Bruce Boudreau has other ideas.

https://www.hockeywildern...e-deadline-eric-staal-nhl
- Rota's Rooter

Well, I'm not surprised. What is the coach supposed to say? "Yup, we're dead in the water. Time to play for contracts."

And he isn't in charge, it's the new GM who needs to do what's right for the team. The Wild are not anything besides a one and done team (at best) without Koivu.

I live up here and I can tell you that most Wild fans are down with getting what they can. And, in a way, lamenting the day Suter and Parise signed their 456237846 year long contracts.

hey savvy who is do you like to dump on now that your guy Q is gone...

- bogiedoc

Jury is out on Colliton - idiotic scheme of man-to-man D and also needs to be smarter on match-ups (certainly not to the extent of Q but I think he's done a poor job of that).

What I'd really like to know is what moron is coaching the PK?
It's the same passive scheme under Q and even more ineffective.
Pressure the puck, take away time and space and the success rate goes up with the right guys out on the ice.

Not sold at all on Gus (gets WAY too much TOI) but am really liking the size, speed and decision-making I've seen from CooCoo. More #68 and no more #42.

How's that Bogie?

Two thoughts on the D.

I can see the man-to-man D be modified to be a hybrid of zone and man-to-man. Similar to the match up zone in basketball. So the Dmen play man to man, but they switch instead of being drawn to the point.

Will they bring in a D coach (like they tried with Ulfie). Maybe Q stifled Ulfie too.

How much better could the Hawks D get from just familiarity and playing together for the rest of this year and through training camp next year. Murphy, Joki, Keith, Koekkoek, Dahlstrom, Seabs, Gus, Forsling. If they do not move anyone at the TDL it will be interesting to see if they have peaked already, if they get a little better, or if they get dramatically better by year end. Obviously someone needs to go at the TDL or in the Summer. This board tends to think Forsling. I would agree to that. But Bowman loves his Swedish Dmen.

Forsling seems to be quickly becoming expendable between who has been brought in and who is possibly coming up. Hayden is just a guy. I'd rather have the extra picks and see if the Hawks could hit on something in the future.
- Rota's Rooter

Sell by date (for value anyway) I think has passed on Forsling. Won't get much for him straight up at this point. I tend to agree that he becomes part of a package if anything. Too inconsistent, too often injured, and too often being just another guy who has some puck moving skills but no grit to speak of. Don't they have enough D guys like that already?

Hayden - I've been rooting for him since he came here. He might be less of just a guy if they played him at center - you know - his natural position. He thinks and reacts like one when he is out there. Would really like to see a period of time with him centering Kampf and Kahun as the fourth line. All three of them can take faceoffs if they get booted. With Kampf out though we won't get a chance to see that for enough time to make a decision. If Hayden can show promise there then his size, age and effort could finally find him a spot.

As for AA - only way that deal with CAR doesn't happen is if SB holds out for a better return from another suitor, or if AA won't waive. Personally, I'd be most pleased with getting picks/prospects for him and gain the cap flexibility. Making a move with him in the name of sliding into the playoffs just to get crushed just doesn't outweigh the benefits of being a lottery team.

I am starting to think the Hawks are really only missing a Top 2 D-men and bottom 6 depth. If they had that they are probably a legit playoff team. Probably a big 2 way top 6 winger away from a cup contender.

The bottom of their roster is horrible. I know +/- isn't the best state but Hayden Perlini Kunitz (and Gus) all rocking the worst +/- on the team by a long shot.

Cagguila and Kahun are nice bottom 6 guys. Anisimov is too I suppose but he isn't an ideal bottom 6 center.

So the Hawks are really missing 4 bottom 6 guys. I leave out Kruger because his game is just horrible to me these days. Lazy bad penalties. Tons of clutching and grabbing. Surprise he isn't in the box every game.
- bhawks2241

They missing top pairing defender or at least two top 4 guys so there's 2.

One top 6 forward two if Saad is a third liner.

And an entire 4th line.

That's 7 players short.

So, what is the Chicago verdict on Koekkoek? I always felt like he never got a proper shot in Tampa.
- GalacticStone

Better then Forsling but still not very good?

This is probably about what Anisimov will bring. An OK player and a pick. Hawks are not getting one of Carolina's top prospects, like Necas.
- kwolf68

You guys are seriously undervaluing AA. I cannot believe how AA gets dumped on. To me he looked better than Strome last night. If we get into the playoffs AA is someone we could use for forward depth which is a glaring weakness now.
And regarding AA's value his actual salary is much less than his cap hit in the last 2 years of his contract. This kind of contract grabs the attention of budget teams. But yes, if a deal makes sense, then move him, but not for the scraps being proposed here. Hopefully Bowman is smarter than that.

Ha!
Good memory Paul, but I would expect no less from you.
Sadly, it was more than just a bad sharpening or wrong profile on Bick's blades.

In Seabs' case, maybe it's those pennies the crowd is throwing on the ice in his direction as a monument to his stellar contract? Those things can be a real b!tch when you step on one in-stride.

Since you're up in the Great White North, you probably don't know what I'm talking about with the Eddie Munster look on the commercials. I haven't searched but have to assume you could find those somewhere on the net.

For a while there, I was thinking Seabs put on Herman's huge cement-like boots before heading out on the ice. Or got into Grandpa's stash of Transylvania wine.
- savvyone-1

Yeah we get the Munsters up here, ever since we got electricity and all them new fangled inventions like televisions.

You must be in your glory now that the Hawks aren't doing so well. You certainly weren't happy when they were winning. Still upset about "Lead Pipe" being traded?

The latest Athletic playoff probability has the Hawks up to 19% to get in, as of this morning.

Projecting MIN to get the last WC spot with 87 points, COL next with 86, and the Hawks at 83.

So, probably need an additional 5ish points.

Also, saw (I think in Athletic as well) that the Hawks remaining schedule is the 4th hardest in the league.

Still hoping they make it. Playoff hockey is fun.
- scottak

Last 9 games are:

@COL
COL
@AZ
@SJ
@LAK
WIN
DAL
StL
@NASH

Not an easy finish.

They missing top pairing defender or at least two top 4 guys so there's 2.

One top 6 forward two if Saad is a third liner.

And an entire 4th line.

That's 7 players short.
- fattybeef

Yes I agree but I think 1 top 2 guy and 2-3 legit bottom 6 guys and this team is a legit playoff team.

Some how Bowman quietly did a nice job retooling the forward group the last 2 years and Toews found his game again. Still a lot in flux but this could be a not so painful "retooling" of the roster.

If Keith ever decides to play a more at home style instead of still trying to play rover he can be a real solid top 4 guy still. Maybe a top pairing guy still. He still tries to play his high risk aggressive style and he clearly does't have the feet for it anymore.

Yes I agree but I think 1 top 2 guy and 2-3 legit bottom 6 guys and this team is a legit playoff team.

Some how Bowman quietly did a nice job retooling the forward group the last 2 years and Toews found his game again. Still a lot in flux but this could be a not so painful "retooling" of the roster.

If Keith ever decides to play a more at home style instead of still trying to play rover he can be a real solid top 4 guy still. Maybe a top pairing guy still. He still tries to play his high risk aggressive style and he clearly doesn't have the feet for it anymore.
- bhawks2241

Still need more snarl on the top six. It's why the shots against are imbalanced. Not winning board battles in the O zone and not winning enough 50/50 in the NZ. Still counting too much on fast breaks and speed to get quick goals. See: last BOS game

Last 9 games are:

@COL
COL
@AZ
@SJ
@LAK
WIN
DAL
StL
@NASH

Not an easy finish.
- StLBravesFan

At least you have them winning one game in there......

You guys are seriously undervaluing AA. I cannot believe how AA gets dumped on. To me he looked better than Strome last night. If we get into the playoffs AA is someone we could use for forward depth which is a glaring weakness now.
And regarding AA's value his actual salary is much less than his cap hit in the last 2 years of his contract. This kind of contract grabs the attention of budget teams. But yes, if a deal makes sense, then move him, but not for the scraps being proposed here. Hopefully Bowman is smarter than that.
- 67hawks

Some truth to this. He is a .50 ppg guy who plays 15 min/game and responsible D for under $4.5MM/yr. Question for the Hawks is can he still be that two years from now....

For those who think this team hasn’t improved - because of Colliton and the coaching change or not - since the game under the gaze of Touchdown Jesus:

They are 9 wins 8 losses (9-5-3=21 points).

Of the 8 losses:

3 in OT
3 by one goal (not McD’s one goal, but still) - including an ENG game outside
2 bad losses

Out of 17 games, only two were unwinnable.

Now - does that make them Cup competitors - or even a team that could make some noise in the tournament? No - still several pieces away with no guarantees this window will ever open.

But after being a complete disaster for all of calendar year 2018 - they are competitive, interesting to watch, and certainly legitimate playoff contenders - however the rest of the season plays out.

You guys are seriously undervaluing AA. I cannot believe how AA gets dumped on. To me he looked better than Strome last night. If we get into the playoffs AA is someone we could use for forward depth which is a glaring weakness now.
And regarding AA's value his actual salary is much less than his cap hit in the last 2 years of his contract. This kind of contract grabs the attention of budget teams. But yes, if a deal makes sense, then move him, but not for the scraps being proposed here. Hopefully Bowman is smarter than that.
- 67hawks

Lets revisit IF they trade him. Anisimov is who he has always been, a tremendously inconsistent center who will score bottom 6 points even when slotted in the top 6 and can't win faceoffs. He is a guy, who for two weeks will look like a stud then becomes a ghost for two weeks. He's maddening.

I think at best he brings back a middle pick and a lottery ticket. If we can get more jump on it NOW.

Everyone seems to be happy with the trades that SB has made since Quenville left, does this mean that Quenville had too much say in what Stan should or shouldn't do, or just a coincidence?

Everyone seems to be happy with the trades that SB has made since Quenville left, does this mean that Quenville had too much say in what Stan should or shouldn't do, or just a coincidence?
- Dieselhead

This is a debate that will rage on and I don't like it, because you can't blame Q for the dumb trades Stan made yet also NOT give Q credit for the good ones Stan made. To me, Stan owns it period. Making up fantasies about other guys having control when Stan gets bums like Rundblad, Kimo, Manning, etc. yet not giving Q credit for Oduya, Leddy, Vermette is silly. Of course, Stan's infallibility can easily be put to the test by analyzing the contracts he has handed out, but I digress.

I am not bashing Stan, just trying to exercise levity. To me, Stan owns it, he gets credit for his good (and bad) moves, period. the buck stops with the GM on that. He made some good deals leading up to our 2013 and 2015 Cup, then made numerous crock of poop deals over the past few years. However, has made a couple excellent moves this year. So maybe Stan is back in the groove. I hope so.

Q should get credit/blame for what he did as coach, everything from leading the team to 3 Cups and some outstanding line moves, but also dumb poop like playing Vermette at wing and his line Rolodex.

To me, both made mistakes and both have done good things. I don't like manufacturing unproven talking points to apologize for Stan (or Q).

Some truth to this. He is a .50 ppg guy who plays 15 min/game and responsible D for under $4.5MM/yr. Question for the Hawks is can he still be that two years from now....
- Return of the Roar

AA is still just 30 years old and you do not get much for 4.5M via the UFA route.

This is a debate that will rage on and I don't like it, because you can't blame Q for the dumb trades Stan made yet also NOT give Q credit for the good ones Stan made. To me, Stan owns it period. Making up fantasies about other guys having control when Stan gets bums like Rundblad, Kimo, Manning, etc. yet not giving Q credit for Oduya, Leddy, Vermette is silly. Of course, Stan's infallibility can easily be put to the test by analyzing the contracts he has handed out, but I digress.

I am not bashing Stan, just trying to exercise levity. To me, Stan owns it, he gets credit for his good (and bad) moves, period. the buck stops with the GM on that. He made some good deals leading up to our 2013 and 2015 Cup, then made numerous crock of poop deals over the past few years. However, has made a couple excellent moves this year. So maybe Stan is back in the groove. I hope so.

Q should get credit/blame for what he did as coach, everything from leading the team to 3 Cups and some outstanding line moves, but also dumb poop like playing Vermette at wing and his line Rolodex.

To me, both made mistakes and both have done good things. I don't like manufacturing unproven talking points to apologize for Stan (or Q).
- kwolf68

Wait a sec, where does McD figure into this arrangement?

You guys are seriously undervaluing AA. I cannot believe how AA gets dumped on. To me he looked better than Strome last night. If we get into the playoffs AA is someone we could use for forward depth which is a glaring weakness now.
And regarding AA's value his actual salary is much less than his cap hit in the last 2 years of his contract. This kind of contract grabs the attention of budget teams. But yes, if a deal makes sense, then move him, but not for the scraps being proposed here. Hopefully Bowman is smarter than that.
- 67hawks

That's why Carolina is interested. Pretty decent player currently undervalued/underutilized by his club.

Like Nino was.

That's why Carolina is interested. Pretty decent player currently undervalued/underutilized by his club.

Like Nino was.
- BINGO!

FINE, twist my arm....Anisimov for Nino Neidereiter

FINE, twist my arm....Anisimov for Nino Neidereiter
- EnzoD

All. Day. Long.

>>>Cam Ward is earning his paycheques these days. He had another 40+ save performance last night. I think if there is uncertainty with Crawford heading into the offseason, you may see the Hawks resign the veteran goalie to another 1-year deal. He and Delia are playing well off each other. The big question to me is if that happens, does Ward gets a NMC this time?<<<

No...but it might mean a larger 1 year deal say 1.5 - 2 mil. As crow insurance.
- bogiedoc

He's signed for 3million a year so how is your proposal more?

Wait a sec, where does McD figure into this arrangement?
- 333inthe3rd

I think we will know by the TDL. If they make "win today" moves, my money is on McD being the driver.

If they make no moves, or ones with no on ice "win today" impact then I say no.

Wait a sec, where does McD figure into this arrangement?
- 333inthe3rd

My take on McDonough is I am not necessarily his fan and a lot of people have laid responsibility at his feet, but there is no known evidence of McDonough pushing for players and/or contracts. All we actually do know about him is he "markets" the Blackhawks and on the end of things I have no real issue with him.

Give me actual evidence that he is meddling with the GM or coaches then I'll critique it, but speculation and hearsay isn't evidence.