One thing that is clear, the Hawks are a better team right now with Gus than without him. Subtract him from the roster and this team is likely dead last. If there is a good return for him in trade, go for it. He makes mistakes, but he brings a net positive impact to the team.

Big thing right now is that our 3rd line is dreadful. Saad - Kampf - Kruger. Sticking a 2nd line player with two 4th line players doesn't upgrade the line to a good 3rd line. Hawks absolutely need to move AA. It is so overdue, but they need to free up space to get an actual 3C. Maybe someone will be ready to step into the bottom 6 or they can sign more depth, but right now, the bottom 6 is still weak weak weak.
- breadbag

There should be no doubt about this. Question though is will they be a better team with him after he signs as a UFA 3 yrs from now or move him in the interim for a legit rostered forward and have his skills replaced by a Joki, Boqvist or Mitchell on an ELC contract?

Actually Gus will be a UFA by then and if not extended by the next TDL likely gone via trade because he will not re-sign with us.
- 67hawks

You know what man, I was thinking he was an RFA all along . Now that I see he's a UFA I'm looking at him like I did Schmaltz to a degree. Gonna go all in on the guy long term and hope he improves or in Gus' case continues his offensive prowess?

On the 1st bolded part, I would say that goes for Forsling and Dahlstrom as well. This trio of Swedes may be sufficient for the next few years until the "Big 4" prospects emerge in a sequential fashion. Let the prospects mature at an appropriate pace.

Jokiharju is a lock for full-time duty next season as well as finishing up the season in Chicago this year. Not sure if I'd have any of the other 3 next season. Have 1-2 of Boqvist, Mitchell, and Beaudin in the 2020-21 lineup, then the other 1-2 the season after.

Then on the 2nd bolded part, if Gustafsson continues his current dominance on the PP and maintains a 40-50 point pace for a purely offensive D-man, I would expect a 1st or 2nd rounder + prospect as someone else suggested earlier.
- AEL_Fox

Mr Fox, your knowledge of the Hawks in RKF, NCAA and jrs and taking the time to share is very very helpful. And I'm with you on Forsling. He may end up being one of the better of the young guys when all is said and done .......... How the Hawks develop these guys and manage their arrival date is really important in a lot of ways. #1 not to stunt them by moving them along too quickly and #2 for cap related reasons.

As bare as the cupboard was for D prospects the system is flush with them now all the way down to jrs. The Hawks need to hit this right on all counts including evaluating Gus properly.

Why sign Dahlstrom to a 2 way contract? I saw someone mention that about Delia on a previous page too. 2 way has nothing to do with waivers anymore in case that's what you're thinking. It only relates to the amount of money a player makes in the AHL or NHL so I don't see the reasoning behind it.
- GPHawksfan

Good point. Thank you for sharing and reminding me about that angle.

There should be no doubt about this. Question though is will they be a better team with him after he signs as a UFA 3 yrs from now or move him in the interim for a legit rostered forward and have his skills replaced by a Joki, Boqvist or Mitchell on an ELC contract?
- Mr Ricochet

Good pivotal question. This is the crossroad that every team is faced with constantly. Gamble at times but extensive research of advanced stats, eye tests, and intangibles like leadership, rapport with teammates, coachability, etc. can also help lead to educated decisions that pay off. Making the right choice more often than not is one factor that separates the bad GMs from the good GMs and the good GMs from the great GMs.

Mr Fox, your knowledge of the Hawks in RKF, NCAA and jrs and taking the time to share is very very helpful. And I'm with you on Forsling. He may end up being one of the better of the young guys when all is said and done .......... How the Hawks develop these guys and manage their arrival date is really important in a lot of ways. #1 not to stunt them by moving them along too quickly and #2 for cap related reasons.

As bare as the cupboard was for D prospects the system is flush with them now all the way down to jrs. The Hawks need to hit this right on all counts including evaluating Gus properly.
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks, Rico. I'm by no means an expert by any stretch of the imagination. I just read a lot and find different sources to research online and like to share with our community here. Whatever I can do to contribute while also learning from y'all, too, is what makes this one of my favorite pastimes besides actually watching the Blackhawks play.

One thing that is clear, the Hawks are a better team right now with Gus than without him. Subtract him from the roster and this team is likely dead last. If there is a good return for him in trade, go for it. He makes mistakes, but he brings a net positive impact to the team.

Big thing right now is that our 3rd line is dreadful. Saad - Kampf - Kruger. Sticking a 2nd line player with two 4th line players doesn't upgrade the line to a good 3rd line. Hawks absolutely need to move AA. It is so overdue, but they need to free up space to get an actual 3C. Maybe someone will be ready to step into the bottom 6 or they can sign more depth, but right now, the bottom 6 is still weak weak weak.
- breadbag

Thank you for sharing that perspective on Gustafsson. As much as I hate on him, what you described helps to paint a more positive picture. He has his warts like all players yet, as you pointed out, he does have a net positive impact which shouldn't be taken for granted.

As for your bottom 6 commentary, totally agree. For the past two seasons the Hawks have been icing two 4th lines. Like you said, adding a top 6 player with two 4th liners doesn't make that into a 3rd line. Yes, the Hawks need a true 3C. Then flank him with say Kahun and Sikura or at least one of them plus a 3rd line winger acquisition.

There should be no doubt about this. Question though is will they be a better team with him after he signs as a UFA 3 yrs from now or move him in the interim for a legit rostered forward and have his skills replaced by a Joki, Boqvist or Mitchell on an ELC contract?
- Mr Ricochet

Yeah, I think for me the jury is still out. Gus has value because right now those other young guys are not ready, but the decision to sign him might come down to what he is asking. I do think they will eventually trade him.

Thanks, Rico. I'm by no means an expert by any stretch of the imagination. I just read a lot and find different sources to research online and like to share with our community here. Whatever I can do to contribute while also learning from y'all, too, is what makes this one of my favorite pastimes besides actually watching the Blackhawks play.
- AEL_Fox

Must watch hockey: preseason Blackhawks next few years!

Thank you for sharing that perspective on Gustafsson. As much as I hate on him, what you described helps to paint a more positive picture. He has his warts like all players yet, as you pointed out, he does have a net positive impact which shouldn't be taken for granted.

As for your bottom 6 commentary, totally agree. For the past two seasons the Hawks have been icing two 4th lines. Like you said, adding a top 6 player with two 4th liners doesn't make that into a 3rd line. Yes, the Hawks need a true 3C. Then flank him with say Kahun and Sikura or at least one of them plus a 3rd line winger acquisition.
- AEL_Fox

I just hoping that if they keep Gus, they can get his next contract right. His value might be hard to pin down given the up and down nature of this game. My money will be on him getting traded in the next 12-13 months.

I hope Sikura continues to progress or maybe one of the guys having a good run in Jr might surprise next camp. Something to add to the third line. I do think the Hawk need to add at least 1 second line type guy to bump some talent down to the 3rd line. Maybe that plus a 3C would help, but obviously depends on what money they can move.

What do you think about Perlini right now?

I just hoping that if they keep Gus, they can get his next contract right. His value might be hard to pin down given the up and down nature of this game. My money will be on him getting traded in the next 12-13 months.

I hope Sikura continues to progress or maybe one of the guys having a good run in Jr might surprise next camp. Something to add to the third line. I do think the Hawk need to add at least 1 second line type guy to bump some talent down to the 3rd line. Maybe that plus a 3C would help, but obviously depends on what money they can move.

What do you think about Perlini right now?
- breadbag

- Elbows15

That image also describes this “Super” Bowl

- Elbows15

The obvious answer is to motivate or challenge him. Benching him does get his attention. Players who have the tools and size but do not play aggressive checking or have difficulty finishing on scoring attempts, are indeed frustrating. You think Colliton might get better results with him long term than Q would have

The obvious answer is to motivate or challenge him. Benching him does get his attention. Players who have the tools and size but do not play aggressive checking or have difficulty finishing on scoring attemots, are indeed frustrating. You think Colliton might get better results with him long term than Q would have
- jhawk59

The obvious answer is to launch him at the end of the season. He is not good and not going to be good.

That image also describes this “Super” Bowl
- EnzoD

Defense wins.

The obvious answer is to launch him at the end of the season. He is not good and not going to be good.
- Elbows15

I don’t see the harm in giving him a 1 year minimum deal to see if he can put it together to be effective as a bottom 6 player.

Defense wins.
- Elbows15

Brady has a couple completions - maybe one good pass - and they get a score. Rams cannot finish off a drive and Patriots have done it again. Boo.

A really defensive barn burner of a Super Bowl. Wooo!!!!! 6!!!!

The obvious answer is to launch him at the end of the season. He is not good and not going to be good.
- Elbows15

I wouldn't be surprised he has not made an impact. He could be bait for expansion. But do not see Tuch type development here. Might be too soon for Bowman to give up. Incentive ladden deal perhaps.

Late add: would be great if he turns ornery and develops as your namesake 15 times a game very nice ......ha do not expect it though

I don’t see the harm in giving him a 1 year minimum deal to see if he can put it together to be effective as a bottom 6 player.
- EnzoD

I am not saying this to just stir the pot. Perlini has been playing hurt for longer than most think. And yes, he has not really found a groove yet.

He is part of the long term solution here. He is the type of player that will thrive in this system. Those pegging him as bottom six long term will be wrong. The NHL is no longer top 6 and bottom six, it is top 9 and even top 12 on good teams.

I will take all the barbs, but predict by March, most will be singing a different tune. Would like him with Kamph and Saad over Kruger. I think when healthy, he will get his chance there.

A really defensive barn burner of a Super Bowl. Wooo!!!!! 6!!!!
- I Am The Breadman

The Stupor Bowl...

watch the last QTR....what a colossal bore...

but the brady and pats do it again...

The Stupor Bowl...

watch the last QTR....what a colossal bore...

but the brady and pats do it again...
- bogiedoc

Rams never should have been in it.....yes old news but you have to say fix was in......all the way. And it was an absolute joke that it took so long to decide the game.

I don't think we will get full value for trading him and I wouldn't move him to a contender for just a second. I want at least a 1st and if teams aren't going to pay that, then he's better off mentoring the our future top defensemen (Joki, Boq, etc).
- RedRevenge

This
Most likely scenario
Wondering whom fetches more: Gus or Keith. Take it or leave it offer for Keith with trade partner betting limited interest in Keith due to his ability to nix a deal.

On other hand if Gus keeps.scoring say a quick five more tallies - some GM might be willing to offer a good prospect to get this weapon Gus for playoffs. Yes/no?

I am not saying this to just stir the pot. Perlini has been playing hurt for longer than most think. And yes, he has not really found a groove yet.

He is part of the long term solution here. He is the type of player that will thrive in this system. Those pegging him as bottom six long term will be wrong. The NHL is no longer top 6 and bottom six, it is top 9 and even top 12 on good teams.

I will take all the barbs, but predict by March, most will be singing a different tune. Would like him with Kamph and Saad over Kruger. I think when healthy, he will get his chance there.
- TrueGrit

As far as playing hurt, I sincerely think that could be said of a lot of guys who get ragged on by commenters. The NHL is a hard game played by incredibly tough guys. Period.

I don’t see the harm in giving him a 1 year minimum deal to see if he can put it together to be effective as a bottom 6 player.
- EnzoD

The harm is he takes up a contract slot. Hawks are at 48/50. He has shown nothing to warrant a contract. There's a reason he keeps getting benched.