It's all the signs of a trade coming, recalled and resigned, now waivers.
- I Am The Breadman

Dahlstrom looked good last night. Was he brought up to show case him for a trade or is he staying? I liked his skating and he shoots when its there. Rutta? Good gawd guy is a train wreck. He needs some AHL time or a change of venue.

So, a lot of people on here and elsewhere commenting on uncomfortable Toews / Pierre interview. They've always had great chemistry in past.

I'll share a rumor from second half of last season, now that history clearly did not turn out this way. I heard from one of my best sources near the Hawks (from when I blogged during the dark ages) that Stan was going to be out at the end of last season and the Hawks were focused on either Pierre or Brisebois from TB as the new GM. Q supposedly lobbied hard for Pierre -- they are buddies and frequent a spot on York Road in Oak Brook when Pierre is in town.

I have no insights into what (if anything) happened after that; source has gone dark since. Obviously Stan is still around. TB locked down Brisebois by handing him the keys.

But I've noticed Pierre's demeanor involving the Hawks has been strange since then.

Justin or others -- did anyone hear anything like this at all?
- gmurban

Like him or not, Pierre knows the NHL and it's players as well or better than anybody. He's a hockey guy 24 hours a day and knows a player when he sees one. Does that make him a top notch GM candidate - not necessarily. But I have heard him on many radio interviews state how important the Chicago franchise is to the NHL and what a great organization he thinks McD runs.

On the other hand - he is very tight with Scotty Bowman who he worships as a hockey genius. Replacing Stan would be awkward.

Yeah after I posted that I thought about it and wondered if they would be considered the "2nd" pair Defense. I think they may become the shutdown defense for the team with how they can bring a physical, smart, quick plays to clear the puck. Though once all are at 100%, I think it'll be Forsling and Seabrook together as the "2nd/3rd" pair with Keith and Joki at the top. Then one (or possibly both) of Manning (more likely) and Gus as the 7th D-man.

- Savetheembers33

Totally forgot about Forsling. If Dahlstrom can play this way moving forward, this would be an improvement on the blueline:

Keith - Jokiharju
Dahlstrom - Murphy
LD - Seabrook
7th man

LD/7th man would be a rotation of Manning, Forsling, and Gustafsson. I don't see the need for both Forsling and Gustafsson, to be honest. Forsling is an offensive contributor like Gustafsson while showing a stronger capacity to be a two-way defender. Gustafsson has more flair but that luster erodes quickly with his lack of defense.

Dahlstrom could be part of that rotation as well, putting Forsling with Murphy, if 63's level of play goes down a notch. He's not a savior but Dahlstrom did turn in a strong game last night with unheralded yet reliable play.

Like him or not, Pierre knows the NHL and it's players as well or better than anybody. He's a hockey guy 24 hours a day and knows a player when he sees one. Does that make him a top notch GM candidate - not necessarily. But I have heard him on many radio interviews state how important the Chicago franchise is to the NHL and what a great organization he thinks McD runs.

On the other hand - he is very tight with Scotty Bowman who he worships as a hockey genius. Replacing Stan would be awkward.
- RickJ

If we are getting a new GM the best of the best is Mark Hunter

Totally forgot about Forsling. If Dahlstrom can play this way moving forward, this would be an improvement on the blueline:

Keith - Jokiharju
Dahlstrom - Murphy
LD - Seabrook
7th man

LD/7th man would be a rotation of Manning, Forsling, and Gustafsson. I don't see the need for both Forsling and Gustafsson, to be honest. Forsling is an offensive contributor while showing a stronger capacity to be a two-way defender.

Dahlstrom could be part of that rotation as well, putting Forsling with Murphy, if 63's level of play goes down a notch. He's not a savior but Dahlstrom did turn in a strong game last night with unheralded yet reliable play.
- AEL_Fox

Murphy has looked excellent, and I think he took Malkin off his game with a big stand up check at the offensive blue line. Malkin was a total non-factor except taking penalties. Fatty mentioned it yesterday, and I agree that Mitchell will get a look like Hilman once the NCAA season is over. Having guys like Dahlstrom, Forsling, Murphy (and maybe Mitchell) assert themselves and lock down spots would allow the Hawks to be VERY patient with Boquist if he is a borderline NHL player next fall.

https://www.nhlrumourrepo...ade-rumour-board.html?m=1

Has Chicago in on Gagner and Nyquist

Columbus in on AA, no one wanting Seabs and Ruuta

-Strome: looking like one of Stan's best trades as he has a high hockey IQ, great poise and vision with the puck, slows the game down and makes a smart play almost every time he touches it. Also uses his long reach to compensate for the slow feet defensively. Love watching him play with Kane and Cat
- EnzoD

Another poster or two made this comparable before but I do see glimpses of Joe Thornton when I see Strome on his game. Don't think he could match Jumbo Joe but Jumbo Lite would be nice.

Martinesen-Kruger-Hayden: Pierre, for all his quirks and Eddie O infatuation, knows hockey and he called it out early that Hayden and his linemates were a force. As long as Martinesen isn't out defending the final 90 seconds of a tie game in the 3rd, when he is on his game I love how he plays...big, fast, physical, and went to the net.

While I really liked that 4th line last night, the issue is lack of consistency. Some of that is when Hayden tries to do too much or Martinsen is put in situations that he shouldn't be on the ice for. Both need to play simple, heavy games and stick to a script that dictates a defined role as bangers. If they can do this, yes, they complement the pesky Kruger quite well.

Totally forgot about Forsling. If Dahlstrom can play this way moving forward, this would be an improvement on the blueline:

Keith - Jokiharju
Dahlstrom - Murphy
LD - Seabrook
7th man

LD/7th man would be a rotation of Manning, Forsling, and Gustafsson. I don't see the need for both Forsling and Gustafsson, to be honest. Forsling is an offensive contributor like Gustafsson while showing a stronger capacity to be a two-way defender. Gustafsson has more flair but that luster erodes quickly with his lack of defense.

Dahlstrom could be part of that rotation as well, putting Forsling with Murphy, if 63's level of play goes down a notch. He's not a savior but Dahlstrom did turn in a strong game last night with unheralded yet reliable play.
- AEL_Fox

I agree, Forsling and Gus are similar players but Forsling has waaayyy better defensive skills and people forget he's still only 21/22 so he has a lot of room to still grow. That's why I would think Gus would be the one to go in a deal to a team looking for a puck carrying defensemen who can play the point for the PP. It would save us some cap space as well.

By no means do I think Dahlstrom is gonna be fixture on the backend but I definitely could see him being a 5, 6, or 7 D-Man on the team. I kinda see Dahlstrom as a better version of Manning as well. This is part of what makes his decision to sign Manning, Rutta, and even Gus so confusing since we pretty much had younger and cheaper guys in the system who could do the same thing and have room to grow.

https://www.nhlrumourreport.com/p/nhl-trade-rumour-board.html?m=1

Has Chicago in on Gagner and Nyquist

Columbus in on AA, no one wanting Seabs and Ruuta
- ikeane

No defense help typical of bowman looking at the wrong thing

No defense help typical of bowman looking at the wrong thing
- Scott1977

It may not necessarily be that Bowman is looking at the wrong thing but maybe he has proposed trades involving D-men but no teams are interested. The ones who call back want to discuss forwards instead. Just a thought.

If we are getting a new GM the best of the best is Mark Hunter
- oldduffman

He's a great bird dog for sure. The story I like best about Hunter is the one from the draft when Babcock kept bugging him to pick Noah Hannifin because he wanted a Dman and Hunter told him to f$ck off and chose Mitch Marner.

Another poster or two made this comparable before but I do see glimpses of Joe Thornton when I see Strome on his game. Don't think he could match Jumbo Joe but Jumbo Lite would be nice.

While I really liked that 4th line last night, the issue is lack of consistency. Some of that is when Hayden tries to do too much or Martinsen is put in situations that he shouldn't be on the ice for. Both need to play simple, heavy games and stick to a script that dictates a defined role as bangers. If they can do this, yes, they complement the pesky Kruger quite well.
- AEL_Fox

If anyone watched Savard's interview last night he said essentially what I think most of us can all agree on....they are 2 top 9 forwards and 2 Top 4 defenseman away from being a Contender/Playoff Team again. You can probably say the same thing about 16 teams in the NHL, but with the Cap Space available to improve next summer.....another positive trade like the Strome/Perlini swap (but for a Defenseman), and this team is right there in the playoff hunt next year and playing entertaining, competitive hockey games.

yeah great shot...he is one of the few dman that gets his shot through and on net...
#2 is a play killer...

but SEAB had a hand and stick in all 3 goals by Rust...not good
- bogiedoc

And don't forget - against Montreal - he had 10 SAT - and only one on net - 8 blocked, 1 missed. That one PP - where he tried 5 shots I think - all blocked.

Olzcyk keeps saying - not a bad play to get shots on net - I think we sometimes forget the "on net" part.

Remember the rumor that the Blackhawks sent out a league-wide email in the past day or so, looking to undo a couple of recent mistakes.

The source believed the Blackhawks would be willing to accept anything for either of the defensemen to clear the roster and cap space.

Maybe some team called and said how about nothing, waive Rutta and we’ll take him for nothing.

Glad to see Perlini is starting to come around since the Jets game.

It's all about Strome, though
- Hank3Henshaw

JL or anyone, does the acquisition of Strome make Anisimov's days as a Hawk numbered? I would think it does.

Remember when many posters the last couple of years were saying what a model franchise Pittsburgh was. Great core, great complimentary players, great speed, great goaltending, great cap management, great coaching. Not looking so good now.

• Martinsen – Kruger – Hayden Line - totally agree with JL. Hayden is a 4th line player. I really do not like him on the power play. He provides a decent screen, but not much else. Martinsen might be the same or better than Hayden in that role on the PP.

• Does Gus have more or less trade value than Kempny had last year? (Traded for late 3rd round pick). I would not let Gus go for less than a 3rd round pick. His cap hit is low and you have him for one more year. Of course I would move Rutta, Manning or Davidson for 7th round picks or a c level prospect.

• AA – get well soon. We need him to be healthy to increase his trade value.

• Joki – not a bad idea to let him play in WJHC.

• Dahlstrom and Sikura – let’s give them 15 to 20 games before we start getting to optimistic or pessimistic.

Dahlstrom looked good last night. Was he brought up to show case him for a trade or is he staying? I liked his skating and he shoots when its there. Rutta? Good gawd guy is a train wreck. He needs some AHL time or a change of venue.
- z1990z

Rutta belongs in that Czech beer league based in suburban Prague that he came from. What lunacy to give him $2.3M.

last night was a feel good night. there. are rare teams in major sports who can be last place and have a. buzzin the crowd and. watching it fully on telly. it's still a great place. for players to. come here and play.

Rutta on waivers.

Literally just wrote about this as a possibility. Good guess. He's not the best hockey player.
- Justin Lowe

If he passes through he goes to the Rock or to Europe?

Hopefully Kunitz is on waivers soon too.

No defense help typical of bowman looking at the wrong thing
- Scott1977

ALSO had Chicago in on delzotto

Remember when many posters the last couple of years were saying what a model franchise Pittsburgh was. Great core, great complimentary players, great speed, great goaltending, great cap management, great coaching. Not looking so good now.

• Martinsen – Kruger – Hayden Line - totally agree with JL. Hayden is a 4th line player. I really do not like him on the power play. He provides a decent screen, but not much else. Martinsen might be the same or better than Hayden in that role on the PP.

• Does Gus have more or less trade value than Kempny had last year? (Traded for late 3rd round pick). I would not let Gus go for less than a 3rd round pick. His cap hit is low and you have him for one more year. Of course I would move Rutta, Manning or Davidson for 7th round picks or a c level prospect.

• AA – get well soon. We need him to be healthy to increase his trade value.

• Joki – not a bad idea to let him play in WJHC.

• Dahlstrom and Sikura – let’s give them 15 to 20 games before we start getting to optimistic or pessimistic.
- -Doh-

Bush's principal role on the Hawks is to demoralize his own team with bone headed miscues and weak physical play in his own zone which outnumber by far the good plays he makes in the OZ. He sucks.

Just a product of Bowman's fascination with puck moving defenceman.

Glad to see Perlini is starting to come around since the Jets game.

It's all about Strome, though
- Hank3Henshaw

Strome with the body on two guys, helped Martinson win the puck, to Kruger for a goal. I like Strome a lot.

If anyone watched Savard's interview last night he said essentially what I think most of us can all agree on....they are 2 top 9 forwards and 2 Top 4 defenseman away from being a Contender/Playoff Team again. You can probably say the same thing about 16 teams in the NHL, but with the Cap Space available to improve next summer.....another positive trade like the Strome/Perlini swap (but for a Defenseman), and this team is right there in the playoff hunt next year and playing entertaining, competitive hockey games.
- EnzoD

I think they are really 1 top 6 forward and a true #1 and #3 D-men away. Problem is with each passing year Keith moves closer to a #3.

If Strome continues to improve and his skating improves this offseason he is every bit the capable high end #2 center. Since coming to the Hawks he is a 45 pt pace player. There are a couple secondary assists he could've had too but didn't. (Where are my favorite posters that called this kid a complete bum, terrible hockey player, and a bust at age 21???? LOL)

The top 6 forward the Hawks are missing is a big physical 2 way winger who can score 30g a season. Those are hard to come by so are true #1 dmen.

I agree the Hawks are a few pieces away but they are huge pieces.

If anyone watched Savard's interview last night he said essentially what I think most of us can all agree on....they are 2 top 9 forwards and 2 Top 4 defenseman away from being a Contender/Playoff Team again. You can probably say the same thing about 16 teams in the NHL, but with the Cap Space available to improve next summer.....another positive trade like the Strome/Perlini swap (but for a Defenseman), and this team is right there in the playoff hunt next year and playing entertaining, competitive hockey games.
- EnzoD

If the Hawks cannot afford to sign Panarin back (or he wants to go elsewhere or they want to get more depth instead of one elite player), I wonder if the Hawks would go for an offer sheet to someone like Kasperi Kapanen? Brings TONS of speed and skill both things the Hawks need in the Top 9. A 2-4M offer and you have to pay a 2nd RD pick to sign him, but would you rather get a kid who can help NOW or draft another kid who's likely 2-3 years AT LEAST away from being able to impact your roster? Personally I'd love to see them get Kap to spot into our Top 9. Depending on what the Hawks needs are at that point (and what they pay for their own RFAs) they could still have around 10M to work with.

JL or anyone, does the acquisition of Strome make Anisimov's days as a Hawk numbered? I would think it does.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Strome knows how to play hockey at a high level. I love all the posters that want speed speed speed and just relentlessly ripped on Strome bc of his skating (which looks weird but isn't the worst I've seen in the NHL).

You kind of need to know how to play hockey too to be solid NHL player. That is why the Stalbergs, DuClairs, and Fortins of the hockey world never become anything special. Elite speed but not much else doesn't get you anything.

Sure those types look flashy blowing by opposing Dmen on occasion but without hockey IQ and other skill sets NHL dmen can neutralize a guy that just has wheels.