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Schmaltz’s arms are toothpicks and that’s a pic from this week @ LBR
- EnzoD

Stan should trade Schmaltz while he still has some value. Maybe for Patches straight up, but Chicago might have to throw in Sikura or Mitchell too.

I know your comparables are best on metrics and pure numbers but that's where the comparison ends. Kuzy is way better than Johansen and Johansen is way better than Stone and they are both centers. But like I always say numbers are only good at negotiation time!
- D2D

When I say better position, I meant that Kuznetsov is 2C behind Backstrom, though they're really more 1A/1B options. Johansen is the indisputable #1 for the Preds.

I think it will be Fortin. He has NHL speed and size he proved he could finish in the preseason Two years ago. I think he must have been hurt last year. He is my pick to click!
- Sn1362

That would be an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Not that I think Fortin won’t make the NHL one day, he just had a rough season injury-wise and didn’t get a lot of time in Rockford last season. He played 53 games but never seemed to find his grove. That being said, I’d be happy if you were right.

My guesses for the rookie forwards this season, to start would be Hayden, Sikura and Kahun. Highmore, Johnson and Ejdsell would get called up at some point.

Stan should trade Schmaltz while he still has some value. Maybe for Patches straight up, but Chicago might have to throw in Sikura or Mitchell too.
- DarthKane

Schmaltz for David Clarkson

Stan should trade Schmaltz while he still has some value. Maybe for Patches straight up, but Chicago might have to throw in Sikura or Mitchell too.
- DarthKane

Noooooo way! Patches is on the back (decline) end and Schmaltzy trajectory is straight north. Based on your scenario, that means win know and Patches will NOT put the Hawks over the top and you are also destroying young and upcoming core.

Schmaltz for David Clarkson
- EnzoD

Stan might have to include a pick.

Noooooo way! Patches is on the back (decline) end and Schmaltzy trajectory is straight north. Based on your scenario, that means win know and Patches will NOT put the Hawks over the top and you are also destroying young and upcoming core.
- D2D

Is your sarcasm metre faulty?

Stan might have to include a pick.
- tompo1015

2019 1st and retain 50% of Schmaltz’s cap hit.

Noooooo way! Patches is on the back (decline) end and Schmaltzy trajectory is straight north. Based on your scenario, that means win know and Patches will NOT put the Hawks over the top and you are also destroying young and upcoming core.
- D2D

But Stan would also trade DeBrincat (plus) for Skinner, that puts the Hawks over the top.

There is a piece on the Athletic about what Sweden’s world juniors coach Tomas Monten reports on Adam Boqvist

There is a piece on the Athletic about what Sweden’s world juniors coach Tomas Monten reports on Adam Boqvist
- wiz1901

Basically he needs to get stronger, faster and better overall.

Welcome to Rundblad 2.0

Basically he needs to get stronger, faster and better overall.

Welcome to Rundblad 2.0
- DarthKane

At least Rundblad only cost us a second round pick though.....

Toews would have to be lined up with say, Kunitz and Hayden, or he will get his azz beaten every night, and worse than last year...
Who knew that Toews would need bodyguards while in his prime?

Toews would have to be lined up with say, Kunitz and Hayden, or he will get his azz beaten every night, and worse than last year...
Who knew that Toews would need bodyguards while in his prime?
- RedFeather

I thought Toews was way past his prime?

If Toews plays with Kunitz and Hayden he'll be luck to get 40 points.

There is a piece on the Athletic about what Sweden’s world juniors coach Tomas Monten reports on Adam Boqvist
- wiz1901

Far from a glowing review....

Toews would have to be lined up with say, Kunitz and Hayden, or he will get his azz beaten every night, and worse than last year...
Who knew that Toews would need bodyguards while in his prime?
- RedFeather

Who knew “dat bum Kane” would spend most of his prime on the 2nd line 🤣

I do not believe that Snuggerud almost made the team.

His objective last season was to practice how to play defense. He has studied film of D Keith prior to turning pro and had applied knowledge of how to read react plays, anticipation, moving into correct lanes or slots ...he already had a skating offensive producer resume but needed to learn better the defensive side. So if that is the correct report I had on him, making the team last year was not happening. Then he was injured a few times & didn't play in playoffs.

In short he projects as one of a growing list whom might be a third pair offensive catalyst. Does he get a cup of coffee this season? It depends upon his progress under Colliton in Rockford.

His competition is not only Dahlstrom, but Tuulola and, later, Kyrs from that BC or BU Hockey East. Snuggerud is D Keith size but I do not think he can make a big bone rattle check like Keith has done in his career. Therefore I suggest that Snuggerud make a strong impression this year and or next.

After two seasons the top two 2018 picks will be receiving major attention

Jokiharju is a fair bet to wind up not as a third pair. Some of the other prospects are third pair caliber initially as defensive pairing

Leave Raydish out of discussion for now. He should play another year and see if he improves more.

So much depends upon development in.AHL and when Bowman ultimately moves some guys whom.i doubt are here more than 1-2 seasons; namely Ruuta, Gus and even Murphy.

Forsling was rushed and he may have been hurt by trying to live with his deficiencies at NHL. Forsling is yet another challenger whom Snuggerud may need to beat out

I just anticipate a deep skill skating offensive feature blueline crew with Hillman, Gilbert, Carlsson supporting them with a defensive and checking balance

It will be interesting to see how Snuggerud fares.

Oh btw Mitchell surely will beat out Snuggerud....so the sooner Snuggerud shows what he can bring, the better. I go with his getting a cup of coffee upcoming season

Basically he needs to get stronger, faster and better overall.

Welcome to Rundblad 2.0
- DarthKane

Since the skinny at the time was that he wouldn’t be ready for the Show until 2020-21 - yeah, he needs to get stronger, faster, and better overall.

He’s 17 for another two weeks - why is this a surprise (or a disappointment)?

I think Skinner is better skater.
- wiz1901

I'd agree with that.

I do not believe that Snuggerud almost made the team.

His objective last season was to practice how to play defense. He has studied film of D Keith prior to turning pro and had applied knowledge of how to read react plays, anticipation, moving into correct lanes or slots ...he already had a skating offensive producer resume but needed to learn better the defensive side. So if that is the correct report I had on him, making the team last year was not happening. Then he was injured a few times & didn't play in playoffs.

In short he projects as one of a growing list whom might be a third pair offensive catalyst. Does he get a cup of coffee this season? It depends upon his progress under Colliton in Rockford.

His competition is not only Dahlstrom, but Tuulola and, later, Kyrs from that BC or BU Hockey East. Snuggerud is D Keith size but I do not think he can make a big bone rattle check like Keith has done in his career. Therefore I suggest that Snuggerud make a strong impression this year and or next.

After two seasons the top two 2018 picks will be receiving major attention

Jokiharju is a fair bet to wind up not as a third pair. Some of the other prospects are third pair caliber initially as defensive pairing

Leave Raydish out of discussion for now. He should play another year and see if he improves more.

So much depends upon development in.AHL and when Bowman ultimately moves some guys whom.i doubt are here more than 1-2 seasons; namely Ruuta, Gus and even Murphy.

Forsling was rushed and he may have been hurt by trying to live with his deficiencies at NHL. Forsling is yet another challenger whom Snuggerud may need to beat out

I just anticipate a deep skill skating offensive feature blueline crew with Hillman, Gilbert, Carlsson supporting them with a defensive and checking balance

It will be interesting to see how Snuggerud fares.

Oh btw Mitchell surely will beat out Snuggerud....so the sooner Snuggerud shows what he can bring, the better. I go with his getting a cup of coffee upcoming season
- jhawk59

Dude, I appreciate your postings and usually they contain some interesting points/opinions, but just a suggestion.....1) shorten them down a bit or split them up, people tend to tune them out or not finish them when they are that long. 2) If you are going to comment on a player, at least know what school he goes to, a statement like above just blows any credibility you know what you are talking about if you don't even know his school (BU by the way). 3) Whether its autocorrect or just mistakes, check your spelling of names, most of the time people know what you are talking about but a quick search and cut and paste would be helpful.

Just to be clear: those stat positions are among Flyer defensemen?

If there are 7 defensive positions on the team, he's at the bottom of them in 3 of the 7 catagories - with an average position of between 5th and 6th on the team.

Better him than giving experience to a younger skater? I don't know - if it keeps a player in Rockford who should be in Rockford gaining experience, ok, I guess.
- StLBravesFan

Manning, Ward and Kunitz all fall into the same category. They all have iffy stats but are proven "predictable" NHL players. Something the Hawks didn't have enough of last yr and without Crow it often looked like a clown show.

Hopefully next yr we can say this trio would be blocking or taking away valuable NHL ice time from a deserving prospect but after last yrs showing I'm fine with those 3 while guys like Hillman, Dahlstrom, Carlsson, Johnson types develop under Colliton on the farm.

Going to be a long and painful year regardless of how you look at it.
No big trades coming, no big signing coming.
CC, total mistery, no timeline, not 100% and a guy who has not played in a year.
Cam Ward will be your starter on most nights - thats saying a lot.
Our dumpster diving acquisitations are Kunitzs and Manning....simply wow.
Toews and Seabs a resurgence? Thats a pipe dream.
I figure Q will be gone sooner than later.
No playoffs.
Result - high lottery pick and hopefully some of the core will be moved and the team can really start rebuilding.
Mic drop.

Since the skinny at the time was that he wouldn’t be ready for the Show until 2020-21 - yeah, he needs to get stronger, faster, and better overall.

He’s 17 for another two weeks - why is this a surprise (or a disappointment)?
- StLBravesFan

This! He has huge upside but he is really raw right now.

I think it will be Fortin. He has NHL speed and size he proved he could finish in the preseason Two years ago. I think he must have been hurt last year. He is my pick to click!
- Sn1362

I hope so. He forced the Hawks into some tough decisions two years ago with his play. He certainly has the speed and a nose for the net I believe. He is healthy now

Since the skinny at the time was that he wouldn’t be ready for the Show until 2020-21 - yeah, he needs to get stronger, faster, and better overall.

He’s 17 for another two weeks - why is this a surprise (or a disappointment)?
- StLBravesFan

Seemed pretty consistent with other reports out there and not really any sort of “a ha” moment.