Seattle


- EnzoD

I am certain even the dumbest of marketing people won't go down that road.

This screams tank to me. I’m sorry but Forsling has been atrocious. Put the team in the best position to succeed FFS. I’m fine if they want to tank but don’t half ass it. Either sell Anisimov and Gus to play a development project like Forsling, or keep the gang together and play your 6 best defenders which includes Dahlstrom.
- EnzoD

Forsling, to me, is the odd man out. Trade him back to Vancouver, they desperately need help on defense.

I would love to have Panarin back. But i don’t think it’s up front We need an upgrade. Get in a d-man instead.
- HJULLASTER

This offseason, either by free agency or trade, the Hawks need to focus on defense and the bottom 6. Signing a top six forward would move one of the guys down, but I’d rather Stan focus on an actual defensive forward or two.

Hawks willl be one of the quietest teams at the TDL.

BUT, will be making a big splash or two come July.

Stan WILL be making some noise come the summer, AFTER UFAs are available and signing bonuses (yes, you,,,AA) are paid.


- hawk35

Well he probably needs to do something for two reasons

The imprint Bowman intends to make we all know is with young players gained through the draft. Guess what - not a lot of help coming from prospects as soon as next season. Jokiharju yes, some others may filter in. The 2019 #1 is not likely playing NHL only a few months later

Therefore this team needs to find help from other sources. (1) A free agent sign and or a trade would change the look of the team. There may be other changes coming by trading deadline 2020 too based partially on a summer transaction or a youngster moves in. By then maybe you do see Keith and or Gus become tail-lights.

(2) It is important that Rocky see positive moves and a bright light at the end of the non playoff tunnel where they reside. And i do think Stan wll be the man calling the shots.

Enzo, they are not "trying" to get into the playoffs. They are purely in evaluation/showcase mode. If they make the playoffs it is a happy accident (as TC alluded to in his first point). It may calm down a bit after the TDL, but even then, I think we see a pretty notable rotation of players.
- Chunk

They are 3 points out of the playoffs with a bunch of mediocre to crap teams ahead of them! (frank) it let’s make the tournament and bounce Trashville! Forsling had a good stretch of play 2017 fall and has been mostly garbage since. Dahlstrom is the better player. (frank) the rotation, try to win! But that’s just like, my opinion man.

As much as some of these available options excite me, the price is just asinine. The only one that is intriguing is the Stone rumored asking price. If a 1st and a top prospect plus a roster player is all they are looking for, I would jump on that if they know they will sign him.

This offseason, either by free agency or trade, the Hawks need to focus on defense and the bottom 6. Signing a top six forward would move one of the guys down, but I’d rather Stan focus on an actual defensive forward or two.
- DarthKane

Forsling is still young enough I have no problem with him developing as top pair in Rockford. He’s a left shot and should be playing with Joki to get his confidence back, as he has NONE right now.

Vancouver has one line, Colorado has one line, Minnesota doesn’t even have one good line. Yotes, give me a break. Hawks are the 8th best team in the West if they play their best roster. That consists of Kunitz and Forsling in the press box.

IF the Hawks get in at 8 there is literally NO pressure. It’s a win win for Cat, Strome, Kahun, Murphy, ect to get playoff taste...and maybe they pull off an epic upset....

This offseason, either by free agency or trade, the Hawks need to focus on defense and the bottom 6. Signing a top six forward would move one of the guys down, but I’d rather Stan focus on an actual defensive forward or two.
- DarthKane

The number of available top 4 d-men is pretty low. What the Hawks really need is a Hossa. A quality offensive forward who is also a plus defensively. A solely defensive forward perpetuates the fact that with minimal secondary scoring, a team that can shut down your top few guys can shut down your team.

What made the Cup winning teams great were 3 lines as a threat to score and a 4th that wasn't completely void of scoring talent.

If you are going to stock up on puck moving / offensive defensemen, then maybe your model is to get your secondary scoring from the back-end and forsake defense. Just outscore everyone.

Unless I'm missing something, I don't see too many "quality dmen" who are UFAs. People have mentioned Stralman, and I suppose Tyler Myers would be an option. Who else (assuming Karlsson is off the table) is worth looking at?

If we go the "trade for a top 4 dman" route, the only team I see willing to do that would be Carolina, and they would probably ask for Saad.
- Ron Swanson

Besides Karlsson, most of the top 4 UFA defensmen are in their mid/late 30's (40's if you count Chara) and not worth it. Most are not top 4 material anymore and some like Kronwall are at the end of their rope:

Kronwall
Chara
Edler
Stralman
Bouwmeester
Gunnarsson
Hainsey
McQuaid
Coburn

Stralman, IMHO, is the best bet. He's 33 but still playing reliable defense as Hedman's partner in Tampa. Try to sign him to an affordable 2-year deal with no NMC/NTC.

Those younger than 30 are either too expensive like Myers and Gardiner and/or just not worth it like Del Zotto and Sbisa.

Chiarot may be worth kicking the tires on. He's 28 but more of a 3rd pair defender.

Enzo, they are not "trying" to get into the playoffs. They are purely in evaluation/showcase mode. If they make the playoffs it is a happy accident (as TC alluded to in his first point). It may calm down a bit after the TDL, but even then, I think we see a pretty notable rotation of players.
- Chunk

Exactly. The rotation of Forsling, Koekkoek, and Dahlstrom is fine to see how each thrives or not.

If I had my druthers, I'd enter the playoff push with Forsling playing top minutes in Rockford with Jokiharju recalled and a rotation between just Koekkoek and Dahlstrom.

Keith - Jokiharju
Dahlstrom/Koekkoek - Murphy
Gustafsson - Seabrook

Forsling does seem to be the odd one out, especially if you consider the longer term with the D prospects in the pool, so another option is to put him on the block and see what he could garner in a trade.

Exactly. The rotation of Forsling, Koekkoek, and Dahlstrom is fine to see how each thrives or not.

If I had my druthers, I'd enter the playoff push with Forsling playing top minutes in Rockford with Jokiharju recalled and a rotation between just Koekkoek and Dahlstrom.

Keith - Jokiharju
Dahlstrom/Koekkoek - Murphy
Gustafsson - Seabrook

Forsling does seem to be the odd one out, especially if you consider the longer term with the D prospects in the pool, so another option is to put him on the block and see what he could garner in a trade.
- AEL_Fox

They have been rotating them for 4 weeks,and the results are in...Forsling is the odd man out, by a wide margin IMO. They are 3 points out of the playoffs and you want to ice an inferior roster?? I don't understand this logic at all. Same goes with Kunitz who should not play again after passing 1000 games mark.

This offseason, either by free agency or trade, the Hawks need to focus on defense and the bottom 6. Signing a top six forward would move one of the guys down, but I’d rather Stan focus on an actual defensive forward or two.
- DarthKane

I'm on board with that. Priority #1 is solidifying the blueline, then after that strengthen the bottom 6.

The bottom 6 needs to have solid 200-foot players who are tough to play against with a clear distinction between the 3rd and 4th lines. The personnel on the 3rd line should each be capable of 35-45 points to give the Hawks 3 lines that can score.

For the 4th line start with Kampf as center, Caggiula as one of the wingers, and lock down the other winger either in house (Hayden, Perlini) or transaction.

Bonus would be landing a top 6 winger.

Any in-season transactions is tinkering around the edges with minor deals, if any, of players like Kunitz, Hayden, Kruger, and Anisimov who have been rumored to be on the block anyway especially before the team vastly improved to get back into the playoff race.

Nice read as usual Justin but one thing you said does not make sense. The Isles will have absolutely no interest in CC. Lehner and Greiss have been lights out all year and have truly benefited from the Barry Trotz system. I do agree though that if SB can get any takers on CC he should be all over it. Ironically Lehner is going to be a ufa and Chicago should take note.

Lehner remains a pending UFA and has played a total of 2 NHL playoff games. That's the reason why I thought they could possibly be a fit.
- Justin Lowe

Yes, indeed! Was waiting for someone to pounce on that. Glad you did. Those NYI goalies ain't seen nothing yet. That said, I wish them well along with Trotz.

Exactly. The rotation of Forsling, Koekkoek, and Dahlstrom is fine to see how each thrives or not.

If I had my druthers, I'd enter the playoff push with Forsling playing top minutes in Rockford with Jokiharju recalled and a rotation between just Koekkoek and Dahlstrom.

Keith - Jokiharju
Dahlstrom/Koekkoek - Murphy
Gustafsson - Seabrook

Forsling does seem to be the odd one out, especially if you consider the longer term with the D prospects in the pool, so another option is to put him on the block and see what he could garner in a trade.
- AEL_Fox

It sure looks like Jokiharju is playing great in the ahl, more seasoning will not hurt him but I fully expect him to be here full time starting next year. I am thrilled with the growth of Debrincat and Strome, Kahun too recently. One thing I would like to see is Saad on the first line with Toews and Kane. DC can play on any line.

They have been rotating them for 4 weeks,and the results are in...Forsling is the odd man out, by a wide margin IMO. They are 3 points out of the playoffs and you want to ice an inferior roster?? I don't understand this logic at all. Same goes with Kunitz who should not play again after passing 1000 games mark.
- EnzoD

I agree, Forsling seems to be the odd one out but don't think Hawks management sees it that way. Forsling has the most talent of the 3 but just isn't running away with the opportunity to prove himself the best out of him, Koekkoek, and Dahlstrom.

They have been rotating them for 4 weeks,and the results are in...Forsling is the odd man out, by a wide margin IMO. They are 3 points out of the playoffs and you want to ice an inferior roster?? I don't understand this logic at all. Same goes with Kunitz who should not play again after passing 1000 games mark.
- EnzoD

Yes, but 3 points with 4 teams to jump over. The Hawk fan in me says the exact same thing you are saying. To be honest, I don't understand why they can't just call it at this point as to who they like and don't like. Maybe if they are within 1 or "tied" for a WC spot at the deadline, we see them play a more consistent lineup...

They are 3 points out of the playoffs with a bunch of mediocre to crap teams ahead of them! (frank) it let’s make the tournament and bounce Trashville! Forsling had a good stretch of play 2017 fall and has been mostly garbage since. Dahlstrom is the better player. (frank) the rotation, try to win! But that’s just like, my opinion man.
- EnzoD

I am on board EnzoD, there is no reason with 20plus games left that the Hawks cannot make the playoffs. Once your in you never know but you owe it to the fans and players to make the push. It is not like we are battling for the top draft pick award. All it takes is a hot goalie and some momentum and upsets are doable.

I'm on board with that. Priority #1 is solidifying the blueline, then after that strengthen the bottom 6.

The bottom 6 needs to have solid 200-foot players who are tough to play against with a clear distinction between the 3rd and 4th lines. The personnel on the 3rd line should each be capable of 35-45 points to give the Hawks 3 lines that can score. For the 4th line start with Kampf as center, Caggiula as one of the wingers, and lock down the other winger either in house (Hayden, Perlini) or transaction.

Bonus would be landing a top 6 winger.

Any in-season transactions is tinkering around the edges with minor deals, if any, of players like Kunitz, Hayden, Kruger, and Anisimov who have been rumored to be on the block anyway especially before the team vastly improved to get back into the playoff race.
- AEL_Fox

Agreed 100%. I would add that after addressing the blue line, that finding a solid 3rd line center should be priority #2.

Lehner remains a pending UFA and has played a total of 2 NHL playoff games. That's the reason why I thought they could possibly be a fit.
- Justin Lowe

Sorry JL I did not read back, hence my comment. The one thing with Barry Trotz is he will go with his two regardless of experience, team chemistry is something Barry understands better than most coaches. The Isles are my upset team to go far in the playoffs, there defensive style and bottom six are very good.

Yes, but 3 points with 4 teams to jump over. The Hawk fan in me says the exact same thing you are saying. To be honest, I don't understand why they can't just call it at this point as to who they like and don't like. Maybe if they are within 1 or "tied" for a WC spot at the deadline, we see them play a more consistent lineup...
- Chunk

It'd be one thing if there were better teams ahead of the Hawks but Vancouver, Colorado, Minnesota and Phoenix......they are all garbage (ALL with a negative goal differential) ! The West has 4 good teams and a bunch of mediocre rosters that the Hawks can outscore. You don't think the Hawks can beat out those 4 teams?? All I'm saying is pick a lane, and stay in it. Tank, or go for it. This in between crap costs you points with the 8 seed within reach.


The 2019 draft more closely resembles the 2018 draft at #1 + 2. Nico Hischier and Nolan Patrick are solid 2nd liners, but not franchise changing players. That is what Hughes and Kappo are looking more like based on the scouting reports I'm reading.

It sure looks like Jokiharju is playing great in the ahl, more seasoning will not hurt him but I fully expect him to be here full time starting next year. I am thrilled with the growth of Debrincat and Strome, Kahun too recently. One thing I would like to see is Saad on the first line with Toews and Kane. DC can play on any line.
- joegreif17

Ideally, yes, I would like to see Saad play top 6. While I love Caggiula's game and what he's been doing for Toews and Kane on the 1st line, it's not a sustainable long-term option. Caggiula is not a 1st liner but more like Shaw as an all-terrain forward who can play any line (providing offense, grit, speed, agitation), just not a consistent top 6 player.

One way I could see Saad as a longer-term 3rd liner is if the Hawks go the route of spreading out offensive talent across 3 lines rather than 2. Something like:

LW - Toews - Kane
DeBrincat - Strome - RW
Saad - C -RW

Just as an example:

Palat - Toews - Kane
DeBrincat - Strome - Kahun
Saad - Nelson - Sikura

Long shot would be adding Stone instead of Palat but Hawks likely can't afford him. Palat is not a free agent so he'd need to be acquired via trade. Doesn't have to be Palat, just someone like him. He has been dubbed as Hossa Lite or Mini Hossa as others have alluded to before.

Nice post Kwolf...

As far as Saad - he's doing ok - 17 goals - you hope he ends up with 25 - but after watching Panarin light it up against us on Saturday that trade looks still just as bad as when it was made.

No one's taking Seabrook's deal (another Bowman beauty). The other vets with NMC's control their destiny. I don't know who would take CC when he's been hurt for the last two seasons and the wrong hit could knock him out again...

and while this team sits a couple spots out of the playoffs currently we've see what's happened against playoff teams the last couple of outings - they got shelled.
The defense remains the main problem without question. And do you wait for the kids to pan out or do you go out in the offseason and sign a couple of quality dmen - who guys who aren't Brandon Manning...
- DK002

Good afternoon DK. Not sure why you have something against Saad having 19 goals but he does, and did the other day when you said he had 17. Twenty five isn't a done deal but definitely within reach.

Actually at the time that deal was made, most thought it was a good deal. It was only after Saad had his worst season and Panarin his best when people began trying to categorize it as the worst in Hawk history, though it's still light years behind the Phil Esposito deal.

Edit - I also like how people look at only current playoff teams like CBJ and BOS as a measuring stick but ignore wins vs NYI, WAS and PGH.

They have been rotating them for 4 weeks,and the results are in...Forsling is the odd man out, by a wide margin IMO. They are 3 points out of the playoffs and you want to ice an inferior roster?? I don't understand this logic at all. Same goes with Kunitz who should not play again after passing 1000 games mark.
- EnzoD

Last sentence was hilariously cruel, but so uniquely insightful. Another "good locker room guy." So what?

Sorry JL I did not read back, hence my comment. The one thing with Barry Trotz is he will go with his two regardless of experience, team chemistry is something Barry understands better than most coaches. The Isles are my upset team to go far in the playoffs, there defensive style and bottom six are very good.
- joegreif17

Very possible. I'm not advocating that as a move it was just a suggested team.

The Isles are one to watch to add to their lineup as per the hockey insiders. Maybe they leave the goalie tandem amd add elsewhere but they have assets and money to acquire.