Bolland is a good example. He was an elite scorer in Juniors if I recall. Had to play defense to make an impact in the show.
- mohel

Good post and example. Entwistle is showing that he is reliable in every situation and strong in all zones. So if his offense isn't up to NHL standards, at least his defensive acumen and ability to shutdown the other team can be his calling card toward a regular spot.

That's what made Sikura more attractive as the year went along. He acknowledged himself that he needs to contribute all over the ice and be a factor in other ways, especially during his offensive dry spells. That will prove as a leg up this fall in training camp and beyond.

Don't really see this from Perlini, though. At least not yet. Have some hope for him.

I really don't think Perlini has proven that he can consistently play in the top 6. He seems to disappear in some games, then plays great the next.

Depends who it is and what kind of summer they have.

If the Hawks draft a guy like Cozen's and he bulks up over the summer and has an amazing training camp, then sure.

I'm not banking on it though.

My guess is whomever the Hawks take at #3 is playing for them 2020-21 at the earliest.
- Tyler Cameron

From everything I have read Turcote and bowen are the closet to being NHL players both have some size strength and both play enough D to be passable probably. Cozens skinny and dach maybe a step slow, Zeg more of a pass 1st guy.

From everything I have read Turcote and bowen are the closet to being NHL players both have some size strength and both play enough D to be passable probably. Cozens skinny and dach maybe a step slow, Zeg more of a pass 1st guy.
- kmw4631

You may be right. Turcotte is NCAA bound though. I say he plays at least 1 year there.

I really don't think Perlini has proven that he can consistently play in the top 6. He seems to disappear in some games, then plays great the next.
- Boisy12

I think you are right. He is still young so maybe he figures it out, but I feel like his game away from the puck is the biggest issue. He was effective at scoring goals based on the icetime he had, but there wasn't much else to his game that allowed him to get more opportunity.

I wouldn't be mad if they drafted a center either. Fortunately they are in a great position to get a solid player.
- frafra

Agree just think drafting another d man is overkill plus to me if they did draft another d man what does that say about the other d man they have drafted maybe they think some won't pan out or maybe nothing. Here a crazy idea select bryam at 3 trade boquist to L.A. for 5th and take a center and no i m not high.

going back to Penn State next year, has an injury that will take 2-3 months to heal.
- LAHawk

Thanks. I had a vague memory that he was saying in college, but I couldn't remember. I hope he has a good season.

I really don't think Perlini has proven that he can consistently play in the top 6. He seems to disappear in some games, then plays great the next.
- Boisy12

True but he has top 6 talent, hopefully he matures mentally.

Hope Strome really is staying in Chicago to work out with ADB this year.
- LAHawk

ADB has likely earned himself a long-term big money deal. Strome's situation isn't so clear. A year ago, many of us, including myself, would have signed Schmaltz to a 6 year, $6 million (per) contract and that would have been a mistake. Strome's game with Chicago has been far better than Schmaltz's, but there is still the risk because he's only played that level for 58 games. I would expect a bridge deal for Strome, maybe 2-3 years or whatever it takes as long as he remains an RFA at the end. Right or wrong, Schmaltz's $5.85 million will be used as a comparable for Strome's next contract.

Agree just think drafting another d man is overkill plus to me if they did draft another d man what does that say about the other d man they have drafted maybe they think some won't pan out or maybe nothing. Here a crazy idea select bryam at 3 trade boquist to L.A. for 5th and take a center and no i m not high.
- Scott1977

I get that thinking...but if they drafter another top D, they could have a special blue line a few years from now. If they are gonna go out and trade or sign a defenseman this off season, I wouldn't be opposed to them drafting another for down the road. I would also be fine with them landing a big time center. Again, they are in a good spot to get a nice piece for the future.

You may be right. Turcotte is NCAA bound though. I say he plays at least 1 year there.
- Tyler Cameron

We shouldn't forget about Barratt. I think he is a middle six impact player for the Hawks in a few years.

That 2017 draft class could be awfully special. Especially with Enwhistle added to it!!!

Really the question is how much longer can Toews and Kane remain elite or near elite?There is real help coming but it is still 1-2 years away.

Bergeron is 33 and had a down year 2 years ago but looks every bit as good as he ever has... all goes to plan Kane and Toews at 34 should still be elite guys.

Even if the Hawks could find another strong offensive forward to play with Kane (i.e. not necessarily Panarin given how unrealistic he is financially), I would also prefer creating 3 duos and build out from them to form 3 strong lines to go along with a shutdown 4th line. Just as an example:

Saad - Toews - RW
LW - Anisimov - Kane
DeBrincat - Strome - RW
Caggiula - Kampf - RW

Internal options: Sikura, Kahun, Perlini, Hayden, possibly Kubalik if he finally signs

External options: lots of names thrown around these boards

Although I don't mind Anisimov since he does contribute, he isn't a fixture either. I would replace him only if the player coming in is a substantive upgrade. Pretend that Panarin does come back, though, then line him up with Kane and Anisimov.
- AEL_Fox

I would guess pretty close to the same.

Saad, Toews, X (200' line with some offense)
ADB, Strome, Kane (offensive line)
X, X, X (good 3rd line with players like Sikura, Kahun, AA)
Caggiula, Kampf, X (second 200' line with high motors, physicality and a little offense
X (extra forward)

So 6 X's out of 13 forwards.
1) AA is one of the X's if he is not traded.
2) Kahun is one of the X's.
3) A gritty veteran 200' 4th line RW is one of the X's (via free agency or trade).
4) One of the X's a 1RW via trade, FA or #3 pick in the draft (if really lucky).
5 & 6) training camp audition - Sikura, Perlini, Kubalik, Entwistle, Hayden, Highmore, Kurashev, Nilsson, Versteeg

Blackhawks #3 pick in draft should be on team this coming season too, right???
- BlackhawkMike

Doubtful but, he could.

Heck, not many here thought an undersized, 2nd round pick in Alex DeBrincat would not only make the team out of camp but, score goals and stay healthy enough to play 2 complete 82 game seasons.

I get that thinking...but if they drafter another top D, they could have a special blue line a few years from now. If they are gonna go out and trade or sign a defenseman this off season, I wouldn't be opposed to them drafting another for down the road. I would also be fine with them landing a big time center. Again, they are in a good spot to get a nice piece for the future.
- frafra

Agree. Too many young solid to great defenders is a good problem to have. If you get too many really good defenders you can trade one for a really good winger. When drafting you take the BPA and they either help your team by playing really well for the you or as a trade piece to get a player that you need at another position.

You may be right. Turcotte is NCAA bound though. I say he plays at least 1 year there.
- Tyler Cameron

Hi, Ty. I think they should draft the guy who they believe will be the best player in 2-3 years rather than the guy closest to the NHL this year. Maybe they're the same guy.

Signing RFA's like Koekkoek, Forsling, Perlini, Ejdsell at low prices that can be stashed in Rockford or traded (getting next to nothing in return) would seem to create depth and competition in the organization. They also can buy time until some of our younger players are ready. Of course there are limits to the number of players you can have under contract and you do not want to sign players that you think have no potential or that block other players.

We shouldn't forget about Barratt. I think he is a middle six impact player for the Hawks in a few years.

That 2017 draft class could be awfully special. Especially with Enwhistle added to it!!!

Really the question is how much longer can Toews and Kane remain elite or near elite?There is real help coming but it is still 1-2 years away.

Bergeron is 33 and had a down year 2 years ago but looks every bit as good as he ever has... all goes to plan Kane and Toews at 34 should still be elite guys.
- bhawks2241

Ovechkin 34, Crosby 31, Kessel 31, Backstrom 31, Krecji 32, Radulov 32, Malkin 32, Justin Williams 36, Kopitar, Pavelski, Parise, all over 30 in the top 75 in forward scoring this year.

Blackhawks #3 pick in draft should be on team this coming season too, right???
- BlackhawkMike

No but the pick should be contributor in near future. Outside of Hughes and Kakko there ain´t NHL ready players left.

Blackhawks #3 pick in draft should be on team this coming season too, right???
- BlackhawkMike

Only if they draft Cole Caufield.

We shouldn't forget about Barratt. I think he is a middle six impact player for the Hawks in a few years.

That 2017 draft class could be awfully special. Especially with Enwhistle added to it!!!

Really the question is how much longer can Toews and Kane remain elite or near elite?There is real help coming but it is still 1-2 years away.

Bergeron is 33 and had a down year 2 years ago but looks every bit as good as he ever has... all goes to plan Kane and Toews at 34 should still be elite guys.
- bhawks2241

A lot of forecasting with margin for error for not coming true but a future 3rd line of Entwistle, Kurashev, and Barratt would be killer given their skill sets and playing styles. All 3 have center experience as well.

I would guess pretty close to the same.

Saad, Toews, X (200' line with some offense)
ADB, Strome, Kane (offensive line)
X, X, X (good 3rd line with players like Sikura, Kahun, AA)
Caggiula, Kampf, X (second 200' line with high motors, physicality and a little offense
X (extra forward)

So 6 X's out of 13 forwards.
1) AA is one of the X's if he is not traded.
2) Kahun is one of the X's.
3) A gritty veteran 200' 4th line RW is one of the X's (via free agency or trade).
4) One of the X's a 1RW via trade, FA or #3 pick in the draft (if really lucky).
5 & 6) training camp audition - Sikura, Perlini, Kubalik, Entwistle, Hayden, Highmore, Kurashev, Nilsson, Versteeg
- -Doh-

What you outlined as a projected starting base for forward lines is more realistic given the current roster with the possibility of Kane playing with Toews and Saad for the nuclear option. Not a fan of going nuclear and would prefer to balance out the lines.

We shall see what happens this summer with the draft, free agency, and trades to shape up the forward ranks as well as the blueline. Backup goalie, too, if Crawford's health my prevent him from playing regularly next season and/or the team doesn't think Delia is ready to be a full-time backup.

ADB has likely earned himself a long-term big money deal. Strome's situation isn't so clear. A year ago, many of us, including myself, would have signed Schmaltz to a 6 year, $6 million (per) contract and that would have been a mistake. Strome's game with Chicago has been far better than Schmaltz's, but there is still the risk because he's only played that level for 58 games. I would expect a bridge deal for Strome, maybe 2-3 years or whatever it takes as long as he remains an RFA at the end. Right or wrong, Schmaltz's $5.85 million will be used as a comparable for Strome's next contract.
- DarthKane

That is about 40 more games than Schmaltz played at that level.

Feels like they stole him from Arizona. I hope he pans out to be as good as projected. Makes me wonder why Arizona gave him up.
- frafra

Because they're Arizona.

Ty, Dennis Gilbert seems to have the size and toughness that other Hawks D prospects don't. Despite his 1 game call-up, he never is mentioned as a D-man possibility (including in your post.) Why is that? Is he too slow? What are his deficiencies?

What you outlined as a projected starting base for forward lines is more realistic given the current roster with the possibility of Kane playing with Toews and Saad for the nuclear option. Not a fan of going nuclear and would prefer to balance out the lines.

We shall see what happens this summer with the draft, free agency, and trades to shape up the forward ranks as well as the blueline. Backup goalie, too, if Crawford's health my prevent him from playing regularly next season and/or the team doesn't think Delia is ready to be a full-time backup.
- AEL_Fox

Obviously I'm speculating, but I wouldn't rule out Stan going a bit nuclear and dealing a number of guys out (Saad, AA, Gus/Murphy, some of the D prospects). He's noted on a couple occasions that the roster is not going to look the same next year. It appears that they want to remake the roster/lines a bit so I think anything is open. Next few months will be fun to watch.