This is the main argument. There are those that argue, for the most talented players, as long as they can handle it physically, it is better to get to the NHL and learn there than it is to stay in the minors. The argument is that due to the size, speed and skill of the NHL you will learn quicker than in Jrs or AHL. The flipside to that argument is that for some players you will mentally break them and wreck them for the long term.

There are certain players who are mentally strong enough and have the ability to learn that adapt to the NHL game. Take Seth Jones and Drew Doughty as examples. They started in the NHL with no time in the AHL. Their first seasons they were toasted frequently on the defensive end. They learned and improved to become effective d-men at the NHL level. On the flip side you have a guy like Leddy, little AHL time yet 8-9 years into his career defensive play is still a question mark. He may be better this season, but still not good. My guess is that he is just not a real smart hockey player. He doesn't seem to grasp the concepts and improve. Gus is a guy with 4-5 years of minor hockey, yet still doesn't seem to get it.

Boqvist at the NHL level will be like most young defenseman (Dahlin) who will get beat regularly by veterans who understand the game better. If he can physically and mentally take the abuse that will be dished out at the top level, he will most definitely develop faster than he will in Jr's or even the AHL.
- TheTrob

To: your post to those who clamor for Boqvist to come aboard as soon as possible

Kurashev signs ATO with Hogs.
- AEL_Fox

what does it say for morale of the team and and particularly any players a Kurasev, R Johnson, Hagel replace in the line up? Is Knott goingbyo be re-signed?

R Johnson did not dtess in second game. Could be for sny numbet of reasons........Carlsson scratch/injury or sick? With Holland and D Sikura too the Icehogschave an offensive make over

what does it say for morale of the team and and particularly any players a Kurasev, R Johnson, Hagel replace in the line up? Is Knott goingbyo be re-signed?

R Johnson did not dtess in second game. Could be for sny numbet of reasons........Carlsson scratch/injury or sick? With Holland and D Sikura too the Icehogschave an offensive make over
- jhawk59

It says "play better" or you'll be replaced. They are in an uphill battle to make the playoffs - can't be worried about "feelings" at this time.

That's where my head is it at with Gustafsson's situation. What is the likelihood he has a repeat 60-point season? I'm sure he will be an offensive force but, as you alluded to, even a regression to 40 points next season can impact his trade value, especially if his defensive game stays the same.

His trade value is guaranteed to be high at the draft or in July. No guarantee it will be that high at the 2020 TDL or later.

This is where a hard decision by the front office andto just decide now (i.e. is Gustafsson a short-term Blackhawk or long-term) would really help the team's overall personnel. Make the decision now and live with the consequences later. It's not like the D prospect pool is dry of talent.
- AEL_Fox

Sell high at the draft but gm s know what kind of player gust is very good offensive and pp defense man with defensive deficiencies. What team needs a d man like him is the question and would not be afraid of trading in west or even the division. A 2nd a good prospect trade for a 3rd line center or a 1st but i would not extend him.

What to do about Gustafsson? Or better put - what is the best way to get the most value out of Gustafsson - keep him and re-sign him or trade him?

First, what is the expectation for 2019/20? Can the Hawks be a Cup contending team or will 2019/20 be another stepping stone toward Cup contending status in 2020/21 or later? The answer to that question plays into the decision on how best to use Gustafsson. If the Hawks will not be Cup contenders next season (and the odds are they will not be), then keeping Gustafsson and letting him get to UFA after 2019/20 is to waste the value he brings to the organization. So we're back to the only viable options are to either re-sign him or trade him.

On the re-sign him side of the equation - how much Cap space should be allocated to Gustafsson and will it be enough to re-sign a 60-point d-man? Especially considering the timing that Gustafsson's new AAV would come online the same time as DeBrincat, Strome, Kahun, Crawford (or replacement) and others. If the market determines Gustafsson should get $5M+ - can the Hawks afford that given the other Cap priorities? Especially considering the other d-prospects are more offensive than defensive meaning there would be a level of redundancy that doesn't address the need for better defensive d-men.

On the trade him of the equation - he would be one of the few attractive trade chips the Hawks have to use this off-season. A 60-point d-man with an AAV of $1.2M should be a plum choice for a team looking for offense from the back end even with there being only 1-year remaining on that contract.

I lean toward trading him, but if not - then be sure to re-sign him because having him play in a season we won't contend for the Cup only to see the Hawks get nothing for him when he leaves after next season is not good asset management.
- EbonyRaptor

Inially i was in the not going to trade him now but maybe later camp. i think our best defense next year includes Gus. I am intrigued, however, by the top six or so picks in the 2019 draft. I am curious if we should consider moving Gus and our own #1 for a#1 pick at #5 - #7. The power forward type available thete would be a wayvto grab a piece this team sorely lacks.

Elwood Park. Right on North Ave. Turn right into the lot and step back into the 60's. Or in your case, into the 60's

Also, its a beef stand.
- Elbows15

Okay, thanks.

How about Gustafsson and our 1st round pick for Trouba? Or something like that.
- EbonyRaptor

You have to strongly consider this. Trouba is pretty good and you aren't easily going to get as good a.dman anywhere - if you do, the price.is very high and not worthwhile to pursue.

Did ever fully recover from that big hit by brower a few years ago. He can still play but not as a top 4 d man. If he can play 15 to 18 minutes he can be effective. Plus a lot hard miles on him
- Scott1977

Toews reinvented his game to include being a faster skater. Seabrook never had the best skating technique and i question how much he would.be able to transform anything n his game. Skating is at the core of it all.

Peep’s, the hot dog place of my yoot was just torn down

I’ve since realized that it was never the greatest, but your first favorite always holds a special spot. And the lady who ran it, we called her Mrs. Peep, was a real trip. Fire engine red hair, and a shrill voice that I can still hear.
- Ogilthorpe2

For the most part, I agree. Jimmy's is still alive and kicking. I stop in 3-4 times a year. Still as good as ever. Prolly cause the same guys who were serving them up in my yute are still there.

It had to close for awhile back in the 80's when the CTA terminal that was next to it had a wall collapse on the old stand.

what does it say for morale of the team and and particularly any players a Kurasev, R Johnson, Hagel replace in the line up? Is Knott goingbyo be re-signed?

R Johnson did not dtess in second game. Could be for sny numbet of reasons........Carlsson scratch/injury or sick? With Holland and D Sikura too the Icehogschave an offensive make over
- jhawk59

It says most of you guys won't be here next year.

You have to strongly consider this. Trouba is pretty good and you aren't easily going to get as good a.dman anywhere - if you do, the price.is very high and not worthwhile to pursue.
- jhawk59

What other salary leaves to make room for a $7MM deal?

Given that the Hawks #1 pick is not going to be anything NHL ready any time soon, I would seriously consider Gus plus the pick for Trouba if someone could show me how he could be paid.

That's where my head is it at with Gustafsson's situation. What is the likelihood he has a repeat 60-point season? I'm sure he will be an offensive force but, as you alluded to, even a regression to 40 points next season can impact his trade value, especially if his defensive game stays the same.

His trade value is guaranteed to be high at the draft or in July. No guarantee it will be that high at the 2020 TDL or later.

This is where a hard decision by the front office to just decide now (i.e. is Gustafsson a short-term Blackhawk or long-term) would really help the team's overall personnel. Make the decision now and live with the consequences later. It's not like the D prospect pool is dry of talent.
- AEL_Fox

You really put forth the decision wretching. I sort.of suspect that Bowman is.enamorated with a skill offensive dman and Gus is that guy until someone else comes along who is also very good offensively. Could be Boqvist. There are other prospects good offensively but none quite are like what Gus or Boqvist bring.

Been to Dengeo's quite a bit. My wife loves gyros and liked theirs a lot.
- AEL_Fox

Yeah I grew up eating a lot from there. My sister used work there when she was in school. She always brought me food when she was getting off from work. It's gotten a bit pricey of late. But still good overall

With regards to the BK and McDonald's burger talk, I agree with Peanut Tillman. He said, "I'm not paying $1 for a burger." With that being said, White Castle is okay. It's a night of farts ...

What other salary leaves to make room for a $7MM deal?

Given that the Hawks #1 pick is not going to be anything NHL ready any time soon, I would seriously consider Gus plus the pick for Trouba if someone could show me how he could be paid.
- Return of the Roar

The Hawks can afford a $7M deal.

With regards to the BK and McDonald's burger talk, I agree with Peanut Tillman. He said, "I'm not paying $1 for a burger." With that being said, White Castle is okay. It's a night of farts ...
- I Am The Breadman

and a morning of the ramblin grimace

There's a good place up here called Doug's Delights. Only open in summer. I think they use a Vienna product, but could be wrong. Whatever it is it's natural casing.

Was opened by the same people who have a foodie place called Mabel Grey's that has won some awards.
- HawkintheD

Fat Johnnies...7400 s western Ave
Best Chicago dogs hands down

Tonight could be the endcof the playoff run for Arizona. They lace 'em up bs Las Vegas

Love your prospects hashtag would be a good name for an internet cite to check on progress of prospects. Q Hughes had two points early still in tonight's contest.

Fat Johnnies...7400 s western Ave
Best Chicago dogs hands down
- dpard

Hey Bob, any rumours?

The Hawks can afford a $7M deal.
- Elbows15

They should find a way to afford it.

Hey Bob, any rumours?
- paulr

Hearing whispers....nothing I can talk about yet....but its BIG!!!!

So, for some of the crowd, there is a young swedish boy fetish, scouring the web for videos...."does he play defense?"

Then today its Paul and Hawk going up and back about "meat"...

And for the hattrick, it has gone full blown sausage fest...or hot dog fest....3 or 4 pages of where you can get the best wiener in Chicago....

What the......

That's where my head is it at with Gustafsson's situation. What is the likelihood he has a repeat 60-point season? I'm sure he will be an offensive force but, as you alluded to, even a regression to 40 points next season can impact his trade value, especially if his defensive game stays the same.

His trade value is guaranteed to be high at the draft or in July. No guarantee it will be that high at the 2020 TDL or later.

This is where a hard decision by the front office to just decide now (i.e. is Gustafsson a short-term Blackhawk or long-term) would really help the team's overall personnel. Make the decision now and live with the consequences later. It's not like the D prospect pool is dry of talent.
- AEL_Fox

Speaking of D-Prospects...


https://mobile.twitter.co.../1113848708813283331?s=12

So, for some of the crowd, there is a young swedish boy fetish, scouring the web for videos...."does he play defense?"

Then today its Paul and Hawk going up and back about "meat"...

And for the hattrick, it has gone full blown sausage fest...or hot dog fest....3 or 4 pages of where you can get the best wiener in Chicago....

What the......
- TrueGrit

could always go back to the debate of whether you're a contrarian or just a plain old maroon

Cubs taking it on the chin again.