Justin say if the hawks are out of it by the tdl and become sellers what trades can they make and who would go would the hawks entertain trading crow and kieth. What would the hawks be looking for specificly?

Justin say if the hawks are out of it by the tdl and become sellers what trades can they make and who would go would the hawks entertain trading crow and kieth. What would the hawks be looking for specificly?
- Scott1977

1st round picks or high upside prospects at Center or Defense is what would be on my wish list.

Its not hard at all, Toews has absorbed some hellacious crosschecks that are not legal in the game - Shift after shift, night after night. Meanwhile, 88 is contact adverse, rarely working a puck in the corner as that is not his game. As fans we will have to accept that Toews career may be shorter than hoped.

Also cheap shots like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgIgat2GBRI and thishttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLbLiGXqHIA
and this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFQSlmhnZME
- riozzo

Best post in ages..

I really wanted to put that Hino-Kampf-Hartman line together too, you may be on to something.

My rationale for my lines:

Saad-Toews-Panik <- we know Panik is capable of being a force on this line, the Hawks success for the rest of the year will rely on secondary scoring from guys like #14. He needs to get going and this is his best shot.

Schmaltz-AA-Kane <- driving the most offense night-in-and-night-out... keep 'em.

Hartman-Kampf-Debrincat <- Debrincat is the key to this line. Scott Powers had a great piece on his ADB is not shooting as much on that top line. He needs to be on a line where he can control the offense IMO. Hartman can grind it out and head to the net as a decoy, while ADB can fire away.

Hino-Wingels-Hayden <- I would be ok with Bouma staying to keep that consistency, but really think Hinostroza's speed needs to be inserted into this lineup to push other team's back through the neutral zone. Right now, not a lot of fear instilled in the Hawks roster with their attack, every little bit helps.
- Justin Lowe

I think Debrincat is key no matter what line he's on because he's already shown the ability to handle the puck as well as anybody other than PK. He's a goal scorer first but also a great passer and play maker. I just think he's at his best playing the left side versus the right where the majority of his success in his youth career has been. He probably already is our second biggest offensive threat so play him where he'll have the most success.....LW.

Anton Forsberg, who has played about two periods in three weeks, on potentially playing three games in four days this week: "Well, I’m well rested, that’s for sure."

Via @MarkLazerus - Crawford's injury called Upper-Body.
When he went on IR earlier this month, it was a Lower-Body issue.
So there's that.

1st round picks or high upside prospects at Center or Defense is what would be on my wish list.
- EnzoD

Here a trade doubt it happens kieth to toronto for nylander if not nylander then for who or what. Maybe conner brown or hyman. 2nd 2018 and bracco

Justin say if the hawks are out of it by the tdl and become sellers what trades can they make and who would go would the hawks entertain trading crow and kieth. What would the hawks be looking for specificly?
- Scott1977

I was told earlier in the year that the Hawks wouldn't look to make any big moves in-season, they would wait until the summer.

I think this was the "if all else fails" strategy of Stan and Co. if the Hawks didn't go for a long run in the Playoffs; if they couldn't get past the 1st round, time to make some more bold moves.

My feeling is, the parity in the NHL leaves so many teams now fighting for final playoff spots it makes it difficult for those meddling teams to add as there are less "sellers" in the league to deal with.

I honestly think the Hawks make it in, but if not, they will be one of those final teams that just falls short.

If the latter is the case, the PR angle is, "We gave it all we could with the guys we had. We liked our team and our young guys gained serious experience that will help us get back to contention next year. We really like what we have in Dylan Sikura and he will be an important piece moving forward... blah... blah... blah."

I can only see the Hawks adding a Vermette/Ladd type player (like E. Kane) at the deadline if they get on a massive role and catch the likes of Nash or Winnipeg.

So to answer your question, I can't see them being big sellers, but if I'm wrong and Stan looks to be a quiet "seller" at the TDL (because he won't make a lot of noise about it... it would be a PR nightmare for McD), I believe the pieces he would entertain moving:

* Anisimov - if the Hawks got a C back and some pieces for the future.
* Panik - if there would be any takers
* Bouma - grit for the playoffs
* Hinostroza - if they don't see him in the future plans
* Franson - veteran rental for a team looking for depth D
* Kempny - he and his agent have made it known that they are not happy the way #6's season has gone, so might as well trade him as he's a UFA this summer.

If he moves any player from here on out, I firmly believe he tries to turn it into a "value for value hockey trade" so he can spin it that he's still looking to build and re-shape this team.

Crawford and Keith are not going anywhere ... the only "BIG" trade I can see would be if some crazy team wants to take a chance on adding Seabrook.

#7 would really help a team for the short-term looking to win a cup (ie. Leafs, Blue Jackets, Washington) but long-term would obviously be a really tough pill to swallow for a teams salary cap.

The only reason I bring up Seabrook is that I believe Stan has been sniffing out offers with no takers on #7 and any chance he gets to unload him, he can't "wait" for the neat and tidy PR story of moving him in the summer.

Via @MarkLazerus - Crawford's injury called Upper-Body.
When he went on IR earlier this month, it was a Lower-Body issue.
So there's that.
- walleyeb1

After hearing Q, Crow's injury sounds semi-serious. That is, uh, not good.

I feel like I've said this too many times this year but this stretch with #50 out is the most pivotal of the year. This could very well make or break their year.

Stan and Q are searching in-house for any and all answers (ie. Kampf call up, Q re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic, etc") and the next step would be to acquire outside help.

Kampf coming up is a good thing. I really think he is better than Kero, Hino or Hartman. Competition will be good for them all. However, a very diminshed Captain Float is still the boat anchor around the whole center issue. If he can’t bring his old game most nights anything else will matter very little.

As for CC - is it a shock to anyone at all? 30-40 shots against night in and night out, with 10-15 A+ chances to fight off, and being asked to start 80+% of all games to date.... Prescription for IR. I bet it is his right groin.

This team likely misses the playoffs this year.

Kampf coming up is a good thing. I really think he is better than Kero, Hino or Hartman. Competition will be good for them all. However, a very diminshed Captain Float is still the boat anchor around the whole center issue. If he can’t bring his old game most nights anything else will matter very little.

As for CC - is it a shock to anyone at all? 30-40 shots against night in and night out, with 10-15 A+ chances to fight off, and being asked to start 80+% of all games to date.... Prescription for IR. I bet it is his right groin.

This team likely misses the playoffs this year.
- Return of the Roar

It's a very strong possibility for the reason above.

Toews needs to dig deep and make a push like he did last year where he went on great stretch from Jan-March which saw the Captain notch 38 points in 39 games.

Losing CC is huge. Could be a deal breaker if Forsberg isn't up to the task.

I was told earlier in the year that the Hawks wouldn't look to make any big moves in-season, they would wait until the summer.

I think this was the "if all else fails" strategy of Stan and Co. if the Hawks didn't go for a long run in the Playoffs; if they couldn't get past the 1st round, time to make some more bold moves.

My feeling is, the parity in the NHL leaves so many teams now fighting for final playoff spots it makes it difficult for those meddling teams to add as there are less "sellers" in the league to deal with.

I honestly think the Hawks make it in, but if not, they will be one of those final teams that just falls short.

If the latter is the case, the PR angle is, "We gave it all we could with the guys we had. We liked our team and our young guys gained serious experience that will help us get back to contention next year. We really like what we have in Dylan Sikura and he will be an important piece moving forward... blah... blah... blah."

I can only see the Hawks adding a Vermette/Ladd type player (like E. Kane) at the deadline if they get on a massive role and catch the likes of Nash or Winnipeg.

So to answer your question, I can't see them being big sellers, but if I'm wrong and Stan looks to be a quiet "seller" at the TDL (because he won't make a lot of noise about it... it would be a PR nightmare for McD), I believe the pieces he would entertain moving:

* Anisimov - if the Hawks got a C back and some pieces for the future.
* Panik - if there would be any takers
* Bouma - grit for the playoffs
* Hinostroza - if they don't see him in the future plans
* Franson - veteran rental for a team looking for depth D
* Kempny - he and his agent have made it known that they are not happy the way #6's season has gone, so might as well trade him as he's a UFA this summer.

If he moves any player from here on out, I firmly believe he tries to turn it into a "value for value hockey trade" so he can spin it that he's still looking to build and re-shape this team.

Crawford and Keith are not going anywhere ... the only "BIG" trade I can see would be if some crazy team wants to take a chance on adding Seabrook.

#7 would really help a team for the short-term looking to win a cup (ie. Leafs, Blue Jackets, Washington) but long-term would obviously be a really tough pill to swallow for a teams salary cap.

The only reason I bring up Seabrook is that I believe Stan has been sniffing out offers with no takers on #7 and any chance he gets to unload him, he can't "wait" for the neat and tidy PR story of moving him in the summer.
- Justin Lowe

Totally agree on all points JL. There's no way management will waive the white flag in season. They'll wait till summer after another disappointing finish to attempt to make some moves on the CORE, but that will be difficult because of all the points already discussed at length.
There are only a few untouchables on this current NHL roster that I hope they wouldn't move.
Kane, Saad, Debrincat, Schmaltz and Hayden up front, and Forsling and Rutta on the back.
Crawford should be untouchable as well unless Montreal moves Price and CC would probably waive for home. Then maybe....if the offer was over the top.
Other than that, in my eyes, everbody else is fair game.
The youth movement begins soon.

I was told earlier in the year that the Hawks wouldn't look to make any big moves in-season, they would wait until the summer.

I think this was the "if all else fails" strategy of Stan and Co. if the Hawks didn't go for a long run in the Playoffs; if they couldn't get past the 1st round, time to make some more bold moves.

My feeling is, the parity in the NHL leaves so many teams now fighting for final playoff spots it makes it difficult for those meddling teams to add as there are less "sellers" in the league to deal with.

I honestly think the Hawks make it in, but if not, they will be one of those final teams that just falls short.

If the latter is the case, the PR angle is, "We gave it all we could with the guys we had. We liked our team and our young guys gained serious experience that will help us get back to contention next year. We really like what we have in Dylan Sikura and he will be an important piece moving forward... blah... blah... blah."

I can only see the Hawks adding a Vermette/Ladd type player (like E. Kane) at the deadline if they get on a massive role and catch the likes of Nash or Winnipeg.

So to answer your question, I can't see them being big sellers, but if I'm wrong and Stan looks to be a quiet "seller" at the TDL (because he won't make a lot of noise about it... it would be a PR nightmare for McD), I believe the pieces he would entertain moving:

* Anisimov - if the Hawks got a C back and some pieces for the future.
* Panik - if there would be any takers
* Bouma - grit for the playoffs
* Hinostroza - if they don't see him in the future plans
* Franson - veteran rental for a team looking for depth D
* Kempny - he and his agent have made it known that they are not happy the way #6's season has gone, so might as well trade him as he's a UFA this summer.

If he moves any player from here on out, I firmly believe he tries to turn it into a "value for value hockey trade" so he can spin it that he's still looking to build and re-shape this team.

Crawford and Keith are not going anywhere ... the only "BIG" trade I can see would be if some crazy team wants to take a chance on adding Seabrook.

#7 would really help a team for the short-term looking to win a cup (ie. Leafs, Blue Jackets, Washington) but long-term would obviously be a really tough pill to swallow for a teams salary cap.

The only reason I bring up Seabrook is that I believe Stan has been sniffing out offers with no takers on #7 and any chance he gets to unload him, he can't "wait" for the neat and tidy PR story of moving him in the summer.
- Justin Lowe

I get that the hawks are trying to move seabrook the only way i see it happening is first is bad contract for bad contract say seabrook for luci for example not saying that would happen second what if the hawks would be willing to retain 2 mill per year might be a better way of unloading that contract still gain 4.8 mill in cap space per year or wait until the lockout in 2019 is done and the league has a compliance buyout maybe then buy seabrook out. If the hawks do miss the playoffs which is I think will happen then upper management need s to clean house Q and bowmans need to go along with scouting staff need a new vision voice and direction. We ll wait and see.

I was told earlier in the year that the Hawks wouldn't look to make any big moves in-season, they would wait until the summer.

I think this was the "if all else fails" strategy of Stan and Co. if the Hawks didn't go for a long run in the Playoffs; if they couldn't get past the 1st round, time to make some more bold moves.

My feeling is, the parity in the NHL leaves so many teams now fighting for final playoff spots it makes it difficult for those meddling teams to add as there are less "sellers" in the league to deal with.

I honestly think the Hawks make it in, but if not, they will be one of those final teams that just falls short.
I think Q would or should be the 1st move . Also Panik should be waved , how do U justifie Panik going from the press box to 1st line (did it with Sharp also ) just BS crap . And the team knows it ..
If the latter is the case, the PR angle is, "We gave it all we could with the guys we had. We liked our team and our young guys gained serious experience that will help us get back to contention next year. We really like what we have in Dylan Sikura and he will be an important piece moving forward... blah... blah... blah."

I can only see the Hawks adding a Vermette/Ladd type player (like E. Kane) at the deadline if they get on a massive role and catch the likes of Nash or Winnipeg.

So to answer your question, I can't see them being big sellers, but if I'm wrong and Stan looks to be a quiet "seller" at the TDL (because he won't make a lot of noise about it... it would be a PR nightmare for McD), I believe the pieces he would entertain moving:

* Anisimov - if the Hawks got a C back and some pieces for the future.
* Panik - if there would be any takers
* Bouma - grit for the playoffs
* Hinostroza - if they don't see him in the future plans
* Franson - veteran rental for a team looking for depth D
* Kempny - he and his agent have made it known that they are not happy the way #6's season has gone, so might as well trade him as he's a UFA this summer.

If he moves any player from here on out, I firmly believe he tries to turn it into a "value for value hockey trade" so he can spin it that he's still looking to build and re-shape this team.

Crawford and Keith are not going anywhere ... the only "BIG" trade I can see would be if some crazy team wants to take a chance on adding Seabrook.

#7 would really help a team for the short-term looking to win a cup (ie. Leafs, Blue Jackets, Washington) but long-term would obviously be a really tough pill to swallow for a teams salary cap.

The only reason I bring up Seabrook is that I believe Stan has been sniffing out offers with no takers on #7 and any chance he gets to unload him, he can't "wait" for the neat and tidy PR story of moving him in the summer.
- Justin Lowe

- oldduffman

Sorry wrote a post about moving Q out and stuck the yuck at the bottom .Some how the only thing that went through was the yuck ..No offence intended

Sorry wrote a post about moving Q out and stuck the yuck at the bottom .Some how the only thing that went through was the yuck ..No offence intended
- oldduffman

Ha. All good.

I get that the hawks are trying to move seabrook the only way i see it happening is first is bad contract for bad contract say seabrook for luci for example not saying that would happen second what if the hawks would be willing to retain 2 mill per year might be a better way of unloading that contract still gain 4.8 mill in cap space per year or wait until the lockout in 2019 is done and the league has a compliance buyout maybe then buy seabrook out. If the hawks do miss the playoffs which is I think will happen then upper management need s to clean house Q and bowmans need to go along with scouting staff need a new vision voice and direction. We ll wait and see.
- Scott1977

Is a team able to retain a % of salary for a specific subset of years on a contract?

Or do they have to retain the same % of salary every year the contract goes.

I.e can we trade Seabrook for someone and pick up 50% of his salary the last 3-4 years of his contract, but retain nothing these next couple years?
I would assume its not allowed, but still wanted to ask

After hearing Q, Crow's injury sounds semi-serious. That is, uh, not good.

I feel like I've said this too many times this year but this stretch with #50 out is the most pivotal of the year. This could very well make or break their year.

Stan and Q are searching in-house for any and all answers (ie. Kampf call up, Q re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic, etc") and the next step would be to acquire outside help.
- Justin Lowe

This was my biggest red flag for the Hawks coming in from the off season. What happens is Crawford is out. Forsberg isn't terrible, but he has yet to have a solid stretch in the NHL where he looks comfortable. The Hawks can win with Forsberg if they play their game and show up to start the night, but the question is will they?

Is a team able to retain a % of salary for a specific subset of years on a contract?

Or do they have to retain the same % of salary every year the contract goes.

I.e can we trade Seabrook for someone and pick up 50% of his salary the last 3-4 years of his contract, but retain nothing these next couple years?
I would assume its not allowed, but still wanted to ask
- Slofire94

I think so, but not 100% sure.

Any salary cap experts out there?

It's a very strong possibility for the reason above.

Toews needs to dig deep and make a push like he did last year where he went on great stretch from Jan-March which saw the Captain notch 38 points in 39 games.

Losing CC is huge. Could be a deal breaker if Forsberg isn't up to the task.
- Justin Lowe

I recall reading somewhere that Forsberg plays better with a heavier workload. Let’s hope that is the case.

If Crawford is out for an extended period of time I’m worried about Glass playing. If Crawford is indeed out long term I’d like to see Stan go after Hutchinson from Winnipeg. He’d be a low cost option to back up Forsberg. This is assuming that Berube won’t be ready any time soon too.

I recall reading somewhere that Forsberg plays better with a heavier workload. Let’s hope that is the case.

If Crawford is out for an extended period of time I’m worried about Glass playing. If Crawford is indeed out long term I’d like to see Stan go after Hutchinson from Winnipeg. He’d be a low cost option to back up Forsberg. This is assuming that Berube won’t be ready any time soon too.
- DarthKane

Forberg has had a heavy workload in the AHL over the last 3 years. He has mentioned he prefers it that way.

He better be up to the task.

The good news is, the Hawks as a team (not just the D) have a history in the past of tighening up defensively when their starter is out and/or when it counts (at the end of the year). So... there's hope that the defensive style prevails in Crow's absence.

Dk - you heading to the game tomorrow night?

This was my biggest red flag for the Hawks coming in from the off season. What happens is Crawford is out. Forsberg isn't terrible, but he has yet to have a solid stretch in the NHL where he looks comfortable. The Hawks can win with Forsberg if they play their game and show up to start the night, but the question is will they?
- breadbag

I was going to add the other thought that crossed my mind on this. If Crawford is out for a bit, will this now spark the rest of the team to compensate? Maybe will the Hawks play with a bit more purpose? Maybe they will tighten up their game. At 5v5 the Hawks are #1 in terms of shot attempts for per game and actually pretty high in terms of shot attempts against per game as well, which tends to mean they are playing more wide open hockey than the average team, but that could change.

Maybe if they get playing a bit more "defense first" hockey it will be a good thing, if they can also get to the hard areas more on offense or get a spark on the PP. Hawks are #1 in 5v5 puck possession for the last 30 days and 5th in terms of scoring chance for/against (behind Tampa, Boston, Winnipeg, Vegas), but below average (bottom 3rd of the league) when it comes to what is considered "high danger" chances.

I know, nothing really new, in terms of them playing perimeter a bit too much but maybe playing without the elite goal tending of Crawford will spark some fire under the team. Q has stopped giving rope to some players, so maybe that will pay dividends. The last game the Hawks played vs NJ, it seemed like maybe a few guys were playing under the weather, based on the lack of pace, but could just be my imagination.

Forberg has had a heavy workload in the AHL over the last 3 years. He has mentioned he prefers it that way.

He better be up to the task.

The good news is, the Hawks as a team (not just the D) have a history in the past of tighening up defensively when their starter is out and/or when it counts (at the end of the year). So... there's hope that the defensive style prevails in Crow's absence.

Dk - you heading to the game tomorrow night?
- Justin Lowe

I took so long writing my post, I come back and see that we had similar thoughts. I do hope the Hawks tighten up. Would love to see them get back to that habit of winning 1 goal games.

Kampf coming up is a good thing. I really think he is better than Kero, Hino or Hartman. Competition will be good for them all. However, a very diminshed Captain Float is still the boat anchor around the whole center issue. If he can’t bring his old game most nights anything else will matter very little.

As for CC - is it a shock to anyone at all? 30-40 shots against night in and night out, with 10-15 A+ chances to fight off, and being asked to start 80+% of all games to date.... Prescription for IR. I bet it is his right groin.

This team likely misses the playoffs this year.
- Return of the Roar

it made me chuckle that your oxymoron / mixed metaphor actually works in this case; a floating boat anchor isn't very effective.

Forberg has had a heavy workload in the AHL over the last 3 years. He has mentioned he prefers it that way.

He better be up to the task.

The good news is, the Hawks as a team (not just the D) have a history in the past of tighening up defensively when their starter is out and/or when it counts (at the end of the year). So... there's hope that the defensive style prevails in Crow's absence.

Dk - you heading to the game tomorrow night?
- Justin Lowe

Absolutely, I’ll be there with my two youngest sons and it’s their first NHL game. I’ve taken them to see plenty of BCHL games, now they’re old enough for NHL games.

I’m usually looking for the bright side of things, so I’m looking forward to seeing Forsberg and Kampf play tomorrow, it could make for an interesting game.