In an attempt to be Switzerland here, Kessel had a lot of consideration for the Conn Smythe a few years ago as he lit it up. And the following year he didn't do poop and now he's older. But for a year or two he might be the lightning in a bottle as they say because he can shoot the pill.

I'm not a Saad guy, don't like his IQ for his salary and his aloofness. So if they can get something good for him then see ya later.
- 6628

I threw it out as a possible logical trade.

The 31st in goals against has a helluva lot more to do with the dumpster fire they put out their on the back end. Sure forwards blew some coverage but when you have technically EVERY D man on this team slotted over their current slots.....you get trouble and that's not going away as Keith/Seabrook get older....You don't have a bonafide 1 or 2 on this team anymore. You have 3-7s and that's the issue.

Brandon Saad....the greatest 200 ft player in the history of this franchise.

That is a lot of bodies on D with Keith and Seabrook still here.
- 67hawks

The D isn't as crowded as we think. Keith, Seabrook and Murphy and there for sure. Jokiharju is likely there but it's not a guarantee. Forsling, 4K and Dahlstrom are not locks and could easily be dealt, waived or send to Rockford.

It looked like Pritzker sang the anthem.
- 6628

You kill me...….

I thought the same thing watching the game......well done. Chara was bad.....sad to see. Great player who needs to hang them up. Game and speed has passed him by. All he can do now is stand there and chop the living hell out of people. Tarasenko out muscled him for the 1st goal......

The D isn't as crowded as we think. Keith, Seabrook and Murphy and there for sure. Jokiharju is likely there but it's not a guarantee. Forsling, 4K and Dahlstrom are not locks and could easily be dealt, waived or send to Rockford.
- DarthKane

Not correct....they all have to pass through waivers first.

So....would any of them be claimed? Dahlstrom, Forsling, Koekkoek…..who knows but that's a risk Bowman would have to take.

Not correct....they all have to pass through waivers first.

So....would any of them be claimed? Dahlstrom, Forsling, Koekkoek…..who knows but that's a risk Bowman would have to take.
- SteveRain

Yes, it was correct. I said they could easily be dealt, waived or sent to Rockford. Dahlstrom doesn't require going through waivers so he falls into the "sent to Rockford" category. Forsling and Koekkoek would go through waivers. All three could be dealt.

I’d recommend you check out the Bolts blog and it’s recent analysis on Stralman (along with the rest of their UFA dmen) - his numbers aren’t that encouraging. I think we’d all eventually be disappointed if he made it over to the Hawks.
- Chief4Feathers

Thanks for the tip.. things sound pretty grim in Tampa! Suggested do not retain on Girardi, Stralman and Coburn (unless $2m or less).

I'm assuming we will not sign EK or pull off a trade for a star defenseman, so my assumption is that it will be a bit of defense by committee. I'm not expecting Stralman to come in and be the top-4 D that we need.. BUT if we can add him and another veteran with (hopefully) more in the tank maybe we'll have enough depth.

All of this is wishful thinking on my part. Hope springs eternal, as they say!

The D isn't as crowded as we think. Keith, Seabrook and Murphy and there for sure. Jokiharju is likely there but it's not a guarantee. Forsling, 4K and Dahlstrom are not locks and could easily be dealt, waived or send to Rockford.
- DarthKane

You forgot Byram

Yes, it was correct. I said they could easily be dealt, waived or sent to Rockford. Dahlstrom doesn't require going through waivers so he falls into the "sent to Rockford" category. Forsling and Koekkoek would go through waivers. All three could be dealt.
- DarthKane

Do you have the link to the waiver process> Somebody said yesterday on here Dahlstrom is out of options to be sent back without passing through.

You need to add "at risk of being claimed" on there...…...

Saad's contract isnt' his fault. It's the teams fault for valuing it and keeping it on the roster. You can find cheaper 200 ft players to skate around on the 3rd line making a helluva lot less then 6 million.

You want cap hell? Keep paying guys 6 million in your bottom 6.

THE problem with this team last year is that Keith/Seabrook aren't 1s and 2s on cup contenders anymore. They are 3s/4s (keith) and probably a low 4 to 5-6 for Seabrook.

So essentially you have a snowball effect. Slotting each guy way above his actual level that he can excel, and from that you get that crap show we saw that led to 31st in goals against.

What you saad backers are also failing to realize is that Kane/Debrincat are probably most likely to duplicate last year's performance. So while you can point to 7 in goals for all day long, I can point to a career year from Toews, who previously was a 50-60 points a year player, and a very small sample size for Strome (who I like but caution could easily take a step back this year)…….That's the issue....the Hawks easily could take a step back offensively and have the same crap D IF they don't add anyone.

And for all HOF 200 ft game Saad gave us last year, he was a MINUS 9. MINUS...and now I'll wait to hear how he skated against every top line, or some other BS spin job...…..


He should be dealt for help.....I threw out Kessel as a logical trade but I would also take a TOP 4 D man, but I don't think Saad alone gets you a top 4 d man....You will have to throw in a decent pick and/or prospect......

You kill me...….

I thought the same thing watching the game......well done. Chara was bad.....sad to see. Great player who needs to hang them up. Game and speed has passed him by. All he can do now is stand there and chop the living hell out of people. Tarasenko out muscled him for the 1st goal......
- SteveRain

Yeah, but at 6'9" he still carries a heck of a long axe.

Chara hasn't really been effective in his own zone for a while, but with that long reach he is still able to break up a number of plays and keep from getting walked that smaller dman (Seabrook) just can't.

Yeah, but at 6'9" he still carries a heck of a long axe.

Chara hasn't really been effective in his own zone for a while, but with that long reach he is still able to break up a number of plays and keep from getting walked that smaller dman (Seabrook) just can't.
- TheTrob

Good point....

Yeah, but at 6'9" he still carries a heck of a long axe.

Chara hasn't really been effective in his own zone for a while, but with that long reach he is still able to break up a number of plays and keep from getting walked that smaller dman (Seabrook) just can't.
- TheTrob

Toews, Sharp, Hossa and Bickell owned Chara in 2013. In fact Toews said in TV interviews during the series that they were taking the game directly to him. Chara was ineffective during that series. I'm surprised teams didn't see how the Hawks handled him and tried to emulate it instead of staying away from him. If Chara is forced to play he's a huge liability. IF teams steer clear of him and stay away from his side they play into the Bruins' hands. Looks like St. Louis is taking the game to him.

Do you have the link to the waiver process> Somebody said yesterday on here Dahlstrom is out of options to be sent back without passing through.

You need to add "at risk of being claimed" on there...…...

Saad's contract isnt' his fault. It's the teams fault for valuing it and keeping it on the roster. You can find cheaper 200 ft players to skate around on the 3rd line making a helluva lot less then 6 million.

You want cap hell? Keep paying guys 6 million in your bottom 6.

THE problem with this team last year is that Keith/Seabrook aren't 1s and 2s on cup contenders anymore. They are 3s/4s (keith) and probably a low 4 to 5-6 for Seabrook.

So essentially you have a snowball effect. Slotting each guy way above his actual level that he can excel, and from that you get that crap show we saw that led to 31st in goals against.

What you saad backers are also failing to realize is that Kane/Debrincat are probably most likely to duplicate last year's performance. So while you can point to 7 in goals for all day long, I can point to a career year from Toews, who previously was a 50-60 points a year player, and a very small sample size for Strome (who I like but caution could easily take a step back this year)…….That's the issue....the Hawks easily could take a step back offensively and have the same crap D IF they don't add anyone.

And for all HOF 200 ft game Saad gave us last year, he was a MINUS 9. MINUS...and now I'll wait to hear how he skated against every top line, or some other BS spin job...…..


He should be dealt for help.....I threw out Kessel as a logical trade but I would also take a TOP 4 D man, but I don't think Saad alone gets you a top 4 d man....You will have to throw in a decent pick and/or prospect......
- SteveRain

The problem is two-fold. As you state, there are no true top pairing guys on the roster anymore. Maybe, just maybe, with the right partner, Keith can slot in as a 2, but it's obvious the miles on his legs/body have taken a toll that doesn't allow him to be that guy night after night in a long season anymore. If you can find a way to limit his minutes during the regular season, maybe he can be that top pairing guy in a playoff run.

The bigger issue though is not only are you missing top end defenders, but with Seabrook especially, he is WAY over what his cap slot should be. Keith as arguably a #3 is fine at $5.5. Murphy is reasonable as a #4 at less than $4mil. Seabrook at almost $7mil as a 6th defender is killing you. If your #6 defender is eating up 30% of your D-budget it spells trouble.

Toews, Sharp, Hossa and Bickell owned Chara in 2013. In fact Toews said in TV interviews during the series that they were taking the game directly to him. Chara was ineffective during that series. I'm surprised teams didn't see how the Hawks handled him and tried to emulate it instead of staying away from him. If Chara is forced to play he's a huge liability. IF teams steer clear of him and stay away from his side they play into the Bruins' hands. Looks like St. Louis is taking the game to him.
- paulr

Yup.

Chara has always gotten by because of his reach and his strength. He has never been a great skater, but at 6'9" he can cover a whole lot of ground with one stride. Where he has always struggled is in close to his body. You neutralize his reach and his footwork in small spaces is not great. One caveat....he is strong, dirty, and his hits can still leave marks.

Who the F is Bertram?
- TheTrob

The Hawks at one time had a draft pick by the name of Dan Bertram. I believe he played at Boston College and also played on WJC teams (can't remember if he's U.S. or Canada born).

Guessing jhawk meant Byram. Poor guy has been called by a lot of different names on these boards already: Byram, Bynam, Bowen, Bowens, Burnam, etc.. He's the new Sikura aka Sinkula, Sikula, Sakura, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, etc.

Toews, Sharp, Hossa and Bickell owned Chara in 2013. In fact Toews said in TV interviews during the series that they were taking the game directly to him. Chara was ineffective during that series. I'm surprised teams didn't see how the Hawks handled him and tried to emulate it instead of staying away from him. If Chara is forced to play he's a huge liability. IF teams steer clear of him and stay away from his side they play into the Bruins' hands. Looks like St. Louis is taking the game to him.
- paulr

Agreed, and for all the love the press loves giving Marchand I was loving Milburry rip him apart for all his mistakes. HE completely screwed up that 2 on 1 that led to STL 1st goal. Can't stand Marchand.

Would love to see Boston lose.....the arrogance out of that city is out of control.....they better off when they couldn't win a damn title and were always shown staring off on TV. Now they think they are some sports Mecca and while I am not a Blues fan, I like the fact they made it here. They are a fun team to watch, and it hopefully forces the hawks to get better.....not only are Nashville and Winnipeg borderline elite teams, you know have the Blues, and the Avs with McKinnon aren't far behind.....

Big summer for Bowman. Hopeful he can right this ship. Hes done it before.

The Hawks at one time had a draft pick by the name of Dan Bertram. I believe he played at Boston College and also played on WJC teams (can't remember if he's U.S. or Canada born).

Guessing jhawk meant Byram. Poor guy has been called by a lot of different names on these boards already: Byram, Bynam, Bowen, Bowens, Burnam, etc.. He's the new Sikura aka Sinkula, Sikula, Sakura, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, etc.
- AEL_Fox

I know what he meant......just giving him a little s*&$.

Yup.

Chara has always gotten by because of his reach and his strength. He has never been a great skater, but at 6'9" he can cover a whole lot of ground with one stride. Where he has always struggled is in close to his body. You neutralize his reach and his footwork in small spaces is not great. One caveat....he is strong, dirty, and his hits can still leave marks.
- TheTrob

The Hawks were willing to trade those marks for a cup. But they forced Chara into mistake after mistake because as you say his talent is limited and he didn't like being hit every time he had the puck.

I know what he meant......just giving him a little s*&$.
- TheTrob

Figured you did. Just wanted to rib him a bit, too. Appreciate you both for your posts.

Agreed, and for all the love the press loves giving Marchand I was loving Milburry rip him apart for all his mistakes. HE completely screwed up that 2 on 1 that led to STL 1st goal. Can't stand Marchand.

Would love to see Boston lose.....the arrogance out of that city is out of control.....they better off when they couldn't win a damn title and were always shown staring off on TV. Now they think they are some sports Mecca and while I am not a Blues fan, I like the fact they made it here. They are a fun team to watch, and it hopefully forces the hawks to get better.....not only are Nashville and Winnipeg borderline elite teams, you know have the Blues, and the Avs with McKinnon aren't far behind.....

Big summer for Bowman. Hopeful he can right this ship. Hes done it before.
- SteveRain

With the likes of Backes, Jackman, Reeves and some of the other douchenozzles gone they are much easier to root for, though Edmundson shows he still has some ingrained stupid in him.

Agreed, and for all the love the press loves giving Marchand I was loving Milburry rip him apart for all his mistakes. HE completely screwed up that 2 on 1 that led to STL 1st goal. Can't stand Marchand.

Would love to see Boston lose.....the arrogance out of that city is out of control.....they better off when they couldn't win a damn title and were always shown staring off on TV. Now they think they are some sports Mecca and while I am not a Blues fan, I like the fact they made it here. They are a fun team to watch, and it hopefully forces the hawks to get better.....not only are Nashville and Winnipeg borderline elite teams, you know have the Blues, and the Avs with McKinnon aren't far behind.....

Big summer for Bowman. Hopeful he can right this ship. Hes done it before.
- SteveRain

The difference was his core was younger and fully intact. Now you have no Hossa, Toews and Kane on the downside of their careers and Keith and especially Seabrook allot further along that downside. Bowman has allot of work ahead of him and a big reason why I don't want to see more 30 plus year olds (ie Kessel) added to the roster.

The problem is two-fold. As you state, there are no true top pairing guys on the roster anymore. Maybe, just maybe, with the right partner, Keith can slot in as a 2, but it's obvious the miles on his legs/body have taken a toll that doesn't allow him to be that guy night after night in a long season anymore. If you can find a way to limit his minutes during the regular season, maybe he can be that top pairing guy in a playoff run.

The bigger issue though is not only are you missing top end defenders, but with Seabrook especially, he is WAY over what his cap slot should be. Keith as arguably a #3 is fine at $5.5. Murphy is reasonable as a #4 at less than $4mil. Seabrook at almost $7mil as a 6th defender is killing you. If your #6 defender is eating up 30% of your D-budget it spells trouble.
- TheTrob

100% agree. I think a stay at home D man who could baby sit Gus, could take the pain out his mistakes less noticeable....a Hammer type clone who baby sat Campbell for 2 years.

Like saad I don't hate Seabrook, but view his deal as a horrible ROI. That was a MASSIVE blunder by Bowman. massive, and here's the other thing....to acquire a top pair D man, keep Keith, murphy and Seabrook, you are paying probably close to 23+ million alone for those 4 guys...figuring top pair guy is making at least 7 aav.

So can Bowman find a Seabrook taker without taking a massive crap Rusty Olesz deal back or have to throw in some prospect alla Bickell trade, to walk away from it?

Looking at it, who truly cares who 5-7 are if 1-2 aren't even on the team currently? Game is getting faster, a little bigger, and 2/7 are wearing down at an alarming pace. great hawks....great careers, but Seabrook...…yikes. I feel embarrassed for him at times watching this shell of a former great D man out there.

Do you have the link to the waiver process> Somebody said yesterday on here Dahlstrom is out of options to be sent back without passing through.

You need to add "at risk of being claimed" on there...…...

Saad's contract isnt' his fault. It's the teams fault for valuing it and keeping it on the roster. You can find cheaper 200 ft players to skate around on the 3rd line making a helluva lot less then 6 million.

You want cap hell? Keep paying guys 6 million in your bottom 6.

THE problem with this team last year is that Keith/Seabrook aren't 1s and 2s on cup contenders anymore. They are 3s/4s (keith) and probably a low 4 to 5-6 for Seabrook.

So essentially you have a snowball effect. Slotting each guy way above his actual level that he can excel, and from that you get that crap show we saw that led to 31st in goals against.

What you saad backers are also failing to realize is that Kane/Debrincat are probably most likely to duplicate last year's performance. So while you can point to 7 in goals for all day long, I can point to a career year from Toews, who previously was a 50-60 points a year player, and a very small sample size for Strome (who I like but caution could easily take a step back this year)…….That's the issue....the Hawks easily could take a step back offensively and have the same crap D IF they don't add anyone.

And for all HOF 200 ft game Saad gave us last year, he was a MINUS 9. MINUS...and now I'll wait to hear how he skated against every top line, or some other BS spin job...…..


He should be dealt for help.....I threw out Kessel as a logical trade but I would also take a TOP 4 D man, but I don't think Saad alone gets you a top 4 d man....You will have to throw in a decent pick and/or prospect......
- SteveRain

Go to capfriendly, then calculators, then waivers calculator

The difference was his core was younger and fully intact. Now you have no Hossa, Toews and Kane on the downside of their careers and Keith and especially Seabrook allot further along that downside. Bowman has allot of work ahead of him and a big reason why I don't want to see more 30 plus year olds (ie Kessel) added to the roster.
- paulr

That's a valid point, and I get that.....Im just concerned about a few guys who had great years being able to duplicate them again. Not worried about 12/88 on O as you can PEN them in for same or better numbers...after that I hope Toews doesn't slide back production wise.

As far as Benn goes getting back to yesterday I was thinking of a cheap 5-7 D man who could be a PK kill type player....like a Sopel. Block some shots, fill a nice role.

IF a team is willing to give up a top 4 d man for the 3 pick.....I think Bowman has to entertain it. I was looking at UFA D men......not good.

Go to capfriendly, then calculators, then waivers calculator
- boilermaker100

Thank you...

Toews, Sharp, Hossa and Bickell owned Chara in 2013. In fact Toews said in TV interviews during the series that they were taking the game directly to him. Chara was ineffective during that series. I'm surprised teams didn't see how the Hawks handled him and tried to emulate it instead of staying away from him. If Chara is forced to play he's a huge liability. IF teams steer clear of him and stay away from his side they play into the Bruins' hands. Looks like St. Louis is taking the game to him.
- paulr

Wonder if Q came up with that strategy to attack Chara.