I wonder what Pan wanted on a Long tern deal back 1.5 years ago? My guess is 8 year 55- 60 ml. it would look like a steal today. That was stans error.
- kmw4631

At the time, weren't all the reports that it was Panarin's camp that didn't want a long-term deal when Bowman/the org did? And that's why the negotiations went into the season when the Hawks wanted to sign him the summer before contracts are up (the same thing they are reported to want to do now with Schmaltz). This was kind of confirmed when the Hawks came out and said the main reason they wanted Saad back was because he was signed for longer and had contract stability (same thing with Hjammer for Murphy swap).

Found this interesting:

Saad-Toews-Kane

231 5v5 minutes together
62.40 CF%
12 goals for and 10 allowed
61.68% high danger chances for
61.51% scoring chances for
68.54% offensive zone faceoff%

Saad-Schmaltz-Kane

177 5v5 minutes together
59.40 CF%
9 goals for and 5 allowed
56.15% high danger chances for
57.52% scoring chances for
83.90 offensive zone faceoff%

Toews-DeBrincat (not accounting for 3rd linemate)

361 5v5 minutes together
64.09 CF%
26 goals for and 13 allowed
52.12% high danger chances for
64.46% scoring chances for
68.03 offensive zone faceoff%

Schmaltz-DeBrincat (not accounting for 3rd linemate)

259 5v5 minutes together
57.43 CF%
16 goals for and 13 allowed
42.86% high danger chances for
54.67% scoring chances for
71.33 offensive zone faceoff%
- EbonyRaptor

I know some are clamoring for Tazor and Kaner to skate together on a line but I have always stated that yes early in their careers they were awesome together but now not so. When they did skate a bit together the last couple of years, they lacked cohesion. Kaner is staller by being patient, skilled, and hockey-sense smart whereas as Tazor is more forward (ahead of play). Besides Tazor hands are not the same as they once were; his puck collection leads to an explosion at times.

With all that said, I would like to see a similar stat with just Tazor and Kaner with whomever.

We got ADB and the next Russian AA for TT...not exactly nothing.
- tvetter

Debrincat was selected with the pick from the Shaw trade (along with Krys). The 2016 2nd round pick they got for Teravainen was used to select Kayumov who I don't think anyone would describe as the next AA - he's a higher skilled and quick winger.

Debrincat was selected with the pick from the Shaw trade (along with Krys). The 2016 2nd round pick they got for Teravainen was used to select Kayumov who I don't think anyone would describe as the next AA - he's a higher skilled and quick winger.
- L_B_R

Any idea what the time line is on kayumov where he be in the nhl?

Found this interesting:

Saad-Toews-Kane

231 5v5 minutes together
62.40 CF%
12 goals for and 10 allowed
61.68% high danger chances for
61.51% scoring chances for
68.54% offensive zone faceoff%

Saad-Schmaltz-Kane

177 5v5 minutes together
59.40 CF%
9 goals for and 5 allowed
56.15% high danger chances for
57.52% scoring chances for
83.90 offensive zone faceoff%

Toews-DeBrincat (not accounting for 3rd linemate)

361 5v5 minutes together
64.09 CF%
26 goals for and 13 allowed
52.12% high danger chances for
64.46% scoring chances for
68.03 offensive zone faceoff%

Schmaltz-DeBrincat (not accounting for 3rd linemate)

259 5v5 minutes together
57.43 CF%
16 goals for and 13 allowed
42.86% high danger chances for
54.67% scoring chances for
71.33 offensive zone faceoff%
- EbonyRaptor

Where are you getting these numbers?

Out of the Cup winning core from the Hawks I think Kane and Keith are getting in without too much question. Toews has gone from certain to less than certain with the way he's tailed off over the last 3 seasons. Hossa should get in but not guaranteed. Seabrook - no. Sharp - no. Crawford - maybe if he returns to form for a couple more years but probably not if he doesn't.
Just my two cents.
- EbonyRaptor

Yeah that sounds about right.

No doubt a few players from both Chicago and LA will be in the HOF at some point.

My point was to say Chicago wasn’t the only team that had players of that much talent in recent years as the one guy was saying.

Any idea what the time line is on kayumov where he be in the nhl?
- Scott1977

There was a report earlier this summer that Kayumov was interested in coming to North America next season. I don't think he'd make the transition right away to the NHL, though. I think this is the season he is expected to play more of a middle-6 role on his KHL team. He had a great WJC when put into more of an offensive role but he was actually tasked with more defensive aspects moving from MHL to KHL (though good to know he can kill penalties) from what I've read. I'm not an expert by any means though - that's pretty much what I think guys like Powers and others have written.

Debrincat was selected with the pick from the Shaw trade (along with Krys). The 2016 2nd round pick they got for Teravainen was used to select Kayumov who I don't think anyone would describe as the next AA - he's a higher skilled and quick winger.
- L_B_R

Thanks for the correction, I thought I read the picks from Car turned into ADB and Andrei Altybarmakyan. BTW, I wasn't comparing them as players, just that their initials are AA, and they're both Russian.

It'd be collusion if it was even hinted at that Bowman talked to Panarin at this point. Same with Yzerman when Panarin was in Tampa the other week meeting up with their Russians.

Players, however, can talk all they want - the Tampa Russians literally tweeted they were showing Panarin how great it would be to play in Tampa with the sun and the beaches. I hope Kane was still Chicago at this point because he usually goes to Florida for Belfry's camp around this time, I think. Anisimov is still in Russian, for sure, and I don't think any of the other guys who hang around Chicago for the summer were on the team when he was.
- L_B_R

But I though the Orange Dotard said collusion isn’t a crime??

Thanks for the correction, I thought I read the picks from Car turned into ADB and Andrei Altybarmakyan. BTW, I wasn't comparing them as players, just that their initials are AA, and they're both Russian.
- tvetter

Oh, that makes more sense.

The pick they used to get Altybarmakyan was from when they traded back in the 1st round in 2017 - traded 26th for 29th (Jokiharju) + a 3rd rounder. Dallas picked a goalie up iirc.

Where are you getting these numbers?
- L_B_R

From a post on another website. I should have listed that disclaimer. My assumption is they're accurate but I really don't know. Do they look inaccurate to you?

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.
- AEL_Fox

Are you kidding.....with Q, everyone will be tried with everyone......sometimes in the same game.

It'd be collusion if it was even hinted at that Bowman talked to Panarin at this point. Same with Yzerman when Panarin was in Tampa the other week meeting up with their Russians.

Players, however, can talk all they want - the Tampa Russians literally tweeted they were showing Panarin how great it would be to play in Tampa with the sun and the beaches. I hope Kane was still Chicago at this point because he usually goes to Florida for Belfry's camp around this time, I think. Anisimov is still in Russian, for sure, and I don't think any of the other guys who hang around Chicago for the summer were on the team when he was.
- L_B_R

Mystery solved(?) - sounds like the NHL media day may be in Chicago this year. Seguin also posted he and Benn were on their way to Chicago.

I finally watched the video of DeBrincat working out. Great to see him working on his strength (looks like Saad is also working out with Goodman as well). Sikura has also been reportedly working out this summer to add strength, too. His sister is into crossfit and here's a picture of him and Tyler with her and her husband. Dylan looks bulkier in the upper body.

https://www.instagram.com...T/?hl=en&taken-by=ksikura

Adding more strength to their relatively smaller frames compared to the average NHLer doesn't make DeBrincat or Sikura invincible now, but it's a trend in the right direction to make them tougher to knock off the puck, absorb hits, and hopefully lead to more sustained offensive pressure by these two especially along the boards and high traffic areas.

For those who missed the video link:
https://www.nhl.com/black...at/t-277437096/c-60896303

I would say the bad gap control is a by product of a couple of reasons: turnovers at the O blue line, the D not supporting the O like a 5 man cohesive unit, all 3 F's caught below the circles sometimes all 3F behind the net, and losing 50/50 puck/board battles either high in O zone or in neutral zone
- D2D

The bolded are most especially the culprit but can be corrected with more situational awareness, prioritization of defense, and supporting your teammates.

An amped up compete level by every single player and as a team, plus making smart fundamental plays, would go a long way in addressing the other two factors.

I'm willing to bet Kampf makes Kruger a healthy scratch. Bigger, stronger, faster, and more offensive skill. Would rather have Martinsen/Kunitz/Hayden on line 4 wing for physicality than Kruger. The Kruger excitement is overstated. He was a 4C at his peak, and better suited in Sweden/AHL these days IMO
- EnzoD

Totally agree Enzo. I don't understand the Kruger love all of the sudden when he was dissed for a year or 2 when he was here in the past making 3M and scoring 4 or 5 goals a year (whatever it was) as a 3C ? His days of being a quality defender left with his injuries and unless he mysteriously becomes that player again, this cap hit of 2.7 is a total waste and so typical of Bowman and his passion for the PAST !!

Let the kids play please. This team doesn't have a chance of competing for a playoff birth without a 100% Crawford and significant increases in production from Toews, Saad, Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, etc...etc....etc.

Kruger's return means nothing to a team that needs another top 6 forward and STILL a top 4 DMan. Bowman has done virtually nothing to put this team in position to contend this year by adding Kruger, Kunitz, and another #6 or 7 dman in Manning.

I'm actually looking forward to the preseason games to watch the youth compete for whatever jobs exist.....then get dismissed...... and we'll watch Kruger and company play like the aging vets this team possesses.

Totally agree Enzo. I don't understand the Kruger love all of the sudden when he was dissed for a year or 2 when he was here in the past making 3M and scoring 4 or 5 goals a year (whatever it was) as a 3C ? His days of being a quality defender left with his injuries and unless he mysteriously becomes that player again, this cap hit of 2.7 is a total waste and so typical of Bowman and his passion for the PAST !!

Let the kids play please. This team doesn't have a chance of competing for a playoff birth without a 100% Crawford and significant increases in production from Toews, Saad, Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, etc...etc....etc.

Kruger's return means nothing to a team that needs another top 6 forward and STILL a top 4 DMan. Bowman has done virtually nothing to put this team in position to contend this year by adding Kruger, Kunitz, and another #6 or 7 dman in Manning.

I'm actually looking forward to the preseason games to watch the youth compete for whatever jobs exist.....then get dismissed...... and we'll watch Kruger and company play like the aging vets this team possesses.
- Hawkytalk

Let's see how Kruger recovers from his injury and surgery before writing him off. Kruger took a lot of heat on these boards for not producing enough offensively to justify his $3+ million / year contract. But now the Hawks can easily fit his 1 year, $2.775 million situation into their plans this year. He's only 28 so it's not unreasonable to expect he'll regain enough of his previous form to be a solid 4C and penalty killer. I'm not expecting much more, but Kruger definitely has a role on this team.

Edit: Plus, if Kruger plays half decent and the Hawks tank like most people are predicting he's an asset that can be flipped at the deadline for a mid round pick.

The bolded are most especially the culprit but can be corrected with more situational awareness, prioritization of defense, and supporting your teammates.

An amped up compete level by every single player and as a team, plus making smart fundamental plays, would go a long way in addressing the other two factors.
- AEL_Fox

I really hope the team tightens up between the blue lines with more pressure to prevent teams from easily gaining the attacking zone. I still believe the best hockey the Hawks played last seasons was when the D had the green light to actually stand up attackers at the Hawks blueline and force dump ins. The forwards need to be on top of getting back and applying pressure to support but this to me was the largest issue.

They let the other team up the ice without enough pressure and they would attack in waves. If the team can follow through on this "relentless" mantra and maybe stop some plays in the middle and turn them into a counter-attack, I'd be happy.

Let's see how Kruger recovers from his injury and surgery before writing him off. Kruger took a lot of heat on these boards for not producing enough offensively to justify his $3+ million / year contract. But now the Hawks can easily fit his 1 year, $2.775 million situation into their plans this year. He's only 28 so it's not unreasonable to expect he'll regain enough of his previous form to be a solid 4C and penalty killer. I'm not expecting much more, but Kruger definitely has a role on this team.

Edit: Plus, if Kruger plays half decent and the Hawks tank like most people are predicting he's an asset that can be flipped at the deadline for a mid round pick.
- DarthKane

I agree with you. I think the big issue for Kruger was 2015-16 where he didn't score a goal and only added 4 assists. This last season with Chicago he played 3rd line C with Hossa on one wing and his line was more effective.

If he is recovered now from injury I don't see why he couldn't be a pesky C on either 3rd or 4th line. His contract isn't great but it is better with some of that salary retained. He battles, he wins draws and he can be counted on to backcheck better than most forwards the Hawks have had recently. He won't score a ton, but he might just bring that defensive responsibility they lacked.

I really hope the team tightens up between the blue lines with more pressure to prevent teams from easily gaining the attacking zone. I still believe the best hockey the Hawks played last seasons was when the D had the green light to actually stand up attackers at the Hawks blueline and force dump ins. The forwards need to be on top of getting back and applying pressure to support but this to me was the largest issue.

They let the other team up the ice without enough pressure and they would attack in waves. If the team can follow through on this "relentless" mantra and maybe stop some plays in the middle and turn them into a counter-attack, I'd be happy.
- breadbag

Exactly as you stated. The team needs to defend aggressively in the neutral zone and not let the opponent gain the blue zone so easily. Shrink the ice and play relentlessly once the other team has the puck.

Hope relentless isn't relegated to just relentless stick checking, too. Body guys off the puck more. Not recklessly but smartly.

When the opponent can attack in waves, then the Hawks compete level and defensive commitment are not up to snuff.

I agree with you. I think the big issue for Kruger was 2015-16 where he didn't score a goal and only added 4 assists. This last season with Chicago he played 3rd line C with Hossa on one wing and his line was more effective.

If he is recovered now from injury I don't see why he couldn't be a pesky C on either 3rd or 4th line. His contract isn't great but it is better with some of that salary retained. He battles, he wins draws and he can be counted on to backcheck better than most forwards the Hawks have had recently. He won't score a ton, but he might just bring that defensive responsibility they lacked.
- breadbag

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.


I would say the bad gap control is a by product of a couple of reasons: turnovers at the O blue line, the D not supporting the O like a 5 man cohesive unit, all 3 F's caught below the circles sometimes all 3F behind the net, and losing 50/50 puck/board battles either high in O zone or in neutral zone
- D2D

Its fixable fundamentals is what I was getting at. Not necessarily a lack of talent problem.

Totally agree Enzo. I don't understand the Kruger love all of the sudden when he was dissed for a year or 2 when he was here in the past making 3M and scoring 4 or 5 goals a year (whatever it was) as a 3C ? His days of being a quality defender left with his injuries and unless he mysteriously becomes that player again, this cap hit of 2.7 is a total waste and so typical of Bowman and his passion for the PAST !!

Let the kids play please. This team doesn't have a chance of competing for a playoff birth without a 100% Crawford and significant increases in production from Toews, Saad, Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, etc...etc....etc.

Kruger's return means nothing to a team that needs another top 6 forward and STILL a top 4 DMan. Bowman has done virtually nothing to put this team in position to contend this year by adding Kruger, Kunitz, and another #6 or 7 dman in Manning.

I'm actually looking forward to the preseason games to watch the youth compete for whatever jobs exist.....then get dismissed...... and we'll watch Kruger and company play like the aging vets this team possesses.
- Hawkytalk

The goalie wont matter if they can use the quicker players they now have to create turnovers in the neutral zone, stop yielding the blue line \ retreating to the circles, and aggressively transition rather than playing patty cake between the defenders.

(similar to how they played in 2009 and 2010 when they allowed a stupid 24 shots per game. they probably don't have the same talent group but if they can keep it to 28 shots or under per game then they will pick up a lot of points)

- DarthKane

Where's the like button?

@CraigCustance
Toews on low external expectations surrounding the Blackhawks: “It’s not like we’re thinking ‘We’re toast, throw in the towel for the rest of the year.’”