Hope so . Hopefully its a hockey trade the helps past this year
- mrpaulish

That would be my hope. If you’re giving up a pick the object of the trade from the Hawks side should be a player they are targeting for a longer term plan.

Not sure if Bread is saying the same thing but if they are looking at a guy to bridge the current group of dmen til the time Boqvist, etc. are able to make the leap, I still don’t give up any picks but try to sign one in the offseason.

Edit - to Breadbag’s point would depend where the pick was. I wouldn’t be giving up any 1st’s or 2nd’s. The Hawks currently don’t have a 3rd...so a 4th? Sure.

Hope so . Hopefully its a hockey trade the helps past this year
- mrpaulish

I would be stunned if Bowman traded for a rental. His MO during this season has shown his vision is anything BUT that. His 3 in-season deals have been absolute home runs. As a Stan-basher at times in the past, I also call it like I see it and those 3 moves AT worst have been VERY GOOD, with the potential to be spectacular if CooCoo can develop into a Top 4 guy and Drake continues to play solid hockey on the top line (which allows us to balance out lines a bit). Even if CooCoo is merely a bottom 6 guy and Drake ends up back on the fourth line these trades were still outstanding.

I think Bowman is working the same angle now. He'll get another "under the radar" type player or stand pat. You won't see prospect + top pick going for grizzled vet on the end of his deal.

So who would be the one "D" add on at the deadline that shuffles the deck so that the whole unit is significantly better?
- riozzo

Honestly, I can't see one guy as the guy to really pinpoint. Sure everyone is gonna throw the flashy names out there that are FA's this summer or rumored to be on the market. I think we have a profile of what we need: Top 4 left-handed Defensive minded with some speed and quickness. Who fits that exactly? Idk, but I'm starting to feel like what the Hawks need to do is instead of going flashy they need to (and probably ARE) looking for an under the radar guy who fits that profile that fits the system the team is gonna play and can flourish in it the same way that Strome has since he came over.

Not exactly sure. I think the coaching has a lot to do with it like he's fallen out of favor with Torts and doesn't exactly fit his system. Could be wrong though



I would seriously consider it. Having another young Center who's shown he can play at a high level would add the kinda Center depth you need to make a deep run in the Playoffs. However, my only concern would be the fact that his game has fallen off and there isn't a clear cut answer (that anyone has pinpointed) as to why that is. Plus he's locked in to a long term deal that could come back to bite the teams Cap with Cat and Strome needing new deals this summer, the need to add a Defensive minded Top 4 LHD to pair with Keith, Joki, Murphy, etc., and provide bottom six depth. That being said, this could turn out to be a hell of a steal if Wennberg can fit in the same that Strome did here.

Toews-Kane
Strome-Cat
Wennberg-Saad

(at full potential) That would be an excellent way to build a foundation of your Top 9 and fill out with the likes of Kahun, Cags, Sikura, Perlini, Hayden, etc. that we have or may acquire before next season



I would definitely consider it for a few reasons. One, you know what you're getting out of AA each game while Wennberg has been pushed down to the bottom six and a limited role. Two, he's shown GREAT chemistry with Panarin so you could bump him to a Top 6 role with him and hope to duplicate that success (with Atkinson playing the opposite wing). This could also help in retaining Panarin long term if he's got one of his russian buddies with him (I would talk to him about bringing on AA before the move is made to feel him out on it). Third, he's got a shorter term on his contract which helps free up cap space sooner for them.

Personally I don't see them doing that deal, but I can see how it could make sense for both sides
- Savetheembers33

If Saad and him had chemistry while Saad was in Columbus, that's something to consider. Chemistry and teamwork is the difference between playoffs and championships.
Look at DCat and Strome, Strome had a change of scenery and he's doing well with his best bud.
Also, I'd bet a considerable amount of money that some of the Hawks veterans (*cough* Kane *cough*) take an extra special interest in mentoring certain rookies they take a liking to (Panarin, DCat, Schmaltz) and that helps to maximize the rookies stats and performance on the ice, plus they learn the game the "right" way at the NHL level. I'd also wager this is partially because Kane had that same treatment from Sharp IIRC? and also Kane is competitive to the point that he wants to bring everyone else around him up so that the Blackhawks can win.
For all of the debates on here as to predicting DCat's success in the NHL, don't believe for a minute that he'd be doing comparably well on any other team in parallel. It's kind of a crap shoot how well a young player fits on a team / with his teammates and adjusts to the NHL.
Sometimes, players succeed DESPITE losing culture and a "cancerous" locker room. See EDM: McDavid, Connor.
Other times, players fail despite draft pedigree and skill. See any of the top 10 "bust" picks in the past few years.

I would be stunned if Bowman traded for a rental. His MO during this season has shown his vision is anything BUT that. His 3 in-season deals have been absolute home runs. As a Stan-basher at times in the past, I also call it like I see it and those 3 moves AT worst have been VERY GOOD, with the potential to be spectacular if CooCoo can develop into a Top 4 guy and Drake continues to play solid hockey on the top line (which allows us to balance out lines a bit). Even if CooCoo is merely a bottom 6 guy and Drake ends up back on the fourth line these trades were still outstanding.

I think Bowman is working the same angle now. He'll get another "under the radar" type player or stand pat. You won't see prospect + top pick going for grizzled vet on the end of his deal.
- kwolf68

Unless someone knocks his socks off for Gus, my guess is they hang onto him and give Boqvist another season away from the NHL. Hoping they do that anyway regardless of what happens with Gus.

If Saad and him had chemistry while Saad was in Columbus, that's something to consider. Chemistry and teamwork is the difference between playoffs and championships.
Look at DCat and Strome, Strome had a change of scenery and he's doing well with his best bud.
Also, I'd bet a considerable amount of money that some of the Hawks veterans (*cough* Kane *cough*) take an extra special interest in mentoring certain rookies they take a liking to (Panarin, DCat, Schmaltz) and that helps to maximize the rookies stats and performance on the ice, plus they learn the game the "right" way at the NHL level. I'd also wager this is partially because Kane had that same treatment from Sharp IIRC? and also Kane is competitive to the point that he wants to bring everyone else around him up so that the Blackhawks can win.
For all of the debates on here as to predicting DCat's success in the NHL, don't believe for a minute that he'd be doing comparably well on any other team in parallel. It's kind of a crap shoot how well a young player fits on a team / with his teammates and adjusts to the NHL.
Sometimes, players succeed DESPITE losing culture and a "cancerous" locker room. See EDM: McDavid, Connor.
Other times, players fail despite draft pedigree and skill. See any of the top 10 "bust" picks in the past few years.
- Slofire94

That's kinda what I was getting at. I can't remember if they did play together and if they did what kind of chemistry they had together. It's definitely something, if the Hawks are scouting him as a possible trade target, they should know. Like you said, if they do that's something that can go a LONG way to building a successful team.

same. I think dalhstron is a #7 D, Murphy looks like a 4/5 to me Koek might have a higer ceiling then both.

keith-Seabs
Koek-Murphy
Gus-Joki

would be what I would roll with after Monday.
- kmw4631

Agreed. But I would like Gus and Joki not together next season. It is desirable to see those two be the primary puck mover in their pairing. I won't commit to the pairings after Monday also because I do not know if Seabrook returns fully capable/not playing with Injury.. If the defense pairing is not much better after Monday night well maybe joki is recalled

Unless someone knocks his socks off for Gus, my guess is they hang onto him and give Boqvist another season away from the NHL. Hoping they do that anyway regardless of what happens with Gus.
- HawkintheD

Absolutely the best course of action.

According to Tracy Myers:

Caggiula-Toews-Kane
DeBrincat-Strome-Kahun
Saad-Anisimov-Sikura
Kunitz-Kruger-Perlini

Good to see Caggiula is OK and back in. Bad to see Kunitz in for Hayden. Seabrook skating and Dahlstrom not (flu?). Delia starter.
- EbonyRaptor

Showcasing Kunitz (even with NMC).

But Stan snagged Strome, who was playing scrapheap minutes in a lower line role and now he is proving to be a LEGIT 2nd line center.


Man - Who woulda thunk that Strome's impact to this team would be so valuable. This board was littered with Schmaltz talk prior to the trade good bad and indifferent. Strome is a huge reason why they are playing the way they are and I'm thoroughly impressed so far and he will only get better. Strome and ADB could be the new Toews/ Kane light. This could be Stan's best deal and feel his moves during this season have been solid as he's not under any real cap restraints, he has more freedom to make trades that benefit the Hawks as a team. No more trades to free cap space and he has a different mindset.

Hope Stan has something else up his sleeve. They have too many 5-6-7 /AHL Dmen or they are still learning D on the fly and dealing with growing pains. I would like to see perhaps Stan package one of those dmen and one of the top kid D men for a top 2 Dman even if it is in the off-season. Too many holes and Keith and Seabs should be second and third pairings next year. It would be bold but feel they may have 1 young dman to be expendable.

I would like to see a AA, Sikura, Gus for Jenner, Murray, and 2nd round pick type of trade. Don't think the Jackets would

I would like to see a AA, Sikura, Gus for Jenner, Murray, and 2nd round pick type of trade. Don't think the Jackets would
- ikeane

I would replace Boqvist for Gus. Chicago has other good d prospects.

Wennberg has 23 pts in 59 games this season, had 35 pts last season, and is signed at $4.9 per for 4 more seasons ($19.6 total). Buyer's remorse has to have set it by now.

AA owed $4.55 over the next two ($9.1 total)seasons. Currently has 28 pts over 57 games this season and 31 pts the year prior.
- Assman22

Wennberg is Center AA just plays one on TV (joke) the market for a 3rd line center in his prime is pretty close to 4.5. I think it makes sense for both teams. if he is 40-45 player that is winning faceoffs and playing solid d its fine. We have hole at 3rd line center.

How is Wennberg's skating? If he's an above average skater - speed/agility - and plays a decent center defensively, then maybe a Anisimov/Wennberg trade has some merit because Wennberg could be the 3C for the next 4 years. The cap hits are close enough to not be a factor and maybe the extra couple years on the contract would be worth having a 3C that can skate and play good defense.

same. I think dalhstron is a #7 D, Murphy looks like a 4/5 to me Koek might have a higer ceiling then both.

keith-Seabs
Koek-Murphy
Gus-Joki

would be what I would roll with after Monday.
- kmw4631

I am thinking:
Keith - Joki (pair playing 23 min per game)
Koek - Murphy (pair playing 20 min per game)
Gus - Seabs (each playing 17 min per game - with Gus picking up extra minutes on the PP and Seabs picking up extra minutes on the PK)
Dahlstrom 7th defender.

Ideally you pick up a stud left defender to play with Murphy on a short term deal until the prospects develop.

Agreed. But I would like Gus and Joki not together next season. It is desirable to see those two be the primary puck mover in their pairing. I won't commit to the pairings after Monday also because I do not know if Seabrook returns fully capable/not playing with Injury.. If the defense pairing is not much better after Monday night well maybe joki is recalled
- jhawk59

My thoughts would be Gus needs nees a RD that is fast to help cover his mistakes. Thus Joki.

Unless someone knocks his socks off for Gus, my guess is they hang onto him and give Boqvist another season away from the NHL. Hoping they do that anyway regardless of what happens with Gus.
- HawkintheD

All reports are Boqvist is NOT NHL ready, and probably won't be next year given questions over his size and play in his own zone.

Gus is an interesting trade prospect. Totally agree, only if Stan is blown away should he trade him. The offensive numbers that guy puts up ring the cash register. I bet if he shopped him, he could get a healthy package back. But it would also hurt the PP and limit the Hawks chances of making the playoffs. It's not like there is some studly D-man waiting in the wings to take Gus' place.

Still, if someone wants to offer up a couple top prospects and a #1 you'd have to listen.

Tracy Myers reporting that Seabrook skated this morning but is out tonight. Joki being recalled in case Dahlstrom can't go.

Blackhawks should be buyers

they could go to the finals in that weak conference, their offense is almost unstoppable
- jimbro83

the funniest thing i read in days...you must be related to oldduff...

sure a team that is 1st in goals allowed with a -20 goal differential...

Showcasing Kunitz (even with NMC).
- -Doh-

Yeah, I don't understand playing Perlini or Kunitz over Hayden.

He played decently in Detroit with puck possession and being physical. He stood up for Kane in the Boston game. Not sure what he has to do to not get benched.

the funniest thing i read in days...you must be related to oldduff...

sure a team that is 1st in goals allowed with a -20 goal differential...



- bogiedoc

Some posters believe goals against and goal differential are no longer relevant stats. Not sure what their basis is to believe this?

Yeah, I don't understand playing Perlini or Kunitz over Hayden.

He played decently in Detroit with puck possession and being physical. He stood up for Kane in the Boston game. Not sure what he has to do to not get benched.
- Popsghostly

Hopefully Myers had it wrong - Powers tweeted the 4th line as Perlini-Kruger-Hayden-Kunitz so Hayden and Kunitz must be switching off during practice line rushes. Hopefully Hayden wins the coin flip.

the funniest thing i read in days...you must be related to oldduff...

sure a team that is 1st in goals allowed with a -20 goal differential...



- bogiedoc

I went back through the last 15 Cup winners and none of them had a defense in the lower third of the league - let alone the worst.

Looks like Duchene to Columbus

Darren Dreger

@DarrenDreger

Confirming Matt Duchene has been traded to Columbus. Details to come