Snuggerud is having a hell of a camp so far. He's putting himself in a solid position, he'll still need a season in Rockford, but he could be in the plans for 18/19.
- DarthKane

#ravishinglucsnug-a-rude

Definitely sounded like that - he was effusive about that DBC-Schmaltz-Kane line. On the other hand, he gave the damning "they looked OK" on the Toews line and on Saad in particular.

https://www.nhl.com/black...er/t-277437096/c-52699003
- pdx2ord

Still say there's next to no chance this is a thing for more than few games (at most) in the regular season

Hi all, been a minute.

I am excited to see Dauphin develop. Sounds like a decent bottom six forward in the makings.

Regarding Duchene, guy checks a lot of boxes. He takes a huge load off of Toews in the dot(this Hawks roster only has one option above 50%), has elite speed to stretch teams, and plays a good two way game. Finally, he's not an injury concern at that cap hit(AA misses lots of time)

I'm not sure the Blackhawks can afford what a acquiring Duchene does to their depth. However, I'm also not sure what not acquiring Duchene does if the Preds or another central team acquires him instead.

I think that's part of it, control what you can control, but sometimes you need to play keep away.

I am curious if a package like AA+Forsling+Hartman gets it done and then IF that makes the Hawks better.

Anyone know why Duchene's production fell so much last year?
- Bjm84

I am not beating the Duchene drum because it was my rumor originally.

I am beating the Duchene drum because, as you say, he checks a lot of boxes, the big ones being more elite speed with skill, and the faceoffs and 200 ft. game.

I still think ADB in the NHL this year probably loses you as many games as it wins you, as hard as it may be for some to see.

Point being, if a couple of top prospects is the price, you pay it.

The Hawks were easy to defend last year, and until proven otherwise, they still will be with Patrick Sharp on fumes and ADB who will not easily have his way with top 4 NHL dmen. Not right away anyway. Saad will help, but adding Duchene is such a nice qualiy depth chip and makes the top 6 that much better and more dangerous.

Still say there's next to no chance this is a thing for more than few games (at most) in the regular season
- John Jaeckel

I tend to agree, however Debrincat seem so to continue to prove people wrong and show that he belongs at whichever level he's playing at.

That being said, I still believe it's a long shot that Debrincat starts the season in Chicago. He will have to be significantly better than anyone else fighting for a job.

I am not beating the Duchene drum because it was my rumor originally.

I am beating the Duchene drum because, as you say, he checks a lot of boxes, the big ones being more elite speed with skill, and the faceoffs and 200 ft. game.

I still think ADB in the NHL this year probably loses you as many games as it wins you, as hard as it may be for some to see.

Point being, if a couple of top prospects is the price, you pay it.

The Hawks were easy to defend last year, and until proven otherwise, they still will be with Patrick Sharp on fumes and ADB who will not easily have his way with top 4 NHL dmen. Not right away anyway. Saad will help, but adding Duchene is such a nice qualiy depth chip and makes the top 6 that much better and more dangerous.
- John Jaeckel

I can still see Bowman making a move for another big name player. I don't think they have enough depth at forward currently or even more importantly on defense.
This seems like something the Hawks and the front office would do...create more buzz and he certainly checks a lot of boxes as you mention John.

The big concern is lack of cap space thereafter and who exactly are you giving up?
I would loathe to part with Hartman - kid played well last season and brings a physical presence the Hawks have lacked. Would AA be part of a deal? That certainly would give some breathing room cap wise... Of course when have the Hawks worried about cap space...

looking forward to seeing some of the kids Tuesday evening...thank goodness - after watching the Glennon debacle today I'm ready for hockey and how.

I can still see Bowman making a move for another big name player. I don't think they have enough depth at forward currently or even more importantly on defense.
This seems like something the Hawks and the front office would do...create more buzz and he certainly checks a lot of boxes as you mention John.

The big concern is lack of cap space thereafter and who exactly are you giving up?
I would loathe to part with Hartman - kid played well last season and brings a physical presence the Hawks have lacked. Would AA be part of a deal? That certainly would give some breathing room cap wise... Of course when have the Hawks worried about cap space...

looking forward to seeing some of the kids Tuesday evening...thank goodness - after watching the Glennon debacle today I'm ready for hockey and how.
- DK002

It will be interesting to see how Stan uses Hossa's cap hit once he goes on LTIR.

The Saad and Murphy deals make me think that Stan is trying to keep the window open as long as possible. Trading Schmaltz and Hartman doesn't follow that narrative. They are both young quality forwards who are cost controlled for 1-2 seasons at least (likely for one more contract).

If Schmaltz keeps the 2C spot I could see Anisimov going. Probably not this season or next, but in the off season before the 19/20 season for sure. At that point Schmaltz's contract is up please AA doesn't have a NMC/NT and a signing bonus of $2 million. Stan pays the bonus on July 1, 2019 then a budget team acquires Anisimov and pay $2 million and $3 million for 2 years while enjoying a cap hit of $4.55 million.

Franson is only 30 and has played on some bad teams. i would like to see him play with the Hawks before judging. As a PTO he still can sign with any team. So there is some competition for his services.
- -Doh-

Like I said, I don't mind a Franson signing as a 6/7. Franson is really slow and not great defensively, but his ability to move the puck up and his shot are assets. But I think he should only be signed for an amount that can be wiped clean off if he doesn't work out, not close to $2m as some have suggested. What if a $4-5m player, top 4 d-man or LW, becomes available for trade in-season ala E.Kane? They'd have to jump through hoops a bit more to make it work. So I'm fine with Franson signing, just at a price that doesn't put them in a risky place later.

Like I said, I don't mind a Franson signing as a 6/7. Franson is really slow and not great defensively, but his ability to move the puck up and his shot are assets. But I think he should only be signed for an amount that can be wiped clean off if he doesn't work out, not close to $2m as some have suggested. What if a $4-5m player, top 4 d-man or LW, becomes available for trade in-season ala E.Kane? They'd have to jump through hoops a bit more to make it work. So I'm fine with Franson signing, just at a price that doesn't put them in a risky place later.
- L_B_R

E Kane, or better yet JvR!

E Kane, or better yet JvR!
- DarthKane

JVR would obviously be better but I try not to hurt my soul by mentioning him in conjunction with the Hawks because it'll never ever happen

Like I said, I don't mind a Franson signing as a 6/7. Franson is really slow and not great defensively, but his ability to move the puck up and his shot are assets. But I think he should only be signed for an amount that can be wiped clean off if he doesn't work out, not close to $2m as some have suggested. What if a $4-5m player, top 4 d-man or LW, becomes available for trade in-season ala E.Kane? They'd have to jump through hoops a bit more to make it work. So I'm fine with Franson signing, just at a price that doesn't put them in a risky place later.
- L_B_R

I can't recall Franson's exact salary history but I don't think he has played for anywhere close to the $ you are talking about. And I also don't think he or his agent have $900K on a one year deal in their heads.

Isn't it something of a statement when teams who really need Dmen haven't offered him a contract - Colorado or Vancouver being 2 of them. And the reason is he hasn't proven to be very good anywhere he has played. Ya he's big and he can fire the puck, but there isn't much beyond that. I see him being released by the Hawks soon if a few of the young guys in camp look close to ready.

I am not beating the Duchene drum because it was my rumor originally.

I am beating the Duchene drum because, as you say, he checks a lot of boxes, the big ones being more elite speed with skill, and the faceoffs and 200 ft. game.

I still think ADB in the NHL this year probably loses you as many games as it wins you, as hard as it may be for some to see.

Point being, if a couple of top prospects is the price, you pay it.

The Hawks were easy to defend last year, and until proven otherwise, they still will be with Patrick Sharp on fumes and ADB who will not easily have his way with top 4 NHL dmen. Not right away anyway. Saad will help, but adding Duchene is such a nice qualiy depth chip and makes the top 6 that much better and more dangerous.
- John Jaeckel

Duchene and 200ft game? He has been on the ice for more goals, shots, etc against than he provides. And the adage that is on a crappy team only goes so far. He has played and does play with some pretty good players. At some point, its time to look at maybe he is a huge reason for those numbers.

The cost to acquire him, both for this season and next, will end up costing the Hawks more loses than wins. He is a guy who might be a nice complimentary player but he not shown any indication that he can be a crucial guy. IMO, the Hawks would be giving up assets for him to be exactly that.

Great, he wins FOs. That fact is not worth the assets he would cost. IMO.

I can't recall Franson's exact salary history but I don't think he has played for anywhere close to the $ you are talking about. And I also don't think he or his agent have $900K on a one year deal in their heads.

Isn't it something of a statement when teams who really need Dmen haven't offered him a contract - Colorado or Vancouver being 2 of them. And the reason is he hasn't proven to be very good anywhere he has played. Ya he's big and he can fire the puck, but there isn't much beyond that. I see him being released by the Hawks soon if a few of the young guys in camp look close to ready.
- RickJ

Franson has a history of over-valuing his worth. Its one of the reasons he has been hanging the last few off-seasons waiting to be signed.

The best case scenario is someone gets desperate and signs him before the Hawks do. He is too slow for today's game.

Well looks like the Golden Knights wound do great in the AHL, beat the vancouver subs 9-4. The vancouver A team is already on its way to China.

Well looks like the Golden Knights wound do great in the AHL, beat the vancouver subs 9-4. The vancouver A team is already on its way to China.
- bhawk1s

tbf, their A team isn't much better.

I am not beating the Duchene drum because it was my rumor originally.

I am beating the Duchene drum because, as you say, he checks a lot of boxes, the big ones being more elite speed with skill, and the faceoffs and 200 ft. game.

I still think ADB in the NHL this year probably loses you as many games as it wins you, as hard as it may be for some to see.

Point being, if a couple of top prospects is the price, you pay it.

The Hawks were easy to defend last year, and until proven otherwise, they still will be with Patrick Sharp on fumes and ADB who will not easily have his way with top 4 NHL dmen. Not right away anyway. Saad will help, but adding Duchene is such a nice qualiy depth chip and makes the top 6 that much better and more dangerous.
- John Jaeckel

But if I'm understanding correctly you haven't heard anything new on this recently right?

But if I'm understanding correctly you haven't heard anything new on this recently right?
- walleyeb1

EK did. So strong odds is its not happening.

EK did. So strong odds is its not happening.
- TTtime

Exactly.

BTW-LMAO at Sharp..."yea it seems they (Kane and toews) get a lot of respect from the young guys around here. Ill have to whip them into shape." Man thats awesome

Would this sort of package get Duchene w/1M retained...

Forsling + DeBrincat + Snuggerud + Jurco

It will be interesting to see how Stan uses Hossa's cap hit once he goes on LTIR.

The Saad and Murphy deals make me think that Stan is trying to keep the window open as long as possible. Trading Schmaltz and Hartman doesn't follow that narrative. They are both young quality forwards who are cost controlled for 1-2 seasons at least (likely for one more contract).

If Schmaltz keeps the 2C spot I could see Anisimov going. Probably not this season or next, but in the off season before the 19/20 season for sure. At that point Schmaltz's contract is up please AA doesn't have a NMC/NT and a signing bonus of $2 million. Stan pays the bonus on July 1, 2019 then a budget team acquires Anisimov and pay $2 million and $3 million for 2 years while enjoying a cap hit of $4.55 million.
- DarthKane

Hey Darth hope you're well...

I think everyone wanted to see more from AA in the playoffs last spring, but the borderline dirty hit by Radulov at Montreal in March cost him the rest of the season. Doubt he was able to really go in the playoffs. So where does that leave us...

I'm just wondering how can they afford to keep Franson and trade for Duchene (if you want to keep Franson). Duchene on the left with Schmaltz and Kane and then now a third line of Sharp - AA - Hartman is quite a bit more formidable. Or is it Debrincat - Sharp - Hartman...and AA is going the other way? Who knows...
but as John mentioned Duchene checks a lot of boxes...

What about Landeskog - any thoughts there?

Would this sort of package get Duchene w/1M retained...

Forsling + DeBrincat + Snuggerud + Jurco
- Cufeni606

They'd be idiots to turn that down. That's quite a lot to give up, but I have to say...I may do it. None of those 4 probably have any major impact on the chances to win a Cup this year. Matt Duchene would.

Would this sort of package get Duchene w/1M retained...

Forsling + DeBrincat + Snuggerud + Jurco
- Cufeni606

Thats too rich for me, I'd hate to give up Snuggerud.

Hey Darth hope you're well...

I think everyone wanted to see more from AA in the playoffs last spring, but the borderline dirty hit by Radulov at Montreal in March cost him the rest of the season. Doubt he was able to really go in the playoffs. So where does that leave us...

I'm just wondering how can they afford to keep Franson and trade for Duchene (if you want to keep Franson). Duchene on the left with Schmaltz and Kane and then now a third line of Sharp - AA - Hartman is quite a bit more formidable. Or is it Debrincat - Sharp - Hartman...and AA is going the other way? Who knows...
but as John mentioned Duchene checks a lot of boxes...

What about Landeskog - any thoughts there?
- DK002

All is good DK, hope you're well too.

Duchene checks a lot of boxes, but that doesn't mean a deal can be struck between the Hawks and Avs. The Hawks finally have some depth in the pipeline and now's not the time to give it up.

Duchene is good, but I wouldn't sell the farm for him, just my opinion.

I don't see Stan acquiring anyone who isn't a UFA at the end of the season. Cap-wise it's just too difficult to commit to cap dollars beyond this season. It's true that the cap should go up and Panarin's bonuses come off the books. But Hartman needs a new contract and Schmaltz does the year after. Also, the Hawks have only 3 defenseman signed beyong this season, not included Oesterle or any of the prospects. That will need to be addressed.

Would this sort of package get Duchene w/1M retained...

Forsling + DeBrincat + Snuggerud + Jurco
- Cufeni606

That is seriously overvaluing Duchene and gutting the farm system of guys that look like they are NHL level players (eventually).

That is seriously overvaluing Duchene and gutting the farm system of guys that look like they are NHL level players (eventually).
- RickJ

I always try to reference deals made in the past to give us a frame of reference. I don't think there is a direct comparison but maybe the Kessel situation comes closest. The Pens paid a decent price, but not as much as some people are proposing. Kessel also had 7 years left on his deal, Duchene has only 2.

Edit: Another comparable would be the Schenn to St Louis deal. St Louis have up a roster forward and 2 first round picks. Keep in mind that Schenn has 3 years left on his deal. Would Anisimov, a first and third be reasonable? I make this suggestion for fun, I don't think a deal will happen. For me, that's way too much.

Guys....OF COURSE you pull the trigger on that deal for Duchene, a proven NHL allstar.

I can't believe what I'm reading from some of you.... i mean, Forsling and Jurco are barely established NHLers....the others are just prospects.

Duchene, RIGHT NOW, is a very good top 6 forward, and can help on face offs.

We'd be idiots not to make that trade if we had the cap space, but I'd expect the Avs want more. Any trade scenario for Duchene where we aren't losing Hartman or Schmaltz is a HUGE win.

Imagine this top 9:

Saad/Schmaltz-Toews-Panik
Fortin-AA-Kane
Saad/Schmaltz-Duchene-Hartman

That's the type of trade that can put us back in the conversation for the Cup with a dominating, incredibly fast, and nearly unstoppable matchup advantage at forward(which is why the Penguins have been so great these past 2 seasons).