7 years ago today, the Sharks signed Niklas Hjalmarsson to an offer sheet, forcing the #Blackhawks to choose Hjalmarsson or Antti Niemi.
- walleyeb1

Ah, and here, well, it was as if it was the end of life as we had known it in that one Cup win.
No way was the veteran minor pro goalie the hawks had been grooming for years, Corey Crawford, EVER going to replace the greatest Finnish goalie of all time, Niemi.

So many of you are still here, still screaming the sky is falling.

Ah, and here, well, it was as if it was the end of life as we had known it in that one Cup win.
No way was the veteran minor pro goalie the hawks had been grooming for years, Corey Crawford, EVER going to replace the greatest Finnish goalie of all time, Niemi.

So many of you are still here, still screaming the sky is falling.
- wiz1901

Stan had to chose that day, and

The Hawks would be insane to consider DiBrincat as a trade piece. The Hawks were lucky beyond comprehension that he fell to the Second Round because of his size. I watched him in the play-offs where opponents were trying to key on him. He borders on being unhittable. Additionally, he can find the open ice to receive passes and can pin-point pass while surrounded. He is built like a bulldog too and does not avoid the high traffic areas - in fact he searches them out. Many goals scored from close in. Appreciate what we have in DiBrincat and stop talking of including him in deals for 6th D-Men.
- Z3Hawk

I would not trade ADB for a 6th d-man. Now, for $4-5 million worth of cap space over the next 4 years? Dunno, maybe.

All these "scouting reports" on this kid are based on his play against 16-19 year olds, 95% of whom will never get a whiff of the NHL. So all these amazing things he's done so far are akin to the amazing things that Kyle Beach, Rob Schremp and many other never was's did at the same level of competition.

I would go by the guys paid to scout and coach at the OHL level, whose opinions on ADB are somewhat mixed.

POSITIVES:

Lethal shot and release
Shifty/good short area quickness
High motor (in the offensive zone)
Fearless and not contact averse (but this is at a lower and much less physical level of competition)

NEGATIVES:

Only average speed (this, again, at a lower level of competition, what does that mean as an NHL winger? This allegedly kept him off the US WJC gold medal team this past winter)
Questionable commitment to defense/work ethic

Honestly, very few guys make the jump successfully from junior—with zero pro experience— to the NHL, and even less with the questionmarks ADB has. Actually, if I had to bet, while ADB may have the higher longterm upside, Fortin may be a better bet to make the team this year. He certainly looked a lot more ready in camp last year.

Hawk fans, some not all, tend to get out over their skis over the "premier prospect(s)" year after year, but with the exception of last year, the team generally doesn't anymore. If I had to bet DeBrincat (and possibly guys like Hayden, Hinostroza and possibly even Forsling) end up in top half of the roster roles in Rockford this year—which is probably what's best for their development.

Anyway, I veered off topic a bit. Point is, DeBrincat is not a sure thing as far as an elite or near-elite NHL player, and I did hear his name included in a package offered last year for Duchene.

A scout I know mentioned yesterday on a Twitter thread, he sees DeBrincat eventually as a 25/25 guy in the NHL. Personally, I see his highest upside as a 60 point guy, but he would also need to overcome some things to get there.

So, untouchable? No, as is always the case, depends on the return.

Ah, and here, well, it was as if it was the end of life as we had known it in that one Cup win.
No way was the veteran minor pro goalie the hawks had been grooming for years, Corey Crawford, EVER going to replace the greatest Finnish goalie of all time, Niemi.

So many of you are still here, still screaming the sky is falling.
- wiz1901

Some wisdom here, for sure.

And I will wait to say the sky is falling until I see this team take the ice and the character and playing style (which will be intentionally different) of this new team emerge.

Bowman CLEARLY has a plan this year and it is not reactive. Will it work? Remains to be seen.

One last thought on Nemo, though. He had a couple of decent to very good years early on in SJ but never learned to control those fat rebounds he would give up nor did he lose those rough edges in his unorthodox style, but I guess it also goes to show (yet again), if you have a great defense/team in front of the netminder, you don't need a $6-7 million guy back there.

Further proof of that this past season (yet again) from another ex-Hawk netminder, Craig Anderson.

Some wisdom here, for sure.

And I will wait to say the sky is falling until I see this team take the ice and the character and playing style (which will be intentionally different) of this new team emerge.

Bowman CLEARLY has a plan this year and it is not reactive. Will it work? Remains to be seen.

One last thought on Nemo, though. He had a couple of decent to very good years early on in SJ but never learned to control those fat rebounds he would give up nor did he lose those rough edges in his unorthodox style, but I guess it also goes to show (yet again), if you have a great defense/team in front of the netminder, you don't need a $6-7 million guy back there.

Further proof of that this past season (yet again) from another ex-Hawk netminder, Craig Anderson.
- John Jaeckel

All that said, being realistic, the Hawks will likely lean heavily on Crawford this year, probably as heavily as ever, while Waite tries to hammer the rough edges off Forsberg's game.

if hUDLER COULD BE HAD AT A REAL LOW ONE YEAR CONTRACT....IS HE WORTH A LOOK. a NATURAL lw....anything LEFT IN HIS TANK, OR IS HE WASHED UP COMPLETELY???

(Ooops...Caps lock....my bad!)

So, untouchable? No, as is always the case, depends on the return.
- John Jaeckel

Well of course. I think anyone can be traded. But to move him for temporary cap space they'll just be getting anyway is NOT a practical return. The Hawks are in a bind for 3 months, then after that they are set. Learn from the Bickell thing, hold on, take one step back and then maybe you can take two steps forward. And I know Bickell wasn't a sure thing, no one knew his situation. But it does illuminate how things can really end up hurting you if you can't "find a way" to make it work. Hawks had to move Bickell I guess, because his contract was bag and he wasn't productive. They KNOW Hossa is LTIR and subsequently they get their cap space anyway.

Trading DeBrincat + for 2 months of cap space without a HIGH quality return (even if just a prospect) is a terrible move, if it were to happen, which I am not so sure it will.

Can we sign Jagr to a one-year, Sharp-esque deal so I can selfishly get a Jagr Hawks Jersey

I would not trade ADB for a 6th d-man. Now, for $4-5 million worth of cap space over the next 4 years? Dunno, maybe.

All these "scouting reports" on this kid are based on his play against 16-19 year olds, 95% of whom will never get a whiff of the NHL. So all these amazing things he's done so far are akin to the amazing things that Kyle Beach, Rob Schremp and many other never was's did at the same level of competition.

I would go by the guys paid to scout and coach at the OHL level, whose opinions on ADB are somewhat mixed.

POSITIVES:

Lethal shot and release
Shifty/good short area quickness
High motor (in the offensive zone)
Fearless and not contact averse (but this is at a lower and much less physical level of competition)

NEGATIVES:

Only average speed (this, again, at a lower level of competition, what does that mean as an NHL winger? This allegedly kept him off the US WJC gold medal team this past winter)
Questionable commitment to defense/work ethic

Honestly, very few guys make the jump successfully from junior—with zero pro experience— to the NHL, and even less with the questionmarks ADB has. Actually, if I had to bet, while ADB may have the higher longterm upside, Fortin may be a better bet to make the team this year. He certainly looked a lot more ready in camp last year.

Hawk fans, some not all, tend to get out over their skis over the "premier prospect(s)" year after year, but with the exception of last year, the team generally doesn't anymore. If I had to bet DeBrincat (and possibly guys like Hayden, Hinostroza and possibly even Forsling) end up in top half of the roster roles in Rockford this year—which is probably what's best for their development.

Anyway, I veered off topic a bit. Point is, DeBrincat is not a sure thing as far as an elite or near-elite NHL player, and I did hear his name included in a package offered last year for Duchene.

A scout I know mentioned yesterday on a Twitter thread, he sees DeBrincat eventually as a 25/25 guy in the NHL. Personally, I see his highest upside as a 60 point guy, but he would also need to overcome some things to get there.

So, untouchable? No, as is always the case, depends on the return.
- John Jaeckel

IMO - send him to Rockford first and let him force his way onto the Hawk's roster thru excellent play.

At this point nobody really knows what he can be as a pro - could be Rocco Grimaldi or he could be a slower but stronger version of Johnny Hockey.

He should not be in the Hawks plans for this season, after that ........

I would not trade ADB for a 6th d-man. Now, for $4-5 million worth of cap space over the next 4 years? Dunno, maybe.

All these "scouting reports" on this kid are based on his play against 16-19 year olds, 95% of whom will never get a whiff of the NHL. So all these amazing things he's done so far are akin to the amazing things that Kyle Beach, Rob Schremp and many other never was's did at the same level of competition.

I would go by the guys paid to scout and coach at the OHL level, whose opinions on ADB are somewhat mixed.

POSITIVES:

Lethal shot and release
Shifty/good short area quickness
High motor (in the offensive zone)
Fearless and not contact averse (but this is at a lower and much less physical level of competition)

NEGATIVES:

Only average speed (this, again, at a lower level of competition, what does that mean as an NHL winger? This allegedly kept him off the US WJC gold medal team this past winter)
Questionable commitment to defense/work ethic

Honestly, very few guys make the jump successfully from junior—with zero pro experience— to the NHL, and even less with the questionmarks ADB has. Actually, if I had to bet, while ADB may have the higher longterm upside, Fortin may be a better bet to make the team this year. He certainly looked a lot more ready in camp last year.

Hawk fans, some not all, tend to get out over their skis over the "premier prospect(s)" year after year, but with the exception of last year, the team generally doesn't anymore. If I had to bet DeBrincat (and possibly guys like Hayden, Hinostroza and possibly even Forsling) end up in top half of the roster roles in Rockford this year—which is probably what's best for their development.

Anyway, I veered off topic a bit. Point is, DeBrincat is not a sure thing as far as an elite or near-elite NHL player, and I did hear his name included in a package offered last year for Duchene.

A scout I know mentioned yesterday on a Twitter thread, he sees DeBrincat eventually as a 25/25 guy in the NHL. Personally, I see his highest upside as a 60 point guy, but he would also need to overcome some things to get there.

So, untouchable? No, as is always the case, depends on the return.
- John Jaeckel

Nice to read an NHL scout sees DeBrincat as a 50 point guy. As a point of reference there were roughly 390 forwards last year, say 13 per team, and 92 reached 50 points. Only 39 forwards reached 60 points. 60 points is very good company 50 points is good company.

If DeBrincat ends up a 50 point guy grabbing him as the 39th player taken, assuming he's adequate defensively, will have been a near steal. And remember Saad went 43rd overall and his high points is 53, although his game is valued at much more than his points total.

With the Hawks seemingly restructuring and making moves to get younger, bigger, faster if another team has DeBrincat, or any of their prospects, valued higher than the Hawks do you have to look to exploit or take advantage of that. Of course this is nothing new around the league.

Being greedy I'm always looking for a guy like Slavin who at 23 looks to be a solid top 3 at best top 4 almost assured who ain't gonna break the bank. If an NHL team is sniffing around my roster for a deal and they have a Slavin type and over value a prospect of mine I'm looking to exploit that.

PASS on TVR!

That ship has sailed. He's not what we need.

Let the young guys get some real quality playing time. Its time for Quennville to put on his big boy pants and do some coaching. Not just throwing old guys out there and expecting them to know what to do.
- Felon454

Go back and look at the roster and tell me how many players at the start of last season were on the Hawks for 1yr or less? How many had less than 100gm NHL experience?

Q wore his big boy pants and won the west with that inexperience AND a sub par year from Toews. The playoffs showed you what inexperience gets you

Ah, and here, well, it was as if it was the end of life as we had known it in that one Cup win.
No way was the veteran minor pro goalie the hawks had been grooming for years, Corey Crawford, EVER going to replace the greatest Finnish goalie of all time, Niemi.

So many of you are still here, still screaming the sky is falling.
- wiz1901

Not really, only idiot columnists like David Haugh --- who should stick to the pigskin and stay there --- lamented that decision. There were Nemo fans I am sure....

What many here jumped on SB about was: 1. No OS were in the offing for The Hammer. 2. Nemo was going to be re-signed.

Plus, we were only one summer removed from the QO fiasco of 2009. So there was some consternation regarding the FO. And, to boot starting 6/23/10, the cap-ocalypse officially began with the trade including big Buff to The PEG.

And take it for what its worth, CC was still an unproven commodity on 7/9/10, exactly one month after the first title in 49 seasons.

Anyone can look back now and say CC was going to be a damned good goalie. But would they have bet a few mortgage payments on it?

if hUDLER COULD BE HAD AT A REAL LOW ONE YEAR CONTRACT....IS HE WORTH A LOOK. a NATURAL lw....anything LEFT IN HIS TANK, OR IS HE WASHED UP COMPLETELY???

(Ooops...Caps lock....my bad!)
- hawk35

I would have said "yes" last year but not anymore on Hudler. I would take Iginla (1 yr/ $1M) over him now because he would bring some toughness and net front presence on the power play. I saw him in a fight while in an LA uniform last year and he can still throw them (unlike Tootoo).

I would have said "yes" last year but not anymore on Hudler. I would take Iginla (1 yr/ $1M) over him now because he would bring some toughness and net front presence on the power play. I saw him in a fight while in an LA uniform last year and he can still throw them (unlike Tootoo).
- 67hawks

It's 2017, we don't need someone to fight, we need someone who can skate fast.

if hUDLER COULD BE HAD AT A REAL LOW ONE YEAR CONTRACT....IS HE WORTH A LOOK. a NATURAL lw....anything LEFT IN HIS TANK, OR IS HE WASHED UP COMPLETELY???

(Ooops...Caps lock....my bad!)
- hawk35

You know what, this is a very interesting thought. Hudler at 33yrs old is only a couple years away from a career year where he put up 76 points with Calgary. And he signed with DAL last yr for only a one yr 2 mil deal.

I thought he was dealing with an illness last year and looking around indeed that was his problem, dated December 6th: https://sportsday.dallasn...uya-inching-closer-return

He did come back from that illness and then had a groin effectively ruining his season. If this guy is healthy and conceding he plays a softish game he does have the 3 zone responsible game with offense that can help in a top 6 role and can probably be had cheaply.

Good thought, 35.........

Did Iggy's legs go back in time to 2005? If so, yes. Otherwise, hard pass. Iggys legs are gone.
- EnzoD

COL was a disaster. He potted 6 in 19gms with LA and I think skated with Kopitar. I'm not saying give the guy a 3yr deal or anything, by a Sharp type of deal, I think he wouldn't be bad with Toews and Saad, allow them to move Panik down for depth scoring.

I think Iginla could get 15-20 with Toews and Saad while throwing his weight around and playing around the net/along the boards

IMO - send him to Rockford first and let him force his way onto the Hawk's roster thru excellent play.

At this point nobody really knows what he can be as a pro - could be Rocco Grimaldi or he could be a slower but stronger version of Johnny Hockey.

He should not be in the Hawks plans for this season, after that ........
- RickJ

Rick, let me put you on the spot. Do you think DeBrincat will be an NHL player? If so in what role?

Based on what I saw of him in that CHL Top Prospect Game and the reports from last year's Hawk camp if I had to bet a dollar today I'd say no. I think the kid has to be a top 6 guy to be of value and with his lack of +skating (not a bad skater mind you) and his size I'd say the odds of him making it are low. And I'd say the low odds are lower if he's rushed and not given 100+ AHL games to develop.

Funny you mention Grimaldi. Another I was wrong on but this kid was so much fun to watch play at the NTDP. I did think he could be another Johnny Hockey.

Surprised by all the TVR love. He was one of last year's whipping boys on this site for his lack of foot speed and physicality.
- BlackhawkDown

Let's move on to someone else other than TVR.

COL was a disaster. He potted 6 in 19gms with LA and I think skated with Kopitar. I'm not saying give the guy a 3yr deal or anything, by a Sharp type of deal, I think he wouldn't be bad with Toews and Saad, allow them to move Panik down for depth scoring.

I think Iginla could get 15-20 with Toews and Saad while throwing his weight around and playing around the net/along the boards
- PatShart

Pass on Iginla and pass on Jagr. Both are bound for the Hall of Fame but their day has past. Right now I would take both Kane (obviously) and Panik before those guys. I wouldn't want either of them to take Hartman's spot as 3RW either, we need him to continue to develop.

TVR > Rosi
- matt_ahrens

true, but Rosy will be on the team. We don't need either, but one is better than having both.

Agreed.......... and seriously............. some people actualy want TVR back here ????
Why ?? Please explain what he brings other that a 5th or 6th Dman......
He is slow and soft and that's not the change this team needs. What happenned to speed and toughness on the back end.......... TVR is NEITHER !!
- Hawkytalk

Well said...

Pass on Iginla and pass on Jagr. Both are bound for the Hall of Fame but their day has past. Right now I would take both Kane (obviously) and Panik before those guys. I wouldn't want either of them to take Hartman's spot as 3RW either, we need him to continue to develop.
- DarthKane

Hartman should be locked and loaded as L3-RW.

I am STILL banking on John Hayden to turn heads this year. Hayden didn't look out of place in his 12 games last year and if you extrapolate his hit totals over a full 82 games ONLY ONE man in the NHL would have had more hits. His point totals would equal around 30, all of that getting only about 11 minutes of ice time per game last year. More of a role, I can easily see him adding 15 points to that total. You may have a 45 point/ 300 hit guy on our hands. Nawt bad. He is also a very grounded, intelligent kid. If he doesn't make the team I'll be personally offended.

I would guess there's a chance (and a long shot at that) where the Hawks trade Hossa's contract and at some point before it's over his condition clears up enough for him to want to get back on the ice.

I don't know the details of it or if that's even a possible scenario but could something like that be playing into the Hawks decision as well? If this is truly a one year off wait and see they might not want to lose him if they think he can still contribute down the road before that contract ends. Just thinking out loud on this one.

It's 2017, we don't need someone to fight, we need someone who can skate fast.
- kwolf68

Totally disagree here. I don't remember the exact circumstances, but I believe Iginla was delivering payback for a dirty hit on a teammate. I saw too much sneering on opposing benches last year when that happened to one of our players and the opposition knew that they could do it willingly without consequences.

COL was a disaster. He potted 6 in 19gms with LA and I think skated with Kopitar. I'm not saying give the guy a 3yr deal or anything, by a Sharp type of deal, I think he wouldn't be bad with Toews and Saad, allow them to move Panik down for depth scoring.

I think Iginla could get 15-20 with Toews and Saad while throwing his weight around and playing around the net/along the boards
- PatShart

I disagree - his wheels are gone. he is getting to the point he needs Babe Ruth rules.