What would it take to get Nylander from the Maple Loafs?
- EnzoD

Probably at least Boqvist +. He’d be a great pickup but likely too rich for Stan’s bloom.

Probably at least Boqvist +. He’d be a great pickup but likely too rich for Stan’s bloom.
- DarthKane

Darren Dreger was on TSN radio earlier today discussing the situation, and suggested that other sources around the league believe that Nylander’s ask could have been around $8MM per season. The Maple Leafs meanwhile, according to Dreger, are looking at other comparables that sit somewhere in the $6-7MM range.

Probably at least Boqvist +. He’d be a great pickup but likely too rich for Stan’s bloom.
- DarthKane

I don't think anyone give Toronto their top defense prospect for Nylander. Maybe their #2-3 if they're deep and a package. Nylander isn't Hall.

Darren Dreger was on TSN radio earlier today discussing the situation, and suggested that other sources around the league believe that Nylander’s ask could have been around $8MM per season. The Maple Leafs meanwhile, according to Dreger, are looking at other comparables that sit somewhere in the $6-7MM range.
- walleyeb1

$8m kind of crazy but Nylander's two closest comparables are in the $7-7.5m range. He has a .73 PPG over 3 seasons, which is above Pasternak (.72, $6.67m) but below Tarasenko (.75, $7.5m). If Toronto is offering $6.8-7m, that's fair for him.

He's probably looking at like Draisaitl a $8.5m deal for only .72 PPG, but his position is more important to the Oilers than Nylander is for the Leafs.

Are you saying Sikura is farther away from the NHL than Edjsell? Cause I highly disagree. I'm warming to Edjsell because his shot is elite, but Sikura is just better and was the best forward in this tournament for the Hawks. His skating is top notch, his puck handling is excellent, and he has great playmaking instinct and a good shot.

Debrincat last year is an interesting case because he didn't standout at prospect camp or the regular season camp, but showed up for the tournament and pre-season games. Sikura has two years in a row of being the standout at prospect camp and having good tournaments as well. The consensus last year was hoping Sikura would suddenly change his mind cause they could use him too.

I honestly don't know how anyone comes away from the tournament not thinking Sikura was easily the best forward prospect and most likely to make an impact in the NHL. I don't know if he'll be on the team instantly or stay up the whole time, but his skill is higher than anyone else at the tournament for sure. Guess that's how opinions work though lol.
- L_B_R

I am not saying he is farther away what I am saying is he did not impress me as a top 6 forward.

Again he did score some nice goals but there is something about his play that need development.

Probably at least Boqvist +. He’d be a great pickup but likely too rich for Stan’s bloom.
- DarthKane

We do not trade Boqvist he will be ready to play in the NHL next year.

I am not saying he is farther away what I am saying is he did not impress me as a top 6 forward.

Again he did score some nice goals but there is something about his play that need development.
- Sn1362

I came away with the exact opposite feeling - Sikura was easily the most impressive to me.

I don't think anyone give Toronto their top defense prospect for Nylander. Maybe their #2-3 if they're deep and a package. Nylander isn't Hall.
- L_B_R

Oh I know, it that’s who Toronto would ask for. They have no pressure to sign or trade Nylander so they can ask for the moon.

We do not trade Boqvist he will be ready to play in the NHL next year.
- Sn1362

Agreed, even if it takes Boqvist a little longer.

Just one perspective, but the Rink posted observations from the Traverse City tournament and had this to say about the PP:

"Despite their power play goal last night, the power play looked awful. The announcers mention several times how the Hawks looked like they were in disarray. They could not connect on simple first passes to break out of their own zone. Of the eight other team, only Carolina had a worse power play percentage (11.26% to 12%)."

https://www.the-rink.com/...awks-traverse-city-notes/

Does anybody have any impressions of Noel? I was only able to watch half of the Traverse City games. Someone described him as Shaw-like, especially the way he battles in front of the net. Noel is similar to Knott and Bondra in that they're getting lower and lower on the forward prospect depth chart as other forwards are pulling ahead. This is a pivotal year for each of them to stand out more and show that they have something substantial to offer to the big club.

Knott seems to be on an upward swing in this early part of his 2nd full pro season. He could be a sleeper and surprise with his first cup of coffee this year.

Noel was injured for a good chunk of last year so his ailments may have hampered his ability to play at full capacity once off the DL. He seems to fit in that redundant group of bottom 6 centers like Highmore, Kampf, Johnson, etc.

Bondra has shown very little despite spurts of excellence that are few and far between. One wishes to see a hulking power game from him given his large stature.

Disappointed there wasn't anymore pto's. Alot of young unproven guys going to get handed spots. At least make them think they dont have it as easy and see how there character is by bringing in a couple of veterans to challenge for spots.

Does anybody have any impressions of Noel? I was only able to watch half of the Traverse City games. Someone described him as Shaw-like, especially the way he battles in front of the net. Noel is similar to Knott and Bondra in that they're getting lower and lower on the forward prospect depth chart as other forwards are pulling ahead. This is a pivotal year for each of them to stand out more and show that they have something substantial to offer to the big club.

Knott seems to be on an upward swing in this early part of his 2nd full pro season. He could be a sleeper and surprise with his first cup of coffee this year.

Noel was injured for a good chunk of last year so his ailments may have hampered his ability to play at full capacity once off the DL. He seems to fit in that redundant group of bottom 6 centers like Highmore, Kampf, Johnson, etc.

Bondra has shown very little despite spurts of excellence that are few and far between. One wishes to see a hulking power game from him given his large stature.
- AEL_Fox

I know everyone wants Sikura to make the team and he probably will but I thought Noel and Knott looked very good. Again a year or so out but they looked promising.

As for Bondra you see him with his size and you want him to make the team but it seems he cannot put it together for a long stretch it is a shame.

The best players were Ejdsell, Beaudin, Kahun and then Sikura.

Just one perspective, but the Rink posted observations from the Traverse City tournament and had this to say about the PP:

"Despite their power play goal last night, the power play looked awful. The announcers mention several times how the Hawks looked like they were in disarray. They could not connect on simple first passes to break out of their own zone. Of the eight other team, only Carolina had a worse power play percentage (11.26% to 12%)."

https://www.the-rink.com/...awks-traverse-city-notes/
- AEL_Fox

The power play was terrible it looked like the other team was on one when they were short handed.

But that happens when you have a bunch of guys that have not played together.

I want to say that there will be a couple of players to make the big club but from what I saw at the tournament there is no one that is really truly ready. I do see a couple of players that are a year away.

Dude....CC isn’t coming back. Anytime soon at least, and if he does, remember he hasnt had a game since 12/2017.

Yes, if you pretend Vezina CC is back in the lineup for all 82 games, and deny that its actually going to be the Ward/Forsberg show, the goal differential is nowhere near as dire.
- Return of the Roar

"Dude" read through the string. I was not commenting on Crawford coming back. I was saying that when Crawford was active last year (ie when there was decent goaltending) there was enough offense to keep the Hawks in contention. Through the first 29 games they actually had more goals for than against. So I think the offense was adequate last year. This year if we have some better team defense, decent goaltending, the young forwards from last year improve, and with the added players like Sikura, Kahun, and Ejdsell the forwards could score enough to be competitive this year. Of course those are big ifs.

The power play was terrible it looked like the other team was on one when they were short handed.

But that happens when you have a bunch of guys that have not played together.
- Sn1362

100%

It's something that needs some chemistry and time to gel before you can judge it too harshly.

The power play was terrible it looked like the other team was on one when they were short handed.

But that happens when you have a bunch of guys that have not played together.
- Sn1362

But the same could be said for the other teams whose players are assembled from various teams and leagues. So I do not buy into that line of reasoning. The rookies appeared to be using the same inept PP system as the parent club.

What would it take to get Nylander from the Maple Loafs?
- EnzoD

I would think Dmen.

The power play was terrible it looked like the other team was on one when they were short handed.

But that happens when you have a bunch of guys that have not played together.
- Sn1362

I mentioned it after the St Louis game. Just a lot of passes around the outside. Looked just like the PP with the big club

It is without a doubt and with consensus that the Hawks are devoid of a top 6 forward. Again, they should kick the tires on Rick Nash. Of course, it takes two to tangle. If he came on board, it would settle lineups issues (at least on paper or who knows with Q's blender). Now the disclaimer is maybe 1-2 Mil for this year only and a waiving of NMC. So if the Hawks are out of contention for the playoffs and Nash does well and is coveted as a rental, then trade him for draft picks (transition has started already). In essence, you are paying 1-2 Mil for quality players for the future. And here we go with the BIG IF:

Saad/Toews/Debrincat
Nash/Schmaltz/Kane
Kahun/AA/Sikura
Kunitz/Kruger or Kampf/Hayden
- D2D

Agree on Nash .Been saying it since the beginning of the summer . Will have a lot to do with Nash ,but if he comes back would love to see him here . Agee he could bring in a pick or two late in the season in the right situation .

.@BoyleNBCS reporting Corey Crawford was on the ice recently. That has to be seen as a positive sign. From what I heard, the Blackhawks will create a plan for Crawford once he completes his physical today. They obviously hope he passes his physical and can move forward. bold per Scott Powers.

.@BoyleNBCS reporting Corey Crawford was on the ice recently. That has to be seen as a positive sign. From what I heard, the Blackhawks will create a plan for Crawford once he completes his physical today. They obviously hope he passes his physical and can move forward. bold per Scott Powers.
- walleyeb1

#CrawfordWatch2018 is on!

It's going to be an interesting training camp folks!

I have a blog coming out tomorrow on some thing the Hawks will need to happen from now until opening night to give themselves a shot at a quick start to the season.

Stay tuned.

#CrawfordWatch2018 is on!

It's going to be an interesting training camp folks!

I have a blog coming out tomorrow on some thing the Hawks will need to happen from now until opening night to give themselves a shot at a quick start to the season.

Stay tuned.
- Justin Lowe

quick solid start is Paramount in so many ways!!!!

quick solid start is Paramount in so many ways!!!!
- glennjpawlak22

Agreed.

I'm rewatching that 10-1 thumping from opening night last year vs. the Pens for inspiration.