Most overrated D-man in recent memory...IMO.
- Ogilthorpe2

I don't think he's been right since 2015 when Saad took him out in the playoffs.

Offensively? Not overrated.

Defensively? He was above average for a long period of time.

It honestly doesn't matter.....this roster on paper is depressing enough. Dear lord.

I don't understand why the Hawks aren't HARD after Panarin. They have the cap space. Columbus is over a barrel because Panarin clearly doesn't want to stay there beyond his current contract. And Chicago is a place I think he'd sign a long term extension with. The Hawks current defense is poor but I see no solution other than to wait for the rising young studs like Boqvist and Jokiharu to mature. But they can supercharge their forward group right now with a player who already has great chemistry with Kane and is still only 26. I'd give the Jackets a first round pick for AP in the blink of an eye. Then we wouldn't be talking about playing question marks like Edjsell in the top 9.

I think he starts with the Blackhawks if he has a good camp, he’ll have to earn it to stay up though.

I like his attitude:


What are your plans for this offseason?

I am going back home to Sweden and working with my personal trainer. It will be very different than what I am used to because when I was playing at home I would get my whole summer to play with my team and here you can't do that. It makes you have to be responsible and motivated to continue to work even when you are away from the team. This offseason I am going to prepare as much as possible and make sure that I improve my all-around game.

What goals have you set for next training camp?

Obviously, my ultimate goal is to play in the NHL. There are a few things I have to work on though, and I will make those a priority. I want to remain focused on my dream of making it to my ultimate goal and do everything I can to get there.

Full article: http://www.publicnow.com/...21-02:30:10+01:00-xxx6032

Off topic but just ran across this, admittedly I don’t know much about him. Maybe someone else the board has some insight.

Sergei Shumakov is now looking to an NHL contract after terminating his deal in the KHL.

https://www.prohockeyrumo...ing-for-nhl-contract.html

I don't understand why the Hawks aren't HARD after Panarin. They have the cap space. Columbus is over a barrel because Panarin clearly doesn't want to stay there beyond his current contract. And Chicago is a place I think he'd sign a long term extension with. The Hawks current defense is poor but I see no solution other than to wait for the rising young studs like Boqvist and Jokiharu to mature. But they can supercharge their forward group right now with a player who already has great chemistry with Kane and is still only 26. I'd give the Jackets a first round pick for AP in the blink of an eye. Then we wouldn't be talking about playing question marks like Edjsell in the top 9.
- Korab

Who says they're not?

But, keep in mind they need to keep cap space open to re-sign Schmaltz and DeBrincat in the next two seasons. I think they'll need between $10-$12 million in cap space to sign those two. The team can't bank on too much extra space via an increase in the cap, maybe $4-$5 million. Kruger and Rutta come off the books at the end of the season, that's about $5 million, but more likely $3 - $3.5 after they've been replaced.

As much as I'd like to see Panarin return I wouldn't do so at the expense of improving the team's depth. Maybe Anisimov get's dealt next summer after his signing bonus is paid, that would help.

I would agree on hedman.


Keith at 22 seems high given his age and rapid decline. Would have to see who's behind him.

Going to be a long year baring a last second major trade (unlikely). What will be interesting is to see how this team spins Crawford starting next month after all their BS at the draft only to be negated by the athlete himself.
- SteveRain

Has anyone even heard or know if Crawford is doing any on-ice off-season training?

If not, that would be no NHL games since 12/2017 and a not so great practice in what March or April of 2018?

You like the potential in Ejdsell as versatile C/W with his length, reach, and offensive puck skills. I didn't watch him play in the AHL playoffs, which I assume are just as physical as the NHL (but a slower pace). In his limited NHL action last year, I saw a guy that lacked the footspeed and strength to be an Anisimov type 2C/3C in The Show. You have to either be fast or strong to be successful in the NHL. He was neither. Long, lanky, and weak. He has upside given his puck skill and reach, if he adds strength and improves his quickness.

Who says they're not?

But, keep in mind they need to keep cap space open to re-sign Schmaltz and DeBrincat in the next two seasons. I think they'll need between $10-$12 million in cap space to sign those two. The team can't bank on too much extra space via an increase in the cap, maybe $4-$5 million. Kruger and Rutta come off the books at the end of the season, that's about $5 million, but more likely $3 - $3.5 after they've been replaced.

As much as I'd like to see Panarin return I wouldn't do so at the expense of improving the team's depth. Maybe Anisimov get's dealt next summer after his signing bonus is paid, that would help.
- DarthKane

Anisimov, Kruger + Rutta off the Books next Summer opens about $10mil in Cap Space. Crawford's $6mil comes off the books soon, too.

I got ask about two guys, I don’t know anything about them and who are there comparables? Kahun &Sikura?What is the realistic expectation of these guys going forward. Can any of them be counted on for 15 to 20 goals this year?

I’m just wondering if guys including myself are underestimating some of this roster, these kids could be fast as hell where no one can catch them , Is there a potential for something like that?

Anisimov, Kruger + Rutta off the Books next Summer opens about $10mil in Cap Space. Crawford's $6mil comes off the books soon, too.
- EnzoD

Not before Schmaltz needs to be re-signed but that could help with DeBrincat. Although, it's easy to argue that Crawford's replacement will cost about the same as his current cap hit so I wouldn't count on too much in the way of cap savings.

Not before Schmaltz needs to be re-signed but that could help with DeBrincat. Although, it's easy to argue that Crawford's replacement will cost about the same as his current cap hit so I wouldn't count on too much in the way of cap savings.
- DarthKane

It will be interesting to see what the Hawks do with the Goalie position over the next year or two. Gotta think they draft another goalie early next summer, and the ideal situation is that either Forsberg or Delia show they are NHL starting quality, and can be signed for $3mil or so on a "bridge" deal.

It will be interesting to see what the Hawks do with the Goalie position over the next year or two. Gotta think they draft another goalie early next summer, and the ideal situation is that either Forsberg or Delia show they are NHL starting quality, and can be signed for $3mil or so on a "bridge" deal.
- EnzoD

Even is they do that pick will likely be 5 years way from playing in the NHL.

Forsberg and Delia seem to be the best goalie prospects, maybe Nalimov is up there too. None of them instill me with any confidence.

Even is they do that pick will likely be 5 years way from playing in the NHL.

Forsberg and Delia seem to be the best goalie prospects, maybe Nalimov is up there too. None of them instill me with any confidence.
- DarthKane

If Nalimov has a consistent season in the KHL this year and puts up somilar numbers than his name will be coming up a lot (maybe even leading the charge) as a possible #1 replacement.

If Nalimov has a consistent season in the KHL this year and puts up somilar numbers than his name will be coming up a lot (maybe even leading the charge) as a possible #1 replacement.
- Justin Lowe

Any chance Shalunov comes over next year???

If Nalimov has a consistent season in the KHL this year and puts up somilar numbers than his name will be coming up a lot (maybe even leading the charge) as a possible #1 replacement.
- Justin Lowe

Maybe...goalies can be so strange. Nalimov could be another Crawford or another Berube.

There's not a lot available on the UFA market when Crawford is done. Most of the goalies are older. It wouldn't surprise me to see Crawford re-signed to a 1 year deal if he's healthy.

Any chance Shalunov comes over next year???
- EnzoD

This was from a Powers interview back in May:

He signed a new three-year contract with the KHL prior to the 2017-18 season and plans on seeing it through.

With two more seasons left on that deal, Shalunov has the 2020-21 season circled for his NHL arrival. He’ll then be 27 and far removed from being the youthful Russian winger prospect the Blackhawks drafted in the fourth round in 2011, but Shalunov isn’t concerned he’s putting his NHL career on hold for too long.

“I think 27 years, it’s perfect,” Shalunov said again in English and then laughed.

This was from a Powers interview back in May:

He signed a new three-year contract with the KHL prior to the 2017-18 season and plans on seeing it through.

With two more seasons left on that deal, Shalunov has the 2020-21 season circled for his NHL arrival. He’ll then be 27 and far removed from being the youthful Russian winger prospect the Blackhawks drafted in the fourth round in 2011, but Shalunov isn’t concerned he’s putting his NHL career on hold for too long.

“I think 27 years, it’s perfect,” Shalunov said again in English and then laughed.
- walleyeb1

IIRC, a few summer reports came out that at least 2 of these 3 Russian prospects are looking to come over to North America a year earlier than their KHL contract expiration dates: Shalunov, Kayumov, Nalimov. I want to say the 2 prospects are Shalunov and Kayumov but could be wrong.

Who says they're not?

But, keep in mind they need to keep cap space open to re-sign Schmaltz and DeBrincat in the next two seasons. I think they'll need between $10-$12 million in cap space to sign those two. The team can't bank on too much extra space via an increase in the cap, maybe $4-$5 million. Kruger and Rutta come off the books at the end of the season, that's about $5 million, but more likely $3 - $3.5 after they've been replaced.

As much as I'd like to see Panarin return I wouldn't do so at the expense of improving the team's depth. Maybe Anisimov get's dealt next summer after his signing bonus is paid, that would help.
- DarthKane

I wouldn't either.

The Hawks also need to save some cap space to pay bonuses and it's best to pay out of this year's cap rather than dip into next year's.

Edsjell isn't an NHL player. His numbers in the AHL playoffs were the result of Highmore and Kampf doing all the work. Beaudin was the return for Hartman. Beaudin seems to be on an upward swing in his progression. Edsjell is slowwwwwww

https://www.easports.com/...-19-player-ratings-top-50

Kane #8 Overall at 91 rating
Toews #50 overall at 87 rating

In the limited viewing of Ejdsell I had at the end of last season, I would be surprised if he makes the team out of camp and wouldn't be surprised at all if he never gets called up. He has skill and length but he's not quick enough or physical enough to be an NHL player - at least not yet. Hopefully he can get stronger or quicker or both.

I got ask about two guys, I don’t know anything about them and who are there comparables? Kahun &Sikura?What is the realistic expectation of these guys going forward. Can any of them be counted on for 15 to 20 goals this year?

I’m just wondering if guys including myself are underestimating some of this roster, these kids could be fast as hell where no one can catch them , Is there a potential for something like that?
- wonthecup10

If they are on a healthy trajectory to realize their potential, I can see both Sikura and Kahun being good for 12-15 goals. If they grow quickly, 18-20 may not be out of the question, IMHO. I do see Sikura as a high assist player rather than goal scorer, though. Either way, both could be contributors towards secondary scoring.

May be going out on a limb on this one, but I think Sikura will be a Calder candidate this season. Who knows, so could Jokiharju if he lives up to the hype.

https://www.easports.com/...-19-player-ratings-top-50

Kane #8 Overall at 91 rating
Toews #50 overall at 87 rating
- EnzoD

That's about 8-9 points too high.

Stan gets scooped by Uncle Dale again....how does this guy still have a job????

#FlaPanthers have signed Troy Brouwer to a one-year, one-way contract.

— Dhiren Mahiban (@dcmahiban) August 27, 2018

Stan gets scooped by Uncle Dale again....how does this guy still have a job????

#FlaPanthers have signed Troy Brouwer to a one-year, one-way contract.

— Dhiren Mahiban (@dcmahiban) August 27, 2018

- DarthKane

Ohhhh Boyyy! Cheli You getting your resume ready? Either that, or repeating what I said earlier maybe these guys all live lightning speed and they’ll be too fast to catch out there