I have no idea if Edmonton would even consider this - but how about a trade with the two main pieces being Saad and Nurse. Rumor has it that EDM would like a top-6 winger and Saad would fit that description. Nurse plays LD behind Klefbom so on the 2nd pairing - is he a true top-4 guy who would provide the type of defense the Hawks are looking for? He's got everything the Hawks would want in terms of long term investment - just don't know how good he is defensively.
- EbonyRaptor

Nurse isn't that good. Who replaces Saad?

Nurse hasn't come close to reaching his draft spot.

Meant Kucherov and the goalie.
- Elbows15

Sergachev...

Traded Namestikov last year.

Sergachev...

Traded Namestikov last year.
- TrueGrit

He wasn't drafted by TB.

Nurse isn't that good. Who replaces Saad?

Nurse hasn't come close to reaching his draft spot.
- Elbows15

I love how these names turn into memes on this board....

Totally ignores the fact that Edmonton's primary need is a solid d core.

Not directed at you....

He wasn't drafted by TB.
- Elbows15

Missed that part....

In Rockford news. Frederic Olofsson signed to a PTO by the Piggies. Hawks 4th round pick in 2014. He competed his college career.

Yep - Pointov, Cirellichev, Killornov, Palatkin and Paquetteyuk all shortened their names. Russions - all of them.
- EbonyRaptor

Thank you Evgebony Raptorov

Regarding the decisions on pending RFAs Dahlstrom, Forsling, and Koekkoek, I imagine there being several related factors that may impact who stays and who goes.

1) Do the Hawks expect Jokiharju to be in the starting 6 next season?

2) Are the Hawks planning to pursue only one new D man this summer, whether via trade or free agency, or two of them?

3) Does Gustafsson get traded at the 2020 TDL before he demands a contract renewal that may be too rich for the team's blood?

4) What is the timeline for the other D prospects like Boqvist, Beaudin, Mitchell, Krys, and the Rockford ones like Carlsson?

Depending on how each of these questions are answered, there are a number of scenarios that could play out with the fate of Dahlstrom, Forsling, and Koekkoek. Generally, I would advocate signing at least one of them and up to two of them especially if Jokiharju starts in Rockford this fall and/or the Hawks pursue only one new blueline acquisition.
- AEL_Fox

Summed up quite nicely.

I didn't know that Point, Cirelli, Killorn, Palat, Paquette were Russians.

Nothing against the Hawks staff but they have missed badly on a few players as have most teams somewhere along the line.
- RickJ

All teams have missed badly on picks and most teams have found a gem in later rounds at some point.

That's why all the rhetoric about getting a top pick is almost comical. Sure, on average a top pick will get to the NHL and contribute maybe a little quicker, but guys like Kucherov (bottom of round 2) and Gaudreau (4th round) show that there is value to be found throughout the draft.

I love how these names turn into memes on this board....

Totally ignores the fact that Edmonton's primary need is a solid d core.

Not directed at you....
- TrueGrit

There is that. Do some players benefit from a change of scenery? It happens but most times that player already had good fundamentals that get enhanced. Like Oduya as an example. I just don't think Nurse is good value for Saad.

On Forsling: i have reported what wiz suggested to me regarding Forsling future: maybe he is given until xmas to take that next step. I add this:

Patience is key now for team as what do they have to loose by playing him. With the other two (Dahlstrom, Koekkoek) you have to give them the scenario - if possible - to mature. Lately Forsling has performed better whrn he is left in the Seabrook pairing. Although when only 12 TOI it is not much playing time to grow his game.

I concur with the Dahlstrom analysis. He had performed best when teamed up with Murphy.

Koekkoek is getting the least support here but you poll bloggers and maybe he is not the least among this triumpherant. I liked him a lot when he first started getting regular shifts. His willingness to actually commit a bodycheck stood out among the soft dmen on this roster. Regarding this part of the game, when Dahlstrom uses his big frame effectively in physical confrontations then he is much better.

I really wish each would be given a long look because each can become solid puck movingg dmen. Those players are a valued commidity. Some team could snag one of them from us on the cheap and as wiz has said right time, right place with some pro experience and they blossom.

Blossom as......maybe just strong enough play to hold a job until the more highly acclaimed dmen push them out. Or one of the acclaimed hot shots may get traded. Eventually when several young dmen playing well.....you look at what side each plays. You look at what is the more ideal defense for the team.

It is a waiting game while prospects and team hopeful improves. I just terribly disdain giving up on prospects. Each team has this situatiin sooner or later. How about Columbus with some forwards including Wenneberg?

To carry this discussion to its farthest point....i reference Minny finally giving uo on Granlund as a TOP. Center. They exchanged him for a different player and a different look. They did this approach with Coyle too. Those are two high early draft choices obviiusly progressed further than the dmen in this discussion. But you see the transformation happens with young players. To what extent our dnen may transform? THEY are hopefully getting playing time insofar as later on decisions are to be made.
.
- jhawk59

Forsling and coocoo both terrible at NHL hockey. Really nothing redeemable. Seabrook reacts late or slow but usually in the right direction. These bozos look lost. Gus is a horrid defender but his body language at least says he's making a confident decision even if it is the wrong one. And he can make a first pass. Those guys very bad at that too. If either are back next year it is a bad sign.

Big Carl is a fringe player on most teams. Meh. Fine for 12 mins a night I guess.

All teams have missed badly on picks and most teams have found a gem in later rounds at some point.

That's why all the rhetoric about getting a top pick is almost comical. Sure, on average a top pick will get to the NHL and contribute maybe a little quicker, but guys like Kucherov (bottom of round 2) and Gaudreau (4th round) show that there is value to be found throughout the draft.
- TheTrob

And the Hawks found Saad and Dinky in the 2nd. Shaw in the 5th. Kruger and Hammer were mid round picks.

Nurse isn't that good. Who replaces Saad?

Nurse hasn't come close to reaching his draft spot.
- Elbows15

Oh. Well then, as Emily Litella would say - never mind.

There is that. Do some players benefit from a change of scenery? It happens but most times that player already had good fundamentals that get enhanced. Like Oduya as an example. I just don't think Nurse is good value for Saad.
- Elbows15

Agree and yes, no doubt change can be good. I would like Nurse, but not for Saad. Don't think Edmonton is shopping for Saads...more Nurse's...

I could be wrong...

I was taking about potential college and/or Euro free agents at one point. From the college ranks Sturm would be at the top of my list.
- DarthKane

Here’s another one that is at the top of my list, I suspect a few teams will be looking at him:

Jimmy Schuldt, Left Defence, St. Cloud State, 6’1″ 205 lbs, Senior

The captain of the Huskies, Schuldt has attended the Montreal Canadiens and Vegas Golden Knights development camps in recent years. Schuldt has nine goals and 28 points in 32 games this season. The 23-year-old defenceman also plays a strong defensive game. Opposing forwards have to be careful not to come up Schuldt’s side with their heads down, as he is more than willing to take them out with a big hit. He clears the front of the net and shows strong containment in the cycle game as well. As is clear from his numbers Schuldt can provide some offence as well. He makes a strong first pass out of the zone and has the vision and playmaking skill to quarterback the powerplay. He also has a big slapshot from the point.

Note, he did attend the Blackhawks training camp in 2016, no idea if they’ve kept up with him.

I love how these names turn into memes on this board....

Totally ignores the fact that Edmonton's primary need is a solid d core.

Not directed at you....
- TrueGrit

EDM needs a lot of things.

Regarding the decisions on pending RFAs Dahlstrom, Forsling, and Koekkoek, I imagine there being several related factors that may impact who stays and who goes.

1) Do the Hawks expect Jokiharju to be in the starting 6 next season?

2) Are the Hawks planning to pursue only one new D man this summer, whether via trade or free agency, or two of them?

3) Does Gustafsson get traded at the 2020 TDL before he demands a contract renewal that may be too rich for the team's blood?

4) What is the timeline for the other D prospects like Boqvist, Beaudin, Mitchell, Krys, and the Rockford ones like Carlsson?

Depending on how each of these questions are answered, there are a number of scenarios that could play out with the fate of Dahlstrom, Forsling, and Koekkoek. Generally, I would advocate signing at least one of them and up to two of them especially if Jokiharju starts in Rockford this fall and/or the Hawks pursue only one new blueline acquisition.
- AEL_Fox

Why wouldn't they sign all 3 of them unless they figure Hillman or Gilbert are better. None of the 3 are going to command big bucks much beyond the automatic 10% minimum required to qualify an RFA. And then you have depth to use in trade
when other teams are looking for cheap #5-6-7 defenceman to round out their roster in September.

And I wouldn't figure on any of those rookies like Boqvist, Beaudin or Krys being ready for prime time next season.

Thank you Evgebony Raptorov
- TrueGrit

I like that. Evgebony Raptorov has a nice ring to it. I think I may change my pseudonym from "man who steps on hat" to Evgebony Raptorov.

I didn't know that Point, Cirelli, Killorn, Palat, Paquette were Russians.

Nothing against the Hawks staff but they have missed badly on a few players as have most teams somewhere along the line.
- RickJ

Pointov, Cirelliev, Palatiev, and Paquettiov prior to the name changes early in their careers.

EDM needs a lot of things.
- EbonyRaptor

Like trading that McDavid guy for all kinds of draft picks.

Regarding the decisions on pending RFAs Dahlstrom, Forsling, and Koekkoek, I imagine there being several related factors that may impact who stays and who goes.

1) Do the Hawks expect Jokiharju to be in the starting 6 next season?

2) Are the Hawks planning to pursue only one new D man this summer, whether via trade or free agency, or two of them?

3) Does Gustafsson get traded at the 2020 TDL before he demands a contract renewal that may be too rich for the team's blood?

4) What is the timeline for the other D prospects like Boqvist, Beaudin, Mitchell, Krys, and the Rockford ones like Carlsson?

Depending on how each of these questions are answered, there are a number of scenarios that could play out with the fate of Dahlstrom, Forsling, and Koekkoek. Generally, I would advocate signing at least one of them and up to two of them especially if Jokiharju starts in Rockford this fall and/or the Hawks pursue only one new blueline acquisition.
- AEL_Fox

Young Henri is the second best defender in the organization maybe third at worst. If they had interest in winning he'd be in the line up.

Agree and yes, no doubt change can be good. I would like Nurse, but not for Saad. Don't think Edmonton is shopping for Saads...more Nurse's...

I could be wrong...
- TrueGrit

Oilers need forwards. After McDavid, Draisatl and Nuge they have next to nothing. And after that they need some decent defenceman and a better goaltender.

Pointov, Cirelliev, Palatiev, and Paquettiov prior to the name changes early in their careers.
- EnzoD

Plagiarizer

Pointov, Cirelliev, Palatiev, and Paquettiov prior to the name changes early in their careers.
- EnzoD

I hope Bob Mueller is investigating, it might have been them that messed with the election.

Oilers need forwards. After McDavid, Draisatl and Nuge they have next to nothing. And after that they need some decent defenceman and a better goaltender.
- RickJ

Other than that they're almost there.