You think the players are wanting to waive the white flag? And to them, playoffs are an illusion? Please stop thinking a team tanking exists.
- HawksHype

I am dying to see 19 and 88 in the playoffs again. Just saying.

Hawks will not keep up this pace - the last three weeks of season which sees the Hawks play San Jose once, Winnipeg twice, Nashville twice, St. Louis twice and Dallas twice.
- hankscorpio

Maybe they won't. Keep in mind we are good against our division so far and a lot of teams who are in the playoffs comfortably end up taking their foot off the gas late in the season. How they perform in those games vs Dallas, St Louis, Vancouver, Colorado, Arizona could be the different in the end as the "4 point games" when racing other teams.

It isn't impossible, just unlikely. I say just enjoy the ride and see what happens.

AA, Forsling, Sikura and our 1st for Hayes, Vesey and Strome (provided Hayes signs an extension). Too much? Too little?
- -Doh-

I’d be apprehensive about giving up that first round pick but then again it depends how much those value Tyler Sikura, I think he’s going to be a bust,Plays too timid,But then again what do I know. Maybe you could get some dumbass like Bob Murray who completely lost his mind Thinking he can coach,possibly to overpay.
Which is why I say strike while the iron is hot and offer them Tyler Sikura for Josh Manson if those value that kid that high.

You think the players are wanting to waive the white flag? And to them, playoffs are an illusion? Please stop thinking a team tanking exists.
- HawksHype

I don't want the Hawks to actively tank but I also don't want Hawks management to try and sneak in playoffs but making foolish trades. Let's be real - Hawks are not presently built to win the Stanley Cup and the Hawks do not have the cap size to become a real contender without an infusion of young talent. It's great seeing the Hawks win and be competitive but I think getting swept in the first round (again) is the greater demoralizer because it means the Hawks are stuck in mediocrity.

I’d be apprehensive about giving up that first round pick but then again it depends how much those value Tyler Sikura, I think he’s going to be a bust,Plays too timid,But then again what do I know. Maybe you could get some dumbass like Bob Murray who completely lost his mind Thinking he can coach,possibly to overpay.
Which is why I say strike while the iron is hot and offer them Tyler Sikura for Josh Manson if those value that kid that high.
- wonthecup10

Absolutely not on moving a 1st round pick. Especially not for also-rans like Vesey, Strome, and whoever else was mentioned. Ryan Strome is a replacement level player at best. Vesey is a middle-6 guy who isn't worth a second round pick.

Have we learned nothing from dishing out our 1st round picks all those years? Christ on a bicycle.

I don't want the Hawks to actively tank but I also don't want Hawks management to try and sneak in playoffs but making foolish trades. Let's be real - Hawks are not presently built to win the Stanley Cup and the Hawks do not have the cap size to become a real contender without an infusion of young talent. It's great seeing the Hawks win and be competitive but I think getting swept in the first round (again) is the greater demoralizer because it means the Hawks are stuck in mediocrity.
- hankscorpio

I agree with you. This isn't the time to make any rental moves, just trade for players who are part of the picture going forward or cut the fat and move out more guys who aren't a part of the picture. Like what they did with Manning and Rutta.

If the Hawks get it, there is certainly a good chance they lose in round 1, but there are upsets every year. Maybe a team will suffer an injury to a key player like their goalie or top Dman and the Hawks surprise them. Things happen.

Personally, I just like seeing the core guys hungry to win again. Stan can worry about adding talent and building the team, but I want to see the players gel, have fun and get the swagger back.

AA, Forsling, Sikura and our 1st for Hayes, Vesey and Strome (provided Hayes signs an extension). Too much? Too little?
- -Doh-

So you want 2 of their top 5 scorers and a former high first round pick for an ageing vet, a young d-man who hasn't been able to prove he belongs and a 6th round pick who also needs to prove he can play in the NHL.

Sounds like a great deal for the Hawks, why would the Rangers do it?

Hawks will not keep up this pace - the last three weeks of season which sees the Hawks play San Jose once, Winnipeg twice, Nashville twice, St. Louis twice and Dallas twice.
- hankscorpio

I think you will not get too much argument from the posters on this site.The Hawks are still long shots and under dogs. But if I am one of the teams playing the Hawks the last 3 weeks of the season I don't think I would be licking my chops. When they looked at the schedule 3 weeks ago they might have considered playing the Hawks an easy win. Not so much now.

I agree with you. This isn't the time to make any rental moves, just trade for players who are part of the picture going forward or cut the fat and move out more guys who aren't a part of the picture. Like what they did with Manning and Rutta.

If the Hawks get it, there is certainly a good chance they lose in round 1, but there are upsets every year. Maybe a team will suffer an injury to a key player like their goalie or top Dman and the Hawks surprise them. Things happen.

Personally, I just like seeing the core guys hungry to win again. Stan can worry about adding talent and building the team, but I want to see the players gel, have fun and get the swagger back.
- breadbag

I appreciate your optimism and agree with wanting the players to gel. I am just worried that management is so focused on winning (especially John McDonough) that they will make the foolish decision to go all in rather than ride this out and make good long term decisions.

I am dying to see 19 and 88 in the playoffs again. Just saying.
- frafra

Me too!

So you want 2 of their top 5 scorers and a former high first round pick for an ageing vet, a young d-man who hasn't been able to prove he belongs and a 6th round pick who also needs to prove he can play in the NHL.

Sounds like a great deal for the Hawks, why would the Rangers do it?
- TheTrob

Let me also add that if the Hawks stay where they are trending, either as a wild car5d or just out of the playoffs, then I don't think the Rangers make that deal for anything outside of the top 5 picks in the draft.

Let me also say, I am not a huge fan of Hayes and his attitude and not sure he is worth what he is reportedly asking for on his next contract.

Absolutely not on moving a 1st round pick. Especially not for also-rans like Vesey, Strome, and whoever else was mentioned. Ryan Strome is a replacement level player at best. Vesey is a middle-6 guy who isn't worth a second round pick.

Have we learned nothing from dishing out our 1st round picks all those years? Christ on a bicycle.
- ObeseOprah

\

The also ran you do not mention is Hayes. 6'5" center. 38 pts in 46 games. Former 1st round draft pick of the Hawks, UFA, 3rd leading scorer on the Rangers, 48.4% in the face off circle. So basically you are giving a 1st round pick that might not be ready for a year or two for a former first round pick that is NHL proven already, and could be a superb #2c/#3c center for the next 5 years.

I appreciate your optimism and agree with wanting the players to gel. I am just worried that management is so focused on winning (especially John McDonough) that they will make the foolish decision to go all in rather than ride this out and make good long term decisions.
- hankscorpio

I'd be beyond disappointed if we bought anything at the deadline. Our draft picks are the thing that got us into this mess (trading them away), and they will get us back into contention (top picks made recently and ones to come).

If we trade a 1st round pick, I'm boycotting the rest of the season.

I appreciate your optimism and agree with wanting the players to gel. I am just worried that management is so focused on winning (especially John McDonough) that they will make the foolish decision to go all in rather than ride this out and make good long term decisions.
- hankscorpio

Narrator: They won't.

TRADE:

To Pittsburgh #Penguins:
D Blake Siebenaler

To Columbus #BlueJackets:
2019 7th RD pick (conditional)*

*Condition (per @Aportzline): Siebenaler plays in at least 10 games this season for #Penguins.

I'd be beyond disappointed if we bought anything at the deadline. Our draft picks are the thing that got us into this mess (trading them away), and they will get us back into contention (top picks made recently and ones to come).

If we trade a 1st round pick, I'm boycotting the rest of the season.
- ObeseOprah

Just curious, what picks did the Hawks trade away that "got them into this mess"?

In 2015 they gave up their 1st rounder (pick #30) for Vermette, in 2016 they gave up the 22nd pick in the Dano/Ladd trade with Winnipeg.

Please stop with this playoff nonsense. Waive the white flag. Hawks need high draft picks and not the illusion of playoffs.
- hankscorpio

This guy gets it

\

The also ran you do not mention is Hayes. 6'5" center. 38 pts in 46 games. Former 1st round draft pick of the Hawks, UFA, 3rd leading scorer on the Rangers, 48.4% in the face off circle. So basically you are giving a 1st round pick that might not be ready for a year or two for a former first round pick that is NHL proven already, and could be a superb #2c/#3c center for the next 5 years.
- -Doh-

Kevin Hayes is a bum. He makes $5MM a year to put up 40 points, that's somehow WORSE than Anisimov, another bum.

He turns 27 in May, and is going to want a raise after this season because it's his only shot at a bigger contract before he turns 30. He's below average in Corsi and Fenwick, meaning he doesn't tilt the ice in his team's favor. I don't care how tall he is, he's not worth $5MM and the only reason he's been putting up points this year is because he's getting top minutes on a crappy NYR team (1st PP, Empty Net points).

You really want to give up a FIRST ROUND PICK for a guy who told us all to go f%#& ourselves years ago just so he can do it again? That's absurd. We don't need rentals because this team is not winning a cup. We don't need a rental or permanent Kevin Hayes, he's a 6'5" overpaid center who loses faceoffs, board battle, and games.

Kevin Hayes is the worst possible outcome of a first round pick: an NHL player who decides to stick you with the bill while he goes to look for another team. He doesn't deserve to be on this team.

I think Stan is a seller (if it makes sense), and has been all year. He "sold" Schmautz, Manning, Rutta, so far his return has been stellar.

I don't want the Hawks to actively tank but I also don't want Hawks management to try and sneak in playoffs but making foolish trades. Let's be real - Hawks are not presently built to win the Stanley Cup and the Hawks do not have the cap size to become a real contender without an infusion of young talent. It's great seeing the Hawks win and be competitive but I think getting swept in the first round (again) is the greater demoralizer because it means the Hawks are stuck in mediocrity.
- hankscorpio

I get that, but I think we are seeing a lot of young Hawks starting to make an impact and improving their game. And I think we are seeing a few players that may not be as good as thought to be previously. If management can build around the good, then a playoff is welcome. Even a first round sweep, it shows the Hawks are improving year over year and even mid season. Yes, missing the lottery is not ideal and doesn't help the Hawks faster, but you can still add talent to improve the team. And also, while you say the Hawks aren't a contender, I say the Hawks are also not the worst team in the league, especially when you are seeing resurgence seasons from older players. A trade or two, with a FA signing this year can move the Hawks up. And in two to three years, who knows. My point, I don't think getting worse in order to get better is a valid strategy.

Also, I accidentally hit the "Flag" button when trying to hit respond. Apologies, idk what will end up happening, but didn't mean to.

Just curious, what picks did the Hawks trade away that "got them into this mess"?

In 2015 they gave up their 1st rounder (pick #30) for Vermette, in 2016 they gave up the 22nd pick in the Dano/Ladd trade with Winnipeg.
- TheTrob

I like where you went with this - so far long term prospects at best.

I'd be beyond disappointed if we bought anything at the deadline. Our draft picks are the thing that got us into this mess (trading them away), and they will get us back into contention (top picks made recently and ones to come).

If we trade a 1st round pick, I'm boycotting the rest of the season.
- ObeseOprah

What if the trade made lands us a top 6 or top 4, young player, with a few years left on their contract? From a team that is towards the bottom and would love a shot at at top 10 pick? Improves the team this year, and depending on age/position, could be just as useful as a top 10 pick? 1 out of 100 chance of that player being available, but playing devil's advocate. Can't knock the buyer route if there is a mutually beneficial option for current/future team/

Just shaking my head how well Stan did on the Delia signing, considering the Oilers (I know Chiarelli) gave Kostinin who has a total of 34 games in the league, is 30 years old and a .902 save % 3 years at $4.5 million per year.

Great read! agree, those guys must be having such fun compared to what they were enduring previously. And the Hawks here all year also must be having 10x the fun they were having the first 40 or so games.

My biggest fear is some of those guys forget where they were in their career. Like Strome. I hope he remembers his first 3 years, and the struggles, and the lack of playing time, and the losing. I hope he appreciates playing with All-world Patty Kane. I hope he cherishes the important role of being the #2 Center on a winning team.

Because if he doesn't he may make the dreadful mistake of pricing himself outta town. He may sign elsewhere for a few dollars more and find himself back where he was career-wise. Not that I expect him to take pennies from the Hawks, but I hope he can find a mutually beneficial deal that allows him to grow as a Hawk, and gives him a long-term and comfortable deal.

We are just now outta CAP Hell....Stan needs to be careful with upcoming extensions. Seabrook, Toews, Kane contracts are on the books for several years yet. Better hope the parties involved play nicely...and if not, gotta let some of them walk or deal during their last year. DO NOT sign restrictive, high-cost, long-term contracts unless it with somebody who is established and a super-star.

Tred carefully Stan!!!

(Oh, no matter if we are on 14 game winning streak at deadline...DO NOT trade youth for old crap....stay the course.....we are finally heading the right way....)

Interview with Stanley

https://www.nhl.com/news/...line-thoughts/c-304719636