damn it...wrong team...
- bogiedoc

First final win in franchise history.

Right team won - long series.

First final win in franchise history.

Right team won - long series.
- StLBravesFan

hopefully their last in this series...

That's a good start. Now...how to upgrade the D? I assume we'd have to package the picks acquired in the Anisimov trade you mentioned along with some other assets. Gus? One of the younger D prospects?
- Ron Swanson

UFAs is one route to change up the D. No to the high-end free agents like Karlsson, Myers, and Gardiner some of whom really don't play reliable defense. But consider Stralman on a 2-year deal at a decent AAV with no NTC (not sure if that's doable but worth a shot).

Chiarot is an option but may be too expensive for a 2nd tier defender who is still in his late 20's and may desire term.

More affordable options are Nemeth, Benn, Polak, and perhaps McQuaid.

If going the trade route, a hockey trade is likely necessary to get quality, especially top 3 caliber. Someone mentioned in the prior blog how Zucker may be disgruntled in Minny and has the same agent as Spurgeon. Both of those guys would be upgrades to the Hawks lineup if an inter-division trade could be had.

As far as prospects, Jokiharju is perhaps the only one who is ready. Carlsson and/or Gilbert possibly later as a call up due to injury. Everyone else needs seasoning in Rockford.

First final win in franchise history.

Right team won - long series.
- StLBravesFan

The Blues are never the right team. Ever.

The Blues are never the right team. Ever.
- Ogilthorpe2

(frank)'em

First final win in franchise history.

Right team won - long series.
- StLBravesFan

I really hope the Bruins lose. Would rather see the Blues get one.

I really hope the Bruins lose. Would rather see the Blues get one.
- breadbag

(frank) no.

The Blues are my least favorite franchise in all of sports, and it isn’t even close.

another coach recycle: tippet to the oil...

it so tiring to see the nhl coaching shuffle...same guys getting hired and fired...

honestly i like what the hawks did with hiring JC instead of some retread coach..its bold and refreshing
- bogiedoc

Tanner is that you?

You must of hated it when the Hawks hired Q after being fired twice.

My list was down to 2 for our #3 pick now it's 4:

Bowen Byram
Dylan Cozens
Alex Turcotte
Trevor Zegras

I like the addition of Byram as long as we make another corresponding move(s) to trade Gus and others and acquire another #1.

Cozens is what I think this team needs.

Turcotte was added because too many comparisons to JT.

Zegras added because apparently he is moving up on the CBH boards.

Hawks need some more fat guys
- hereismike1

I think you may have been looking for the wording - "chubby but effective".

I was hoping for a special appearance by Rene....
- StLBravesFan

Me too. Maybe in Game 5?

Blues came out and just owned the Bruins for the first four minutes of OT for the win. Fun game to watch.
- Chief4Feathers

Actually, for almost the entire game. I love the Hawks, but the Blues are a hell of a team that is playing old school, take-no-prisoners tough hockey, just like Berube did when he played. I wish the Hawks had the players, and philosophy, to play their style. Fun to be the hitter instead of the hittee !

Who is playing lw with toews and kane?

? Toews kane
Dcat strome perilini
Saad AA(IF not traded) kauhn
Kubalik kampf Caggulia
Hayden
Keith joki
? Murphy
Gus Seabrook
Koko
Crawford
?
So thats 3 spots not filled plus the lack of physical players and players who help with the pk rather have solid pk than a solid pp. So bowman needs to make this team into a contender not just a good regular season team big difference. Time will tell what happens. Saad is only traded if a top 3 d man is coming back other than that no his size speed and game are taliored for the playoffs.
- Scott1977

All just my opinion...long winded and I could be dead wrong, but If no trades...

Cagguila fit really well with Toews-Kane. That top line only changed because Cagguila got concussed, but it was effective and they went back to it after Cagguila was healthy. Unless something changes, I think JC goes back to that as line 1. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

It is hard to say without additions to the lineup, but let's take a depth chart approach rather than try to make lines

LW is looking stronger, Kubalik to me is gonna be top 9 material as long as he has the smarts to not get lost defensively.

DeBrincat
Saad
Kubalik
Cagguila

Some LW Dark Horses
Hagel - Can't deny his Jr success, maybe he figures it out as a pro.
Soderlund - Could still be a useful bottom 6 guy.
Versteeg - He is signed with Rockford, but I think he will get a shot to earn an NHL job again. I think his hip injury slowed him down, but I heard he was doing better. I don't think it is outside the realm of possibility that he finds a job in the bottom 6. Stranger things have happened.
The light is fading but maybe Fortin/Hayden/Highmore play some 4th line type minutes.


RW

Kane
Kahun - Does a good poor man's Kane impersonation of playmaking on line 2 and might just show he is even more comfortable/complete with his adjustment to NA in year 2.
Sikura - The kid took some big strides last year and he was looking like he doesn't belong in Rockford anymore.
Perlini - The guy has tools, but I don't know if his awareness will match. I think he might get traded.

Dark Horses
Entwistle - looks like he might be a useful player in the future. The type of guy the Hawks need once he is ready.
R Johnson - Hard working guy that could find his way as a 4th liner or depth guy.
Wedin - Not too sure about him, but they did go out and sign him and maybe he will be a surprise coming off a career year overseas.


C - Would be nice to have another option here, even if they play wing at times.

Toews
Strome
Anisimov
Kampf

Dark Horses - Harder to call here because some guys will end up on wing.
Kurashev - I really think this guy is closer to the NHL than people realize. I've heard he is actually decent at faceoffs, but maybe he ends up a winger.
Nilsson - One of the better Rockford forwards and might bring some defensive play to the Hawks. Maybe he slots as W.
L Johnson - Maybe he will get another change to be a 4C or depth C, but the ship is sailing I think.

On D - We know they need a bit more work and I might get a couple up and coming guys on the wrong side.

Keith - Still gonna be one of the top minute guys for the Hawks, but the clock is ticking on his age.
Murphy - Arguably the best defensive Dman the Hawks had in terms of the matchups and how he did. No fluke that the team got better when he returned. I really hope they don't trade him.
Gus - Love him or hate him, he was a top minute guy for the Hawks. It could change, but I think if he isn't traded he will probably be in the top 2-3 minutes played per game. He won't be a shutdown guy, but there is value in how he joins the rush.
Joki - Crushed it when he was sent down and maybe he can play with more consistency, strength and show he got some of those rookie mistakes out of his system. The Hawks chances really go up if he is the real deal.
Seabrook - One of the warriors and best all round Dmen we've ever had. I really want to see him get back to the physical state he needs to be. I know there were rumors going that the Hawks were pushing for him to have a better off season. Nearing 1100 games, we just might not get much more out of him.

Forsling - Hawks might get tired of waiting on this young guy.
Koekkoek - Didn't look like more than a #7 guy to me.
Dahlstrom - Had some good games, but I don't know if he is more than a Fringe guy at the end of the day.

I'm not sure who could really make it on D, There are a lot of names in the system and maybe Carlsson/Gilbert are the closest to getting some bottom pair minutes. It is unclear if any of the young guys will surprise a bit like Joki did.

Overall, I think the forwards could use a RW addition to bolster it and it would be great to have some insurance at C. If AA is traded,I hope the Hawks get a new 3C and or another C option (even if it is a call up) but I think they need that depth. Some might be minor deals and not guessing on return but most likely to be traded to me are AA, Gus, Forsling, Hayden, Perlini, Hillman, Gilbert, Knott, Fortin,

A less flashy off season move but...

Sign Patrick Nemith to play D on the PK. He might not be a clear top 4, but he would be a #5 that can really fill a need. Maybe he can play top 4 with the right partner. He is physical, was a league leader (top 10) in terms of PK minutes while being fairly effective on the PK, and at 5on5 was a near even possession player while getting a big slant of Defensive Zone time. Low risk guy to sign IMO. Clear cut top 4 guys don't grow on trees, but if the Hawks make some moves, this guy could be a PK guy that helps it improve IMO.

All just my opinion...long winded and I could be dead wrong, but If no trades...

Cagguila fit really well with Toews-Kane. That top line only changed because Cagguila got concussed, but it was effective and they went back to it after Cagguila was healthy. Unless something changes, I think JC goes back to that as line 1. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

It is hard to say without additions to the lineup, but let's take a depth chart approach rather than try to make lines

LW is looking stronger, Kubalik to me is gonna be top 9 material as long as he has the smarts to not get lost defensively.

DeBrincat
Saad
Kubalik
Cagguila

Some LW Dark Horses
Hagel - Can't deny his Jr success, maybe he figures it out as a pro.
Soderlund - Could still be a useful bottom 6 guy.
Versteeg - He is signed with Rockford, but I think he will get a shot to earn an NHL job again. I think his hip injury slowed him down, but I heard he was doing better. I don't think it is outside the realm of possibility that he finds a job in the bottom 6. Stranger things have happened.
The light is fading but maybe Fortin/Hayden/Highmore play some 4th line type minutes.


RW

Kane
Kahun - Does a good poor man's Kane impersonation of playmaking on line 2 and might just show he is even more comfortable/complete with his adjustment to NA in year 2.
Sikura - The kid took some big strides last year and he was looking like he doesn't belong in Rockford anymore.
Perlini - The guy has tools, but I don't know if his awareness will match. I think he might get traded.

Dark Horses
Entwistle - looks like he might be a useful player in the future. The type of guy the Hawks need once he is ready.
R Johnson - Hard working guy that could find his way as a 4th liner or depth guy.
Wedin - Not too sure about him, but they did go out and sign him and maybe he will be a surprise coming off a career year overseas.


C - Would be nice to have another option here, even if they play wing at times.

Toews
Strome
Anisimov
Kampf

Dark Horses - Harder to call here because some guys will end up on wing.
Kurashev - I really think this guy is closer to the NHL than people realize. I've heard he is actually decent at faceoffs, but maybe he ends up a winger.
Nilsson - One of the better Rockford forwards and might bring some defensive play to the Hawks. Maybe he slots as W.
L Johnson - Maybe he will get another change to be a 4C or depth C, but the ship is sailing I think.

On D - We know they need a bit more work and I might get a couple up and coming guys on the wrong side.

Keith - Still gonna be one of the top minute guys for the Hawks, but the clock is ticking on his age.
Murphy - Arguably the best defensive Dman the Hawks had in terms of the matchups and how he did. No fluke that the team got better when he returned. I really hope they don't trade him.
Gus - Love him or hate him, he was a top minute guy for the Hawks. It could change, but I think if he isn't traded he will probably be in the top 2-3 minutes played per game. He won't be a shutdown guy, but there is value in how he joins the rush.
Joki - Crushed it when he was sent down and maybe he can play with more consistency, strength and show he got some of those rookie mistakes out of his system. The Hawks chances really go up if he is the real deal.
Seabrook - One of the warriors and best all round Dmen we've ever had. I really want to see him get back to the physical state he needs to be. I know there were rumors going that the Hawks were pushing for him to have a better off season. Nearing 1100 games, we just might not get much more out of him.

Forsling - Hawks might get tired of waiting on this young guy.
Koekkoek - Didn't look like more than a #7 guy to me.
Dahlstrom - Had some good games, but I don't know if he is more than a Fringe guy at the end of the day.

I'm not sure who could really make it on D, There are a lot of names in the system and maybe Carlsson/Gilbert are the closest to getting some bottom pair minutes. It is unclear if any of the young guys will surprise a bit like Joki did.

Overall, I think the forwards could use a RW addition to bolster it and it would be great to have some insurance at C. If AA is traded,I hope the Hawks get a new 3C and or another C option (even if it is a call up) but I think they need that depth. Some might be minor deals and not guessing on return but most likely to be traded to me are AA, Gus, Forsling, Hayden, Perlini, Hillman, Gilbert, Knott, Fortin,

A less flashy off season move but...

Sign Patrick Nemith to play D on the PK. He might not be a clear top 4, but he would be a #5 that can really fill a need. Maybe he can play top 4 with the right partner. He is physical, was a league leader in terms of PK minutes while being fairly effective on the PK, and at 5on5 was a near even possession player while getting a big slant of Defensive Zone time. Low risk guy to sign IMO. Clear cut top 4 guys don't grow on trees, but if the Hawks make some moves, this guy could be a PK guy that helps it improve IMO.
- breadbag

You had me at "long winded".

I do think it is a bit of a reach to take him, but the main reason I think they won't is just because we have good sneaky shooters on the wings in DeBrincat and Kane. While this kid doesn't get held back by his size, I think our need up front will be for someone who can be more physically hard to contain. Toews isn't getting any younger, Hossa is long gone and the next wave of Hawks forwards will need some of those guys who are above average at NHL board battles and getting position around the net, plus have skill to do the damage. Not a knock on Caufield, just that I think the Hawks need more variety in skillset up front.
- breadbag

I do think it is a bit of a challenge for the development of each of their deep pool of defensemen if you draft him [Bertram]. You would agree that the hope is for threesome of Boqvist, Beaudin, Mitchell to ascend into top two pairings. Carlsson and Gilbert ticketed for complimentary partners in bottom pair(s). Jokiharju though might be the leader as a possible top pair guy. Alright then you cannot dress so many young dmen as a group..Add or subtract whomever but you need a veteran or two minimum. The veterans are R\L shots and the kids are R\L handed? What side does your Bertram fire away?

So adding another dman eh?!

Tanner is that you?

You must of hated it when the Hawks hired Q after being fired twice.
- gramps

for every Q...there are 10 fails

lets name a few over the last 10 years: carlyle, yeo, mclenan, boudreau, tippet, hitchcock, vigneualt, toterella, deboer...on it goes..

I get it teams are looking for that match between their rosters and a coach...

but for the most part coaches are pawns and pay the price for the failure of management or the players or both

Actually, for almost the entire game. I love the Hawks, but the Blues are a hell of a team that is playing old school, take-no-prisoners tough hockey, just like Berube did when he played. I wish the Hawks had the players, and philosophy, to play their style. Fun to be the hitter instead of the hittee !
- BMWChiFan

Hitter vs hittee? Not so sure about that. Ask Ryan Kesler and ANA how fun the handshake line was for them in the conf finals in ‘15.

I’ll take the philosophy that prioritizes winning vs inflated hit totals. Granted the Hawks could use a bit more sandpaper throughout the lineup, but the hittee who can absorb a hit and make plays is just as if not more valuable than the big hitter...IMHO.

Edit -Also not a comment on what the Blues are doing and would prefer them *pukes in mouth* over the Bruins.

Actually, for almost the entire game. I love the Hawks, but the Blues are a hell of a team that is playing old school, take-no-prisoners tough hockey, just like Berube did when he played. I wish the Hawks had the players, and philosophy, to play their style. Fun to be the hitter instead of the hittee !
- BMWChiFan

I prefer winner over loser and the Hawks won 3 cups despite being outhit when they won 2 of them and so far the Blues with all the hitting have won Jack poop.

All just my opinion...long winded and I could be dead wrong, but If no trades...

Cagguila fit really well with Toews-Kane. That top line only changed because Cagguila got concussed, but it was effective and they went back to it after Cagguila was healthy. Unless something changes, I think JC goes back to that as line 1. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

It is hard to say without additions to the lineup, but let's take a depth chart approach rather than try to make lines

LW is looking stronger, Kubalik to me is gonna be top 9 material as long as he has the smarts to not get lost defensively.

DeBrincat
Saad
Kubalik
Cagguila

Some LW Dark Horses
Hagel - Can't deny his Jr success, maybe he figures it out as a pro.
Soderlund - Could still be a useful bottom 6 guy.
Versteeg - He is signed with Rockford, but I think he will get a shot to earn an NHL job again. I think his hip injury slowed him down, but I heard he was doing better. I don't think it is outside the realm of possibility that he finds a job in the bottom 6. Stranger things have happened.
The light is fading but maybe Fortin/Hayden/Highmore play some 4th line type minutes.


RW

Kane
Kahun - Does a good poor man's Kane impersonation of playmaking on line 2 and might just show he is even more comfortable/complete with his adjustment to NA in year 2.
Sikura - The kid took some big strides last year and he was looking like he doesn't belong in Rockford anymore.
Perlini - The guy has tools, but I don't know if his awareness will match. I think he might get traded.

Dark Horses
Entwistle - looks like he might be a useful player in the future. The type of guy the Hawks need once he is ready.
R Johnson - Hard working guy that could find his way as a 4th liner or depth guy.
Wedin - Not too sure about him, but they did go out and sign him and maybe he will be a surprise coming off a career year overseas.


C - Would be nice to have another option here, even if they play wing at times.

Toews
Strome
Anisimov
Kampf

Dark Horses - Harder to call here because some guys will end up on wing.
Kurashev - I really think this guy is closer to the NHL than people realize. I've heard he is actually decent at faceoffs, but maybe he ends up a winger.
Nilsson - One of the better Rockford forwards and might bring some defensive play to the Hawks. Maybe he slots as W.
L Johnson - Maybe he will get another change to be a 4C or depth C, but the ship is sailing I think.

On D - We know they need a bit more work and I might get a couple up and coming guys on the wrong side.

Keith - Still gonna be one of the top minute guys for the Hawks, but the clock is ticking on his age.
Murphy - Arguably the best defensive Dman the Hawks had in terms of the matchups and how he did. No fluke that the team got better when he returned. I really hope they don't trade him.
Gus - Love him or hate him, he was a top minute guy for the Hawks. It could change, but I think if he isn't traded he will probably be in the top 2-3 minutes played per game. He won't be a shutdown guy, but there is value in how he joins the rush.
Joki - Crushed it when he was sent down and maybe he can play with more consistency, strength and show he got some of those rookie mistakes out of his system. The Hawks chances really go up if he is the real deal.
Seabrook - One of the warriors and best all round Dmen we've ever had. I really want to see him get back to the physical state he needs to be. I know there were rumors going that the Hawks were pushing for him to have a better off season. Nearing 1100 games, we just might not get much more out of him.

Forsling - Hawks might get tired of waiting on this young guy.
Koekkoek - Didn't look like more than a #7 guy to me.
Dahlstrom - Had some good games, but I don't know if he is more than a Fringe guy at the end of the day.

I'm not sure who could really make it on D, There are a lot of names in the system and maybe Carlsson/Gilbert are the closest to getting some bottom pair minutes. It is unclear if any of the young guys will surprise a bit like Joki did.

Overall, I think the forwards could use a RW addition to bolster it and it would be great to have some insurance at C. If AA is traded,I hope the Hawks get a new 3C and or another C option (even if it is a call up) but I think they need that depth. Some might be minor deals and not guessing on return but most likely to be traded to me are AA, Gus, Forsling, Hayden, Perlini, Hillman, Gilbert, Knott, Fortin,

A less flashy off season move but...

Sign Patrick Nemith to play D on the PK. He might not be a clear top 4, but he would be a #5 that can really fill a need. Maybe he can play top 4 with the right partner. He is physical, was a league leader (top 10) in terms of PK minutes while being fairly effective on the PK, and at 5on5 was a near even possession player while getting a big slant of Defensive Zone time. Low risk guy to sign IMO. Clear cut top 4 guys don't grow on trees, but if the Hawks make some moves, this guy could be a PK guy that helps it improve IMO.
- breadbag

Even though doubtful, if the Hawks have to figure out an "as is" lineup, we should start discussing prospects for the 2020 draft because it might be another top three draft position.

Koekkoek’s underlying numbers were significantly better than Forsling and Dahlstrom. Sea brook too, for that matter. He’s a cheap 6-7 that allows you to move Forsling for something at the draft.
- scottak

Koekkoek is this year's Brandin Davidson. He will be sent down to Rockford if he doesn't make the team and stored there until needed.

Or... he may make the team as a 7th D.

All depends on how everything shakes out over the summer.

UFAs is one route to change up the D. No to the high-end free agents like Karlsson, Myers, and Gardiner some of whom really don't play reliable defense. But consider Stralman on a 2-year deal at a decent AAV with no NTC (not sure if that's doable but worth a shot).

Chiarot is an option but may be too expensive for a 2nd tier defender who is still in his late 20's and may desire term.

More affordable options are Nemeth, Benn, Polak, and perhaps McQuaid.

If going the trade route, a hockey trade is likely necessary to get quality, especially top 3 caliber. Someone mentioned in the prior blog how Zucker may be disgruntled in Minny and has the same agent as Spurgeon. Both of those guys would be upgrades to the Hawks lineup if an inter-division trade could be had.

As far as prospects, Jokiharju is perhaps the only one who is ready. Carlsson and/or Gilbert possibly later as a call up due to injury. Everyone else needs seasoning in Rockford.
- AEL_Fox

You didn't mention Alex Edler.

I hear the Hawks will kick the tires on him if he doesn't sign in Van.

A veteran 2-way (Swedish) dman.

The only sticking point will be $/term. Think Hawks could pay him in his range if he agress to a 2 year deal.

You had me at "long winded".
- BMWChiFan

Me too!

Could the Hawks have just offered former Habs defenceman Andrei Markov a one year contract?

Koekkoek is this year's Brandin Davidson. He will be sent down to Rockford if he doesn't make the team and stored there until needed.

Or... he may make the team as a 7th D.

All depends on how everything shakes out over the summer.
- Tyler Cameron

I'd like to see him turn his career around like Strome. He was a fairly sought after junior prospect who's career hasn't gained traction. He has some of the tools, he skates well, he has a big shot, he's willing to get involved physically does he have the hockey smarts to take the next step? He has to know this is the best chance for him to be a regular NHLer if he can put it all together.

You didn't mention Alex Edler.

I hear the Hawks will kick the tires on him if he doesn't sign in Van.

A veteran 2-way (Swedish) dman.

The only sticking point will be $/term. Think Hawks could pay him in his range if he agress to a 2 year deal.
- Tyler Cameron

I support this move of it happens...helps pp and pk. would not give a 3 year deal or NT...my guess thats what he will demand...

Me too!

Could the Hawks have just offered former Habs defenceman Andrei Markov a one year contract?
- wiz1901

Looks like Markov has had some NHL offers.

Wiz you hear that the Hawks are in on him? I haven't heard any connection but would be interesting.