Greetings Hawks fans. New guy here (but I've been reading for several years)...

I've been thinking a lot about the off-season and what SB might be able to do to improve this roster. I think using Hayden, Forsling, and even Gus as trade chips makes much more sense then as opposed to now. Looking at both Tampa Bay and Toronto- both are tight up against the cap and will need low-cost players to fill out their rosters.

I'm hoping Stan can pry Andreas Johnsson or (less likely) Kapanen from the Leafs, or maybe JT Miller from the Bolts in exchange for some picks, low-cost players, and/or taking on expensive contracts (Callahan?). Thoughts?
- Ron Swanson

Welcome Ron (nice moustache)... post more often!

Good thinking.

I don't think the Hawks have what TOR needs unless Dubas LOVES Connor Murphy (which he might).

... or the Hawks takes back Zaitsev (no thanks).

The Tampa connection makes sense and if Stan can pry away a guy like Mitchell Stephens, along with Callahan I woild be down. Not sure what would go the other way though.

Welcome Ron (nice moustache)... post more often!

Good thinking.

I don't think the Hawks have what TOR needs unless Dubas LOVES Connor Murphy (which he might).

... or the Hawks takes back Zaitsev (no thanks).

The Tampa connection makes sense and if Stan can pry away a guy like Mitchell Stephens, along with Callahan I woild be down. Not sure what would go the other way though.
- Justin Lowe

Justin, do you think Murph is in play via trade?

Welcome Ron (nice moustache)... post more often!

Good thinking.

I don't think the Hawks have what TOR needs unless Dubas LOVES Connor Murphy (which he might).

... or the Hawks takes back Zaitsev (no thanks).

The Tampa connection makes sense and if Stan can pry away a guy like Mitchell Stephens, along with Callahan I woild be down. Not sure what would go the other way though.
- Justin Lowe

Thanks TC/JL. I will try, but admittedly, don't have the hockey chops that you and several other posters do.

I really do hope Stan tries to take advantage of TB's situation. It would be nice to be on the opposite end of that situation.

Greetings Hawks fans. New guy here (but I've been reading for several years)...

I've been thinking a lot about the off-season and what SB might be able to do to improve this roster. I think using Hayden, Forsling, and even Gus as trade chips makes much more sense then as opposed to now. Looking at both Tampa Bay and Toronto- both are tight up against the cap and will need low-cost players to fill out their rosters.

I'm hoping Stan can pry Andreas Johnsson or (less likely) Kapanen from the Leafs, or maybe JT Miller from the Bolts in exchange for some picks, low-cost players, and/or taking on expensive contracts (Callahan?). Thoughts?
- Ron Swanson

Welcome aboard, Swanny, post more. Got some interesting ideas. I don't see Stan taking on expiring contracts as he wants to make the playoffs. We might be almost in and almost out at the same time, but it's not something I see him doing. He wants to bring winning to Chicago, and that move(s) says not this year.

Nice job coming out on V-Day!

Only problem I see is the fact that the Hawks seem to have a bit of a logjam of RHD ourselves and could use a LHD who plays solid D. Can Faulk play his offside? Brett Pesce seems to fit the mold more of what we need on this team, but again another RHD.

Honestly, knowing Bowman I wouldn't be surprised if they did something like AA and Forsling for TVR and a prospect +.

BONUS: AA, Forsling, and Forsberg for TVR, Darling (50% retained), and two prospects OR a prospect and a pick


- Savetheembers33

Why would we want Darling back? Especially at his salary. Let's forget about the feel good stories.

No knock taken, Nickmo.

I review and chat to a lot of people (JJ included) regarding rumours and happenings.

After working in the sports industry in Toronto for so long, I do have some of contacts myself.

I check in from time to time but don't focus my writing around it, rather would prefer to spark conversations amongst you great people.
- Justin Lowe

We all love rumors. If you ever hear about anything, please share. It will be good for a couple of hundred comments.

We're not giving you Williams for AA.

We're in a goddamn playoff race and he's the Captain.
- BINGO!

Bingo just throwing this out there:

AA Perlini Sikura and 2020 2nd(conditional) if ferland signs it turns into a 1st and 4th 2019


Ferland Fleruy and Wallmark or Roy and 2019 3rd

Bingo just throwing this out there:

AA Perlini Sikura and 2020 2nd(conditional) if ferland signs it turns into a 1st and 4th 2019


Ferland Fleruy and Wallmark or Roy and 2019 3rd
- Scott1977

Wow. I feel like the unknown of what Sikura will be makes his trade value neutral.

No knock taken, Nickmo.

I review and chat to a lot of people (JJ included) regarding rumours and happenings.

After working in the sports industry in Toronto for so long, I do have some of contacts myself.

I check in from time to time but don't focus my writing around it, rather would prefer to spark conversations amongst you great people.
- Justin Lowe

Tyler, thank you for all you do for our online community. Everyone has a different style and I like yours: you are articulate, knowledgeable, fair, and humble. Feel free to cut and paste that to your HR department when performance appraisals come around.

Thanks TC/JL. I will try, but admittedly, don't have the hockey chops that you and several other posters do.

I really do hope Stan tries to take advantage of TB's situation. It would be nice to be on the opposite end of that situation.
- Ron Swanson

Welcome aboard, Ron! Look forward to your thoughts and contributions to the board. Don't worry about your hockey knowledge level. First and foremost you're a fan. I love learning from everyone here while contributing what I can as well.

Welcome Ron (nice moustache)... post more often!

Good thinking.

I don't think the Hawks have what TOR needs unless Dubas LOVES Connor Murphy (which he might).

... or the Hawks takes back Zaitsev (no thanks).

The Tampa connection makes sense and if Stan can pry away a guy like Mitchell Stephens, along with Callahan I woild be down. Not sure what would go the other way though.
- Justin Lowe

Cirelli and Stephens are similar players: bottom 6 centers who are solid in their own zone with some offensive skills. Seeing that Cirelli is already a Lightning regular, Stephens may not have a spot in Tampa Bay so would love to see Stephens as well in a Hawks uniform. Don't think he's strong enough to be a 3C so he could make Kampf expendable. Or maybe move one of them to wing on the 4th line.

Anisinov does not bring much value back; it is more about getting rid of a substantial contract for an experienced second or third line contribution.

His playing time had been minimized and his skating is adequate. You can expect points when playing with top players but so so scoring if relegated to third line and average skill linemattes.

Although his skating is such that a team may think twice about long term committment, AA still can get by and the experience trumps skating at least for playoffs. Long term AA has an injury prone career.

We should not expect a top prospect; either go for a project type prospect or as high a draft. Second round is what you want but maybe only a third round is a available

Toss in Bickell and maybe you have something there...What is people's fascination with picking up former Blackhawks? With the exception of possibly Versteeg, none of the retreads have made a positive impact whatsoever. TVR is just a guy and is overpaid for a bottom pair defenseman and redundant for a team loaded with 6-7-8s. Darling has literally been the worst goalie in the NHL since he was traded from Chicago. A bid no thanks to either.

Edited to add (not aimed at you), but there was a reason all these guys are now former Blackhawks.
- Davewn

Didn't throw the red front on it but I assumed the laugh emoji at the end showed my joking in regards to the BONUS offer. TVR not really needed like you said with the abundance of bottom pairing D-men but knowing Stan that would be a move he would make. Darling I could actually see doing well coming back here though. I would only do it however if Crow is unlikely to come back next year, then reuniting Darling with Waite and being back home around his family could really do him some good. Not advocating it, but I could see it being something Stan would do that could work out if he did

Ward as goalie tonight. Looks like he and Delia are alternating games.

Thought I read something recently that if Kaner gets an assist tonight he will break Stan Mikita's record for consecutive games, 15, with an assist.

Pesce's unlikely to go anywhere, I think.

When it comes to the guys most likely to be traded it goes:

TVR
Faulk
Hamilton
Pesce
- BINGO!

I would tend to agree, but he would be my preferred D target from the Canes if a deal for AA is going to be worked around. Kinda a win-win for both team IMO but I see what you mean and tend to agree with that.

Didn't throw the red front on it but I assumed the laugh emoji at the end showed my joking in regards to the BONUS offer. TVR not really needed like you said with the abundance of bottom pairing D-men but knowing Stan that would be a move he would make. Darling I could actually see doing well coming back here though. I would only do it however if Crow is unlikely to come back next year, then reuniting Darling with Waite and being back home around his family could really do him some good. Not advocating it, but I could see it being something Stan would do that could work out if he did
- Savetheembers33

If Q was still coach, he would want TVR back, he loved his TVR.

If Q was still coach, he would want TVR back, he loved his TVR.
- LAHawk

TVR to Philly. Calling it now!

wow...and what sort of home town discount "should" 19 and 88 taken to supposedly help the cause?

no player or employee going from contract to contract should be expected to minimize his compensation...professional sports is a short career. You succeed at that level and you are not only allowed but encouraged to maximize your value...
- bogiedoc

Would like to see how many people on this board would be voluntarily cutting their own raises so someone else in their company could get more. Think the number is you g to be around the number of cups the press won in the last ten years.

Totally agree that the careers are short -- with the potential to end every time they step on the ice. I could also ask the question how many hawks -- propagation any other team for that matter -- could earn a bigger pay check by better focus on the game and more commitment to i.proving themselves..

Patrick Kane has some pretty sick moves. I will admit he was born with talent, but I believe it was personal desire and work r box ceNtralized him to the level he performs at. I say he's earned his compensation..

Hey everyone. Haven’t posted much this season but have been following the discussions closely. My question is this... I see many posters wanting to tank and I understand that point of view. This team, even if they sneak into the playoffs likely won’t get past the first round (barring a miracle).

But, with Kane and Toews entering their 30’s, how many more years do they realistically have at this level? Before this year, many on this board were proclaiming 19 as finished. The rush of playoff hockey (for me as a fan) is second to none and I’d love to see the hawks in the tournament again this year. A top 3 pick doesn’t guarantee long term success and if Kane and/or Toews fall off, it’ll take a lot more than a Hughes type to get the Hawks back to the level they’re at now (offensively). I can see them winning 6-7 of the next 8. I say stick with the current roster, try to get into the playoffs and add to the D corps in free agency/keep developing the young D. I don’t think they’re as far off as many would think.

Go Hawks!

welcome to the new posters...the more the merrier as it goes.

I have been hanging here since end of 2011. No better place to talk all things blackhawk and have some fun win or lose

Great posters here all add something different...agree or disagree. Its gotten better over the last month as some of the trolls and agitators decided to crawl back under their rocks.

We all get excited and sometimes go over the edge but hey ya can't this stuff all that seriously. I got plenty else in my life that is serious.

Hey everyone. Haven’t posted much this season but have been following the discussions closely. My question is this... I see many posters wanting to tank and I understand that point of view. This team, even if they sneak into the playoffs likely won’t get past the first round (barring a miracle).

But, with Kane and Toews entering their 30’s, how many more years do they realistically have at this level? Before this year, many on this board were proclaiming 19 as finished. The rush of playoff hockey (for me as a fan) is second to none and I’d love to see the hawks in the tournament again this year. A top 3 pick doesn’t guarantee long term success and if Kane and/or Toews fall off, it’ll take a lot more than a Hughes type to get the Hawks back to the level they’re at now (offensively). I can see them winning 6-7 of the next 8. I say stick with the current roster, try to get into the playoffs and add to the D corps in free agency/keep developing the young D. I don’t think they’re as far off as many would think.

Go Hawks!
- OneGoalx3

Hey there OG (sorry, I'm falling into the horrible trap of abbreviating everything). In general, I don't have a problem with what you are saying. My main concern is when you are banking on more than one players' potential. I'm mostly talking about the D prospects that we have coming up. Yes, many of them are highly touted, but at this point that is all they are.

I think Stan has done will since he (they) dropped Q. It seems that they no longer are trying to find players that fit the system first and foremost. They are simply adding talent. They are never going to be 100% (Perlini and to a lesser extent KK). They are however adding some size speed, and definitely skill. Caggiula has added some needed toughness in the top six. I'm fine if they keep moving along these lines.

Hey everyone. Haven’t posted much this season but have been following the discussions closely. My question is this... I see many posters wanting to tank and I understand that point of view. This team, even if they sneak into the playoffs likely won’t get past the first round (barring a miracle).

But, with Kane and Toews entering their 30’s, how many more years do they realistically have at this level? Before this year, many on this board were proclaiming 19 as finished. The rush of playoff hockey (for me as a fan) is second to none and I’d love to see the hawks in the tournament again this year. A top 3 pick doesn’t guarantee long term success and if Kane and/or Toews fall off, it’ll take a lot more than a Hughes type to get the Hawks back to the level they’re at now (offensively). I can see them winning 6-7 of the next 8. I say stick with the current roster, try to get into the playoffs and add to the D corps in free agency/keep developing the young D. I don’t think they’re as far off as many would think.

Go Hawks!
- OneGoalx3

Hey OG3! You bring up an interesting point ... how long does Toews rejuvenated play continue, he's undeniably been awesome and Kane, how long will he be known as the greatest? You're right, we need more than Hughes, he doesn't get us out of the bottom, but we're already past drafting him. IF we make the playoffs, we aren't a team to last long, but that playoff energy is infectious. I just can't root against my team. I won't claim to know the best direction, but always trying to win can't be wrong. Hope you stick around and post more.

Hey OG3! You bring up an interesting point ... how long does Toews rejuvenated play continue, he's undeniably been awesome and Kane, how long will he be known as the greatest? You're right, we need more than Hughes, he doesn't get us out of the bottom, but we're already past drafting him. IF we make the playoffs, we aren't a team to last long, but that playoff energy is infectious. I just can't root against my team. I won't claim to know the best direction, but always trying to win can't be wrong. Hope you stick around and post more.
- I Am The Breadman

Others have already mentioned it, but if the Caps are interested in moving Burakovsky, I'd be happy if the Hawks obliged. Seems like we have a top six spot open, and it could balance out the lines a bit. of course it always comes back to "what do we have that they want, but if we are simply making wishlists...

Hey there OG (sorry, I'm falling into the horrible trap of abbreviating everything). In general, I don't have a problem with what you are saying. My main concern is when you are banking on more than one players' potential. I'm mostly talking about the D prospects that we have coming up. Yes, many of them are highly touted, but at this point that is all they are.

I think Stan has done will since he (they) dropped Q. It seems that they no longer are trying to find players that fit the system first and foremost. They are simply adding talent. They are never going to be 100% (Perlini and to a lesser extent KK). They are however adding some size speed, and definitely skill. Caggiula has added some needed toughness in the top six. I'm fine if they keep moving along these lines.
- Chunk

This is how I look at it... the chances that one of Joki and Boqvist can develop into a top pairing dman is equal to or greater than the chances that a top 3 pick this year will develop into 88 over the next three-four years. I’m not a draft expert, but Kane is a generational talent. I’d rather see the Blackhawks in the playoffs than a tank, we get a top 3 and turn into the rebuilding Oilers for the next 5 years.

I say stick with the current roster, try to get into the playoffs and add to the D corps in free agency/keep developing the young D. I don’t think they’re as far off as many would think.
- OneGoalx3

Generally, I am in agreement with this strategy. Win or lose with who you have now. Any in-season trades should be of players who were allegedly on the block already before this surge. Trade for futures like draft picks and prospects. If a roster player comes back in a trade, they need to be fulfill a need now and be a part of the future. No rentals and no veterans at the end of their rope.

Don't think any of the D prospects (save for Jokiharju) are ready to make the jump next year, so yes, find some experienced blueline help via free agency and/or trade this summer.