I think you keep Schmaltz, but not at some ridiculous price. Unless his play changes drastically as the season goes on, he better be comfortable with a bridge deal, not the $6mil or whatever he is/was expected to ask for. Crawford should still be able to get you something good, the rest.........not so much, for varying reasons.
- TheTrob

about 20% through the season, I think we all know what we have in those Vets.....not much. Like I said in that post, all they should be asking for is Cap Relief in moving those "Vets" to allow Rockford standouts a chance. They can't be any worse, right?

We're already at the point where the best parts of the week are gestures to old players?

Ward= loss. The Carolina forwards know where his holes are, which at 3.92 GAA seem to be everywhere. Unless Crawford is taking a day, this move is stupid. Crawford gives up one less goal per game, and on a team that can't score at all that makes a big difference.

His short handed save percentage is .931, while Ward's is .778. So we basically are screwed if anyone takes a penalty.

A 7 game losing streak is a bad time to start handing out gestures. This is stupid.
- ObeseOprah

At the end of the day this team gives up 4 goals (or more) per game and can't match that with their own offensive production. So right now it doesn't matter much who is between the pipes. They are losing every night because team defence and special teams are terrible and only a couple of forwards can put the puck in the net. The Hawks are not in a slump, they are a bad NHL team as presently constituted.

Interesting ... in a bad way. Saad and Kruger injuries aren't helping.
- I Am The Breadman

The overall depth on this team isn't helping.

We're already at the point where the best parts of the week are gestures to old players?

Ward= loss. The Carolina forwards know where his holes are, which at 3.92 GAA seem to be everywhere. Unless Crawford is taking a day, this move is stupid. Crawford gives up one less goal per game, and on a team that can't score at all that makes a big difference.

His short handed save percentage is .931, while Ward's is .778. So we basically are screwed if anyone takes a penalty.

A 7 game losing streak is a bad time to start handing out gestures. This is stupid.
- ObeseOprah

meh...ward has played very solid the last 5-6 games; he like craw is asked to stand on head just hold to 3 or 4...doesn't matter who starts in net with this group of defenders who lead the league in give aways and high quality chances against..

I wonder how much say Colliton has in who he wants to send down or call up from Rockford.

about 20% through the season, I think we all know what we have in those Vets.....not much. Like I said in that post, all they should be asking for is Cap Relief in moving those "Vets" to allow Rockford standouts a chance. They can't be any worse, right?
- EnzoD

In many of the cases, no, they can't be any worse. In the case of Anisimov, I don't think there is anything in the org that can offer what he brings, but, that being said, losing him is not a big deal. A guy like a Johnson or Highmore given the same consistent minutes and opportunities gives you more speed in the lineup and gets them some game experience, while Anisimov should at least yield a decent pick or mid-level prospect. For all those laying Seabrook's poor play at the feet of Gus, I don't see it or buy it. He is making all kinds of bad plays without the help of Gus. Sure he has been hung out to dry a few times as Gus goes for his skates deep into the o-zone, but man oh man how many pucks have you seen Seabrook mishandle with nobody near him. Poor passes, mis-handled pucks, lazy not moving his feet, etc. He may be slightly better than last season, shape wise at least, but he is at best a 3rd pairing d-man now.

On Crawford's dipping numbers

https://chicago.suntimes....ype=cst_article&p=1494165

Watching him in the games and interviews of late, I suspect some of his post-concussion symptoms have returned, but only he could tell us that.
- pdx2ord

OMFG......

CC is NOT the problem. The crapshow in front of him is the problem.

Do you actually watch these games? Have you ever played goalie. let alone hockey? This team is TERRIBLE and getting worse. Trying to hang it on the goalie is a way to deny the root cause of the problem - LACK OF TALENT.

No goalie in the history of the NHL could bail out this team - unless they can score goals too. And honestly, Ward has been playing pretty solidly too.

The list of not good enoughs and never gonna bes is growing, not shrinking, and there are no answers in Rockford, or they would have been here already.

Schmaltz - find a buyer
Saad - find a buyer
Murphy - find a buyer
Hayden, Kampf, Kruger, Martinsen, Gustafsson, Manning, Ruuta, Johnson - entire bottom six platoon and entire 3-? D corps all AHL at best.

I do think Q did his due diligence and the best of what's around was generally on the game time roster most nights. The cupboard is bare and its beans and rice until they can find the next batch of cattle. Q's work has exposed the true nature of the pipeline, and that is squarely on whomever makes those decisions.

I suspect SB and McD did not appreciate being indirectly called out for their personnel decisions (especially the regression of Schmaltz and Saad) and put it on Q to make NHL players out of those who are not. He didn't perform magic, so he is gone.

I still have a feeling that Colliton is here in part because no one else wanted to be here now. And he too shall fail for the same reason Q did - not enough talent.

This team owes CC, not the other way around.

We're already at the point where the best parts of the week are gestures to old players?

Ward= loss. The Carolina forwards know where his holes are, which at 3.92 GAA seem to be everywhere. Unless Crawford is taking a day, this move is stupid. Crawford gives up one less goal per game, and on a team that can't score at all that makes a big difference.

His short handed save percentage is .931, while Ward's is .778. So we basically are screwed if anyone takes a penalty.

A 7 game losing streak is a bad time to start handing out gestures. This is stupid.
- ObeseOprah

OO I think this might have more to do with Crawford struggling with symptoms than reWARDing Ward.

I wonder how much say Colliton has in who he wants to send down or call up from Rockford.
- walleyeb1

I am going to bet zero. Barry Smith is calling the shots, and Colliton is likely too star struck with his call up to make waves with a "legend".

OMFG......

CC is NOT the problem. The crapshow in front of him is the problem.

Do you actually watch these games? Have you ever played goalie. let alone hockey? This team is TERRIBLE and getting worse. Trying to hang it on the goalie is a way to deny the root cause of the problem - LACK OF TALENT.

No goalie in the history of the NHL could bail out this team - unless they can score goals too. And honestly, Ward has been playing pretty solidly too.

The list of not good enoughs and never gonna bes is growing, not shrinking, and there are no answers in Rockford, or they would have been here already.

Schmaltz - find a buyer
Saad - find a buyer
Murphy - find a buyer
Hayden, Kampf, Kruger, Martinsen, Gustafsson, Manning, Ruuta, Johnson - entire bottom six platoon and entire 3-? D corps all AHL at best.

I do think Q did his due diligence and the best of what's around was generally on the game time roster most nights. The cupboard is bare and its beans and rice until they can find the next batch of cattle. Q's work has exposed the true nature of the pipeline, and that is squarely on whomever makes those decisions.

I suspect SB and McD did not appreciate being indirectly called out for their personnel decisions (especially the regression of Schmaltz and Saad) and put it on Q to make NHL players out of those who are not. He didn't perform magic, so he is gone.

I still have a feeling that Colliton is here in part because no one else wanted to be here now. And he too shall fail for the same reason Q did - not enough talent.

This team owes CC, not the other way around.
- Return of the Roar

Schmaltz is 22. Saad is 26.

One has shown very good potential in the past (Schmaltz) and one very good production for most of his career (Saad). Saad has also played very well during this losing streak.

Schmaltz has one attribute that is in short supply on this team (speed) plus he has back-checking ability and good hands.

Each is young enough to be an important piece in the (hopefully) next Cup run in two-four years (if they can fill out the roster somehow).

OMFG......

CC is NOT the problem. The crapshow in front of him is the problem.

Do you actually watch these games? Have you ever played goalie. let alone hockey? This team is TERRIBLE and getting worse. Trying to hang it on the goalie is a way to deny the root cause of the problem - LACK OF TALENT.

No goalie in the history of the NHL could bail out this team - unless they can score goals too. And honestly, Ward has been playing pretty solidly too.

The list of not good enoughs and never gonna bes is growing, not shrinking, and there are no answers in Rockford, or they would have been here already.

Schmaltz - find a buyer
Saad - find a buyer
Murphy - find a buyer
Hayden, Kampf, Kruger, Martinsen, Gustafsson, Manning, Ruuta, Johnson - entire bottom six platoon and entire 3-? D corps all AHL at best.

I do think Q did his due diligence and the best of what's around was generally on the game time roster most nights. The cupboard is bare and its beans and rice until they can find the next batch of cattle. Q's work has exposed the true nature of the pipeline, and that is squarely on whomever makes those decisions.

I suspect SB and McD did not appreciate being indirectly called out for their personnel decisions (especially the regression of Schmaltz and Saad) and put it on Q to make NHL players out of those who are not. He didn't perform magic, so he is gone.

I still have a feeling that Colliton is here in part because no one else wanted to be here now. And he too shall fail for the same reason Q did - not enough talent.

This team owes CC, not the other way around.
- Return of the Roar

ROTR - Stop insulting other posters. Crawford is clearly struggling. Everyone is aware that the Hawks’ D is struggling but that doesn’t mean Crawford is not struggling as well. I’ll trust Crawford’s words over your’s. Crawford himself has said he is not making the saves he needs to.

Rockford has some decent performers so far. Sikura is at 12 points in 15 games, Raddysh is at 12 in 15. Maybe these two can give you more than the current Bad News Bears.

Schmaltz is 22. Saad is 26.

One has shown very good potential in the past (Schmaltz) and one very good production for most of his career (Saad). Saad has also played very well during this losing streak.

Schmaltz has one attribute that is in short supply on this team (speed) plus he has back-checking ability and good hands.

Each is young enough to be an important piece in the (hopefully) next Cup run in two-four years (if they can fill out the roster somehow).
- StLBravesFan

Schmaltz is supposedly playing for his payday this year. If even selfish motivation isn't enough to get him rolling......

Saad has been a shell of his past level of play ever since he did get paid. Never. Been. The. Same.

Speed is not enuff my frent. This sport still requires guts and stones as a component to be in this league. Not goon level physical play - just enough that you don't look like Tinkerbell on the boards or in the neutral zone.

I have same fear here.
- MjulQvist

ANOTHER Stan move.
He knows he is going down, but like any wounded animal, he will do anything possible to save himself. Colliton will probably end up as a foot note of a once promising career that was ended.
Stan Bowman is a cancer that has firmly embedded itself within the heart of the organisation. There is only one way to deal with a malignant cancer - accept the pain and excise the problem.

ROTR - Stop insulting other posters. Crawford is clearly struggling. Everyone is aware that the Hawks’ D is struggling but that doesn’t mean Crawford is not struggling as well. I’ll trust Crawford’s words over your’s. Crawford himself has said he is not making the saves he needs to.
- Z3Hawk

The truth does in fact hurt. I know. Anyone who has exchanged with me knows is not my intention to insult anyone.

I just find it so hard to understand why everyone does not see what the product is right now.

CC is covering for his teammates. Do you think it is helpful for him to call out the lack of forecheck which results in the additional pressure on a largely AHL defense? That is being professional at the expense of falling on one's own sword. Class act all the way.

ANOTHER Stan move.
He knows he is going down, but like any wounded animal, he will do anything possible to save himself. Colliton will probably end up as a foot note of a once promising career that was ended.
Stan Bowman is a cancer that has firmly embedded itself within the heart of the organisation. There is only one way to deal with a malignant cancer - accept the pain and excise the problem.
- Garn.

And Kimmo ... I mean chemo.

Only in terms of easing Crow back into starter position. No other reason. As I mentioned, he seems "off" these past few games and interviews.
- pdx2ord

I think your reaching on the medical assessment, at least hope your wrong for Cro's sake.

Its all on stan now to make this team going forward a playoff team um no he has had the reigns the last 3 years since daddy is not as involved anymore. See what has happened in last three 3 .nothing decline of a dynasty and poor decisions now he is not the only one responsible for the decline Q rockey Mcego scouting and others are to be blame but most of the blame lays at the feet of bowman.
Can we please stop with keith for nylander trade talks not happening plus the hawks don't have the assets to get him. So Toronto is going to trade a young talented foward with bright future for a declining dman at 35 um no. IMO build around kane towes keith dcat and joki keep crow so things don't. Get on of hand until tdl after that listen to offers or wait until the draft and trade him same with keith unless a deal comes around that makes sense for all parties involve if nothing then he is mentor and teacher for the young d coming. Everyone else trade get whatever picks and prospects you can. As for smaltz personally i never like the pick but try and a team that is deep at center and needs speed and skill on the wing remember he is right handed so there is value in that also. Get creative but bowman should not be making these trades, i would be in favor of making mccavier excuse the spelling the interim gm and see what he can do i m sure he has his own ideas how this team should look. Thats all and for discussion sake lets come up with trade proposal to make this better, but not keith for nylander stop.

This might be getting overly picky, but what exactly have the Hawks actually done when they have had cap space, lately?

I might have missed it, but it seems like, nothing. Empty cap space does not make the lineup better, filling it with someone who should be in the minors/juniors doesn't make the lineup better... any teams' , for that matter.

Its all on stan now to make this team going forward a playoff team um no he has had the reigns the last 3 years since daddy is not as involved anymore. See what has happened in last three 3 .nothing decline of a dynasty and poor decisions now he is not the only one responsible for the decline Q rockey Mcego scouting and others are to be blame but most of the blame lays at the feet of bowman.
Can we please stop with keith for nylander trade talks not happening plus the hawks don't have the assets to get him. So Toronto is going to trade a young talented foward with bright future for a declining dman at 35 um no. IMO build around kane towes keith dcat and joki keep crow so things don't. Get on of hand until tdl after that listen to offers or wait until the draft and trade him same with keith unless a deal comes around that makes sense for all parties involve if nothing then he is mentor and teacher for the young d coming. Everyone else trade get whatever picks and prospects you can. As for smaltz personally i never like the pick but try and a team that is deep at center and needs speed and skill on the wing remember he is right handed so there is value in that also. Get creative but bowman should not be making these trades, i would be in favor of making mccavier excuse the spelling the interim gm and see what he can do i m sure he has his own ideas how this team should look. Thats all and for discussion sake lets come up with trade proposal to make this better, but not keith for nylander stop.
- Scott1977

Never say never....

I wonder how much say Colliton has in who he wants to send down or call up from Rockford.
- walleyeb1

My guess--little to none.

Schmaltz is 22. Saad is 26.

One has shown very good potential in the past (Schmaltz) and one very good production for most of his career (Saad). Saad has also played very well during this losing streak.

Schmaltz has one attribute that is in short supply on this team (speed) plus he has back-checking ability and good hands.

Each is young enough to be an important piece in the (hopefully) next Cup run in two-four years (if they can fill out the roster somehow).
- StLBravesFan

Take Schmaltz off if Kane's line and he's nearly invisible, offensively.

This might be getting overly picky, but what exactly have the Hawks actually done when they have had cap space, lately?

I might have missed it, but it seems like, nothing. Empty cap space does not make the lineup better, filling it with someone who should be in the minors/juniors doesn't make the lineup better... any teams' , for that matter.
- steve-hist-sdc

If I were to guess it is likely being held in reserve for player bonuses due at the end of the year, the potential to have some room to re-sign Schmaltz, and/or find more help.

Too many chips from the front office are down on 8 and 20 finding a game they thought they had.

So it is the front office to NS' (SB's) rescue and they will put him on the top line tonight in the hope that he will shine playing there. Meanwhile, Kane flies solo again without competent linemates, but will be asked to play 25+ again.

My guess--little to none.
- tompo1015

LOL I was going to guess less than none myself...

Who specifically should Stan have acquired that wouldn't just take them from 8th place to 6th? What would a 30 yr old Stastny or JVR at 6 mil for 6 yrs do for the organIzation?

The only guy I was ok giving money and term to was 27 yr old De Haan. Young enough and is a legit #4 Dman.

Love that Ward and Kunitz while they gave the club a vet for a yr and Manning after 2 yrs are all gone with zero money implications when a Joki has 2 yrs and a Boqvist a yr under their belt and they are ready to go after a real free agent worth committing money and term to.
- Mr Ricochet

Skinner was available and he is tearing it up in buffalo, JVR would be a nice fit alongside Toews over saad who has regressed DE HAAN nice pick up . St Louis acquires Bozak and ROR for a steal . You have bodekker, Duchene..

You had JT who Toronto acquired. Now he might be a cap stretch but after getting smoked 4 and out then missing the playoffs , with no honest depth in Rockford and a core whom time is ticking away before your eyes.


Stan has never been one to make a big splash it's always tinkering around the edges.

The only person to blame is Stan for his handling of contracts and salaries which he tied his own hands. So he made the mistake he needed to figure out how to rectify it. Manning nd Davidson should not have been signed . You have nice depth in Rockford defenseman wise to bring up .