A big reason Joki was sent down. They need to get a long look at Forsling now as it relates to next yrs top 7.
- Mr Ricochet

Seems like a viable reason. The team knows Jokiharju is a fixture on the blueline for years to come but Forsling, Dahlstrom, Koekkoek, and Hillman are the RFA defensemen whose fate are still TBA.

Dahlstrom is playing everyday in a shutdown role so he seems safe to be resigned, maybe on a 2-way deal.

Forsling and Koekkoek need to rotate playing time so the Hawks can see what they have to base a resigning decision or cut bait via trade to gain draft picks or forward prospects to help restock Rockford as many Hog forwards are UFAs and RFAs this summer.

Hillman should be resigned even if he doesn't get a callup this season. Campbell and Davidson are UFAs so let them walk. Then hopefully add at least one of Mitchell, Beaudin, and/or Krys to the Hogs blueline along with Hillman, Carlsson, Gilbert, Tuulola, Raddysh, and Snuggerud.

Let Boqvist play another year in London. Or the Hawks rush him and he makes the team.

Seems like a viable reason. The team knows Jokiharju is a fixture on the blueline for years to come but Forsling, Dahlstrom, Koekkoek, and Hillman are the RFA defensemen whose fate are still TBA.

Dahlstrom is playing everyday in a shutdown role so he seems safe to be resigned, maybe on a 2-way deal.

Forsling and Koekkoek need to rotate playing time so the Hawks can see what they have to base a resigning decision or cut bait via trade to gain draft picks or forward prospects to help restock Rockford as many Hog forwards are UFAs and RFAs this summer.

Hillman should be resigned even if he doesn't get a callup this season. Campbell and Davidson are UFAs so let them walk. Then hopefully add at least one of Mitchell, Beaudin, and/or Krys to the Hogs blueline along with Hillman, Carlsson, Gilbert, Tuulola, Raddysh, and Snuggerud.

Let Boqvist play another year in London. Or the Hawks rush him and he makes the team.
- AEL_Fox

Was walking the dog listening to the pregame on WGN and Hog coach Dent was interviewed and asked of all Hog players who has surprised you the most. Without hesitation answered 21 yr old Lucas Carlsson. Mentioned his hockey smarts and that he thinks he'll get a shot in the NHL whether or not it's with the Hawks or not. https://www.eliteprospect...yer/212334/lucas-carlsson

Was walking the dog listening to the pregame on WGN and Hog coach Dent was interviewed and asked of all Hog players who has surprised you the most. Without hesitation answered 21 yr old Lucas Carlsson. Mentioned his hockey smarts and that he thinks he'll get a shot in the NHL whether or not it's with the Hawks or not. https://www.eliteprospect...yer/212334/lucas-carlsson
- Mr Ricochet

Does he play RD, maybe 7 can have a seat.

Gus has to look good to a VAN, EDM, MN right now for playoff chances, AZ?, NJ?, LVG?, ANA? should the Hawks look to deal the point per game Dman.
- Mr Ricochet

19 points in his last 20 games - 33 in 50 so far this year - best PP point they’ve had during this 10 year run - 5th on the team in goals (tied for 5th in league defensemen), 4th in points (16th the league defensemen)....

A threat to score opens up the rest of the ice.

Wouldn’t it be nice to find some way to keep him?

Does he play RD, maybe 7 can have a seat.
- BetweenTheDots

IIRC, Carlsson can play both sides.

Was walking the dog listening to the pregame on WGN and Hog coach Dent was interviewed and asked of all Hog players who has surprised you the most. Without hesitation answered 21 yr old Lucas Carlsson. Mentioned his hockey smarts and that he thinks he'll get a shot in the NHL whether or not it's with the Hawks or not. https://www.eliteprospect...yer/212334/lucas-carlsson
- Mr Ricochet

Sounds about right. Carlsson seems to have the most potential of current Hogs D not counting Jokiharju. Something like Dahlstrom with more offensive upside and more consistent defense, at least zero quit on plays.

p.s. Think you meant King, not Dent.

19 points in his last 20 games - 33 in 50 so far this year - best PP point they’ve had during this 10 year run - 5th on the team in goals (tied for 5th in league defensemen), 4th in points (16th the league defensemen)....

A threat to score opens up the rest of the ice.

Wouldn’t it be nice to find some way to keep him?
- StLBravesFan

Don't worry they are keeping him. It is only on this board and its compulsive insanity that he is traded 10 times a day.

IIRC, Carlsson can play both sides.
- AEL_Fox

He's the one compared to Hjalmarsson, right? Those are some big skates to fill.

Do wonder who leaked both of these things from the FO. My money is actually on Stan or his staff as a means of putting pressure on the guys to ultimately waive before deadline (hey, we don't need/want you here anymore), getting the fans used to the idea (they even had a formal poll about it on NBCSN), and testing the market (some teams may have assumed Keith off limits?).

The NBCSN crew talked about how this is now going to be a brain worm for the players - how their willingness to waive may change after they have a chance to think about it and discuss with their families.

Interesting to see if it results in renewed effort / pissed off play from both of the guys or has the opposite effect. Wondering if there will be any ripple through the rest of the room. Hope not, as I think JC and the leaders actually had the team playing as one and moving in the right direction morale and effort wise.
- pdx2ord

I think a lot depends on how they were approached. Burish seemed to have the most sensible take on the whole situation. I tend to favor Burish's take on it. I think the team gave the courtesy of telling them the direction they are heading and if they want to be a part of it. Also, allows Bowman to not waste time on trades possibilities involving either Keith or Seabrook should that happen.

19 points in his last 20 games - 33 in 50 so far this year - best PP point they’ve had during this 10 year run - 5th on the team in goals (tied for 5th in league defensemen), 4th in points (16th the league defensemen)....

A threat to score opens up the rest of the ice.

Wouldn’t it be nice to find some way to keep him?
- StLBravesFan

Pair him with a strong stay at home type D man via trade possibly. ..... Parayko or Josh Manson????

Pair him with a strong stay at home type D man via trade possibly. ..... Parayko or Josh Manson????
- wonthecup10

Parayko isn't a strong stay at home D-man. And Manson is regressing hard.

Some crazy GM offers up a 1st and prospect for Gustafsson and he will be gone.

In the rather strange category the Canadians have recalled buried defenseman Karl Alzner.

Some crazy GM offers up a 1st and prospect for Gustafsson and he will be gone.
- Elbows15

I think that's exactly what will happen. I actually hope that it's at next year's TDL, though, since I'm really liking our PP right now.

In the rather strange category the Canadians have recalled buried defenseman Karl Alzner.
- walleyeb1

Wasn't he just signed last summer?

Wasn't he just signed last summer?
- tvetter

July of 2017.

I think a lot depends on how they were approached. Burish seemed to have the most sensible take on the whole situation. I tend to favor Burish's take on it. I think the team gave the courtesy of telling them the direction they are heading and if they want to be a part of it. Also, allows Bowman to not waste time on trades possibilities involving either Keith or Seabrook should that happen.
- Elbows15

Coutesy, honesty, respect for their past contributions to the team? There's no time or need for that approach, the internet fan wants the garbage can dumped immediately.

I think that's exactly what will happen. I actually hope that it's at next year's TDL, though, since I'm really liking our PP right now.
- tvetter

If he could just make quicker decisions in his own end, it would help him a lot. I actually like him but it gives me the shivers when he is in his own zone. I have mentioned this before but when paired with Seabrook is when he seems to play his best defensively. Go figure.

Coutesy, honesty, respect for their past contributions to the team? There's no time or need for that approach, the internet fan wants the garbage can dumped immediately.
- RickJ

Sentimental hogwash, I say.

Some crazy GM offers up a 1st and prospect for Gustafsson and he will be gone.
- Elbows15

Too late, Edmonton retired the chia pet.

We finally have a defenceman who gets the puck to the net on the PP on a cheap contract. It is comical to read these trade Gus comments from the bring back Keith crowd.
- 67hawks

I think Gus will be sticking around, he is signed through next season. I hope he works on his D this summer tho.. I read an article a couple hours ago which claimed Bowman would have to be "blown away" by an offer to consider trading Gus. But you never know tho, look at what happened with Hartman - he looked to be part of the Hawks long-term plans but he was dealt out of the blue... The only roster players I think are untouchable are Kane, Toews & Debrincat - of course Kane and Toews have NMC's and I don't believe they would ever consider moving them and I don't see Bowman ever asking if they would waive them... Keith's name has been floated around, however he seems content to stay in Chicago and allegedly Bowman asked Seabrook if he wanted to waive his NMC and he refused according to Elliot Friedman.

I don't expect Bowman to make any substantial moves between now an the TDL and expect a quite TDL for the Hawks, sure Kunitz, Kruger or Ward may be dealt - but there isn't much value there.. They wont fetch anything to get excited about.

I think Bowman will be very active this summer tho.

19 points in his last 20 games - 33 in 50 so far this year - best PP point they’ve had during this 10 year run - 5th on the team in goals (tied for 5th in league defensemen), 4th in points (16th the league defensemen)....

A threat to score opens up the rest of the ice.

Wouldn’t it be nice to find some way to keep him?
- StLBravesFan

Where is the franchise? Win next yr at all cost, sign a Mark Stone/Panarin stage? Have a Joki and Bovquist in the top 6 next yr after trading Keith at this TDL for a 1st? Is the target yr for a deep playoff run 1, 2 or 3 yrs?

I will assume they have an organIzational plan and will defer. I'm not and never was a Gus hater, conversely liked a lot what he brought/brings offensively that few can and posted so thru the fog of those who so so so so badly want to be seen as an expert and their one word evaluation, both then and now.

So my answer is what is the plan and what is being offered for him? Quite frankly he fits in the win in 1, 2 or 3 yr window IMO. Can the Hawks put someone over the barrel for an organIzational need (blue chip forward) at the TDL?

Even a guy like me who sees positives in Gus he's only produced over a short period and has not shown a marked improvement in his zone. Not like he's a slam dunk 50+ point Dman at 26 with less than 2 yrs in the NHL.

I think Gus will be sticking around, he is signed through next season. .
- Savard2Secord

You're probably right, at least thru next yr when he becomes an RFA. Stan drafted a Gus in Boqvist. He loves these types.

I think that's exactly what will happen. I actually hope that it's at next year's TDL, though, since I'm really liking our PP right now.
- tvetter

At his $1.2M salary, a cap-strapped team will offer a kings ransom for Gus at next years TDL (providing he keeps up his current pace) if Bowman cannot extend him to a reasonable extension before then.
Until then it might be best to hang on to him until one of young D can step in to take that PP role.

IIRC, Carlsson can play both sides.
- AEL_Fox

Play both sides equally well. What about using the backhand on his not natural side.

Also I know that Forsling has a hard shot so I am expecting to see it help the offense. Just a matter of time should Forsling remain playing