Tough break for the kid.

Might mean another year in Rockford for Forsling with maybe a later call up.

It will all depend on how the defence and season plays out I guess.
- Justin Lowe

Any rumors floating around of importance? Or are the hawks waiting for rfa and arbitration to get resolved. So Justin what is the next move by the hawks? There are holes that need to be filled, top 4 dman, second or 3rd line center that can win faceoffs consistently, and another player with sandpaper to his game and not to mention if Crawford does not come back what do the hawks do then? Lot of question marks too many for my liking.

I would only trade smaltz or bebrincat for 23-25 year old or younger d man with top 3 potential or second line playmaking center other than that no don't trade either.
- Scott1977

Cat/Murphy/AA to Oilers for RNH/Darnell Nurse +2nd

He missed time in Rockford right before the playoffs, so it's probably something that was nagging and then he was checked out this past week when he came to Chicago. Opting for surgery is probably better long-term for him and the Hawks.
- L_B_R

K, That's makes it early Nov for his return.

Cat/Murphy/AA to Oilers for RNH/Darnell Nurse +2nd
- gazza53

NO Nurse would be nice not a lover of RNH undersized already have that with smaltz.

But that kind of package is good start at acquiring what the hawks need. Like your thinking.

When’s blowman gonna pull the trigger instead of his d•••?!?!?!?

NO Nurse would be nice not a lover of RNH undersized already have that with smaltz.

But that kind of package is good start at acquiring what the hawks need. Like your thinking.
- Scott1977

Well then how about Schmaltz instead of Cat

Well then how about Schmaltz instead of Cat

- gazza53

I would looking at teams that are up against the cap and are looking to unload a contract. Calgary Washington pitt etc. Might be able to get something the hawks need that way. Don't think hawks will move either dcat or smaltz unless a deal comes along that can't refuse.

Well then how about Schmaltz instead of Cat

- gazza53

Dcat+ Murphy for truoba + lowery 3rd or prospect then trade AA to Montreal or another team that needs a center for picks and prospects. In the offseason use the AA money plus cap increase to sign truoba 6 to 7 million for 6 years. Fill 2 needs and get AA contract off the books.

+1 1000%

I'm not necessarily one for meatheads on the team, but I think that one thing that most folks are clamoring for is real pushback, whether it be for a teammate or yourself, as a player. There have been many instances in the past, many that folks have already pointed out, where a star of ours was railed and nothing or barely anything was done. Toews and Thornton, Hossa and douche-pocalypse (Torres), Toews and Orpik, Kane and Petrovic, Crawford and Malkin. Those are some of the big ones that stick out but most games that I have watched in recent years have been the same, someone on the Hawks gets punked and nothing happens.

I mean, at least, stick your nose in and show that you somewhat care. I've even seen this from Seabrook in recent years, so my respect level for him has dropped. Just skate back to the bench watching the ruckus happening behind you, you POS. Your like, literally, the biggest guy on the team and you watch your guys get mugged?

I digress... I get the whole motto of a victory is the best form of revenge, but you can't win if you can't finish the game. Thats the one thing that endeared me to Arti, the game vs MN where Dumba leveled Kane center ice and Arti just jumped him. He looked like he didn't know what the hell he was doing, but he jumped in and gave a crap... at least at that moment... when his star teammate was mugged.

So, getting back to the original Schmaltz discussion, if someone like him wants a long term deal for that kind of money, I say.. get the best trade value for him. I'm not sure he has enough game changing talent to compensate for his lack of 'team play'.
- CamRusselsJock

Nice handle. And, oh ya, a little puchback would be nice

Cat/Murphy/AA to Oilers for RNH/Darnell Nurse +2nd
- gazza53

The Oilers aren't going to move Nurse - he took huge strides this past year, is only 23, and was playing in a more traditional #1 role this past season than anyone else. Klefbom is the one of their two younger guys that might be on the trade-block, but the Oilers are looking for a puck-moving RD, which is not Murphy.

And they're not looking for centers that much (McDavid, Draisaitl, Strome, Brodziak), esp not older ones. Last thing they want is another 30 year old signed for a few more years around $5m or more - they already want to unload Lucic.

The Hawks don't make a good trade partner for the Oilers - Hawks just don't have what they most desire.

Well then how about Schmaltz instead of Cat

- gazza53

Schmaltz is more valuable than Debrincat.

This is great news. Hayes wanted 5 x $5.5 and got 1 x 5.175. Bodes well for dealing with Schmaltz who hasn't earned anything yet. And don't throw stats at me, either. There's more to playing hockey than stats. I can't remember which post it is in, but there was someone earlier talking about how much of a wussy Schmaltz is and how he refuses to stick up for his teammates. He also disappeared against Nashville after a couple of hard hits. And he didn't disappear the way the others did. He was terrified, and you could tell it by his body language. He is currently not a player that you can win a cup with.

Can he grow a pair? Sure, it's possible. If he does, then the Hawks can talk longer term contracts. In the meantime, take him to arbitration and pay him 1 year deals. The Hawks need to start playing hardball with some of these guys instead of just rolling over and giving them whatever they ask for (or more, see: Richard Panik).
- tazer_and_diet

That was me my friend, and I’ll stand by it, and like I said if Stan Bowman, and I do not know the parameters of recently drafted players as far as the collective bargaining agreement, should if the story is true out of Ottawa, make a call and yes if it deal can be struck where we can get that kid signed to an entry-level contract and maybe expand the trade I definitely would trade Nick Schmaltz in a New York minute. Especially if he is going to ask for between five and $6 million a year next year .I don’t support hooliganism that kid is all for himself and it is not in his DNA nor will he get his nose dirty. And believe me that pissed off some of his teammates internally.

That was me my friend, and I’ll stand by it, and like I said if Stan Bowman, and I do not know the parameters of recently drafted players as far as the collective bargaining agreement, should if the story is true out of Ottawa, make a call and yes if it deal can be struck where we can get that kid signed to an entry-level contract and maybe expand the trade I definitely would trade Nick Schmaltz in a New York minute. Especially if he is going to ask for between five and $6 million a year next year .I don’t support hooliganism that kid is all for himself and it is not in his DNA nor will he get his nose dirty. And believe me that pissed off some of his teammates internally.
- wonthecup10

IF you can get Zach Werenski-esque player for Schmaltz I'd do it in a second. Check out Schmaltz's Instagram page and he has the arms of a 12yr old boy. The kid obviously has unbelievable skating ability and great playmaking talent, but to be a true Top 6 Center in the NHL, you need to have grit/tenacity/nasty and some physical strength. IF Schmaltz adds muscle this summer I'd change my tune, but he is by no means a "must keep" player IMO due to his physical/mental shortcomings (to this point). Schmaltz + Boquist + Seabrook for Werenski + Panarin

IF you can get Zach Werenski-esque player for Schmaltz I'd do it in a second. Check out Schmaltz's Instagram page and he has the arms of a 12yr old boy. The kid obviously has unbelievable skating ability and great playmaking talent, but to be a true Top 6 Center in the NHL, you need to have grit/tenacity/nasty and some physical strength. IF Schmaltz adds muscle this summer I'd change my tune, but he is by no means a "must keep" player IMO due to his physical/mental shortcomings (to this point). Schmaltz + Boquist + Seabrook for Werenski + Panarin
- EnzoD

Schmaltz hasn't even posted anything on his instagram that shows his arms since like August of last summer...

Everyone would want a Werenski, there just aren't any available.

From Powers:

Schmaltz has put on some muscle so far this offseason.

“I feel a lot stronger,” Schmaltz said. “Weight-wise, I’m only a few pounds, but I just feel more compact and strong, more powerful, I’d say. … I’ve just been working out in Madison, got a good program going on there with a lot of U-W alumni, so it’s going well. Just been following the protocol that we’ve been going through. It feels real good, and I feel like I’m moving in the right direction.”

He also worked with Kane's skills coach, Darryl Belfry, when he came to Chicago and was invited to attend his exclusive Tactics and Tuneup Camp in August again as well.

Dcat+ Murphy for truoba + lowery 3rd or prospect then trade AA to Montreal or another team that needs a center for picks and prospects. In the offseason use the AA money plus cap increase to sign truoba 6 to 7 million for 6 years. Fill 2 needs and get AA contract off the books.
- Scott1977

Yes that works as well, Oilers are up against it so maybe
they overpay for Cat who is cheap yet for 2 years and is
McDavids buddy

I think we have plenty of money next year whether
or not we trade AA, figure a couple of mil cap increase
and 7 mil coming off the books with $5mil on hand.

Isn't it nice that we have 3 cups w/cap problems while
the rest of the league has zero cupsw/cap problems

The Oilers aren't going to move Nurse - he took huge strides this past year, is only 23, and was playing in a more traditional #1 role this past season than anyone else. Klefbom is the one of their two younger guys that might be on the trade-block, but the Oilers are looking for a puck-moving RD, which is not Murphy.

And they're not looking for centers that much (McDavid, Draisaitl, Strome, Brodziak), esp not older ones. Last thing they want is another 30 year old signed for a few more years around $5m or more - they already want to unload Lucic.

The Hawks don't make a good trade partner for the Oilers - Hawks just don't have what they most desire.
- L_B_R

McDavid might want Cat on his wing? And yes that's why Nurse is
who I'd like. The Oilers cap isn't looking all that good, they still have
Nurse to sign with only $4.9 mil look at his comparables, Dumba at $6?

Cat gives them a lot of room

Yes that works as well, Oilers are up against it so maybe
they overpay for Cat who is cheap yet for 2 years and is
McDavids buddy

I think we have plenty of money next year whether
or not we trade AA, figure a couple of mil cap increase
and 7 mil coming off the books with $5mil on hand.

Isn't it nice that we have 3 cups w/cap problems while
the rest of the league has zero cupsw/cap problems
- gazza53

Agree 3 cups is very good

McDavid might want Cat on his wing? And yes that's why Nurse is
who I'd like. The Oilers cap isn't looking all that good, they still have
Nurse to sign with only $4.9 mil look at his comparables, Dumba at $6?

Cat gives them a lot of room
- gazza53

I'm not saying the Oilers wouldn't like Debrincat, but their greatest need and want is a puck-moving right-handed defenseman. They've always been desperate for RD, they even traded a top 10 offensive player in Hall for Larsson straight up. They've been linked to Faulk in Carolina, just to show you want type of d-man they want. Murphy isn't that and Debrincat isn't the position they're interested in, currently. They might be interested in Derbincat, but they won't move one of their top 2 young LD for anything less than a top 4 puck-moving RD coming back in the deal as well.

Not that it matter because Nurse isn't going anywhere for them - Klefbom, maybe, but a full hard stop no for Nurse.

They'd prefer to move Lucic, though Idk who would take him.

Indeed. Very much like Saad but more physical, maybe more compete and probably faster. He'd be the guy to dig out pucks for Kaner and Schmaltz.

And yes some think his inability to reach his perceived ceiling falls on Vigneault.

Cost? Wouldn't be cheap and if the Hawks are gonna give up anything significant I'd rather see them do so for a 2C moving Schmaltz to wing. But at the same time acquiring a top 6 power player at any position is a good thing IMO.
- Mr Ricochet

I think it is fair to say that we are mostly aligned in our hockey thoughts and processes! LOL!

I like Hayden a lot. He looked good in that mini-stint with the team at the end of the 16-17 season when put with Toews. He also looked good for the first few games of last season. In fact the that Wingels, Bouma, Hayden line seemed to get a lot of opportunities when up against other teams’ 4th lines. With improved skating, it would be nice having him as a hard working presence in front of the net on the first or second lines.
- Popsghostly

I like your optimism and I like Hayden's potential but unfortunately I do not believe he is top 6 material currently but of course if he improves he will slot up. However, I do agree with you that he did look good early on Toews line and even looked better on the 4th line with Wingels and Bouma. You are 100% correct that he needs to work on his skating, edge work and speed. Additionally, it seemed as if he was not sure of what to do with the puck. And when he tried the execution was off ie pass behind the guy. These are essential qualities in top 6 players...the ability to make plays! When I saw him at Yale he was a very good finisher, off passes from Joe Snively, a mini Kaner especially in the high slot. All in all, Hayden does fill a much needed void in the Hawks lineup, sandpaper and net front presence.

Pat Boyle:

https://www.nbcsports.com...__twitter_impression=true

I like your optimism and I like Hayden's potential but unfortunately I do not believe he is top 6 material currently but of course if he improves he will slot up. However, I do agree with you that he did look good early on Toews line and even looked better on the 4th line with Wingels and Bouma. You are 100% correct that he needs to work on his skating, edge work and speed. Additionally, it seemed as if he was not sure of what to do with the puck. And when he tried the execution was off ie pass behind the guy. These are essential qualities in top 6 players...the ability to make plays! When I saw him at Yale he was a very good finisher, off passes from Joe Snively, a mini Kaner especially in the high slot. All in all, Hayden does fill a much needed void in the Hawks lineup, sandpaper and net front presence.
- D2D

Joe Snively!! Haven't heard his name in a long while. Was a waterbug/slasher in the USHL who caught my eye every time I saw the Musketeers. Damn fun player: https://www.eliteprospect...player/193445/joe-snively

Haven't seen him in quite awhile. Guessing he gets some invites to NHL camps after he graduates, no? Maybe AHL depth?

All of the complaints about Schmaltz lack of physicality are reminiscent of what people used to say about Patrick Kane. I think that Schmaltz has a lot of room to grow and I think management has him pencilled in as a big part of the future at center. No way he gets moved because he shies away from contact.
- LaheysBRandy

100% agreed as I have always backed Schmaltzy. His skating (my first think I look for in a player these days) is tremendous as it is effortless. His speed through the neutral zone will always buy him time to make plays for himself and others especially Kaner. Is Toews overly physical know, neither is Bergeron or Kopitar?

Pat Boyle:

https://www.nbcsports.com...__twitter_impression=true
- walleyeb1

The most interesting take aways to me:

- Debrincat wants to play with Kane. In another article, Q was quoted as saying they'd thought about Cat with Toews instead and Saad-Schmaltz-Kane as a line to try at the start.

- This comment: The consensus opinion at the convention is that Henri Jokiharju is ready to play in the NHL and will likely make the team.

The most interesting take aways to me:

- Debrincat wants to play with Kane. In another article, Q was quoted as saying they'd thought about Cat with Toews instead and Saad-Schmaltz-Kane as a line to try at the start.

- This comment: The consensus opinion at the convention is that Henri Jokiharju is ready to play in the NHL and will likely make the team.
- L_B_R

If Jokiharju makes the team who is the odd man out? Rutta?