JL, welcome, but if you under-perform, more sweeping changes will be made and I will trade you to Arizona for Tanner

TRY ME

There was a goal in transition from a take away in the neutral zone. I'd like to see more of that.

Still think zone exits are a mess and that needs to get fixed but if they can cut more stuff off in the neutral zone then I think life gets better.
- fattybeef

I'd like to see some goals from set-ups in the o-zone, either 5X5 or on the PP.

With a Hawk or two at the net bothering the goalie.

Don't get me started on their forechecking. I like Rutta but he has hit a bit of a rough patch of late. Just part of the adjustment. He will get there. I like him better on the right. There is no reason Forsling shouldn't be back in the line-up if healthy. He IS progressing. In case some are missing it, Forsling is on the 2nd PK unit.
- TTtime

Thank you for your report on Forsling. Also a problem or issue with Q not doing enough to fix the issue.....
.....The issue is forwards role in checking as a few posts above pointed out.

Eventually Seabrook will be gone. Keith too. Dk whom in two years would be as #1 pair. Would hope one of the current young guys improves. But the future belongs to some young guys here and some drafted who can skate and move puck. Some of them need to develop because speed kills and that is the direction more teams are moving toward. The 2018 draft will afford Chicago theit highest selection in many years. Bowman better not draft another non physical center!

Would love to hear insightfulness from Rick or wiz or anyone who follows prospects and entry draft.

blues fans in general are a sadistic bunch

cant help but come here to read about the sky falling from an organization's fan base that has won 3 cups in the last handful of years
- Gerk

Yeah, anyone that deep fries a perfectly good ravioli...

JL, welcome, but if you under-perform, more sweeping changes will be made and I will trade you to Arizona for Tanner

TRY ME
- Stan_Bowman

At least you would get instant cap relief

Welcome Justin! So far I am liking your approach, analysis, and writing, so keep it up!!

I think the hawks should package Forsling and Debrincat, plus a 1st round draft pick to Col for Duchene with half salary retained. Move Schmaltz to left wing and your top 6 should be the strongest in the league: Toews, Saad, Panik, Duchene, Schmaltz, Kane.

I think it should work cap wise, but just barely...

Thoughts?

Welcome Justin! So far I am liking your approach, analysis, and writing, so keep it up!!

I think the hawks should package Forsling and Debrincat, plus a 1st round draft pick to Col for Duchene with half salary retained. Move Schmaltz to left wing and your top 6 should be the strongest in the league: Toews, Saad, Panik, Duchene, Schmaltz, Kane.

I think it should work cap wise, but just barely...

Thoughts?
- ToewsdNKanefusd

HUGE overpay for a 50-60 point player, IMO. Forsling and Debrincat + 1st and the Hawks should get back Duchene ++ from the Avs. I was at an Avs game last week and Duchene was not very impressive. Nathan Mackinnon or Mikko Rantanen and I'd do a trade package like that and then some....Mack and Mikko are studs.

HUGE overpay for a 50-60 point player, IMO. Forsling and Debrincat + 1st and the Hawks should get back Duchene ++ from the Avs. I was at an Avs game last week and Duchene was not very impressive. Nathan Mackinnon or Mikko Rantanen and I'd do a trade package like that and then some....Mack and Mikko are studs.
- EnzoD

I understand what you are saying re. Dutch (individually), but one has to look at it from this POV. If Dutch was on this team, how much better would he make Kane/Toews/Saad/Panik due to matchups? Would that tip the scale in a trade? Just throwing it out there.

I understand what you are saying re. Dutch (individually), but one has to look at it from this POV. If Dutch was on this team, how much better would he make Kane/Toews/Saad/Panik due to matchups? Would that tip the scale in a trade? Just throwing it out there.
- powerenforcer

I would send Debrincat, Forsling + Fortin but not a 1st rounder on top of that. IMO, unless a complete #TANKING is in the plans in 3 years, the Hawks need to keep drafting in the first round to fill out the roster on this Cap Strapped team.


EDIT: With that initially proposed trade, we a moving our 1LW, #5D and 1st round pick for a 2nd Line LW that will be gone after next season when his contract expires.....Hard Pass.

HUGE overpay for a 50-60 point player, IMO. Forsling and Debrincat + 1st and the Hawks should get back Duchene ++ from the Avs. I was at an Avs game last week and Duchene was not very impressive. Nathan Mackinnon or Mikko Rantanen and I'd do a trade package like that and then some....Mack and Mikko are studs.
- EnzoD

I believe this has been the asking price for Duchene by Sakic, and the 1st would really be to get half of his salary retained. Now if it wasn't until the trade deadline, yes huge overpay IMO.

I would send Debrincat, Forsling + Fortin but not a 1st rounder on top of that. IMO, unless a complete #TANKING is in the plans in 3 years, the Hawks need to keep drafting in the first round to fill out the roster on this Cap Strapped team.


EDIT: With that initially proposed trade, we a moving our 1LW, #5D and 1st round pick for a 2nd Line LW that will be gone after next season when his contract expires.....Hard Pass.
- EnzoD

Is Cat really our 1LW?? I know Q used him there the last game, but I don't see him as such, YET. potential is there for him to be that, but he is not quite there yet, IMO.

Is Cat really our 1LW?? I know Q used him there the last game, but I don't see him as such, YET. potential is there for him to be that, but he is not quite there yet, IMO.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

He might play LW on the #1 line for "balance", but Saad is our 1st string LW

Although Q does like his play

I would send Debrincat, Forsling + Fortin but not a 1st rounder on top of that. IMO, unless a complete #TANKING is in the plans in 3 years, the Hawks need to keep drafting in the first round to fill out the roster on this Cap Strapped team.


EDIT: With that initially proposed trade, we a moving our 1LW, #5D and 1st round pick for a 2nd Line LW that will be gone after next season when his contract expires.....Hard Pass.
- EnzoD

IMO, both Forsling and Debrincat are still prospects that are truly not ready for NHL duties, even though they are being asked to do such because we don't have anyone else. If we are in win now mode, then you have to be willing to give up the not so ready prospects with good upside potential to get true NHL talent back, JMO.

And in 3 or so years, I truly believe the Hawks window will be fully closed and they pretty much will be in tanking mode...

Is Cat really our 1LW?? I know Q used him there the last game, but I don't see him as such, YET. potential is there for him to be that, but he is not quite there yet, IMO.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Based on the Depth Chart last night, yes. I agree he is not a legitimate 1LW at this point in his career, but that is where he is being used right now.

Based on the Depth Chart last night, yes. I agree he is not a legitimate 1LW at this point in his career, but that is where he is being used right now.
- EnzoD

I'd bet Sharpie would be in that slot if it were a 1st round match-up.

looked like he launched a bit to me. Murphy needs to stay in the line-up. He has been fine. As much as I like Rutta, he is the one who has been scuffling the last few games.
- TTtime

I didn't realize that his dad coaches for Phili. It was fun to see his reaction to the whole thing.

I would send Debrincat, Forsling + Fortin but not a 1st rounder on top of that. IMO, unless a complete #TANKING is in the plans in 3 years, the Hawks need to keep drafting in the first round to fill out the roster on this Cap Strapped team.


EDIT: With that initially proposed trade, we a moving our 1LW, #5D and 1st round pick for a 2nd Line LW that will be gone after next season when his contract expires.....Hard Pass.
- EnzoD

what about that package for mcdough+ grabner from the rangers forsling decat 1st 2019 or AA just spitballing

what about that package for mcdough from the rangers forsling decat 1st 2019
- Scott1977

McDonaugh would be the Hawks best defense-man, so without hesitation YES!!

EDIT: Not sure if the Cap $$ works though....

JL, welcome, but if you under-perform, more sweeping changes will be made and I will trade you to Arizona for Tanner

TRY ME
- Stan_Bowman

Yea but knowing you, JL is armed with a No Trade Clause.

Yea but knowing you, JL is armed with a No Trade Clause.
- kwolf68

Well played, sir.

IMO, both Forsling and Debrincat are still prospects that are truly not ready for NHL duties, even though they are being asked to do such because we don't have anyone else. If we are in win now mode, then you have to be willing to give up the not so ready prospects with good upside potential to get true NHL talent back, JMO.

And in 3 or so years, I truly believe the Hawks window will be fully closed and they pretty much will be in tanking mode...
- ToewsdNKanefusd

I agree. Stan should shop that package around to see what return he'd get but the window is closing and retooling doesn't really make much sense if the aging core needs to be replaced to be competitive. Add assets that improve the overall present-day talent level of this team and make another run!

McDonaugh would be the Hawks best defense-man, so without hesitation YES!!

EDIT: Not sure if the Cap $$ works though....
- EnzoD

AA forsling decat 1st 2019 for grabner and mcdough get lw with skill and speed top 2 d man for 2 years plays with keith or seabrook depends what direction rangers want to go if things keep going south for them.

McDonaugh would be the Hawks best defense-man, so without hesitation YES!!

EDIT: Not sure if the Cap $$ works though....
- EnzoD

McDonagh isn't better than Keith. Plus Keith is far more durable. Grabner is just a guy this season. Don't be fooled by his goal total last season. His shooting % was ridiculous.

Welcome Justin! So far I am liking your approach, analysis, and writing, so keep it up!!

I think the hawks should package Forsling and Debrincat, plus a 1st round draft pick to Col for Duchene with half salary retained. Move Schmaltz to left wing and your top 6 should be the strongest in the league: Toews, Saad, Panik, Duchene, Schmaltz, Kane.

I think it should work cap wise, but just barely...

Thoughts?
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Appreciate the feedback.

Listen, I love Duchene as a player and what he brings in terms of skill. He had a down year last year but he's also in a bad, reoccurring movie in COL. They need to, and should have, traded him by now.

With that being said, I personally would like to see a little more from both of the guys (Debrincat & Forsling) you mentioned.

Unless Hawks scouts and management (who see these guys on the ice everyday and know their character) deem these 2 player disposable, the Hawks should be reluctant to trade off assets like this in their current state.

With that being said, if the Hawks start to turn it around and look like a team that has potential to challenge for a cup this year, then 100% look at a move like this.

There are a lot of kinks to be ironed out at the moment and I think they stand pat until they have a larger sample size of games with these young and new faces.

JL, welcome, but if you under-perform, more sweeping changes will be made and I will trade you to Arizona for Tanner

TRY ME
- Stan_Bowman

Perfect! The winters are much better in Arizona than here in Canada. ha.