Who is your pick for a top 4 D-man?
- FeartheFeathers

Who is going to trade you a top 4 d-man for a pick? Does the trade happen before or after the draft lottery. I would probably trade the 6-10 pick for a current Top 4 d-man that is under 26 years old. Pick 1-5 I am not moving. Draft is a crap shoot, picks may turn into a top player and may not. Plenty of 1st round busts out there, or "average" players. Top 4 d-men are scarce and typically take a while to develop.
- TheTrob

Valid point. I think it depends on a few things like is Stan still GM? And who is on the Coaching Staff going into next season as well as the Coaching style.

Didn't have anyone specifically in mind but one team that came to mind is Carolina who has a plethora of young D-Men they might be willing to trade for a top pick (either to draft someone or flip for a proven Forward). Lots of teams are bottoming out these days and are looking for cheap good young players.

Spit balling but how about if we called AZ about OEL and we offered a Top 10 pick with a decent prospect for him it'd be an intriguing possibility. OEL is likely gone and if they could get a Top 10 pick plus a decent prospect or two it could intrigue them.

Like I said before no name specifically came to mind but the thought of trading a Top 10 pick who may or may not pan out in a year or five for a proven Top 4 D-man should be some thing to consider should the possibility come up. You could argue this is exactly why said team would NOT want to trade a proven Top 4 D-Man for potentially good player but ya never know if a team falls in love with a player during scouting for the draft.

Just wanted to get all your guys thoughts on it considering the position our team is in having a bad season this year

Also, one thing I've been hearing over and over... Seabrook is untradeable.

No he is not. There is a thing called Salary Retention. We can eat half his cap hit... forever, and there are probably a couple of teams who'd take a slow Seabrook for $3+ a year.
- ObeseOprah

There is a chance the CBA gets reopened in September, 2019. The last time they did that, teams were allowed to do a couple compliance buyouts that didn't count against the cap. It seems worthwhile for the Blackhawks to see if that happens already (or they might know it will.)

Who at Rockford really projects as much of an NHL player? Other than Hayden who should have never been sent down, Highmore, Snuggerund look like bottom level talent, though should have a spot in the NHL one day. The rest of Rockford are just not very impressive at all. If the Hogs had a bunch of good looking young prospects then the "play the kids" mantra could create excitement, but the Hawks system is barren of high end prospects.
- kwolf68

True. The two you mentioned, Highmore and Snuggerund, are two I'd like to see. Luke Johnson might be a bottom six guy in the NHL (maybe) so I'd like to see him. Fortin has upside and is young, why not? Need to play the young guys on the roster already too.

True. The two you mentioned, Highmore and Snuggerund, are two I'd like to see. Luke Johnson might be a bottom six guy in the NHL (maybe) so I'd like to see him. Fortin has upside and is young, why not? Need to play the young guys on the roster already too.
- matt_ahrens

Johnson is a high character center. I also hear he's outstanding on faceoffs. I agree, could be a useful piece down the road, but all these guys are bottom pairing or bottom 6. Nothing that is really high end, maybe Jokiharu becomes that guy...and while the Hawks have some good players that are young, the top end talent just isn't what is used to be.

The makeup of the team is just so far off championship level it's not even funny. Hawks never had a great third pair, rather a useful pair, but the Top 4 was ELITE, maybe the best in the NHL. Keith and Seabrook and Hammer with JO or Soup was big time. Those 4 could carry a lot of the weight. NOW? Not only are 2 and 7 not what they used to be, but 7 is a shell of his former self. Then you have NO ONE near what Hammer and JO/Soupy were. Not even close. The Hawks also always used to be able to roll 4 capable lines. They had two ELITE lines, and generally a highly annoying and pesky third line and your typical grinding line. Then you had Craw backing all that up for 2 Cups. The team WAS great, but it's not even near in league with the 2015 team, LET alone in league with the 2010 and 2013 teams. NOT. EVEN. CLOSE.

A rebuild that needs to happen is unlikely given the contracts the Hawks now have gotten stuck with. I hope I am wrong, but I think this is gonna get worse before it gets better, much worse.

Liljegren, Marner and a 2018 2nd
- DarthKane

Holy poop. You'll have to wait in line with all the other teams offloading their poope on tous in return for a 1st round pick, one of Marner or Nylander and a prospect.

That package is being traded for Tanev, Gudbranson, Barrie, McDonagh, Seabrook, Hjarlmasson, Nurse, Jack Johnson and Faulk

The Blackhawks have fallen; here's how they will get back up

http://www.espn.com/nhl/s...wks-gotten-younger-faster

If you divorce the drama from the day-to-day minutiae, you'll notice a team that has transformed before our very eyes. The Blackhawks have become younger and faster since the season began, transitioning on the fly so they don't have to pull a complete reset this offseason. "We notice the speed," Calgary Flames coach Glen Gulutzan said last week. "When you get on the ice, you're not sure who they are the first time you play them. Then you certainly have to prepare for them. They've done a good job of bringing some of these young guys along."

Interesting NHL transactions from Tuesday include:

Brandon Mashinter (former Blackhawk) recall by SJ Sharks
Anaheim released both Dennis Rasmussen and K Holzer

Who believes that Mashinter provides much? Not myself.
Why did Bob Murray do that? Insofar as to afford Kesler and Bieksa or he needs cap space to make a move? Those were useful depth players. Maybe both just going down to AHL.

Johnson is a high character center. I also hear he's outstanding on faceoffs. I agree, could be a useful piece down the road, but all these guys are bottom pairing or bottom 6. Nothing that is really high end, maybe Jokiharu becomes that guy...and while the Hawks have some good players that are young, the top end talent just isn't what is used to be.

The makeup of the team is just so far off championship level it's not even funny. Hawks never had a great third pair, rather a useful pair, but the Top 4 was ELITE, maybe the best in the NHL. Keith and Seabrook and Hammer with JO or Soup was big time. Those 4 could carry a lot of the weight. NOW? Not only are 2 and 7 not what they used to be, but 7 is a shell of his former self. Then you have NO ONE near what Hammer and JO/Soupy were. Not even close. The Hawks also always used to be able to roll 4 capable lines. They had two ELITE lines, and generally a highly annoying and pesky third line and your typical grinding line. Then you had Craw backing all that up for 2 Cups. The team WAS great, but it's not even near in league with the 2015 team, LET alone in league with the 2010 and 2013 teams. NOT. EVEN. CLOSE.

A rebuild that needs to happen is unlikely given the contracts the Hawks now have gotten stuck with. I hope I am wrong, but I think this is gonna get worse before it gets better, much worse.
- kwolf68

This gets worse next season if the GM does not make a hockey trade and does not make a good, proper first round draft choice. The team could drift aimlessly along, not backsliding much because they are already bad. Some you g players get experience. I would bet that after next season both Seabrook and Toews will be embarrassed enough to accept compliance buyout. Both could retire. Then the rebuild is on course but it needs to be augmented with good draft choices 2018 and 2019. It would help if some prospects cone along and are better than we could have known. Curious also for 2020 if Mitchell and Hillman turn pro. And how much of an impact have Hayden and Sikula made

These guys would be good, I think Noah Dobson could be the most likely pick for the Hawks.

Although, if he falls that far then 5'9" defenseman Quinton Hughes would be a perfect fit for the Hawks.
- DarthKane

Don't want a small dman when we have plenty offensive average or small dmen in the pipeline. Including Keith lite Mitchell.

I’ve explained the coaching stats before. True Grit has a cool description - Q coached Olympic teams to Stanley Cups with the Hawks. Q #2 all-time because he has always coached great teams. When he has to actually coach he struggles.
- Z3Hawk

Add to that...has anyone ever wondered why our all world coach has never been asked to Coach Team Canada? He is not well thought of with Hockey Canada.

Not taking away anything from him and for winning 3 cups, but his impact imo has been overstated.

That only works if there are more compliance buyouts inserted in to the new CBA, otherwise is just a buyout and he is on the books for the next 10 years.

As all of you ponder about blowing this team up, ask yourselves exactly what you are going to get in return for jettisoning all the players that you deem not good enough anymore. You think 30 GM's out there can't see just like you that Seabrook is struggling? Say the Hawks retain $3mil of his salary, your are not going to get a 1st or 2nd pairing D-man in return, and you are not going to get a top 6 winger. The best you hope for is a draft pick or prospect, and at that point you are a couple of years of determining any real return for him. If for some chance a GM out there has a mini-stroke and offers you up anything to take his whole deal off your hands you take the deal as quickly as possible and walk away smiling from ear to ear.
- TheTrob

You expounded correctly my friend

Interesting debate I was having with a buddy of mine the other day.

Hawks are likely to get a Top 10 pick in the Draft. Obviously everyone is wondering A.) how bad the team is gonna fall this year B.) where is their pick gonna land C.) who they're gonna take. He believes (like most people) that they're done and they need to blow it up and rebuild. However, I feel that with a few key moves this team could bounce back right into contention with a younger group of forwards surround our aging Core. There are some pieces here that can definitely be used to build this team around IMO and a lot of bubble guys who could pan out to be great role players or bust out.

Would you be willing to trade a Top 10 pick for a Top 4 D-Man to help keep this push going? I think that could really help our chances next year but obviously (depending on age of said D-Man and Contract) could hurt our chances long term (I wouldn't want anyone over say 27-28). What do you guys think?
- Savetheembers33

I feel like the leaders that should lead are horsecrap because they are over the hill or just not the right type of leaders. But I also hold hope that Kane coukd be challenged (correct linematte) and supported (new coach). Also, until they add or develop one solid dman, they cannot win with the current amalgamation. That would include Q coaching. I expect he will not be coaching here next test but Bowman will be excused at least for one more season

I will eat a white dog turd if they trade Keith.
- ObeseOprah

LMAO

The Blackhawks have fallen; here's how they will get back up

http://www.espn.com/nhl/s...wks-gotten-younger-faster
- pdx2ord

When young guys with speed can become more consistent...that is a key. Spelled: Forsling in particular. Hayden and the yet to see motor from Highmore would be welcomed.

A lot of rumours of a Seabrook for Gardiner and a 3rd rounder right now.

Heard from a source at the Leafs game that something is up but can't 100% confirm yet.

Hawks have 2 scouts there tonight.

A lot of rumours of a Seabrook for Gardiner and a 3rd rounder right now.

Heard from a source at the Leafs game that something is up but can't 100% confirm yet.

Hawks have 2 scouts there tonight.
- Justin Lowe

He left the game tonight, have you heard if it’s serious?

Not a bad trade, it would be nice to make it a second and not a third. Stan could throw in Bouma.

He left the game tonight, have you heard if it’s serious?

Not a bad trade, it would be nice to make it a second and not a third. Stan could throw in Bouma.
- DarthKane

Not sure. The injury to Gardiner might be bad, being evaluated now. Leafs have their fingers crossed.

A lot of rumours of a Seabrook for Gardiner and a 3rd rounder right now.

Heard from a source at the Leafs game that something is up but can't 100% confirm yet.

Hawks have 2 scouts there tonight.
- Justin Lowe

Why would the leafs do that?
How much salary are we eating?

Not sure. The injury to Gardiner might be bad, being evaluated now. Leafs have their fingers crossed.
- Justin Lowe

Trade spasm?


@mirtle

Babcock says Gardiner had some kind of "spasm" that he couldn't recover from.

Not sure. The injury to Gardiner might be bad, being evaluated now. Leafs have their fingers crossed.
- Justin Lowe

Leafs PR claiming it was just a muscle spasm in his leg... we'll see.

Trade spasm?


@mirtle

Babcock says Gardiner had some kind of "spasm" that he couldn't recover from.
- DarthKane

Ha. Mayybbe.

Hard to believe Babcock sometimes. I swear he's just messing with the Toronto media.

Not sure. The injury to Gardiner might be bad, being evaluated now. Leafs have their fingers crossed.
- Justin Lowe

Maybe if it is bad, they will be more desperate to get another D-man, so Seabrook would be more attractive to them. Switch the player in return or a better draft pick.

A lot of rumours of a Seabrook for Gardiner and a 3rd rounder right now.

Heard from a source at the Leafs game that something is up but can't 100% confirm yet.

Hawks have 2 scouts there tonight.
- Justin Lowe

That's interesting, last week Babcock went out of his way to tell the press in Toronto how great Gardiner's hockey IQ and on ice vision is. Which I know is total B.S. because he pretty much thinks the exact opposite.

That's interesting, last week Babcock went out of his way to tell the press in Toronto how great Gardiner's hockey IQ and on ice vision is. Which I know is total B.S. because he pretty much thinks the exact opposite.
- RickJ

Heard that too Rick. Thought the same thing. Sounded like Mike was hoping to play a trick on the other NHL GMs with those statements.

US v Canada Women's on Olympics coverage right now. interesting to see set plays and clean passing.