretty much have to move out in last year of ELC or they don't fetch any return....Quite a few have gone elsewhere before making a home in Chicago.

Stop me if this sounds insane, because it kinda does, but if Matt Cooke clears waivers and gets bought out, wouldn't he make a solid 4th line option at a pretty reasonable price? His cap hit is 2.5 right now, and he might take a cheaper deal for a shot at another cup after being bought out. I hate the guy with a passion, but there's no denying he's a talent when not hurt or suspended.

Stop me if this sounds insane, because it kinda does, but if Matt Cooke clears waivers and gets bought out, wouldn't he make a solid 4th line option at a pretty reasonable price. His cap hit is 2.5 right now, and he might take a cheaper deal for a shot at another cup after being bought out. I hate the guy with a passion, but there's no denying he's a talent when not hurt or suspended.
- Sandus

At 37 years old? I'd pass on him.

Maybe the '11-'12 team could have gone deep in the playoffs. The '10-'11 team wouldn't have gone all that deep with the likes of Brunette, O'Donnell, and Pisani on the roster.
- EKolb13

Speculation but the Stars are capable of carrying some very suspect characters like KT and Runblad. Conjecture about "what could've been" but the fact that Vancouver made the Cup finals and Sharp should've finished the Nucks in game 7, I'd say they very easily could've made it that far...even with coaches brunette & ODonnell on the ice lol

Stop me if this sounds insane, because it kinda does, but if Matt Cooke clears waivers and gets bought out, wouldn't he make a solid 4th line option at a pretty reasonable price? His cap hit is 2.5 right now, and he might take a cheaper deal for a shot at another cup after being bought out. I hate the guy with a passion, but there's no denying he's a talent when not hurt or suspended.
- Sandus

Why not sign Raffi Torres? About the same moral standards

Stop me if this sounds insane, because it kinda does, but if Matt Cooke clears waivers and gets bought out, wouldn't he make a solid 4th line option at a pretty reasonable price? His cap hit is 2.5 right now, and he might take a cheaper deal for a shot at another cup after being bought out. I hate the guy with a passion, but there's no denying he's a talent when not hurt or suspended.
- Sandus

There are players you just don't go near because of the message it sends - Cooke and Raffi Torres are 2 of them.