You hit the nail on the head with all points. The issue which concerns me is taking players in trade whom youknow is not a long term answer. Rather take the draft choice.

An example; we had Duclair. He was off to a good start from a scoring viewpoint this season. He represents a player with separation skating speed and had a promising start to a career as a rookie on NYR. Dies or would he pay the price to contribute in other ways if he cannot win or deserve a top line spot?

We have Fortin now. He may one day become stronger on his skates. We also have a few players in AHL whom might make the NHL as bottom line players. It is a dhsmenone of them.appear mhl ready. And I wonder if Sikula's brother is a possibility. I suspect Nilsson and the Penn. State kid is the most likely bets as players whom could eztablush a niche. I prefer to wait for them and use whatever we have in the meanwhile. No player pick ups.No Fuclaur or fringe forward whom.skate fast.

I am.curious if not G Knott, could Samuelson be much like Martinsen?
- jhawk59

You must really not like Duclair by calling him Fuclaur. Just kidding.

Agree with Elbows that Samuelsson is a career AHLer.

Knott should get a cup of coffee at some point and may be as impactful as Martinsen and Hayden on the 4th line. Tyler Sikura may get a call-up, too, but may not impress. If he and Knott can show consistency, commitment to defense, and physicality, then they could be in the mix for the 4th line. Not counting on it but you never know. I do like how they play in Rockford but does it translate to success in the NHL is the question.

Nilsson has a lot of grit. So does Noel but neither of them have sufficient skill for the NHL. Can't see either of them on the Hawks. Maybe a call-up to see what they can show but doubt they will contribute much aside from agitation which if they're not careful can lead to careless penalties.

Barratt on the other hand has both sandpaper and skill. At worst he is a solid 4th liner but the pinnacle comparable would be Gallagher. Splitting the difference and he could be like Shaw: can play effectively on any line but not enough to be a perennial top sixer. Versatile, rugged, and all terrain are most welcome.

You must really not like Duclair by calling him Fuclaur. Just kidding.

Agree with Elbows that Samuelsson is a career AHLer.

Knott should get a cup of coffee at some point and may be as impactful as Martinsen and Hayden on the 4th line. Tyler Sikura may get a call-up, too, but may not impress. If he and Knott can show consistency, commitment to defense, and physicality, then they could be in the mix for the 4th line. Not counting on it but you never know. I do like how they play in Rockford but does it translate to success in the NHL is the question.

Nilsson has a lot of grit. So does Noel but neither of them have sufficient skill for the NHL. Can't see either of them on the Hawks. Maybe a call-up to see what they can show but doubt they will contribute much aside from agitation which if they're not careful can lead to careless penalties.

Barratt on the other hand has both sandpaper and skill. At worst he is a solid 4th liner but the pinnacle comparable would be Gallagher. Splitting the difference and he could be like Shaw: can play effectively on any line but not enough to be a perennial top sixer. Versatile, rugged, and all terrain are most welcome.
- AEL_Fox

A week to go before the trade freeze goes into effect. So my question to the panel do the hawks do anything if significance?

A week to go before the trade freeze goes into effect. So my question to the panel do the hawks do anything if significance?
- Scott1977

I said they have recalled, reassigned, and waived 3 of 3 signs something could happen.
What do you mean by significance? Season saving big trade or minor trade? Reclamation project? Lose cap hits or take on cap hits?

No, I totally get your point. The likelihood of signing a LEGIT Top 4 D-Man on a short term contract or a lower term is a pipe dream really. That's why I'd rather just see them not spend the money there and develop the kids to take over and hope they can come sooner rather than later. Then spend your money on an impact Forward since we have very few guys on the horizon (and none in the next year or maybe even two; except for MAYBE our draft pick this year IF they go with a Forward) who can step up to help this team right away.

To me the risk of overpaying for a Defensemen in FA is more likely to come back to bite the Hawks in the a$$ (like it already has) than it is to help the team where they could flip whoever they sign down the road. If we didn't have an aging Keith and/or Seabrook at a high cap hit I could see the possibility of taking the risk on someone like a Tyler Myers but having to sign him for 6-7M next year might be something this team lives to regret.
- Savetheembers33

I was going to say something similar but you laid it out very well. Each perspective you shared is on point.

That’s why I think a UFA like Stralman may be worth pursuing. Experienced, reliable, and likely obtainable for 1-2 years at an affordable AAV.

A week to go before the trade freeze goes into effect. So my question to the panel do the hawks do anything if significance?
- Scott1977

Nope

I said they have recalled, reassigned, and waived 3 of 3 signs something could happen.
What do you mean by significance? Season saving big trade or minor trade? Reclamation project? Lose cap hits or take on cap hits?
- I Am The Breadman

I say take on expiring bad contracts as the third team involved in a trade. Take advantage of our cap situation to get an extra first round pick or two.
I say third team because I don't want to lose any of our prospects, but if Keith wants to go to a contender, and we took a bad contract back, we should get a yuuuuge return.

I said they have recalled, reassigned, and waived 3 of 3 signs something could happen.
What do you mean by significance? Season saving big trade or minor trade? Reclamation project? Lose cap hits or take on cap hits?
- I Am The Breadman

Anyone of those but mainly a trade involving one of the core shoulda elaborated better.

I say take on expiring bad contracts as the third team involved in a trade. Take advantage of our cap situation to get an extra first round pick or two.
I say third team because I don't want to lose any of our prospects, but if Keith wants to go to a contender, and we took a bad contract back, we should get a yuuuuge return.
- tvetter

I hope Bowman does that closer to the tdl, helping competing teams comes at a higher fleecing price.

Anyone of those but mainly a trade involving one of the core shoulda elaborated better.
- Scott1977

That's fine, not a problem. I think a core piece could be moved, who, for me that question is up in the air. JL says Seabs. I don't know because that is a monster contract, but I won't argue with a guy with sources. He is appealing with aav retained by us. I think something big happens.

A week to go before the trade freeze goes into effect. So my question to the panel do the hawks do anything if significance?
- Scott1977

no not at this...unless some team really comes after them with the preverbial trade they can't refuse...

stanbow is not going to burn that cap space...he doesn't have to...this team is done...

the trading action will the TDL in late feb.

I hope Bowman does that closer to the tdl, helping competing teams comes at a higher fleecing price.
- I Am The Breadman

Agreed, I was looking big picture, and not meaning for this to happen now.

That's fine, not a problem. I think a core piece could be moved, who, for me that question is up in the air. JL says Seabs. I don't know because that is a monster contract, but I won't argue with a guy with sources. He is appealing with aav retained by us. I think something big happens.
- I Am The Breadman

I said it before if bowman is going make any trades, god help us if still the gm by the tdl, should be made at tdl or at the draft. Don't see Seabrook going anywhere money is retained like 2 to 2.5 million or a pick and prospect (sikrua) is involved. Someone mention early in this blog seabs to Vancouver for Ericison he is worst than seabrook now. Try and see at tdl with sesbs see if a contender bites maybe a 3 team trade.
Build around going forward:
Toews kane strome joki dcat and Hayden i would like to see seabrook murphy or keith one of stay for veteran presence and mentor to young d core coming.

Agreed, I was looking big picture, and not meaning for this to happen now.
- tvetter

Ahhh, I got you!

I said it before if bowman is going make any trades, god help us if still the gm by the tdl, should be made at tdl or at the draft. Don't see Seabrook going anywhere money is retained like 2 to 2.5 million or a pick and prospect (sikrua) is involved. Someone mention early in this blog seabs to Vancouver for Ericison he is worst than seabrook now. Try and see at tdl with sesbs see if a contender bites maybe a 3 team trade.
Build around going forward:
Toews kane strome joki dcat and Hayden i would like to see seabrook murphy or keith one of stay for veteran presence and mentor to young d core coming.
- Scott1977

I've questioned Bowman here and there, and clearly, he is being given the opportunity to fix some of his mistakes. Whether that is long term, I don't know. He has decent vision to see where the league is heading, but he's only focusing on 1 aspect of the game, a big flaw of his as far as talent evaluation goes. It's going to be a "rocky" season.

I've questioned Bowman here and there, and clearly, he is being given the opportunity to fix some of his mistakes. Whether that is long term, I don't know. He has decent vision to see where the league is heading, but he's only focusing on 1 aspect of the game, a big flaw of his as far as talent evaluation goes. It's going to be a "rocky" season.
- I Am The Breadman

His flaw is he doesnt the physical part of the game maybe not in regular season but in the playoffs it is essential to winning a cup. Another flaw is depth at center in the system very important to winning. So going foward at the tdl and draft would like them to get some gritty shaw type players even a tom wilson type player and go heavy in the draft at picking centers with size and speed just my 2 cents.

His flaw is he doesnt the physical part of the game maybe not in regular season but in the playoffs it is essential to winning a cup. Another flaw is depth at center in the system very important to winning. So going foward at the tdl and draft would like them to get some gritty shaw type players even a tom wilson type player and go heavy in the draft at picking centers with size and speed just my 2 cents.
- Scott1977

That was the flaw I was hinting at, haha. Center depth is a team problem, I do admit that. Hopefully we got guys (draft picks) that will fill a hole or two. Maybe an off-season acquisition too. With our most likely top 4 pick, we get a good center. Bowman needs to move on past dmen to forwards.

A guy almost 4 years out from his draft year who has spent his whole life playing hockey, from a hockey family just now realizes the things he needs to improve?

Not buying it. His skating is what it is. Too many people think you mean speed when you mention skating. Its not the case.

Why has it taken so long for him to realize he is lacking?
- Elbows15

Sitting games and skating 9mins / game certainly didn't help his cause and his skating isnt that egrigious.

Hes been able to dominate every level before that on skill alone.

Hes been working out with a skating coach - want to say the same guy tavares worked with - and he's still built kind of like a kid and it takes some guys longer to fill out and some people need the right person to push them to the next level.

Not everyone can step on the ice and be close to a finished product right after juniors.

Question to all: who will be the highest paid rfa? Ufa? How much?
Rfa- I think Matthews wins this category. I'll go with 11-11.5.
Ufa- Panarin might win this one as well. 10-11.

https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/free-agents/

I was scrolling through this site to make my predictions.

Question to all: who will be the highest paid rfa? Ufa? How much?
Rfa- I think Matthews wins this category. I'll go with 11-11.5.
Ufa- Panarin might win this one as well. 10-11.

https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/free-agents/

I was scrolling through this site to make my predictions.
- I Am The Breadman

Both predictions look about right.

Spotrac is a decent no frills website that easily summarizes free agents and other data across sortable categories. I’m sure there are more robust sites but this one is simple.

Moving Seabrook makes no sense, especially for the players being talked about. He is like a caring Coach - huge locker-room presence. Gagner - are you kidding me? Erickson - same. Why would the Hawks want contracts back for players who are accomplishing nothing. If you want to argue for a Seabrook salary dump, take back Draft Choice(s).

This talk of Gus playing ahead of anyone, especially Seabrook, is ludicrous. Gus is an awful D-Man. Move him out as quickly as possible.

Both predictions look about right.

Spotrac is a decent no frills website that easily summarizes free agents and other data across sortable categories. I’m sure there are more robust sites but this one is simple.
- AEL_Fox

Damn, I wanted more discussion (no offense was meant or directed at you, AEL)....I shouldn't have played. That doesn't guarantee it will happen as predicted though. I think there are a lot of ufa options that will compete for the top spot. Devil's advocate? Spotrac is simple, that's why I like it, haha.

Another great Stanley signing.

How much more of Stan's excellent adventure is Rocky gonna take?
- tompo1015

StanBo put the cart before the horse on this one. Rutta just never seemed to be able to get out of his own way. Never consistent play - key bad penalties and mistakes.

Damn, I wanted more discussion....I shouldn't have played. That doesn't guarantee it will happen as predicted though. I think there are a lot of ufa options that will compete for the top spot. Devil's advocate? Spotrac is simple, that's why I like it, haha.
- I Am The Breadman

Sorry, my first reply was while I was using my cell phone and I hate toggling between webpages on my phone. Using a laptop now. I've never been good at estimating salaries (I'd fit right in being a bean counter for Stan!) but here are a few guesses so flame away:

UFAs
Karlsson $10-11M
Panarin, $10-11M
Stone, $9-10M
Duchene, $8-9M

Karlsson may have commanded more than $11M if he wasn't having a less than stellar season. Still pretty good but not up to his past standards.

RFAs
Matthews, $12-13M
Marner, Laine, Aho, Tkachuk, Rantanen, Provorov, Trouba, and Werenski should all get some hefty raises especially Marner, Laine, Aho, and Rantanen.

Don't forget Schmaltz will finally get his lucrative contract!

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

There is a reason he NEVER gets hired. NEVER.

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.
- Savetheembers33

Gus and Forsling are not similar players. One knows that defence is part of what a D-Man does and one doesn’t know this.