On top of all that, the NHL is not Baseball or Basketball. Would someone please explain the last team that tanked, drafted high and turned into a playoff contender?

BUF - 6 top 10 picks in last 9 drafts
EDM - 9 top 10 picks in last 10 drafts including 4- 1's and 6 top 4 picks
FLA - 5 top 10 picks in last 9 drafts
CAR - 5 top 10 picks in last 8 drafts
VAN - 5 top 10 in last 6 drafts

Which of these teams is a Juggernaut based on drafting high (multiple times). 1 of them MAY make the playoffs.
- TheTrob

If they wanted to tank they would of just had to keep Q around. I have to admit to my surprise JC's form of hockey at times is ugly defensively but is effective in the Win Loss column during the regular season.

(frank)ing JC

Plus, any level of experience and success in the 2019 playoffs (or at least a chase for a playoff berth) sets the team up for greater success next year -- not necessarily a Cup victory in 2020 but a marked improvement.

Think of the 2009 playoffs when the Hawks were eliminated by the Wings. That experience set them up for the championship in 2010.

The youth would benefit the most with this type of experience while the veterans regain that hunger again. This is where having other veterans with rings like Kunitz and Ward can pay dividends in the locker room along with the core.
- AEL_Fox

I think it would especially not sit well with Crow, who after the last concussion would of said "that is it I am retiring" no one would question it.

If they wanted to tank they would of just had to keep Q around. I have to admit to my surprise JC's form of hockey at times is ugly defensively but is effective in the Win Loss column during the regular season.

(frank)ing JC
- BetweenTheDots

I am more impressed that after the horrid start with JC, that the team continued to play hard, and that the vets with the rings did not quit on him.

I am more impressed that after the horrid start with JC, that the team continued to play hard, and that the vets with the rings did not quit on him.
- LAHawk

That says a lot, imo.

What’s the chance of us dumping Seabrook and Panarin returning this summer?

I think we can draft another talented young defenseman this year to add to the collection we already have to build an improving Dcore around Keith, Gus, and Murphy.

Panarin-AA-Kane(reunited)
Dcat-Strome-Perlini
Saad-Toews-Sikura/Kahun
Caggiula-Kampf-Sikura/Kahun

That would instantly become one of the top forward lineups in the league to go along with an explosive PP.

The Defense would be the only focus as far as roster tweaking and we’d be improved right off the bat by ditching Seabs.

I know some are against adding Panarin because of the $$ he would demand but I think we can make it work with the cap long term if we can somehow move 7.

The idea of having 3 dangerous scoring lines like that really gets me excited. If Toews(having a career year) and Saad build on their improvements made this season playing with Sikura/Kahun AND the Strome line(all young top 6 talents that have the ability to become even better) can also take that next step then we’d be looking at 3 top lines and a legit 4th line to boot.

Jimmy Howard re-upped for another year, $4 mil.
- I Am The Breadman

I would take Ward again at 3 mil next year over Howard.

Do not let it happen again!

Just messing with you, Ty. You're doing a very nice job here, imo.
- mohel

Haha. Thanks!

What’s the chance of us dumping Seabrook and Panarin returning this summer?

I think we can draft another talented young defenseman this year to add to the collection we already have to build an improving Dcore around Keith, Gus, and Murphy.

Panarin-AA-Kane(reunited)
Dcat-Strome-Perlini
Saad-Toews-Sikura/Kahun
Caggiula-Kampf-Sikura/Kahun

That would instantly become one of the top forward lineups in the league to go along with an explosive PP.

The Defense would be the only focus as far as roster tweaking and we’d be improved right off the bat by ditching Seabs.

I know some are against adding Panarin because of the $$ he would demand but I think we can make it work with the cap long term if we can somehow move 7.

The idea of having 3 dangerous scoring lines like that really gets me excited. If Toews(having a career year) and Saad build on their improvements made this season playing with Sikura/Kahun AND the Strome line(all young top 6 talents that have the ability to become even better) can also take that next step then we’d be looking at 3 top lines and a legit 4th line to boot.
- SimpleJack

If somehow someway Stan is able to trade Seabrook's $6.8M cap hit - why not use that cap space to improve the area of greatest need which is a ready to play top-4 d-man. The point being that even if Seabrook's cap hit could be reallocated to pay Panarin and there would still be enough cap space to re-sign Cat/Strome next summer - that blows the wad of cap space and there's not enough left to acquire a veteran top-4 d-man.

What’s the chance of us dumping Seabrook and Panarin returning this summer?

I think we can draft another talented young defenseman this year to add to the collection we already have to build an improving Dcore around Keith, Gus, and Murphy.

Panarin-AA-Kane(reunited)
Dcat-Strome-Perlini
Saad-Toews-Sikura/Kahun
Caggiula-Kampf-Sikura/Kahun

That would instantly become one of the top forward lineups in the league to go along with an explosive PP.

The Defense would be the only focus as far as roster tweaking and we’d be improved right off the bat by ditching Seabs.

I know some are against adding Panarin because of the $$ he would demand but I think we can make it work with the cap long term if we can somehow move 7.

The idea of having 3 dangerous scoring lines like that really gets me excited. If Toews(having a career year) and Saad build on their improvements made this season playing with Sikura/Kahun AND the Strome line(all young top 6 talents that have the ability to become even better) can also take that next step then we’d be looking at 3 top lines and a legit 4th line to boot.
- SimpleJack

The chance of dumping Seabrook is about as close to 0% as you can get. If Stan manages to pull that off he wins GM of the year for the next few seasons.

If somehow someway Stan is able to trade Seabrook's $6.8M cap hit - why not use that cap space to improve the area of greatest need which is a ready to play top-4 d-man. The point being that even if Seabrook's cap hit could be reallocated to pay Panarin and there would still be enough cap space to re-sign Cat/Strome next summer - that blows the wad of cap space and there's not enough left to acquire a veteran top-4 d-man.
- EbonyRaptor

I think my mindset is we already have a couple veteran top 4d in Keith and Murphy. And another emerging in Gus. And I’d like for us to be able to fill the rest of those spots on the blue line with our young up and coming prospects. One of which will certainly be Jokiharju.

You can have all those assets you mentioned and still “tank” without actually being Ottawa bad. And the higher the draft pick the better chance to add yet another asset. Doesn’t hurt the team at all. The truth is any team that gives up the most goals in the league isn’t winning a championship, even if they make the playoffs. So there’s nothing to gain. I understand the idea behind wanting to tank.
- SimpleJack

The problem Jack....especially IF you have a decent team....with some decent talent, is HOW do you tank????
You have players competing for jobs, new contracts, developing a "will to win".
You have a coach who is PAID TO WIN, to develop WINNERS. And he is an INTERIM coach who would love a full time gig with a decent contract.
I, too, was hoping we fell off.....maybe got a lottery pick. But, if a team CAN win...and they CAN compete for a bottom playoff spot....well, you gotta teach them to win, teach them to NOT QUIT. Sure as heck glad you or an individual of your idealism is not leading this team. If you think going into a lockerroom with 20 games to go and telling the team to "Try to lose" is the way to build a winner, you sir....are dead WRONG!!!

I would take Ward again at 3 mil next year over Howard.
- powerenforcer

I see Stan giving Ward another contract, unless Delia and Crow are the 1 and 2, and good to go. I never liked Howard.

What’s the chance of us dumping Seabrook and Panarin returning this summer?

I think we can draft another talented young defenseman this year to add to the collection we already have to build an improving Dcore around Keith, Gus, and Murphy.

Panarin-AA-Kane(reunited)
Dcat-Strome-Perlini
Saad-Toews-Sikura/Kahun
Caggiula-Kampf-Sikura/Kahun

That would instantly become one of the top forward lineups in the league to go along with an explosive PP.

The Defense would be the only focus as far as roster tweaking and we’d be improved right off the bat by ditching Seabs.

I know some are against adding Panarin because of the $$ he would demand but I think we can make it work with the cap long term if we can somehow move 7.

The idea of having 3 dangerous scoring lines like that really gets me excited. If Toews(having a career year) and Saad build on their improvements made this season playing with Sikura/Kahun AND the Strome line(all young top 6 talents that have the ability to become even better) can also take that next step then we’d be looking at 3 top lines and a legit 4th line to boot.
- SimpleJack

The chances of Seabs leaving and Panarin returning are remote.

The problem Jack....especially IF you have a decent team....with some decent talent, is HOW do you tank????
You have players competing for jobs, new contracts, developing a "will to win".
You have a coach who is PAID TO WIN, to develop WINNERS. And he is an INTERIM coach who would love a full time gig with a decent contract.
I, too, was hoping we fell off.....maybe got a lottery pick. But, if a team CAN win...and they CAN compete for a bottom playoff spot....well, you gotta teach them to win, teach them to NOT QUIT. Sure as heck glad you or an individual of your idealism is not leading this team. If you think going into a lockerroom with 20 games to go and telling the team to "Try to lose" is the way to build a winner, you sir....are dead WRONG!!!
- hawk35

And how would the season ticket holders feel ? Unless they would send out a letter like the Rangers did, but that is not the Hawks M.O.

And how would the season ticket holders feel ? Unless they would send out a letter like the Rangers did, but that is not the Hawks M.O.
- LAHawk

“One Goal (except for this year)”

Gonna have to go with a big, fat NO to even think about thinking about tanking.
Never, ever tank.

I see Stan giving Ward another contract, unless Delia and Crow are the 1 and 2, and good to go. I never liked Howard.
- I Am The Breadman

I'm thinking the same thing: if Delia or even Forsberg (if resigned as an RFA) are still not ready to be the backup, then Ward is renewed on another one-year deal. Just don't see any other goalie that would agree to the same terms that Ward did for this season and may do again for the next.

There could always be a surprise in camp like Lankinen. Or a risk at bringing back Darling to see if being home again can rejuvenate his career a second time.

Hey guys, I read all the time but havent posted in awhile.

I have had this position for awhile but decided to make this petition today.

Mostly thinking itll go no where but maybe it catches fire haha anyway check it out:
http://chng.it/4mLfhstK6f

Basically the NHL standings and how they are calculated doesnt make much sense. I think it should be fixed.

I'm thinking the same thing: if Delia or even Forsberg (if resigned as an RFA) are still not ready to be the backup, then Ward is renewed on another one-year deal. Just don't see any other goalie that would agree to the same terms that Ward did for this season and may do again for the next.

There could always be a surprise in camp like Lankinen. Or a risk at bringing back Darling to see if being home again can rejuvenate his career a second time.
- AEL_Fox

The only way I would consider brining Darling back was if the Canes eat his salary.

Oh boy ... looks like Ted Dent may be in some trouble.

I think the "tank plan" you suggest would not sit as well with the players as you think it would, especially the veteran players. These guys are wired to play to win and any move to intentionally lose, no matter how nuanced it may be, will be seen for what it is by the players and it will leave a foul taste in their mouths going forward. They may know they don't have the horses to win the Cup but they want the best chance to see how far they can go - and that's exactly the attitude we fans should want from the players on our team.
- EbonyRaptor

Lets put the whole "TANK" theory to bed. - NOT DIRECTED AT YOU...BUT THIS WHOLE CONCEPT

IT NEVER HAPPENS. HOW COULD ANY TEAM, OWNERS/COACHES, TELL/MANAGE PLAYERS TO LOSE AND EXPECT ANY OF THEM TO WANT TO PLAY FOR THEM. COACHES RESUMES ARE JUDGED BY WINS AND LOSES, NOT FIRST OVERALL PICKS!!

ONLY ON THIS BOARD CAN DIPpoop FANS RATIONALIZE THAT SOMEHOW DRAFTING A PLAYER IN THE TOP 5 TO BE THE EQUIVALENT OF ANYTHING WORTH WHILE. AND SOMEHOW IT WOULD BE BETTER THAN BEING IN THE PLAYOFFS TODAY. CIRCLE JERKS OVER TEENAGERS AND WHAT WILL BE 3 YEARS FROM NOW IS ASS BACKWARDS THINKING. THE ODDS OF WINNING A CUP FOR ANYONE ARE VERY SMALL....THERE IS NO NEED TO DISCOUNT OUR GROUP AND GO ON RECORD AS SAYING AS MUCH...ITS A FREAKIN GIVEN!!!

I am sorry boys loser topics like this and whining about calls makes us all look like p**ssy$

Just like Q, many will sit and wring their hands and complain until they are given a roster of 15 Olympians again. Talk about entitlement. Me, I like watching my teams work hard, compete, grow and evolve. I will take effort over results any day. The last 4 months of hockey are better than any the last few years.

I tell you, fans will/can always rip players from time to time, but the vitriol which some attack and characterize players, of whom we are supposed to be fans of, is way out of proportion and embarrassing.

As always...I have said too much....

I like the practice lines.

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

Kane & Toews back together where they belong, especially this time of year. Sikura getting his real opportunity to make a name for himself. He still doesn't seem physically 100% NHL ready, but maybe the skill will win out.

Have to think that Caggiula could come back to that top line when he is ready or they could slot him in on line 4 instead of Kunitz.

Over the last 30 days, Gus is leading the team in ice-time and points. Not saying he plays a perfect game, but still think it is funny how many people whined about his 2 year extension about a year ago and it is a real bargain. I don't know what the long term play with be with him, but his trade value is gonna be solid if they do end up wanting to move him.

Gus having become the offensive dman for the Hawks, how about Murphy on the defensive side. Hands down he has become the best defensive D we have. Murphy (along with his usual partner Dahlstrom) have greatly taken the defensive load for the team. He is our most physical guy on the back end, blocks shots, plays consistent and chips in a few points. I think Murphy has really surpassed where he was last season.

The penalty kill continues to be a big concern for the team. I really hope they do something to address this. I don't think it is just personnel, something needs to change.

I'm thinking the same thing: if Delia or even Forsberg (if resigned as an RFA) are still not ready to be the backup, then Ward is renewed on another one-year deal. Just don't see any other goalie that would agree to the same terms that Ward did for this season and may do again for the next.

There could always be a surprise in camp like Lankinen. Or a risk at bringing back Darling to see if being home again can rejuvenate his career a second time.
- AEL_Fox

I wonder if Gravel signs and plays with Rockford.

I think Darling is homesick, but that is a chance I really wouldn't want to take.

I wonder if Gravel signs and plays with Rockford.

I think Darling is homesick, but that is a chance I really wouldn't want to take.
- I Am The Breadman

I think Darling couldn't handle the pressure of being a #1 goaltender on a team that had trouble scoring, so every goal he gave up was magnified.

I think Darling couldn't handle the pressure of being a #1 goaltender on a team that had trouble scoring, so every goal he gave up was magnified.
- LAHawk

I'm sure there are a few reasons, but I really hope he isn't back in alcohol. I hope he fully conquered those demons.