Very disappointed with the lack of URGENCY from Stan this off season.
The crocodile tear presser post Nashville playoff sweep was a bad acting job.
Then missing last year. And yet, he acts like time is on his side.

Seems like he and others are living off past laurels.

When the GREAT Tony Gwynn passed a few years ago, i was struck by something he once said when asked about his accomplishments. Paraphrasing here, but it was something like....

Never puff your chest about you did yesterday. Get it done TODAY.

This brain trust is not heeding that maxim. The La dee dah mindset seems cemented.

This team has ZERO CHEMISTRY and that's on the GM.
- philco28

There was really nothing our there in free agency that would have immediately improved this team though, so I am glad Stan didn't overpay for free agents that would have not helped. And chemistry is totally on the coaching. GM can't tell chemistry when he is trading and signing players. It is up to the coaching staff to help the players develop chemistry.

The Ward signing was a desperation move to satisfy the masses IMO. They could not go into the season with the questions on CC and starting Forsberg as the number 1. I'm OK with it I guess because of Forsberg's inconsistency last year. Thank God CC is back so now it's on them to figure out what's next there.

I know I'm in the minority here but I just can't stomach the coaching philosophies, interviews, and disciplinary tactics any longer. Whether it's Quenneville, Ulf, or Dineen, they constantly spew the same BS game after game and even during the game in the interviews between periods. "More bodies to the net, more shots at the net, more rebounds needed, better spacing from the D, forwards need to get back, better decisions on pinching, on and on and on.

Guess what ?? The message isn't getting through gentlemen !! You can't fire the players so what do organizations do to inject life into the system ? YES coaching changes are needed. It's been 3 years of a downslide and now it's happening again in year 4. We can all watch and notice that most of the Hawks top players are having really good years. Keith and Seabrook are better this year than last so far.
Toews is back, Kane is a leader in the league in goals, Debrincat is having an even better year and if put with Kane, who knows what happens. CC has been unbelievable for the most part as well. So that's 6 of your top players having better years and the team is not winning consistently. Saad and Schmaltz ????

SO, Is Nick Schmaltz the whipping boy for not scoring enough, not shooting enough, not playing physical enough, whatever. So Quenneville decides to send a message and sits him. I don't agree with it in this case. Sitting Seabrook last year for one game had reasoning because of his age and poor pylon play. I would prefer to see Schmaltz handled differently. Remember what Herb Brooks did with his 1980 Olympians when they weren't working hard enough during the game ?
If you're not going to work hard during the game, you're going to work hard in practice. Skate his ass off along with everybody else during practice to the point where they'll realize what "relentless" means. That's what Q promised us this year, "relentless", but that means for 3 periods on 1 or 2. With horrible 3rd periods this year, I see a TEAM that's out of gas, not just Nick Schmaltz. It's the Joel Quenneville Country Club atmosphere that has created this monster for years and I will be ecstatic when the change is finally made. These players NEED a new voice. Q's antiquated methods are going to fail again and another wasted year of the window is happening, even with marked improvement from their best players. Yes Stan is to blame as well for all his shortcoming in negotiations of contracts, clauses, and terrible decisions on free agents and trades. But I believe that this team can be a playoff team and a threat if it were coached better. That's my opinion.

Who is to blame for this horrific Power Play ? Dineen ?? NO.....it's ultimately on Quenneville.

We've been told that they've worked on system changes, yet all we see is the same poor execution on entry, push em back or whatever, nobody shooting from the prime area in the slot, no rebound opportunities because nobody is near the net , etc. It is terrible and totally demotivates the team because of consistent failure. ONE power play goal a game is needed to change most of these outcomes.
This is a COACHING problem PEROD !! It's time to load up on PP #1 with your best 5 offensive players. That's Kane, Toews, Debrincat, Schmaltz and Jokiharju.
Somebody coach a system that gets shots from the slot area PLEASE and utilize your best players together with INTENSITY !! The second unit can be whomever after Saad and Anisimov. Maybe another top 6 forward is needed on this team ???
Yes we all know that....along with a top 4 Dman, but until that day comes, they have to get results with what they have. That's on COACHING.

I honestly hope they don't wait until Christmas (Rocky) to realize that this season is salvageable with a coaching change. Somebody to infuse some fire and intensity for 60 minutes that Quennevile has promised.
- Hawkytalk

I’m not as concerned with the timing, because I don’t really see this season as salvageable. Although I suppose that depends on what your definition of salvageable is.

For me the bottom line is they just don’t have the horses to be anything more than a team that might battle for a wild card spot. I don’t see any kind of trade that can fix that and really don’t want Stan messing with the team anymore.

I agree man. It could always be much worse that people believe it to be. Those teams are all in REALLY rough spots that it doesn't look to be getting better any time soon. It cracks me up how much people ride the waves game in and game out. After a solid win this board is a nice place where there is excitement and everyone is cool with one another. Then when the lose people lose their minds and wanna blow everything up.

We all knew where this team would be at this year. Kinda stuck in the middle hanging in the balance of being a good team that could make the Playoffs or facing another season like we did last year. A lot of that was gonna depend on how the kids played. Guys like Joki have surprised us all and have played better than expected, and guys like Saad and Schmaltz have played under what we hoped that they would.

The Defense has played well at times, but when things go downhill for them it mudslides VERY quickly. The Manning signing for TWO years looks to be a mess (one year people could live with but being stuck with the cap hit for two years is gonna be rough) and the Rutta signing (even only on one year) looks to be a mess as well (think this was done to appease Stan's relationships in Europe for possible future deals; I.E. Kahun). People wanna bag on Cam Ward, but he's been very solid. Yeah his GAA is really poor right now, but when you see how many of the goals he's given up was due to a horrible turnover or someone being WAY out of position. We've all seen when the Defense has played well he's played well, but when they leave him out to dry he gets creamed. Hell we've seen it with Crow this week as well! You can only do so much as a goalie when the guys in front of you are doing a poor job of clearing the puck on second chance opportunities and giving the puck away in our own end.

We can all see that there are pieces here that can be apart of a successful team, BUT unfortunately some of Stan's moves like Manning, resigning Rutta, and bringing in Kunitz are hurting this team more than helping and he needs to be held accountable for that.
- Savetheembers33

Those signings were done as stop gaps to let the young guys develop. They aren't going to handcuff the team going forward, which is why I was fine with them. And as someone else stated, Stan probably didn't want to sing bug free agents for defense when he knew forsling and murphy would be back at some point in the year.

What flavor Kool Aid have you been plunging into? Haha, jk.
- I Am The Breadman

Blackhawk red my man

Blackhawk red my man
- Savetheembers33

Haha, I like Blazin' Bowman Blue Raspberry, myself.

Those signings were done as stop gaps to let the young guys develop. They aren't going to handcuff the team going forward, which is why I was fine with them. And as someone else stated, Stan probably didn't want to sing bug free agents for defense when he knew forsling and murphy would be back at some point in the year.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

I agree that was the purpose of them which is why this past summer I didn't have a problem with Ward (and even his NTC, he's been in Carolina his whole career giving that allowed for him to feel okay about leaving and if it didn't go well getting the chance to decide where he wanted to go) or Kunitz even because of the veteran leadership and the one year deals. Manning was more of a surprise considering it didn't seem like too many people though he would get that kinda money.

Unfortunately the Kunitz and Manning signings do not appear to be working out. Kunitz I'm sure we could ship off to Pittsburgh or some contender for peanuts if we wanted to give a young guy a shot. I think he still has something left in the tank, but he's being asked to do more than what he can do and his shortcomings are showing more when the team is lacking the offense punch needed to be more consistent. Idk about Manning or Rutta or even Davidson. I think both could very well see themselves traded or demoted once Murphy and Forsling are ready to be back. I think we're gonna be stuck with Manning as our 7th D-man but we can make it work as long as those two play better than those three have.

The key is the expiring contracts we have and will have in cap space next year. Justin asked about Schmaltz's next contract, if he doesn't have a major break through he's probably looking at a 2 or 3 year deal around 3 MAYBE 4 million per. If Stan is still here though he'll likely get a 7x5 deal lol

Chemistry, urgency, disciplined play, positioning, decision making...look at the Toews turnover in the slot against vancouver, or Gustafson last night with a pinch at the blue line where he gets neither puck nor man, THEN does not bust his ass back and is gliding into the slot as the Oilers complete a 2v1 passing play for a goal..overpassing always instead of playing simple and throwing pucks/bodies to the net.....a league worst Powerplay when you have a Top 3 offensive talent in the world in Patty kane....not playing Jokiharju on the PP when Seabrook/Keith have been key cogs on a dogpoop PP for years!
- EnzoD

Great points Enzo....and as someone said, 19 has been awfully charitable last few nights, which is not the Toews I know and love.

Never been a Gus-Sucks'on fan. Never. And likely never will be.

There was really nothing our there in free agency that would have immediately improved this team though, so I am glad Stan didn't overpay for free agents that would have not helped. And chemistry is totally on the coaching. GM can't tell chemistry when he is trading and signing players. It is up to the coaching staff to help the players develop chemistry.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

He could have had VISION and swung a good trade or two.

And while Q has a role in building chemistry, the GM has thee role in building a roster with chemistry. This roster is sketchy.

Trade Schmaltz for Panarin and call it a day. CBJ's have to realize they are going to lose Panarin to Unrestricted Free Agency at end of season. Getting a first rounder for Panarin instead of losing him outright, is a steal for CBJ. Then, if you are the Hawks, give the money you were going to give to Schmaltz....give it to Panarin and then some. Yeah...the risk is there that Panarin won't resign with the Hawks. And if he does not, we will have cap space to sign someone else that would be better than Schmaltz anyway. I know Schmaltz is the whipping boy right now, me included, but does anyone see him being a superstar? I roll the dice on this trade. Especially as this team starts losing playoff position. You move Saad up to line one with Cat and Toews. Reunite Panarin with Kane and AA. Fortin, Kahun and Sikura becomes the third line. Fourth line of Kampf/Kruger/Hayden. Get Murphy back and bring up Forsling to be the new third line d-men. Trade Ruuta.

>>>Speaking of Nick Schmaltz, what a message Q sent his way by healthy scratching him last night. My question is where does #8 fit into the Hawks and how much would you pay him on his next contract?<<<

bag of pucks...a few sticks and some really nice tape...

out of 14 games they have played 2-3 complete games with real good defense and craw in net...

if not for the hot start of toews, cat and kane this team is down there with the kings or worse...around 2 0r 3 wins...

they can't keep the puck out of their net. turnovers turn into high quality chances and GA...they have been abs minor league in the 3rd period...

lazerus asked both toews and Q about the PPPP (pss poor power play) not just this year but previous years as well: are whole sale changes need?

Q deflected meekly just addressed the pp in the oiler game...Toews paused about 4-5 seconds...then talked about bla bla bal improvement...

their passing on the pp is slow and imprecise...its kane dangling on the half board, an occasional seabs blast, losing draws and chasing the puck, and watching keith miss the the net or target practice with the goalies glove or pads...

Trade Schmaltz for Panarin and call it a day. CBJ's have to realize they are going to lose Panarin to Unrestricted Free Agency at end of season. Getting a first rounder for Panarin instead of losing him outright, is a steal for CBJ. Then, if you are the Hawks, give the money you were going to give to Schmaltz....give it to Panarin and then some. Yeah...the risk is there that Panarin won't resign with the Hawks. And if he does not, we will have cap space to sign someone else that would be better than Schmaltz anyway. I know Schmaltz is the whipping boy right now, me included, but does anyone see him being a superstar? I roll the dice on this trade. Especially as this team starts losing playoff position. You move Saad up to line one with Cat and Toews. Reunite Panarin with Kane and AA. Fortin, Kahun and Sikura becomes the third line. Fourth line of Kampf/Kruger/Hayden. Get Murphy back and bring up Forsling to be the new third line d-men. Trade Ruuta.
- onehundredlevel

I like this

>>>Speaking of Nick Schmaltz, what a message Q sent his way by healthy scratching him last night. My question is where does #8 fit into the Hawks and how much would you pay him on his next contract?<<<

bag of pucks...a few sticks and some really nice tape...

out of 14 games they have played 2-3 complete with real good defense and craw in net...

if not for the hot start of toews, cat and kane this team is down there with the kings or worse...around 2 0r 3 wins...

they can't keep the puck out of their net. turnovers turn into high quality chances and GA...they have abs minor league in the 3rd period...
- bogiedoc

I think that's an excessive ask for Schmaltz. Maybe the sticks and tape, but the pucks are too much.

I think that's an excessive ask for Schmaltz. Maybe the sticks and tape, but the pucks are too much.
- DarthKane

Gently used jockstrap?

We can go back and forth all day. But this is Bowman's mess his bad deals (overpays with NMCs) and less than stellar trade record speak for themselves. These moves have cost the Hawks the depth they had.

Sure the Hawks got off to a nice little start, but everything eventually evens out.

This offseason was just as bad if not worse than last season when Bowman made two trades not to help the team, but for the long term financial outlook. Hammer continues to play well in desert and Murphy once healthy will probably be moved. And then there's the Panarin trade...yikes.

Meanwhile Q's dogcrap powerplay continues to numb the masses. It's time for a new voice behind the bench. Q won you three cups when he had the horses, but its clear the roster is void of any depth.

Its time for a new Pres of Hockey Ops to be brought in to evaluate the talent top to bottom and make changes. A fresh eye is needed. Sure Stan loves his guys but what is the real value of a Schmaltz, etc... Do the Hawks really have enough talent on the farm to eventually come in and take this team back to another level?

It'll be interesting to see as the season goes on how much patience Rocky will have.

Next up Calgary...

Trade Schmaltz for Panarin and call it a day. CBJ's have to realize they are going to lose Panarin to Unrestricted Free Agency at end of season. Getting a first rounder for Panarin instead of losing him outright, is a steal for CBJ. Then, if you are the Hawks, give the money you were going to give to Schmaltz....give it to Panarin and then some. Yeah...the risk is there that Panarin won't resign with the Hawks. And if he does not, we will have cap space to sign someone else that would be better than Schmaltz anyway. I know Schmaltz is the whipping boy right now, me included, but does anyone see him being a superstar? I roll the dice on this trade. Especially as this team starts losing playoff position. You move Saad up to line one with Cat and Toews. Reunite Panarin with Kane and AA. Fortin, Kahun and Sikura becomes the third line. Fourth line of Kampf/Kruger/Hayden. Get Murphy back and bring up Forsling to be the new third line d-men. Trade Ruuta.
- onehundredlevel

Straight up gets that deal done? Or am I missing what else you would include? Schmaltz, a prospect and a third rounder maybe?

Torts would have a field day with Schmaltz lol

Gently used jockstrap?
- EnzoD

Nah, these nonhitters have been neutered. What's the point? Pass.

Straight up gets that deal done? Or am I missing what else you would include? Schmaltz, a prospect and a third rounder maybe?

Torts would have a field day with Schmaltz lol
- nickmo2699

The wrench here is Panarin's upcoming UFA status. But sure, throw in a third and a prospect...I would still do it. I am banking on Panarin re-signing so him and Kane can be together again.

The wrench here is Panarin's upcoming UFA status. But sure, throw in a third and a prospect...I would still do it. I am banking on Panarin re-signing so him and Kane can be together again.
- onehundredlevel

Obviously we would do it, but would Cbus? Any rumor on what they were asking? Stan is a move away from saving his job, he needs to do something. McD would wash his car for the rest of the year if he brings Panarin back. With the log jam at D, do you flip Schmaltz, a 2nd rounder and Forsling for Panarin and Anderson?

Clear and simple Stan needs to go. And q isnt far behind him. Rutta didnt deserve his extension the term he gave to Seabrook. Signing Kunitz even though low dollar amount and signing Manning to way to much. Manning doesnt hit doesnt fight is always out of position and doesnt clear the crease. We could have gotten Kurtis Mcdermaid a better player for 1 mil to fill his role.
Schmaltz has been pretty bad when not with kane but you stick him with fortin who has nhl speed and that's it and kunitz your not gonna produce much. Another disappointing player has been hayden. He hasn't been hitting and causing a ruckus when out there. On the other hand luke Johnson has been noticable even though he has a bad plus or minus.
I would switch schmaltz and anisimov. Send fortin to the ahl and look to trade for Ross Johnston for our 4th line. He hasn't played much but has as many points in one game then like six of our players.

lazerus asked both toews and Q about the PPPP (pss poor power play) not just this year but previous years as well: are whole sale changes need?

Q deflected meekly just addressed the pp in the oiler game...Toews paused about 4-5 seconds...then talked about bla bla bal improvement...

their passing on the pp is slow and imprecise...its kane dangling on the half board, an occasional seabs blast, losing draws and chasing the puck, and watching keith miss the the net or target practice with the goalies glove or pads...
- bogiedoc

On the PP, it really is infuriating watching everyone stand around waiting for Kane to do something.

5v5, how many times do we have to watch our guys drift to the boards, pull up wait for someone to enter the zone (covered) then watch the play go the other way. Not to mention we rarely enter the zone with much speed. EDM and VAN often went straight at the net.

On the PP, it really is infuriating watching everyone stand around waiting for Kane to do something.

5v5, how many times do we have to watch our guys drift to the boards, pull up wait for someone to enter the zone (covered) then watch the play go the other way. Not to mention we rarely enter the zone with much speed. EDM and VAN often went straight at the net.
- Chunk

There is no attack in our game, it's painful to watch.

Obviously we would do it, but would Cbus? Any rumor on what they were asking? Stan is a move away from saving his job, he needs to do something. McD would wash his car for the rest of the year if he brings Panarin back. With the log jam at D, do you flip Schmaltz, a 2nd rounder and Forsling for Panarin and Anderson?
- nickmo2699

Anyone who thinks Schmaltz can be traded for Panarin, a top 10 scorer in all of the NHL, needs to seriously put down the crack pipe.

I know we are desparate to think of ways to improve our struggling team, but I think NHL18 would lock out your account if you even tried such a silly trade.

Anyone who thinks Schmaltz can be traded for Panarin, a top 10 scorer in all of the NHL, needs to seriously put down the crack pipe.

I know we are desparate to think of ways to improve our struggling team, but I think NHL18 would lock out your account if you even tried such a silly trade.
- hereismike1

Panarin will walk for nothing, so the trade cost is reduced significantly...

Panarin will walk for nothing, so the trade cost is reduced significantly...
- EnzoD

Saad and Forsberg for Panarin Done and Done