If we don't turn things around, and quickly, I'd be for all of these. However, there really is no "upstairs" to which you can send McD. He's already directly under Rocky. However, I would make a push to Bettman about all the good things he might do as head of PR/Marketing for the NHL and see if you can't make that happen.
- pdx2ord

Good point about Mcd. If you can't create a new position for him within the organization, the least Rocky should do is to get him out of the on ice decisions. Leave him in charge of marketing or whatever.

I had another thought or two for a couple of years down the road to help manage the cap. Hopefully Saad and Muphy have a good year next year. Trade them at the 2020 draft for picks/prospects and to free up cap space for the future bridge contracts for the young up and coming forward and dmen. Must keep looking ahead a couple of years at a time. After that move a guy like Schmaltz when his bridge is up and there are better and cheaper alternatives in the system. Before you know it, Toews and Kane's contracts will be up and there will be a ton of money to play with.

Alas, none of these or my previous thoughts will happen, but it's fun to think about it.

Q is gone and whether we agree on that move or not, it's done with and he isn't coming back. Personally I think Stanbo should have gone with him, but it looks like he'll last for at least this season.

Some thoughts on turning the ship around.

1. Ask Keith to accept a trade to Toronto for Nylander's right. Throw in another defenseman like Rutta or Gus. Use the 6.5 to 7.5M cap savings to sign Nylander to a long term contract. That leaves an even bigger gaping hole in the Hawks defense but hopefully Forsling and Murphy can be back on the team soon.

2. Trade off some other parts (Anisimov, Kruger, Manning, Davidson, possibly even Crawford if a team desperately needs a goalie.) at the TDL for picks or prospects

3. These moves should continue the tank for the season and hopefully get a top 3 pick. Hopefully it can turn into Hughes.

4. At the end of the season kick Mcd upstairs and get him out of the on the ice decision making.

5. Move Stanbo out completely or create a do nothing position for him in the organization.

6. Hire a "hockey guy" as team president in charge of all on ice activities.

7. Make a run to sign Panarin if he hasn't been traded and signed by someone else by then. With Crawford and Anisimov gone and with Hossa cap space and assumed further raises in cap, there should be enough to sign Panarin and offer a manageable bridge contact to Schmaltz. How would Panarin, Nylander, Toews, Kane, Schmaltz, Saad, Debrincat, Sikura and a top 3 forward prospect as a top 9?

8. Next year, bring up the kid defensemen and sink or swim with them. Even though Seabs is on his last legs he'll be able to provide some leadership and a steadying influence. Murphy and Joki would still be around too.

9. Delia, Fosrberg, or the guy over in Russia for relatively inexpensive goalies goin forward.

10. Continue to load up the talent pool with pick received from TDL trades.
- boilermaker100

All of this... All awesome sauce.

You seem to jump to the conclusion that if someone believes it was time for Q to move along that this means such poster must be supportive of StanBo on some level. I have actually been highly critical of many of his moves. None of his moves, by the way, come close historically to the Bobby Hull fiasco. It is also true that certain moves were made in an attempt to give Q what he wanted. The infamous Danault for old veterans and First Round Draft Choice for Ladd easily come to mind.

The Hawks treated Q with respect and class and not with the customary “what have you done for me lately” rule. Gave 4 chances. After the Blues, Preds, missing play-offs and the start of this season. His chances ran out.
- Z3Hawk

FYI I have no problem with replacing Q -- the longstanding PP ineptitude and frequent no-shows by the Hawks were reasons enough. Furthermore, from everything I've read, JC seems like a great choice, and Stanbo deserves kudos for that. But nothing Stan has done in player acquisition, trades or managing the cap gives me any hope that the Hawks' roster will improve until he is gone.

7. Make a run to sign Panarin if he hasn't been traded and signed by someone else by then. With Crawford and Anisimov gone and with Hossa cap space and assumed further raises in cap, there should be enough to sign Panarin and offer a manageable bridge contact to Schmaltz. How would Panarin, Nylander, Toews, Kane, Schmaltz, Saad, Debrincat, Sikura and a top 3 forward prospect as a top 9?


- boilermaker100

Oh my! I know the chances of this this are slim and none and slim is already saddled up and heading out of town ... but, I can't help myself - I have to take a moment to allow my eyes to feast:

Panarin-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Schmaltz-Hughes
Saad-Nylander-Sikura

I think I need a cigarette, and I don't smoke.

Q is gone and whether we agree on that move or not, it's done with and he isn't coming back. Personally I think Stanbo should have gone with him, but it looks like he'll last for at least this season.

Some thoughts on turning the ship around.

1. Ask Keith to accept a trade to Toronto for Nylander's right. Throw in another defenseman like Rutta or Gus. Use the 6.5 to 7.5M cap savings to sign Nylander to a long term contract. That leaves an even bigger gaping hole in the Hawks defense but hopefully Forsling and Murphy can be back on the team soon.

2. Trade off some other parts (Anisimov, Kruger, Manning, Davidson, possibly even Crawford if a team desperately needs a goalie.) at the TDL for picks or prospects

3. These moves should continue the tank for the season and hopefully get a top 3 pick. Hopefully it can turn into Hughes.

4. At the end of the season kick Mcd upstairs and get him out of the on the ice decision making.

5. Move Stanbo out completely or create a do nothing position for him in the organization.

6. Hire a "hockey guy" as team president in charge of all on ice activities.

7. Make a run to sign Panarin if he hasn't been traded and signed by someone else by then. With Crawford and Anisimov gone and with Hossa cap space and assumed further raises in cap, there should be enough to sign Panarin and offer a manageable bridge contact to Schmaltz. How would Panarin, Nylander, Toews, Kane, Schmaltz, Saad, Debrincat, Sikura and a top 3 forward prospect as a top 9?

8. Next year, bring up the kid defensemen and sink or swim with them. Even though Seabs is on his last legs he'll be able to provide some leadership and a steadying influence. Murphy and Joki would still be around too.

9. Delia, Fosrberg, or the guy over in Russia for relatively inexpensive goalies goin forward.

10. Continue to load up the talent pool with pick received from TDL trades.
- boilermaker100

Keith not being traded unless he demands, which I can’t see happening. Players like Anisimov and Kruger and others have little value. Many would be clear salary dumps. Not going to stockpile picks and prospects. daahawks (sorry if not getting name right) - we’ve disagreed at times but we agree completely that Panarin is NEVER coming back to the Hawks. Attitude is very important to the Hawks, and the Hawks do not want Panarin’s bad attitude.

Also Seabs is not on his last legs. Bobby Orr and Nicklas Lidstrom would have trouble playing with Gus. With respect to StanBo he will be around a while. Also McD can’t be kicked upstairs as he is already at the top of the stairs, and whatever he does or doesn’t do moving forward will be completely his decision.

FYI I have no problem with replacing Q -- the longstanding PP ineptitude and frequent no-shows by the Hawks were reasons enough. Furthermore, from everything I've read, JC seems like a great choice, and Stanbo deserves kudos for that. But nothing Stan has done in player acquisition, trades or managing the cap gives me any hope that the Hawks' roster will improve until he is gone.
- BMWChiFan

BMW - your position concerning StanBo is certainly supportable. As I said I am critical of StanBo on a case by case basis. My first criticism? He should not even have received the job - were lots of better choices inside and outside the organization. Got hired because of nepotism.

Well, time to watch the picks by Stanbo's GM counterpart, the genius Ryan Pace, prove what a poor judge of talent he is: Will Kevin White get on the field? NO. Will Leonard Floyd get a sack? NO. Will Trubisky miss at least five wide open receivers today while Mahomes continues to tear up the league? YES.

BMW - your position concerning StanBo is certainly supportable. As I said I am critical of StanBo on a case by case basis. My first criticism? He should not even have received the job - were lots if better choices inside and outside the organization. Got hired because of nepotism.
- Z3Hawk

Agree 100%.

Well, time to watch the picks by Stanbo's GM counterpart, the genius Ryan Pace, prove what a poor judge of talent he is: Will Kevin White get on the field? NO. Will Leonard Floyd get a sack? NO. Will Trubisky miss at least five wide open receivers today while Mahomes continues to tear up the league? YES.
- BMWChiFan

The game is young, but Mitchie is 7/7 on passes. He's looking good so far .....

Keith not being traded unless he demands, which I can’t see happening. Players like Anisimov and Kruger and others have little value. Many would be clear salary dumps. Not going to stockpile picks and prospects. daahawks (sorry if not getting name right) - we’ve disagreed at times but we agree completely that Panarin is NEVER coming back to the Hawks. Attitude is very important to the Hawks, and the Hawks do not want Panarin’s bad attitude.

Also Seabs is not on his last legs. Bobby Orr and Nicklas Lidstrom would have trouble playing with Gus. With respect to StanBo he will be around a while. Also McD can’t be kicked upstairs as he is already at the top of the stairs, and whatever he does or doesn’t do moving forward will be completely his decision.
- Z3Hawk

zehawk all good points. Not saying all this is possible, but a new line of thinking is required. I don't think this a playoff team this year. It's time to start the turn around.

At least, appeal to Keith's professionalism and approach him, his agent and the Leafs about a possibility of a Nylander trade. Does 2 stand a better chance of having his name engraved again on the cup over the next year or two with the Leafs or Hawks?

Yes all the spare parts, Anisimov, Kruger, etc. will garner only lower round draft choices. Unloading AA's salary is the major plus. Crawford, IF he waives, would return the most. A no. 1 if there's a contending team needing a Stanley Cup winning goalie?

With McD and Bowman out of the picture. who's to say that new management wouldn't consider Panarin.

Seabs not on his last legs? All the better!

As for McD, Rocky should have a sit down with him, thank him for increasing the value of the franchise, double or triple his salary, give him a larger office and tell him to enjoy his golden years by doing nothing.

zehawk all good points. Not saying all this is possible, but a new line of thinking is required. I don't think this a playoff team this year. It's time to start the turn around.

At least, appeal to Keith's professionalism and approach him, his agent and the Leafs about a possibility of a Nylander trade. Does 2 stand a better chance of having his name engraved again on the cup over the next year or two with the Leafs or Hawks?

Yes all the spare parts, Anisimov, Kruger, etc. will garner only lower round draft choices. Unloading AA's salary is the major plus. Crawford, IF he waives, would return the most. A no. 1 if there's a contending team needing a Stanley Cup winning goalie?

With McD and Bowman out of the picture. who's to say that new management wouldn't consider Panarin.

Seabs not on his last legs? All the better!

As for McD, Rocky should have a sit down with him, thank him for increasing the value of the franchise, double or triple his salary, give him a larger office and tell him to enjoy his golden years by doing nothing.
- boilermaker100

I have never been against moving Crawford but I actually think there is something wrong with him right now. Has been mentioned by a few other posters too. Seems to be having trouble tracking puck and moving side to side. Also when has to come in and out on angles.

I do not have any problem with moving AA,
Kruger and others. I view these as addition by subtraction. Open space is very important.

I do not like Panarin and the Hawks agree with me. If he could wear a photo of himself on the front of his jersey he’d be happy. Panarin only cares about Panarin.

McD is who he is. I am by no defintion a fan of his but try to just ignore him.

Good “talking” with you.

I have never been against moving Crawford but I actually think there is something wrong with him right now. Has been mentioned by a few other posters too. Seems to be having trouble tracking puck and moving side to side. Also when has to come in and out on angles.

I do not have any problem with moving AA,
Kruger and others. I view these as addition by subtraction. Open space is very important.

I do not like Panarin and the Hawks agree with me. If he could wear a photo of himself on the front of his jersey he’d be happy. Panarin only cares about Panarin.

McD is who he is. I am by no defintion a fan of his but try to just ignore him.

Good “talking” with you.
- Z3Hawk

Good discussion. Thanks.

A new development in the William Nylander saga has been reported on Hockey Night in Canada.


NHL insider, Elliotte Friedman, reported on Saturday night during the second intermission of the Leafs vs Bruins game, that Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has asked interested teams to put together trade offers for the talented right winger.

Can we stop with thinking that the Hawks can offer anything to the leafs for Nylander.

Can we stop with thinking that the Hawks can offer anything to the leafs for Nylander.
- Tatoo

Nick Schmaltz?

Can we stop with thinking that the Hawks can offer anything to the leafs for Nylander.
- Tatoo

Thank you!
The hawks are not getting Hughs, Panerin or Nylander.
It would be the second coming of Christ before that happens.

They’re best chance at any of them would be Hughs only if they tank and that’s a 49% chance at the draft.

Panerin is not coming back to this hot mess of a team and the only way the get Nylander is if they give up the farm and sign him for 9mil per.

Can we stop with thinking that the Hawks can offer anything to the leafs for Nylander.
- Tatoo

That's what they were saying about the Chicago Bears before acquiring Khalil Mack. It just takes some creative thinking within Hawks management, but like many others on this board, I lack confidence with Stan and McD, especially with them spouting the "this is a playoff team" BS.

Thank you!
The hawks are not getting Hughs, Panerin or Nylander.
It would be the second coming of Christ before that happens.

They’re best chance at any of them would be Hughs only if they tank and that’s a 49% chance at the draft.

Panerin is not coming back to this hot mess of a team and the only way the get Nylander is if they give up the farm and sign him for 9mil per.
- Blackhawks4life

Well he's only asking for 8M. Will he settle for 7.5M? 5.5M of which for the next few years would come from Keith's salary if he's part of a Nylander package

Thank you!
The hawks are not getting Hughs, Panerin or Nylander.
It would be the second coming of Christ before that happens.

They’re best chance at any of them would be Hughs only if they tank and that’s a 49% chance at the draft.

Panerin is not coming back to this hot mess of a team and the only way the get Nylander is if they give up the farm and sign him for 9mil per.
- Blackhawks4life

18%

Well, time to watch the picks by Stanbo's GM counterpart, the genius Ryan Pace, prove what a poor judge of talent he is: Will Kevin White get on the field? NO. Will Leonard Floyd get a sack? NO. Will Trubisky miss at least five wide open receivers today while Mahomes continues to tear up the league? YES.
- BMWChiFan

6-3 and in 1st place

Well he's only asking for 8M. Will he settle for 7.5M? 5.5M of which for the next few years would come from Keith's salary if he's part of a Nylander package
- boilermaker100

I don't believe the leafs are moving Nylander for Keith ,although contract wise and need it makes sense to me for the Leafs . I think they and their young arrogant GM are so high on themselves they can't see a decent deal if it hit them in the face .
They will end up signing him or having him sit out of spite ..

I noticed in the last game how the opposition attacked our players like rabid dogs whenever our guys (including our stars) came near the blue paint. Crawford does not get that kind of protection. I wonder how many goals that costs us relative to other teams?
- 67hawks

Very true.

Nylander for Schmaltz and Gustafson+Murphy+Rutta+Manning+Kunitz+Ward

Nylander for Schmaltz and Gustafson+Murphy+Rutta+Manning+Kunitz+Ward
- EnzoD

I am not that sold on Nylander ,he good and all .Plays on a very fast good young team ,but also disappeared in the playoffs ..
Jury may still be out , that's why TO is thinking about selling well value is high . The guy I want Is Mark Hunter ,he the architect of Toronto great young team . If the HAWKS are going full on rebuild or just retool that is the man to put in charge ...

Nylander for Schmaltz and Gustafson+Murphy+Rutta+Manning+Kunitz+Ward
- EnzoD

We don't have the assets to acquire nylander so need to move on from it.