um because this a blog to talk about hockey in july.. just throwing it out there.

I like Anisimov, but i don't think he creates much on his own. To win a cup you need strength down the middle and on the back end. I think those are our biggest question marks. Look at Crosby/Malkin, thornton/Pavelski, Getzlaf/Kesler, McDavid/Draisital

Does Toews/Anisimov win any of those straight up? Might as well up grade 2nd line center going for Duchene
- ge1002

Trade alert implies there was a real trade, especially since it's the off season. You're just proposing a trade.

The 12 number is incorrect - Vegas has 10 players that would have to pass through waivers, so they'd need to move 2. These are the 10:

Englland RD
Garrison LD
Hunt LD
McNabb LD
Merrill LD
Miller RD
Reinhart LD
Sbisa LD
Schmidt (RFA) LD
Stoner LD

Both Bischoff LD and Theodore LD are waivers exempt so they can be moved to the AHL easy.
- L_B_R

Great info man.

Great info man.
- breadbag

Lady

Lady
- L_B_R

I'm going to start tallying how many times you have to correct this. I think you're at 4 in the last 2 weeks.

Lady
- L_B_R

I stand corrected!

It is deep and improved overall on the left side.

BUT . . . secondary/PK/d-zone face-offs are going to be an issue all season I think if they don't find someone or someone doesn't seriously step up over their historical numbers.
- John Jaeckel

Faceoffs are a question mark but the good news is Kruger was only about 49% at the dot last year, and was shielded often it appeared. Bad news is Wingles is well below 45% but that could change, or someon else could improve. Shaw batted about 54% last year, so players can improve. Also looking at the sheer number of draws taken Toews takes a lot but not as many as some, so his workload in that regard could go up.

@CanadiensMTL
"I've made my decision to move back to Russia and play in the KHL." - Andrei Markov

The 12 number is incorrect - Vegas has 10 players that would have to pass through waivers, so they'd need to move 2. These are the 10:

Englland RD
Garrison LD
Hunt LD
McNabb LD
Merrill LD
Miller RD
Reinhart LD
Sbisa LD
Schmidt (RFA) LD
Stoner LD

Both Bischoff LD and Theodore LD are waivers exempt so they can be moved to the AHL easy.
- L_B_R

The point was that Vegas has a surplus of NHL Dmen that are a significant upgrade over Rosival and probably Forsling/Rutta, as well. I'd hope Bowman has plans to upgrade defensive depth through a trade with Vegas. Even if Forsling and Rutta are NHL ready this year (HUGE question mark). If any of the Dmen get injured, Hawks are royally Franked. Every guy on this list with the exception of Reinhart can be a 3rd pair guy in the NHL this year.

The point was that Vegas has a surplus of NHL Dmen that are a significant upgrade over Rosival and probably Forsling/Rutta, as well. I'd hope Bowman has plans to upgrade defensive depth through a trade with Vegas. Even if Forsling and Rutta are NHL ready this year (HUGE question mark). If any of the Dmen get injured, Hawks are royally Franked. Every guy on this list with the exception of Reinhart can be a 3rd pair guy in the NHL this year.
- EnzoD

Didn't disagree they had a surplus - just that it wasn't 4/5 guys as suggested. Just the 2.

I also don't see that list as all that good. The rental only options of Garrison, Sbisa, and Stoner are terrible + too expensive and not worth any assets to get them. Miller (love) and Engelland (wouldn't want him either) aren't going anywhere because they're the only RD Vegas has. Theodore and Reinhart are likely in Vegas' plans for the future due to their age. Who knows what Schmidt is asking for his next contract since he's currently RFA.

So that leaves Merrill or McNabb, both of whom would be great pick ups imo especially Merrill because he's cheaper and RFA for another year. However, wrinkle is that the Hawks don't have much room to maneuver anymore this off-season unless a salaried player is moved.

Good blog JJ. As I see it, this team is not better than it was when last season ended, only different.
- Bjm84

I would concur as far as comparing the team on paper.

Now I wonder what you say about the remainder of my response:

The effectiveness of Samuelson coaching is probably going to be noticed in less stick checking, more body contact and better accountability. Should one or two prospects on defense emerge as regulars on the bottom pair - on any pair - then we may see an improved team. Better formation and strategy on the pp appears likely. But depth due to injury could become a concern. I believe the Blackhawks will be facing better quality opponents league wide, not just within their Conference. Dallas is much improved and the Wild may yet turn the corner.

So despite Blackhawks appear to be capable of better results, this has to be playoffs as a repeat of as many points is a very tall order. One other concern: face offs. I would bet something is done about this if we are dreadful at the dot the first quarter of the season

Didn't disagree they had a surplus - just that it wasn't 4/5 guys as suggested. Just the 2.

I also don't see that list as all that good. The rental only options of Garrison, Sbisa, and Stoner are terrible + too expensive and not worth any assets to get them. Miller (love) and Engelland (wouldn't want him either) aren't going anywhere because they're the only RD Vegas has. Theodore and Reinhart are likely in Vegas' plans for the future due to their age. Who knows what Schmidt is asking for his next contract since he's currently RFA.

So that leaves Merrill or McNabb, both of whom would be great pick ups imo especially Merrill because he's cheaper and RFA for another year. However, wrinkle is that the Hawks don't have much room to maneuver anymore this off-season unless a salaried player is moved.
- L_B_R

Maybe Bowman could manage to move AA(or AA + picks/prospects) in the process (to buddy with Shipachyov) and get a forward (or two) and a D man with salary retained. I won't try to guess the parts that would be included in a deal, because it kind of depends on which prospect Bowman is willing to part with, but maybe a deal is possible there.

I would concur as far as comparing the team on paper.

Now I wonder what you say about the remainder of my response:

The effectiveness of Samuelson coaching is probably going to be noticed in less stick checking, more body contact and better accountability. Should one or two prospects on defense emerge as regulars on the bottom pair - on any pair - then we may see an improved team. Better formation and strategy on the pp appears likely. But depth due to injury could become a concern. I believe the Blackhawks will be facing better quality opponents league wide, not just within their Conference. Dallas is much improved and the Wild may yet turn the corner.

So despite Blackhawks appear to be capable of better results, this has to be playoffs as a repeat of as many points is a very tall order. One other concern: face offs. I would bet something is done about this if we are dreadful at the dot the first quarter of the season
- jhawk59

I would agree with you. I think last year, on paper the Hawks progressed as the season went on and they won the west. Nobody (not even Nashville fans) thought the Hawks would fold so quickly without even scoring a goal at home. It was a shock to almost everyone.

The Hawks retool will bring some changes, but I still worry about what will happen if Crawford goes down with any extended injury.

Didn't disagree they had a surplus - just that it wasn't 4/5 guys as suggested. Just the 2.

I also don't see that list as all that good. The rental only options of Garrison, Sbisa, and Stoner are terrible + too expensive and not worth any assets to get them. Miller (love) and Engelland (wouldn't want him either) aren't going anywhere because they're the only RD Vegas has. Theodore and Reinhart are likely in Vegas' plans for the future due to their age. Who knows what Schmidt is asking for his next contract since he's currently RFA.

So that leaves Merrill or McNabb, both of whom would be great pick ups imo especially Merrill because he's cheaper and RFA for another year. However, wrinkle is that the Hawks don't have much room to maneuver anymore this off-season unless a salaried player is moved.
- L_B_R

Garrison, Sbisa, and Stoner are still definitely better players than Michal Rosival and until proven otherwise, Forsling and Rutta too.

Garrison, Sbisa, and Stoner are still definitely better players than Michal Rosival and until proven otherwise, Forsling and Rutta too.
- EnzoD

Sbisa and even Stoner are actually on par or worse than Rozi, especially if Rozi is only playing 30ish games. Sbisa is categorically worse an all accounts.

Garrison, Sbisa, and Stoner are still definitely better players than Michal Rosival and until proven otherwise, Forsling and Rutta too.
- EnzoD

So going with what you say as a game plan, the biggest challenge or issue for a dman #5 - #7 slot has to be how mistake free and reliable is he? BECAUSE the other value ascribed is of much less value or importance given his TOI.

Probably then Stoner. But of course check how his $!$ fits into the salary cap budget. At the same time, the life blood of an organization is their strong, solid draft record.

In Chicago we have a new assistant coach who might be greater at shaping, honing, producing young men than what coaches could produce or impact elsewhere. I can live with a Stoner but I can live with each of the kids Chicago brought over recently, starting with Kempny

Sbisa and even Stoner are actually on par or worse than Rozi, especially if Rozi is only playing 30ish games. Sbisa is categorically worse an all accounts.
- JRoenick97

Stoner that bad, eh.

Didn't disagree they had a surplus - just that it wasn't 4/5 guys as suggested. Just the 2.

I also don't see that list as all that good. The rental only options of Garrison, Sbisa, and Stoner are terrible + too expensive and not worth any assets to get them. Miller (love) and Engelland (wouldn't want him either) aren't going anywhere because they're the only RD Vegas has. Theodore and Reinhart are likely in Vegas' plans for the future due to their age. Who knows what Schmidt is asking for his next contract since he's currently RFA.

So that leaves Merrill or McNabb, both of whom would be great pick ups imo especially Merrill because he's cheaper and RFA for another year. However, wrinkle is that the Hawks don't have much room to maneuver anymore this off-season unless a salaried player is moved.
- L_B_R

Which may be why the hawks and Vegas agreed to future considerations, and one of those defenseman will be coming the Hawks way once Hossa is LTIR'd.

Stoner that bad, eh.
- jhawk59

He's okay as shot suppression and smashing dudes, but is slow. Rozi is equal or better in almost every category.

I have a question and seriously, really, I do not know why Queeneville, a former NHL defenseman, could not coach the demen as Samuelson has been hired to do. Personally very excited that Samuelson can bring about better results in defending.

I have a question and seriously, really, I do not know why Queeneville, a former NHL defenseman, could not coach the demen as Samuelson has been hired to do. Personally very excited that Samuelson can bring about better results in defending.
- jhawk59

Q wasn't coaching them. It was Kitchen.

Sbisa and even Stoner are actually on par or worse than Rozi, especially if Rozi is only playing 30ish games. Sbisa is categorically worse an all accounts.
- JRoenick97

Based on what? Advanced stats? Eye test showed me that Rosival cannot skate in the NHL anymore. Those 3 guys are barely #6 NHL dmen, but Rosival simply does not belong in the NHL. I cannot think of a reason they keep signing him beyond mentorship for young Czechs Kempny and Rutta. All 3 of those guys would be the 6/7 dmen, ideally.

Butcher rumoured to be signing with Chicago, further proof he'll sign with the Rangers.

BREAKING: #Sens emerge as valiant runners-up behind #Blackhawks to sign Will Butcher: https://t.co/SAHWhcyvN6 #CawlidgeHawkey #bridesmaids pic.twitter.com/Huox7Fm9FQ

— The Elbow (@ElbowNews) July 26, 2017

- DarthKane

Not saying he is a lock to make the NHL whether with the Hawks, Senators, Wild, or whoever else, but Butcher's style of play and his physical stature reminds me of Krug in Boston. Not a bad comparable as far as potential.

Maybe Bowman could manage to move AA(or AA + picks/prospects) in the process (to buddy with Shipachyov) and get a forward (or two) and a D man with salary retained. I won't try to guess the parts that would be included in a deal, because it kind of depends on which prospect Bowman is willing to part with, but maybe a deal is possible there.
- breadbag

I'll think about it

Based on what? Advanced stats? Eye test showed me that Rosival cannot skate in the NHL anymore. Those 3 guys are barely #6 NHL dmen, but Rosival simply does not belong in the NHL. I cannot think of a reason they keep signing him beyond mentorship for young Czechs Kempny and Rutta. All 3 of those guys would be the 6/7 dmen, ideally.
- EnzoD

I don't disagree those guys are improvements on Rozsival, but that's setting the bar on the ground - anyone can walk over it. I just wouldn't give anything up for those 3. Beyond stats, they just typically look bad - Stoner and Sbisa are often in highlights, but on the receiving end of players just walking past them. Stoner is also pretty stupid with his hitting.

If the Hawks want a cheap vet d option that is replacement level, there are still UFAs that fit that bill (Franson, Liles, Kindl, Z. Michalek). The 3 mentioned above are also all over $3m in cap hit - they're not worth the space even if salary was retained.

I don't disagree those guys are improvements on Rozsival, but that's setting the bar on the ground - anyone can walk over it. I just wouldn't give anything up for those 3. Beyond stats, they just typically look bad - Stoner and Sbisa are often in highlights, but on the receiving end of players just walking past them. Stoner is also pretty stupid with his hitting.

If the Hawks want a cheap vet d option that is replacement level, there are still UFAs that fit that bill (Franson, Liles, Kindl, Z. Michalek). The 3 mentioned above are also all over $3m in cap hit - they're not worth the space even if salary was retained.
- L_B_R

Agree completely. I just cannot fathom a scenario in which Bowman sticks with the current Defensive Depth Chart. I'd take nearly anyone over Rosival at this stage in his career. Another poster mentioned the "future considerations" from the Kruger trade as one of the extra Dmen. Hopefully Rutta is a pleasant surprise. I think Forsling will be the 3LD to start the season.