I think it was Sharp who said Kampf reminds him of a bigger Kruger in his prime. I think that's a bit unfair to Kampf who is a much better skater than Kruger, but a compliment in terms of tenacity, faceoffs, and defensive ability. It's been said a lot lately, but Kampf certainly has the ability to be an effective bottom 6 center and his speed should allow him to even play 3C if necessary.
- EnzoD

It was Sharp, i remember that quote. I like Kampf a lot. Young, big, and can anchor the PK and bottom 6. He's a keeper.

After this season Kruger has one more year left on that contract. After that, I would love to have Kruger back at $1 million or less.
- DarthKane

Where would he slot in the lineup? Assuming the Hawks keep Anisimov, I like Kampf's speed and size over what Kruger brings nowadays. Toews, Schmaltz, Anisimov, Kampf as the top 4 centers looks good on paper.

4th line centers should never make $3.1 mil, especially with the Hawks' salary cap commitments.
- EnzoD

Most of it was in a bonus the Hawks paid him, but yeah.

I think there was some hope he could find a bit of offense in a new setting but he's actually gotten worse as things have gone on.

3 shots in 15 games is not acceptable no matter how you slice it.

Where would he slot in the lineup? Assuming the Hawks keep Anisimov, I like Kampf's speed and size over what Kruger brings nowadays. Toews, Schmaltz, Anisimov, Kampf as the top 4 centers looks good on paper.
- EnzoD

Even at the league minimum he wouldn't be worth it. He's a borderline NHLer at best right now.

Where would he slot in the lineup? Assuming the Hawks keep Anisimov, I like Kampf's speed and size over what Kruger brings nowadays. Toews, Schmaltz, Anisimov, Kampf as the top 4 centers looks good on paper.
- EnzoD

At that point in time I see Anisimov traded. In the summer his NTC expires and he is due a signing bonus on July 1. AA becomes a perfect trade target for a team like Ottawa.

I would place Kruger on the 4th line, he doesn't necessarily have to play centre.

Tweaked Blackhawks lines:
DeBrincat-Toews-Duclair
Hartman-Anisimov-Kane
Saad-Schmaltz-Hinostroza
Sharp-Kampf-Wingels

New Blackhawks pairings:
Keith-Murphy
Kempny-Oesterle
Gustafsson-Seabrook

So, you ignite Kane's offense by giving him a couple of players who are hit-or-miss in that regard?

Again, no longer really matters, so maybe just trying to see who can do what.
- pdx2ord

Very happy to see Murphy get more of an opportunity.

I get putting #8 on the 3rd line to create balance, but I give that a period, maybe period and a half before Q reunites #8 and #88.

@johndietzdh

Question to Ken Hitchcock: "Can you empathize with Joel Quenneville?"
A: "Empathize with Joel Quenneville? He can give me his rings all he wants.
"I don’t give a damn. Competition is competition. He’s had his day in the sun. He’s a great coach, but you can’t feel for anybody."

@johndietzdh

Question to Ken Hitchcock: "Can you empathize with Joel Quenneville?"
A: "Empathize with Joel Quenneville? He can give me his rings all he wants.
"I don’t give a damn. Competition is competition. He’s had his day in the sun. He’s a great coach, but you can’t feel for anybody."
- JRoenick97

did Hitch have nacho sauce on his shirt during the interview?

If Montreal is willing to overpay for Saad then sure, otherwise I don't think Stan deals him. Not doubt Saad is having an off season, but I believe he will bounce back and be a long-term successful Blackhawk.
- DarthKane

I agree with you about Saad having an off-season and bouncing back for a long-term career with the Hawks.

However, for argument's sake would you trade him straight up for either Pacioretty or Galchenyuk?

@johndietzdh

"All of us, quite frankly, we live in a little bit of fear of the Hawks because we know that they're capable of getting on a run and that scares everybody."
-- Stars coach Ken Hitchcock:

I agree with you about Saad having an off-season and bouncing back for a long-term career with the Hawks.

However, for argument's sake would you trade him straight up for either Pacioretty or Galchenyuk?
- hpk90

Patches is right on the cusp of decline due to his age. Saad is a much better investment. Patches is a good win now acquisition.

I agree with you about Saad having an off-season and bouncing back for a long-term career with the Hawks.

However, for argument's sake would you trade him straight up for either Pacioretty or Galchenyuk?
- hpk90

No

Very happy to see Murphy get more of an opportunity.

I get putting #8 on the 3rd line to create balance, but I give that a period, maybe period and a half before Q reunites #8 and #88.
- DarthKane

DK hopefully this will be the start of Murphy being treated with respect. I understand Q had written in DeBrincat as Kane’s left winger with Schmaltz but then he was hit by lightning and put him back with Toews.

DK hopefully this will be the start of Murphy being treated with respect. I understand Q had written in DeBrincat as Kane’s left winger with Schmaltz but then he was hit by lightning and put him back with Toews.
- Z3Hawk

They need to move Kempny so they can just roll with those 6 D for the rest of the year.

Rangers in teardown mode:

https://twitter.com/NYRan...status/961669453804130304

Tweaked Blackhawks lines:
DeBrincat-Toews-Duclair
Hartman-Anisimov-Kane
Saad-Schmaltz-Hinostroza
Sharp-Kampf-Wingels

New Blackhawks pairings:
Keith-Murphy
Kempny-Oesterle
Gustafsson-Seabrook

So, you ignite Kane's offense by giving him a couple of players who are hit-or-miss in that regard?

Again, no longer really matters, so maybe just trying to see who can do what.
- pdx2ord

What is Kane supposed to do now? He is a hockey player not a warlock.

They need to move Kempny so they can just roll with those 6 D for the rest of the year.
- JRoenick97

i don't mind having 7 d and 13 forwards in case of injuries. But agree, in theory, there should be no reason to move every (frank)in player, every (frank)in game for the entire (frank)in season.

Stick with something and see whats up. "The run" isn't happening this year. Evaluate the talent on the roster right now leading up to the deadline.

Tweaked Blackhawks lines:
DeBrincat-Toews-Duclair
Hartman-Anisimov-Kane
Saad-Schmaltz-Hinostroza
Sharp-Kampf-Wingels

New Blackhawks pairings:
Keith-Murphy
Kempny-Oesterle
Gustafsson-Seabrook

So, you ignite Kane's offense by giving him a couple of players who are hit-or-miss in that regard?

Again, no longer really matters, so maybe just trying to see who can do what.
- pdx2ord

What is Kane supposed to do now? He is a hockey player not a warlock. Q never seems to have a problem treating other players poorly but AA plays high in the line-up and the PP while accomplishing nothing.

What is Kane supposed to do now? He is a hockey player not a warlock.
- Z3Hawk

I'm not sure about that. I'm pretty sure he cast a spell to reanimate the dead corpse of Michal Handzus for 2 seasons.

Count me in as one that would trade Saad for Galchenyuk

He has good PP numbers - Hawks lack big time
Good size, speed
Signed for 1.1mil less
Same ppg player
2 years younger, can play center or wing

Saad, IMO, was partially brought in here to get some chemistry back going with Toews..and hasn't happened. If Alex can help the PP...well why not try it. It can possibly free up moving Anisimov if he can play center

Rangers in teardown mode:

https://twitter.com/NYRan...status/961669453804130304
- JRoenick97

They should be because they are awful now. Their overall personnel are worse than what the Hawks have to offer now.

Brendan Smith on waivers with a fresh $4.3M contract. Good luck with that one.

Edit: Oh and he got a modified NTC with that. These stupid GM's are destroying their teams.

What is Kane supposed to do now? He is a hockey player not a warlock. Q never seems to have a problem poorly treating other players but AA plays high in the line-up and the PP while accomplishing nothing.
- Z3Hawk

He leads the team in PP goals....so nothing there?

They should be because they are awful now. Their overall personnel are worse than what the Hawks have to offer now.

Brendan Smith on waivers with a fresh $4.3M contract. Good luck with that one.

Edit: Oh and he got a modified NTC with that. These stupid GM's are destroying their teams.
- 67hawks

Only one less point than us...

2nd on the team in scoring with 19 goals and you wish he was in the AHL?? Come on man! He's a 5'6"
Sniper that plays with heart and isn't afraid to get knocked on his ass going into corners for the puck. Every player has flaws and he's never going to be a 200ft Selke winner. He's a scorer, and that Hawks don't have enough of it. If you want to trade him for Hanafin, I'm on board, otherwise he's a keeper IMO. He's 19....
- EnzoD

breadbag - DeBrincat may get 25+ goals in the NHL as a very young Rookie and you want him at Rockford? He may actually end up leading the Hawks in goals. For me he is untouchable. Duclair on the other hand seems to have a number of nice attributes but still unsure if he can put them together. That has always been his problem. Often there is lots of motion but little accomplished. EnzoD let’s not trade DeBrincat period.

Only one less point than us...
- JRoenick97

EXACTLY!