So with the hawks trying to make the playoffs, does that stop recalls, unless (knock on wood) there is an injury? Or will there still be a cup of coffee or two to some young guys?
- I Am The Breadman

If they're trying to make the playoffs, they need to recall Joki!

So with the hawks trying to make the playoffs, does that stop recalls, unless (knock on wood) there is an injury? Or will there still be a cup of coffee or two to some young guys?
- I Am The Breadman

If they're trying to make the playoffs, they need to recall Joki!
- tvetter

Agree! But at least he's getting a lot of minutes, which JC wasn't giving him. Hopefully, he's excelling with the heavier load.

I think if the Hawks are pursuing a top-six winger, I really, really like Stone as a better compliment.

He's a Marian Hossa-lite.
- TommyHawk

Hard pass. Too much cheddar. What about Dzingel instead?

Thanks for this! How’s Jokiharju doing? His arrival seems to have coincided with more victories.
- scottak

Jokiharju has been steady, paired up with Gilbert actually. Looks like he has been focusing on defense. Mentioned this in the last blog or two but Jokiharju has shown a ton of swagger while with the Hogs. Smooth, confident, composed.

He looks all business even during warmups. Vocal guy, too. Not necessarily chirping the other team but talking to and possibly even getting on teammates. Seems like he holds himself and his mates to a high standard.

Hard pass. Too much cheddar. What about Dzingel instead?
- Bjm84

My hope for the off season is trade AA, sign a legitimate 3C, top 4 D and another solid 3rd liner. Offense hasn't really been a problem this season, so hopefully, they can get a couple good two-way third liners, and with the the FA top 4 D, keep the goals against down.

Thanks for the update, you're the guy I was hoping to hear from!
- tvetter

You bet. I was watching a lot of Hogs games during the first part of the season then trailed off a bit and now watch here and there but picked it up lately.

Be interested to see how Highmore plays now that he's healthy. With Sikura recalled recently, no forwards are really worthy of a call up except for Highmore but it's best just finishing the year in Rockford and helping lead them towards a playoff berth.

Jokiharju has been steady, paired up with Gilbert actually. Looks like he has been focusing on defense. Mentioned this in the last blog or two but Jokiharju has shown a ton of swagger while with the Hogs. Smooth, confident, composed.

He looks all business even during warmups. Vocal guy, too. Not necessarily chirping the other team but talking to and possibly even getting on teammates. Seems like he holds himself and his mates to a high standard.
- AEL_Fox

Is it possible that by keeping him in Rockford, they are hoping to protect him from the expansion draft? Not that it hasn't been good for his development, too. . .

My hope for the off season is trade AA, sign a legitimate 3C, top 4 D and another solid 3rd liner. Offense hasn't really been a problem this season, so hopefully, they can get a couple good two-way third liners, and with the the FA top 4 D, keep the goals against down.
- tvetter

I'm on board with that.

My hope for the off season is trade AA, sign a legitimate 3C, top 4 D and another solid 3rd liner. Offense hasn't really been a problem this season, so hopefully, they can get a couple good two-way third liners, and with the the FA top 4 D, keep the goals against down.
- tvetter

Like this. Finally, a practical solution.

Is it possible that by keeping him in Rockford, they are hoping to protect him from the expansion draft? Not that it hasn't been good for his development, too. . .
- pdx2ord

Possibly and would make sense if that's the case. Others on this board are more well versed in the expansion rules. I'm not good at remembering all the rules and nuances.

Is it possible that by keeping him in Rockford, they are hoping to protect him from the expansion draft? Not that it hasn't been good for his development, too. . .
- pdx2ord

That doesn't protect him from the expansion draft. It is still professional hockey. Which is the criteria. Players with 2 years or less of pro hockey don't have to be protected.
Gets a little complicated regarding the leagues over in Europe but the AHL falls into the pro criteria.

That doesn't protect him from the expansion draft. It is still professional hockey. Which is the criteria. Players with 2 years or less of pro hockey don't have to be protected.
Gets a little complicated regarding the leagues over in Europe but the AHL falls into the pro criteria.
- Elbows15

ah OK - thanks very much for the explanation

ah OK - thanks very much for the explanation
- pdx2ord

No problem.

1. I'd approach Toronto about Gauthier. Gauthier would love really good on the Hawks 4th line. He is good in at killing penalties, downlow, and wins draws. He's cheap too with upside. I would offer Forsling for him. Seems like a bit of an overpay but Forsling's future in Chicago seems in doubt with the emergence of Gustaffson, Koekekk, and the 3-4 prospects in the shoot. Toronto loves this because they have plenty of ctr depth and probably want to replace Gardiner's departure. Get it done.

2. I'd also approach NYI too. They need to shed salary to keep guys like Anders Lee next year. I'd look to get a guy like Jason Ciszak. I'd offer Kampf and Gustaffson for him. He's your 3C next year.

3. Finally, I'd go to Carolina and offer Anisimov + Sikura for Brett Pesce. Carolina gets center help they need, a decent shutdown D man, and Chicago gets a solid 2nd pair D man.

4. In the offseason I would sign Ryan Dzingle 4 years and 4.4 million per.


Saad - Toews - Dzingel
Debricnat - Strome - Kane
Ciggula - Cizak - Kahun
Highmore - Gauthier - Hayden
L.Johnson

Keith - Jokiharu
Murphy - Pesce
Seabrook - Mitchell
Dahstrom

Crawford?
Delia

Obviously a lot would have to go right, but what do you guys think?

My hope for the off season is trade AA, sign a legitimate 3C, top 4 D and another solid 3rd liner. Offense hasn't really been a problem this season, so hopefully, they can get a couple good two-way third liners, and with the the FA top 4 D, keep the goals against down.
- tvetter

Just typing out a template/example of what you described:

Saad - Toews - Kane
DeBrincat - Strome - Kahun
Ferland - Nelson - Sikura
Caggiula - Kampf - Hayden

Keith - Jokiharju
Murphy - Stralman
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Koekkoek/Dahlstrom

Ferland would be nice but he may price himself out with his high contract demand.

Stralman is the most experienced and reliable top 4 D who is likely affordable. He's 32 but should still be effective on a 2-year deal with no NTC/NMC.

Edler might be worth kicking the tires on but he's 33 and degrading a bit faster than Stralman. Maybe not top 4 pedigree anymore, too.

I like Chiarot but not sure if he's top 4 material.

Adding a UFA D man would increase the glut again on the blueline so one of Gustafsson, Dahlstrom, or Koekkoek would likely be gone.

No problem.
- Elbows15

Plus, it would be shocking if he were not on the NHL protected list when it comes time for the next expansion draft.

NHL Network showing Halifax Moosehead game. Gravel looks pretty solid for a goalie playing in the Q.

ETA: I forgot they also have Jake Ryczek. Haven't seen much of him since I turned on the game.

You guys are gonna do us a solid today right?

A Canes win and a CBJ loss moves CAR into 3rd in the Metro.

Jokiharju has been steady, paired up with Gilbert actually. Looks like he has been focusing on defense. Mentioned this in the last blog or two but Jokiharju has shown a ton of swagger while with the Hogs. Smooth, confident, composed.

He looks all business even during warmups. Vocal guy, too. Not necessarily chirping the other team but talking to and possibly even getting on teammates. Seems like he holds himself and his mates to a high standard.
- AEL_Fox

Thank you!

You guys are gonna do us a solid today right?

A Canes win and a CBJ loss moves CAR into 3rd in the Metro.
- BINGO!

Bingo what kind a trade would you make with the. Hawks including AA +?

Thank you!
- scottak

You're welcome!

You guys are gonna do us a solid today right?

A Canes win and a CBJ loss moves CAR into 3rd in the Metro.
- BINGO!

Consider it done. You're welcome!

Bingo what kind a trade would you make with the. Hawks including AA +?
- Scott1977

I'd be happy with just a pick/picks coming back. His 4.5M should be able to land us a legit 3C during free agency.

Panarin, Stone, Karlsson, Duchene, Dzingel or whoever....i think that we can agree that Bowman will make a big splash in the summer either via trade or free agent signing. McDonagh likes “buzz” around the team and it’s the first time in a decade they have the cap space to go big game hunting. Worked out prettyyy well last time they signed the #1 UFA in Marian Hossa. Idk who it’s gunna be, but I truly expect Stan & Co to be aggressive in adding a big talent to the roster.