Wow, I guess this is called paying the price for success, this is really lame when we are talking about projected lineups regarding players that would be nothing more than minor league depth on up-and-coming teams. maybe I am wrong, but all of these players Justin just profiled there’s nothing there to really get excited about.
Do not see the next Toews, Kane,Seabrook or Kieth or Crawford in any of these players whatsoever.
I can’t wait to see the response out of Rocky and John McDonough Come the 1st of November If anybody for one minute thinks that by then this team will be about 500, if this indeed is the projected lineup, pour me a big glass of raspberry. That’ll be my flavor to drink.
- wonthecup10

At some point all Hawks fans must realize their team is in a rebuilding phase, regardless whether they eek into the playoffs or not this season. Until Toews and Kane decline substantially, the Hawks are one player away from having a pretty good top-6 and that player could be in the system (Sikura?). The bottom-6 is usually a patchwork for most teams and the Hawks are no different and will almost certainly be in better shape with those depth player positions in another season or two. The forwards will be good enough in another season or two.

The challenge is d-corps and goalie. Assuming Crawford won't be the starter by the time the rest of the team is ready to contend - that's the big question mark. The d-corps has enough very good prospects to be solid NHL d-men but with them the timing is the issue - will they mature soon enough before Toews and Kane are done.

Forget about competing in 2018/19 - enjoy watching the young players get better.

As you referenced with Q thinking about doing this, having a line with Kane paired up with Saad and Schmaltz is my starting point for projecting potential forward lines.

Not aimed at you Darth, but I know the criticism of the Toews line is that is it too small and not physical enough to generate offense if he has two diminutive wingers in DeBrincat and Sikura. I would counter with the fact that the vaunted Lightning forward lineup boasts a similar top 6 line with Palat, Point, and Johnson. I think a line with Toews, DeBrincat, and Sikura could surprise as you have 3 gifted forwards giving the industrious Toews a playmaker in Sikura and a triggerman in DeBrincat.

The pivotal factor, IMHO, is the 3rd line. Like you said, I agree that Anisimov is destined to be on that line as center but possibly as LW. Kahun plays pivot, too, and is reportedly better on faceoffs, is sound defensively, is quick, and is a playmaker. Put another industrious, agile, and solid two-way player on the other wing, and that has the makings of an effective 3rd line. Candidates: Kampf, Highmore. Long shots: Fortin, Edjsell.

The 4th line is anchored by Kunitz and Kruger. Kunitz is reliable, physical, and opportunistic offensively. Kruger is a defensive whiz and a pest. Hayden could complement them nicely with his size, physicality, and relentlessness. Kampf and Highmore could be options, too.

DeBrincat - Toews - Sikura
Saad - Schmaltz - Kane
Anisimov - Kahun - Kampf
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden
Highmore
- AEL_Fox

I know.

My concern with the DeBrincat-Toews-Sikura line wasn't about size, more and more the league is evolving and players are becoming smaller. That's just the reality. That's not to say there isn't a place for physical forwards and defensemen, rather that young players now have a better chance than ever to be successful - Zuccarelo, Krug, Marchand (he's 5'9" but physical), Arvidsson, Gaudreau, T Johnson, Marchessault, Kucherov (5'11"), Panarin just to name a few.

I'm a fan of Sikura and hopefully he'll stick with the big club but he's not a lock to make the team yet. If he makes the team It's not certain he can play 18+ minutes. My preference would be for Sikura to get similar minutes that DeBrincat received last year.

As you referenced with Q thinking about doing this, having a line with Kane paired up with Saad and Schmaltz is my starting point for projecting potential forward lines.

Not aimed at you Darth, but I know the criticism of the Toews line is that is it too small and not physical enough to generate offense if he has two diminutive wingers in DeBrincat and Sikura. I would counter with the fact that the vaunted Lightning forward lineup boasts a similar top 6 line with Palat, Point, and Johnson. I think a line with Toews, DeBrincat, and Sikura could surprise as you have 3 gifted forwards giving the industrious Toews a playmaker in Sikura and a triggerman in DeBrincat.

The pivotal factor, IMHO, is the 3rd line. Like you said, I agree that Anisimov is destined to be on that line as center but possibly as LW. Kahun plays pivot, too, and is reportedly better on faceoffs, is sound defensively, is quick, and is a playmaker. Put another industrious, agile, and solid two-way player on the other wing, and that has the makings of an effective 3rd line. Candidates: Kampf, Highmore. Long shots: Fortin, Edjsell.

The 4th line is anchored by Kunitz and Kruger. Kunitz is reliable, physical, and opportunistic offensively. Kruger is a defensive whiz and a pest. Hayden could complement them nicely with his size, physicality, and relentlessness. Kampf and Highmore could be options, too.

DeBrincat - Toews - Sikura
Saad - Schmaltz - Kane
Anisimov - Kahun - Kampf
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden
Highmore
- AEL_Fox

Lots of credence here AEL as usual! I am always a proponent of the "new era" of hockey demonstrating elite skating backed up with great hands. That is not to say that the physical element should be ignored...of course not!

That said, I am buying on your notion of a smallish line with Tazor. IF and IF they can control the puck like they are capable, not necessarily puck-protecting but overall possession like give and go's, indirect passing into open ice, tight space passing, etc , all that would minimize the "absolute" need for physicality/strength. In a perfect world, you would want a Tom Wilson but you can only play with what you are dealt.

I agree that all should wait at least 20 games to shovel dirt on them. And it occurs to me while I read all the posts trying to figure out a lineup that this is a perfect season for Quenville. Expectations are lower and the line blender is now going to be necessary as they move forward.

I agree that all should wait at least 20 games to shovel dirt on them. And it occurs to me while I read all the posts trying to figure out a lineup that this is a perfect season for Quenville. Expectations are lower and the line blender is now going to be necessary as they move forward.
- 6628

Q's finger has been just itching to try the "frape" setting ... he might just get the opportunity this season.

Lots of credence here AEL as usual! I am always a proponent of the "new era" of hockey demonstrating elite skating backed up with great hands. That is not to say that the physical element should be ignored...of course not!

That said, I am buying on your notion of a smallish line with Tazor. IF and IF they can control the puck like they are capable, not necessarily puck-protecting but overall possession like give and go's, indirect passing into open ice, tight space passing, etc , all that would minimize the "absolute" need for physicality/strength. In a perfect world, you would want a Tom Wilson but you can only play with what you are dealt.
- D2D

Furthermore, I know this is somewhat out there as he is NOT player he used to be, sounds errily similar to plenty of the Hawks. How about Kunitz on the line with Tazer and Dcat? Remember he did play on a line with Crosby quite a bit back then, I know back then. And also Crosby got Kunitz on the Canadian Olympic team. The "old" Kunitz would provide that necessary edge to create more open ice for the other two and hold opponents accountable for taking runs at Tazor/Dcat. However, my seeking suspicion is that his speed and reactions to make a play are on the downside. Just for fodder!

Thanks for the share. Great vid!

The kid has been an underdog(cat) his whole career... he's got an amazing attitude because of it.
- Justin Lowe

Oh to be young lol

Wow, I guess this is called paying the price for success, this is really lame when we are talking about projected lineups regarding players that would be nothing more than minor league depth on up-and-coming teams. maybe I am wrong, but all of these players Justin just profiled there’s nothing there to really get excited about.
Do not see the next Toews, Kane,Seabrook or Kieth or Crawford in any of these players whatsoever.
I can’t wait to see the response out of Rocky and John McDonough Come the 1st of November If anybody for one minute thinks that by then this team will be about 500, if this indeed is the projected lineup, pour me a big glass of raspberry. That’ll be my flavor to drink.
- wonthecup10

You aren’t going to get the next Toews, Kane, Seabrook, Keith - or Hossa - that was a once in a generation team - four probable HOFers, another couple of multiple-season all stars - that kind of talent is not likely to be put together again in any city.

How many HOF players on Washington - one? Pittsburgh - probably one....

What we need to look for are not future HOF players, but skaters / goalies who can be legitimate top-6/top-four players - good enough to roll four lines and three pairings night after night - and the coaching staff that can turn them into Cup contenders, the front office that can fill in around the edges.

I agree that all should wait at least 20 games to shovel dirt on them. And it occurs to me while I read all the posts trying to figure out a lineup that this is a perfect season for Quenville. Expectations are lower and the line blender is now going to be necessary as they move forward.
- 6628

Nope.... its 82-0 in the regular season and 16-0 in the playoffs. Anything less is a complete and utter failure which should result in the immediate dismissal of Stan, McD and Q.

At some point all Hawks fans must realize their team is in a rebuilding phase, regardless whether they eek into the playoffs or not this season. Until Toews and Kane decline substantially, the Hawks are one player away from having a pretty good top-6 and that player could be in the system (Sikura?). The bottom-6 is usually a patchwork for most teams and the Hawks are no different and will almost certainly be in better shape with those depth player positions in another season or two. The forwards will be good enough in another season or two.

The challenge is d-corps and goalie. Assuming Crawford won't be the starter by the time the rest of the team is ready to contend - that's the big question mark. The d-corps has enough very good prospects to be solid NHL d-men but with them the timing is the issue - will they mature soon enough before Toews and Kane are done.

Forget about competing in 2018/19 - enjoy watching the young players get better.
- EbonyRaptor

They've done a good job finding goalies. Crow is one of the leagues best but I think they have a pretty good track record of finding guys that get the job done. Waite is like the Don Cooper of goalies so that isn't a huge concern.

Biggest weakness the last 3 years has been gap control through the neutral zone as a product of disorganized \ uncommitted \ lackluster \ scared forcheck and being unable to pick up loose pucks in their own zone and successfully and quickly transition the other way.

You'd hope some of the smaller, heady players that they have picked up can use their quickness and smarts to their advantage to create more turnovers and drive the puck the other direction.

If they can do that at a rate 70% as efficient as the 2010 team the goaltending won't matter.

You aren’t going to get the next Toews, Kane, Seabrook, Keith - or Hossa - that was a once in a generation team - four probable HOFers, another couple of multiple-season all stars - that kind of talent is not likely to be put together again in any city.

How many HOF players on Washington - one? Pittsburgh - probably one....

What we need to look for are not future HOF players, but skaters / goalies who can be legitimate top-6/top-four players - good enough to roll four lines and three pairings night after night - and the coaching staff that can turn them into Cup contenders, the front office that can fill in around the edges.
- StLBravesFan

Ummmm OV and Backstrom for sure. Holtby is probably borderline if he can keep his save % at around .92 for the next 3 or 4 years.

Pitt - Crosby and Malkin fosh. If Kessel can average 20ish goals over the next 5 years he will have +400 on his career and probably get in. Letang probably borderline.

With the exception of the Carolina outlier teams need superstars to win the Cup.

We're short a top-6 winger because we have only 5 top-6 players - it could be RW or LW depending which side DCat plays. There are some hopeful possibilities (Sikura/Kahun) and some top-6 long shots (Edjsell/Hayden) - but nothing to hang our hat on.
- EbonyRaptor

Rick Nash works

Rick Nash works
- Colbyboy

No he doesn't.

I know.

My concern with the DeBrincat-Toews-Sikura line wasn't about size, more and more the league is evolving and players are becoming smaller. That's just the reality. That's not to say there isn't a place for physical forwards and defensemen, rather that young players now have a better chance than ever to be successful - Zuccarelo, Krug, Marchand (he's 5'9" but physical), Arvidsson, Gaudreau, T Johnson, Marchessault, Kucherov (5'11"), Panarin just to name a few.

I'm a fan of Sikura and hopefully he'll stick with the big club but he's not a lock to make the team yet. If he makes the team It's not certain he can play 18+ minutes. My preference would be for Sikura to get similar minutes that DeBrincat received last year.
- DarthKane

I actually wouldn't mind Sikura starting on the 3rd line. As someone else mentioned, it would help him get his bearings in the NHL against 3rd string defenses. Playing at NHL speed doesn't seem to be an issue for him, though, as he thinks fast and can either play fast or slow the game down to make plays.

The question would be then who plays on the other wing with Toews. Kahun? Hayden? Kunitz? PTO signee like Nash?

Lots of credence here AEL as usual! I am always a proponent of the "new era" of hockey demonstrating elite skating backed up with great hands. That is not to say that the physical element should be ignored...of course not!

That said, I am buying on your notion of a smallish line with Tazor. IF and IF they can control the puck like they are capable, not necessarily puck-protecting but overall possession like give and go's, indirect passing into open ice, tight space passing, etc , all that would minimize the "absolute" need for physicality/strength. In a perfect world, you would want a Tom Wilson but you can only play with what you are dealt.
- D2D

As playmakers, Sikura and Kahun are capable of making quick plays in tight spaces and at top speed. DeBrincat isn't bad either but is best when he's on the receiving end.

I actually wouldn't mind Sikura starting on the 3rd line. As someone else mentioned, it would help him get his bearings in the NHL against 3rd string defenses. Playing at NHL speed doesn't seem to be an issue for him, though, as he thinks fast and can either play fast or slow the game down to make plays.

The question would be then who plays on the other wing with Toews. Kahun? Hayden? Kunitz? PTO signee like Nash?
- AEL_Fox

I wouldn't mind seeing a Kahun-Anisimov-Sikura third line, but two rookies on one line is a lot of AA, especially since he will realistically miss some time due to injury. I think (as JL and I where talking about earlier) maybe Kampf gets some time on the 3rd line to take draws.

I really don't know who the 6th top 6 forward will be. I wouldn't go Kunitz or anyone on a PTO. Likely they'll be a rotation between Sikura, Kahun, Ejdsell, and Hayden. If that doesn't work then look to see what can be done via the trade route.

Furthermore, I know this is somewhat out there as he is NOT player he used to be, sounds errily similar to plenty of the Hawks. How about Kunitz on the line with Tazer and Dcat? Remember he did play on a line with Crosby quite a bit back then, I know back then. And also Crosby got Kunitz on the Canadian Olympic team. The "old" Kunitz would provide that necessary edge to create more open ice for the other two and hold opponents accountable for taking runs at Tazor/Dcat. However, my seeking suspicion is that his speed and reactions to make a play are on the downside. Just for fodder!
- D2D

I think Kunitz gets tried with Toews at some point. He won't be a fixture there but he may be effective in appropriate spurts to allow younger wingers to develop.

As you referenced with Q thinking about doing this, having a line with Kane paired up with Saad and Schmaltz is my starting point for projecting potential forward lines.

Not aimed at you Darth, but I know the criticism of the Toews line is that is it too small and not physical enough to generate offense if he has two diminutive wingers in DeBrincat and Sikura. I would counter with the fact that the vaunted Lightning forward lineup boasts a similar top 6 line with Palat, Point, and Johnson. I think a line with Toews, DeBrincat, and Sikura could surprise as you have 3 gifted forwards giving the industrious Toews a playmaker in Sikura and a triggerman in DeBrincat.

The pivotal factor, IMHO, is the 3rd line. Like you said, I agree that Anisimov is destined to be on that line as center but possibly as LW. Kahun plays pivot, too, and is reportedly better on faceoffs, is sound defensively, is quick, and is a playmaker. Put another industrious, agile, and solid two-way player on the other wing, and that has the makings of an effective 3rd line. Candidates: Kampf, Highmore. Long shots: Fortin, Edjsell.

The 4th line is anchored by Kunitz and Kruger. Kunitz is reliable, physical, and opportunistic offensively. Kruger is a defensive whiz and a pest. Hayden could complement them nicely with his size, physicality, and relentlessness. Kampf and Highmore could be options, too.

DeBrincat - Toews - Sikura
Saad - Schmaltz - Kane
Anisimov - Kahun - Kampf
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden
Highmore
- AEL_Fox

So Toews is doing all the heavy work on that line and will be burnt out by Christmas, need another forechecking winger with Toews that works the boards down low goes to the front of the net and cycles. Also I would have martinsin as extra forward he brings something hawks do not have a lot of size physicality and front net presence does he play every game no maybe 30 to 45 games mainly against bigger more physical teams so liberties won't be taken on toews kane etc..

I wouldn't mind seeing a Kahun-Anisimov-Sikura third line, but two rookies on one line is a lot of AA, especially since he will realistically miss some time due to injury. I think (as JL and I where talking about earlier) maybe Kampf gets some time on the 3rd line to take draws.

I really don't know who the 6th top 6 forward will be. I wouldn't go Kunitz or anyone on a PTO. Likely they'll be a rotation between Sikura, Kahun, Ejdsell, and Hayden. If that doesn't work then look to see what can be done via the trade route.
- DarthKane

If Sikura plays 3rd line, that's the line I'd go with matching him up with Anisimov and Kahun. IMHO, Kampf is a regular in the bottom 6 but may be shuffled around.

I wouldn't mind seeing a Kahun-Anisimov-Sikura third line, but two rookies on one line is a lot of AA, especially since he will realistically miss some time due to injury. I think (as JL and I where talking about earlier) maybe Kampf gets some time on the 3rd line to take draws.

I really don't know who the 6th top 6 forward will be. I wouldn't go Kunitz or anyone on a PTO. Likely they'll be a rotation between Sikura, Kahun, Ejdsell, and Hayden. If that doesn't work then look to see what can be done via the trade route.
- DarthKane

I'd add Jacob Nilsson to a list of hopefuls who might find a job on the 3rd line. I would want to add Tim Soderlund to that list too, but I am thinking he might be in Europe again this year.

I think it might be a bit of a revolving door because of the Hawks have more flexibility than usual with waiver status for their forward group.

I'd add Jacob Nilsson to a list of hopefuls who might find a job on the 3rd line. I would want to add Tim Soderlund to that list too, but I am thinking he might be in Europe again this year.

I think it might be a bit of a revolving door because of the Hawks have more flexibility than usual with waiver status for their forward group.
- breadbag

Soderlund isn't signed, my guess is that he's a couple years away from playing in the NHL. Nilsson could possible be a bottom 6 forward, I would think he'll start the season in Rockford.

Former #Blackhawks defenseman Cody Franson likely to sign with KHL’s Avangard Omsk, per report https://t.co/XCPfd0Dsb9 pic.twitter.com/O90F0qiAMK

— Stosh City Hockey (@2ndCityHockey) September 5, 2018

No he doesn't.
- DarthKane

I’m with you on the rebuild - we all are!

Your like a Dog with a bone on Nash

You sign Nash because if he plays well you move him at the deadline for assets to help this rebuild

Same goes for Kunitz- Seabrook - Crawford & Ward
There’s more than one way to establish the rebuild my friend.

Either way Hawks miss the playoffs

Saad-Schmaltz-Kane
Debrincat-Toews-Hayden
AA-Kampf-Sikura
Kahun-Kruger-Kunitz

“Pacioretty has upped the ante in the game of chicken with Habs management in saying he wont negotiate a contract during the season. This adds more pressure on Bergevin to find an end to this soap opera.”