Blackhawks receive: Jonathan Drouin, Braydon Coburn (33% retained salary)

Lightning receive: Marko Dano, Andrew Shaw, forward prospect, 2016 first round pick


I think that would be a HUGE overpay for the Hawks. Whoever wrote it should be committed.
- tredbrta

Too rich for my blood. Shaw's a guy I don't want to lose. I completely agree, a gross overpay.

They were the same draft year is the main reason to me. Dano too. As I mentioned earlier - also hard for me to see Yzerman not using Drouin to lose cap and/or bring back a player to help this year. Dano and Pokka don't do that so I start to believe it could take TT to get it done straight up. Of course, Cooper apparently doesn't think Drouin can help this year either so maybe prospects are what they will get.

Interesting TOI chart here for that draft class. Take a look at Dano vs Drouin.

https://twitter.com/Class...83721607848669184/photo/1

Second City thinks the trade looks like this...



I think that would be a HUGE overpay for the Hawks. Whoever wrote it should be committed.
- tredbrta

Actually tred, Dano and Drouin were 2013, TT was 2012. But points taken.

I will also add: I have a pretty strong feeling that if TB trades Drouin, there will be a quality young defenseman or defense prospect coming back—that the Hawks may not have at this point.

So if Cooper is so enamored with TT, Stan should be able to swap TT for JD straight up.
- Lido_Shuffle

That is where I went after reading it. I would prefer Dano and Pokka though. A huge long shot it happens but keeping TT and adding Drouin puts the Hawks over the top in offensive skill and - if TT, Drouin, and Panarin meet their potential - extends the Cup window a few years IMO.

TT. Dano's body will hold up longer.
- powerenforcer

Me too. I like everything about TT's game, other than lack of physicality.

I'd love to get Drouin, and be able to keep TT and Dano, but that's a pipe dream. You would you rather deal, TT or Dano +?
- howiehandles

I've been on record numerous times and here's one more time where I express TT is better now and will be better in the future than Dano. I like Dano and think he can be a nice player in the NHL but he is more of a crash and shoot player which is fine and a player who could be a good asset to a winning team - but he isn't a player that will make players around him better. TT is a player who makes the players around him better and that is why I value TT over Dano.

Me too. I like everything about TT's game, other than lack of physicality.
- howiehandles

Agreed, kid is super intelligent and can pass like few others, also makes smart little plays without the puck. He just needs another year or two minimum to mature and gain confidence at the NHL level. That said, neither he nor Schmaltz is ever going to be a Toews/Hossa power player. And you need guys like that too.

Actually tred, Dano and Drouin were 2013, TT was 2012. But points taken.

I will also add: I have a pretty strong feeling that if TB trades Drouin, there will be a quality young defenseman or defense prospect coming back—that the Hawks may not have at this point.
- John Jaeckel

Sorry, should have remembered TT was the Yakupov draft.

Interesting piece.

I think it's probably a safe bet that Drouin came in with a bit of a sense of entitlement being picked third overall the previous year. Also that Cooper is a little tough to play for—rumor has it Stamkos isn't always thrilled playing for him either.

Drouin also was a year behind TT in development AND TT had played in a men's league in Finland. No doubt, TT always has and probably still does play better in all three zones. But in terms of offensive skill, Drouin might have a bit more. He's also a left wing, which the Hawks need.

Again, not sure why other than the basis of that article, it's a TT v. Drouin discussion anyway.
- John Jaeckel

As you know JJ, NHL coaches are in the business of winning today/this year. Players that belong elsewhere learning to play the pro game are of little interest to them until they are ready to contribute to the team they are coaching now. Development and coaching minor leaguers are for somebody else worry about. That's why Dano and Baun and McNeil and Fournier etc are where they are.

If Drouin was able to help Cooper today more than other players in Tampa he would be playing nightly. Because he can't right now, Cooper ain't interested doing babysitting like Mommy would.

I've been on record numerous times and here's one more time where I express TT is better now and will be better in the future than Dano. I like Dano and think he can be a nice player in the NHL but he is more of a crash and shoot player which is fine and a player who could be a good asset to a winning team - but he isn't a player that will make players around him better. TT is a player who makes the players around him better and that is why I value TT over Dano.
- EbonyRaptor

I agree with this and will go a step further to say Dano tops out as a 25-30 goal power winger (tops), sort of Hossa Lite actually.

TT tops out as a very good second line C (tops). Sort of like an Alex Zhamnov or Kane-Lite if he stays at RW.

As you know JJ, NHL coaches are in the business of winning today/this year. Players that belong elsewhere learning to play the pro game are of little interest to them until they are ready to contribute to the team they are coaching now. Development and coaching minor leaguers are for somebody else worry about. That's why Dano and Baun and McNeil and Fournier etc are where they are.

If Drouin was able to help Cooper today more than other players in Tampa he would be playing nightly. Because he can't right now, Cooper ain't interested doing babysitting like Mommy would.
- RickJ

Rick, these are ALL good points, and I do find it interesting still that for as much as TB has been scouting Rockford (and I'm told the better Rockford players) I have still not specifically heard it's about Drouin. There may be a reason for that.

I don't buy 223 either, he'd be the same height and heavier than my fat ass.

He looks about 6' 212, and thick in a good way.
- John Jaeckel

Agreed. And agreed on the Schmaltz/TT comparison.

Regardless of the size of all these characters, I think if Drouin could be had for something in the neighborhood of Schmaltz + D prospect you have to pull the trigger. The Hawks have a clear need for another Top 6 LW and that's exactly what Drouin is. Plus he's young and has already shown he's capable of producing at the NHL level and presumably still has room to grow. What's not to like?

They were the same draft year is the main reason to me. Dano too. As I mentioned earlier - also hard for me to see Yzerman not using Drouin to lose cap and/or bring back a player to help this year. Dano and Pokka don't do that so I start to believe it could take TT to get it done straight up. Of course, Cooper apparently doesn't think Drouin can help this year either so maybe prospects are what they will get.

Interesting TOI chart here for that draft class. Take a look at Dano vs Drouin.

https://twitter.com/Class...83721607848669184/photo/1

Second City thinks the trade looks like this...



I think that would be a HUGE overpay for the Hawks. Whoever wrote it should be committed.
- tredbrta

Agreed.

I'm not sold on Drouin as the solution to this team's 1LW problem, and I'm a little confused about all the love for him here. Then again, I'm just a fan, not a scout. Q is just as (maybe more) critical than Cooper when it comes to defense. Barring a change in his attitude/mindset, there may be some issues if he's still unwilling (or unable) to commit to a 2-way game..

Just my opinion, but I think trading TT, Dano, Schmaltz, etc. for this guy would be a mistake..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yja08R2WmWs

I had not really seen him play much, so I found this Video from last year. watching it brought to mind Panarin. Left side, not Big but looked strong enough on his skates considering he is only 20. Looked stronger then TT ( I know its a highlight).

If we are going to have a shot at ST we are going to need to add a natural LW. So do you Mortage Future for a rental (1st and and a better prospect then Dahlback)? Or do you trade 2 assets for 1? If Pokka and schmaltz get it done I would do it. I would guess that would not be enough. IMO(or they would get better offers)



How would a Scuds buyout look in 2016 with Pitt holding 1 mil of his contract? He would get 2/3 of he makes 3.4 so he would be owed 2.25 and does pitt have to pay 1 .1 of that or do they also only pay 1/3 of it? meaning we would have a hit of $550 over 2 years and so would Pitt?

Agreed, kid is super intelligent and can pass like few others, also makes smart little plays without the puck. He just needs another year or two minimum to mature and gain confidence at the NHL level. That said, neither he nor Schmaltz is ever going to be a Toews/Hossa power player. And you need guys like that too.
- John Jaeckel

That is why if I am trading for a speed/skills guy like Drouin, I give up TT and keep Dano who plays more of a physical/banger game. I think TB would do TT for Drouin straight up. Would Hawks? I would.

I've been on record numerous times and here's one more time where I express TT is better now and will be better in the future than Dano. I like Dano and think he can be a nice player in the NHL but he is more of a crash and shoot player which is fine and a player who could be a good asset to a winning team - but he isn't a player that will make players around him better. TT is a player who makes the players around him better and that is why I value TT over Dano.
- EbonyRaptor

Yes you have! And that came to mind when I read other commentators say they would prefer to keep Dano because they like him better in the long run. Leaving the long run discussion aside for the moment, every agrees that TT is better now, right? So keep TT and improve the chances for another cup this year or next, right?

The only possible edge I'd give to Dano over TT right now is his long term potential as a LW. I've changed my mind about the two for the overall in the long run. I used to think that TT wouldn't live up to his potential and that Dano would end up being a better NHL level player but now I think TT will get there and have a better career, season to season.

Agreed. And agreed on the Schmaltz/TT comparison.

Regardless of the size of all these characters, I think if Drouin could be had for something in the neighborhood of Schmaltz + D prospect you have to pull the trigger. The Hawks have a clear need for another Top 6 LW and that's exactly what Drouin is. Plus he's young and has already shown he's capable of producing at the NHL level and presumably still has room to grow. What's not to like?
- daaaahawks

When did Drouin become a Top 6 winger? He can't crack Tampa's lineup and they said go play for Syracuse, no room at the inn here right now.

Maybe down the road but not now.

When did Drouin become a Top 6 winger? He can't crack Tampa's lineup and they said go play for Syracuse, no room at the inn here right now.

Maybe down the road but not now.
- RickJ

I think if you put him 17 min a night with 19/81 for 30 games he will be a top line LW. Fresh start with linemates who command respect and will hold the kid accountable.

There can be reasons in TB it didnt work out other than he is not good enough now. For example, in the short term, TB is better off not inserting JD in top 6 and Cooper wouldnt do it for the future, kid has a bad attitude, goes downhill from there. Minutes are sporadic, did not play with very god linemates, can go on.

Bottom line, Drouin is a Taylor Hall type talent, can change the dynamic and complexion of the team from top down.

That is why if I am trading for a speed/skills guy like Drouin, I give up TT and keep Dano who plays more of a physical/banger game. I think TB would do TT for Drouin straight up. Would Hawks? I would.
- Hawkeyes1

I'm not a hockey expert by any stretch, but I believe Drouin's upside is greater than TT, just because he doesn't seem shy with contact.

Playing with JT and Hoss might be the very thing he needs to get through those character issues. I'd believe those issues are as much about entitlement as anything else. A kid who's probably been the man since he was a kid has probably gotten too accustomed to having his arse wiped for him, and just needs to grow up.

If it was Drouin for TT, I'd take that deal if I was the Hawks, but I'd expect TB has multiple suitors, and it would be a muti-player deal with both parties.

Gotta give something to get something, but also trying to not get myself into a lather with the possibility that the Hawks could make a significant move sooner rather than later, and have nothing come of it. Even if we're stuck with TT and Dano after all of this shakes out, those are still pretty sweet youngsters to be stuck with.

Rick, these are ALL good points, and I do find it interesting still that for as much as TB has been scouting Rockford (and I'm told the better Rockford players) I have still not specifically heard it's about Drouin. There may be a reason for that.
- John Jaeckel

I'd wager Scotty and Yzerman talk regularly and on a straight up basis. A Palat or one of the 2 Russian forwards would interest the Hawks, Yzerman would be looking for a young defenceman like Pokka. Probably nothing comes of any discussions.

I'd wager Scotty and Yzerman talk regularly and on a straight up basis. A Palat or one of the 2 Russian forwards would interest the Hawks, Yzerman would be looking for a young defenceman like Pokka. Probably nothing comes of any discussions.
- RickJ

Asking price on Palat would be high. The Hawks would need to give up a lot to get someone of his caliber. No way you get him for a young D.

I think if you put him 17 min a night with 19/81 for 30 games he will be a top line LW. Fresh start with linemates who command respect and will hold the kid accountable.

There can be reasons in TB it didnt work out other than he is not good enough now. For example, in the short term, TB is better off not inserting JD in top 6 and Cooper wouldnt do it for the future, kid has a bad attitude, goes downhill from there. Minutes are sporadic, did not play with very god linemates, can go on.

Bottom line, Drouin is a Taylor Hall type talent, can change the dynamic and complexion of the team from top down.
- Hawkeyes1

I don't have any issue with your logic but the bottom line objective when dealing for and swapping out players is to make the team Stanley Cup competitive, not just a playoff participant. Would Drouin put the Hawks over the top?-no evidence to suggest he would.

FWIW -

NHL.COM’s Joe Yerdon took to Twitter yesterday regarding the potential asking price for Drouin: “Looking at the deals for Niederreiter and Turris, you’re basically looking at a roster player and a not-first-round pick.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drouin will be traded, but it’ll be on Yzerman’s timetable. It’s possible he could wait until the NHL Draft in June to find the right deal. There will be lots of interest in the 20-year-old playmaker, who isn’t developing as hoped under Lightning coach Jon Cooper. Having re-signed the latter to an extension, Drouin doesn’t seem to have much of a future in Tampa Bay. The Lightning currently have just over $2 million in cap space, so they can’t afford to take on much salary, unless they can get move some out in the deal or in a separate trade.

Really? Got pics?

Fair to guess the US World Junior roster is probably the most up to date data on this player.

175 (being generous) on a 6' frame is TINY by professional hockey standards. Go look at TT. Same dimensions, exactly. Jeebus.

YOU said Schmaltz outweighs Drouin. You forgetting that?
- John Jaeckel

Nope. Just sharing what I know about the kid. I will trust information from someone who personally knows Schmaltz, has played and worked out with him over websites that rarely, if ever, update their info.

FWIW it does appear that Schmaltz is coachable where there are question regarding that part of Drouin's make up.

I think if you put him 17 min a night with 19/81 for 30 games he will be a top line LW. Fresh start with linemates who command respect and will hold the kid accountable.

There can be reasons in TB it didnt work out other than he is not good enough now. For example, in the short term, TB is better off not inserting JD in top 6 and Cooper wouldnt do it for the future, kid has a bad attitude, goes downhill from there. Minutes are sporadic, did not play with very god linemates, can go on.

Bottom line, Drouin is a Taylor Hall type talent, can change the dynamic and complexion of the team from top down.
- Hawkeyes1

I seem to recall similar post trade talk about Dano..and how stanbow may have robbed the jackets...well after a couple of nice scrimmages with 19 and 81...its been all downhill for dano...

I don't expect the hawks take another flyer on a former #1 who seems to have some issues.

When did Drouin become a Top 6 winger? He can't crack Tampa's lineup and they said go play for Syracuse, no room at the inn here right now.

Maybe down the road but not now.
- RickJ

Seems strange that a team that is struggling to put the puck in the net would send a top 6 player to the minors.