If they drop AA to a 3rd line LW with Kruger and Hayden that might not be too bad of a shut down line that can win face offs. If the 3rd line or 4th line is a shut down line that can win face offs that might give Q more match up options (especially on home ice). If Q is able to match the Toews line against the other teams 3rd or 4th line more often, instead of having to use the Toews line as a shut down line or to win d-zone face offs, that might improve Toews offensive numbers no matter who his line mates are. I do not think Q had people he trusted on the 3rd or 4th line last year to be a shut down line or to win faceoffs. With Kruger back that should change.

Of course a 3rd or 4th line that is a shutdown line could be made up of Kruger and/or AA and a variety of different other wing men.

At the risk of being laughed out of Justin's comment section - I'm going to go with Fortin. Now, obviously he has to continue to look as good through the last two games in Traverse City, training camp and preseason as he has in the first 2 games in Traverse City - and that's a big ask. But if he can play that way consistently - his speed and forechecking would add a sorely missing ingredient to the top-6. He is a disruptive force on the forecheck - his front line speed not only gets him on the defender before they can make a play on the puck but his lateral quickness disrupts passes and gets him to the puck before anyone else can get there. He's not a heavy hitter but he's on it so quick he doesn't need to be. I would put him with Toews and DeBrincat where he will not only be a forechecking force but also very capable of scoring with breakout and in-zone passes from his linemates. He goes to the net and is not an exclusively perimeter player, which is how he scored in the game against Carolina getting knocked down in front after chipping in a rebound.

If - big IF - he can keep it going:

DeBrincat-Toews-Fortin
Saad-Schmaltz-Kane

At the risk of being laughed out of Justin's comment section - I'm going to go with Fortin. Now, obviously he has to continue to look as good through the last two games in Traverse City, training camp and preseason as he has in the first 2 games in Traverse City - and that's a big ask. But if he can play that way consistently - his speed and forechecking would add a sorely missing ingredient to the top-6. He is a disruptive force on the forecheck - his front line speed not only gets him on the defender before they can make a play on the puck but his lateral quickness disrupts passes and gets him to the puck before anyone else can get there. He's not a heavy hitter but he's on it so quick he doesn't need to be. I would put him with Toews and DeBrincat where he will not only be a forechecking force but also very capable of scoring with breakout and in-zone passes from his linemates. He goes to the net and is not an exclusively perimeter player, which is how he scored in the game against Caroline getting knocked down in front after chipping in a rebound.

If - big IF - he can keep it going:

DeBrincat-Toews-Fortin
Saad-Schmaltz-Kane
- EbonyRaptor

I don't think you are at risk of being laughed out. Fortin could be that kind of guy if he is ready and can play NHL hockey.

Lucas Sbisa signed a PTO with the Islanders... we can all breath a sigh of relief.

You apparently either didn't read what I wrote or your ignorant of the facts. Toews with the addition of Hossa made him a better player , without hossa we don't win that first cup. Also Since Toews was rewarded with that big contract he hasn't produced but yet his play has diminished take that how ever you wish but facts and our eyes don't deceive us.


Now Hayden in the year and a half playing hasn't shown he can be a top 6 player, he is a dump and chase player, he hasn't shown the ability to carry the puck , poor hockey I.Q minimal improvement .


I don't see this season anything to be excited about unless every one takes huge steps forward including captain serious. Every baby hawk needs to exceed expectations.
- Taylorst1

I believe I understood what you were saying. You said "let's look at what Toews did before Hossa came on board", and that he wasn't able to produce the same without him. I'm assuming that you meant point production? Here are Toews PPG lifetime:

.843
.841
Hossa Arrives:
.895
.950
.966
1.02
.895
.815
.725
.806
Hossa Retires
.701

I will grant you that his numbers early on went up when Hossa came here. He was also just going into his third year when you would expect that players performance would continue on an upward trend.

Additionally, Toews has been sub-par (for him) in scoring for the past four years - three of which Hossa was still on the team and mostly on his line.

Finally, no one can say for certain that He would not have turned into the same player (or possibly even better offensively) if Hossa had not arrived, just like no one can say that they would or would not have won three cups without him.

I am not saying that Hossa was not an integral piece of the three cups we've won. I'm simply saying that you don't have the data without him to make such claims.

Lucas Sbisa signed a PTO with the Islanders... we can all breath a sigh of relief.
- DarthKane

Thank goodness. We don't need to make the logjam worse with players that may or may not be able to play well under Q.

Lucas Sbisa signed a PTO with the Islanders... we can all breath a sigh of relief.
- DarthKane

He was a target at one point by Stan for a PTO.

Not sure why they went more on the Davidson route, but I think he could be a nice depth signing if he performs well on his PTO. If he doesn't pan out, he can and will be sent to RFD.

I don't think you are at risk of being laughed out. Fortin could be that kind of guy if he is ready and can play NHL hockey.
- breadbag

Fortin is not a laughable option at all.

I do think he needs to go play consistently in the AHL before getting a full-time look on the Hawks.

He was struggling to make it into Rockford's top 6 let alone being placed there in the NHL.

Then again, some guys are just better pros in the NHL vs. minors (Shaw is a great example). And if Fortin starts well, he could get on the radar to be called up.

He was a target at one point by Stan for a PTO.

Not sure why they went more on the Davidson route, but I think he could be a nice depth signing if he performs well on his PTO. If he doesn't pan out, he can and will be sent to RFD.
- Justin Lowe

To be honest I hope Jokiharju or Hillman makes the team so neither Davidson or Sbsia would be an option.

Fortin is not a laughable option at all.

I do think he needs to go play consistently in the AHL before getting a full-time look on the Hawks.

He was struggling to make it into Rockford's top 6 let alone being placed there in the NHL.

Then again, some guys are just better pros in the NHL vs. minors (Shaw is a great example). And if Fortin starts well, he could get on the radar to be called up.
- Justin Lowe

I agree with you guys. Fortin is no laughable player. He really forced the Hawks to make a decision on him two years ago. I don't know about top six ... but maybe
I do like his speed and he is average size

Fortin is not a laughable option at all.

I do think he needs to go play consistently in the AHL before getting a full-time look on the Hawks.

He was struggling to make it into Rockford's top 6 let alone being placed there in the NHL.

Then again, some guys are just better pros in the NHL vs. minors (Shaw is a great example). And if Fortin starts well, he could get on the radar to be called up.
- Justin Lowe

Granted I'm being a Fortin fanboy but having his speed to forecheck on Toews line could be very beneficial in the way Toews season goes where he doesn't have to be the main guy banging the boards to retrieve the puck. It's kind of similar to Stalberg a few years ago when he used his speed for a very effective forecheck - the difference being Fortin is better at doing something positive with the puck when he gets it. If Fortin can be the disruptive forechecker on that line it will mean Toews and DeBrincat get possession more often which will translate into goals.

Fortin is not a laughable option at all.

I do think he needs to go play consistently in the AHL before getting a full-time look on the Hawks.

He was struggling to make it into Rockford's top 6 let alone being placed there in the NHL.

Then again, some guys are just better pros in the NHL vs. minors (Shaw is a great example). And if Fortin starts well, he could get on the radar to be called up.
- Justin Lowe

I'm expecting Fortin to start in Rockford, but I acknowledge that he could surprise people in camp. Imagine the entire Fortin-Kahun-Sikura combo makes the team and forms the Hawks third line.

Ok... I'll stop day dreaming now.

That's a common thought in Chicago but have heard Kane doesn't appreciate it too much.

He was bummed out that Panarin was dealt after having career years with him opposite wing.

Last year he looked frustrated at times. Which led to rumours this offseason for him asking management to acquire Pacioretty.

I believe this is why Q is trying to do by pairing up Kane with 2 legit top 6 players vs. shoehorning in role player or player who has potential like an Ejdsell.
- Justin Lowe

That makes complete sense and who could blame him, he has always got the short end of the stick. I personally think Stan failed this off season by not going after a top 6 forward . The defense is about 2 years out from being fixed .


Hayden is more of a albatross playing with Toews. I heard stone and Duchene are available , not sure what it would take to acquire either of them but personally stone would benefit playing with Toews and is a solid 2 way forward , Duchene would slot nicely with Kane or he also plays center ? Any chance Stan would look into those 2 players?


I'm just not sold on this group of forwards to me if anyone is to become a legit top 6 your talking about 2 to 3 years away and a huge step this season.

I am kind of hoping the Hawks can balance there lines out with a power forward type on each line. Somebody to go to the greasy areas, chase down pucks and be strong in the cycle game ... big as to not get knocked off the puck very easily. At the moment, Saad is the only power forward in the top six. So I am hoping for a big body to emerge, such as Hayden or Ejdsell .... we will see. This would leave guys like Kahun and Sikora on the pivotal third line ... and they both are getting some chemistry playing together on a line at the prospects tournament.

I can possibly see more line shuffling, at least at the start of the season, with several new faces. Kane-Schmaltz-Debrinkat could be a dynamic line, with the chemistry developed at the worlds between Kane and D-kat but lack of size on that line might be an issue. Certain matchups and game situations could see that line creating match up problems for the opposition. Coach Q, we know already, has expressed the likes of Saad-Schmaltz-Kane on a line ... sounds good ... but then do
you put Toews-Sikura together with the likes of maybe a power forward type ... Ejdsell or Hayden ???? Crazy thought .... what if the Sikura-Kahun-Fortin line at the tournament becomes third line ... they are doing pretty good right now. You could then move Anisimov up the be the "big forward" spot in the top six. Probably won't happen but something to think about

To be honest I hope Jokiharju or Hillman makes the team so neither Davidson or Sbsia would be an option.
- DarthKane

Darth Kane is on target with Jokiharju and Hillman . I'm hoping both make the team and Seabrook is shown the door.

Fortin is not a laughable option at all.

I do think he needs to go play consistently in the AHL before getting a full-time look on the Hawks.

He was struggling to make it into Rockford's top 6 let alone being placed there in the NHL.

Then again, some guys are just better pros in the NHL vs. minors (Shaw is a great example). And if Fortin starts well, he could get on the radar to be called up.
- Justin Lowe

Tbf Fortin got hurt too often to get any consistency going. Colliton mentioned that fact again in an article recently, that any time Fortin got any momentum and worked his way up the lineup, he would get hurt. No way to fully access his production in the AHL. I think they may give him a chance in the NHL due to just his speed (also he always has good camps) but won't risk a spot on someone who is injury prone.

So yeah, his biggest obstacle seems to be his health. That alone will likely prevent him for making the team to start. He'll have to prove he can stay healthy in the AHL before then, imo. Being only recently 21, he has a little time but who knows.

This team really needs to maximize it's production from it's best players.

That said, Kane plays with your best C and your best RW. The ducks used to skate Getzlaf-Perry-Ryan all together and they were formidable. I mean 2 years ago this team lived and died with the production from Kane, Panarin, and AA.

So IMO you put Saad-Toews-Kane together and leave them. If Saad sucks again, throw DeBrincat in his spot.

Either way....rest of the west keeps getting better and better day by day where as the Hawks have arguably gotten worse and far more question marks then sure things.

IS what it is...….

Darth Kane is on target with Jokiharju and Hillman . I'm hoping both make the team and Seabrook is shown the door.
- Taylorst1

Where is Seabrook going?

Nobody is taking on that deal.

Saad towes hayden
Dcat AA kane
Kunitz smaltz sikura
Kauhn kruger kampf/Martinsin

Query. I'm starting to get warmed up for the season, can one of you remind me how many cups the Hawks have won and when?? I want to make sure no one and I mean no one forgets....

Pacioretty signed an extension in Vegas - 4 years x $7m.

If Patches was willing to sign an extension, Montreal should have been able to get more for him imo. Oh well.

Query. I'm starting to get warmed up for the season, can one of you remind me how many cups the Hawks have won and when?? I want to make sure no one and I mean no one forgets....
- PREDX1

Preds have a very good team. What do you think has been their best season in the past six years ? oh it has to be the year they went to the conference finals .. right?
Hawks had two cups.... go all the way .... not just conference finals. Have a good day
Let's go Hawks !!!!!!!!

Pacioretty signed an extension in Vegas - 4 years x $7m.

If Patches was willing to sign an extension, Montreal should have been able to get more for him imo. Oh well.
- L_B_R

I agree with you. Makes me wonder if there is more we haven't heard in this story.

I agree with you. Makes me wonder if there is more we haven't heard in this story.
- breadbag

Wouldn't read into it too much. Training camps are about to break by the end of the week, Bergevin was getting short on runway, had to make a deal and take pretty much the best offer available at this point.

Tatar isnt a dump by any means, but he lessened the value of that package if MTL had to take him in return and especially if it was contingent on Patches signing an extension. Pretty vanilla return for Patches when you factor all that in. Its a great return if its non extended

Kane can’t play with Toews long term, because of Kane’s defensive deficiencies.

JT will still be sent out for D zone face offs at critical times, and PK has trouble covering people and getting the puck out of his own zone.

That’s why Hossa was the prefect fit to play along side the Captain. He was outstanding defensively, in addition to being an elite goal scorer.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a Hossa replacement on the roster.