I think a bottom 5 finish is realistic for the Canucks, another top 5 draft pick would certainly help with the rebuild. I always feel that the Canucks haven't turned the corner in the rebuild until the Sedins are gone.

It's really hard to say who could make the team, there aren't too many spots open and the Hawks don't have any top 10 picks ready to make the jump.

At forward Fortin could make the jump, he impressed at camp last season before going back to the Q. Although Hayden finished the season wit the Hawks he'll still need to earn a spot on the team next season. I would expect him to start in Rockford. There's lots of hype around Debrincat, but I don't expect him to be in starting roster. Dauphin could surprise and make the bottom 6 too.

On defense there is Rutta and Oesterle, but both would be depth options at best.

Edit: I am interested in seeing the battle to back-up Crawford. I think Forsberg will get a shot, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Berube win the job either.
- DarthKane

Debricant is super interesting. I think he could pot you 10-15 goals as a 4th liner, similar to what Bo did his first year

the Preds are getting hit with injury bug - will be interesting to see the impact....

What would it take to land Duchene now?
- Hossa contract
- Forsling
- Schmaltz or Hartman
- one other prospect not named Debrincat
- 2018 1st and 3rd round picks
- 2019 1st and 2nd round picks

What would it take to land Duchene now?
- Hossa contract
- Forsling
- Schmaltz or Hartman
- one other prospect not named Debrincat
- 2018 1st and 3rd round picks
- 2019 1st and 2nd round picks
- -Doh-

you guys don't need him.

Hey John...

I would like to see Keith/Seabrook, Kempny/Rutta, and Franson and Murphy as the pairings. None of the Rockford guys have what it takes, nor will they any time soon. This is a much nastier and much bigger D corps that can lay hits and win some board battles.

You bring up guys like Forsling and Gustafsson every now and then to see if they are progressing, and yes, Rozy plays here and there to offer respite to guys who need a rest.

If Franson passes muster in his PTO, look for his deal to be an affordable one, allowing the bulk of the Hossa money to go toward some forward who may not yet have a home.

I am still dreaming, but maybe this acquisition of D men could translate to some kind of workable deal for Duchene involving moving some D depth and/or prospects getting Duchene with some salary held back. And there is still the unfinished business with Vegas which could also yield a Dman...

Sadly, we wont know much until day one of the regular season.

Who is the "shakier" skater: Franson or Trevor van Riemsdyk?

What would it take to land Duchene now?
- Hossa contract
- Forsling
- Schmaltz or Hartman
- one other prospect not named Debrincat
- 2018 1st and 3rd round picks
- 2019 1st and 2nd round picks
- -Doh-

I think you do what it takes as there will be a strike looming which will change the CBA. Go for the win now. Forsling, Schmaltz, and yes, Debrincat should all be in play. Duchene in the top six would be a huge addition that would create depth that does not exist now.

Sharp down on the third line with guys like Wingels and Hartman adds a lot of line rolling potential.

Like I said in my above post, I may be dreaming, but Duchene checks a lot of boxes - not the least of which is the ability to win faceoffs.

Debricant is super interesting. I think he could pot you 10-15 goals as a 4th liner, similar to what Bo did his first year
- Codes1087

Debrincat will be a top 6 forward, either in Chicago or (more likely) Rockford.

Who is the "shakier" skater: Franson or Trevor van Riemsdyk?
- 17SEC

I'd say they are pretty equal, maybe TVR having the edge in speed.

The whole Franson PTO thing... I'm sure the Hawks won't sign him if he can't contribute. Franson is still an 15 minute per night dman at the NHL level. I think he can play a physical style if that is the coaches direction (nearly 300 hits a few years ago with Toronto). The bottom line will come down to what kind of money Franson wants and how he shows at camp. Nothing to lose on the PTO.

The guy is an NHL dman and that is why he is getting contract offers. More depth is always a bonus, if the money is right.

Debrincat will be a top 6 forward, either in Chicago or (more likely) Rockford.
- DarthKane

Agreed. Likely Rockford. That said, I am really rooting for Fortin to make the team. I think he can provide a lot. I recall him playing a preseason game on line with AA and Kane and actually doing pretty well. I would prefer him in that 2LW spot and move Sharpie down to 3LW with Schmaltz and Hartman.

But that is just me spitballing.

I think you do what it takes as there will be a strike looming which will change the CBA. Go for the win now. Forsling, Schmaltz, and yes, Debrincat should all be in play. Duchene in the top six would be a huge addition that would create depth that does not exist now.

Sharp down on the third line with guys like Wingels and Hartman adds a lot of line rolling potential.

Like I said in my above post, I may be dreaming, but Duchene checks a lot of boxes - not the least of which is the ability to win faceoffs.
- Return of the Roar

He'd be a real nice add. Play him with Kane and AA, he can take the face offs and AA can still provide that solid net front presence.

I agree in principle, if you can add a guy who upgrades the team enough to be a cup contender, you do it. The jury is still out on if Duchene would be enough with uncertainty around the D and bottom six face offs but Stan could hopefully improve those later if need be.

I've been hoping this move happened. Hopefully Franson shows well in preseason and can fill that bottom pairing. I'm guessing he will take bottom pairing money and leave the Hawks with some cash to get a PK/FO guy.

Hey John...


- BURDA13

Debrincat will be a top 6 forward, either in Chicago or (more likely) Rockford.
- DarthKane

^^^^^

you guys don't need him.
- Codes1087

not at that price for sure.

Who is the "shakier" skater: Franson or Trevor van Riemsdyk?
- 17SEC

Franson. Not even close.

This was in response to Darth Kane

I agree with your assessment.............but I have more to chew on. I expect you will find my thoughts make sense so I would be surprised if you disagree.

The Franson sign is just a beginning to how the defense could roll out by mid season. Franson is the first veteran and is necessary as an option. You cannot trust each of the kids immediately stands out and become rookie of the year nominations. Q will play the rookies but the rub is they have to show promise, show improvement and not a lot of mistakes. They probably have a longer leash with Q this year...out of necessity. So Franson is the temporary SOS.

Most likely one kid will come along nicely. I say that is Kempny. I know you like Forsling, but I suspect he is still a bit raw, too green. Ruuta is athletic and has more years of pro experience in Europe, so after an adjustment period in Rockford he might be a surprise. The key is how much better Samuelson can get not just them, but the whole blueline group to be much better. Less stick checking, some meanness, different coverage approach or whatever he preaches....i think it will be a revelation.

Once Hossa money is available it is just a matter of right time, right player. Maybe a trade. But I suspect that Bowman wants to see the kids on defense for a while both here and Rockford. Because of this, perhaps Gus sneaks in. If Pokke has a genuine opportunity and impresses, he is a long shot. I bet Stan secretly wants the newest kids on defense to be the long term answer.

I am curious just what the ceiling is for the Czech forward. And, no matter what exploits forthcoming from DeBrincat, everything points to a preparation period in Rockford. If he is not ready to skate on top lines, no sense he is here.

Agreed. Likely Rockford. That said, I am really rooting for Fortin to make the team. I think he can provide a lot. I recall him playing a preseason game on line with AA and Kane and actually doing pretty well. I would prefer him in that 2LW spot and move Sharpie down to 3LW with Schmaltz and Hartman.

But that is just me spitballing.
- onehundredlevel

Three of the prospects I will be watching closely are Fortin, Hayden (regular training camp) and Raddysh.

If any prospects are going to make the team this year Fortin and Hayden would stand a better chance than most. Raddysh will be looking to secure an ELC and I hope he gets one.

Kampf could be an interesting situation too, can he emerge as a legit bottom 6 option?

Three of the prospects I will be watching closely are Fortin, Hayden (regular training camp) and Raddysh.

If any prospects are going to make the team this year Fortin and Hayden would stand a better chance than most. Raddysh will be looking to secure an ELC and I hope he gets one.

Kampf could be an interesting situation too, can he emerge as a legit bottom 6 option?
- DarthKane

If Raddysh continues to blossom like he did last year, he could be a steal on his AHL contract.

What would it take to land Duchene now?
- Hossa contract
- Forsling
- Schmaltz or Hartman
- one other prospect not named Debrincat
- 2018 1st and 3rd round picks
- 2019 1st and 2nd round picks
- -Doh-

god no, no one is touching Hossa recapture penalty contract no matter how many draft picks you toss in to sweeten the pot *also no one is tossing 2 1sts out, in almost any trade now, lets be serious*

not at that price for sure.
- TTtime

You have to look at this as two transactions.
1) What would you pay to get Duchene.
2) What you pay to get rid of Hossa's contract (for good).
That is why the price is so high.

Agreed. Likely Rockford. That said, I am really rooting for Fortin to make the team. I think he can provide a lot. I recall him playing a preseason game on line with AA and Kane and actually doing pretty well. I would prefer him in that 2LW spot and move Sharpie down to 3LW with Schmaltz and Hartman.

But that is just me spitballing.
- onehundredlevel

Good spitball......... totally agree........especially if he has a preseason like he had last year.... lots of potential there.

god no, no one is touching Hossa recapture penalty contract no matter how many draft picks you toss in to sweeten the pot *also no one is tossing 2 1sts out, in almost any trade now, lets be serious*
- DDM-Coga

Except if it was possible the White Sox. Lol