Wasn't Debrincat injured at Worlds when he was on the team? I wouldn't read that much into those selections anyway considering how USA Hockey has been run the last several years. Those are the same brain trusts that left off guys that picked Abdelkader over Kessel.

And though I do get being more excited about other prospects (I am too tbh, Fortin is my darkhorse pick to make the Hawks this year), but it is odd to say Debincat hasn't done anything except in the OHL (not QMJHL btw) but then praise Sikura who also hasn't done anything except against NCAA guys. Neither of them have shown what they can do in the NHL yet. Sikura is also two years older than Debrincat, so he's a bit farther along in his development and physical maturity, so it's not that surprising that he would make a bigger splash at camp (and let's be real that Sikura wasn't even on most people's radar before this past year). Sikura looks more ready to me as well and I understand being skeptical of Debrincat currently, but let's not dismiss Debrincat so easily - he did hold his own on a line with a player like McDavid, which is nothing to scoff at. Plus, just imagine if both guys work out - how amazing would that be?

I agree with your points on the other kids. Fortin is the forward prospect I'm excited to see most this next season or two just because I always like the players that it's easy to see their drive and determination. Forsling is another that, while young, obviously had both the skills and IQ to play NHL hockey, so now he just needs to develop / get the right experience. I go back and forth on whether it'd be ideal for Forsling to play some more in the AHL with their new coach who spent year in Sweden - that seems custom made for guys like Forsling - or if only NHL time will allow him to progress. You mention Carlsson being like Hjammer, well I think Forsling is in the mold of Keith and Murphy could be similar to Seabrook, so the future for the defense could be very bright if they all develop properly. Who knows what the future really holds but it seems like the cupboard is a bit more stocked than in the past with some guys with some potential, even if it may not be realized for a few years.
- L_B_R

I've heard two different stories as to why DeBrincat was left off the US WJC team: one was that it was politics, he's not a USNTDP kid and that played against him.

The other was that the coaches wanted to build the team on elite speed (which he doesn't have) and they also didn't particularly like his attitude either.

Which is true? Are all partially true? Dunno.

I've heard two different stories as to why DeBrincat was left off the US WJC team: one was that it was politics, he's not a USNTDP kid and that played against him.

The other was that the coaches wanted to build the team on elite speed (which he doesn't have) and they also didn't particularly like his attitude either.

Which is true? Are all partially true? Dunno.
- John Jaeckel

I don't have the sources you do, but what I heard was he was injured the first time around and got a suspension for a dumb penalty he took. the second time around they cut him partially due to his penalty from the previous year.

A scenario:

Some things the Hawks are counting on this year don't work out, the team misses the playoffs, the rebuild is on.

Bowman shops Keith (who is still healthy) in the offseason, and there are substantial offers from 2-3 Cup contenders. Like: a solid young player, a prospect, 2-3 draft picks.

It could happen. Not likely at this point, but not at all out of the realm of possibility due to his resume' and cap hit.
- John Jaeckel

Agreed. I said in an earlier post that trading Keith would signal that the rebuild is on. Anything is possible, but I don't think it's probable that Keith is traded anytime soon.

Agreed. I said in an earlier post that trading Keith would signal that the rebuild is on. Anything is possible, but I don't think it's probable that Keith is traded anytime soon.
- DarthKane

Ya, fully agreed.

Ya, fully agreed.
- John Jaeckel

Plus....after a long internal debate I just purchased a Keith jersey over a Saad jersey and it would suck to see him traded.

Slow down there, Jerry. LOL.

Dylan Sikura is an intriguing prospect but not much more at this point. What I have seen of him is him taking advantage of open seams in college games or against other prospects—he has some creativity and vision at that level—that would never be there in the NHL—except maybe a March game against Vancouver or Arizona.
- John Jaeckel

IF he chooses the hawks, now that he gets to do that, he will want a year burned off the entry level deal and bonuses (because Kerfoot & Butcher are setting the stage for more of the same across the league).

And there is a really large decision to be made if he stays: Is he an NHL centre or a wing? In my own mind I think he has promise as a centre. There is something there.

Slow down there, Jerry. LOL.

Sikura is an intriguing prospect but not much more at this point. What I have seen of him is him taking advantage of open seams in college games or against other prospects—he has some creativity and vision at that level—that would never be there in the NHL—except maybe a March game against Vancouver or Arizona.

The hands and quickness of a Gaudreau don't exactly jump out when you watch him. Or 99% of prospects out there.

Fortin is higher on the list to me because he has shown plus speed and the ability to make plays against and with pros. But he could have also been a "One Camp Wonder." Gotta see how he does this year.
- John Jaeckel

Sikura seems to be a decent prospect and by all accounts he appears to be going the Hayden route and will sign with the Hawks at the end of the season and burn a year of his 2 year ELC. While Sikura seems to be a promising prospect most of us thought the same of John Hayden a year ago. Hayden still may consistently contribute at the NHL level but there is no guarantee and he's probably not going to start the season with the Hawks this year.

Agreed. I said in an earlier post that trading Keith would signal that the rebuild is on. Anything is possible, but I don't think it's probable that Keith is traded anytime soon.
- DarthKane

I agree, but also gotta wonder what the Hawks are planning in terms of the next 1D on the team. With Keith having probably 2-3 more years as a top pair left in him, the ideal time to start grooming the future of the first pair is now.

We all saw the Hawks take a lot of D in the draft, but anyone in the system have that much upside? Henri Jokiharju? I know the hype machine was going on about Ian Mitchell modelling his game after Keith, but it could be a long rebuild if they don't have the next guy in the system already.

Plus....after a long internal debate I just purchased a Keith jersey over a Saad jersey and it would suck to see him traded.


- DarthKane

Keith will be a timeless Hawks jersey though.

I agree, but also gotta wonder what the Hawks are planning in terms of the next 1D on the team. With Keith having probably 2-3 more years as a top pair left in him, the ideal time to start grooming the future of the first pair is now.

We all saw the Hawks take a lot of D in the draft, but anyone in the system have that much upside? Henri Jokiharju? I know the hype machine was going on about Ian Mitchell modelling his game after Keith, but it could be a long rebuild if they don't have the next guy in the system already.
- breadbag

I think Keith will be one of those rare players that is still very effective late in his career.

Keith will be a timeless Hawks jersey though.
- JRoenick97

That ended up being the tie-breaking reason for me.

I have big out of the blue guess:

...the the hawks will try to re-acquire their second rounder in the 2018 draft, not because they want to make some bold RFA poach and need all their own picks to make it happen (per the RFA signing rules), but more because their buddy Habs GM Marc Bergevin is really short at this point of depth at defenders...the Hawks can't necessarily help their Centre debacle, but Bergevin is in a perilous position of one of the six goes down. I see one of the Rockford defenders as nice emergency fill especially if one of them is tired of waiting in the Hawk logjam.

I am not saying Bergie is guilty for stealing the pick and Danault for the two vets, Tomas Fleischmann and Dale Weise,who pooped the bed in the playoff with the hawks, just that, I think of any GM, he would be one of the easier to lead to a mutually beneficial deal.

Second rounders facilitate in value depending upon the draft class, organization depth and need, and lately are becoming a little harder to acquire, with 3rd rounders as the common starting point.

I have big out of the blue guess:

...the the hawks will try to re-acquire their second rounder in the 2018 draft, not because they want to make some bold RFA poach and need all their own picks to make it happen (per the RFA signing rules), but more because their buddy Habs GM Marc Bergevin is really short at this point of depth at defenders...the Hawks can't necessarily help their Centre debacle, but Bergevin is in a perilous position of one of the six goes down. I see one of the Rockford defenders as nice emergency fill especially if one of them is tired of waiting in the Hawk logjam.

I am not saying Bergie is guilty for stealing the pick and Danault for the two vets, Tomas Fleischmann and Dale Weise,who pooped the bed in the playoff with the hawks, just that, I think of any GM, he would be one of the easier to lead to a mutually beneficial deal.

Second rounders facilitate in value depending upon the draft class, organization depth and need, and lately are becoming a little harder to acquire, with 3rd rounders as the common starting point.
- wiz1901

Which defender would Stan give up to get back the Hawks second rounder?

Plus....after a long internal debate I just purchased a Keith jersey over a Saad jersey and it would suck to see him traded.


- DarthKane

So we will blame you if Keith is traded.

I think this is a BIG unmet need going into the season.

Personally I think the idea of Bowman getting an established "top 4 defenseman" to occupy Hossa's cap space is a pipe dream. At least not before the TDL, when it could be too late. And no team is going to just GIVE the Hawks that kind of guy in the midst of the season.

I think Bowman will actually (more easily) grab a DEPTH defenseman who can play either side, like a Jon Merrill or a TVR— AND potentially a lower line/PK guy who can do better than 50% in the dot.

And what if, hmmm, Carolina were to send TVR and Marcus Kruger (with some salary retained) back to Chicago?

You never know. While most Hawk fans had no issue with Kruger going elsewhere and he was "overpaid" (ok), but he filled an important, low glamour role that is now unfilled. And not any schmo on the waiver wire can do. And what's the one way you could potentially reduce Kruger's salary—reacquire him with salary retained form a team that's below the cap. Not saying it will happen, but it could.

There is no feasible secondary faceoff option for the Hawks right now, especially on the PK. The ONLY guy who can potentially step up into that role (feasibly) is Dauphin or possibly Kero but I'm not buying Kero based on a limited sample size in the playoffs last year.
- John Jaeckel

I'm guessing that getting their heads handed to them in the dot by Nashville wasn't something that fell high on the list of "fix its". Re acquiring Krueger for the 3rd line would be an excellent move, but it looks like Carolina might be interested in competing this year, so that move might not be there. A big body that can win faceoffs and stand infront of the net would be a nice addition.

I think Keith will be one of those rare players that is still very effective late in his career.
- DarthKane

Oh, not saying he can't be effective, but how much longer is he a legit 1D on a contending team? Is he going to be the engine that drives the team until he is 40? Probably not.

Which defender would Stan give up to get back the Hawks second rounder?
- DarthKane

Can you see Gustafson available as Snuggerud gets better in playing defense? Can you imagine Svedberg a facsimile of Emelim? Perish the thought, Bergy, as your stomach churns and you yell at your wife, tell the boss I am not home! I mean, whom else is there to consider? For a #2 NOT. Maybe Bergy gambles on Rutta because I am missing the boat on the logic how to reclaim that #2.

BTW what would you say is Hayden's shortcoming? Consistency. Will play more minutes in the AHL.

So we will blame you if Keith is traded.
- powerenforcer

Ya...I'll take ownership of that, I seem to have bad luck like that.

Can you see Gustafson available as Snuggerud gets better in playing defense? Can you imagine Svedberg a facsimile of Emelim? Perish the thought, Bergy, as your stomach churns and you yell at your wife, tell the boss I am not home! I mean, whom else is there to consider? For a #2 NOT. Maybe Bergy gambles on Rutta because I am missing the boat on the logic how to reclaim that #2.

BTW what would you say is Hayden's shortcoming? Consistency. Will play more minutes in the AHL.
- jhawk59

I could totally see Gustafsson, Svedberg and Pokka all being available. However I don't think any one of them is worth a second round pick by themselves.

TvR cost Carolina a second round pick but they also got a 7th round pick in return (TvR + 7th for a 2nd). Any deal would have to be better than that as Gustafsson, Svedberg and Pokka are all not as good as TvR. The Hawks have Columbus' 5th in 2017. Pokka + 5th for 2nd?

Looks like we are entering PTO season.

Tanner Glass to the Calgary Flames on a PTO.

— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) August 29, 2017

I have big out of the blue guess:

...the the hawks will try to re-acquire their second rounder in the 2018 draft, not because they want to make some bold RFA poach and need all their own picks to make it happen (per the RFA signing rules), but more because their buddy Habs GM Marc Bergevin is really short at this point of depth at defenders...the Hawks can't necessarily help their Centre debacle, but Bergevin is in a perilous position of one of the six goes down. I see one of the Rockford defenders as nice emergency fill especially if one of them is tired of waiting in the Hawk logjam.

I am not saying Bergie is guilty for stealing the pick and Danault for the two vets, Tomas Fleischmann and Dale Weise,who pooped the bed in the playoff with the hawks, just that, I think of any GM, he would be one of the easier to lead to a mutually beneficial deal.

Second rounders facilitate in value depending upon the draft class, organization depth and need, and lately are becoming a little harder to acquire, with 3rd rounders as the common starting point.
- wiz1901

Interesting, and I agree, the ship has turned in terms of talent acquisition away from picks and prospects to guys with at least some NHL experience.

But that said, the Hawks, IMO are really thinking about this year primarily in terms of recapturing the media attention and positive juju that's been lost in the last 12-18 months—and that will likely mean packaging picks to go elsewhere in order to fortify this year's roster.

You can't go get a d-man and/or a center during the season because "hey, we have Hossa's cap hit to fill now." They'll have to give something up—and they don't have a whole lot of NHL quality they can afford to deal to acquire those backfills.

So I think the decision-making process that normally takes place in pro training camp broadens this year to not just who will make the team, but "who are we also comfortable parting ways with to acquire the missing pieces we need?"

I agree, but also gotta wonder what the Hawks are planning in terms of the next 1D on the team. With Keith having probably 2-3 more years as a top pair left in him, the ideal time to start grooming the future of the first pair is now.

We all saw the Hawks take a lot of D in the draft, but anyone in the system have that much upside? Henri Jokiharju? I know the hype machine was going on about Ian Mitchell modelling his game after Keith, but it could be a long rebuild if they don't have the next guy in the system already.
- breadbag

The "next" Duncan Keith is in all likelihood not in the organization at present.

That's why the organization has to consider—and fans will have to exhibit the patience necessary—to go the more drastic tear down and rebuild route. Yes, Keith was acquired at the end of the second round in his draft year but that was a one in a million lottery ticket.

Franchise level players are far more often found at the head of draft classes than unearthed later on.

The "soft landing" model (ie Detroit of the last handful of years) just slows your slide to mediocrity.

Looks like we are entering PTO season.

Tanner Glass to the Calgary Flames on a PTO.

— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) August 29, 2017

- DarthKane

Cowen PTO with the Avs.

I have big out of the blue guess:

...the the hawks will try to re-acquire their second rounder in the 2018 draft, not because they want to make some bold RFA poach and need all their own picks to make it happen (per the RFA signing rules), but more because their buddy Habs GM Marc Bergevin is really short at this point of depth at defenders...the Hawks can't necessarily help their Centre debacle, but Bergevin is in a perilous position of one of the six goes down. I see one of the Rockford defenders as nice emergency fill especially if one of them is tired of waiting in the Hawk logjam.

I am not saying Bergie is guilty for stealing the pick and Danault for the two vets, Tomas Fleischmann and Dale Weise,who pooped the bed in the playoff with the hawks, just that, I think of any GM, he would be one of the easier to lead to a mutually beneficial deal.

Second rounders facilitate in value depending upon the draft class, organization depth and need, and lately are becoming a little harder to acquire, with 3rd rounders as the common starting point.
- wiz1901

The only reason I would see them doing that was if they needed their own 2nd rounder to allow them to issue an offer sheet to a RFA (AA, Duclair, Bennett, Severson) which I think is very very unlikely to happen.

Interesting, and I agree, the ship has turned in terms of talent acquisition away from picks and prospects to guys with at least some NHL experience.

But that said, the Hawks, IMO are really thinking about this year primarily in terms of recapturing the media attention and positive juju that's been lost in the last 12-18 months—and that will likely mean packaging picks to go elsewhere in order to fortify this year's roster.

You can't go get a d-man and/or a center during the season because "hey, we have Hossa's cap hit to fill now." They'll have to give something up—and they don't have a whole lot of NHL quality they can afford to deal to acquire those backfills.

So I think the decision-making process that normally takes place in pro training camp broadens this year to not just who will make the team, but "who are we also comfortable parting ways with to acquire the missing pieces we need?"
- John Jaeckel

This makes a lot of sense. Winning Cups has been great marketing for the team, but now they need something else. An exciting young prospect or big trade acquisition would do the trick.

I don't see any of the current prospects stepping up this season in the top 6, but hopefully I am wrong.

The Murphy and Saad trades were great but they are about re-positioning and not necessarily about immediate improvement. Another trade would be required.

In the realm on next to impossible, the best move (on-ice and publicity wise) would be a miracle cure for Hossa.