I'm actually looking forward to this season. I don't know if the Hawks will be contenders for the first overall pick, contenders for the Cup or somewhere in between. But there are some things to look forward to:

1. The continued development of Schmaltz and Debrincat.
2. The new faces on the team to start the season (I'm thinking Jokiharju, Kahun and Sikura).
3. The new faces called up during the season (Ejdsell, Hillman).
4. Will the old core bounce back?
5. What moves will Stan make to improve the team (I don't think he's done).
- DarthKane

Great list. Agree with all points.

I know it would be the third line, but I think ADB-AA-Sikura could be a really effective line...shades of Panarin and Kane with AA. That being said, my guess is at least ADB is top 6 all season.
- tvetter

I've thought about that possibility as well because that in theory would mean the top 6 is solid enough to have DeBrincat and Sikura playing together on the 3rd line. Operative term is in theory since I'm not so sure if our top 6 is strong enough to do that.

Not being snarky by asking this, just curious who would you have as the top 6 then? Maybe something like:

LW - Toews - RW
Saad - Schmaltz - Kane
DeBrincat - Anisimov - Sikura
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden

Who would play wing with Toews? Essentially, there are 2 top 6 wing spots that need to be filled even if you go nuclear with pairing up Saad, Toews, and Kane as a top line.

I've thought about that possibility as well because that in theory would mean the top 6 is solid enough to have DeBrincat and Sikura playing together on the 3rd line. Operative term is in theory since I'm not so sure if our top 6 is strong enough to do that.

Not being snarky by asking this, just curious who would you have as the top 6 then? Maybe something like:

LW - Toews - RW
Saad - Schmaltz - Kane
DeBrincat - Anisimov - Sikura
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden

Who would play wing with Toews? Essentially, there are 2 top 6 wing spots that need to be filled even if you go nuclear with pairing up Saad, Toews, and Kane as a top line.
- AEL_Fox

The only way my idea makes sense is if we sign a top six FA, or Kahun and Hayden (or Ejdsell) make the top 6, or some combination of the 2.

I've thought about that possibility as well because that in theory would mean the top 6 is solid enough to have DeBrincat and Sikura playing together on the 3rd line. Operative term is in theory since I'm not so sure if our top 6 is strong enough to do that.

Not being snarky by asking this, just curious who would you have as the top 6 then? Maybe something like:

LW - Toews - RW
Saad - Schmaltz - Kane
DeBrincat - Anisimov - Sikura
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden

Who would play wing with Toews? Essentially, there are 2 top 6 wing spots that need to be filled even if you go nuclear with pairing up Saad, Toews, and Kane as a top line.
- AEL_Fox

The only way my idea makes sense is if we sign a top six FA, or Kahun and Hayden (or Ejdsell) make the top 6, or some combination of the 2.

The only way my idea makes sense is if we sign a top six FA, or Kahun and Hayden (or Ejdsell) make the top 6, or some combination of the 2.
- tvetter

Was thinking the same thing. As an example:

Saad - Toews - Kahun
Nash - Schmaltz - Kane

I don't see Hayden as a viable option for top 6, at least not long term, and think he'd be most effective playing bottom 6.

Maybe Ejdsell down the line. He may make a strong case during camp next month but likely will start the year in Rockford for more development then eventually work his way into the lineup as early as midway through the year. Kind of like Hillman.

Not yet.

It should be out this week.
- Justin Lowe

I miss them playing in London.

I'm actually looking forward to this season. I don't know if the Hawks will be contenders for the first overall pick, contenders for the Cup or somewhere in between. But there are some things to look forward to:

1. The continued development of Schmaltz and Debrincat.
2. The new faces on the team to start the season (I'm thinking Jokiharju, Kahun and Sikura).
3. The new faces called up during the season (Ejdsell, Hillman).
4. Will the old core bounce back?
5. What moves will Stan make to improve the team (I don't think he's done).
- DarthKane

Yep, all of the above. Also looking to continued development of prospects and the farm system under Colliton as well as tracking some of the new picks, particularly the first three (Boqvist, Beaudin and Wise) and Mitchell.

Yep, all of the above. Also looking to continued development of prospects and the farm system under Colliton as well as tracking some of the new picks, particularly the first three (Boqvist, Beaudin and Wise) and Mitchell.
- HawkintheD

Was thinking the same thing. As an example:

Saad - Toews - Kahun
Nash - Schmaltz - Kane

I don't see Hayden as a viable option for top 6, at least not long term, and think he'd be most effective playing bottom 6.

Maybe Ejdsell down the line. He may make a strong case during camp next month but likely will start the year in Rockford for more development then eventually work his way into the lineup as early as midway through the year. Kind of like Hillman.
- AEL_Fox

Kahun is supposed to be a good 2-way player so having him play with Saad and Toews couild make that line pretty good defensively with some offensive pop. The other side of the Kahun coin is that he's also supposed to be pretty good on faceoffs so from that perspective it's kind of a misallocation of resources when he could be a winger taking draws for either Schmaltz or Anisimov. But, aside from the problem of faceoffs on the 2nd and 3rd lines - and if Nash is signed - and if Kahun can play well - then I don't mind this lineup:

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

I miss them playing in London.
- eagle50

Me too, friend. I used to go every year.

It was in Oshawa one year and went to that one as well.

Maybe wake up & realize that todays NHL is all about speed & skill

Tough guys are long gone

Fighting is almost gone from the game

No need for tough guys when the new NHL is like Rat Ice for guys like 88 to dance around & not get hit

Maybe wake up & realize that todays NHL is all about speed & skill

Tough guys are long gone

Fighting is almost gone from the game

No need for tough guys when the new NHL is like Rat Ice for guys like 88 to dance around & not get hit
- Goalie-33

You mean the fourth best winger in the NHL right now according to the NHL network?

Me too, friend. I used to go every year.

It was in Oshawa one year and went to that one as well.
- Justin Lowe

Feb.22 and March 2 Entwistle and Boqvist twice in 8 days,see you.

Feb.22 and March 2 Entwistle and Boqvist twice in 8 days,see you.
- eagle50

Nice!

I have some Hamilton and Guelph/London games circled on the calendar to hit up to watch Boqvist and Entwhistle.

Kahun is supposed to be a good 2-way player so having him play with Saad and Toews couild make that line pretty good defensively with some offensive pop. The other side of the Kahun coin is that he's also supposed to be pretty good on faceoffs so from that perspective it's kind of a misallocation of resources when he could be a winger taking draws for either Schmaltz or Anisimov. But, aside from the problem of faceoffs on the 2nd and 3rd lines - and if Nash is signed - and if Kahun can play well - then I don't mind this lineup:

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

The Hawks need more from DeBrincat, I’d expect him to play in the top 6. Unless Kahun is Panarin-good I think the third line is the best case scenario.

I’m wondering if Q will want to go with a DeBrincat-Anisimov-Kane like in an attempt to replicate the success the Panarin-Anisimov-Kane line had. LBR...do you have any stats on how well this trio played together last season (if they played together).

This would likely mean Schmaltz would be with Saad and Toews. LBR?

The top 6 would be decent and th 4th line could be good with Kunitz, Kruger and Kampf. But the third line would have some question marks. If anyone gets bumped down to the third line to create balance my money is on AA.

You mean the fourth best winger in the NHL right now according to the NHL network?
- tvetter

Don't bother trying to reason with this idiot.

His only goal here is to piss people off - he thinks people actually pay attention to him.

He has been suspended from this site several times - and he keeps coming back trying to draw attention.

Don't bother trying to reason with this idiot.

His only goal here is to piss people off - he thinks people actually pay attention to him.

He has been suspended from this site several times - and he keeps coming back trying to draw attention.
- dahawks8819

Agreed, or Mommy took away his internet connection. SAD!

- Ogilthorpe2

I prefer Lemonade!

I prefer Lemonade!


- walleyeb1

I'm an Arnie guy

I know it would be the third line, but I think ADB-AA-Sikura could be a really effective line...shades of Panarin and Kane with AA. That being said, my guess is at least ADB is top 6 all season.
- tvetter

I agree with you some what. Anisimov on 3rd line with two smaller and more skilled players could work .... similar to Kane-Anisimov-Panarin but not as explosive. The only question is who would we have playing with Toews on first line ???? I was thinking Toews with Debrinkat and bigger forward .... if ... Saad plays with Kane and Schmaltz. And line three, maybe, Kahun and Sikura with Anisimov. Either way, there is a spot or two open among the top nine

Agreed, or Mommy took away his internet connection. SAD!
- phantasmo

The Penalty Box Door should be opening up for this TROLL, hopefully for good.

Kessler - per Ducks blogger: Now, it’s being reported that he could miss the entire 2018-2019 season, due to continued hip issues that sidelined so much of his productivity last year.

Saad Toews Cat
X Schmaltz Kane
Kahun AA Sikura
Kunitz Kruger Hayden

I'm still hoping they can acquire another forward!

Kessler - per Ducks blogger: Now, it’s being reported that he could miss the entire 2018-2019 season, due to continued hip issues that sidelined so much of his productivity last year.
- glennjpawlak22

Now's the time for Stan to swoop in an pick-up Kesler. He brings the extact type of grit and face-off prowess this team sorely lacks. Maybe Schmaltz + Sikura for Kesler + 6th?

Maybe wake up & realize that todays NHL is all about speed & skill

Tough guys are long gone

Fighting is almost gone from the game

No need for tough guys when the new NHL is like Rat Ice for guys like 88 to dance around & not get hit
- Goalie-33

who are you complaining about?