Excellent post.

But yes, as Popsghostly said, where's DeBrincat?

Maybe something like this for forwards:

Panarin - Anisimov - Kane
Schmaltz - Toews - Saad
DeBrincat - Kahun - Sikura
Hayden - Johnson - Kampf
Highmore

This way, skill and scoring is spread across 3 lines.

Honestly, I'd upgrade over Kahun if possible this off season. He's not bad but feel the Hawks can do much better at 3C (wouldn't be upset, though, if Kahun was on the team again next year), and hopefully not one of many 4Cs the team has in Chicago and Rockford who get miscast as 3rd liners.
- AEL_Fox

Looks good. How about trading AA and his salary. Granted probably only a mid round choice in retutn, but his cap space is an asset. Move Schmaltz to C, and hope for a top 3 draft choice, select a young stud forward and insert him into the top 9.

It would be kind of interesting to know what type of players Q would go after if he had authority to do that. Keeping in mind he would have to work under the same constraints as every other GM with salary caps, term, drafting, scouting, player development, etc.

Someone put the bug in one of the beat writer's ear that that would be a good sit down interview with Q.
- Rota's Rooter

Ron Francis or Eddie's brother one other question to who might know this what was Chelios role in Detroit's management?

Fair. Still think Seabrook should get something for that, but such is the NHL.
- BINGO!

The Russian changed his direction and skated into get hit from behind. It wasn't that bad.

The Russian changed his direction and skated into get hit from behind. It wasn't that bad.
- GPHawksfan

Agreed, Seabrook didn't line him up.

Not sure if this was mentioned, but I noticed the recalled Forsling. Will be interesting to see how he performs.

It was mostly a joke, to be fair.

JUST LIKE BRENT SEABROOK.
- BINGO!

Yep cuz martinok won how many cups?????? poop anything

Looks good. How about trading AA and his salary. Granted probably only a mid round choice in retutn, but his cap space is an asset. Move Schmaltz to C, and hope for a top 3 draft choice, select a young stud forward and insert him into the top 9.
- boilermaker100

At some point I imagine Anisimov will be traded before his contract expires so that they can gain something back whether a draft pick(s) and/or prospect(s) and not let him leave for free. Can't see it being a player for player swap but you never know.

I know he's a lightning rod for discussion on whether he should be in the Hawks future or shipped out now but I support being patient with Schmaltz and doing whatever possible to put him in a situation to reach his potential. A player of his skillset and speed is needed on this team albeit with quite a few rough edges to smooth out. Whether that's as a center or wing, IMHO, depends on who his teammates are (i.e. if there are plenty of top 6 wingers then play him at center, but if the team can secure another top 6 center then play him at wing).

If the Hawks are in a spot to get a top 3 pick in the 2019 draft, I personally want it to be because the team naturally failed to win games not because of an intentional tank strategy. So as a cautiously optimistic fan, I hope the team we cheer for isn't in a spot to win the lottery but know that realistically they might end up that way because of the many warts and flaws that prevent them from being competitive in each game and for a playoff berth.

so did wilson kill anybody tonight? he will...guys like him will not change

Crap, Tuesdays suck!!!

Catching up.

Stevie Y, I thought he was in Det??? What if TB wins with him gone? Hahaha.

Forsling brought up ... come on Darth ... you can say it, your guarantee before Turkey Day was right. I'm excited, he looked great in Rock, especially on the pp. I just hope JC is learning about player placement, and not just reward/build confidence of constant screw ups. It's not a bad thing he's doing, but benching a shift or two and accountability bring the lesson home more effectively. I'm fine with 2 and 7 together, 28 and 56 had a great game that can be built upon, and that leaves 42 to play with 44 (rekindle time?) or with 23 ... a recipe for disaster???

As far as summer moves go ... draft well, probably in the top 5 if sucking trend continues. Lose the contracts that expire after this year, sign a ****ton of guys, see who is ready and who needs seasoning, and sign 1-2 big guys July 1st. If a trade that presents itself as the ultimate win-win that can't be passed up (if Stan still has his job) he NEEDS to be bold.

Chychrun big extension in Ari. 6 years 4.6 schmil.

Ask Mcd for most of those maybe Q on the others

it was always a three headed monster with one head
above all others

Why trade Hartman, Duclair Vinnie if they had any idea the
first move in the "remodel" was firing Q

It seems as if the whole organization is dysfunctional

I like JC though, I think he has the "it" to be a pretty good
coach
- gazza53

I thought so too until I saw Seabrook and Kampf in OT. Neither of these players should see the ice unless they're on the PK. OT is about puck control and speed and only the top 6 should get the ice time to be "relentless" for the extra point. It is not the time to experiment for the future.
Maybe later in the year when ColliTANK is in full swing.

Powers says that Nalimov is injured and without a team.

https://www.secondcityhoc...rminate-contract-nhl-2018

SCH talked about Nalimov as well.

Crap, Tuesdays suck!!!

Catching up.

Stevie Y, I thought he was in Det??? What if TB wins with him gone? Hahaha.

Forsling brought up ... come on Darth ... you can say it, your guarantee before Turkey Day was right. I'm excited, he looked great in Rock, especially on the pp. I just hope JC is learning about player placement, and not just reward/build confidence of constant screw ups. It's not a bad thing he's doing, but benching a shift or two and accountability bring the lesson home more effectively. I'm fine with 2 and 7 together, 28 and 56 had a great game that can be built upon, and that leaves 42 to play with 44 (rekindle time?) or with 23 ... a recipe for disaster???

As far as summer moves go ... draft well, probably in the top 5 if sucking trend continues. Lose the contracts that expire after this year, sign a ****ton of guys, see who is ready and who needs seasoning, and sign 1-2 big guys July 1st. If a trade that presents itself as the ultimate win-win that can't be passed up (if Stan still has his job) he NEEDS to be bold.
- I Am The Breadman

You are surprised by this?

At some point I imagine Anisimov will be traded before his contract expires so that they can gain something back whether a draft pick(s) and/or prospect(s) and not let him leave for free. Can't see it being a player for player swap but you never know.

I know he's a lightning rod for discussion on whether he should be in the Hawks future or shipped out now but I support being patient with Schmaltz and doing whatever possible to put him in a situation to reach his potential. A player of his skillset and speed is needed on this team albeit with quite a few rough edges to smooth out. Whether that's as a center or wing, IMHO, depends on who his teammates are (i.e. if there are plenty of top 6 wingers then play him at center, but if the team can secure another top 6 center then play him at wing).

If the Hawks are in a spot to get a top 3 pick in the 2019 draft, I personally want it to be because the team naturally failed to win games not because of an intentional tank strategy. So as a cautiously optimistic fan, I hope the team we cheer for isn't in a spot to win the lottery but know that realistically they might end up that way because of the many warts and flaws that prevent them from being competitive in each game and for a playoff berth.
- AEL_Fox

This perplexes me...

What's the big deal about tanking? You'd rather cheer for us to miss out on a potential top draft pick to help rebuild the future? Why? Because its too painful to admit the truth? That we're god awful and in need of a rebuild? How about just getting it over with, tank, lose games rapidly and increase our chances of building a better future? If we mess around and eek out wins we'll remain slightly below average which is FAR WORSE for the future outlook of our organization than being one of the absolute worst 2-3 teams in the league. That's just the reality of the situation.

For all those wanting Duclair back.... he is Nick Schmaltz but with less D and less puck possession skills.

He is contact adverse and horrible at anything related to defense. At least Schmaltz back checks and can maintain perimeter possession.
- bhawks2241

true on Duclair, even though he is scoring, Torts said after weekend game he has to learn defence or he will see less powerplay time. So. Q saw that as well, and I'm sure puck possession as you said

You're welcome. By no means am I an expert. I just share what I read, observe, view, etc. which isn't as extensive as I would like and not as extensive as what others have access to. I love reading what others have to share about prospects as well.

It would be best if Barratt stayed at least one more year after this current year (i.e. through junior year) so he can maximize his development at the NCAA. While he's playing lights out right now, not sure how sustainable that is in terms of being a potential Hobey Baker finalist and scoring leader in all of college. Happy to be wrong and he signs an ELC this spring.
- AEL_Fox

Let me add your posts about pro and amateur prospects are helpful, thanks for them. ..... I saw Barratt a good bit in the USHL with the NTDP and was happy the Hawks drafted the kid. My memory is poor, thought he played center but there is no doubt of his skill and IIRC he showed a 2 way game. ....... Any idea if he's playing C at Penn State? If so his big numbers this yr are even more impressive.

Again at the NTDP I remember a 2 way game playing center at the expense of points. Kid played an honest game. Have to say don't remember him as an agitator. These were his teammates and their stats in his U-18 yr (click his, or any players, name for their lifetime stats and notice the scouting report that says his two best attributes are IQ and play making) : https://www.eliteprospect...-team/2016-2017?tab=stats

General Manager Q's first order of business should be to hire a special assistant in charge of cost certainty. That man will be John Scott. Any fool in the building stupid enough to utter the words cost and certainty in the same sentence or even in the same paragraph, why Special Assistant John Scott will be right there promptly to beat the hell out of him.
- Savoy

John Scott is also a pretty smart dude. He can probably manage a cap better then Stan Bowman which money management was suppose to be Stan's strong suit

You are surprised by this?
- DarthKane

You being right, yes, because I don't know you ... too well. Your guarantee could have been sarcasm (wink wink).
In regards to Forsling being injured, and then he reinjured his wrist, I was questionable on his return timetable. I didn't know the severity and how long he needed to recover in Rock.

Let me add your posts about pro and amateur prospects are helpful, thanks for them. ..... I saw Barratt a good bit in the USHL with the NTDP and was happy the Hawks drafted the kid. My memory is poor, thought he played center but there is no doubt of his skill and IIRC he showed a 2 way game. ....... Any idea if he's playing C at Penn State? If so his big numbers this yr are even more impressive.

Again at the NTDP I remember a 2 way game playing center at the expense of points. Kid played an honest game. Have to say don't remember him as an agitator. These were his teammates and their stats in his U-18 yr (click his, or any players, name for their lifetime stats and notice the scouting report that says his two best attributes are IQ and play making) : https://www.eliteprospect...-team/2016-2017?tab=stats
- Mr Ricochet

I remember watching that draft, and he was one of barely any who was there on day two. Kids normally don't show up that day, Pang said. When his name was called, he was crying and hugging everyone near him. I was so happy for him in that moment, and I knew nothing about him. Just seemed like a great kid. Then I find out he makes boo-hoo faces at a guy he fought from the box. Hahaha!

I'm sorry but excusing or givingmRocky a pass is clearly insane. The buck ultimately stops with him , Rocky just like his father has rubbed people the wrong way.
This team is in Stans hands and we've all watched Stans moves , with over paying underperforming players and handing out like candy these ridiculous no movement clauses to players whom are close to the end of their careers or past their prime which in turn in a salary cap era and always running against the cap it ties the teams hands. Trading off young assets like Leddy , Tevo to fix incompetent mistakes like giving Bickell or Seabrook for starters those contracts.


Or moving out PANARIN for saad and Forsberg lmao .


Change should have happened at best 3 years ago but at worst when they got smoked 4 and done then last year after missing the playoffs you finally remove the GM .



Until Rocky admits to himself that he has a problem he is the problem. MC D will always defend Stan and that's a problem and Stan can't define talent if he was hit in the face with it nor can he have any common sense on realistic contracts to offer players.


This team lacks talent period . Who's fault is that ? Stans
- Taylorst1

Your crying and whining is old. No one cares what you attempt to think.

The fact is the organization has increased dramatically in value under McDonough and Stan Bowman - and that's all that matters in the eyes of the Wirtz family.

And add the fact that the Hawks have drafted well over the past few years - and seem to be able to find talent overseas for minimal cost - the ownership thinks better of his G.M. and the people under him - and really doesn't care about what you think.

I can tell you this - knowing some of the people in the Wirtz family - one of the lessons Bill Wirtz taught his sons was that neanderthal fans like you are nothing more than fair weather fans - and not to listen to any of you - because as soon as tough times come, you will jump ship on them.

Dollar Bill hated your fathers, your brothers, and you. He actually enjoyed the misery he caused you in the 90s and 2000s - because no matter how much the team lost, it was a fantastic write-off against his liquor and real estate profits. It was all gravy to him that he could actually make the team so unpleasant, that you would stay away. The empty building was music to his ears.

And at the time this was told to me, I thought what a complete a$$, but the more I read what you ungrateful "fans" post, the more I get what he was saying.

And the funny thing is, I would bet this lesson did not fall on deaf ears when it comes to Rocky - he saw the writing on the wall that something special was about to come together right after his father's passing - so he let it run it's course. It was great fun for him to lift the Cup three times.

I know Rocky is a loyal man - giving the contracts to Kane, Toews and Seabrook were the ultimate way to say thank you for helping to increase the team's value - and he sleeps very well at night knowing they are well taken care of. He sees them as family - and doesn't give a rat's a$$ what you think. And he knows WAY more than you EVER will!!!!!

So get over yourself - and go jump ship to the White Sox, or Bears. It's what non-loyal fans do.

You and your kind are "classless mouth breathers" another Bill Wirtz quote.

And let me add that when you read NTDP U-18 stats they start the yr as a 17 yr old and play a split schedule. 30 games in the USHL and the rest vs NCAA teams and international competition. So stats are deceiving and even more than usual the eye test is very helpful.


Check out the U-18's schedule and remember they start as 17 yr olds and play 20ish games vs D1 NCAA players who are 18-24 yrs old (they're at the Chicago Steel in February): https://www.usahockeyntdp.../3756022?subseason=526408

I remember watching that draft, and he was one of barely any who was there on day two. Kids normally don't show up that day, Pang said. When his name was called, he was crying and hugging everyone near him. I was so happy for him in that moment, and I knew nothing about him. Just seemed like a great kid. Then I find out he makes boo-hoo faces at a guy he fought from the box. Hahaha!
- I Am The Breadman

Forgot about that. Maybe he is agitating as he develops. Also didn't know of his joy at being drafted. ...... One of the reasons I try to get to HB as often as possible.

Ron Francis or Eddie's brother one other question to who might know this what was Chelios role in Detroit's management?
- Scott1977

Meh on Francis. There was a reason that he he was reassigned then terminated in Carolina, they kinda sucked when he was GM.

Putting a retired player like Chelios in a coaching or management role usually doesn't work well. Those type of players had a skillset and mindset that simply can't be taught or coached.

Typically it's the role players and tweeners that do well in these positions because they are the ones that usually spent a lot of the time on the bench watching.

true on Duclair, even though he is scoring, Torts said after weekend game he has to learn defence or he will see less powerplay time. So. Q saw that as well, and I'm sure puck possession as you said
- holyJumpin_NL

He should be filed in the enigma category. Great size, speed, skill, hands but short between the ears and heart. Check out his ice time as it is being reduced by Torts. He was on L3 all yr and is now down to L4. https://leftwinglock.com/...=Anthony%20Duclair&flag=y

Your crying and whining is old. No one cares what you attempt to think.

The fact is the organization has increased dramatically in value under McDonough and Stan Bowman - and that's all that matters in the eyes of the Wirtz family.

And add the fact that the Hawks have drafted well over the past few years - and seem to be able to find talent overseas for minimal cost - the ownership thinks better of his G.M. and the people under him - and really doesn't care about what you think.

I can tell you this - knowing some of the people in the Wirtz family - one of the lessons Bill Wirtz taught his sons was that neanderthal fans like you are nothing more than fair weather fans - and not to listen to any of you - because as soon as tough times come, you will jump ship on them.

Dollar Bill hated your fathers, your brothers, and you. He actually enjoyed the misery he caused you in the 90s and 2000s - because no matter how much the team lost, it was a fantastic write-off against his liquor and real estate profits. It was all gravy to him that he could actually make the team so unpleasant, that you would stay away. The empty building was music to his ears.

And at the time this was told to me, I thought what a complete a$$, but the more I read what you ungrateful "fans" post, the more I get what he was saying.

And the funny thing is, I would bet this lesson did not fall on deaf ears when it comes to Rocky - he saw the writing on the wall that something special was about to come together right after his father's passing - so he let it run it's course. It was great fun for him to lift the Cup three times.

I know Rocky is a loyal man - giving the contracts to Kane, Toews and Seabrook were the ultimate way to say thank you for helping to increase the team's value - and he sleeps very well at night knowing they are well taken care of. He sees them as family - and doesn't give a rat's a$$ what you think. And he knows WAY more than you EVER will!!!!!

So get over yourself - and go jump ship to the White Sox, or Bears. It's what non-loyal fans do.

You and your kind are "classless mouth breathers" another Bill Wirtz quote.
- dahawks8819

Pretty sure it's ok to multi-task and follow more than one sport. Besides, it gives me something to look forward to especially after watching the Hawks, then coming here and reading about the impending zombie apocalypse.

If you're a Bear fan and not enjoying this season, you're a twit.

Should be a good one Sunday night vs the Vikes, and the Lions usually play tough at home, so the Turkey Day game's no gimme.