Hammer - easy to make the argument he was a completely unselfish team player, who in his tenure took a lot of physical abuse in the role he was asked to play I would argue that role suppressed other skills he has - throwing the body and getting more in the offensive mix. Given the turtle schema adopted in the last two seasons, it is not hard to see why the whole D squad took a step back. There is no value in the arguments about his skills waning. If anything, the lack of O zone time and forecheck affected everyone. Perhaps a change of scenery where he is the #2 guy will allow him to play a less physical game, maybe play more offense, and mentor younger teammates.

Hawks will miss him for sure, but I think Ulf has ideas about the future.

Jumbo - three years is asking too much. There will be a lot of suitors, and undoubtedly, someone will overpay. Just not going to be Chicago.

Sucks to have to admit it, but yes, THIS THIS and THIS. x10^9
- DMChi2010

Nope, Needs to play an effective season, I'd start rotating a few key out like the NBA from the midpoint on. 82 games = out of gas in playoffs. Just ask 72 who went newts to the wall over the last 5 games...

Jumbo - three years is asking too much. There will be a lot of suitors, and undoubtedly, someone will overpay. Just not going to be Chicago.
- Return of the Roar

No harm in him asking, will anyone offer that? I'm not so sure. Nor am I sure that it's a done deal for him to return to SJ. They have a lot of cap space and may take the opportunity to make some changes. He and GM Doug Wilson haven't exactly been best friends over the years. They'd probably want to bring Marleau back first; Shark for life and all of that hubbub. The injury rehab would be a concern. If I were the Blackhawks, I'd want to pursue other options first and have Jumbo be a plan C or D at best.

JJ any ideas or whispers on who the hawks might target in free agency besides wiggles, and sharp?

Just found this on the inter webs, this is what I'm taking about:


- John Jaeckel

I do like how he quickly jumped between the opposing player and his puck. That's a bit reminiscent of Bolly

Hammer DID get exposed by Nashville as much as any other Hawks Dman. Is he better defensively than 2 or 7? Yes. But 2+7 drive offense and Hammer does not. I think Keith-Murphy could complement each other very well. I also think Kempny-Seabs or Forsling-Seabs could be a good 2nd pair. For those complaining, I don't get it. Nyt STATUS QUO was NOT working. Saad > Panarin and Murphy is a physical puck mover that can develop under Ulf while playing with a 2-Time Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe winner. Bowman should now trade AA+ for another Dman or a Top 6 LW like E.Kane. Tough, bold decisions were finally made by StanBo, and I applaud him for it. Let's wait until puck drop before assessing the team.
- EnzoD

This all day. Plus Bowman bought himself some cost certainty towards the cap for the next four years with Saad and Murphy(five). Panarin and Hammer both due for raises in two years. Solid move looking forward, me thinks…

Henrique would be solid for the second line. E. Kane at a 1 year deal? Salary is off the books next year... might be worth it. You're getting speed, size, tenacity. An add like that carries some baggage... a little too much maybe, but it's easily 25 goals and a net crasher.

Henrique would be solid for the second line. E. Kane at a 1 year deal? Salary is off the books next year... might be worth it. You're getting speed, size, tenacity. An add like that carries some baggage... a little too much maybe, but it's easily 25 goals and a net crasher.
- 93Joe

With P.Kane, E.Kane could score 35 goals.

i thank Hjammer for the years in chicago, but those were hard, hard minutes on his body... and we could not afford him in 2 more years. Couldn't afford Panarin's raise either. Good moves.

For Kruger to Vegas (if that's where he goes), I want William Karlsson back. gives us another penalty killer with a little nasty in him.

Then AA to wherever for picks to open up cap space and let schmaltz move to 2c.

With P.Kane, E.Kane could score 35 goals.
- kwolf68

Not only that, create space and push people the (frank) out of the way. But yeah wolf, you're spot on. And that's a matchup problem if he is added to the top 6.

Powers:

The #Blackhawks have qualified defenseman Ville Pokka

Powers:

The #Blackhawks have qualified defenseman Ville Pokka
- walleyeb1

Not only that, create space and push people the (frank) out of the way. But yeah wolf, you're spot on. And that's a matchup problem if he is added to the top 6.
- 93Joe

especially if you're a woman. allegedly.

Powers:

The #Blackhawks have qualified defenseman Ville Pokka
- walleyeb1

Any chance they missed Jurco? *crosses fingers*

Because being a captain of a junior team
Makes him a great player? Really? Ok.

Same guy who bashed mcdavid who just won the Lindsay hart and Ross.

Sorry. Hammer is a better player then Murphy. And I can't wait until people start crying about the hawks d in November.
- SteveRain

Actually he was Captain of Team USA at the 2017 World Championships which occurred after the NHL regular season. You know the same World Championships that Panarin loves to play in. Lots of NHLers.

especially if you're a woman. allegedly.
- TTtime

I will always appreciate Nik's contributions to 3 Cups. Especially being part of the incredible performance in 15 along with Keith, Seabs and Oduya. The reality is his play has fallen. He also really dragged Keith down. I haven't seen much of Murphy but it sure seemed like he played well against the Hawks. From what I HAVE seen of him is he will offer more in a push the pace type of style. He also has a physical edge to him.

Panarin and Saad are both excellent players who bring different attributes to a team.
Panarin was a joy to watch but I would be lying if his performance in the PO didn't leave me a bit irritated. He also had some serious Versteeg in him around his own blue line.

Saad bring a more complete game and the ability to play the PK. Which the Hawks need with the loss of Hossa.

I think its a trade where both teams got something they need.

JJ - any update or news at all regarding any Hawks interest in Spencer Foo who is a College FA that tore it up at Union and is the brother of Parker Foo drafted by Hawks yesterday. He is supposed to be making a decision soon.

Powers:

The #Blackhawks have qualified defenseman Ville Pokka
- walleyeb1

oh yeah, forgot that there a few other guys in the system that need QA's too. Assuming / hoping Ras gets one or they sign him today.

Thornton will stay in San Jose. I don't see him leaving.
- DarthKane

...and IMO if Thornton were "Cup hunting" he has better options than next years Hawks club.

oh yeah, forgot that there a few other guys in the system that need QA's too. Assuming / hoping Ras gets one or they sign him today.
- matt_ahrens

Thought I read somewhere he has been offered a contract. Not sure if that satisfy the QO requirements, though.

...and IMO if Thornton were "Cup hunting" he has better options than next years Hawks club.
- ArlingtonRob

Shocking.

i thank Hjammer for the years in chicago, but those were hard, hard minutes on his body... and we could not afford him in 2 more years. Couldn't afford Panarin's raise either. Good moves.

For Kruger to Vegas (if that's where he goes), I want William Karlsson back. gives us another penalty killer with a little nasty in him.

Then AA to wherever for picks to open up cap space and let schmaltz move to 2c.
- jt19

I'd be shocked if the Hawks get more than a draft pick for Vegas taking Kruger.

Shocking.
- TTtime

I take it you disagree...