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

First of all that package is not even good enough for Panarin let alone Werenski too!!!!


The days of the tough NHL are OVER! little bit of pushing & shoving after whistle & that is it.

Schmaltz is a better skater than Tavares who does not have your "grit/tenacity/nasty"
Tavares is a better playmaker & better on PP but the game is now about SMALL SKILLED & FAST players

Schmaltz will be fine at Center

This board wants the Broad Street Bullies back is LAUGHABLE

Same dudes that want Tommy Wingels back

GET A CLUE

Pat Boyle:

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

Nice going walleye. I think I have a new favorite media guy. There has been an empty space for me since Sassone passed.

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.
- L_B_R

Ok then back to Trouba/Lowry and a 3rd

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?
- D2D

I think your missing my point in the matter.. there is no denying Schmaltz's talent level, at least from my perspective. What I do question is his commitment to the TEAM. Maybe its a little old school, but if you got into a scrum with someone at the park and your friend just took off running, what would you think of that friend? My issue isn't necessarily about him being physical, but rather being able to fight through checks, fight on the boards and fight for your team. Not someone who'll take off the moment their captain is getting roughed up. I guess my problem is that I've seen a lot more of this with the Blackhawks lately, not just Schmaltz, and its just sad. Its almost like they lost turned into the tin men overnight.. or since 2016.

That why I get some of the board's love for Tom Wilson and thats why I get Kane and Toews' 'requests' for pugilistic players. Individual talent doesn't always translate to wins in TEAM sports.

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

IMO, I think more likely Murphy or they play Murphy on the offside again and sit Manning. Someone will probably get injured anyway, so there will be minutes to go around.

IMO, I think more likely Murphy or they play Murphy on the offside again and sit Manning. Someone will probably get injured anyway, so there will be minutes to go around.
- breadbag

Rutta odd man out or traded for pick or prospect

Rutta odd man out or traded for pick or prospect
- Scott1977

With Forsling’s injury I doubt they’ll have to make a move for a while. Forsling will be out for 14 weeks and he’ll need a few more to get back into game shape.

Maybe the Hawks invite a UFA defenseman to camp on a PTO but I wouldn’t count on that working out. I would expect the Hawks defense to start off something like this:

Keith - Murphy
Manning - Jokiharju
Gustafson - Seabrook
Rutta

Maybe Rutta or Jokiharju get some moved to the left side.

With Forsling’s injury I doubt they’ll have to make a move for a while. Forsling will be out for 14 weeks and he’ll need a few more to get back into game shape.

Maybe the Hawks invite a UFA defenseman to camp on a PTO but I wouldn’t count on that working out. I would expect the Hawks defense to start off something like this:

Keith - Murphy
Manning - Jokiharju
Gustafson - Seabrook
Rutta

Maybe Rutta or Jokiharju get some moved to the left side.
- DarthKane

Assuming no more player acquisitions or PTOs out of camp, that's what I'm thinking as well exactly as you wrote it.

Q wanted Manning so I don't see him sitting. Seabrook won't take a seat either. So I see a rotation between Murphy, Jokiharju, and Rutta (all RHD). If Manning or Gustafsson sit, then Murphy slides to LHD so that Seabrook, Jokiharju, and Rutta play the right side.

If Forsling slots in later after his recovery, I would think he goes in for Gustafsson as they have similar skill sets and both play LHD. Honestly, I'd prefer Forsling over Gustafsson and wouldn't mind if 56 is eventually traded for draft picks or a prospect.

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

Patrick Kane still produced when it mattered most even if he wasn't physical. Schmaltz pisses down his leg and disappears. The 2013 -2015 Hawks (outside of Bickell) didn't lay a ton of lumber in the playoffs, but they would take the hits and make the plays. They were fearless. Until Schmaltz grows a pair he will be worthless for a cup contender during the playoffs. And you don't give a player like that term and dollars.

Assuming no more player acquisitions or PTOs out of camp, that's what I'm thinking as well exactly as you wrote it.

Q wanted Manning so I don't see him sitting. Seabrook won't take a seat either. So I see a rotation between Murphy, Jokiharju, and Rutta (all RHD). If Manning or Gustafsson sit, then Murphy slides to LHD so that Seabrook, Jokiharju, and Rutta play the right side.

If Forsling slots in later after his recovery, I would think he goes in for Gustafsson as they have similar skill sets and both play LHD. Honestly, I'd prefer Forsling over Gustafsson and wouldn't mind if 56 is eventually traded for draft picks or a prospect.
- AEL_Fox

To expand on this further, I expect the opening night line-up should like something like this:

Saad - Toews - Sikura/DeBrincat
DeBrincat/Sikura - Schmaltz - Kane
Kahun - Anisimov - Hayden
Ejdsell - Kruger - Kampf
Kunitz

Keith - Murphy
Manning - Jokiharju
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Rutta

Ward
Forsberg

LTIR - Crawford

Note: I am not advocating this roster, I just created a starting line-up based upon the players currently signed.

First of all that package is not even good enough for Panarin let alone Werenski too!!!!


The days of the tough NHL are OVER! little bit of pushing & shoving after whistle & that is it.

Schmaltz is a better skater than Tavares who does not have your "grit/tenacity/nasty"
Tavares is a better playmaker & better on PP but the game is now about SMALL SKILLED & FAST players

Schmaltz will be fine at Center

This board wants the Broad Street Bullies back is LAUGHABLE

Same dudes that want Tommy Wingels back

GET A CLUE

- Goalie-33

Not exactly how I would have worded it, but this sums up my feelings pretty well. I mostly lurk here but I have to say that it seems to me a lot of people here would have traded a 21 year old Kane for a Tom Wilson type who can't do jack besides pot the occasional goal, play decently on the PK and hit guys. Tough guys and fighters aren't what this league is based on anymore. The Hawks aren't getting Stu Grimson back, no matter how much people wanna lament how short Debrincat is. The Hawks didn't win their cups because they had old school tough guys. They won because they had superior speed, skill, and puck possession, which is what the league is predicated on today. In fact, they seemed to always do better when the goons like John Scott and Brandon Bollig were plastered to the bench.

To expand on this further, I expect the opening night line-up should like something like this:

Saad - Toews - Sikura/DeBrincat
DeBrincat/Sikura - Schmaltz - Kane
Kahun - Anisimov - Hayden
Ejdsell - Kruger - Kampf
Kunitz

Keith - Murphy
Manning - Jokiharju
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Rutta

Ward
Forsberg

LTIR - Crawford

Note: I am not advocating this roster, I just created a starting line-up based upon the players currently signed.
- DarthKane

Not exactly how I would have worded it, but this sums up my feelings pretty well. I mostly lurk here but I have to say that it seems to me a lot of people here would have traded a 21 year old Kane for a Tom Wilson type who can't do jack besides pot the occasional goal, play decently on the PK and hit guys. Tough guys and fighters aren't what this league is based on anymore. The Hawks aren't getting Stu Grimson back, no matter how much people wanna lament how short Debrincat is. The Hawks didn't win their cups because they had old school tough guys. They won because they had superior speed, skill, and puck possession, which is what the league is predicated on today. In fact, they seemed to always do better when the goons like John Scott and Brandon Bollig were plastered to the bench.
- RaveOn1958

Ehhhhhh that’s a stretch....Patrick Kane had 72 points as an 18 yr old and won rookie of the year after being selected 1st overall. Schmaltz is talented but not even close to Kaner’s level. Now if Schmaltz shows up to camp stronger and more adept at face offs, he is damn well worth $6mil for 60ish points. If he looks like the same soft, perimeter player that’s 40% on face offs then StanBo has to decide what he’s worth and whether that $6mil
Should be spent on another skilled Wing or a Top 4 Dman.....

- Return of the Roar

Ya...in paper it doesn’t look so good. There are a few points that could make the season interesting or terribly painful:

1. Bouncebacks - how will Saad, Toews, Keith and Seabrook fare this year?

2. Development - will DeBrincat and Schmaltz continue to develop?

3. Fresh Faces - how will the likes of Sikura, Kahun and possibly Jokiharju contribute?

4. Cap Space - will Stan make use of the $5(ish) million in cap space? According to capgeek.com the Hawks have around $4+ million in bonuses (mostly Kahun) Is Stan worried about carrying bonuses over again? Is he saving cap space to pay for any bonuses in this season?

5. Goaltending - Crawford’s health...Forsberg’s potential (or lack thereof)...how much gas does Ward have left in his tank. Take your pick.

Ya...in paper it doesn’t look so good. There are a few points that could make the season interesting or terribly painful:

1. Bouncebacks - how will Saad, Toews, Keith and Seabrook fare this year?

2. Development - will DeBrincat and Schmaltz continue to develop?

3. Fresh Faces - how will the likes of Sikura, Kahun and possibly Jokiharju contribute?

4. Cap Space - will Stan make use of the $5(ish) million in cap space? According to capgeek.com the Hawks have around $4+ million in bonuses (mostly Kahun) Is Stan worried about carrying bonuses over again? Is he saving cap space to pay for any bonuses in this season?

5. Goaltending - Crawford’s health...Forsberg’s potential (or lack thereof)...how much gas does Ward have left in his tank. Take your pick.
- DarthKane[/quote

At this point in the summer i don’t really care if they’re going to be good, mediocre, or flat out bad....I just want hockey back!!!

Ehhhhhh that’s a stretch....Patrick Kane had 72 points as an 18 yr old and won rookie of the year after being selected 1st overall. Schmaltz is talented but not even close to Kaner’s level. Now if Schmaltz shows up to camp stronger and more adept at face offs, he is damn well worth $6mil for 60ish points. If he looks like the same soft, perimeter player that’s 40% on face offs then StanBo has to decide what he’s worth and whether that $6mil
Should be spent on another skilled Wing or a Top 4 Dman.....
- EnzoD

I mostly agree with this. The player Schmaltz was last year is not worth that type of contract, but with some "growing up" he could be. But as of now, he should not be "untouchable."

And I am done commenting on Schmaltz before I start getting labeled as a "Schmaltz hater" or start appearing like I have a Savoy-like obsession with him.

Ya...in paper it doesn’t look so good. There are a few points that could make the season interesting or terribly painful:

1. Bouncebacks - how will Saad, Toews, Keith and Seabrook fare this year?

2. Development - will DeBrincat and Schmaltz continue to develop?

3. Fresh Faces - how will the likes of Sikura, Kahun and possibly Jokiharju contribute?

4. Cap Space - will Stan make use of the $5(ish) million in cap space? According to capgeek.com the Hawks have around $4+ million in bonuses (mostly Kahun) Is Stan worried about carrying bonuses over again? Is he saving cap space to pay for any bonuses in this season?

5. Goaltending - Crawford’s health...Forsberg’s potential (or lack thereof)...how much gas does Ward have left in his tank. Take your pick.
- DarthKane

Saad I'll give you, he might improve, still young enough. Though IMO he'll never be anything more than what he's been these past few seasons, and is wildly overrated by the fans here. ("he's a more complete overall player than Panarin".....LOLOLOL)

But the other 3 are who they are, and will only regress further at this point.

Which is why we're screwed because we're still trying to build around these players, who are shadows of their former selves yet still paid as if they're superstars.

Its silly, blind, and foolish to hold on to any hope for that trio at this point. They're done. Cooked. ESPECIALLY seabrook.

To expand on this further, I expect the opening night line-up should like something like this:

Saad - Toews - Sikura/DeBrincat
DeBrincat/Sikura - Schmaltz - Kane
Kahun - Anisimov - Hayden
Ejdsell - Kruger - Kampf
Kunitz

Keith - Murphy
Manning - Jokiharju
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Rutta

Ward
Forsberg

LTIR - Crawford

Note: I am not advocating this roster, I just created a starting line-up based upon the players currently signed.
- DarthKane

Agree again with your prediction on the blueline and goalies are pretty much set unless Crawford surprises by being 100% to start the season or shortly thereafter.

For the forwards, the top 6 is pretty much what I would go with if there are no more roster changes. At least to start, I would settle in with Sikura playing with Toews and Saad and DeBrincat with Schmaltz and Kane unless Toews centers DeBrincat and Sikura, moving Saad with Schmaltz and Kane instead.

For the bottom 6, though, I'd start Kunitz with Kruger to have an experienced and gritty 4th line that can log significant minutes if needed (definitely more than the stereotypical basher line that has limited talent but can throw the body and amp up the physicality).

The 3rd line is harder to fill out especially if a projected role is to be both a checking line and a line that can generate offense without sacrificing defense. Anisimov is the defaulted 3C if he's not playing C or LW in the top 6. He could play 3LW if Kampf or even Highmore or Johnson slot in at 3C.

Round out bottom 6 wings with candidates like Martinsen, Hayden, Kahun, Nilsson, Ejdsell, Fortin, and Tyler Sikura. Martinsen and Hayden are most ready but the two European free agents will push for roster spots given their pro experience (albeit on a larger ice surface).

As far as Hog prospects, Fortin has an upper edge but far from a lock. IMHO, Ejdsell needs more experience on the farm. Then there's Sikura who I feel will get a long look in training camp. Although starting his 2nd year in Rockford, he's been in the AHL and ECHL for several years now yet seemed to finally find his stride and grew substantially under Colliton.

Agree again with your prediction on the blueline and goalies are pretty much set unless Crawford surprises by being 100% to start the season or shortly thereafter.

For the forwards, the top 6 is pretty much what I would go with if there are no more roster changes. At least to start, I would settle in with Sikura playing with Toews and Saad and DeBrincat with Schmaltz and Kane unless Toews centers DeBrincat and Sikura, moving Saad with Schmaltz and Kane instead.

For the bottom 6, though, I'd start Kunitz with Kruger to have an experienced and gritty 4th line that can log significant minutes if needed (definitely more than the stereotypical basher line that has limited talent but can throw the body and amp up the physicality).

The 3rd line is harder to fill out especially if a projected role is to be both a checking line and a line that can generate offense without sacrificing defense. Anisimov is the defaulted 3C if he's not playing C or LW in the top 6. He could play 3LW if Kampf or even Highmore or Johnson slot in at 3C.

Round out bottom 6 wings with candidates like Martinsen, Hayden, Kahun, Nilsson, Ejdsell, Fortin, and Tyler Sikura. Martinsen and Hayden are most ready but the two European free agents will push for roster spots given their pro experience (albeit on a larger ice surface).

As far as Hog prospects, Fortin has an upper edge but far from a lock. IMHO, Ejdsell needs more experience on the farm. Then there's Sikura who I feel will get a long look in training camp. Although starting his 2nd year in Rockford, he's been in the AHL and ECHL for several years now yet seemed to finally find his stride and grew substantially under Colliton.
- AEL_Fox

I’d bet on Kahun making the team over Sikura.

My guess on opening period lineup....


Saad-Toews-Kane
Debrincat-Schmaltz-Kunitz
Kahun-Anisimov-Hayden
Martinsen-Kruger-Kampf

Keith-Murphy
Manning-Jokiharju
Gustafson-Seabrook

Ward
Forsberg

To expand on this further, I expect the opening night line-up should like something like this:

Saad - Toews - Sikura/DeBrincat
DeBrincat/Sikura - Schmaltz - Kane
Kahun - Anisimov - Hayden
Ejdsell - Kruger - Kampf
Kunitz

Keith - Murphy
Manning - Jokiharju
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Rutta

Ward
Forsberg

LTIR - Crawford

Note: I am not advocating this roster, I just created a starting line-up based upon the players currently signed.
- DarthKane

IF that is the line up and no other additions, Jack HUghs is a Blackhawk after next year's draft.

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

That kind of stuff always cracks me up , cuz we all know about shift #3 into game #1 the "Q" blender comes out.

No line stays together for as much as a period, let alone a game or a stretch of games. It is probably my biggest pet peeve of "Q". He won't leave lines together long enough to sort through their issues or create chemistry.

Would luv to see some consistency with the lines, and let some guys gel together.

Yes yes and yes. Watch what they do not what they say.... As fans we speculate, nothing wrong with that, and as a business the Hawks protect their product, and nothing wrong with that either as long as the message is not shamelessly false. .......

We all love Crawford and when you see his emotions in that interview it breaks your heart. One of the reasons all the way down to jrs I don't like to talk to and meet these players as emotion always sets in and it's easy to get attached as these people get humanized, especially kids.

But if Corey can't go next man up, period. Develop, plan, trade and find another #1 if Corey can't play hockey any longer.
- Mr Ricochet

Seemed to me that most people on this board hated him...until they saw what life was like without him. Fickle Fans.

Seemed to me that most people on this board hated him...until they saw what life was like without him. Fickle Fans.
- Ogilthorpe2

Absolutely where I'm at, too. You can't win a cup without a goalie with huge nads. Fine, Osgood wasn't a worldbeater, but not a choke artist either. Crow will probably not get a statue outside of the UC but absolutely huge role in 2 SCF

I think your missing my point in the matter.. there is no denying Schmaltz's talent level, at least from my perspective. What I do question is his commitment to the TEAM. Maybe its a little old school, but if you got into a scrum with someone at the park and your friend just took off running, what would you think of that friend? My issue isn't necessarily about him being physical, but rather being able to fight through checks, fight on the boards and fight for your team. Not someone who'll take off the moment their captain is getting roughed up. I guess my problem is that I've seen a lot more of this with the Blackhawks lately, not just Schmaltz, and its just sad. Its almost like they lost turned into the tin men overnight.. or since 2016.

That why I get some of the board's love for Tom Wilson and thats why I get Kane and Toews' 'requests' for pugilistic players. Individual talent doesn't always translate to wins in TEAM sports.
- CamRusselsJock

While I agree Schmaltzy can show more 'cahunas' in scrums as far as backing up teammates but that's why you have guys like Murphy, Seab, Hayden, etc.

Also I have been one of the guys spear-headed the bromance for Tom Wilson, as he is your quintessential modern power forward, can skate well but more importantly couple that with making plays. The days of the enforcer are over who couldn't skate or make plays. ie Semenko (Gretsky), Neil (Karlson), Probert (Stevie Y), McCarty (Lidstrom) and the instigator role plays along with that as well. Oh also the last couple minutes of a game too for a fight.

I think your missing my point in the matter.. there is no denying Schmaltz's talent level, at least from my perspective. What I do question is his commitment to the TEAM. Maybe its a little old school, but if you got into a scrum with someone at the park and your friend just took off running, what would you think of that friend? My issue isn't necessarily about him being physical, but rather being able to fight through checks, fight on the boards and fight for your team. Not someone who'll take off the moment their captain is getting roughed up. I guess my problem is that I've seen a lot more of this with the Blackhawks lately, not just Schmaltz, and its just sad. Its almost like they lost turned into the tin men overnight.. or since 2016.

That why I get some of the board's love for Tom Wilson and thats why I get Kane and Toews' 'requests' for pugilistic players. Individual talent doesn't always translate to wins in TEAM sports.
- CamRusselsJock

I agree that I would like to see more pushback from some of the Hawks when it comes to standing up for your teammates, but why single out Schmaltz? His role on this team is to make plays on the offensive and defensive end of play using his high level speed, stick skills, and hockey sense.

I would like to see him add a little push back to his game, but I think this will come with time and maturity. The same thing was said about Patrick Kane when he entered the league and as he has matured he has added some physical pushback.

Also, I’m not sure schmaltz loses as many puck batted as many on here suggest. He did have the most turnovers on the team, many of which come from winning puck battles.