Honestly, I think the Hawks are fairly happy with the kids or else they would have closed a deal with the inexpensive forward options or pulled the trigger on a trade using some of the organization depth at D. The fact that the Hawks are looking to add to the team doesn't mean as much as the fact that they didn't execute on bringing anyone in. If Stan wanted outside help that badly, it would be here.

The young guys are rookies and we know the Hawks like to have vets as insurance and to push for roster spots, but the Hawks don't seem too desperate for help at forward.
- breadbag

BB,

Not buying it. Why have these convos with EDM, which they did as recently as yesterday? Are they encouraged by the youths? Yes.

But my spider sense is they see a couple of these guys as lower line fits only right now. No one helps fill the big hole: 1LW. Yak is not an LW, but he might allow a reconfig that makes Panik more acceptable as 1LW (moving Kane up and Hoss down).

Motte/Kruger/Hossa is intriguing as hell, but moving Hoss to 3RW always seems predicated on the assumption that TT or Schmaltz or someone will "replace him" with Toews. Hasn't happened, has it?

The Yak thing maybe does, but THAT is predicated on his flourishing with Panarin and Anisimov.
- John Jaeckel

Don't get me wrong, I never thought moving him just to move him was the thing to do, but if the chips happen to fall that way that's a third line that I'd be happy to roll out.

If TT actually panned out then it would have facilitated that move, but he never lived up to that potential. As of right now, the only real person on the roster who's worthy of the #1 LW other than Hossa is Kane. Getting Yak may change that, especially if he succeeds when being paired with 2 other skilled Russians.

With the emergence of Forsling, plus the additions of Campbell and Kempny, my dream is that the Hawks trade TVR after a year of hyping him up and giving him an undeserved (IMO) amount of minutes, especially in the postseason. I'm hoping some team says, "There's not much to like on tape but Q likes him so he must be good!" and then they trade a legit top-6 wing for what they think is a legit top-4 D-Man. If I'm underrating TVR, well, then it's a fair trade we'd be making, while betting that Kempny and Forsling can fill TVR's shoes. I personally wouldn't miss him.

This whole Yakupov thing smells like Q has decided none of the prospects/rookies/Icehogs has anything beyond bottom six potential at best, and has now gone back to SB and said fix this or we won't contend.

Jesus...pinning hopes on Nail Yakupov. Whoda thunk it?

With the emergence of Forsling, plus the additions of Campbell and Kempny, my dream is that the Hawks trade TVR after a year of hyping him up and giving him an undeserved (IMO) amount of minutes, especially in the postseason. I'm hoping some team says, "There's not much to like on tape but Q likes him so he must be good!" and then they trade a legit top-6 wing for what they think is a legit top-4 D-Man. If I'm underrating TVR, well, then it's a fair trade we'd be making, while betting that Kempny and Forsling can fill TVR's shoes. I personally wouldn't miss him.
- RomanF

Pretty sure know one sees TVR as a top 4 D, nor would anyone give up a top 6 LW for him.

Motte/Kruger/Hossa is intriguing as hell, but moving Hoss to 3RW always seems predicated on the assumption that TT or Schmaltz or someone will "replace him" with Toews. Hasn't happened, has it?

The Yak thing maybe does, but THAT is predicated on his flourishing with Panarin and Anisimov.
- John Jaeckel

I would also throw in....Hossa on third line only if the minutes for lines 1-3 are very close to the same.
Hoss is a generational talent. Period.

This whole Yakupov thing smells like Q has decided none of the prospects/rookies/Icehogs has anything beyond bottom six potential at best, and has now gone back to SB and said fix this or we won't contend.

Jesus...pinning hopes on Nail Yakupov. Whoda thunk it?
- Return of the Roar

Low risk and potential reward if you can get him.

I keep saying it, but I refuse to believe that all those first round picks like Yak by EDM were/are busts. I think they're more products of the Oil environment-- which has not been good for years at developing guys.

BB,

Not buying it. Why have these convos with EDM, which they did as recently as yesterday? Are they encouraged by the youths? Yes.

But my spider sense is they see a couple of these guys as lower line fits only right now. No one helps fill the big hole: 1LW. Yak is not an LW, but he might allow a reconfig that makes Panik more acceptable as 1LW (moving Kane up and Hoss down).
- John Jaeckel

I just think there are two sides to the coin. Yes, the Hawks are looking to add depth on the wing with some established players, but they could have done it already. If they were truly worried or concerned I think it would have happened. I feel like Stan is just shopping for a bargain because there are deals to be had (guys who are maybe undervalued) but he doesn't seem to want to pull the trigger that badly.

Either way, I like that you share what you hear and your opinion on the matter. I'm not intending to start a debate. I think most of us hockey nuts are just chomping at the bit for the season to start so we can find out where the Hawks really stand.

Forsling has made some guys expendable now. The Hawks like their puck moving defensemen. The guy who they probably can trade is Gustafsson, however, I think he fits more of the Hawks bill than Pokka. But then again, two different styles of play. For example if say a Campbell or Keith is given time off, I could see their first reaction being to call up Gus because he can move the puck and has NHL time. I think we see a Hartman and Pokka for Yak, IF it happens. One side of me likes to think they keep Hartman and look elsewhere.

EDIT: One side of me likes to think the team still likes Gustafsson's potential.

Yakupov needs to play with some good two way guys. He's not very good in his own end.

BB,

Not buying it. Why have these convos with EDM, which they did as recently as yesterday? Are they encouraged by the youths? Yes.

But my spider sense is they see a couple of these guys as lower line fits only right now. No one helps fill the big hole: 1LW. Yak is not an LW, but he might allow a reconfig that makes Panik more acceptable as 1LW (moving Kane up and Hoss down).
- John Jaeckel

The could be happy with the kids but even happier if they added another winger with NHL experience.

It's Stan's job to look for way to improve the team. If Yakupov is available then Stan should be exploring some trade talks. I don't think any GM gets so content with their team that they wouldn't talk to another GM if the opportunity was there.

Forsling has made some guys expendable now. The Hawks like their puck moving defensemen. The guy who they probably can trade is Gustafsson, however, I think he fits more of the Hawks bill than Pokka. But then again, two different styles of play. For example if say a Campbell or Keith is given time off, I could see their first reaction being to call up Gus because he can move the puck and has NHL time. I think we see a Hartman and Pokka for Yak, IF it happens. One side of me likes to think they keep Hartman and look elsewhere.
- 93Joe

Agreed, but I don't think guys like Pokka, Gustafsson and Svedberg will have much trade value.

Motte/Kruger/Hossa is intriguing as hell, but moving Hoss to 3RW always seems predicated on the assumption that TT or Schmaltz or someone will "replace him" with Toews. Hasn't happened, has it?

The Yak thing maybe does, but THAT is predicated on his flourishing with Panarin and Anisimov.
- John Jaeckel

Is there still a chance this could happen, even though it is on simmer? If it is just negotiation of the prospect talent, stan could pull the trigger.

With the two artie's, it would sound like a billy joel song... working too hard can give you an artie yak yak yak yak

Scott Powers: Coach Joel Quenneville said they could consider a 10 game option for winger Alexandre Fortin.

Agreed, but I don't think guys like Pokka, Gustafsson and Svedberg will have much trade value.
- DarthKane

Unless some team can think one of them (likely Pokka) could fill a bottom pairing role. Controlled, cheap defensemen are extremely valuable.

Scott Powers: Coach Joel Quenneville said they could consider a 10 game option for winger Alexandre Fortin.
- walleyeb1

Fortin has earned a shot, it's hard to argue otherwise. Will he stick beyond a handful of games, who knows. What does the club have to lose by trying?

I would still expect Fortin to return to the Q, but I'll be routing for him to stay.

The could be happy with the kids but even happier if they added another winger with NHL experience.

It's Stan's job to look for way to improve the team. If Yakupov is available then Stan should be exploring some trade talks. I don't think any GM gets so content with their team that they wouldn't talk to another GM if the opportunity was there.
- DarthKane

This. Yak is a talent who needs a change of scenery. Every GM knows the Oil wants him gone, so there's no reason to jump for Stan.

Also, and this isn't for you Darth, before we talk about losing a step for some of these players, especially Hossa, let's see how they come out this year, with a little more rest. Hossa has played the most hockey of any player since 2009, I believe. And he's still a workout beast. Not saying 3rd line isn't his best role, but lets reserve judgement until we see him this year.

my guess is he is not a fan of his wine reviews
- DDM-Coga

I like wine, i'll look up his reviews

This. Yak is a talent who needs a change of scenery. Every GM knows the Oil wants him gone, so there's no reason to jump for Stan.

Also, and this isn't for you Darth, before we talk about losing a step for some of these players, especially Hossa, let's see how they come out this year, with a little more rest. Hossa has played the most hockey of any player since 2009, I believe. And he's still a workout beast. Not saying 3rd line isn't his best role, but lets reserve judgement until we see him this year.
- CanOCorn

Hossa will still be a major contributor to the team, regardless of which line he is on. Q will likely bounce him around between Kruger and Toews until he gets comfortable with a certain combination.

But i have to admit... the Motte-Kruger-Hossa line could be very intriguing and a fantastic shutdown line with offensive potential.

Dunno why any team would deal for Svedberg when they could have claimed him on waivers two days ago.

I also find it highly doubtful that there was is/was so little market for Yakupov that the only thing EDM could get are two minor leaguers and having to retain salary to boot.
- John Jaeckel

Teams usually respect the send downs at this point in training camp.
Just like RFA offer sheets the GMs tend to stay away because they may be in the very same situations, and don't want it to come back and bite them.

I don't doubt and would hope the Hawks had talks with Edmonton. Going back to training camp when Q alluded to the possibility of Hossa skating with Kruger. This trade situation may have been closer then.......

And it very well could be a game of chicken. Maybe it was leaked to that goof Chief to be used as a pawn to put pressure on one camp or the other.

Hossa will still be a major contributor to the team, regardless of which line he is on. Q will likely bounce him around between Kruger and Toews until he gets comfortable with a certain combination.

But i have to admit... the Motte-Kruger-Hossa line could be very intriguing and a fantastic shutdown line with offensive potential.
- DarthKane

Think its a good question. I know Toews might not like it, but are they overall better with a great 2nd and 3rd lines vs. 1 great 2nd and 2 average lines (1, 3)

More Yak, yak, yak.

http://mynhltraderumors.c...-blackhawks-2/2016/10/07/

Agreed, but I don't think guys like Pokka, Gustafsson and Svedberg will have much trade value.
- DarthKane

Pokka probably has the most. He's still quite young and has a lot of potential. Looked over his head in the WCH though.

He's a really solid hockey journalist. One of the best.
- John Jaeckel

Agreed.

But he wasn't the rumor monger with this story...