We should be getting the announcement soon where Stan has signed some obscure 27 year old d-man from Uzbekistan.
- EbonyRaptor

Don't underestimate the Uzbekistan D. They got the Red Army out of their zone pretty cleanly...

We should be getting the announcement soon where Stan has signed some obscure 27 year old d-man from Uzbekistan.
- EbonyRaptor

Colliton gave Stan a line on some guys from Mora.

The question isn't about easy. It is about whether it is possible.

The UFA guys ain't it. Young cost-controlled top pair studs are not traded - and if one were available, the Cat, a serious D prospect and a #1 is what you're looking at. RFA's are a possibility, but the guys has to sign it, so big money and serious picks IF the other team doesn't match.

But, I'm all ears (well, eyes) if you've got a target in mind that can be obtained in a realistic deal. Who is it?
- mohel

Top Dmen are traded. 12 of the 25 highest paid Dmen have been traded once (or more) in their careers. It happens.

RFA are rarely offered. But a young up and coming dman may be signed for up to $4 mil and only cost a 2nd round pick. $4 mil to $6 mil is a 1st and 3rd round pick. Who on this board would not give that up for a young NHL top 4 dman.

Or we can do nothing and wait for the prospects to develop.

Not sure you need the stud #1 guy through top end free agency, because, hopefully, at least 1 guy already in the system can be that guy.

What they need is a solid, 2nd pairing guy, to stabilize the sh*t show that's going on now. Either through trade or FA. From last year, a guy LIKE deHann. Reliable, 2nd pair minutes.

A guy like that allows everyone to slot more appropriately. You can let Gus drop down to 3rd pair, play 15 or so minutes with Seabrook 5 v 5, and all the PP minutes. Murphy can be a 4 if you bring in a 3. Keith slots in the 1st pair with the guy they already have. Let's say for argument, that's Joki next year.

Keith - Jokiharju
FA/Trade - Murphy
Gustafsson- Seabrook

Then as the remainder of the young guys show that they're ready, the replace someone on the list. If someone is ready in 20-21, maybe they replace Murphy and you trade him off to a team needing a D. In 21-22, maybe Boqvist replaces Gus, and you flip Gus for something else you need.

The issue now is they don't have enough NHL quality D, and everyone is slotting above their ceiling.
- scottak

Yeah, I think that's the plan. The question is who is that #3 FA/Trade guy and can they get him. I've been advocating Ben Chariot from Winnipeg as a possibly affordable UFA but others have commented he is more of a bottom pairing guy. I don't know about that because I've seen Winnipeg a bunch and he always looks pretty good defensively when I've seen him play.

What is your take on Boqvist? From what I have seen he is electric on offense but he really looks far away from the NHL trying to defend in his own zone.
- hereismike1

I have the NHL package in Ontario and it includes lots of CHL games so I have seen Boqvist right from the beginning of his time in London. The first few games I'm sure he had no idea where his goalie was. As soon as London had possession he was off to join the rush. In his own end he was really weak. He was out of position allot, it seemed that any goal scored against when he was on the ice was a direct result of him not being where hew should.

He has improved in two areas, he picks his spots to join the rush allot better and he's better defensively. He has learned one of the most important things and that is he is, in most cases, between the puck and his net. He covers the passing and shooting lanes better and he's seldom out of position. The one area he is still weak at, and which Keith excelled, is puck retreival. He hesitates when the puck is loose along the boards or in the corner and allows the opponent to get there first. Then his other weakness, puck battles, becomes apparant.

He still has a way to go but he is improving.

Not sure you need the stud #1 guy through top end free agency, because, hopefully, at least 1 guy already in the system can be that guy.

What they need is a solid, 2nd pairing guy, to stabilize the sh*t show that's going on now. Either through trade or FA. From last year, a guy LIKE deHann. Reliable, 2nd pair minutes.

A guy like that allows everyone to slot more appropriately. You can let Gus drop down to 3rd pair, play 15 or so minutes with Seabrook 5 v 5, and all the PP minutes. Murphy can be a 4 if you bring in a 3. Keith slots in the 1st pair with the guy they already have. Let's say for argument, that's Joki next year.

Keith - Jokiharju
FA/Trade - Murphy
Gustafsson- Seabrook

Then as the remainder of the young guys show that they're ready, the replace someone on the list. If someone is ready in 20-21, maybe they replace Murphy and you trade him off to a team needing a D. In 21-22, maybe Boqvist replaces Gus, and you flip Gus for something else you need.

The issue now is they don't have enough NHL quality D, and everyone is slotting above their ceiling.
- scottak

That makes sense to me. It would be possible. The question is the cost - in cap space now and down the road and/or trade. I hope there's one out there, they need it.

Don't underestimate the Uzbekistan D. They got the Red Army out of their zone pretty cleanly...
- hereismike1

Top Dmen are traded. 12 of the 25 highest paid Dmen have been traded once (or more) in their careers. It happens.

RFA are rarely offered. But a young up and coming dman may be signed for up to $4 mil and only cost a 2nd round pick. $4 mil to $6 mil is a 1st and 3rd round pick. Who on this board would not give that up for a young NHL top 4 dman.

Or we can do nothing and wait for the prospects to develop.
- -Doh-

Top money does not equal best. Who are the Cup contending top pair guys acquired by trade?

The RFA has to agree to the contract the Hawks wanna pay. And it has to be big enough for the other team not match. So, $4-6M is low. But, again, who is the target? Then we'd have a better idea of worth.

Doing something just to feel good, like getting a #5 and calling him a #3 ain't a plan.

I have the NHL package in Ontario and it includes lots of CHL games so I have seen Boqvist right from the beginning of his time in London. The first few games I'm sure he had no idea where his goalie was. As soon as London had possession he was off to join the rush. In his own end he was really weak. He was out of position allot, it seemed that any goal scored against when he was on the ice was a direct result of him not being where hew should.

He has improved in two areas, he picks his spots to join the rush allot better and he's better defensively. He has learned one of the most important things and that is he is, in most cases, between the puck and his net. He covers the passing and shooting lanes better and he's seldom out of position. The one area he is still weak at, and which Keith excelled, is puck retreival. He hesitates when the puck is loose along the boards or in the corner and allows the opponent to get there first. Then his other weakness, puck battles, becomes apparant.

He still has a way to go but he is improving.
- paulr

\

That is actually rather encouraging. Thanks for the info.

Look at the Hobey Baker finalists....
- mohel

Drew Leblanc?

Next season this is what I would like the hawks lines to look like:

saad toews Nyquist or Simmonds

dcat strome kane

caggulia paqette tanev

perlini kampf hayden

keith seabrook
gus stralman
Coburn murphy
koko x

crow
delia

Its not sexy but solid, gives the hawks phyicallity to the forwards lines and possible shut down line plus the d is repaired with 2 soild d man. Kahun AA And sikrua are packaged in a deal for something whether that is a center or a young defenseman or winger don't know. Just some thoughts I am not has high on kampf or highmore as others are to me they ahl players that could be called up to fill in for spot duty in case of injury. I would also trade forsling and gust for something neither can play defense very well and would be a liability in the playoffs if the hawks make it to there next season.

Have you seen Mitchell play and how does he look? I see Boqvist on TV quite a bit I have seen Beaudin a few times but I only saw Mitchell during the WJC.
- paulr

Seen Mitchell a few times. He is in the mold of a two-way guy to me. Probably better offensively but has played in all situations at Denver. Great skater. Models his game after Keith in a lot of ways. A slightly bigger version. He could end up being a steal in the 2nd round like Keith.

Seen Mitchell a few times. He is in the mold of a two-way guy to me. Probably better offensively but has played in all situations at Denver. Great skater. Models his game after Keith in a lot of ways. A slightly bigger version. He could end up being a steal in the 2nd round like Keith.
- Elbows15

Mitchell is my guy. You've got Gus.

Next season this is what I would like the hawks lines to look like:

saad toews Nyquist or Simmonds

dcat strome kane

caggulia paqette tanev

perlini kampf hayden

keith seabrook
gus stralman
Coburn murphy
koko x

crow
delia

Its not sexy but solid, gives the hawks phyicallity to the forwards lines and possible shut down line plus the d is repaired with 2 soild d man. Kahun AA And sikrua are packaged in a deal for something whether that is a center or a young defenseman or winger don't know. Just some thoughts I am not has high on kampf or highmore as others are to me they ahl players that could be called up to fill in for spot duty in case of injury. I would also trade forsling and gust for something neither can play defense very well and would be a liability in the playoffs if the hawks make it to there next season.
- Scott1977

Just no to Simmonds. He is 30 and his style of play isn't going to last much longer for him. Good player but totally wrong for where the Hawks are at the moment.

Perlini isn't a 4th line guy. He is pretty bad defensively. Tanev would be a better fit there.

That defense is old. Real old.

EDIT: Paquette bleeds shots against. Hawks don't need more of those guys.

Top money does not equal best. Who are the Cup contending top pair guys acquired by trade?

The RFA has to agree to the contract the Hawks wanna pay. And it has to be big enough for the other team not match. So, $4-6M is low. But, again, who is the target? Then we'd have a better idea of worth.

Doing something just to feel good, like getting a #5 and calling him a #3 ain't a plan.
- mohel

I've made several proposals over the past month to use the 1st round draft pick to acquire a player already playing at the NHL to speed up the timeline to get back to contender status within the T&K window - always with the caveat - unless the Hawks move into a top of the 1st round pick.

The concept of using the 1st round pick was generally not well received and I understand the reason for that. However, if getting back to contending status within the T&K window is a viable possibility, even if it isn't hugely probable, then using the #1 pick to get a plug and play legitimate top-4 d-man or top-6 forward is at least worthy of consideration.

Having said that, I don't have any specific trade possibilities in mind - just conceptually it may be something Stan can to for an immediate improvement in the d-corps.

Mitchell is my guy. You've got Gus.
- mohel

Wrong, again. Perlini is yours. Just like Regin and Morrow were.

I've made several proposals over the past month to use the 1st round draft pick to acquire a player already playing at the NHL to speed up the timeline to get back to contender status within the T&K window - always with the caveat - unless the Hawks move into a top of the 1st round pick.

The concept of using the 1st round pick was generally not well received and I understand the reason for that. However, if getting back to contending status within the T&K window is a viable possibility, even if it isn't hugely probable, then using the #1 pick to get a plug and play legitimate top-4 d-man or top-6 forward is at least worthy of consideration.

Having said that, I don't have any specific trade possibilities in mind - just conceptually it may be something Stan can to for an immediate improvement in the d-corps.
- EbonyRaptor

A rebuilding team shouldn't be trading 1st round picks. Its what the Leafs did for years and were mired in mediocrity.

I have the NHL package in Ontario and it includes lots of CHL games so I have seen Boqvist right from the beginning of his time in London. The first few games I'm sure he had no idea where his goalie was. As soon as London had possession he was off to join the rush. In his own end he was really weak. He was out of position allot, it seemed that any goal scored against when he was on the ice was a direct result of him not being where hew should.

He has improved in two areas, he picks his spots to join the rush allot better and he's better defensively. He has learned one of the most important things and that is he is, in most cases, between the puck and his net. He covers the passing and shooting lanes better and he's seldom out of position. The one area he is still weak at, and which Keith excelled, is puck retreival. He hesitates when the puck is loose along the boards or in the corner and allows the opponent to get there first. Then his other weakness, puck battles, becomes apparant.

He still has a way to go but he is improving.
- paulr

Thoughts on Beaudin?

Here were the lines in practice today:

Saad-Toews-Hayden
DeBrincat-Strome-Perlini
Kahun-Anisimov-Kane
Kunitz-Kampf-Kruger

W-T-F ! I don't have a problem with Hayden on Toews' line - who cares it's basically garbage time anyway. I don't have a problem with Kane moved down to play with Kahun and Anisimov although I think it will not help Kane's attempt to better his best scoring totals. What I do have a problem with is Kunitz playing over Sikura. Is Colliton still thinking they have a shot at the playoffs and Kunitz over Sikura gives them a better chance to win? Even if that were true - is the slight advantage Kunitz gives them more important than giving Sikura every chance to prove for better or worse what the Hawks should do with him after this season.

I'm probably missing some hockey savant nuance that Kunitz over Sikura makes some sense - if true, can someone help me out with this one.
- EbonyRaptor

Sikura on the top line and would have bounced either kruger or Kunitz. hopefully DCagg comes back and we can sit the other one.

SAAD-TEOWS-Sikura
CAT-STRom-Perlini
Kahun-AA-Kane
Cag-Kampf-Hayden

in regard to goalies. Forsberg has pretty much been as good Delia both in the NHL and AHL. not sure why people do not think he could be in the NHL next year? Also if Darling got bought out would you bring him back on a cheap deal? IE something you could bury in the AHL. Assuming we bring in some Type of UFA next year we need all of Crows money to resign our own RFA the following year. IE we can only invest 2 mil at the goalie position for 2020 and 2021. IMO

I've made several proposals over the past month to use the 1st round draft pick to acquire a player already playing at the NHL to speed up the timeline to get back to contender status within the T&K window - always with the caveat - unless the Hawks move into a top of the 1st round pick.

The concept of using the 1st round pick was generally not well received and I understand the reason for that. However, if getting back to contending status within the T&K window is a viable possibility, even if it isn't hugely probable, then using the #1 pick to get a plug and play legitimate top-4 d-man or top-6 forward is at least worthy of consideration.

Having said that, I don't have any specific trade possibilities in mind - just conceptually it may be something Stan can to for an immediate improvement in the d-corps.
- EbonyRaptor

That T&K window thing is the real question, isn't it? Your point is good, imo, if you're looking for a shorter return to contention. Good post.

Wrong, again. Perlini is yours. Just like Regin and Morrow were.
- Elbows15

Who the (frank) is Morrow?

What's the difference? Sikura isn't gonna become a scoring superstar in the last 17 game or how ever many they have. None of there prospects are ready or good enough it seems.
- GPHawksfan

Yep..... or .......SB better hit a couple of homeruns with the checkbook this summer or his time may be up next year.
Speaking of which, too bad they weren’t entertaining that by now, because one of the best up-and-coming hockey minds With some Chicago roots may be close to getting a general manager job. Would love to see him here in Chicago .......Billy Zito.
And agree on Sikura, I called him this year’s Drew LeBlanc.

A rebuilding team shouldn't be trading 1st round picks. Its what the Leafs did for years and were mired in mediocrity.
- Elbows15

There is the disconnect - "rebuilding". Are the Hawks truly rebuilding? Not to get caught up on semantics but the definition of what the Hawks are doing is important in determining what approach they should take with their 1st round pick and other decisions they will make.

To me, they are not truly rebuilding because they are still invested in Toews, Kane, Keith and Seabrook. It seems like their plan is to try to win another Cup with that core by building up the supplemental team around them - not a true "rebuild". Therefore, the normal rules of thumb for a rebuild may not be the best fit for the plan.

Who the (frank) is Morrow?
- mohel

Ken? D on The Miracle on Ice team, and then a SC winner with the Islanders.

Who the (frank) is Morrow?
- mohel

Meant Morrison.